New Zealand road trip 4-week itinerary

In just one month, you can see all the major highlights around the Land of the Long White Cloud. This New Zealand road trip 4-week itinerary takes you to all the best destinations, sights and attractions - from the northern tip of Cape Reinga to Milford Sound in the far south.

Use this 4-week guide when planning your New Zealand road trip. It can be modified to suit the exact number of days you have available and also includes all the best camping spots. Plus, we’ve thrown in a heap of extra information like drive time, distance, the best season to travel and much more!

Regardless of whether you’re visiting from overseas or locally, this is your chance to take on one of the best New Zealand road trips. However, if you wanted something a little shorter, you could also check out our 3-week New Zealand road trip itinerary.

Travel in style and comfort - use Camplify to find campervan hire in New Zealand!

The ultimate New Zealand road trip in 4 weeks

Total Distance: 5,200 km | Recommended duration: 4 weeks | Best Time to Visit: Between September and May | Route on Google Maps

1. Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city and is host to a major international airport , making it the perfect place for local and overseas visitors to start their 4-week New Zealand road trip.

Pick up your campervan hire in Auckland and check out some of the local attractions, such as the Sky Tower (which stands at a whopping 220 metres). Then deep dive into local culture with a visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery.

Spend another day visiting Rangitoto Island , the largest of the volcanic islands in the Hauraki Gulf. After a short ferry ride, take on the Rangitoto Summit Track (7km), which takes about 2 hours and provides excellent views over Auckland and the harbour. Alternatively, take a sunset kayak tour out to the island and enjoy a kiwi barbecue!

Stay at the Piha Domain Motor Camp, a top-rated holiday park where you can camp next to the dramatic black sands of the surf beach (one-hour drive west of Auckland).

2. Bay of Islands

Head north from Auckland and explore the beautiful Bay of Islands. Along the way, stop and see the Whangarei Falls , which stand at 26m tall.

Be sure to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds - the historic site where the country’s most important document was signed in 1840. Today you can learn about New Zealand’s traditional and colonial history through live cultural performances and a recreated Maori village.

Book yourself on a cruise around the 144 islands and grab a photo of the famous Hole in the Rock. Alternatively, take a boat out to Urupukapuka Island and hire a kayak to paddle around the crystal-clear waters.

Stay at the Bay of Islands Holiday Park, where you can camp on the edge of the Waitangi River and sunbake by waterfalls. It’s easy to see why this is considered one of the best holiday parks on the North Island!

For more ideas, see the ultimate Bay of Islands road trip itinerary!

3. Cape Reinga

Continue north to the very northern tip of New Zealand - Cape Reinga. On the way there, visit Ninety Mile Beach , where you can drive along the pristine white sands in a 4WD vehicle or take a bus tour.

Once you reach Cape Reinga, look out from the clifftop and see where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. Below, you’ll see a gnarled old tree overhanging the water, which is where the Maori believe that spirits of the deceased leap into the ocean and return to their ancestral homeland.

Stay at the Spirits Bay Kapowairua Campsite, a scenic campsite with facilities including cold showers, composting toilets and tap water.

When returning south from Cape Reinga, follow the west coast and visit the Waipoua Forest - home to one of the largest trees in the world.

For more ideas, see the best road trip from Auckland to Cape Reinga!

1. Coromandel

Drive back through Auckland and continue your 4-week New Zealand road trip southward, tracing the coast around the Coromandel Peninsula.

Explore over 400km of pristine beaches and misty mountain forests, being sure to see the major sites like Cathedral Cove - one of the most photographed spots in the country. Only a 5-minute walk away is Hot Water Beach , where warm spring waters bubble up through the sand.

In the afternoon, take a ride on the Driving Creek Railway, a narrow gauge mountain train that climbs up through the mountainous forests around Coromandel. At the top is the Eyeful Tower viewing platform , from which you can enjoy panoramic views over the peninsula.

Stay at Shelly Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, which offers beachfront campsites and modern amenities at an affordable rate.

For more ideas, see the best Auckland to Coromandel road trip!

