Boating, beaches, camping and cycling – summer weather lets us make the most of the Kiwi lifestyle. And is there anything more enjoyable than piling the family and friends into the car and heading off to find some fabulous scenery?
Here are five cars that will have you touring New Zealand in comfort, safety and style.
1. Ford Ranger
Popular and versatile, the Ford Ranger is a Kiwi road trip classic. Load it up with paddleboards or hiking gear, throw in your bags, and there’s room for you and your friends to head off on an incredible adventure.
With 3,500kg braked towing capacity, you can hook up a boat or a trailer and you’ve got everything you need – most models have a towbar as standard. You can even buy a rooftop tent to turn your Ranger into the perfect all-in-one holiday drive.
The Ford Ranger is available in a range of models, and from 2025 you’ll be able to buy a plug-in hybrid version. But if the new Ranger isn’t in your price range, there is plenty of choice on the second-hand market.
Seats: Single (two seats) or double (five seats) chassis
ANCAP rating: 5 stars on models from July 2022 onwards
Engine type: Available in a range of engine types, predominantly two and three litre diesel
Price: From $56,490 + ORC
Where to go?
The Twin Coast Discovery in Northland | This epic road trip connects the little coves, beaches and bays of Northland’s east coast and the immense dunes, wild coastline and vast, sweeping harbours out west. With distinct and spectacular scenery, driving this highway, in part or whole, is one of the best ways to experience as much of this beautiful region as possible.
- Distance: 818 kilometres
- Route: Auckland – Whangārei – Mangawhai – Bay of Islands – Cape Rēinga – Hokianga
2. Mazda MX5 RF
A convertible isn’t the most practical option for everyday driving, but if you’re on a summer road trip why not put the top down and cruise?
The Mazda MX5 has long been a popular model in Aotearoa and comes in a convertible RF version that is much more affordable than other sporty drop-tops on the market. Gorgeous to drive and beautifully designed, you can set off for a minibreak in style, tour the vineyards and soak up the sunshine.
You’ll need to leave the boogie boards at home, because this isn’t designed for storage – or kids. Instead, you’ll be travelling baggage-free in your MX-5. And if the new vehicle price is too steep for your wallet, the second-hand market will come to your rescue.
Seats: 2
ANCAP rating: 5 stars on models from September 2015 onwards
Engine type: Two litre petrol RWD
Price: $59,790 + ORC
Where to go?
The classic wine trail: Napier to Blenheim | This route not only takes you between the North and South Islands, it also includes more than 230 wineries and to 120 cellar doors, exposing you to some of the finest, most flavoursome and fabulous food and wine New Zealand has to offer.
- Distance: 483 kilometres
- Route: Napier – Martinborough – Wellington – Blenheim
3. Subaru Outback
The Outback is the quintessential station wagon – since the mid-1990s it’s been legendary for its versatility and rugged styling. This is such a classic sporty icon that it almost looks naked without roof racks. Throw the bikes on the roof or put them in the trailer, because the Outback has 2,000kg braked towing capacity. Smooth to drive, it really hugs the road, giving this model many of the advantages of an SUV with additional stability thanks to its low centre of gravity.
Choose from the Outback, Outback X or Outback Touring, or find an Outback for almost every budget on the second-hand market.
Seats: 5
ANCAP rating: 5 stars on models from May 2021 onwards
Engine type: 2.5 litre petrol
Price: From $53,490 + ORC
Where to go?
Forgotten World Highway: Taranaki | It’s rugged, rural and remote, but despite its name, you’ll definitely remember the Forgotten World Highway. Whether you begin at Taumarunui or Stratford, you’ll experience some of the finest back country the North Island has to offer. This is the land of pioneering ambition and stories of settlers’ struggles against the relentless bush.
- Distance: 149 kilometres
- Route: New Plymouth – Stratford – Whangamōmona – Taumarunui
4. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Another Kiwi favourite, we’ve been seeing RAV4s on our roads since the mid-1990s – but it’s evolved with the times and it’s now a hybrid. The Hybrid RAV4 is “more fun, less fuel” says Toyota, which is excellent when you’re touring the length and breadth of Aotearoa. You never need to recharge, and it was developed to cover distances of 1,000km or more on a single tank of fuel. That leaves you more money to spend on Trumpets and L&P on hot summer days.
The RAV4 has an updated infotainment system, fantastic safety features, and plenty of space for your family or friends. It also has 1,500kg unbraked towing capacity in case you want to hitch up a trailer.
Seats: 5
ANCAP rating: 5 stars on models from May 2019 onwards
Engine type: 2.5L AWD hybrid engine (requires petrol)
Price: From $48,590 + ORC
Where to go?
Great Alpine Highway: Christchurch to Greymouth | The Great Alpine Highway takes you across the spine of the South Island, crossing from the east coast to the west in a is a transcendent, transformational traverse. This is probably the most staggering piece of road you'll ever come across, which includes the amazing Ōtira Viaduct and Waimakariri bridge, feats of local engineering that will take you through the most remarkable scenery. Seriously: this is stunning.
- Distance: 288 kilometres
- Route: Christchurch – Canterbury Plains – Arthur’s Pass – Ōtira Viaduct – Greymouth – Punakāiki
5. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla 3 has been a huge seller in New Zealand, and no wonder. This is an innovative, high-performance vehicle with plenty of space and distinctive styling. With its 547km range^, the Model 3 should be able to travel from Marlborough to Kaikoura and back easily on a single charge. Or upgrade to the Long Range model, with a phenomenal 614km of range^.
Quiet, smooth and luxurious, the latest Model 3 has a range of new features, including an improved stereo, adjustable lighting and customisable air conditioning. It even has ventilated seats that will keep you cool on scorching hot days – exactly what you need on your Kiwi road trip this summer.
Seats: 5
ANCAP rating: 5 stars on models from August 2019 onwards
Engine type: Full electric
Price: From $92,240 + ORC
Where to go? Marlborough Sounds and Kaikoura whale-watching
Where to go?
Round trips are immensely satisfying. There’s a pleasing symmetry in ending up back where you started, a closing of the loop, a real sense of achievement. The other appeal of this particular journey is that, in a country where we celebrate our wonderful coastlines so much, and with good reason, on Highway 72 you head inland. Into the heart of, in this case, the Canterbury region.
- Distance: 474 kilometres
- Route: Christchurch – Oxford – Methven – Geraldine – Ashburton – Akaroa
Disclaimer: Please note that the content provided in this article is intended as an overview and as general information only. While care is taken to ensure the content is correct, the information provided is subject to continuous change. Please use your discretion and seek independent guidance before making any decisions based on the information provided in this article.
^ Stated range for new vehicles from manufacturer. Under real-world driving conditions this can change.