We are traveling to New Zealand in Feb 2026 for 5 weeks. With two days to get there and one to return it is really 32 days. We are renting a van for the majority of the trip. Our two options are round trip from Auckland ore one way from Christchurch. I am leaning towards the one way to minimize our time retracing our travels and one day on the ferry vs two. We get to Auckland early enough to transfer to Christchurch the same day. Would it be better to spend the first few days in Auckland or getting to Christchurch and spending a few days there possibly with a rental car. Is 28 days with the van enough to see both Islands and if so how should we split the days?
Posted by
New Zealand
11 posts
I assume your plan is to travel south from Christchurch along the east coast to Dunedin and west to Queenstown/Wanaka/ Fiordland etc, then travel north up the west coast to the north island, explore NI and finish in Auckland?
Or you could do SI clockwise, start and end in Christchurch then fly to Auckland and then do NI - start and end in Auckland? Might be cheaper than the extra cost of van drop-off in a different location plus ferry.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
I have a campervan reserved for 4 weeks starting Feb 21. I am arriving in Auckland on Feb 17 and taking a local flight to Christchurch. We are renting a car for 3 days for day trips in and around Christchurch and most importantly to get acquainted with driving on the left. I haven't picked a day for the ferry yet but I am leaning towards Mar 12/13. The we will have a week on the North Island returning the van in Auckland on Mar 20 and flying out Mar 22. I was wondering is that was a good split for the two islands. I have the van rented and my flights are booked. As soon as I figure the day for the ferry I can reserve it and get down to more detailed planning. I am usually pretty loose with my scheduling to allow for flexibility to due weather or adding a day to a stop we really enjoyed.