Wine Road Trips by Rental Car in New Zealand
Quick summary: Hiring a car is an easy way to string New Zealand’s wine regions together on one trip. On the North Island, a one-way drive from Auckland to Wellington via Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough takes in three regions. On the South Island, a route from Picton to Queenstown links Marlborough, Waipara, the Waitaki and Central Otago. Crossing Cook Strait connects the two, and one-way rentals mean you never have to double back.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| North Island one-way | Auckland to Wellington via Hawke’s Bay and Martinborough |
| South Island one-way | Picton to Queenstown via Waipara and the Waitaki |
| Between islands | Car on the ferry where allowed, or a car change at each terminal |
| Short trips | Marlborough and Nelson, or a Central Otago loop |
| Pace | One region every two or three days |
| Tours | All wine tours |
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Which wine road trips work best by car?
| Trip | Route | Suggested length |
|---|---|---|
| North Island wine trail | Auckland, Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, Wellington | 7 days or more |
| South Island wine trail | Picton, Marlborough, Waipara, Waitaki, Central Otago | 10 days or more |
| Marlborough and Nelson | Blenheim, Renwick, Nelson | 4 to 5 days |
| Central Otago loop | Queenstown, Gibbston, Cromwell, Bannockburn, Wānaka | 3 to 4 days |
| Both islands | Auckland to Queenstown | 3 weeks |
How do you cross Cook Strait with a rental car?
Some companies allow their cars on the ferry; others ask you to return the car in Wellington and collect another in Picton. Check before you book the crossing. See from Wellington.
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How should you pace a wine road trip?
Spend two or three nights in each region, with a non-driving tasting day in the middle. Travel between regions in the mornings, and keep a spare day for weather on longer routes.
Which one-way rentals suit wine trips?
Auckland to Wellington, Picton or Blenheim to Christchurch, and Christchurch to Queenstown are all common one-way routes. Check any one-way fee in both directions when you compare. See the 3-week New Zealand wine trail.
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What should you know about the roads?
Many wine regions are reached on winding roads, such as the Remutaka Hill to Martinborough and the Kawarau Gorge to Gibbston. Drive them in daylight and never after tasting. See tasting days by car.
Frequently Asked Questions
The South Island route from Picton to Queenstown, linking Marlborough, Waipara, the Waitaki and Central Otago.
A week for one island, and around three weeks to cover both.
It depends on the company. Where cars can’t travel on the ferry, you return one in Wellington and pick up another in Picton.
Two or three, so you can have a tasting day without driving.