How many days does it take to road trip New Zealand?

Are you the kind of traveller who likes to soak up each location, or do you prefer ticking off as many highlights as possible? The beauty of hiring a maui campervan is that it gives you the flexibility to plan your trip exactly how you want it. 

For those short on time, a quick trip of 5-7 days might be just the ticket. You can focus on either the North or South Island and still see plenty of the big-name destinations, like Rotorua, Taupō, or Queenstown. It’s all about planning your route carefully and making the most of your time. 

If you’ve got a couple of weeks or more, you can slow the pace right down and explore both islands. With your campervan, you can stay longer in the places you love – whether it’s waking up to views of Wānaka’s lake or exploring a little deeper near Fiordland’s unforgettable mountain scenery. 

The great thing is, a campervan road trip lets you set your own rhythm. You’re not tied to strict schedules or rigid itineraries, so whether you’ve got days or weeks, it’s sure to be unforgettable. 

Recommended time: Why 2 weeks is ideal for New Zealand

Wondering how many days is best for a New Zealand road trip? In our experience, 14 days is often the sweet spot. With two weeks, you can comfortably explore both the North and South Islands, hitting the must-see spots while still having time to soak it all in. 

In the North Island, you can visit cultural and geothermal hotspots like Rotorua, marvel at the dramatic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, and even squeeze in a visit to the vibrant capital city, Wellington. From there, hop on the ferry to the South Island, where a whole new set of adventures awaits. Think kayaking in the golden bays of Abel Tasman National Park, exploring the adventure capital of Queenstown, and soaking up the natural drama of Milford Sound. 

Two weeks also gives you the flexibility to pause and enjoy the journey. With a maui campervan, you’re not locked into rigid schedules or hotel bookings. Want to spend an extra night near Tongariro to tackle the Alpine Crossing? No problem. Feel like pulling over for a leisurely lakeside lunch near Tekapo? Easy. 

This kind of flexibility is what makes a campervan road trip so special. You get the freedom to create a road trip that works for you, while still making the most of New Zealand’s incredible highlights. 

Road trip options by duration

How long should you take for a road trip of New Zealand? It really depends on how much time you have and what you want to see. Whether you’re squeezing in a quick getaway or carving out time for a longer adventure, there’s a road trip that fits. Let’s take a look at what you can experience with a few different trip lengths, starting with a shorter option. 

5-day road trip: A taste of New Zealand

If you’re short on time, a 5-day road trip is a great way to get a glimpse of New Zealand’s charm. This type of trip is perfect for travellers looking for a quick escape or those wanting to dip their toes into campervan travel for the first time. 

For an unforgettable 5-day itinerary, consider the Twin Coast Discovery Highway in Northland. This route takes you from Auckland to explore the stunning northern tip of New Zealand, where you’ll find beautiful beaches, rich cultural history, and a laid-back coastal vibe. Highlights include the Bay of Islands, the giant kauri trees of Waipoua Forest, and the northernmost point of the country, Cape Reinga. 

Want more inspiration? Here are a few other itineraries worth checking out: 

• Native Parks North Island 

• Pacific Coast Highway 

• Native Parks South Island 

7-day road trip: Highlights of a single island

A 7-day road trip is perfect if you want to explore one island in more detail without feeling rushed. This length of trip is ideal for travellers who have a week to spare and want a mix of iconic stops and hidden gems, all while enjoying the freedom to linger a little longer in their favourite spots. 

For a fantastic week-long itinerary, consider our 7-day Marlborough Road Trip in the South Island. Starting and ending in Christchurch, this route takes you through the heart of New Zealand’s wine country. Highlights include sampling world-class Sauvignon Blanc in Marlborough, cruising through the stunning Marlborough Sounds, and exploring the rugged beauty of Kaikōura, where you can go whale watching or spot seals lounging by the shore. This trip is a great balance of nature, food, and wine, making it a memorable week on the road. 

Looking for more week-long ideas? Check out these itineraries: 

• Cultural Tourism: Top of the North 

• Thermal Explorer Highway 

• Middle Country 

10-day road trip: Balanced exploration

A 10-day road trip strikes the perfect balance for travellers who want to see and do more without feeling like they’re constantly on the move. It’s ideal for those who have a little extra time to dedicate to their travels and want to explore a mix of iconic destinations and off-the-beaten-track experiences. With 10 days, you can comfortably explore one island in depth or even venture across both islands, depending on your travel style. 

