The Long Summer Drives Worth Doing in January
January is when New Zealand’s longer drives finally make sense.
The days are longer, the light holds late into the evening, and those routes that feel ambitious at other times of year suddenly become genuinely enjoyable. You are not racing the sun or watching the clock. You can take your time, stop often, and still arrive with daylight to spare.
This is the month for the big yes drives.
Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook
The drive from Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is one of those routes that rewards patience.
In January, it becomes a full experience rather than a mission. Lake stops along the way. Clear alpine views. Plenty of daylight to explore once you arrive rather than turning straight around.
It is the kind of drive where the journey is just as memorable as the destination and summer gives you the breathing room to enjoy both.
Queenstown to Franz Josef for a Heli Hike
This is a drive that really benefits from summer daylight.
Heading across to Franz Josef Glacier is not something most people want to rush. In January, you do not have to. You can break the drive, enjoy the changing scenery, and arrive with time to spare before a glacier experience like a heli hike.
With long days, even a big adventure still leaves room for a relaxed evening once you are there. That is what makes this trip realistic in summer rather than feeling like a push.
If a heli hike is on the wish list, you can find more details directly at https://www.franzjosefglacier.com/
Auckland to Ninety Mile Beach
Up north, January opens up drives that feel far more manageable than they look on a map.
The journey from Auckland to Ninety Mile Beach is a classic summer road trip. Long stretches of road, small towns along the way, and no pressure to squeeze everything into a tight window.
Long daylight hours mean you can stop for swims, viewpoints, and food without worrying about getting stuck driving late into the night. It turns a big drive into a proper holiday experience.
Why These Drives Work in January
These are not quick trips. They are the kind of journeys that need flexibility.
January gives you that.
More light.
More room to stop.
More margin for changing plans.
Having your own car means you can take advantage of that freedom rather than trying to fit big distances into short days.
If you are travelling this January and have one of these longer summer drives in mind, you can book directly with us at Evolve rentals and take the time to do it properly.
Some drives are only worth doing when the days are long enough to enjoy every part of them.