Best 3-day road trips New Zealand: weekend escapes

A long weekend road trip with Camplify is the perfect way to see Aotearoa when you’ve only got a few days to spare. With outstanding natural scenery on the doorstep of all the major cities, you don’t need to go far to feel truly free. Keep reading for our 4 favourite road trips that can be completed in only a handful of days.

Camplify is New Zealand’s largest and fastest growing van sharing community , connecting those looking for the perfect escape with local campervan, caravan and motorhome owners around the country. With vehicles located in cities, towns and villages, you’re never far away from starting your dreamy road trip.

1. Auckland > Mt Taranaki

Drive time: 5 hours

This cruisy road trip can be completed in as little or as many days as you have free, with plenty of hidden gems scattered across the North Island’s beach-studded west coast.

Winding through the verdant countryside to Auckland’s south, stop off in hippy enclave Raglan , one of NZ’s premier surf spots. Manu Bay Reserve offers an awesome spot to catch an unforgettable sunset with the waves breaking below, with nearby Te Kopua Whanau Campsite a perfect place to rest up for the night.

Make a pitstop at the world-famous Waitomo Caves for a spot of black water rafting to admire the glow worms, before continuing on Highway 3 as it hugs the impressive coastline towards Taranaki. New Plymouth is a great place to spend a day and a night, with a litany of craft breweries, modern restaurants and a delightful coastal walk. Spend a day hiking around Mt Taranaki for unparalleled volcanic views amidst the lush terrain.

2. Auckland > Coromandel

Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes

With less time in the driver's seat on this road trip, take advantage of the Coromandel’s proximity to Auckland by starting your long weekend with a cheeky trip up north to Whangaparāoa. This beautiful peninsula at the top end of the bay offers panoramic views back toward the city, with Shakespear National Park and Tiritiri Matangi Island must-sees.

Hop in the van and skirt the Firth of Thames to start your Coromandel journey. The peninsula is a favourite spot for local holidays, however thanks to its scattered towns and wild interior, it's still one of the best spots on the North Island to get a true sense of isolation.

You could spend weeks hopping from secluded cove to sandy beach along this magnificent coastline, but our top picks are New Chums Beach on the northern tip of the peninsula, and Opoutere on the eastern shores. Check in to Opoutere Coastal Camping for an unforgettable weekend in a forested paradise.

3. Queenstown > Lake Tekapo

Drive time: 3 hours

It’s no secret that we love the South Island (who doesn’t), and while a long weekend is never enough time to see all the natural beauty across the island, this short road trip from Queenstown to Tekapo hits some of our favourites.

Starting in Queenstown , the adventure capital of the world, spend a day here doing any number of activities. From mountain biking to jet boating, hiking to bungee jumping, you’re sure to find it here. Head north to Wānaka for an unrivalled night under the stars by the gorgeous Lake Wānaka. Stop off for the night at Mt Aspiring Holiday Park, a great campsite packed full of amenities.

Continue north, following the mighty Southern Alps as they march onwards, stopping for the day at Lake Pukaki , where the indomitable Mt Cook rises at its western edge. Spend the day walking around the base of the mountain where you can find glaciers, tourist centres, and hear the odd far-off avalanche. Lake Pukaki Overnight Camping is one of the best freedom camping spots in the country, overlooking the turquoise waters.

Finish off by the sparkling blue waters of Lake Tekapo , where walks around the lake will provide spectacular views, and Lakes Edge Holiday Park will let you access the local thermal spas for an unbeatable end to your road trip.

4. Christchurch > Greymouth

Drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Another one of our favourite South Island road trips cuts right through the spine of the island, hitting the breathtaking Arthur’s Pass to cross from east to west.

Start off in beautiful Christchurch , where you can easily spend the day strolling through the redeveloped centre of the city, finding all manner of pop-ups, modern builds, and heaps of history. If you’re so inclined, plenty of Lord of the Rings tours start from here and explore some of the filming locations around Canterbury.

Wind your way up into the mountains, where gentle hills quickly give way to impressive snow capped peaks. The historical village of Arthurs Pass is a great place to spend a day and a night, with a huge array of hikes snaking their way around the town. Don’t miss Devils Punchbowl Waterfall , one of the top local attractions.

End up in sleepy Greymouth , gateway to the West Coast where you can continue on south to go glacier hunting, or head north towards the stunning wine region of Marlborough.

***Looking for a long weekend road trip with Camplify? Don’t forget to check out our guide on how to maximise your annual leave in 2024! Keep exploring with our favourite secret beaches in NZ, and our top 5 campsites around the country. See you out there. ***