From Bach to Beach: The Best Summer Rides

Nothing says summer like driving with the top down in a convertible. It’s straight-up, unfiltered joy. You get the sun on your face, the wind in your hair, and the best soundtrack to your summer - the open road. 

Whether you want a little cruiser for the city beaches or a powerful tourer for a long haul down State Highway 1, we’ve got you covered.

Sometimes, the best places are the ones you need a proper 4x4 vehicle to reach. For those unforgettable camping spots, hidden beaches, or trekking up a dusty track to a mate’s bach, you need a vehicle that’s honest, trustworthy, and ready for anything.

Jeep and other rugged 4x4s give you the ability to pack up the whole crew, load the roof, and head for the hills, knowing your ride can handle the variable ground surfaces of New Zealand.

Let’s be real: a true summer road trip requires room for the chilly bin, the boogie boards, the kids, and enough snacks to last to the next town. We lead with the customer's perspective here: you need space, flexibility, and reliability.

While not as flashy as a convertible, a spacious SUV or late-model wagon is the backbone of the Kiwi holiday. They are helpful, practical, and allow you to focus on the memories, not the logistics. Look for seven-seater SUVs, late-model station wagons, or even a smaller people mover. You value a spacious boot, reliable engine, and comfort for those longer stretches of road.

When you need to haul the whole whānau and their luggage, these seven-seater SUVs answer the call. They give you the commanding view of the road that Kiwis love, plus enough seats to take the grandparents along for the ride.

• Hyundai Santa Fe / Kia Sorento: These twin Korean SUVs consistently top the list for a reason. They offer a winning combination of modern safety tech, flexible seating, and reliable engines. You get comfort and great value, freeing up your budget for more ice creams and camping fees.

• Toyota Highlander: An icon of the seven-seater market, the Highlander retains a comfortable, car-like drive while providing the size and elevated ground clearance you need for light off-road challenges. Toyota’s renowned reliability means fewer headaches when you’re miles from town.

• Škoda Kodiaq: The Kodiaq is a practical marvel. It features a simple, smart design and ample storage capacity (even with the third row folded flat). Straight up, it won the NZ Car of the Year award for a reason - it ticks all the boxes for a busy, outdoorsy family.

Wagons are making a comeback because they offer the boot space of an SUV with the superior road handling of a sedan. Their low centre of gravity means better grip and efficiency - perfect for winding coastal roads.

• Subaru Outback: The Outback practically invented the adventure wagon. Its famous Symmetrical AWD and roomy interior make it the go-to for families who tow the boat or camp in rougher spots. You get true capability without compromising daily comfort.

• Škoda Superb Wagon: As the name suggests, this vehicle is all about space. It boasts class-leading boot capacity (you really can fit everything in) and provides a comfortable, quiet cruising experience on long trips.

If maximum comfort and easy access are your top priorities, people movers are purpose-built to deliver. Sliding doors and higher roofs make loading kids (and gear) a breeze.

• Kia Carnival: Often called a ‘Grand Utility Vehicle’, the Carnival is stylish, roomy, and offers incredible practicality with easy fold-flat seating. You move people and cargo effortlessly, letting you concentrate on the journey.

• Honda Odyssey: A classic people mover that focuses on flexibility. It offers vast legroom for every row and a low floor, which makes getting in and out simple for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. You buy an Odyssey because you need the maximum seats and maximum comfort.