Best New Zealand road trips for couples in 2025

A road trip in New Zealand isn’t just about the destination – it’s about the moments in between. One day, you’re winding through vineyard-covered valleys; the next, you’re parked beside a lake, enjoying a crisp morning with a hot coffee. Whether you prefer exploring national parks, sampling fresh seafood by the water, or taking a detour to a scenic lookout, there’s always something worth stopping for. 

New Zealand also offers plenty of places to create special memories together, from boutique wineries and hidden waterfalls to glowworm-lit caves and starlit hot pools. With a campervan, you can take your time, changing plans as you go –whether that means staying an extra night somewhere you love or heading off the beaten path to find something unexpected. 

And when it comes to hitting the road, it couldn’t be simpler. Well-maintained highways, signposted scenic routes, and plenty of great holiday parks make campervan travel easy. With a maui campervan, you have everything you need on board, so all that’s left to decide is where to go first.  

In this guide, we’ll take you through some of the best routes across the North and South Islands. First up, the North Island: 

Best North Island road trips for couples

The North Island is full of incredible road trip opportunities, offering a mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and unique small-town charm. Here are some of the must-do North Island road trips for couples: 

Auckland to Northland (Twin Coast Discovery)

If slow-paced days, golden beaches, and easy driving sound like your kind of trip, Northland is the perfect place to start. Known as the ‘Winterless North,’ this region has a warm climate year-round, making it a great choice no matter when you visit.  

The 7-day Twin Coast Discovery Highway takes you from Auckland to the very tip of the country, with plenty of places to stop along the way. 

Start with a morning in Auckland before heading north to Matakana Village, where you can browse the farmers’ market or stop for a wine tasting. Just up the road, Goat Island’s marine reserve is a great spot for snorkelling. Further north, Whangārei offers a mix of waterfalls, bush walks, and waterfront dining. 

In the Bay of Islands, visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn more about New Zealand’s history, then take a cruise from Paihia to see the famous Hole in the Rock. On your way back down, Waipū Cove is a great place to unwind – whether that’s with a beach walk, a swim, or fish and chips by the water. With short driving times between each stop, this trip lets you slow down and enjoy every moment. 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Pacific Coast Highway (Auckland to Hawke's Bay)

For couples who love coastal drives, great food, and plenty of places to stop and explore, the Pacific Coast Highway is an ideal five-day road trip. Winding down the east coast of the North Island, this route is packed with beaches, wineries, and charming towns – all with plenty of opportunities to slow down and enjoy the journey. 

Leaving Auckland, the first stop is Miranda Hot Springs, where you can ease into road trip mode with a soak in the natural mineral pools. From there, the Coromandel Peninsula offers some of the best coastal scenery in the country.  

Continuing south, Waihi’s gold mining history adds something different to the trip, while nearby Tauranga and Mount Maunganui are perfect for a beachside break. Further along the coast, Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki offer secluded beaches and walking tracks, with the chance to see native birdlife along the way. 

From there, the drive to Gisborne takes you along some of the most remote coastline in the North Island. Known for its wineries and surf beaches, it’s a great place to park up for the night before heading to Hawke’s Bay. In Napier, explore the Art Deco streets, enjoy fresh local produce, and visit one of the many cellar doors for a wine tasting. 

Full North Island tour (Auckland to Auckland round trip)

If you want to see the best of the North Island at a relaxed pace, the Full North Island Tour is a great option. Over two weeks, this round-trip journey from Auckland takes you through historic towns, scenic coastlines, geothermal wonders, and world-class wine regions, with plenty of time to enjoy each stop along the way. 

Start by heading north to the Bay of Islands, stopping in Whangārei to stretch your legs at Whangārei Falls. In Paihia, take a boat cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock, or hop on the short ferry ride to Russell for a relaxed afternoon by the water. Further west, Opononi is a great place to park up for the night before driving through the ancient Waipoua Forest, home to Tāne Mahuta, the country’s largest kauri tree. 

READ MORE: Romantic things to do in the Bay of Islands 

Returning south, spend a night by the beach at Takapuna before heading to the Coromandel Peninsula, where you can walk to Cathedral Cove or dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach. From there, Rotorua offers bubbling mud pools, geothermal walks, and Māori cultural experiences, while nearby Taupō is home to the impressive Huka Falls and lakeside hot springs. 

