Road Trip vs Coach Tours in New Zealand: Which is Right for You?

A New Zealand vacation is a bucket-list dream for many adventurous globetrotters. The country’s incomparable sights include mountains, beaches, glaciers, fjords, farms, and charming cities and towns. World-class wineries and glorious vineyards await globetrotters who fancy an afternoon picnic and delicious wine tasting. 

There are basically two ways to explore the country – you can hire a car for a road trip adventure or book an escorted tour. Below are some tips to help you choose between a road trip and a New Zealand motorcoach tour if you're having trouble deciding which one is right for you! 

Road Trip through New Zealand 

Renting a car to explore the island is an excellent option for experienced drivers. You can legally drive for up to 12 months in New Zealand if you have a valid license in your home country. It's best practice to familiarize yourself with New Zealand's driving requirements before visiting, and you should be aware that drivers must keep to the left side of the road, and all distances are in kilometres.  

Pros of a Road Trip through New Zealand 

One of the main advantages of a New Zealand road trip is that you're in control. Suppose your itinerary calls for two nights in Dunedin, but you decide you need an extra day for rock climbing at Long Beach or surfing in the waters off the other spectacular Dunedin beaches once you arrive. The flexibility of road trips allow you to pursue whatever activity catches your interest.  

You’ll also get to spend more time around native New Zealanders. Eating at local restaurants is a great way to start a conversation. Be sure to try the local cuisine at Te Anau near Milford Sound if you love venison, lobster, or fresh seafood. Road trips make more sense when travelling with other family members as well, as you can accommodate everyone’s interests and often save on lodging and hotel expenses. 

Cons of a Road Trip through New Zealand 

On the other hand, road trips can be somewhat self-defeating, especially if you're unfamiliar with driving on the left side of the road. You might spend more time watching the road and reading directions than enjoying the scenery. In addition, gas and parking are notoriously expensive in New Zealand; plan to spend about $200 for every 1,000 kilometres you drive. 

First-time visitors of New Zealand typically won’t have the insight and experience to know which New Zealand attractions are worth visiting based on the length of your vacation. You also won’t have a travel guide explaining the history and significance of the places you visit. Road trips also leave you with less control over your daily expenses. Meals, lodging, admissions, and entertainment expenses vary greatly, depending on your chosen destinations and excursions. 

Coach Tours of New Zealand 

Booking a coach tour of New Zealand is an excellent option for many travellers. Before you choose a tour, find out what sightseeing options and meals are included, whether you have time for self-exploration, and what types of accommodations exist along the way. 

Pros of Coach Tours of New Zealand 

For many people, the most attractive feature of a coach bus tour is the pre-planned itinerary and the services of a knowledgeable tour guide. You’ll often have access to exclusive experiences such as a homestay with a local family, a cultural dance performance, or a behind-the-scenes tour of some New Zealand wineries. You'll also have more time to admire the scenery as you travel around the country. 

Coach bus tours are also often the best choice for single people. When you spend your vacation among the same small group of fellow travellers, making new friends and sharing experiences is easy. You’ll have no trouble finding a dinner companion or someone to explore all the tour stops with you. Your tour guide can also point you to the best restaurants and nightlife when you visit a city. 

Finally, you have more control over your costs because most of your expenses are included in the cost of the tour. You'll only need to plan for a few meals, entertainment, shopping, and other personal expenses. 

Cons of Coach Tours of New Zealand 

Of course, surrendering control to a pre-planned itinerary cramps the free-wheeling traveller. Those who could spend days exploring the Franz Josef Glacier or kayaking Lake Mapourika may be disappointed if a tour limits tier time to a brief afternoon. In general, most coach bus tours pack a lot of adventure into a short amount of time, so you’ll naturally have less time to spend at each stop along the tour.  

Final Thoughts on New Zealand Touring 

No matter which option you choose, New Zealand vacation packages offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore its incredible natural attractions, vibrant city life, history, architecture, and beautiful scenery. Why not plan your own unforgettable adventure to this South Pacific treasure?