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A Complete 4 to 8 Weeks Self Drive Travel Itinerary around New Zealand

November 15, 2021

Table of Contents

Due to its ever-growing popularity amongst mountain and photography lovers, New Zealand is one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the World, scoring the top marks for best countries to travel and live in, in many online rankings.

After spending more than one year in New Zealand on a working holiday visa I can only agree with what is being said. Its scenery is certainly hard to beat and being relatively compact it makes for a perfect self-driving holiday destination.

Originally this was a 4 week itinerary, but after a lot of feedback and many of you asking how to extend it, I have decided to redesign it a bit and give it a much-needed update to what it is today. 

Who is this New Zealand road trip itinerary perfect for?

If you came to New Zealand for at least 4 or more weeks or you are here on a Working Holiday Visa, you can definitely take advantage of the time you’ve got and explore both the North and South Islands.

You won’t be able to see everything. I didn’t even manage to do that during the 15 months I spent here, but I used my extensive knowledge about this country and handpicked the best locations which you could visit on your road trip.

What’s the best way to travel around New Zealand long-term?

Motorhome rental

Personally, I think renting a motorhome is the best option if you are road-tripping New Zealand for an extensive amount of time.

You can also consider buying one, but you will need to give yourself enough time before and after your trip to purchase and then sell your van. 

For the best deals on campervans check the Motorhome Republic . It will save you a lot of time using their search engine. You can save quotes, look at the layouts and full specifications and compare prices and package inclusions. 

Make sure to check out my article about  everything you need to know regarding motorhome travel in New Zealand  which touches on topics such as freedom camping or what it means to have a self-contained campervan. 

Compact car rental

If you are not into camping and seek a bit more luxury you can go for a regular rental car and stay in hostels or hotels. I recommend  Discover Cars  for finding the best deals on compact car rentals.

Do bear in mind though, that New Zealand gets really busy in the summer season and it might be a good idea to book your accommodation well in advance. 

New Zealand 6-week travel itinerary part 1: North Island

This itinerary splits into two parts: 16 days on the North Island and 26 days on the South Island totaling 42 days or 6 weeks across New Zealand. Before I start I want to say that this road trip plan can easily be shortened to 4 weeks or extended to 8 weeks to fit your needs.

To extend it simply add days when visiting some destinations as there is enough to explore in each area! Do you want to shorten it? I have included a section at the end of this post with some ideas on how it can be done.

Day 1-2: Arrive in Auckland

Whilst  Auckland does have some interesting vantage points for taking photos , I wouldn’t recommend spending here longer than a day, especially if you are on a tight schedule.

Remember that you came to New Zealand to see its spectacular nature. For someone like me, coming from Europe, I found the cities in New Zealand rather dull, especially when put against its amazing landscapes! 

Starting your road trip in Auckland has another advantage. The car rental deals will be the best and the city is very well connected with the attractions I have enlisted in this itinerary. 

You can also start this itinerary in Christchurch and follow it backward. Consider this option, particularly when traveling during the autumn season. 

Day 2-5: Northland

• Distance from: Auckland to Cape Reinga: 420 km / 260 miles / 5,5 hours
• Distance from : Cape Reinga to Paihia: 213 km / 132 miles / 2h 45 min

Your first few days on this itinerary will take you up to the northernmost tip of the country:  Cape Reinga . Drive from Auckland all the way up to the top of the Peninsula where, according to the local Maori culture, the spirits of the dead enter the underworld.

It is also  the separation point between the Tasman Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east . Whilst standing by the lighthouse located at the tip of the Cape you can clearly see the two types of water clashing, creating a tidal race.

I recommend hiking the  Te Werahi beach Track  when visiting Cape Reinga. It’s one of  my favorite hikes on the North Island! 

Spend the first and second nights in Northland at the  Tapotupotu campsite  near Cape Reinga – it’s one of my favorites in New Zealand!

Bear in mind that there are no towns around Cape Reinga. The nearest – Kaitaia is located 1,5 hour’s drive away, so make sure to stock up on enough food and bring enough cash for the next couple of days. 

You can spend the third night around Paihia, where you will find plenty of campsites to choose from. 

What to See and Where to Stay in Northland

90 mile beach.

If you’ve got a 4-wheel drive rental vehicle and feel comfortable doing so you can do part of the journey to Cape Reinga driving on a 90-mile beach. Just make sure to check the tide first, because the last thing you want to do is be washed away by waves. Trust me I have seen it happen to others! 

TIP: Your rental agreement may also have a clause that won’t allow you to take your vehicle off-road so make sure to inform yourself before you go there.

Te Paki Sand Dunes

Just 20 minutes South of Cape Reinga lie the famous  Te Paki sand dunes . Rent a board for a few dollars in one of the shops along the way and spend some time hiking up the sand dunes and sliding down on your board. 

At the end of the day, you will have sand in places where sand definitely doesn’t belong, but I guarantee you, it’s going the be a load of fun!

Rarawa White Sand Beach 

Rarawa Beach is a little bit of a hidden beach. Located about an hour South of Cape Reinga, this place will transport you into a World of perfect white sand beaches and turquoise waters.

Only the water temperature will remind you that you are in fact in New Zealand and not some island in the Caribbean.  

After visiting Cape Reinga continue down to  Paihia – the gateway to the Bay of Islands . Even though they are only 3 hours apart, if you stopped in all the places which I have recommended along the way, it might take you the whole day to get here. 

Once you reach Paihia you can book a trip to the outer islands right off the coast, arrange a sea kayak tour or take part in a cruise to the  ‘hole in the rock’  located at the tip of Cape Brett. If you are lucky you may even be able to spot some dolphins.

Day 5-7: Coromandel

• Distance and driving time from Paihia to Hahei: 400 km / 250 miles / 5,5 hours 

The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most beloved places on the North Island among tourists visiting New Zealand. There are two spots in particular, which have given this place international fame. 

If you are looking at spending a couple of days exploring the Coromandel Peninsula then Hahei is a great little town for a base. 

What Not To Miss Around Coromandel

Cathedral cove.

The number one and most photogenic spot in this part of the country is Cathedral Cove. This place gets really busy so to maximize your experience hike to the Cove early in the morning.

It takes around 90 minutes to complete the whole walk, not including the time you will spend exploring.

Hot Water Beach

This natural phenomenon was only discovered recently, but it is certainly a very popular spot amongst tourists and can get very busy.

What’s the big deal you may wonder? Because of New Zealand’s geothermal activity, hot water beach is one of the few places in New Zealand, where you can dig out your own hot spring and sit in it enjoying the views of the sea.

Make sure to check the tides first. It’s only possible to dig at low tide. Once the tide comes in it washes everything away. You can rent shovels at nearby cafes for just a few bucks. Best few dollars you will ever spend! 

Day 7-8: Hobbiton, Mount Maunganui & White Island

• Distance from Hahei to Matamata:  148 km / 92 miles / 2 hours   
• Distance from Matamata to Mount Maunganui: 57 km / 35 miles / 45 minutes 

Mount Maunganui is a small part of Tauranga – a coastal city located on the Bay of Plenty, but before you get here, there is one famous place where you should stop first. 

Hobbiton Movie Set

Leave Hahei in the morning and drive towards Matamata, home of the world-famous Hobbiton movie set.

It may be the most overpriced tourist attraction in the whole of New Zealand, but if you are a Lord Of The Rings fan just as I am, then unleash your inner hobbit and splurge 80 NZ dollars for a tour around the shire!

Originally I wasn’t going to do it, but one day I found myself driving past Hobbiton and gave in. I was lucky to get the tickets on the spot, which nowadays is rather unheard of. 

Even though the place receives copious amounts of tourists each year (5000 a day in the peak season) I was still positively surprised by the tour and certainly don’t regret doing it.  

Catch the sunrise at Mount Maunganui 

Once you find yourself in Mount Maunganui – part of the bigger city of Tauranga, hike up to the top of the mountain which carries the same name. To me, this is one of  the best photography spots on the island .

There is a campground located just at the foot of the mountain close to the trailhead, which makes it easier if you decide to go up there to catch the sunrise. If you are traveling by camper van just stay there.

The whole hike takes around 1,5 hours to complete and the route is very well maintained.

The White Island Volcano 

A very popular attraction for Bay of Plenty visitors used to be a  cruise to Whakaari aka The White Island.  It is New Zealand’s most active volcano! 

Unfortunately due to the tragic eruption that occurred in 2019 , a year after my visit. An eruption that claimed the lives of many tourists and guides, the tours were shut.

Currently, the only way to see White Island is on a scenic flight tour from a safe distance.

Day 8-10: Geothermal Rotorua

• Distance from Mount Maunganui to Rotorua: 70km / 43 miles / 1 hour 

Renowned for its geothermal activity and intense egg-like sulfur smell, Rotorua is a must-see for any visitor to the North Island.

What Not To Miss Around Rotorua

Take a stroll through the whakarewarewa redwood forest.

I hope your tongue is still ok after pronouncing it. The giant Californian Redwoods are not native to New Zealand and the forest was planted here in 1901.

Since then it became a big part of the natural landscape of Rotorua and a walk through this beautiful forest definitely won’t disappoint. The hikes are only a few minutes away from the town center and are easily accessible by car.

White Water Rafting

Rotorua was the first place where I tried white water rafting and I was hooked. I could hardly contain my excitement when we were about to glide down the world-renowned 7-meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the World!

I am not going to lie, it was a bit scary, but my team all managed to stay in the raft. 

Visit Wai-O-Tapu

It’s the perfect stop on your way toward Taupo which is next on the itinerary. Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland is home to the Champagne Pool, which you have probably already seen in some pictures whilst researching information about New Zealand.

There is more to it than just the Champagne Pool though. I published a whole blog post dedicated to this place a while ago. You can  check it out here .

Tamaki Maori Village

If you want to learn a bit about the Maori history and their famous Haka dance in a fun and interactive way make sure to visit the Tamaki Maori village. I have written about the whole experience  here.

Rotorua is for the North Island, and Queenstown is for the South Island – an adventure hub. If climbing into a human-size ball and rolling down the hill is your idea of fun, try zorbing. I did and I loved it! 

After all, what’s a better place to do it than the one where it originated? 

Day 10-12: Taupo and Tongariro Crossing

• Distance from Rotorua to Taupo: 82km / 51 miles / 1 hour   

A tour around New Zealand’s North Island wouldn’t be complete if you missed  the Tongariro Crossing .

It’s the most famous day hike in New Zealand which takes you through spectacular scenery amongst 3 volcanoes: Ngauruhoe (also known as Mount Doom from Lord Of The Rings), Tongariro, and Ruapehu.

The Tongariro crossing can also be done as a circuit, called  Tongariro Northern Circuit ,  but that will take 3-4 days to complete and will require staying in alpine huts or camping. Most people settle for a 19.4 km long, day journey.  

Doing the hike will require some planning ahead. Tongariro National Park is a very remote area and the hike itself is not a loop but a one-way journey.

A lot of visitors organize a shuttle from Taupo to the start of the hike, which then picks you up at the finish line and brings you back to Taupo. If your time is limited that’s your best option.

TIP: You should bear in mind that between October and April, there is a 4-hour time restriction for private vehicles at the Mangatepopo road end – the starting point for the crossing. People wanting to do the entire hike, which takes an average of 7-8 hours, will need to use shuttle transport. 

