How long does it take to drive across the South Island of New Zealand?
Going the Distance The South Island is marginally larger at 840km, taking up to 14 hours in perfect driving conditions, from the ferry port of Picton to the appropriately dubbed Bluff, balancing on the bottom edge.
How many days do you need in South Island New Zealand?
The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand.
Is it easy to self drive in New Zealand?
Absolutely! It truly was much simpler than we thought. There is only one route which connects one town to another, so navigating and driving in New Zealand is not difficult. There also aren’t that many cars on the road, so you can drive at your own comfortable speed.
What is the best time to visit New Zealand South Island?
summer
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March, which bring long, bright and sunny days and temperatures of 16°C to 24°C. They’re ideal for visiting the lovely beaches or enjoying the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.
Do I need a 4×4 in New Zealand?
Do you need a 4WD in New Zealand? You do not need a 4WD to drive around in New Zealand to visit the main towns and tourist attractions. All of these places are accessible via a tarmac or gravel road. All 4×4 only roads are well indicated so it is impossible to accidentally get stuck on one of them.
How do I plan a South Island road trip?
Two Week New Zealand South Island Road Trip Itinerary
- Day 1 – Christchurch.
- Day 2 to 3 – Lake Tekapo/Mt Cook.
- Day 4 to 5 – Fiordland.
- Day 6 to 7 – Queenstown.
- Day 8 – Wanaka.
- Day 9 to 10 – Franz Josef.
- Day 11 to 12 – Nelson/Abel Tasman.
- Day 13 to 14 – Kaikoura.
Is driving in New Zealand safe?
Driving in New Zealand, Queenstown It doesn’t matter where in New Zealand you are going; it is extremely dangerous to drive when you are tired. In summer, hot days and long-distance driving can make you especially tired, as well as early starts and late nights, or because you had a long day driving the day before.
How do I plan a New Zealand road trip?
- Day 1: Fly into Auckland and gear up for your road trip.
- Day2: The fun begins in Auckland.
- Day 3: Drive to Rotorua via Coromandel Peninsula.
- Day 4: Explore New Zealand’s Thermal Wonderlands In Rotorua.
- Day 5: Enjoy Rotorua’s Free Attractions and relax at a spa.
- Day 6 The Thermal Explorer Highway and Taupo.
Which is better north or south New Zealand?
The North Island experiences more of a warmer climate so you can enjoy warmer weather activities such as sunbaking on the beach, whereas the South Island is a bit colder, perfect for snow activities such as skiing and snowboarding.
How long do you need to drive around New Zealand?
How long does it take to drive the length of New Zealand? In theory you could drive the North Island from tip to toe in around 14 hours and the South Island in around 12 non-stop.
How long does it take to drive from top to bottom of New Zealand?
13 hours
Driving from the top of the North Island to the bottom, technically speaking, will take you close to 13 hours. This is without any rest stops or time for sightseeing.
Can you drive from North to South Island NZ?
Travelling between the North and South Islands of New Zealand means crossing the Cook Strait. The only way to do this with a vehicle is by taking a ferry with either the Interislander or Bluebridge which both arrive and depart from Picton and Wellington.
Is it worth going to New Zealand for 2 weeks?
It partly depends on what particular parts of NZ and activities you are interested in.., but I would say yes, come for 2 weeks at Easter, you will definitely get generally better weather and better chance of doing everything you want to do at that time of year.
Can you drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound?
The scenic drive from Queenstown to Milford Sound is a 287.6-kilometer (179 miles) journey that without stopping takes a little over 3.5 hours. With that said, the journey will take you much longer if you plan to stop along the way and truly enjoy the drive.
Can foreigners drive in New Zealand?
You can drive in New Zealand without a New Zealand driver licence if: you have a current and valid overseas licence or driver permit, and. you haven’t been given a disqualification or suspension in New Zealand, and.
What are the best months to go to New Zealand?
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. Expect long, bright, sunny days and temperatures between 61°F and 75°F. It’s an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.
Is 3 weeks in New Zealand enough?
The distance of travel is something to consider for sure, this is why 3-weeks in New Zealand is perfect. If you are looking for a destination to spend your annual holiday, New Zealand is a great choice. There are so many places that can only be found in this country.
Can I add nights to my New Zealand self drive South Island?
All of our New Zealand Self Drive South Island Packages and fly drive New Zealand South Island holidays and itineraries are flexible, so you can add or drop nights in each stop to suit your timetable. Contact us for advice and a new cost by clicking on the Book Now icon for each South Island self drive New Zealand tour.
How many days to spend in New Zealand’s South Island?
This superb 7 day itinerary showcases the amazing contrasts to be found at the top of New Zealand’s South Island. Embrace your wild side on this unforgettable journey to the South Island’s isolated hidden gems. Be awed by the Marlborough Sound’s secluded bays, the rugged Catlins Coast, and the majestic fiords of Milford Sound.
What is a personalised New Zealand South Island itinerary?
For a personalised New Zealand South Island itinerary gives us details of your ideas, interests, how long you need, places or activities you want to include, and we will work out a special quote for you. Explore the South Island of New Zealand from Christchurch, the main international airport gateway and the South Island’s largest city.
Where to go on a South Island Holiday?
A fitting end to your South Island holiday. From Christchurch this tour takes you along the foothills of the Southern Alps to Mt. Cook National Park. It’s then onto Dunedin where you have a whole day to discover the unique wildlife of the Otago Peninsula.