Every traveler should, at least once in their lifetime, take the time to fully explore their own country. Lucky for Kiwis, exploring New Zealand/Aotearoa is like exploring a whole other planet! From north to south, there are limitless adventures to be discovered—and all without breaking the bank.

Your Thrifty rental car will be your golden chariot as you adventure around the North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui and all the way across to the South Island/Te Waipounamu. A country as beautiful and thrilling as New Zealand only deserves a road trip of the most epic proportions. Beginning in Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau, we’ve created a budget guide to the best places to stop and see as you make your way down the country. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s go! 

Experience the Excitement of the North Island 

Home to the country’s largest airport, Auckland makes for the perfect place to pick up your rental car and get going on your adventure. Located on the northern tip of the North Island, Auckland has a bucketload of activities to try if you’re on a budget. Auckland Domain is a majestic park to wander around and relax in the shade of the beautiful trees, while the neighbourhood of Devonport is your very own coastal escape in the heart of the city. If you’re willing to spend a few dollars for a huge thrill, there’s no going past jumping aboard the ferry from downtown Auckland to reach Rangitoto Island—the hike to the summit delivers one incredible view! From Auckland, head next to the seaside city of Napier/Ahuriri. Situated on the east coast of New Zealand by Hawke’s Bay/Te Matau-a-Māui, Napier is a hidden gem in the crown of Kiwi jewels. While some travelers may pass on a visit to Napier for the sake of visiting bigger cities, this seaside haven is truly an undiscovered gem for any local tourists. As you walk around the streets of the city, look up and take in the jaw-dropping Art Deco architecture. After a devastating earthquake that crumbled the city in 1931, Napier was built back in this gorgeous style that now characterizes the city. Who knows, you might even learn a thing or two new about your country as you journey around! 

Journey Further to Discover the Thrill 

After you’ve had a taste of the quaint city of Napier, next up on the itinerary is Palmerston North. This rural city holds a bunch of charm; however the best parts of this region can be found in the rugged scenery that surrounds it. Explore Manawatū Gorge for a dose of greenery and an insight into the area’s Māori culture at the Whatonga sculpture. Or if you’re wanting to keep your adventures closer to the city centre, make sure to check out Victoria Esplanade for a relaxing afternoon with a stroll by the water. While not a massive city, the quaint charm of Palmerston North provides a point of difference to the New Zealand cities you may otherwise be familiar with as a Kiwi. From there, your last stop on the North Island is the city of Wellington. While a gateway to the adventures awaiting you in the South Island, Wellington itself is also a hub of arts, culture and fun. This capital city has a Botanic Gardens to die for, as well as panoramic views from atop the famous Mount Victoria. There’s no better way to cap off your North Island adventure than by watching the sun sink over the city! 

Transport Your Adventures From North to South 

In order to experience the best of both islands with this epic guide, you won’t be able to take your rental car from one island to another without returning it to the island you hired it from. No need to stress—this is just another opportunity for adventure! In Wellington, you can drop off your vehicle at the Thrifty branch by the Wellington Ferry terminal, leaving you to cross the strait without having to worry about bringing a car across. On the other side of the strait at Picton Ferry terminal, you can book a new car for the South Island and embark on the next chapter of your journey from there. Picton/Waitohi is the perfect place to begin your adventures, located by the beautiful Marlborough Sounds/Te Tau Ihu-o-te-Waka. You can discover this stunning region on foot, however if you want to make the most of the scenery make sure to explore the Queen Charlotte Drive in your rental car for the ultimate scenic tour of the area. From there, head to the west coast and get ready to embrace the surf—Hokitika is a perfect place to experience the majestic beauty of the ocean. This cool little town boasts gorgeous beaches (Hokitika Beach), lakes (Lake Mahinapua) and walkways (Lake Kaniere), as well as the famous Hokitika Gorge. 

Top Off Your Journey with an Epic Ending 

If you like outdoor adventure, then you’ve chosen the perfect itinerary. From Hoktika, head east to discover the untouched beauty of Arthur’s Pass National Park. Famous for being the highest pass over the Southern Alps, this is an ideal stop for hikers, adventure-seekers and those thirsty for a thrill or two. There are a range of different hikes to try out. If you’re looking for a relaxing walk, begin at the village to discover some easy ones. Otherwise, day walks like the Avalanche Peak or Mount Bealey are sure to take your adventures up a notch. From Arthur’s Pass, the final stop on this ultimate road trip is the charming city of Christchurch. Don’t just drop off your rental car here—make the most of Christchurch with a wander around the city and a taste of the delicious food!  

From bustling cities to beautiful bays, majestic mountains to thrilling landscapes, this ultimate and affordable New Zealand road trip guide is all you need to make the most of your adventures around this spectacular country in your Thrifty rental car.