Day 12-14: Mount Taranaki and Egmont National Park

• Distance from Taupo to New Plymouth: 277km/ 172 miles/ 3h 40 min  

Located on the West Coast of New Zealand’s North Island  Mount Taranaki  is the perfect definition of a stratovolcano. With its perfect conical shape, it could easily pass as the famous Mt Fuji in Japan.

In fact, they look so similar, that Mount Taranaki ‘played’ Mount Fuji in “The Last Samurai” movie starring Tom Cruise.

Mount Egmont National Park , surrounding the peak is a hikers’ Paradise and to me, there is no better way to explore this area than on your feet.

You can find a great selection of hikes and short walks directly on the  DOC’s website  (DOC stands for NZ’s Department of Conservation). 

TIP: When driving towards New Plymouth – the gateway to Mount Egmont National Park – spare a couple of hours to make a stop at the Three Sisters and the Elephant Rock. An impressive rock formation directly on the beach. Just make sure to plan your visit at low tide! 

What Not To Miss In Mount Egmont National Park

Pouakai crossing.

If you are looking for an alternative to Tongariro Crossing, which at times gets overcrowded,  Pouakai Crossing  is your answer.

Similar in length and time (19km/7-8 hours) this hike takes you through the best viewpoints of Mount Taranaki and some of the wildest landscapes in New Zealand.  

For those with more time on their hands, you can plan the whole circuit which takes 2-3 days to complete. I have done it myself and it was one of my favorite multi-day hikes in New Zealand! 

The Goblin Forest

This short 30-minute loop known as the Kamahi Loop Track takes you through the lush rainforest covered in fern and moss endemic to New Zealand. It’s nothing like I’ve ever seen before!

The loop starts at the Mount Egmont Visitor Centre and you can find it on the hike list I linked to earlier. 

Day 14-16: Wellington

• Distance from New Plymouth to Wellington: 352 km / 219 miles / 4h 30 min  

You’ve made it to New Zealand’s capital! There is a fair bit to do over here and I covered it in another  blog post dedicated to Wellington.

On Day 16th  catch the   ferry from Wellington to Picton  across the Cook Strait to begin the second part of your journey. If you think what you’ve seen so far was amazing, you will be soon at a loss for words when road-tripping around the South Island.

The ferry takes around 3 hours and it’s an experience in itself as you will get a first glimpse of the beautiful Marlborough Sounds viewing it from the sea. 

New Zealand 4-6 Week Itinerary Part 2: South Island

You are officially on the South Island. I hope your ferry journey to Picton, around Marlborough Sounds, was pleasant. The bad news is you are halfway through your New Zealand road trip

I know, the time flies way too fast! I hope you are having tons of fun so far. The good news is the best is yet to come so strap your seat belt on and let’s continue! 

Day 16-17: Marlborough Sounds

There are a few little towns in the vicinity which include Blenheim, Picton, and Havelock. Personally, Picton is my favorite as it’s right where you will dock when coming from the North Island,  but all 3 towns boast similar attributes and attractions.

Best things to do in Marlborough region

Explore the marlborough sounds on foot.

The official tourism site for the Marlborough region is a well of information about  short walks in this region . Make sure to take advantage of the crisp air and sunshine and pick a few walks to feed your soul. 

Go wine tasting

If you are a wine lover chances are you have heard of the Marlborough region and its famous wineries. This part of New Zealand is blessed with perfect conditions for grape cultivation and produces over 75% of New Zealand’s wine! There are  plenty of tours to choose from  for all budgets. 

Take the Queen Charlotte Scenic Drive 

The road links Picton to Havelock and it has made it onto my list of the top 10 scenic roads on the South Island of New Zealand. This 40-kilometer-long and windy drive will take you through numerous bays and viewpoints of the Marlborough sounds. You can learn more about it  here.  

Day 17-19: Abel Tasman National Park & Golden Bay

• Distance from Havelock to Takaka: 177 km / 110 miles / 2h 40 min 
• Distance from Takaka to Wharariki Beach and back: 108 km / 68 miles / 1 hour each way 

From Havelock continue towards your next destination –  the Golden Bay.

There are a few small towns where you can choose to stay for the next couple of days, the most sought-after of which is  Takaka  offering great access  to Wharariki Beach, Farewell Spit,  and  Abel Tasman National Park 

Top Things to Do Around Golden Bay and Abel Tasman National Park

Wharariki beach.

An absolute must-stop for any photography enthusiasts. The beach is a 20-minute walk away from the nearest parking lot. As you approach it, the Archway Islands right off the coast will come into your full view. This is one of my personal favorite photography spots on the South Island! 

If you happen to be here around April make sure to look out for seal pups often playing in the tidal pools. It’s a fun way to spend the afternoon observing them in their natural habitat, whilst their mums rest on the cliffs.

It’s not uncommon for the pups to approach you, but please avoid disturbing their rhythm. Keep the wildlife wild! 

Farewell Spit

Do me a favor and google the satellite images of the Farewell Spit and you will quickly notice it looks like the head of a kiwi bird. Made from fine golden sand Farewell Spit is the longest sand spit in New Zealand stretching for a whooping 26 kilometers!

It’s possible to walk on it, but you’ve got to be careful with the tides as people have become stranded before, by venturing too far out. 

Abel Tasman National Park 

If you are a fan of white sand beaches and water sports you should pay Abel Tasman National Park a visit. There is plenty of hikes you can do around here, as well as  outdoor activities such as sailing or kayaking . 

Day 19-21: Nelson Lakes National Park

• Distance from Takaka to Nelson Lakes NP: 154 km / 96 miles / 2h 20 mins 

It’s a short 2-hour and 30-minute drive back over Takaka Hill then due south to Nelson Lakes National Park. St Arnaud is a tiny town with few amenities (apart from awesome fish and chips) but its location is second to none. 

St Arnaud lies on the northern shore of Lake Rotoiti, where you can find a couple of scenic piers giving great photo opportunities. Reflecting in the lake is Mount Robert.

Don’t jump into the water though. There is quite a lot of eel swimming around right next to the piers. I found them a bit creepy. 

Nelson Lakes is a great area for nature lovers with many hikes and a few backcountry huts to choose from. There is a great DOC campsite right near the lakeshore, just make sure to pack enough bug repellent to keep those nasty sandflies at bay! 

Where To Hike Around Nelson Lakes National Park

Mount robert circuit.

Hands down the best hike in the area is the loop up Mount Robert. This 4-5 hours long but rewarding hike offers vistas of Lake Rotoiti far below. For more information on this hike head to the  DOC website.  

Lake Angelus 

Though an overnight stay in the Lake Angelus hut is recommended for anyone undertaking this track, if you are a fast-paced hiker, you can complete this 24-kilometer hike in a day. The route takes you to a beautiful and remote Lake Angelus. More info on this route is here.

Day 21-23: Arthur’s Pass National Park via Punakaiki

• Distance from St Arnaud to Punakaiki: 199 km / 123 miles / 2h 40 min
• Distance from Punakaiki to Arthur’s Pass:  139km / 86 miles / 2 h 

Just under 3 hours West of St Arnaud, Punakaiki is home to the famous Pancakes Rocks & the gateway to Paparoa National Park. 

Pancake Rocks

The Pancake Rocks are a short 20-minute walk along a set of built-in platforms and it will serve as a great stop for a break to stretch your legs before you continue. Prepare to get wet as crushing waves push through the blowholes creating a misty atmosphere all around you. 

After a stop in Punakaiki keep driving for another 2 hours to your next destination – Arthur’s Pass National Park, where high up in the mountains there’s plenty of hiking to be done and stunning landscapes to see. Here are my top tips. 

Where To Hike Around Arthur’s Pass National Park

Bealey spur track.

A moderate (5-hour return) hike which stays mainly within the bush line is a lovely day out exploring the forest. The views do get better but not right until the very end, where it comes out just below a ridgeline and offers fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and of the Waimakariri River.

The track starts 14km south of Arthurs Pass village at the end of Cloudesley Road.

Avalanche Peak 

Avalanche Peak is a difficult full-day hike that takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete. The views are so good from the summit though that this is the most popular walk in Arthur’s Pass. The Avalanche Peak track starts in the center of the village, right behind the visitor center office.

Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall

Located a short drive away from the center of the village northbound on the 73. The walk itself doesn’t take long (around an hour) and is very well maintained, but it does include a series of steps which at times can be slippery. 

Lake Pearson and Castle Hill 

If you have any extra time to spare, Lake Pearson and Castle Hill are worth a little detour. The latter location is famous for the Lord of the Rings franchise.

They are respectively 30 and 45 minutes drive away from Arthur’s Pass village but in the opposite direction to where you will be going next. Lake Pearson is particularly stunning during the autumn season when the trees at the lakeshore turn yellow. 

Day 23-25: Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers via Hokitika

• Distance from Arthur’s Pass to Hokitika Gorge*: 132km / 82 miles / 1h 45 min
• Hokitika Gorge to Franz Josef: 161 km / 100 miles / 2h 5 min

Now that you’ve been acquainted with the beautiful Southern Alps it’s time for the Glacier Country. From Arthur’s Pass Village continue your road trip west back to the coast.

Hokitika Gorge

To stretch your legs on this windy journey stop at the Hokitika Gorge and later grab lunch in the town of the same name. Fish & Chips always taste better on the coast!

Hokitika is also one of the hubs where Pounamu, a type of Greenstone, is commercially mined and skilfully crafted into beautiful pieces of jewelry and other grand sculptures.

If you’re looking to purchase a memento to remind yourself of your trip to New Zealand, maybe some Pounamu is what you’re after. After all, the South Island is called Te Wai Pounamu in Maori (The Waters of Greenstone). 

TIP: If you want to skip Hokitika Gorge, which requires a slight detour, you will take off 60km or 37 miles (an hour of driving time) from your journey between Arthur’s Pass and Franz Josef making it a total of 233 km  / 145 miles and just under 3 hours. 

Best things to do in Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers

Glacier hiking.

Franz Josef and Fox villages are homes to New Zealand’s most famous glaciers and the best way to explore the theme is by doing a Heli hike. 

Because I’ve done guided glacier hiking on one of the most impressive glaciers in the world – Perito Moreno in Patagonia, I decided to skip this activity in NZ. Ice trekking still remains one of the coolest things I’ve ever done though, so if you’ve got some money to spare go glacier hiking in New Zealand. 

You will be taken up on the glacier by a helicopter and guided through crevasses, an experience you won’t ever be able to forget.

Hike Franz Josef and Fox Glacier Valley

Apart from doing that awesome heli hike, you can also hike through both Fox and Franz Josef Valleys to the foot of the Glaciers. Both of them are just 20 min drive apart. Unfortunately, the viewpoints at the end of the hikes aren’t keeping up with the speed at which both glaciers are receding, due to global warming. 

The walk to Fox Glacier is a 2.6km (return) one-hour stroll and the hike to Franz Josef is a 5.4km (return) which should take you about 1 hour and 30 minutes. 