5. Bay of Plenty

Follow the coastline around to the Bay of Plenty , stopping in the sunny city of Tauranga. This seaside destination is a family favourite thanks to its surf beaches and waterfront collection of Hairy Maclary sculptures (as it is the home to renowned children’s author Lynley Dodd).

Nature lovers will want to take on the Mount Maunganui Walking Track, which takes about 45 minutes and offers panoramic views from the 232m summit.

Kids of all ages can have fun at the Waimarino Adventure Park , where you can take a kayak tour through glowworm caves, jump on New Zealand’s largest bouncing pillow, ride a hydro slide, climb the rock wall, soak in the hot pools and much more!

Stay at the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park, which offers beachfront campsites and three separate amenities blocks.

For more ideas, see the best road trip around the Bay of Plenty!

6. Rotorua and Lake Taupo

Head south to the town of Rotorua , home to some of the most famous geothermal wonders in New Zealand!

Visit the Waimangu Volcanic Valley , where you can walk the trails around the bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, steaming hot springs and volcanic craters. Then spend the evening at the Tamaki Maori Village , where you can wander around a fully-recreated Maori village and watch live traditional performances.

Only a one-hour drive away is Lake Taupo, where you can take a scenic cruise to the impressive Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings which stand at 14m tall. Thrill seekers may want to jump aboard a jet boat and ride over the Huka Falls , where 220,000 litres of crystal-blue water tumble over the 11m cliff face every second.

Stay at the Whakaipo Campsite on the edge of Lake Taupo, a free campground with basic facilities and access to the Whakaipo Bay tracks.

7. Hawkes Bay

The next stop on your 4-week New Zealand road trip is the Hawkes Bay region - internationally renowned for its Red Blends and Chardonnay wines.

Base yourself in Napier , a stunningly preserved 1930s Art-Deco city. From here, you can hire a bike and ride the Hawkes Bay wineries trail, stopping at 9 cellar doors, including the famous Te Mata Estate (New Zealand’s oldest barrel hall) and Mission Estate (New Zealand’s oldest winery).

Spend another day exploring the natural sights around Hawkes Bay, including Cape Kidnappers - where the craggy cliffs are home to the largest gannet colony in the world. Then take one of the 7 hiking trails up to Te Mata Peak or the boardwalk around the nearby Pekapeka Wetland.

Stay at the Hawkes Bay Holiday Park, which offers spacious campsites and well-maintained facilities just outside of Napier.

For more ideas, see the best road trip around Hawkes Bay!

8. Wellington

At the bottom of the North Island sits the city of Wellington - also known as the “coolest little capital in the world”!

There are so many cultural attractions in this city that it’s hard to know where to start. Most visitors begin with a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens or Zealandia Sanctuary.

The Te Papa National Museum and Art Gallery is New Zealand’s most popular museum and attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year, thanks to its vast collection of artefacts and local and international artwork.

Also worth a visit is the New Zealand Parliament , where you can learn about the country’s political history on one of their free tours. Nearby is Old St Pauls , a historic church that serves as a beautiful example of Gothic Revival architecture.

Stay at the Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park, a highly-rated and family-friendly campsite just outside of the city centre.

Want to see more around the capital city? Check out the best road trips from Wellington!

9. Marlborough

Leave behind the North Island and cross the Cook Strait via ferry to the South Island , landing in the town of Picton - right in the heart of the Marlborough Region.

Explore the iconic Marlborough Sounds by water, either joining a sunset cruise or hiring a kayak to paddle around the calm waters. Alternatively, walk part of the Queen Charlotte Track (one of New Zealand’s Great Walks).

If you happen to be in town on a Sunday morning, don’t miss the Blenheim Farmers Market. After breakfast, hire a bike and take a self-guided tour along the Marlborough wine trail, home to more than 30 of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc wineries.

Stay at the Momorangi Bay Campground, an affordable and highly-popular campsite beside the gentle waters of the Marlborough Sounds.

Want to see more of the Marlborough Region? Check out the best road trips around Marlborough!

1. Kaikoura

Continue southward to the beach town of Kaikoura on your 4-week New Zealand road trip. This quiet coastal paradise is the perfect place to kick back and relax for a few days.

