The best road trips for Mother’s Day
By Vroom Team • Reviewed 21 Jan 2026
Whether you’re a devoted spouse or competing for the title of favourite child, a road trip around New Zealand is sure to make for an unforgettable Mother’s Day. Start off your trip with a rental car from Wellington / Te Whanganui a Tara, or a hire campervan in Christchurch / Ōtautahi if you're planning for a few days of nature fun — VroomVroomVroom has some interesting places for you to check out.
Explore the picturesque Bay of Islands
What better way to amaze your mum than by taking her to the far north of New Zealand. Some 240 kilometres to the north, and easily reached with a rental car from Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, the beautiful Bay of Islands is renowned for its views and local dolphins.
You can easily compare rental car rates in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau with VroomVroomVroom, book your perfect hire car, and then drive up to the Bay of Islands at your own pace, taking in the beautiful sights along the way.
Paihia is the perfect place to start exploring the coves and beaches of the Bay of Islands. Just west of Paihia is Haruru, where you will find a breathtaking waterfall.
Take time also to visit the historic site where the Treaty of Waitangi was first signed between Maori and the British Crown.
Dip into history, browse art galleries, and enjoy fresh local produce with your mum in the charming town of Kerikeri.
For historical buildings and a seaside setting, the romantic town of Russell is another perfect base for exploring the Bay of Islands.
Go on a thermal adventure in Rotorua
Witness the magic of Rotorua for yourself this Mother’s Day. Recognised as the thermal wonderland of the country, the hot springs, geysers, and mud and sulfur pools are sure to make Mum’s day a special one. Nearby Wai-O-Tapu is also a hit with the hot springs there being as colourful as they are.
To visit, pick up a hire car in Rotorua and then make the two-and-a-half hour drive from Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau.
Experience authentic traditional Maori villages like the Buried Village, Whakarewarewa, Te Puia, and Mitai.
Spoil and treat your mum with natural spa time—thermal baths, mud baths, and healing mineral pools.
Whilst visiting Rotorua, you’ll want to make some time to check out the Rainbow Springs, Wildlife Park.
Take a gondola ride to the top of Mt. Ngongotaha and enjoy scenic views with a glass of wine.
Take a wine tour in the Marlborough region
Located at the top of the South Island is the Marlborough region. Popular for its award-winning wine and vineyards, Mum will surely enjoy the wine-tasting experience and a tour of the local region.
Most of Marlborough’s amazing landscape can be accessed by car, and you can rent a car in Picton / Waitohi with VroomVroomVroom. Queen Charlotte Drive links Picton / Waitohi and Havelock and crosses some stunning scenery, so even the drive alone will make the day a special one.
Uncover the enchanting history of Edwin Fox Maritime Museum, which can be found at Dunbar Wharf in Picton / Waitohi.
The Omaka Aviation Centre features Peter Jackson’s own collection of WWI aircraft and artefacts.
Don’t forget your camera as you walk the beautiful Queen Charlotte Track.
Only a 10-minute drive from Blenheim, the Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen offers award-winning wines accompanied with great cuisine.
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.