Admire reflections at Lake Matheson

Lake Matheson is only a few minutes’ drive away from Fox Glacier. Get up for sunrise and hike counterclockwise to the reflection island from where you can photograph New Zealand’s highest peak Mount Cook reflecting perfectly in the water. Soon you will get a chance to see it from a much closer distance, but I left the best for last.

Alex Knob Track

This 6-8 hour challenging hike takes you to the best viewpoint of the Franz Josef glacier and all that for free! If you are on a budget and don’t have a few hundred bucks to spend on a Heli hike then this is your best option to see the glacier in all its glory from high above.

Once again, the DOC website  is a great resource if you plan on doing this hike and it will tell you all about how to get there or any recent closures, which might have occurred. 

Day 25-27: Wanaka & Mount Aspiring National Park

• Distance between Franz Josef and Wanaka: 286km /178 miles/ 3h 45 min 

The drive to Wanaka over the Haast past is an eventful one. This ca 4-hour journey can easily turn into a full-day drive if you plan to stop at these great viewpoints for a break (and you should): The Blue Pools, Fantail Falls, or Lake Hawea. 

Wanaka is one of the destinations on the South Island you simply can’t skip and I have written two separate articles about  the best photography spots  and  top day hikes  in the area. 

Top Activities in Wanaka

You would be crazy not to take advantage of the many outdoor activities Wanaka has on offer. From chill, boat rides across the lake, through hiking and kayaking tours to scenic helicopter flights and even skydiving! 

Another positive is that Wanaka is still emerging as an adventure destination and a big contender to Queenstown, just less crowded.

Wanaka Scenic Helicopter Flight

I have done many scenic flights in different parts of New Zealand and I still think Wanaka and its neighboring Mount Aspiring National Park is one of the best places to do it.

Soar high above the Matukituki Valley up towards the glacier, where you will land for a mandatory photo spot. Gaze at the otherworldly landscape, with its deep blue chasms and stunning glacial caps.

Wanaka 4×4 ride to Mount Burke

Hop aboard a shuttle boat and traverse Lake Wanaka, journeying toward the head of Stevenson’s arm. Marvel at the ever-changing landscape of steep walls and majestic alpine peaks that surround you. Delve into the captivating history of this sparsely inhabited region.

Pass by Stevenson’s Island and alight at the base of Mount Burke. Here, step onto a 4×4 vehicle with your knowledgeable guide, embarking on an ascent high above the lake. If that didn’t sound appealing enough, you will get to enjoy a picnic on the mountain with some of the best views in the country.

Wanaka Self-Guide MTB Tour

Biking from Lake Hawea back to Wanaka is the ultimate bike route in this region. After renting your bike in Wanaka you will be transported to the nearby town of Hawea where you will start your ride on the serene Hawea River Track, surrounded by mountains.

This biking experience promises an unbeatable blend of scenic beauty and enjoyable moments and it was one of my favorite experiences in Wanaka. Make sure to grab an ice cream cone from Patagonia ice cream shop once you finish the ride.

Day 27-30: Queenstown & Glenorchy

• Distance from Wanaka to Queenstown: 67km / 42 miles / 1 hour  

Next on the itinerary is  t he adventure capital of the World – Queenstown. To get there take the scenic Crown Range road through the stunning Cardona Valley. There are plenty of roadside stops along the way so don’t expect to get to Queenstown within an hour even if your GPS might say so!  

Top Things to Do Around Queenstown

I lived and worked in Queenstown for 7 months during the 15 months I spent in New Zealand and I still find myself missing this place a lot! 

You can do everything here: bungy jumping, skydiving, and jetboating are some of the more sought-after  activities in Queenstown  but you don’t need to be rich to have fun here! 

There are plenty of  photo-worthy spots you can visit around Queenstown .  It’s difficult to take bad photos of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by the jagged mountain peaks! 

With all the big mountains the choice of  day hikes around Queenstown  is quite extensive. Ben Lomond and Queenstown Hill are the most popular, but make sure to jump to my other article to see the alternatives! 

If you don’t feel like hiking or adrenaline-filled activities then day trips out to Glenorchy or Arrowtown are your best bet. They are busy but nothing in comparison to Queenstown and they are filled with lots of quaint cafés. 

Day 30-32: Te Anau and Fiordland National Park

• Distance from Queenstown to Te Anau: 171 km / 106 miles / 2h 5 min
• Distance from Te Anau to Milford Sound (one way): 118 km / 73 miles / 1h 45 min

From Queenstown, it’s a long but very scenic drive to Milford Sound. If you want to break up the journey consider stopping in Te Anau for the night then drive the famous Te Anau to Milford Sound road early the next day.

There’s a multitude of road-side stops (Mirror Lakes, Eglinton, or Hollyford Valleys) and hikes on the way including Lake Marian, Key Summit (part of the  Routeburn Trek ), and the Gertrude Saddle, both being my  top hikes on the South Island.  

You simply can’t come to New Zealand without visiting a ‘Sound’ in Fiordland National Park and if you have extra time or prefer off-the-beaten-path places you should also consider seeing Doubtful Sound or Dusky Sound as well as Milford. 

Best things to do in Te Anau & Fiordland National Park

Milford sound .

Make sure to set off early from Te Anau. Around 7 AM would be my bet. I know that’s early, but trust me it will be worth it, and that way you will avoid the tour buses and have all the spots along the way to Milford Sound to yourself.

I have a whole  article dedicated to Milford Sound , where you can read about the best options for exploring the area as well as a few interesting facts about the Fjord which may surprise you. 

If you are looking for a unique way to experience Milford Sound try the  overnight cruise .

Doubtful Sound

Milford Sound is a busy place, there is no need to sugarcoat it. Even though I believe it shouldn’t be missed, there are others who simply prefer quieter places.

In this case, consider booking a trip to Doubtful Sound from Te Anau instead. Doubtful Sound is a bigger yet a lot less commercialized Fjord in the Fiordland National Park. If you have the budget for it go and do both.

IMPORTANT:  The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound does close some days during the winter due to snowfall. Always check the weather conditions with DOC first before you set off. Sometimes snow chains are also required. Make sure your rental vehicle is equipped with them before you hit the road!

TIP:  Milford Sound Lodge is the only place to stay in Milford Sound for independent travelers. Reservations can only be made directly with them. Book as far ahead as you can as the spots fill up quickly.

If you are traveling in a camper or your own camping equipment, there are a few basic DOC campgrounds along the way from Te Anau to Milford Sound as well. CamperMate will guide you to those. 

Day 32-34: Catlins Forest Park, Nugget Point, Moeraki Boulders, Dunedin

Day 32 will be a proper road trip day for you. Once you make it to the East Coast you can start your day by exploring Catlins Forest Park.

It’s still a relatively quiet corner of New Zealand, especially when put against Queenstown or Milford Sound. For that particular reason, I think you should definitely include it in your itinerary. 

What Not To Miss Between The Catlins and Moeraki

The waterfalls .

• Distance from Milford Sound to Catlins Forest Park (Mclean Falls): 327 km / 203 miles / 4h 30 min
• Distance from Catlins Forest Park (Mclean Falls) To Purakaunui Falls: 77 km / 48 miles / 1h 30 min 

There are two waterfalls in Catlins worth checking out. 

The first, and to me a more impressive waterfall, is McLean Falls (pictured above left). It’s a 20-minute walk from the trailhead to the base along a route that can be very rooty underfoot at times but nothing difficult.

The second one, the Purakaunui Falls, is a short 15-minute stroll along a well-maintained boardwalk to a multitiered fan waterfall. (Pictured above right). 

Nugget Point Lighthouse 

• Distance from Purakaunui Falls to Nugget Point: 48 km / 30 miles / 45 min

The next stop is the scenic Nugget Point Lighthouse and its famous off-shore nuggets. The walk to the lighthouse is easy and takes less than 30 minutes!

After visiting the lighthouse you can head further North towards Dunedin – the second largest city on the South Island.

Tunnel Beach and Dunedin

• Distance from Nugget Point to Tunnel Beach (Dunedin): 123 km / 76 miles / 1h 40 min

If you do decide to spend more time around Dunedin, you can visit St Clair’s Beach or Tunnel Beach. The latter in particular was my favorite in the area. I went there at sunrise and had the whole place to myself! 

People also tend to flock to the world’s steepest street, which brought Dunedin into the tourist spotlight.  Quite frankly I was a bit underwhelmed by the street and I personally think it’s just marketing doing its job. Don’t feel bad about skipping it!

Moeraki Boulders 

• Distance from Dunedin to Moeraki: 76 km / 47 miles / 1 hour

A further 1 hour north you will find the little town called Moeraki – the home of the famous globular Moeraki Boulders scattered on the beach. At roughly 5 million years old, they are an interesting formation accessible by a two-minute walk from the nearby parking lot.

They are typically most photogenic at sunrise as the beach faces east and are best viewed at low tide!  Make sure to check the tide before heading out there. During high tide, the boulders are submerged in water and the walk is not accessible!  

See the wild penguins  

A further ten-minute drive south from Moeraki will take you to the Katiki Point Lighthouse.

In the late afternoon, close to the lighthouse Yellow Eyed Penguins, a native New Zealand penguin species make their journey back from the Pacific Ocean to their homes on the hillside after a long day of fishing. 

It’s a beautiful sight when the pairs find each other and a great opportunity to learn something. 

Important! Unfortunately in recent years, due to too much human interference, fewer and fewer penguins started to appear. If you do decide to visit this point, please do not interfere with the penguin’s schedule and do not block their path just for a photo. If you see someone else doing it, make sure to gently explain to them, that what they doing is wrong. 

* Note the photo above was taken with a big telephoto lens and I was far away from the birds.  

Day 34-36: Mount Cook National Park

• Distance from Moeraki to Mount Cook: 245 km / 152 miles / 3 hours

Do you remember when I said earlier that I left the best for last? The time has finally come to visit Mount Cook National Park.

The drive from Moeraki to Mount Cook will take you at least half a day. Not because of the distance, but because of the stops. Make sure to halt along Lake Pukaki, particularly at St Peter’s Lookout.

If you are lucky to see it on a sunny day you will have a hard time believing the turquoise color of this glacier-fed lake. 

I have dedicated a whole article to  Mount Cook National Park for first-time visitors , where you will find trail guides, top activities, and my recommendations on accommodation.  

Day 36-38: Lake Tekapo

• Distance from Mount Cook to Tekapo: 105 km / 65 miles / 1h 15 min 

Take the Mount Cook Road back along the lakeshore of Lake Pukaki. Once you get to the end of it turn left on number 8 and continue for about half an hour until you get to Tekapo. 

What You Can Do Around Lake Tekapo

Star gazing.

Star gazing is generally incredible in all of New Zealand as long as you are in a dark spot away from city lights, but due to Lake Tekapo being the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s pretty awesome around here.

You can learn about astronomy through state-of-the-art interactive multimedia installations and immerse yourself in a unique experience bringing together Maori astronomy and science. All of the above is included in the Tekapo: Indoor Māori Heritage and Astronomy Experience.

The Church of the Good Shepherd

Within walking distance of the town center, The Church of the Good Shepherd is a very photogenic beautiful little chapel situated close to the shore of the lake.

Be warned though, it’s very popular so if you don’t like the crowds, I would say leave this one out and just take a walk along the shoreline. 

