Weekend Getaways from Auckland

Hire a rental car at Auckland Airport or in Takanini to get on your way.

Northland

Photo Credit: www.newzealand.com

Distance from Auckland

2.5 hours (Whangarei)
3.5 hours (Paihia)

Things to do

• Visit Whangarei’s one-of-a-kind Hundertwasser Art Centre
• Learn about NZ history in Waitangi and Russell
• Join a fishing boat tour to catch your dinner
• See New Zealand’s tallest tree in Dargaville

Head up to Northland to explore scenic coasts and small towns with long legacies — Paihia and Russell are especially popular during the Waitangi holidays. If you prefer a shorter drive from Auckland, Whangarei offers plenty to do for art- and nature-lovers alike.

Find more things to do in Northland.

Coromandel

Distance from Auckland

3 hours (Coromandel)

Things to do

• Dig a pool at Hot Water Beach
• Take a kayak tour or cruise near Cathedral Cove
• Climb the Pinnacles track

The Coromandel Peninsula and summertime go hand-in-hand. Bask in the sun by the beach, browse art galleries and markets in quaint coastal towns, or discover the beauty of vast native bushland. It’s the perfect escape from the city.

Rotorua

Photo Credit: www.newzealand.com

Distance from Auckland

3 hours

Things to do

• See colourful geothermal pools at Te Puia, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, or Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland
• Feel the adrenaline at Skyline, Agrodome, ZORB, and the Redwoods Forest

Rotorua is the ideal destination for a family weekend getaway. Famed for its geothermal natural wonders, it’s also the North Island’s best place to go for action-adventure activities and Māori tourism. If you’re planning a romantic getaway, you can’t beat Rotorua’s relaxing hot springs and mud pools.

Weekend Getaways from Wellington

Pick up a rental vehicle in Wellington and start your journey northbound!

Napier

Distance from Wellington

4 hours

Things to do 

• See 1930’s art deco buildings and sculptures
• Take a tour of Hawke’s Bay’s vineyards
• Meet the little penguins at the National Aquarium of New Zealand

Napier’s art deco architecture is unlike anything else in New Zealand. Join a guided tour to learn about the city’s unique history or walk around town to see iconic sights such as the Pania of the Reef statue and the Deco Soundshell. Out of town, explore world-class wineries and natural attractions like Te Mata Peak.

Whanganui

Distance from Wellington

2.5 hours

Things to do 

• Get inspired by New Zealand artwork at the Sarjeant Gallery
• See glass-making in action at New Zealand Glass Works
• Head down the Whanganui River on an overnight kayaking trip

New Zealand’s only Design City, Whanganui offers a relaxing weekend getaway just north of Wellington. Discover local creatives at one of the city’s many art galleries or travel down the Whanganui River in a steamboat or kayak.

Taranaki

Photo Credit: www.newzealand.com

Distance from Wellington

4.5 hours (New Plymouth)

Things to do 

• Trek a trail within Egmont National Park/Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki
• Discover art galleries and sculptures along the Coastal Arts Trail
• Cross the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge on New Plymouth’s Coastal Walkway

It’s all about the outdoors in Taranaki. Take a day-long hike up Taranaki Maunga for 360° views of the region. Or spend the weekend driving through the Coastal Arts Trail, stopping by the galleries and outdoor sculptures of Taranaki, Whanganui and Manawatū.

Weekend Getaways from Christchurch

Get a convenient rental car at Christchurch Airport and follow the waterways!

Hanmer Springs

Distance from Christchurch

1.5 hours

Things to do 

• Dip into a geothermally heated private spa pool
• Try adventure activities like mountain biking, horse trekking, and bungy jumping in the surrounds
• Explore charming cafes and boutiques along main street

Cosy mineral-water hot pools and gorgeous alpine views make Hanmer Springs the ideal destination for a winter getaway in the South Island. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, the town’s main attraction, also features giant waterslides and a lazy river to keep the kids entertained.

Lake Tekapo

Photo Credit: www.newzealand.com

Distance from Christchurch

3 hours

Things to do 

• Stargaze and spa at the Tekapo Springs hot pool
• Snap a pic of the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd
• Take a walk around the stunning turquoise Lake Tekapo

Deep within the Mackenzie district, Lake Tekapo is a romantic getaway destination that offers some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking views. Stroll around the famous Church of the Good Shepherd before sundown, then join a stargazing tour with The Dark Sky Project or Tekapo Star Gazing.

