New Zealand maps for planning your trip
A free printable travel planner, real driving times between the main stops, and the road-guide videos. What Michael uses to plan a route.
Free maps to download
Michael's own New Zealand maps. Save them to your phone or print them for the road.
- North IslandTowns, roads and regions
- South IslandTowns, roads and regions
- NZ Day WalksShort walks worth stopping for
- NZ Cycle TrailsThe Great Rides and more
- NZ WineriesWine regions and cellar doors
- North Island Camping SitesWhere to stay with a campervan
- South Island Camping SitesWhere to stay with a campervan
Driving times between the main stops
Routed distances, driving time without stops. Michael's rule: add about 15% to whatever Google Maps says. Roads are narrow, winding and worth stopping on.
North Island
| Route | Distance | Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland → Paihia (Bay of Islands) | 225 km | 3 h 10 min |
| Auckland → Rotorua | 227 km | 2 h 50 min |
| Rotorua → Taupō | 81 km | 1 h 05 min |
| Auckland → Wellington | 641 km | 8 h 15 min |
| Wellington → PictonInterislander or Bluebridge ferry across Cook Strait | Ferry | about 3½ h |
South Island
| Route | Distance | Driving |
|---|---|---|
| Picton → Nelson | 107 km | 1 h 55 min |
| Nelson → Greymouth | 286 km | 3 h 55 min |
| Christchurch → Kaikōura | 180 km | 2 h 40 min |
| Christchurch → GreymouthOr the TranzAlpine train | 242 km | 3 h 25 min |
| Christchurch → Lake Tekapo | 226 km | 3 h 05 min |
| Christchurch → Queenstown | 481 km | 6 h 20 min |
| Queenstown → Wānaka | 67 km | 1 h 15 min |
| Queenstown → Te Anau | 171 km | 2 h 15 min |
| Te Anau → Milford Sound | 118 km | 1 h 40 min |
| Wānaka → Fox GlacierOver the Haast Pass | 263 km | 3 h 25 min |
| Fox Glacier → Greymouth | 196 km | 2 h 45 min |
Car: plan around 80 km/h on average. Motorhome or campervan: around 60 km/h.
Map and driving questions
How long does it take to drive around New Zealand?
Allow at least three weeks to drive both islands without rushing. With two weeks, fly between the islands or pick one island. Plan most days under about 300 km so there is time to stop.
Are Google Maps driving times accurate in New Zealand?
They are a good start, but usually optimistic. Michael's rule: add about 15% for winding roads, roadworks, weather and photo stops. Fox Glacier to Wānaka, for example, takes 30 to 40 minutes longer than Google says.
How fast can I drive in a rental car or campervan?
Plan on an average of about 80 km/h in a car and 60 km/h in a motorhome or campervan. Northland, the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel are slower than they look on a map.
Where can I get a printable map of New Zealand?
Download the free New Zealand Travel Planner (PDF). It shows the main towns, roads and regions of both islands and prints on A4.
Where do I find maps for walks, cycle trails and campsites?
Download Michael's free New Zealand maps on this page: day walks, cycle trails, wineries, and camping sites for the North and South Island.