Lupin Flowers (seasonal)

Lake Tekapo has gained international fame thanks to this weed! Lupin flowers are simply just weeds and invasive ones too! It has made its way into the island along with other unwelcome plants brought with the white settlers. 

With that said no one can deny that Lupin flowers in bloom create fantastic scenery where everything goes into a beautiful shade of pink and purple.

It’s worth noting that the lupins are only in bloom for around 6 weeks from mid-November until the start of the new year. 

Mount John Observatory 

15 minutes uphill drive back along State Highway 8 out of town leads you toward Mount John Observatory (on the right-hand side).

Complete with night sky tours, an awesome Astro cafe, and the opportunity to look through really really big telescopes at night. Undoubtedly this is the best spot to see Lake Tekapo in all its glory. I think the photo above can speak for itself.   

Day 38-40 – Christchurch & Akaroa

• Distance from Tekapo to   Akaroa: 281 km / 175 miles / 3h 30 min
• Distance from Akaroa to Christchurch: 81km / 50 miles / 1h 15 min

Christchurch doesn’t exactly boast great fame apart from the fact that it was badly affected by the 2010 earthquake whose aftermath of can still be seen around the city center. I personally wouldn’t prioritize visiting Christchurch over other places in New Zealand.

If you are short on time don’t feel bad about skipping it altogether, if however you are a city fan spend a day scouting the city. 

I think the Akaroa Peninsula is a much nicer place where you can spend the next two days just relaxing and spending more time in nature, because you know, the last 6 weeks obviously weren’t enough! 

For some ideas on what to do in Akaroa head to the  official tourism website for the region. 

Day 40-42 – Kaikoura

• Distance from Christchurch to Kaikoura: 181 km / 112 miles / 2h 30 min

This is the last stop on your epic journey around New Zealand. I know it’s sad that the road trip is coming to an end, but If you liked New Zealand just as much as I did, then you are probably already planning a return trip.

Top Things To Do Around Kaikoura

Whale-watching .

Kaikoura – where the mountains meet the sea! This small coastal town is one of the best places in New Zealand to see resident and migratory whales transitioning between cooler and warm waters. Other wildlife includes seal colonies, pods of dolphins, and communities of seabirds. 

Whale-watching tours can be taken by boat with Whale Watch Kaikoura. You also have the option to take a scenic flight and see them from above.

Hiking  Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway

The second best to do around Kaikoura is a hike.  There are two awesome trails here offering completely different views.

The first is the  Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway.  it can be anything from 200m long to 12km long depending on how far you want to walk. The walk takes you are the Peninsula, where you can breathe the fresh ocean air whilst looking at the Seaward range behind you! 

Mt Fyffe Summit

The other hike is up Mount Fyffe.  It’s harder than the previous one, but the views are more rewarding .  In total, it’s a 5-7 hour return with over 1000m of elevation gain.

There are several viewpoints along the hike of the Seaward Kaikoura Ranges and also, a great backcountry hut, where you can spend the night if you need some time in the wilderness! 

The total distance for this New Zealand itinerary

And that’s a wrap! You just spent 6 weeks virtually driving around this beautiful country with me! Let me know what you think. If by now your love for New Zealand is at least half as strong as mine, then I recognize your trip will be a total success! 

Your last task is to decide where you want to finish your road trip.

You can either head back to Christchurch, where you will have access to an International Airport, or if you don’t want to repeat the same journey then continue north back to Picton, where you started your South Island road trip part and catch the ferry back to Wellington. The distances between the two are almost identical. 

The total distance for this itinerary (excluding the ferry crossing) is 5500 kilometers or 3420 miles.

Please bear in mind that this does not include distances such as driving around the towns etc.  You can easily add another 10% making it a total of ca 6000 kilometers or 3730 miles. 

How to shorten this itinerary to 4 weeks

I know how hard it can be on deciding which places to visit and which ones to skip. We all want to see it all, but sometimes it’s just not possible. 

I realize that some of you may not have 6 weeks to travel around New Zealand. You can either check my other itineraries in the  New Zealand Travel Guide   or  follow the tips below to turn this one into a 4-week plan. 

• Skip the Northland  at the start of the trip (it will save you 3 days) 
• From Coromandel head straight to Rotorua.  If you insist on seeing the White Island, you can still do a trip from Rotorua, as there are companies providing a shuttle to Whakatane, where the tour departs from (this will save you 2 days)  
• Skip the Golden Bay  and from Marlborough Sounds head straight to Nelson Lakes NP (2 days saved) 
• Arthur’s Pass  requires a little detour so you can cross it off as well. Although to me personally Arthur’s Pass is really worth visiting and I would only cross it off as a last resort (another 2 days saved). 
• After the visit to  Fiordland National Park,  you can go  straight to Mount Cook National Park , skipping the East Coast (3 days saved) 
• After Tekapo drive to Christchurch and finish the trip there,  crossing Kaikoura off the list  (2 days saved)  

In total, you will be able to shave off 14 days of this itinerary! 

Support my site

If you found the articles in my New Zealand Guide useful please consider supporting my work by booking hotels, rental cars, or activities through my affiliate links. The price for you stays the same and I receive a small commission. Thank you!

• Book a rental car with Discover Cars
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P.S . If you have any questions, post them in the comments below. I answer all comments personally.

26 thoughts on “A Complete 4 to 8 Weeks Self Drive Travel Itinerary around New Zealand”

Hi, great blog, a real labour of love and very helpful!

May I please ask you for some guidance on route and direction for the South Island given date of arrival, season etc etc. approx 24 day tour.

Arrival Christchurch w/c 21st Oct 2024. 11am. Probably not a good idea to drive more than around 1-2 hours upon arrival. Trying not to stay in city and not real bothered if miss out Banks Peninsula, Akaroa etc. probably want to reach some appropriate place for a 1 or 2 days stay and then start tour. Will take ferry in mid November to North island.

Thanks so much.

Hi Archie. I would recommend that you follow my 2-week itineary for the South Island which will then give you 10 days for the North Island.

Hi Marta, what a fantastic blog; I read it from start to finish! My wife and I will be doing our honeymoon to New Zealand this December 2024. However, we only have 13 days and so I was trying to pick and choose from your itinerary. Do you have any recommendations for a 13 day itinerary? Would flying from North to South Island be more feasible rather than taking the ferry? Thank you for any insight and again, what a wonderful trip plan!

Hi Kevin. Thanks for stopping by my page and for your great feedback. Yes I do have a couple 2-week itineraries one for the North and South and the other for the South Island only aimed at hikers. I would recommend that you look into those.

Hi, your itinerary is amazing, beautiful photos ! We are heading to NZ in October and will be there for 5 weeks. We are supposed to be flying into and out of Christchurch via Auckland but I am thinking, from your itinerary, to get off at Auckland and do North then South island and finish at Christchurch OR start and finish at Christchurch, doing a round trip of the south then cross to the North to do a round trip of the North then back down to CC but I would much prefer to avoid travelling the same roads if possible…Do you think the second route is feasible if we cannot start at Auckland or should we focus solely on the South? We will travel by car or camper, not decided yet!! Thanks

Hi Jon. Flying into Auckland and out of Christchurch will definitely save you some time and money. I would definitely recommend doing that. 5 weeks is enough to see both islands but you will also have to prioritize. If you do end up going in and out of Christchurch then I would recommend that you skip the North part of the North Island because that will just be way too much driving. You could also consider doing a part of your trip in a campervan and a part in a regular car. I hope that helps!

Hi Marta, thanks for the tips. We had actually talked about doing half the trip by car and half by van so which sections do you think are best for either?! Unless we can change our flights then we will have to a round trip from and back to CC, so I’m thinking to drive north first, miss out the far north like you suggested and then do the South Island to finish with a bang!

Hi Jon. You can drive from Christchurch to Picton with a stop in Kaikoura first then cross to the North Island, do a little loop around there (I would suggest visiting Mt Egmont and Tongariro National Parks + Rotorua). Drive back to Wellington, drop off the van in Wellington (you can rent and drop off cars in different locations in NZ) and rent a regular car then cross back on the ferry to the South Island and follow my itinerary for the South Island as suggested in the article finishing in Christchurch. I hope that helps!

Hi Marta, thanks so much for publishing this, it’s fantastic, just the kind of itinerary I was looking for! I am a keen hiker, and thinking of spending 6 weeks in NZ. My thought had been to start at the beginning of April and end mid May, which would mean getting to Arrowtown area near (hopefully!) the peak colour, and cheaper prices for things like van rental, but would mean getting to Milford Sound at the start of May, then working up back to Christchurch over the next couple of weeks. Would this likely result in cold, rainy weather, and be an inadvisably late finish? I would quite like seeing some snow, but gloomy rainy weather all the time, not so much, and I know hikes could start to get treacherous as it gets cold. Are many mountain hikes likely to be closed as May gets going? I camped in a campervan in the mountains of US and Canada when it got a little below zero overnight without problem, but only maybe -2 or so. What are your thoughts on doing the trip at this time?

Many thanks, Matthew

Hi Matthew. I am so glad to hear you find the itinerary useful. Now to your question. NZ is generally a country that receives a lot of rain. You never have a guarantee that you will always have good weather. I travelled the South Island at the start of May too and we had all kinds of weather conditions. There was already snow on the ground in Mt Cook. Milford Sound was beautifully sunny and autumn colours in arrowtown were beautiful. The nights can get cold, but NZ has a rather mild climate so even in winters the cold never gets too extreme. With that said it was the coldest winter I ever experiences because the house I lived in had no heating, just a fireplace, which isn’t all that uncommon. Whilst some hikes might already not be doable, the lower elevation hikes gain be done year-round. If you come prepared there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to travel at this time. I hope that helps!

This itinerary looks spectacular. I am hoping to do a four week version of it with a few friends next February/March. I like staying in one place for a few nights in a row whenever possible. Do you think that is possible with a four week itinerary, or are we going to have to move every 1-2 nights to fit it all in?

Hi Catherine. Thanks for visiting. The problem is you can’t see it all and still spend 4 days in each location if you only have 4 weeks. You can’t stretch time. If you want to see less places and still visit north and South Island then I would recommend that you look into my two week itinerary for North and South Island itinerary and Connect it with this two-week South Island itinerary (you will notice that some places on the South Island overlap in both itineraries). This will allow you to stay longer in each place (I would recommend you give yourself ca. 10 days for North Island and 18 days for South) and will cut out some of the locations that are featured in my 4-8 week itinerary. I hope that helps!

Hello Marta, Thank you for providing a detailed trip plan. We are planning to our first visit to New Zealand towards the end of September to October. Do you think the weather will be appropriate for a 4-6 week road trip during this time? We do not mind it being a little cooler as long as it’s safe for us to drive. We will certainly use your affiliate links as we book our accommodation for the trip. Thank you kindly.

Hi Kiran. Thanks for visiting. If your plan is to hike then many hikes still won’t be accessible in September due to snow so you will have to stick to lower elevation hikes. The official hiking season starts in November, but depending on the conditions it might be possible that the snow melts earlier (it’s around +/- two weeks). However I don’t know what the winter will look like this season in New Zealand so you will just have to watch the reports when it will be getting closer to your trip. Definitely start with North Island first. New Zealand is a rainy country so you have to take that under consideration. Driving will be totally fine. It hardly ever snows down to the ground level in the valleys. If it does then the snow is gone within a day. It only stays at higher elevations where it is colder. I hope that helps. Thanks for using the links!

