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New Zealand is the ideal destination for all types of road trips.
From a weekend getaway to an extended holiday, there is always something for everyone!
Depending on where you’re planning to go, driving times can vary significantly, so in this guide we’ll disclose different destinations and driving times.
- Still, the common question: How long does it take to drive around New Zealand?
⏳ It will take you around 30 hours to complete the entire journey from top to bottom.
1. How Long Does it Take to Drive the North Island of New Zealand?
Driving around the North Island of New Zealand offers a range of travel routes, each with its own unique charm and pace.
The time you spend on the road, the stops you make, and the experiences you have are all in your hands.
Here are some general guidelines to help you plan your journey:
1.1. Auckland to Wellington (direct route):
- The fastest way from Auckland to Wellington is about 650 kilometres (404 miles).
- Depending on traffic and road conditions, this drive takes about 8 to 9 hours without stopping.
1.2. Scenic route with key stops:
- If you prefer a more scenic drive, you can stop at places like the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, and Tongariro National Park.
- With many stops and overnight stays, this trip might take 7 to 10 days, giving you plenty of time to explore.
1.3. Complete North Island tour:
- To see most of the North Island and visit many towns and attractions could take 10 to 14 days or more.
- This allows time for sightseeing, hiking, and experiencing local culture and food.
2. How Long Does it Take to Drive the South Island of New Zealand?
Driving around the South Island of New Zealand can take different amounts of time, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Here are some general guidelines:
2.1. Christchurch to Queenstown (direct route):
- The fastest way from Christchurch to Queenstown is about 480 kilometres (298 miles).
- Depending on traffic and road conditions, this drive takes about 6 to 7 hours without stopping.
2.2. Scenic route with key stops:
- If you prefer a more scenic drive, you can stop at places like Kaikoura, Nelson, the West Coast, and Fiordland National Park.
- This trip, with many stops and overnight stays, might take 10 to 14 days, giving you plenty of time to explore.
2.3. Complete South Island tour:
- It could take 2 to 3 weeks or more to see most of the South Island and visit many towns and attractions.
- This allows time for sightseeing, hiking, and experiencing local culture and food.
3. Can You Drive Between the North Island and South Island?
No, you cannot drive directly between the North Island and South Island of New Zealand.
There is no bridge or tunnel connecting the two islands. However, you can take your car across using a ferry service.
3.1. How to Travel Between the Islands:
🚢 Travel by Ferry:
- Interislander Ferry: Operates between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island).
- Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry: Another option that runs the same route.
The ferry ride takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. You can take your car on the ferry, and enjoy the scenic journey across the Cook Strait.
✈ Travel by Air:
- Alternatively, you can fly between major cities such as Wellington and Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown, or Auckland and Christchurch. If you fly, you would need to rent a car on the other island.
🚘 If you plan to rent a car on either island, you will have to do so at Picton (South Island) or Wellington (North Island).
You can check the best rental deals here:
4. North Island Driving Times
Here is a table of approximate driving times between popular cities in the North Island of New Zealand:
| From | To | Driving Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland | Wellington | 8 to 9 hours | 650 km (404 miles) |
| Auckland | Rotorua | 3 hours | 230 km (143 miles) |
| Auckland | Tauranga | 2.5 hours | 200 km (124 miles) |
| Auckland | Hamilton | 1.5 hours | 125 km (78 miles) |
| Auckland | Napier | 5.5 to 6 hours | 415 km (258 miles) |
| Wellington | Rotorua | 6 to 6.5 hours | 450 km (280 miles) |
| Wellington | Napier | 4 to 5 hours | 320 km (199 miles) |
| Wellington | Taupo | 5 hours | 370 km (230 miles) |
| Rotorua | Taupo | 1 to 1.5 hours | 80 km (50 miles) |
| Rotorua | Napier | 2.5 to 3 hours | 220 km (137 miles) |
| Hamilton | Tauranga | 1.5 hours | 105 km (65 miles) |
| Hamilton | Rotorua | 1.5 hours | 100 km (62 miles) |
| Taupo | Napier | 2 hours | 140 km (87 miles) |
5. South Island Driving Times
Here is a table of approximate driving times between popular cities in the South Island of New Zealand:
| From | To | Driving Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christchurch | Queenstown | 6 to 7 hours | 480 km (298 miles) |
| Christchurch | Kaikoura | 2.5 to 3 hours | 180 km (112 miles) |
| Christchurch | Nelson | 5 to 6 hours | 420 km (261 miles) |
| Christchurch | Dunedin | 4.5 to 5 hours | 360 km (224 miles) |
| Queenstown | Franz Josef Glacier | 5 to 6 hours | 350 km (217 miles) |
| Queenstown | Milford Sound | 4 to 5 hours | 290 km (180 miles) |
| Queenstown | Dunedin | 3.5 to 4 hours | 280 km (174 miles) |
| Queenstown | Te Anau | 2 to 2.5 hours | 170 km (106 miles) |
| Dunedin | Te Anau | 2.5 to 3 hours | 215 km (134 miles) |
| Dunedin | Mt. Cook | 4 to 4.5 hours | 315 km (196 miles) |
| Mt. Cook | Christchurch | 4.5 to 5 hours | 330 km (205 miles) |
