The No. 1 Tip for Travelers Visiting New Zealand

Having lived in New Zealand for nearly three decades before moving to New York, I’m often asked the same questions: Is Wānaka the new Queenstown? Where are the best surf beaches? And is the 18‑hour flight from JFK actually survivable? I return home regularly to see family and friends, and each landing underscores one simple truth: You absolutely need a car.

In New York, a car is a liability, but in New Zealand, it’s your greatest luxury. It unlocks panoramic coastal roads, hidden bays, and boutique‑lined villages that reveal the country’s true character. Public transport exists, and rideshares operate in city hubs, but nothing rivals the freedom to move at your own pace and live as locals do.

In Auckland, where most international journeys begin, visitors often circle the waterfront and call it a day. Yet some of the city’s most rewarding escapes sit within an hour’s radius. Cross the Harbour Bridge for Takapuna’s coastal walk, explore the designer shops in Newmarket and Parnell, or head into Ponsonby for a velvety flat white before the city begins to stir.

If you’re in the mood for a road trip, venture north to Matakana, a region that feels Provençal with an antipodean ease, all rolling vineyards, farmers markets, and the headline draw of Te Arai Links, a world‑class golf resort set among windswept dunes. Nearby, Brick Bay is a worthwhile detour—its sculpture trail winds through native bush and hibiscus‑framed ponds before concluding with a flight of estate‑grown rosé.

To the west, Piha’s black‑sand beaches and powerful surf provide a striking counterpoint to the city’s glass towers, while Devonport on the North Shore offers heritage villas, quiet coves, and a dormant volcano you can walk up in under an hour. And for wine, beaches, and long, sun‑soaked lunches, Waiheke Island remains an easy car‑ferry away. Having a car folds these experiences into instinctive days—no rigid itineraries required.

On the South Island, that freedom proves just as essential. Queenstown’s cinematic heart—all mirrored lakes and alpine peaks—anchors a region rich with experiences. To do it right, stay at one of three truly exceptional places: Eichardt’s Private Hotel, the elegant, time-honored grande dame on the waterfront; Rosewood Matakauri, a more secluded retreat (a royal family favorite); or ROKI, a striking newcomer with sweeping lake views, impeccable cuisine, and a world-class wellness center, perfect for those who want modern luxury and bold design.

From there, the region opens outward. A short drive leads to Arrowtown, which has evolved from a gold‑rush relic into a legitimate culinary hub. Its latest star, Ayrburn, is a meticulously restored farmstead turned food‑and‑wine playground, offering creative menus and a lively, convivial atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors. Closer to town, Amisfield offers a quieter counterpoint. Its stone‑clad bistro is the spot for a leisurely “Trust the Chef” lunch and a glass of its celebrated pinot noir.

Having a car turns these postcard landscapes into lived experiences—watching the sun rise over the Remarkables, pulling over to collect Central Otago cherries along a rustic country road, and following the light as it moves across the hills. After all, New Zealand’s magic isn’t defined by landmarks or must‑see attractions, but by experiencing its rhythm of life beyond the city limits.

Living in New York taught me efficiency, but New Zealand rewards curiosity. Renting a car isn’t mere practicality; it’s the key to unlocking the country’s spirit: unhurried, full of discovery, and impossible to forget.