Hi Marta, thanks fort the great article it was very helpful. I have a question regarding renting a car + staying in a tent vs campervan (solo traveler)

obviously car will be much cheaper’ but are there enough campsites suitable for tents which including kitchen + basic facilities?

Hi Ron. Thanks for visiting. I travelled this way myself when I first visited NZ and yes there are enough campsites with kitchen facilities where you can stay and cook your food etc. If you want to stay in more remote places then just bring a small camp cooker with you and a couple of camping pots and you will surive for a few days like that too. i hope that helps!

Myself and my girlfriend have used your itenary for our two week trip of the north island, and have loved all the sugestions. We have four weeks in the south island but finish in Queenstown, how would you suggest we change the itenary so that this is possible ?

Hi Hugh. I am glad to hear that. My suggestion is that after days 32-33 in the Caitlins you head to Christchurch then Kaikoura -> Tekapo -> Mt Cook and from there back to Queenstown. So basically just rearrange the order.

Thank you this is so helpful. We are starting our NZ road trip in January starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch and we will very much use your blog to help us plan our itinerary. Please could you kindly advise on how much roughly the fuel will cost to cover this length of road trip? Thank you.

Hi Erin. The fuel consumption depends on so many things, from exactly how many kilometres you plan on doing to what type of car you are renting and the style of your driving that it is difficult for me to give you an estimate. Add the kilometres together then add around 10% more to that. Then see how many litres per hundred kms your rental car consumes (usually 6-7 liters, but campervans for instance consume a lot more). Then divide the total kilometre count by 100 and multiply the outcome by the kilometre consumption. For example if you were to do 5000 kilometres that would be 5000/100 – 50 x 7 liter (if your car consumes 7liter/100km) = 350 liter multiplied by 3NZD (that’s how much approx fuel costs in NZ atm) = 1050 NZD. That’s just approximate. As I said it depends on your route etc. I hope that helps slightly 🙂

Hello Marta,

First of all many thanks for the great material for the travellers like us.

We (2 adults and a 9 months old Baby) will be visiting New Zeeland for two months in February and March. Since the temperature on February more friendly, we thought, after landing to Auckland, to drive as quick as possible to southern island and spend the February there and come back to northern island in March. Do you think that this makes sense because of the climate?

For sure our baby son won’t allow us to drive all the way from Auckland to Wellington in one single shot. If you would pick one or two spots to spend 1-2 days on that road, which places would they be?

Thanks in advance Greetings from Munich Ouz

Hi Ouz. Thanks for visiting my site and sorry for late reply. I was out on a hut to hut trek 🙂 Yes your plan makes sense although March on the South Island is still very nice (kind of like September in northern Hemisphere. As for the stops between Auckland and Wellington, Rotorua and Taupo are the two place worth stopping at.

Hi Marta, such a great plan! I was wondering which season is best suited for each island? I am coming in mid Jan, and planning to stay here for 8 months. I have heard that winter in Southland gets cold, is it better to do Northland in winter? Any recommendation would be appreciated, thanks

Hey Henry. Thanks for your great feedback. I wouldn’t recommend travelling during winter time on neither of the islands. Whilst the North Island is warmer than the south the nights can still easily drop to zero degrees and in the mountainous regions even below zero. Summer and Autumn are the best for travelling so basically from December until late April. If you plan on doing hikes stick to those places.

Hello Marta, Thank you for the detailed trip plan. I am planning my solo trip for next summer in new zealand and yours was the best I found online.Is there anyway i can purchase a PDF of the trip?

Hi Fatima. Thanks for visiting. Unfortunately, I do not have a PDF version of this, but there are ways you can turn a webpage into a pdf which you can find on google. If you loved this itinerary I would really appreciate if you used affiliate links on my site. Let me know if you have any questions!

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Disclaimer:  The locations and hikes on this website have been researched by the author and are believed to be accurate at the time of publishing. The author can take no responsibility for any unforeseen circumstances encountered along the routes. Anyone following these trails or road trip itineraries should be aware of any danger that hiking and climbing bring and understand that they are solely responsible for their safety.

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An Epic New Zealand Road Trip – Itinerary, Tips, and Planning

This is Part 1   of our 4 part series on planning the ultimate New Zealand road trip. We will cover every aspect – itinerary, accommodation, packing, driving, budgeting – of planning an unforgettable drive through the north and south islands in New Zealand:

Read Part 2 – Where to stay in New Zealand  (opens in new tab)

Read Part 3 –  Travel Fashion – What to pack for a trip in New Zealand  (opens in new tab)

Read Part 4-  How much will that Road Trip in New Zealand cost  (opens in new tab)

They say a road trip in New Zealand shouldn’t be the first one you go on because it spoils you rotten. It offers so much that any other road trip you might take in the future just leaves you hankering for more. Having driven through the length and breadth of the country, we can tell you it’s true!

I travel for images. When I think of our summer in New Zealand I think of bees buzzing over symmetrical rows of fragrant lavender, magnetic fuchsia lupins sprouting from the ground, sun-soaked beaches, hissing volcanoes and geysers spitting steam to fields full of flowers, and perfectly-preened alpine villages. It truly doesn’t get more scenic than this!

Highlights of our New Zealand road trip

Here are some things you shouldn’t miss for the world when you are in New Zealand:

• Turquoise lakes in Pukaki and Mackenzie country
• Drives and hikes around Queenstown, especially Coronet Peak and Crown Range
• Thermal wonderlands in Rotorua. Spitting volcanoes, geysers, mudbaths, and steamy fumaroles – Rotorua has it all.
• Clouds suspended over South Island’s lakes each morning
• The coffee! New Zealand is a coffee lover’s paradise. You will find great coffee everywhere, even at gas stations.
• The night sky over Lake Wanaka
• Picnics amidst sun-drenched landscapes with freshly-picked berries and Kiwi wine. We loved locally-produced Pinot Noir.

This is the route we followed while we were in New Zealand. Our day by day account will give you further details of our road trip. The official New Zealand tourism website  also has great options for hikes, day trips etc. It’s worth consulting when you’re in the area. Let’s go:

Day 1: Fly into Auckland and gear up for your road trip

Write away this day as you’ll fly into New Zealand – we flew in from Fiji to Auckland and flew out from Christchurch to Sydney. Flight connections into and out of New Zealand are very good – we always use Skyscanner to compare flight prices. The long flight is bound to leave you tired, so spend the rest of the day collecting your rental car and stocking up on groceries for your trip. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before beginning your road trip in New Zealand.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind about renting a car in New Zealand:

• Unlike Iceland , you don’t need a 4X4 for New Zealand unless you’re travelling in a large group and need a spacious vehicle. A basic car will suffice as roads are in excellent condition and all landmarks are accessible via paved roads.
• Camping is extremely popular in New Zealand and there are tons of free/affordable camping sites in the country. Most car rental providers have a number of motorhomes and campervans on offer.
• You will need to drop off your rental car at the ferry terminal in North Island before boarding a ferry to South Island. You can pick up another car at the ferry terminal on South Island. We rented an economy car with Hertz – it’s always a good idea to compare car rental prices – we suggest doing that here . We booked the car online before flying to New Zealand. We picked up our first car at Auckland Airport and dropped it at the ferry terminal on North Island. We took the ferry, crossed over to the South Island and picked up our second car at the terminal itself. The process is seamless. Our ferry was delayed by an hour but the Hertz office at Picton remained open beyond official opening hours. We dropped off the second car at Christchurch Airport before boarding our flight back home. All in all, a seamless experience with Hertz when it came to car rental.

Sleep – We got to Auckland at an unearthly hour (2.30 am), so we slept at an airport hotel. We stayed at Ibis Hotel Auckland Airport . It’s a 5 minute cab ride/15 minute walk from the arrival gates. There’s a large supermarket next door where you can stock up on groceries and snacks.

Day2: The fun begins in Auckland

Explore the city of Auckland during the day and drive to the rugged Muriwai beach in the evening. A gorgeous drive through pick-your-own farms and picturesque pastures takes one to Muriwai beach. The beach is just 40 minutes away from Auckland but its stark wild beauty stuns. It is home to an impressive colony of Gannet birds between August & March. Forces of nature are at their best and fiercest here: huge waves crash against rocks as nesting birds rest on clifftops. Muriwai’s dramatic coastline is especially stunning during sunset. Entry: Free, Parking: Free

Sleep – We stayed at a private ensuite room at Haka Lodge, Auckland City .

Day 3: Drive to Rotorua via Coromandel Peninsula

If you love your roadtrips as much as we do, then take a long-winded detour to the Coromandel Peninsula before ending up in Rotorua. Sure you’ll be on the road for 3 extra hours, but it’s worth it!

The Coromandel Peninsula, jutting out at the eastern corner of the North Island, is home to spectacular beaches and woodlands. Leave Auckland early in the morning, picnic along the way, and head to the one of Coromandel Peninsula’s famous beaches for the afternoon. We spent most of our time at Cathedral Cove, a dramatic cerulean beach framed by volcanic rocks. There is a park-and-ride facility to ferry visitors from the car park to the entrance. Entry is free and the park-and-ride ticket costs NZD 5/person. The beach is a 40 minute walk from the entrance.

You could stop at the little town of Tairua for a cup of coffee and head onwards to Rotorua. If you drive through the Coromandel Peninsula, you’ll reach Rotorua in the evening. Sleep early and get a good night’s rest after a long day on the road 🙂

Sleep – We stayed at Shula Lake House on Days 3-5, a quaint and beautiful B&B overlooking Lake Rotorua

Day 4: Explore New Zealand’s Thermal Wonderlands In Rotorua

Locals joke that you can smell Rotorua before you see it and it’s true. The town is famous for its sulphur pools and bubbling geothermal areas and you can smell the sulphur EVERYWHERE. Rotorua is the site of incredible thermal activity. Unfortunately you will have to pay entrance fee to enter all geothermal reserves in New Zealand . Unlike Iceland or Bolivia, most Geothermal Areas, especially the dramatic ones, are all charged here 🙁

But Rotorua’s geothermal areas are astounding and you shouldn’t miss them for the world. In fact, they were one of the highlights of our road trip in New Zealand . There are many options to choose from, so we chose 2 based on locals’ recommendations:

1. The aptly named Hell’s Gate is one of the most dramatic geothermal reserves we’ve ever visited. This is because the heat source is very close to the surface of the Earth here: the Earth’s crust is extremely thin in certain places here, so visitors are constantly warned not to steer off the designated paths. There are bubbling sulphurous springs, volcanic mud pools, steaming fumaroles, highly acidic Sulphur baths, a unique cooking pool, and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall. The temperature of the pools ranges from 40 degrees celsius to a whopping 145 degrees. The bubbling lava, hissing steam, inferno pools and unique mud volcanoes will have you marveling at Mother Nature.

Maori people used these naturally occurring sulphurous and acidic waters for treating aches, pains, and war wounds. Today it’s not possible to touch these formations. But if you want to get deep and dirty, it’s possible to take a dip in the adjoining mud baths at Hells Gate. The mud here is said to have healing properties, so slather away…..

