Best road trip destinations to celebrate Christmas

By Vroom Team • Reviewed 20 Jan 2026

There is lots to see and do at Christmas time in New Zealand, from an action-packed road trip discovering the Fiordlands to an indulgent tour of the Marlborough wine region. Regardless of if you're taking a rental car in Wellington / Te Whanganui a Tara or exploring Queenstown / Tāhuna with a motorhome, booking a rental vehicle through VroomVroomVroom is a great choice for getting around the country.

New Zealand pristine scenery before sunset.

Milford sound panorama. New Zealand fiordland.

Visit the top of the Key Summit

For a truly magical Christmas experience, consider visiting Fiordland, a World Heritage listed location renowned for its stunning beauty. From hiking the Milford Sound track, to exploring the Fiords and the top of the Key Summit, your backdrops for Christmas will be sure to impress.

Pick up your hire car in Queenstown Airport. From there, take Highway 6 and Blackmount-Redcliff Road, then proceed to Borland Road in Fiordland National Park.

Hike the Milford Sound track or go diving
See glowworms at Lake Te Anau
Visit Bowen Falls
Go for a cruise through the Fiords
Walk to the top of the Key Summit

Cruise the Marlborough Sound

You can’t beat spending Christmas in Marlborough. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway or exploring the region with your family, you’ll be spoiled for choice with great food and otherworldly views.

For your convenience, collect your rental car at Marlborough Airport if your flying in from somewhere else.

Enjoy Christmas lunch at one of the many wineries
Walk the Queen Charlotte Track
Go on a cruise of the Marlborough Sound
Visit Whites Bay
Visit the Abel Tasman National Park in Nelson
Road trip down to Kaikoura and watch dolphins and whales

Scenic bird's eye view of Oyster Bay near Picton in New Zealand’s South Island.

Tolaga Bay and New Zealand’s Longest Pier.

Celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Gisborne

Did you know Gisborne is the first place in the world to bring in the New Year? If you want to celebrate New Years Eve with a bang, rent a car in Gisborne and check out the iconic Rhythm and Vines Festival and the array of Christmas events.

Fly straight into Gisborne Airport and collect a rental car. That way, you can get around to whichever events you wish. You can also explore the region beyond Gisborne.

Christmas Festival
Rhythm and Vines
Eastwoodhill Arboretum
Rock sliding at Rere Waterfall
Surf and watch the first sunrise in the world

About the author

Vroom Team

VroomVroomVroom’s writing team brings together decades of writing expertise to share their insights into travelling around New Zealand by rental car. Let our team help you get the most out of your rental car experience.