Travel Blog

Exploring New Zealand by car is one of the best ways to experience our breathtaking landscapes, from dramatic coastlines to snow-capped peaks and lush forests.

New Zealand’s night skies are among the clearest and darkest on Earth, making the country a global hotspot for stargazing and astrophotography.

Whether you’re flying into Christchurch for a South Island road trip or looking for memorable day trips without venturing too far, the Canterbury region offers a wealth of experiences.

New Zealand is basically Mother Nature showing off. Volcanoes, glaciers, glowworms, fiords, and beaches, it’s no wonder our little islands feature on so many travellers’ bucket lists.

Whether you start in Christchurch, Nelson, or Queenstown, this 10-day itinerary lets you take in the best of the South Island, with local tips from our RaD Car Hire teams across the island to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials, from money and mobile data to accommodation options and common tourist mistakes, with a few local insights from our RaD teams located throughout the country

Exploring New Zealand’s West Coast, especially the slice between Greymouth, Hokitika, and Franz Josef, is a quintessential road trip experience packed with dramatic landscapes, quirky heritage, and iconic natural attractions.