Easter Road Trip Ideas

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, 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.

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 via the country's largest city, Auckland. The North Island of New Zealand is filled with endless scenery, and the Bay of Islands is no exception.

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

Highlights:

• Explore Auckland city 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, an unforgettable journey beginning in the world’s southernmost capital city, Wellington.

If you’re flying into Wellington Airport, you can pick up a rental car from there or otherwise book one from a depot downtown. Once you’re buckled in, you can make your way through the city and out into the countryside.

Highlights:

• 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 road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown 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, where you can spend Easter bungy jumping, skydiving, and ziplining.

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

Highlights:

• Start your amazing journey in the seaside town of Greymouth.
• 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: the Martinborough, Blenheim, and Marlborough. 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 and rent a car from the airport. You can also fly into Christchurch and drive north.

Highlights:

• 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 and find time to take in the city culture before making your way to the Blenheim wine region.
• Take time also to enjoy the local Sauvignon Blanc before arriving to the Marlborough region, 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 Plymouth 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.

Highlights:

• 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!

Easter in Other Countries