Join a whale-watching cruise and you’re bound to also see dolphins and fur seals splashing around the coastline all year around. Alternatively, just chill out on Kaikoura Beach , with the Pacific Ocean at your feet and towering snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Pay a visit to the award-winning Kaikoura Museum , where you can learn about the local Maori and European tales of the sea. Afterwards, grab a crayfish sandwich for dinner at the famous Nins Bin takeaway truck.

Stay at the Kaikoura Peketa Beach Holiday Park, which offers beachfront camping with stunning mountain views.

11. Christchurch

You’re going to want to spend a few days in Christchurch - the second-largest city in New Zealand.

Whilst there are a heap of attractions to visit in Christchurch, you should probably start with a ride on the Christchurch Gondola. Glide over the valleys below before alighting at the summit of Mt Cavendish. From here, enjoy panoramic views before riding the Time Tunnel electric cart ride.

Spend another day visiting Arthur’s Pass, a 2-hour scenic drive from Christchurch. Along the way, you’ll climb more than 900m above sea level as you drive through viaducts, over bridges and under waterfalls before emerging into a world-class subtropical rainforest.

Stay at the Spencer Beach Holiday Park, a huge campground in the middle of a forested reserve only 500m from the beach.

Want to start your 4-week New Zealand road trip on the South Island? Arrange campervan hire in Christchurch!

12. Dunedin

Trace the East Coast of the South Island down to Dunedin , known as the ‘Edinburgh of the South’ thanks to its Scottish heritage and Edwardian architecture.

Learn about the city’s Scottish history at Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand and a great spot for high tea. And don’t miss the world’s only mainland Royal Albatross Breeding Centre, where you can see the world’s largest breed of flying bird show off its 3m wingspan.

End your visit with a stroll around the city, following the Dunedin Street Art Trail. Admire the collections of artworks from international and local artists, which adorn the city walls and alleyways.

Stay at the Dunedin Holiday Park, conveniently located close to the city centre and major attractions.

13. Invercargill

At the southern end of New Zealand sits the city of Invercargill , where the wide streets are lined with Victorian and Edwardian heritage buildings.

On your way to Invercargill, you’ll follow the Otago Peninsula and pass through the wild and woolly Catlins area. Stop off and stretch your legs at spots like Lovers Leap lookout and Nugget Point Lighthouse (one of the oldest lighthouses in the country).

Once you reach Invercargill , walk the historic streets, stopping at the artistic shops and dining at the quirky bars and restaurants. If you have a 4WD, drive down the coastal highway that is Oreti Beach or explore the natural wonders of the Waituna Wetlands.

Devote a day to seeing nearby Stewart Island , known in Maori as the Land of the Glowing Skies. This is one of the best places to witness the remarkable Aurora Australis at night time.

Stay at the Invercargill Holiday Park, the most southerly caravan park in New Zealand and one of the best caravan parks on the South Island.

14. Milford Sound

You’d be mad not to visit Milford Sound and Fiordland National Park whilst on your 4-week New Zealand road trip. After all, it is the highest-rated tourist attraction in the country!

As you drive through Fiordland National Park, there are 15 must-see stops on the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

One of your first stops should be the famous Mirror Lakes , renowned for the way that they reflect the surrounding Earl Mountain ranges. Not far away is the Lake Gunn Nature Walk, an easy loop walk through red beech forest.

Monkey Creek is a glacier-fed spring that produces pristine water and makes for a fantastic photo opportunity. Similarly, you’re going to want to stop for a photo at the Hundred Falls lookout on the other side of the Homer Tunnel.

Stay at the Rainforest Campervan Park, the only campervan park inside Milford Sound and one of the best campsites in New Zealand.

15. Queenstown

It’s time to turn around and head northward again on the return leg of your 4-week New Zealand road trip. Your next stop is the adventure capital of the world - Queenstown!

Whilst thrill-seekers will want to partake in bungee jumping and jet boating , others might prefer to soak in the Onsen Hot Pools that are perched high on a cliffside overlooking Shotover Canyon.