2. We also visited the popular Wai-o-tapu reserve , also known as a Thermal Wonderland . Wonderland is the right word because here at Wai-o-tapu it’s possible to see some incredibly colourful manifestations of thermal activity – entire pools of orange, green, and yellow lie next to steaming geysers and dreamy white terraces. These unique natural formations left us completely gobsmacked. I couldn’t get enough of the Artist’s Pallette, a large pool deftly coloured in shades of blue, green, yellow, and orange by naturally-occurring minerals . The intensity of the colours keeps changing according to water levels, the direction of the wind, and sunlight, so I found it hard to tear myself away from it.

The adjoining Champagne Pool is no less dramatic. Greens, oranges, and metallic outline the pool and complement the bubbling CO2 : the result is a surreal formation that seems to have walked right out of a postcard. Then there is Devil’s Bath, a cloudy green lake, that keeps changing colour with the wear. One thing’s for sure – you, like us, won’t forget your visit to Wai-o-tapu for a long long time

Top Tip : Wear sturdy shoes to explore geo-thermal areas and go early to avoid crowds. We reached Hell’s Gate at 9.00 am and almost had the entire reserve to ourselves.

Day 5: Enjoy Rotorua’s Free Attractions and relax at a spa

Fortunately there is also plenty of free stuff to be enjoyed in Rotorua. Drive by Ohinemutu to see a modern day Maori Village for yourself. This isn’t a cultural attraction perse, so it’s a good way to peak into the real lives of Maori locals in 21 st century New Zealand. Kuirau Park has some sulphur activity and it’s free to witness : however it is nowhere near as dramatic as the geothermal activity in the paid parks.

We recommend spending the better part of the day driving along Lake Rotorua, the famed Blue and Green Lakes, and Lake Tarawera . Picnic by the banks of the Blue Lake and spend the rest of the afternoon walking around the absolutely dreamy Redwood Forest . The Redwoods are home to tall trees and boast of dozens of walking trails.

Spend the evening at one of Rotorua’s famed thermal pools. We spent it at Polynesian Spa , which is a bit of a legend in Rotorua. It is home to naturally acidic waters, said to vanish aches and pains. Local rugby players are said to swear by these hot pools. It also boasts of alkaline pools with antiseptic properties – according to local legend, this water is the elixir for ageless beauty! We don’t know about the veracity of those claims, but a dip in Rotorua’s thermal spring water did leave us invigorated. Polynesian Spa has a variety of pools – we rented one of their tiny private pools, at quite a reasonable rate (NZD 27/person for 30 minutes).

Day 6 The Thermal Explorer Highway and Taupo

It’s time to leave your hotel in Rotorua and get back to the road. However New Zealand’s geothermal areas don’t end with Rotorua – geysers, mudpools, hot springs continue along the route known as The Thermal Explorer Highway.

Evidence of volcanic activity and sulphur springs is everywhere to be seen. Drive down to the bustling town of Taupo via the Waireki Terraces . The chalky silica terraces, surrounding bright blue pools of bubbling water, are one of the most unique things you’ll see in New Zealand. The complex also has some rather beautiful thermal pools but we skipped them as we’d had our fair share of soaking in thermal pools in Rotorua. Entry to the the terrace walkway costs NZD 12.50 and there’s an additional charge for using the pools.

Instead of the thermal pools, we chose to spend our evening at Huka Falls . There are various scenic points overlooking the falls and there is a pleasant 1 hour walk around the falls if you’re craving some activity. Both entry to the falls and parking are free

Sleep : We slept in a private room at Haka Lodge, Taupo on days 6&7

Day 7: Explore Taupo

Lake Taupo (toe-paw) was formed thousands of years ago by a volcanic eruption. Its volcanic character ensures a proliferation of steaming mud pools, silica terraces, and thermal valleys. The Lake itself is the focal point of all activity: its shores are lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars. We were in Taupo on a dreary grey day, so we spent it lazing on the shores of the lake, enjoying a languorous lunch in the town, and devouring one too many cups of coffee at Ozone Coffee Roasters (highly recommended).

In case you’re in the mood for something more adventurous, Taupo is the getaway for a gorgeous 17 km hike to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing . We didn’t get a chance to go on the hike but heard great things about it from fellow travellers.

Day 8: Interislander Ferry Terminal via Wellington

This was a long day that took us through some of the most scenic panoramas on the North Island of New Zealand. Taupo’s volcanic environs give way to a sensational stretch of highway through a desert, which in turn swiftly gives way to fields of flowers and vineyards, with towering mountains on the horizon. This part of the drive through the North Island of New Zealand is sure to cast a spell on the most skeptical of tourists – sunlight spills over through the windows as the car glides through villages dotted with picture-perfect cottages, orchards laden with fruit, and bright purple flowers billowing in the wind.

Plan your route for the day depending on the schedule of the ferry that will take you to the South Island. We booked an afternoon ferry with Interislander – we left Taupo early in the morning and had a gorgeous brunch in Wellington, walked around and finally reached the ferry terminal by 1 pm, dropped our rental car, and checked in our bags. If you’ve booked a rental car with international providers such as Hertz then you will have to drop the car off and pick another vehicle on the South Island.

Our ferry was delayed a bit. Don’t think of the ferry crossing as a mere commute – the Interislander ferry passes through the scenic Cook Strait and there are great vistas on offer. There’s wifi on board, so I spent a bit of time indoors. Needless to say, Vid was on the deck clicking photos throughout the 3 hour ferry ride. Urgh photographers 😉

Top Tip : Have a leisure lunch at a winery in Hawke’s Bay on this day. If you don’t want to splurge at a winery in Hawke’s Bay or find a restaurant in Wellington, pack a picnic because there are plenty of opportunities along the way.

Sleep : We slept at at a ‘luxury’ apartment in Picton, but it was quite a let down, so we can’t recommend it. But we would recommend spending this night in Picton (search for accommodation here ), where the ferry pulls up, instead of driving onto Kaikoura.

Day 9: Whale watching and hiking in Kaikoura

Kaikoura is THE place to go whale watching on your road trip in New Zealand. We were there on a day when the probability of spotting whales was low and most tours were cancelled, so we had to give it a miss. Oh well!!

Instead we went for a long rambly walk on the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway – the well-maintained walkway traverses the cliffs of Kaikoura and offers stunning views of the Kaikoura Peninsula. There’s a colony of seals, rare birds (sparrows, titis, albatrosses) and plenty of flora along the way to keep you occupied. Golden fields overlook the azure ocean, ensuring an invigorating experience. We were there on a grey, dreary day and still loved it. I can imagine it being absolutely spectacular on a clear day. Parking and entry to the walkway is free. The entire walk takes around 3 hours but you can turn back anytime. Take your camera, water, and raincoat.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite and made your way back to the car park, head to town to sample Kaikoura’s fresh seafood. There are plenty of restaurants in town but Kaikoura Seafood BBQ seems to the most popular. The take-away has been featured in Lonely Planet and locals love it too.

Top Tip : Don’t book your whale watching tour in advance. Kaikoura’s weather is notorious and tours get cancelled at the last minute quite frequently. It’s best to enquire about whale-watching conditions once you are there and then book a tour.

Sleep : We slept at Brook House B&B for the night.

Days 10 & 11 –Arthur’s Pass National Park (New Zealand You BEAUTY!!)

This part of South Island is where the fun truly begins for any road trip enthusiast. We have no qualms in admitting we enjoyed the scenery of South Island much more than North Island. As far as drives are concerned, this is the stretch where the magic begins . The drive along the Great Alpine Highway is sensational – clouds suspended over mountains and lakes dilly dally with daisies and lupins.

You will cross Castle Hill , where Maori and European settlers cleared the forest centuries ago. The huge limestone boulders are said to have provided shelter for Maoris. The boulders are unmissable and definitely worthy of a stop. Castle Hill, home to one of the most scenic public toilets in the whole wide world. If it seems familiar, it’s because portions of ‘Chronicles of Narnia’ were shot here .

Arthur’s Pass, nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, is the highest pass across the Southern Alps. It will definitely be one of the most scenic places you will see on your road trip through New Zealand. Arthur’s Pass Village, an alpine village surrounded by forests and mountains on all sides. Just 5 minutes from the village is the spectacular Bealey Valley . You’ll find glacier views, entire fields full of flowers, stunning drives, and forests in the area. It offers a lot of hiking and photography opportunities and we stayed in a rustic cabin overlooking the valley.

We spent the afternoon walking to the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls . The return loop takes about 1 hour. If you want something shorter and less strenuous, try the Millennium Walk :This walks takes you over a little stone bridge where you can see Avalanche Creek Waterfall. If you want something longer, look up the stunning Bealey Spur Walk.

Sleep: We slept at The Bealey Hotel – they’re comfortable (not luxurious) and the location is exceptional.

Day 12 – Wanaka via Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, and Franz Jozef Glacier

It’s hard to get enough of the pristine Alpine beauty of this area of New Zealand. Barren river beds, glacial valleys, New Zealand’s characteristic purple lupins swaying in the wind, daisies peeking out of rugged cliffs, and gorgeous villages populated with colourful cottages along the way. This is where the drive becomes truly special. Stop for a picnic and take a short helicopter tour and hike at Franz Jozef Glacier . The drive to Wanaka through Lake Matheson, Fox Glacier, and Franz Jozef Glacier is a long and tiring one – you might consider breaking it and spending a night around Fox Glacier.

Sleep : We slept in a private ensuite room at Base Wanaka for 2 nights in Wanaka. It was rather busy and noisy, so if you’d prefer some peace and quiet, we’d suggest looking at some other options for Wanaka

Day 13 – Explore Wanaka

After the long drive on Day 12, it’s best to relax on this day. However if you’re feeling active (and we were!), opt for a short trek to the  Diamond Lake lookout  or Lake Hawea lookout. We chose for the former. The Diamond Lake circuit is just 45 minutes long but you can continue onto the Wanaka lookout point. We went all the way upto the Wanaka lookout and the entire circuit took about 2 hours.

Wanaka is a compact town and it’s easy to explore on foot. Spend a leisurely morning walking along the lake – you could also go kayaking or sunbathe on the shores. Try the scrumptious coffee and ice-cream at Patagonia Chocolates. Make sure you grab an afternoon nap because we recommend going star-gazing at night . The night-sky at Lake Wanaka on a clear day is mesmerising – in fact, we’ve never seen so many stars even when we were deep in the Bolivian Wilderness

Day 14 – Drive to Queenstown

Queenstown is a short drive from Wanaka but it’s one that takes ages. That’s because you will feel compelled to stop and take photos every 2 minutes. There are 2 ways to get to Queenstown but make sure you take the Crown Range route to Queenstown –  this is the highest main road in New Zealand and it’s a beautiful drive. There are plenty of lookout points as you drive through New Zealand’s Lake District. This drive offers a bit of everything – glistening lakes, ice-capped peaks, and stunning roads. Try to spot keas (mountain parrots) and enjoy the journey – it truly doesn’t get better than this.  You’ll also pass Cardrona, a small township where you can stop for coffee.