Continue to Gisborne, known for its surf beaches and boutique wineries, before making your way back towards Auckland, stopping for one last night by the coast in Whakatāne. 

Best South Island escapes for couples

The South Island is made for road trips, with wide open spaces, dramatic landscapes, and plenty of hidden gems along the way. Here are some of the best South Island road trips for couples: 

Christchurch to Queenstown road trip

The Christchurch to Queenstown road trip is one of the most scenic drives in the South Island, taking you from the city streets of Christchurch to the mountain peaks of Queenstown. Along the way, you’ll pass through charming towns, high-country landscapes, and some of New Zealand’s most spectacular lakes—perfect for a relaxed and memorable trip for two. 

Leaving Christchurch, take a break in Geraldine, a small town known for its artisan cheese and fresh produce. From there, the drive to Lake Tekapo is one of the most beautiful in the country, with wide open plains giving way to the bright blue waters of the lake.  

Continuing inland, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is well worth the detour. Whether you choose to take a short walk to Tasman Glacier or simply soak up the views, this stop is a highlight of the trip. Further south, Wānaka offers lakeside walks, cosy cafés, and great hiking options, while nearby Cromwell is a great place to sample local fruit and wine. 

Before reaching Queenstown, take time to explore Arrowtown, a historic gold-mining village with tree-lined streets and boutique shops. Then, arrive in Queenstown, where you can end your trip with a scenic gondola ride, a cruise on Lake Wakatipu, or a relaxed dinner overlooking the water. 

READ MORE: Romantic things to do in Queenstown 

Marlborough to Nelson

For couples who love good wine, coastal views, and exploring at a relaxed pace, the Marlborough to Nelson road trip is a perfect getaway. Over seven days, this route takes you from the vineyards of Marlborough to the golden beaches of Abel Tasman National Park, with plenty of time to enjoy the sights along the way. 

Start in Christchurch and head north to Kaikōura, where you can take a whale-watching tour or enjoy freshly caught seafood by the water. From there, drive to Blenheim, the heart of Marlborough wine country. With more than 30 cellar doors in the region, it’s the perfect place to sample world-famous sauvignon blanc and enjoy a long lunch in the vines. 

Continuing towards Nelson, stop in Havelock, known for its green-lipped mussels, before reaching the city itself. Nelson has a vibrant arts scene, with galleries, markets, and boutique stores to explore. It’s also the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, where you can take a kayaking tour, hike part of the coastal track, or simply relax on one of the secluded beaches. 

READ MORE: Romantic things to do in Nelson 

Southern Scenic Route (Dunedin to Te Anau)

The Southern Scenic Route is a three-day road trip packed with dramatic coastal views, unique wildlife, and some of the South Island’s most breathtaking sights. Starting in Dunedin and ending in Te Anau, this route takes you through the Catlins, past historic towns, and into the heart of Fiordland. 

Leaving Dunedin, take time to explore the city’s historic architecture and visit Otago Peninsula, where you might spot rare yellow-eyed penguins or albatross. From there, head south along the coastline to the Catlins, a remote and beautiful region filled with waterfalls, rugged beaches, and hidden gems like the Petrified Forest at Curio Bay. 

As you continue towards Te Anau, the landscape shifts from windswept coast to rolling farmland and lakeside views. Te Anau is the perfect base for exploring Fiordland, with glowworm caves, lake cruises, and plenty of scenic walking tracks nearby. The final stretch of the journey takes you to Milford Sound – an unforgettable experience whether you take a boat cruise or simply soak up the views from the foreshore. 

Tips for a perfect couple’s campervan adventure

Planning a campervan trip is all about balancing a bit of structure with plenty of room for spontaneity. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your journey together. 

Plan your travel itinerary

While a campervan gives you the freedom to change plans as you go, it’s still worth sketching out a basic travel itinerary – especially if you have specific activities or destinations in mind.  

Pre-booking a few romantic activities like a vineyard lunch or a hot pool soak can add some special moments to your trip. For route ideas and inspiration, check out our great itinerary suggestions to find the perfect match for your travel style.