Kaikoura

Distance from Christchurch

2.5 hours

Things to do 

• Join a whale-watching boat tour
• Discover the coastline by foot on the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway
• See Kaikoura from above on an EcoZip zipline adventure

Escape to Kaikoura, a charming beachside town known for its abundance of marine wildlife. You’ll spot fur seals, dolphins, and even whales, with guided wildlife experience tours operating throughout the day. Don’t forget to try some crayfish on your weekend getaway.

Nelson

Distance from Christchurch

5.5 hours

Things to do 

• Browse galleries and studios in New Zealand’s vibrant art capital
• Hike stunning trails in the nearby Abel Tasman National Park
• Kayak along golden beaches and pristine coastlines

Love art and nature? Nelson is the weekend getaway destination for you. Explore the city’s thriving art scene, with galleries and craft studios showcasing local talent, then venture into the stunning wilderness of Abel Tasman National Park for hiking and kayaking.

Find more things to do in Nelson.

Weekend Getaways from Queenstown

Discover the South Island with a rental car in Queenstown.

Wanaka

Photo Credit: www.newzealand.com

Distance from Queenstown

1.5 hours

Things to do 

• Swim or kayak in Lake Wanaka and see #ThatWanakaTree
• Hike Roys Peak or another trail in Mount Aspiring National Park
• Shoot some Insta-worthy pics at the Wanaka Lavender Farm
• Escape from a massive maze at Puzzling World

Like Queenstown, Wanaka is a top destination for adrenaline seekers and travellers looking for gorgeous photo opportunities. Stay overnight to climb Roys Peak by sunrise, go kayaking in the lake, and explore the picture-perfect Wanaka Lavender Farm.

Dunedin

Distance from Queenstown

3.5 hours

Things to do 

• Visit the Royal Albatross Centre’s exclusive viewing observatory
• Have high tea at Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand
• Take a walk through the quaint Dunedin Botanic Garden

Dunedin takes you back in time with its beautifully well-preserved Edwardian and Victorian architecture. Walk through the grand rooms of Larnach Castle, then make your way through the historical Dunedin Botanic Garden. Drive beyond the city centre for calm beaches and wildlife sightseeing. 

Find more things to do in Dunedin.

Southland

Photo Credit: www.newzealand.com

Distance from Queenstown

2.5h (Invercargill)

Things to do 

• Visit the Nugget Point Lighthouse in the Catlins
• See old cars and bikes at Bill Richardson Transport World and Classic Motorcycle Mecca.
• Hike one of New Zealand’s Great Walks

The Southern Scenic Route is considered one of the best drives in the world, with roads passing by towering cliffs and through dense native forests. Make a stop at Invercargill to see some of the country’s most impressive vintage vehicle collections.

Hiring a Rental Car for Your Weekend Getaway

Hiring a rental car makes exploring New Zealand‘s weekend getaways easy and flexible. For visitors, it’s the simplest way to navigate most towns, as public transport is limited outside major cities. A rental is essential if you want to visit natural attractions and travel at your own pace.

For locals, renting gives you options. Hire a larger car to bring extra luggage for an overnight trip, an MPV for group travel, or simply enjoy the extra space for a more comfortable journey.

How to Find Cheap Weekend Getaways

• Keep your weekend trips affordable by travelling during off-peak seasons when accommodation rates drop.
• Choose self-contained lodging like holiday homes or cabins to save on dining costs.
• Take advantage of free attractions and walking trails. New Zealand has plenty of stunning natural scenery that won’t cost you a cent.
• Book your vehicle early to lock in better rates, and always check for rental car deals before confirming your reservation.

Book a Rental Car from Pegasus

When you have your transport, a weekend gives you plenty of time to make special memories. With 15 locations across the country, Pegasus has you covered wherever you go.

Get free airport shuttles, regular rental car deals, and reliable service from friendly staff who know New Zealand. Book your vehicle online now, and ask us for more weekend away ideas once you’re here!

If you’re visiting for the first time, don’t forget to check out our 14 tips for driving in New Zealand. Find more NZ road trip guides on our blog.