Sleep : We slept at Lake’s End Lodge for 4 nights in Kingston, close to Queenstown. However, this place has now closed (during the pandemic). However, there is no dearth of accommodation options in and around Queenstown

Day 15: Explore Queenstown

Choose lake-side accommodation and you could wake upto clouds suspended over Lake Wakatipu. Spend a leisurely day exploring everything that Queenstown has to offer: drives, picnicking in the countryside, and panoramic points of view. Queenstown is so picturesque, it will definitely leave you gobsmacked! If you’re into adventure sports, Queenstown is also extremely popular for bungee jumping and sky diving.

If there’s one thing you need to do see in and around Queenstown, it’s Glenorchy. I know I said that drives don’t get better than Wanaka-Queenstown  –  I lied! The 40 minute drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy  is probably the most scenic drive you’ll ever experience . No wonder then, there’s a place called Paradise just up the road from Glenorchy. A number of movies including The Lord of The Rings and Wolverine have been shot here – one look at the grand landscapes and you’ll know why!! On your way back from Glenorchy to Queenstown, take a li’l detour on a gravel road for Lake Moke . It’s a perfectly secluded picnic spot – we loved it!

Day 16: Milford Sound 

Help me, I’m running out of superlatives here! Leave your hotel in Queenstown early for a drive to the heart of New Zealand’s Fjordland on Day 16. Milford Sound was referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World by Rudyard Kipling, so we had high expectations from it. As with everything else in New Zealand, it delivered!!

The drive to Milford Sound is a long and scenic one. Make sure you stop at the reflective Mirror Lake to stretch your legs. Grab some snacks and get your fuel tank topped up at Te Anau because there are no gas stations or supermarkets between Te Anau and Milford Sound.

You’ll start spotting hand rugged cliffs as you inch closer to Milford Sound. Once there, Mitre Peak, the distinctive mountain you’ll spot on most postcards, will greet you. That’s the cue to look around and absorb jaw-dropping 360 ° views of New Zealand’s Fjordland. The views multiply manifold as you hop on a short cruise at Milford Sound. We took an afternoon cruise with Cruise Milford , which allowed us to get up close and personal with waterfalls, rainbows, sea-lions, and the gorgeous scenery at Milford Sound. The landscape here reminded both of us of the  Norwegian Fjords .

Optional : We’ve spent a lot of time exploring fjords in Scandinavia, so we opted for a short afternoon cruise at Milford Sound. However if this is your first time exploring Fjords or they simply fascinate you to no end, you could opt for a long multi-day trip to Doubtful Sound.

Day 17: Otago’s wineries & scenic drives in New Zealand

Now that you’ve had your fair share of glistening crystal lakes and craggy peaks, it’s time to enjoy the finer things in life. Spend the morning exploring Otago’s wineries . Book a wine-tasting tour or simply drop by a winery (Amisfield and Mt. Difficulty are two of the most popular options!) for a leisurely lunch. Sample some wines as you go along. If wines aren’t your thing, walk up Queenstown Hill or take the Skyline Gondola for stunning views of Queenstown.

Spend the evening in Arrowtown , a historic gold mining town. Take Gorge road from Queenstown towards Arrowtown  and go up Coronet Peak for some incredible views . Once you’re in Arrowtown, just walk around the charming historic settlement full of vintage candy shops, restored cottages, and restaurants. You could also explore gold-mining sites or the Chinese settlement by the river before you grab dinner in Arrowtown. End your stay in Queenstown with a spot of star-gazing – you can spot the elusive Milky Way on most clear nights.

Optional : Spend two days in Dunedin to see yellow penguins and visit the Otago Peninsula for the Albatross Colony.

Day 18: Drive to Christchurch via Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo

After 4 nights in Queenstown, it’s time to leave it and drive onward to Mt. Cook National Park, famous for its flora. The drive will take you through Lake Hayes, perfectly-manicured vineyards and wineries in Gibbston, and fruit farms and orchards in Cromwell. Spend the afternoon exploring the unmitigatedly turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki (check out this short video we recorded at Lake Pukaki ). This entire area is overrun by bright purple lupins in the summer and it will cast a spell on you! Spend the entire day exploring the flora of Mackenzie and Canterbury and driving through Mount Cook National Park. Check into your hotel in Christchurch at night.

Optional : If you have an extra day or two spend it in a hotel near Lake Tekapo. The night skies here are legendary because it is a part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 19: Snooze in Christchurch

I’ll be honest. 4000 kms and so many new places later, we just wanted to sleep in Christchurch. We ventured out only to sample some amazing coffee at Pure Café and grab some eats.  We spent a lazy afternoon walking through Hagley Park, observing tourists punting on the Avon, and acquainting ourselves with dozens of varieties of roses at Central Rose Garden. If you are craving another jam-packed day, there is no dearth of things to do and see in Christchurch.

Sleep : We slept in a spacious serviced apartment at All Stars Inn Bealey Quarter in Christchurch

Day 20: Fly back to your home country

20 days and 4000 kms later, it’s time to fly back home. We’re sure you’ll spend the flight back home dreaming of crystal lakes that act as mirrors to surrounding glaciers, winding roads that hide secret lookouts, romantic long-winded walks, countryside lodges laden dripping with flowers, and New Zealand’s night skies that you experienced on your epic road trip. We don’t blame you one bit! 🙂

Here’s a short video of all the fun we had driving in New Zealand 🙂

Has our New Zealand road trip itinerary convinced you to book your flights to this breathtakingly gorgeous corner of the world? If you need more convincing, have a look at all our New Zealand posts .

Read about all our favourite road trips from around the world 🙂

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308 thoughts on “ an epic new zealand road trip – itinerary, tips, and planning ”.

FABULOUS photos and itinerary! Couldn’t agree with it more. Rather than staying in PIcton, we chose to stay in Mapua about two hours away from the port, but it was amaaaazing. We stayed at a place called “Kissing Gate” and glamped with vintage caravans. If you’re interested, check it out here: http://thefivefoottraveler.com/not-kissing-at-the-kissing-gate/

Great tip Sarah – we chose Picton because we were knackered after the ferry ride and didn’t want to drive at all. Kissing Gate sounds good 😀

Thanks for the recommendation Sarah. It was a delight to have you stay at Kissing Gate (www.thegates.co.nz). We have been humbled by TripAdvisor’s profiling of our unique glamping site in the world’s top 14 most awesome glamping sites. Yes, the drive from Picton is well worth it, especially as Kissing Gate (and Copper Gate and Corru Gate!) are nestled on 7 acres with tame sheep and organic orchards and is strategically located between Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park. We spent a lot of time travelling through India and love reciprocating the kind hospitality we encountered.

A beautiful reminder why I believe New Zealand is the most spectacular place on earth. Seriously, these photos are beyond words.

Thanks Leah – you’re absolutely right! We really enjoyed New Zealand and Vid spent most of his time photographing the country 😉 PS You should hop over to Iceland when you get a chance – think you’ll enjoy it! It’s very similar to NZ just more rugged and handsome

Stunning photographs. I am traveling to NZ next week and wanted to know what else can we do near Christchurch? I am driving to Mount Cook from Christchurch, staying a day and then coming back. Any other suggestions?

Looking at your photographs, I must say I can’t wait to be there 🙂

Thanks Jayesh. Have fun in New Zealand. Mt. Cook is gorgeous. You could also drive to Arthur’s Pass National Park Jayesh. Alternatively Waipara has some really good wineries 🙂

If you’re looking for things to do near Christchurch you could try Akaroa, Governor’s Bay, Hamner Springs or Kaikoura. All of those can be done in a day or easy overnight from Christchurch.

Hi…. Super clicks… All the pictures are lovely….

may i know during ehich month u visited New Zealand? I am planning to visit in February? Is it a good time?

Thanks Dhaval.

Thanks! We did our New Zealand road trip in the month of February 🙂

These photographs looks like a heaven on earth. We are planning to visit NZ in January. Since we have a friends staying in Auckland. Would be staying there for 3-4 nights and then would be moving towards South. So can you suggest places near by to Auckland tht can be discovered. Rotoura and coromandel can they be covered while staying in Auckland?

We have already mentioned some places around Auckland that are worth visiting 🙂 Yes, you can do coromandel and Rotorua from Auckland although it might make sense to spend time in Rotorua on your way down south to avoid the journey back to Auckland

Loved your detailed itinerary and of course the lovely pictures. I know it is not a fair question to ask, but how does this compare to your Iceland road trip in terms of wow factor?

Hey Rekha We’d say Iceland and South Island, NZ are at par with each other. Both have grand panoramas and stunning landscapes. However Iceland is more rugged and there’s always a sense of discovery involved while traveling in Iceland. NZ seems a tad preened and prettier in comparison. It’s a hard choice 🙂

these photos seem totally heavenly !!! what views !!! vid is undoubtedly the bestest (spare the error ;)) photographer !!!! just cant believe all the photos are real !!! totally ethereal guys !!! the outfits are perfect and so is the post !!! 😀

Thanks a million Kushagr 🙂 So glad you enjoyed it. It took ages to put it together but ’tis all worth it

definitely guys !!! it must have surely did !!! but yes hard work does pay off !!

Wow! The pics are so stunning. I am already in love with NZ. Vid, your photography has improved by multitudes. And Savi.. sweetie you are as gorgeous as ever!

Aww thanks a million Surabhi 🙂 Vid spends loads of time honing his photography skills, so I must make him read your comment

Those are probably the best views of NZ, collected all in one place:) Was following your trip on Instagram, you’re such an amazing and inspiring travelers. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience:)

Ksenia, thestylejungle.ru

Thank you so much 🙂 Happy to hear that you enjoyed the photos from our New Zealand road trip!

This is a fantastic post guys! I’m a Kiwi so it’s always interesting to me to see what tourists get up to when they’re visiting. Your itinerary was packed but great. And your photos…. just wow! Especially all those night sky shots. You’ve got me wanting to do more exploring here in my own backyard.

Thanks Bethaney – always love hearing from you 🙂 We had an absolutely great time in NZ – such a gorgeous country

Hey guys, love both your Nz n Sa road trip itinerary.

Which done do you think is more scenic ?

Hey Randhir – we’d say New Zealand is more scenic of the two. South Africa is more adventurous 😀

Great photos! And more greatness on the write-up!! Plan a trip to NZ in the near future.

Thanks a lot 🙂

I was so amazed with your photo really beautiful I could feel the happiness if only from the pictures trimakasih , I’m from Indonesia Did you ever to my country here many beautiful places I want you come to my country to take lots of pictures to post in this blog..

Thanks Fuad – Indonesia is stunning. We’ve spend a long long time in Bali and we love it 😀

ohk ..is New zealand more scenic than iceland too ?

The reason I’m asking is coz I want to take off on the most scenic road trip next year.

Hey Randhir – both countries are extremely scenic. New Zealand is prettier while Iceland is more rugged.

Hi! This looks like a great itinerary. If you could do it again – was there anything you would alter or change or do differently? Did you feel you had enough time? Thanks so much in advance for sharing your beautiful photos and travel ideas 🙂

We didn’t feel rushed at all and felt like we did justice to the places we visited without feeling rushed. Of course, if logistics allowed we’d spend 6 weeks but then reality kicks in 😉

Hi Savi & Vid,

Would like to know which month did you travel to New Zealand. Is it good to travel in August?

