New Zealand in 7 Days: Here’s How to Do It
In New Zealand, you can drive in any direction and be greeted by stunning nature and lively cities. Choosing which destinations go on the ‘must-visit’ list can be overwhelming, but luckily this country is small enough to explore in seven days. And, when you’ve got an Ace rental car, you can zip from one scenic spot to another, without spending too much on the car, or too much time fussing around with the booking process. Let’s jump into our guide to your seven day road trip around New Zealand.
Day 1: Auckland
Touch down in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Rather than rushing off straight away, give yourself a full day to settle in, and soak up the city before diving into the countryside.
Take a walk around the Viaduct Harbour, or head up the Sky Tower for a 360° panorama of the city and its sparkling coastline. Check out the Toi o Tāmaki (Auckland Art Gallery), and if you’ve got the energy, climb Mount Eden (Maungawhau), a dormant volcanic cone with one of the best sunset views in town.
Top it off with dinner at one of the many restaurants in Ponsonby or Britomart, where you’ll find everything from New Zealand fine dining to laid-back local pubs. With your rental car ready for the morning, you're all set to hit the road feeling fresh.
Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua (via Hobbiton)
Hit the road and head toward Rotorua, stopping at Hobbiton along the way. If you’ve seen iconic movies from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, you’ll recognise this area—in fact, it’s still intact! Even if you’re not the biggest fan, you’ll love wandering around and taking in the fantastical vibes.
Once the saga is over, continue on to Rotorua—a town bubbling with geothermal activity. Expect to see steam rising from the ground, mud pools gurgling beside the road, and a distinct sulphur scent in the air. In the evening, relax in the hot pools at Polynesian Spa or visit Te Puia for a Māori cultural experience and an unbeatable view of those geysers.
Day 3: Rotorua
Now it’s time to spend a full day seeing what Rotorua has to offer. Ride the Skyline Gondola, then zoom back down on the Luge. Take a walk through Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest, or explore geothermal parks like Wai-O-Tapu and Hell’s Gate.
Rotorua is also a great place to learn about Māori culture, so if you missed a cultural experience on Day 2, this is your chance
Day 4: Rotorua to Taupō
Taupō is only a short drive from Rotorua , but there are plenty of amazing detours along the way. Stop by Huka Falls, where 220,000 litres of water crash through a narrow rock channel every second. Take a relaxed riverside walk, or if you want to take it up a notch, take a jet boat ride.
Don’t miss Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake. It’s perfect for a swim, kayak, lakefront stroll, or even a skydive.
Day 5: Taupō to Tongariro National Park
Now it’s time to take your rental car to Tongariro National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where you’ll find the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best day hikes in the world. It’s a full-day trek across volcanic terrain, emerald lakes and steaming craters—so be prepared for lots of effort but even greater rewards!
If you’re not up for the hike, don’t worry. There are shorter trails and scenic drives that still pack in plenty of epic scenery—without the epic effort.
Stay the night in the National Park Village or nearby Ohakune, and get ready for day six.
Day 6: Tongariro to Wellington
Next stop, Wellington. This city is New Zealand’s cool and compact capital, known for its artsy vibes and a food scene to match.
Check out Te Papa, the national museum, stroll the Cuba Street laneways for boutique cafes, restaurants and shops, and ride the historic Wellington Cable Car to the botanical gardens. If you’re a film buff, don’t miss Wētā Workshop, the creative studio behind many famous fantasy films
Day 7: Wellington
Before you fly out and return your hire car, spend your final day taking it easy around Wellington. Walk around aimlessly, revisit that restaurant you didn’t go to the day before, or just sit by the bay and reflect on your whirlwind journey.
New Zealand, Aced.
And there you have it! In just seven days, you can cover quite a lot of ground—from ancient landscapes to modern laneways. With an Ace by your side, you can get your booking out of the way with the click of a button, and be on your way to an adventure of a lifetime. It may be short-lived, but you’ll be back!
When you’re ready to roll, book your car here.
