Get inspired for your next visit to the North or South Island with our self-drive New Zealand travel itineraries. Discover scenic routes, hiking trails, adventure activities, cultural experiences, and more. Wherever your journey takes you, let our travel guides introduce you to some of the best spots and scenic drives along the way. Book a rental car and let your adventures begin!
While it’s possible to take public transport in New Zealand’s biggest cities, hiring a rental car is the best way to get around. Most smaller towns and rural areas don’t have reliable public transport, nor do most of New Zealand's best-known natural attractions like Milford Sound.
With your own car, you can easily travel between cities and explore the countryside. You’ll also have the freedom to travel when it suits you best, rather than following a strict tour schedule.
Hiring a rental car at Omega is easy! Just book a car online, and we’ll have it ready for you on the day. Omega has 10 locations across New Zealand, providing affordable, safe rental vehicles near key airports and travel hubs. With our FREE shuttle service, you can start your road trip without a hitch.
Head to our booking form above to get started.
Yes, visitors with a valid international licence can drive for up to 18 months in New Zealand. You’ll need an official translation if your licence isn’t in English — see our general FAQs for more information.
If your licence isn't in English, you'll need an acceptable English translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP). An IDP isn't necessary if your licence is in English.
When choosing a rental vehicle in New Zealand, consider where you’re travelling. Urban areas typically have smoother roads that are easier to drive on, but on rougher rural roads, you might want to take a 4WD or AWD — especially in the mountainous regions that have muddy or snowy paths in winter.
If you’re travelling alone or with a small group, pick up a 4-seater compact car. For larger groups, opt for a 7-seater SUV or 8-seater MPV rental. If you’re heading up the mountains, you might need ski racks; make sure your chosen rental car is compatible before you book.
All Omega rental vehicles are clean, regularly checked, and unbranded. Enjoy unlimited km rates and free additional drivers!
In New Zealand, children under 7 years old should be secured in an approved child restraint appropriate for their age and size. Omega offers FREE child car seats, making family road trips easier than ever.
While you can easily get around major city centres without a car, options are more limited in suburbs and towns. Travelling between cities via bus or train can sometimes be more expensive than driving, depending on how many tickets you need.
Exploring beaches, rural towns, and national parks is difficult without a car, as these places usually have no public transport and few tour buses.
Two weeks is typically enough time to visit many of the country’s major tourism destinations. If you want a more relaxed pace or plan to spend more time hiking, three to four weeks is ideal. If you’re hiring a rental car, make sure to account for the driving time in your New Zealand trip itinerary.
New Zealand might be small, but it has plenty of things to do. If you primarily want to visit NZ’s most well-known destinations, a two-week road trip offers enough time without rushing. You’ll have time to see popular cities and towns like Queenstown, Wellington, and Rotorua, as well as natural attractions like Milford Sound and Tongariro National Park.
A direct drive from Bluff to Cape Reinga takes around 30 hours. If you drive 4–6 hours per day, you can travel from the bottom of the South Island to the top of the North Island in around one week. However, this doesn’t leave much room for attractions and rest stops, so it’s best to concentrate on a couple of regions or spend longer in New Zealand if you’re keen for a country-wide road trip.
New Zealand’s roads are generally well-paved, smooth, and wide, but this can vary in more rural areas. Weather conditions also affect driving difficulty, especially in the South Island and more mountainous areas. Check out our tips for safe driving in New Zealand for more information.
Peak traffic times are typically 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–6:30 PM, when workers are travelling. 3:00–4:00 PM can also be a busy time as kids are getting picked up from school.
Many locals travel out of town for public holidays, and families often take vacations during school term breaks. Book accommodation, attractions, and rental vehicles in advance to secure them at the best price.
