The Ultimate Guide to Planning a Family Road Trip in New Zealand

With its breathtaking landscapes, tons of family-friendly attractions, and a network of well-maintained highways and byways, New Zealand is the perfect destination for a family road trip.

It doesn’t matter if you want to explore the dramatic fjords of the South Island or the sensational beaches of the North Island (or both); Aotearoa offers an unforgettable experience for travellers of all ages.

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However, every parent knows that traveling with children means your time will be limited. So, it is important to map out your adventure to help you make the most of it.

With that in mind, try this ultimate guide to planning a family road trip in New Zealand, to ensure that your trip is everything that you want it to be!

1. Choose the Best Time to Travel

The first major decision when planning your road trip is deciding when you want to go to New Zealand.

This may depend on a couple of factors, such as whether you’re prepared to take your children out of school, and what type of sights, attractions, and activities you want to enjoy.

Start by creating your bucket list of things to do, since many activities may be dependent on the weather.

For instance, if you want to mainly visit beaches like Maunganui, Piha, or Whale Bay, you are best off doing this in January and February.

However, if you want to focus on skiing at Mt Hutt, Whakapapa, or Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, you’ll want to plan for the winter months of late July and August when the snow is at its best.

Once you know where you want to go and what activities you absolutely don’t want to miss, you’ll find it easier to determine when to schedule your trip.

2. Plan Your Route

Once you’ve decided on your must-visit locations and must-try activities, take some time to plan out your route from once destination to the next.

While your ideal road trip might be simply hitting the open road with only a vague direction in mind, and seeing where the tarmac leads you, this usually just isn’t feasible when you’re traveling with kids.

Instead, print out a map of the North and/or South Island and highlight the places you want to go.

Having a visual guide to the spots you want to visit on your road trip is an important first step to deciding how and when you’ll get from one place to another.

After all, the last thing you’ll want to do is waste time doubling back to visit somewhere you could have seen if you had structured your trip better!

If you’re not sure quite where you want to explore aside from the top tourist destinations, consider adding these New Zealand hidden gems to your itinerary.

3. Rent Your Vehicle

It goes without saying that a crucial part of your road trip is going to be the vehicle that you drive.

And, since New Zealand is an island country, chances are good that you’ll be renting a car for your adventure!

While renting a car often meant making a round trip so that you could return the vehicle to its original destination, hiring a one-way car rental has made that unnecessary!

This means you can rent a car in Auckland, drive it to Queenstown, and never have to double back, letting you visit more places than you otherwise might be able to.

Consider your family’s needs, and your planned route when deciding on the right vehicle.

If you plan to stick to the highways and main roads, you should be fine with a simple sedan. However, if you want to venture off-road, it would be wiser to choose a vehicle with 4WD.

You’ll also want to make sure your vehicle has both safety and comfort features for your little ones, and enough space for your luggage.

Whenever you decide to visit New Zealand, try to book your rental car as soon as possible, especially if you are heading there during peak travel times.

4. Pack Smart

New Zealand’s variable weather long ago earned it the name of the “Land of the Long White Cloud.”

For this reason, you’ll need to pack for all eventualities. Even in the summer months, regions can be prone to becoming cold and windy – especially in Wellington!

To ensure your family has the gear it needs, think layers. Make sure everyone has a light shirt, a warmer sweater, a vest, and a jacket, so that you can change your clothing as the weather dictates.

And don’t forget sturdy footwear for exploring rockier terrains, and an good travel umbrella!

Aside from clothes, don’t forget a good first-aid kit, plenty of snacks, sunscreen, bug repellant, and hats.

5. Book Accommodation

When travelling with children, it just makes sense to always have your accommodations booked in advance.

The last thing you want is to find yourself in a situation where you are desperately trying to find a place to stay when your kids are tired and hungry.

Thankfully, New Zealand offers an excellent range of hotels, motels, and holiday rental accommodation options.

Whether you prefer the amenities of a hotel or the homey experience of an Airbnb, you’re sure to find the perfect spot to rest your head at the end of a long day.

Search online to compare prices and options, and make sure to factor in time for exploring the areas you’re visiting.

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From the towering mountains to the lush valleys, and everything in between, New Zealand is truly a destination that has something for everyone.

So, take your time to plan a trip that lets your entire family experience the raw beauty and exotic wonders that the country has to offer.

Your New Zealand road trip is sure to be a memory that you’ll all cherish for a lifetime.

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