Trip to NZ: Drive or Fly to the South Island?

A friend reached out to me recently asking if they should plan to drive or fly to the South Island.. and there isn't a short answer for that, so I decided to give you guys the inside scoop on things to take into consideration while making this decision.

How much time are you spending in New Zealand?

If you've got less than two weeks, I'd recommend flying. Although they are small islands, the drive is still pretty time consuming. From Auckland to Wellington, it's about an 8 hour journey, and aside from the Tongariro Crossing and Mount Taranaki, there are a lot of fields and small towns.

However, if you do have a little more time on your hands, driving is a nice and relaxed way to see the small things. In New Zealand, most of the scenic spots have road signs that lead you directly to them. I really enjoyed taking our time, and checking out these spots that we'd never heard of. The ferry ride is also pretty cool, when the weather is nice!

Which is more cost efficient?

It may come as a surprise to you, but flying may actually be more cost efficient.

Let's break it down.

Costs of driving: Your fuel cost will be about 200 NZD not including any detours or stops. (A rough guestimate. Driving from Auckland to Christchurch is roughly 1218km, with a car that averages 26mpg, average gas price of 1.80NZD per liter. You'd have to drive to Wellington, and take a 4 hour ferry to Picton.)

Cost of the ferry: There are two ferry companies that are fairly similar in cost and operation: Bluebridge Ferry and the Interislander. It's approximately 275 NZD one way, assuming there are two of you. Each passenger is about 65 NZD, and taking a car aboard the ferry is about 150 NZD. With this in mind, there are also some rental companies that may allow you to drop off your car on one side of the ferry, and they will have another one ready for you when you get off on the other island.

Car rentals: Some car rental agencies may charge you more for picking up in one location, and dropping off in another location.

Cost of driving from Auckland to Christchurch is 475 NZD for two people.

Flight costs: About 50 USD one-way, or 100 USD round-trip. However, Jetstar and Air New Zealand are constantly having deals for domestic flights, and I've seen flights as low as 45 USD round trip from Auckland to Christchurch.

TOTAL COST TO DRIVE TO CHRISTCHURCH: 475 NZD for two people.

TOTAL COST TO FLY TO CHRISTCHURCH: 130 NZD for two people.

Why would you want to drive?

If you have a bit more time, maybe a month or more, driving may actually be worth your while. There are some amazing places in the North Island that you may miss if you decide to fly.

My North Island Must See's: the Waitomo Glowworm Cave (or go the adventurous route and visit the Legendary Black Water Rafting Company), the Tongariro Crossing (with Mount Doom for LOTR), Hobbiton, Mount Maunganui, Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel, Geothermal Villages in Rotorua. The trip is a bit more fluid when you can start in Auckland, then continue driving south, versus making the redundant trip BACK UP to Auckland.

Additionally, you'll be able to experience the culture of New Zealand in a different way. You'll see the small farming villages, and the not-so-touristy kiwi towns.

I can't forget the ferry ride; it's actually pretty awesome! Crossing the Cook Strait and seeing the lush green isles emerging before you reach Picton is somewhat mystical. You park your car in below, and then you ride up in a spacious passenger area. They have movies onboard, and also, their cafe has pretty great hot chocolate!

To Sum It Up

If you're only in New Zealand for a short amount of time, flying is probably your best bet. You'll have more time, and it's much cheaper. Although, I have spent two and a half weeks showing my brother all of my favorite spots of New Zealand-while driving. My personal preference is to spend more time, and drive. The flow of the trip seems more relaxed, although you're a little more rushed to get to where you're going. You don't have to worry about the hustle and bustle of the airport, and all the stress that flying entails.