Only a short drive away is the living historic settlement of Arrowtown. Established in 1864, Arrowtown was once a gold rush community populated by pioneers. Today, you can take a stroll amongst 60 restored cottages, shops and churches and visit the Lake District Museum (one of New Zealand's best small museums).

Stay at the Moke Lake Campsite, a lakeside campground with basic facilities and stunning scenery.

16. West Coast

When crossing The Remarkables mountain range, grab a feed at the iconic Cardrona Hotel , which has been dishing up pub favourites with scenic views since 1863.

Pass through the township of Wanaka and stop to stretch your legs around the Lake Wanaka track , being sure to grab some photos of the famous Wanaka Tree.

Mount Aspiring National Park is also worth a visit, even if you only stop to try the famous Blue Pools walking track (3km return). This track only takes an hour and leads you to some deep pools that are filled with pure glacial water.

As you trace the West Coast northward, take a guided hike up the icy slopes of Franz Josef Glacier. Alternatively, take an easy stroll around Lake Matheson , which reflects the image of Aoraki Mount Cook on its surface.

Set up camp at The Rainforest Retreat in Franz Josef, which offers a bar, restaurant, sauna and spa surrounded by lush green rainforest.

Make sure you hit all the highlights along the way with our West Coast New Zealand road trip itinerary!

17. Nelson

The sunny city of Nelson will be the last South Island destination on your 4-week New Zealand road trip. Famed for its art and cider scene , this region is also packed with natural wonders.

Devote one day to exploring Nelson Lakes National Park, which marks the start of the Southern Alps and boasts glaciers, rugged mountains and beech forests. Walk one of the Lake Rotoiti Short Walks , take a photo of the famous Rotoiti Jetty and then venture a little further to see the towering Whisky Falls (10.8km return).

Another day can be spent adventuring around Abel Tasman National Park. Do up your laces and take an easy hike to Hardwoods Hole (5.8km return) or Wainui Falls (3.4km return). Alternatively, hire a kayak and paddle out to sights like Split Apple Rock and the Tonga Arches.

Stay at the Tahuna Beach Holiday Park near Nelson City Centre. Take your pick from over 850 campsites spread across 54 acres of parkland, with beach views and its very own mini-golf course.

For more ideas, see our guide to the best road trip around Nelson or the best road trip around Abel Tasman!

18. New Plymouth

Having crossed back over the Cook Strait, you now trace the West Coast of the North Island back to Auckland. The city of New Plymouth and the Taranaki Region is full of interesting sights and is less crowded with tourists.

Whilst in New Plymouth, hire a bike and ride the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway (13km), an award-winning promenade that meanders through picturesque farmland, over the iconic Te Rewa Rewa Bridge and along popular surf beaches.

Then drive over to Egmont National Park, where there are several easy walking tracks around the base of the snow-capped Mt Taranaki (New Zealand’s most perfectly formed volcano). Popular options include the Dawson Falls short walks and the Kamahi Loop Track (600m) through the Goblin Forest.

Stay at the Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park, which has campsites with seaside views. Plus, there’s free wifi for all your streaming needs.

19. Hamilton

Before you conclude your 4-week New Zealand road trip, you must visit the country city of Hamilton , which is surrounded by fun activities for the whole family.

Lord of the Rings fans will want to take a day trip to the Hobbiton Movie Set in the nearby town of Matamata. Join one of the daily tours and explore Hobbit Holes and the Shire Mill before enjoying lunch at the Green Dragon Inn (see our Lord of the Rings road trip around New Zealand for more information).

If you’d prefer to stay close to town, you could simply relax in the five themed areas of the Hamilton Gardens or take a stroll around Hamilton Zoo (the largest zoo on the North Island). Others might prefer to venture to the Waitomo Glowworm Caves , for a guided boat tour through New Zealand’s largest underground glowworm cave system.

Stay at the highly-rated Cambridge Top 10 Holiday Park, a family-friendly campground with an awesome playground, jumping pillow and recreation room!

20. Return to Auckland

End your 4-week New Zealand road trip back in Auckland, where you can return your campervan hire and catch your flight home from the international airport.

If you have time to spare, you can check out more of the sights or even add on one of the best weekend road trips from Auckland.

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