Easter road trips ideas

By Vroom Team • Reviewed 20 Jan 2026

Emerald lakes on Tongariro Alpine Crossing Track, Tongariro National Park.

During the Easter holidays, the roads in New Zealand are almost as busy as they are in the Christmas season. So, if you’re planning a road trip through this beautiful country with a rental car in Wellington / Te Whanganui a Tara or a motorhome from Queenstown / Tāhuna, you’ll need to book your rental car early as they usually sell out and reach their peak rates during this season. Once your rental car is booked, you’ll be ready to explore New Zealand over Easter.

A view over the Bay of Islands in New Zealand.

Drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands

If you only have a few days in New Zealand, this short road trip is a great route for viewing the beauty of the northern coast through a hire car in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, the country's largest city. The North Island of New Zealand is filled with endless scenery, and the Bay of Islands is no exception.

Start off in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau and take State Highway 1 through Kawakawa before proceeding to the Bay of Islands via Causeway Road.

Explore Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau by checking out the epic food scene.
Go dolphin watching in the Bay of Islands.
Relax and enjoy the pristine Omapere beach.
Visit the vineyards of Waiheke Island.

Visit Wellington’s scenery and culture

Get even more out of the stunning North Island by cruising through the wine regions of Martinborough / Wharekaka, an unforgettable journey beginning in the world’s southernmost capital city, Wellington / Te Whanganui a Tara.

If you’re flying into New Zealand, book a rental car at Wellington Airport and make your way through the city and out into the countryside.

Experience the magic of the Hobbiton movie set.
Take the Thermal Explorer Highway to witness a host of geothermal delights.
See a myriad of crystal clear lakes, from the bubbling geysers of Rotorua to the great Lake Taupo.

Road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown

The trip to Queenstown / Tāhuna from Christchurch / Ōtautahi by hire car will introduce you to glaciers, national parks, mountains, and stunning scenery. Starting in Christchurch, your journey will take you to the adventuring capital of Queenstown / Tāhuna, where you can spend Easter bungy jumping, skydiving, and ziplining.

From Christchurch / Ōtautahi, head south via State Highway 76 and follow the open road to Queenstown / Tāhuna.

Start your amazing journey in the seaside town of Greymouth / Māwhera.
Head south along the rugged coastline and visit the magnificent Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.
Go down through the mountains to Queenstown widely known as the adventure capital of the world and explore Mount Cook on the way.

Check out the New Zealand wine trail

Taste your way through three of the country's most popular wine-making regions: Martinborough / Wharekaka, Blenheim / Te Waiharakeke, and Marlborough / Te Tauihu o te Waka. This classic wine trail is perfect for wine lovers, especially those wanting to learn more about wine production in New Zealand.

In order to get to the Marlborough wine region, you can fly into Marlborough / Te Tauihu o te Waka and rent a car from Marlborough Airport. You can also fly into Christchurch and drive north.

Start your journey in Napier and head south on State Highway 50 to Martinborough where you will get to sample the world-class Pinot Noir.
You may also drive onto Wellington / Te Whanganui a Tara and find time to take in the city culture before making your way to the Blenheim / Te Waiharakeke wine region.
Take time also to enjoy the local Sauvignon Blanc before arriving at Marlborough / Te Tauihu o te Waka., which is home to 75% of wine production in New Zealand.

Explore the Forgotten World Highway

New Zealand’s State Highway 43, also known as the Forgotten World Highway, can be reached from Stratford or Taumarunui.

You can fly into New Zealand and rent a car at New Plymouth / Ngāmotu and start your road trip there. It’s only 31 minutes away from the beginning of the highway and is also an amazing place to explore.

While this trip is just 155 km and takes only three days to finish.
It is still considered one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand.
Constructed on colonial bridle paths created centuries ago, the oldest heritage trail is remote and mystifying.
Expect some rocky turns along the way, but if you don't mind a bit of an uproar ride then this road trip might be exactly right for you!

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.