Are you planning a road trip around New Zealand but wondering how long it will take to cover the whole country? The answer to this question is not straightforward as it depends on various factors such as your travel style, budget, and the number of places you want to explore. However, we have created a rough estimate for you based on the average time taken by most travelers.
Route Options
The most popular route taken by travelers is the “Classic New Zealand” route that covers both islands. If you’re planning to explore both islands, it can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 1 month or more. However, if you’re short on time and only want to cover one island, then it can take about 10-14 days.
North Island
If you’re only exploring the North Island of New Zealand, then there are various routes that you can take depending on your interests. You can start from Auckland and head towards the Bay of Islands in the north or head south towards Rotorua, Taupo, and Wellington.
If you want to explore all major attractions in the North Island thoroughly, then it can take up to 10-14 days. However, if you’re short on time but still want to cover some significant places like Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington then a week’s trip would suffice.
South Island
The South Island of New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes and adventure activities. There are two main routes that travelers usually take: The West Coast Route or the Southern Scenic Route.
If you opt for the West Coast Route which passes through Franz Josef Glacier, Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Lake Wanaka among others then it may take up to 10-14 days depending on how much time you spend at each location.
Alternatively, if you choose the Southern Scenic Route which takes you from Dunedin to Queenstown via Milford Sound and offers breathtaking scenery, then it can take up to 2 weeks or more.
Budget
The cost of your road trip also plays a crucial role in determining the duration of your trip. The more money you have, the longer you can stay in each location and explore. However, if you’re on a tight budget, then you may need to cut short your stay in some places.
Travel Style
Your travel style also affects the duration of your road trip. If you’re someone who likes to take things slow and enjoy each location thoroughly, then it may take longer for you to complete the trip. On the other hand, if you’re someone who likes to cover more ground in less time, then you may be able to complete the trip sooner.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long it takes to road trip around New Zealand as it depends on various factors. However, we hope that this rough estimate helps you plan your trip better. Remember to factor in some extra days for unforeseen circumstances and make sure to enjoy every moment of your road trip!