Visiting April 2026

[Paul-427]

We are coming to NZ in April '26 and are at the planning stages of our tour of both islands. We will fly to Auckland for the north island leg then fly to Christchurch for the southern island. I have some questions that I hope someone can answer :-

1. Tomtom maps, are they any good in NZ?
2. It appears that Hobbiton and Milford Sound tours etc are already getting booked up, is that right ?
3. We are thinking of hiring a car rather than a motorhome. Is accommodation at motels and hostels likely be busy and need pre-booking or is a motorhome recommended, especially for the south island ?
4. Any difference in accommodation availability between the two islands ?

We are aware of the time needed and have allowed 10 days for the north island and 15 days for the south. We have planned a route that hits the key tourist spots so will probably be predictable by any NZ resident!!

Any info and or tips would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

[mark387mw]

Don’t underestimate the time to drive around both islands as NZ probably bigger than you expect and not many motorways the same as in UK and Europe.
Generally single lane with passing lanes. South Island not as good but I’ll leave that for the mainlanders to comment.