For a well-rounded itinerary, check out our Rejuvenating 10-day New Zealand Road Trip. This route takes you through both the North and South Islands, starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch. Along the way, you’ll visit geothermal wonders in Rotorua, the captivating shores of Lake Taupō, and the vibrant city of Wellington. After crossing the Cook Strait, the South Island’s highlights include the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds and the landscapes of Kaikōura. This itinerary offers a wonderful mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and scenic drives. 

Here are some more 10-day itineraries to inspire your planning: 

• The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip: Auckland to Queenstown 

• Christchurch to Milford Sound 

• Customer Experience: Travel North 

14-day road trip: The full New Zealand experience

If you want to truly immerse yourself in everything New Zealand has to offer, a 14-day campervan road trip is ideal. This length of trip is perfect for travellers who want to explore both the North and South Islands at a relaxed pace, allowing time to take in the highlights and discover hidden gems along the way. With two weeks, you can enjoy a more comprehensive experience, covering a wide variety of destinations without feeling rushed. 

For a South Island-focused adventure, our 14-day South Island Road Trip Itinerary is a fantastic choice. This route takes you on an epic loop starting and ending in Christchurch, with stops at some of the South Island’s most iconic destinations. You’ll visit places like the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, explore the scenic lakeside town of Wānaka, and experience the charm of Queenstown. The itinerary also includes Fiordland, where you can take a cruise in Milford Sound, as well as stops along the rugged West Coast and Marlborough wine country. 

Looking for more options? Here are some other two-week itineraries to explore: 

• Travel North: 14-Day Itinerary 

• Relaxing Two-Week Self-Drive Road Trip in New Zealand 

14 days or more: Slow travel for adventure seekers

For those who have the luxury of extra time, a road trip of 14 days or more is the ultimate way to experience New Zealand. This type of trip is ideal for slow travellers who want to savour each destination, adventure seekers eager to explore every corner, or anyone who simply doesn’t want to leave anything out. With this much time, you can thoroughly explore both islands, venture into lesser-known regions, or even follow seasonal activities like skiing in winter or wine-tasting in summer. 

One excellent example is the Breathtaking Winter Road Trip in New Zealand’s South Island. This itinerary is perfect for those travelling during the cooler months and looking to embrace New Zealand’s winter wonderland. Starting and ending in Christchurch, you’ll travel through destinations like Aoraki/Mount Cook, Queenstown, and the alpine village of Hanmer Springs. Along the way, you can hit the slopes at world-class ski fields, relax in thermal hot pools, and marvel at snow-dusted mountain ranges. 

With 14 days or more, you’ll have the flexibility to dive deeper into New Zealand’s regions, discover hidden gems, and build a truly personalised trip. A maui campervan hire makes this even easier, letting you follow your curiosity and stay wherever the road takes you – whether that’s a quiet lakeside campsite or a vibrant town buzzing with activity. 

Short campervan trips as part of a longer holiday

A short campervan trip of 5–7 days can be the perfect way to round out a longer holiday in New Zealand. By combining a campervan adventure with other travel plans, you get the best of both worlds—experiencing the freedom of life on the road while still enjoying time in the cities or attending special events. 

Families: Combine city fun with campervan freedom

For families, this approach works brilliantly. Start your holiday with a few days in cities like Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, soaking up the sights and attractions. Then, switch gears and set off on a campervan escape to quieter, family-friendly destinations. 

• Spend your days exploring beaches, forests, or lakes. 

• Enjoy evenings parked up at scenic campgrounds, where the kids can play while you unwind. 

• Search out some cool museums and wildlife parks to keep the little ones entertained and engaged. 

It’s the perfect way to balance the buzz of city life with the calm of the outdoors. 

Adventure activities and special events

A shorter campervan trip also works well alongside adventure activities or festivals. 

• Adventure seekers: If you’re heading to Queenstown for some hiking, jet boating, or bungy jumping, extend your holiday with a campervan trip to nearby spots like Wānaka, Glenorchy, or Fiordland. 

• Event lovers: Visiting for a festival like Taranaki’s Womad or the Marlborough Wine & Food Festival? Once the event wraps up, hit the road to explore the surrounding regions, making the most of your time in New Zealand. 

Why a campervan is perfect for any trip length

No matter how long you plan to spend exploring New Zealand, a maui campervan is the perfect way to travel. Here’s why: 

Flexibility to go where the road takes you

A campervan gives you complete freedom to decide your route, pace, and stops along the way. Spot a beach you want to explore? Stay an extra night. Come across a quaint town that wasn’t on your itinerary? Pull over and enjoy. With a campervan, there’s no need to stick to rigid schedules – your trip can adapt as you go.