The top 10 reasons on why you need to do a road trip in New Zealand
There is barely any other country that calls as much for an unforgettable road trip as New Zealand. The country is made for an adventure on the road and the best way to explore the beautiful landscapes is by car. A road trip through New Zealand stands for the infinite freedom, countless adventures and a great time. Driving through the North and the South Island, coming across beautiful scenery and travelling on endless country roads – a road trip is a must-do for any traveller! But what are the best reasons why you need to do a road trip in New Zealand?
You are currently on a Work and Travel adventure in New Zealand? Or are you planning to travel the country in the near future? The best and only way to get to know the “Land of the long white cloud” is by hitting the road.
It is perfect for budget travelling
New Zealand is home to many different backpacking adventures. Young travellers exploring the country on a tight budget. If you aim to save some money while travelling the country, a road trip can actually be a good idea. Surely, you need to pay for the petrol and the car itself. But apart from these bigger expenses, you can keep your budget low while being on the road. There are many free campsites and if you are lucky, you can stay on free campsites only during all of your trip. One of the main reasons why you need to do a road trip in New Zealand? Because it can be cheap!
With public showers being available in many areas, you only need to pay for your washing once in a few weeks. During the road trip, the camping cooker is your kitchen and you buy all your food in the supermarket. Pasta always works and you can keep your expenses low!
If you were travelling by bus and stay in different hostels, you would probably end up paying a lot more.
Travel at your own pace
A road trip through New Zealand is amazing, if you have a bit of time. This allows you to really enjoy the journey and to travel at your own pace. Be spontaneous, make a change of plans or simply stay longer at places you love.
On a road trip and with your own little van, you do not only feel freedom, but rather the freedom is part of your everyday life. You are completely independent and home is wherever you park it.
Sleep in the most beautiful places
The best reason why you need to do a road trip in New Zealand? Have you ever spent your night directly at the beach and watched the sunrise from your bed? Have you ever stayed in the middle of a National Park or surrounded by the most beautiful nature?
The New Zealand camp grounds are well-known to be in a beautiful scenery. Some allow you to stay for free while others will charge you a small fee. If you drive a little off the beaten path, you will often find yourself in the most stunning places where you can spend the night.
Being this close to nature or this close to the ocean is an adventure itself and will make you fall in love with road tripping immediately!
Meet like-minded people
What´s the best part about travelling? Meeting like-minded people with the same dreams. And there basically is no better way to get to know others than on the road. On the campgrounds you automatically connect to your neighbors, share experiences about New Zealand and exchange tips.
One thing is for sure: on New Zealand´s roads you will meet the most amazing people. And who knows, maybe you end up doing the road trip together?
The roads are safe and easy to drive on
Of course, feeling safe and comfortable driving on the roads is essential for a good road trip. In New Zealand you will mostly experience safe roads. There are signs everywhere which makes it quite hard to get lost on the main routes through the country. If you are feeling insecure about the driving conditions, this point on the list of reasons why you need to go on a road trip in New Zealand will convince you.
In rare occasions, you will need to pass a gravel road to reach the starting point of a trek or to get to a remote campsite. But even here, you do not have to worry about your own safety. Always make sure you research the route on Google Maps before driving and check out the road conditions.
Your van is your driving home
Doing a road trip also means you got your own home on wheels. Of course, you can always choose between getting yourself a camper van or a car with a tent – but in both cases you got your own little home. Especially, if you are buying a car for your time in New Zealand, this will be your safe and happy place.
But what are the benefits of a home on wheels?
- Home is where you park it – you can park wherever you want and make yourself comfortable
- Your belongings are always with you
- You are not dependent on any hotel, hostel or home stay
- You can sleep in the most beautiful places
Convinced?
You get close to the New Zealand nature
If you have not been to New Zealand already, this reason might not be as powerful in the first place. But once you visit the country for the first time and experience its stunning nature, all you want to do is spend as much time in nature as possible.
The wide jungle forests, the beautiful beaches, the silent hills and the endless roads – the nature of New Zealand is breathtaking and can be beautiful in many different ways. Being on the road allows you to constantly surround yourself with the nature. Go on different hikes, spend days on the beach and search for remote and quiet campsites by a lake or in a forest.
A road trip through New Zealand is not only a very exciting adventure but it can as well be a deep connection with nature. You will see!
New Zealand is made for a road trip
The country is made to be explored by car. Renting or buying a camper van is the most common thing in New Zealand tourism and you will quickly discover how easy road tripping is. From public showers, solid public toilets, a wide selection of camp sites and water refills – New Zealand is prepared for travellers exploring the country with a car.
Make sure to check out the app “Camper Mate” for the ultimate guide on how to travel New Zealand in a van. Here you will not only find all different campsites for all budgets, but as well all public toilets, showers and places where you can refill your water or get rid of the dirty water.
In tourist offices, you will find countless flyers and information for camping in New Zealand and on the road you will meet other travellers driving through the country.
New Zealand really is all about road tripping and even some of the locals explore their own country with their cars.
Therefore, planning and doing a road trip is neither complicated nor will you have any bigger obstacles. (Of course, there can always be an issue with the car or other problems)
You can sleep under a sky full of stars
If you think, you have seen a beautiful night sky, New Zealand will prove you otherwise. Due to its low population and smaller cities, the night sky in the country is magic. Especially if you stay on remote campsites outside the main areas, you will get to see a unique show during the night.
Sleeping in your van allows you to be in the middle of the spectacle. Do not forget to look up before you go to bed or while brushing your teeth! It truly is worth it and may be one of the most beautiful night skies you have ever seen. If this isn´t a convincing reason why you need to go on a road trip in New Zealand ASAP…
A road trip is a unique and memorable experience
And last but not least, doing a road trip in New Zealand will for sure be an unforgettable experience. It does not matter if you trip the country for 2 weeks or 3 months or even longer. What matter is that you go for it. Rent or buy yourself (or together with a friend or a partner) a car and hit the road. There truly is no better and natural way than exploring New Zealand all on your own.
Yes, this forces you to leave your comfort zone, shower in cold lakes, sleep in nature and cook pasta in the forest. And still, this will be one of the craziest and most memorable times of your life. Sounds cheesy to you? Start your road trip and you will find no other words!
And to sum it up: What is one of the most convincing reasons why you need to do a road trip in New Zealand? Because you can! What are you waiting for?
Let´s hit the road!
And of course, never forget your camera on the trip. Get to know The 11 outstanding photography spots in New Zealand.
