New Zealand a country that demands road trip

Why a self driven road trip in New Zealand is the best way to travel?

Sandeepa Chetan

Sandeepa Chetan

The journey is greater than the destination. Getting lost in your thoughts, singing your own tune – you are the one in charge. It’s you and the road, and this is your special time together. That’s the allure of a road trip.

New Zealand, a country that demands a road trip

And New Zealand is a perfect place for building this intimacy with the road. New Zealand is a country that demands a road trip!

“Arthur

Why do we make such a vehement statement about New Zealand? Our 6 weeks in New Zealand gave us enough reasons to believe that a self-drive road trip is the best way to travel New Zealand.

Everything is well marked, making a road trip in New Zealand “easy”

The idea of driving in a new country can make any traveller anxious. Which is exactly what the people behind the road planning in New Zealand have understood. The signage – from the highways to small inner roads are made keeping us – the traveller in mind.

“North

“An

So you don’t have to worry about things like, “But I don’t know the route at all” or “What if I get lost?”. “When do you need to change lanes to make the turn?” – even before a doubt appears in your mind, there were will a sign directing your correctly.

“Signage

Nearest fuel stop, toilet break, coffee shop, even a nice little shaded bench for you to pull over and make lunch – everything is marked well. And if there are any grave dangers lurking ahead – fret not! You will be warned ahead!

“Penguin

“Duck

Driving in New Zealand for Indians is especially convenient. They drive on the same left side of the road (thank you, Queen!). An Indian driving license is valid in New Zealand for the same category of vehicle. And it is far – far less stressful. In fact, the lack of chaos can get a little overwhelming – for the first few minutes.

From then on, it’s a smooth sailing all around the country.

“Landscapes

Too much to see along the way on a road trip in New Zealand

You realise the literal truth in “it is about the journey” while driving in New Zealand. Be it the wild west of Fiordland, the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, the undulating sheep littered meadows of the more “urban” North Island or the pretty little vineyards all along the Marlborough countryside – there is always something to be explored and discovered just a few minutes off the road.

“Fiordland

“Driving

“Landscapes

We have been to waterfalls hidden in a forest, played with hundreds of seals, shopped for the best fruits in New Zealand, explored a glowworm cave, even visited a town to have a look at surprise, surprise – their toilets – all while driving around in New Zealand – in both the North and South Islands.

“A

“Fruits

The signs start informing you of an upcoming attraction a long time before you need to make a decision to stop or not. It gives you enough time to discuss with your companions whether to make the stop or contemplate on whether it holds your interest. The signs also inform you how far these spots are from the car park, how long a walk can take, what’s the level of fitness required to get to the spot and whether the route is wheelchair enabled.

Like we said, everything that you need to make a road trip in New Zealand a smashing success is taken care of.

Well marked “viewpoints” and car bays for you to stand and stare on your road trip in New Zealand

In a country with such ubiquitous beauty as New Zealand, the urge to “just stop for a while” springs up every now and then (read: constantly). It’s quite common for someone or the other in your car to say, “stop stop stop” take a better look, click a photo, fill the mind up with the views, let the heart swell – feel happy, elated, ecstatic – to each one their own!

“Crown

“Panoramic

And every time that happens, you’ll find a shoulder or a proper car bay where you can park and do all of these.

“Oh we should’ve stopped there” will not be a part of your experience driving around in New Zealand. There is no scope for regrets on a road trip in New Zealand.

“Fiordland

Locals are used to novices – travelers like us – driving around in New Zealand

New Zealand is so sparsely populated and tourism is such huge economy-driver that tourists make a big percentage of the number of people in New Zealand.

Which obviously means that Kiwis are used to seeing foreigners driving around New Zealand. They are supportive of the mistakes and confusions we can make. They are kind enough to guide you, give you way and just make you feel welcome – as long as we are respectful to them and their country.

“Driving

“On

The people of New Zealand have a high regard to what nature has bestowed them with. They know their country is something special.

A road trip in New Zealand is the best way to experience this special country closely.

New Zealand, a country that demands a road trip

Top tips for planning a road trip to New Zealand

  • A 4×4 or an SUV is not needed for driving around New Zealand except maybe, in the winter.
  • In New Zealand, you drive on the left side of the road – it is a right-hand drive. Indian driving license is valid for driving in New Zealand.
  • You can consider a campervan for a road trip around New Zealand. The camping infrastructure in New Zealand, as well as the rental options available, are suitable for even a camper van novice.

More stories from our travel in New Zealand to give your ideas for your road trip

6 week travel itinerary for New Zealand

Need help planning your trip to New Zealand?

Tell us your requirements
Adults
Children
Please use this space to provide any additional information that you think might help us to design your itinerary. Specific activities that you would like included, plus transport requirements should be mentioned here.
To understand your/ your family's interests better, we would like to have a conversation with you. Suggest a time when we can discuss your New Zealand trip.
Our charges for the Itinerary Design Service are as follows
For a trip between
1-2 weeks: 5000 INR
2-3 weeks long: 10000 INR
Charges for a month/multiple month trips will vary as per the trip

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21 thoughts on “Why a self driven road trip in New Zealand is the best way to travel?”

  1. Nisha

    Wow it sounds exciting but what abt night journey? Or hotels n stay at night as u r not sure how much distance u r going to cover or may feel tired then

    Reply
    1. Sandeepa Chetan

      It’s best to rest well in the night. Google Maps can easily help you predict where you’ll be at the end of the day. So you can book the hotel in advance. The best is to travel to New Zealand in fall. It’s not the peak season so you can literally just walk into the hotel and find room. Or call them a couple of hours before you reach and ask them to reserve a place.

      Reply
  2. renucas

    Beautiful! Road trips are fun, and roadtripping through New Zealand must have been super fun! I love the yellow-brown leaves fallen on the streets everywhere, the beautiful landscapes…I hope to visit New Zealand on my next Australia trip. Thanks for this inspiration!

    Reply
    1. Sandeepa Chetan

      Do visit New Zealand. The infrastructure in New Zealand is perfectly crafted for a road trip and everyone from seniors to parents with infants can travel easily across New Zealand.

      Reply
  8. Yogi Saraswat

    Wow ! so beautiful & clean roads !! can we dream for these types of roads in our nation too ?? Yes , we are making an effort but to reach this level , we would need another 50 years

    Reply

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