Thank you😊 Saritha

We went road tripping in New Zealand in February. Not quite sure about August – we believe it will be cold 🙂

New Zealand or South Africa for me in 2017, since 2016 is done ! Difficult choice ! You guys just made it all the more difficult with all these pictures.

That’s a hard choice indeed – you’ll love whichever one you choose. Do send us photos from your trip in 2017 🙂

I live in Australia and have been to NZ once. Your itinerary just makes me want to go there again. What an incredible holiday it seems you had, amazing photographs by Vid and very well described by Savi. Just 1 question if I were to do South Island separately would 10 days be sufficient?

Thanks a million Deep – yep 10 days are perfect for exploring South Island 🙂

That’s an awesome journey and chronicled so nicely! One can actually feel the excitement that you guys experienced. It really seems like a road trip is THE way to explore NZ.

I’m planning to visit NZ mid-October this year, but I only have 10 days plan, so obviously I’m now confused as to where to explore given so many places that you’ve mentioned here. I have planned my North Island trip (4 days), but it’s getting difficult to pick places in the remaining 5 in South Island. Could you suggest me the top places to go to? Also, does Hertz charge you again for the car hire once you drop-off your car at North Island and pick-up again in South Island? Or do they only continue to charge the per day rentals?

Hey Tanmay – you should head straight to South Island and spend the 10 days you have exploring just the South Island. You’ll love it.

Hertz doesn’t charge for dropping off at North Island at Wellington/picking-up in South Island at Picton. However when you’re booking the car just choose a one way rental from Auckland to Christchurch.

Love your blog and especially the photos!

I was wondering what route you would recommend to a fellow British person who only has a week to spend in New Zealand and has never been there?

Thanks Shivani – we’d suggest heading straight to South Island and spending your week there Shivani 🙂

Hi Savi & Vid! Love your blog and your experience in New Zealand is inspiring us to take our next vacation there. While December to February is the popular season, is October or November also a good time to go there hoping none of the places are closed.

Hey Prerit – October & November are great months to visit NZ. You’ll get there before the tourist hordes hit the main attractions, which is always a good thing 🙂

Thanks a ton for the detailed info. very very helpful when planning the trip.

Glad you found it helpful Krishna 🙂

For navigation and directions, did you guys rent a GPS from the rental care company? Paid for data to use google maps? could you please share the option you chose and the cost.

Hey Krishna – We chose neither. We used an offline navigation app called maps.me which we use for most of our roadtrips. It’s free and super convenient. You can read about it here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/everything/5-favourite-travel-apps

Thank you so much for an detailed explanation. I am getting married in Jan and thanks, thanks to you both, I am daring to go on my honeymoon trip without any tours and travels but on my own as I love Driving. I am looking to spend 7-10 days, so as you folks suggested in some comments, will directly head to South. Can you please let me know what do you think I will miss the most if I do NOT travel to North ?

Looking forward to hear from you and trust me, reading your post has increased by excitement level to optimum

Hey Rohit – that’s awesome. Send us photos from NZ. You won’t regret doing the self-drive trip instead of a guided tour. If you have 7-10 days exploring only South Island makes sense. The highlights of North Island, which you’ll miss are the thermal springs and limestone formations in Rotorua.

Thanks Savi Vid for your response. 1 more input please. I am almost set up with my plan except the one below. What would you suggest between these 2 options for 3 days and why ? Remaining 7 days, I have planned for South New Zealand and that looks fine for me

1. India to Christchurh. Christchurch, Arthur pass, castle hill, great alpine highway, bealey valley and remaining time in south 2. India to Auckland. Auckland + Rotoura. Then fly from Rotoura to Christchurch and remaining 7 days in South

This is the only part of my planning left. Appreciate your help here

Regards, Rohit

Hey Rohit – it really depends on your personal preferences but if you have 10 days, we’d suggest flying to Christchurch and spending them all on the South Island 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid,

I really enjoyed your trip report. Would you recommend doing both the north and south if I have about 2 weeks? I was hopeful to visit Sydney for NYE prior to NZ, so probably have a total of 18 nights. Thanks!

Hey Melanie – we visited Sydney for NYE prior to our roadtrip in NZ too 🙂 Sure if you have 18 nights, do explore both North and South Island. If you like to take it slow and easy, then stick to just the South Island

Hey guys ! I love reading your blog and it has definitely helped me out in planning my trips especially the german alpine road trip. It was amazing as you said it was. I didnt even know it existed until I read your blog. I am now planning a new zealand road trip and naturally my point of reference was your blog first( I remember reading about it earlier) then I’d google everything else. But I’ve noticed that every single pictures has an ad which pops up. It can get a little bit annoying when the add pops up and I have to cancel it every single time. I love looking at the pictures you take (you guys do take some amazing pictures), is there any other way around this ? Or is this how the blog will be like from now on ? Not trying to sound negative or anything like that, just wondering. I don’t own a blog so I don’t know how it all works. Thanks guys 🙂

Thanks a ton for informing us about this. We don’t mind at all – in fact we really appreciate the feedback. We actually run minimal ads on our website, so will definitely look into why this is happening and address it asap 🙂 So happy to hear that you enjoyed our post on Bavaria and made it there. Yay

Yes we (took my parents too) did enjoy the german alpine trip. It was the highlight of our Europe trip. So many other blogs do not have as much detail/information as yours. If the ad stuff enables you guys to upkeep this blog and continue doing what you guys are doing, then so be it. 🙂 I will just cancel out the ads to see the full picture. Keep travelling and passing on those detailed information and amazing pictures. That is why we all love reading your blog 🙂 Oh and Im originally from Malaysia but have called Australia home for the last 12 years; if you do get the chance to go back to Malaysia, go to Penang ! Its got an amazing food scene, georgetown especially but check out the whole island 🙂

Thanks a ton for your note Rosh – we’ve taken care of the intrusive ads now. Would love to be able to visit Penang soon 🙂

Hi guys am planning a self drive trip nz trip with my kids aged 7 n 3 ..need your help in planning my trip..i have gone through your itenery n liked it a lot..

Hey Bhavik – we wrote all our tips and suggestions in the 4 articles. Do read all 4 while planning your road trip in New Zealand

First of all congratulations on such an amazing job with the blog! We were planning our trip to New Zealand when we started following your blog. The blog was extremely helpful and it helped us plan our trip perfectly. Thanks to you we got a lot of information on what to do and what not to do.

New Zealand was amazing and I loved it! Thanks a lot for everything!

Hey Gargi – we’re SO happy to hear that our Guide to a roadtrip in New Zealand was helpful for you. Do send us photos from your roadtrip – we’d love to share them with our readers on Facebook and tag you 🙂

Thanks for such a detailed itenary. THis really helped us in planning our New Zealand trip. We just returned from our two week road trip in NZ. We had a really packed itenary as we could take only 2 weeks off, but it was totally worth it. I couldn’t find the ozone coffee roasters that you guys mentioned in your post :(. I am a coffee lover and I was in love with New Zealand coffee.

I love your blogs and bruised passport has become quite a household word between me and my husvand. Thank you once again for being such a great inspiration.

Hey Athira,

So happy to hear that you had a great time in NZ – it’s a gorgeous place, isn’t it? 🙂

Do share your photos with us – we’d like to share them with the Bruised Passports family!

I live in New Zealand and have missed a couple of things. Gosh you guys are incredible. Can never get enough. Following your instinct and taking the leap of faith is not everyone’s cup of tea and doing it like this is another deal altogether. More success and adventure to you both <3

Its Disha… Damn autocorrect lol

Thanks a million for all the love Disha 🙂 So happy you spotted a couple of new places in our itinerary of New Zealand

Hi Guys…lovely pics and kudos to the passion tht you are living up everyday…This year we are planning for a road trip with our 20 mth old daughter for apprx 10 days somewhere in april or may.

We are not able to finalize the location though..sometime I think about going to Italy or Austria-Croatia or to discover New Zealand. What will you suggest to us given the time, season, baby and a fair budget allocation? We both love nature over man made creations..I need to refine my location so tht I can build my itinerary..many thanks and take care

Hey Arti – thanks a ton. We would definitely suggest Croatia if you have just 10 days and prefer nature over man-made creations 🙂 It’s family-friendly and you’ll have no trouble driving there.

Thank you for the information,

What an excellent and comprehensive itinerary! Road tripping through New Zealand is one of the most incredible experiences! To explore the country at your leisure, and to stop off at the seemingly endless beautiful sights around the country really gives you a sense of freedom. I’ve written a couple itineraries for New Zealand’s North and South Islands as well! If you plan your trip well beforehand, you’re almost guaranteed to have an excellent time, and I think looking at itineraries is an excellent way to prepare yourself for your tour of this beautiful country!

We do love New Zealand too. Glad you enjoyed our write-up Mark 🙂

Thanks for the itinerary. I will be going over your blog again and again since I am planning ‘ my trip. And yours is very helpful!! We are doing a 15 days trip and we have thought to cover most of the places that you have shared.

Hey Priyanka, we are happy to know that you found the information worth while.And also that it has helped you in planning your trip to New Zealand.Hope you have an awesome trip there…Happy travels:)

Hey Guys, This article is so beautiful and so well written. Makes me want to pack my bag already. Kudos to the two of you!

Also guys If I were to go and add Abel Tasman to the itinerary how would i be able to do so? Please give your suggestion.

Thanks a lot Pallav. If you want to go to Abel Tasman, you could drive from Blenheim to the park and then drive all the way down to Fox/Franz Joseph. You might have to miss Arthur’s Pass in that case 🙂

Wats ur take on hobbiton …. hobbiton or or cormandel. ..wat should one prefer … also ferry or domestic flight from north to south island….wats ur take ???

We’d recommend Coromandel but that’s our personal choice. We know a lot of people who’d try to fit both into their itinerary for New Zealand 🙂

As for flight or ferry, well we chose the latter and didn’t feel like we made a bad choice. If you take the ferry, than you can drive from the North tip of the South Island and perhaps fit in Arthur National park too ::)

Hello guys😍 We are planning to go newzeland !!! Which month is best to visit newzeland? N even want to buy new camera can u suggesr the best camera for beginners n which we can easily carry!! Just love ur all pictures awsome pics!!! N i love ur blogs very helpful 😊

Thanks a lot Pooja.

New Zealand is great between November and March however December can get very busy. We went in Jan/Feb and got great weather and fewer tourists. In so far as cameras go, you could look into Nikon D3400 or D5500.

Have a great trip 🙂

Hi Guys, we are planning a trip to Newzealand in October(mid october to end). We are planning to be there for 16 days. Will October be a good time to Visit? Also, since we have only 16 days we can either do Auckland-Bay Of Islands-Auckland-Coromandel-Rotorua-Auckland-Queenstown-Te anau-Wanaka-Franz Joseph-Chirstchurch- Auckland OR Auckland -Waitomo-Taupo-Rotorua-Christchurch-Kaikoura-Tekapo,Pukai,Aoraki-Wanaka-Franz Joseph-Queenstown-Auckland

Net Net what I am trying to ask is should we do Bay of Islands or should we go for Waitomo,Taupo?

Even though we did not go to Bay of Islands (and went to Taupo), I’d pick Bay of Islands over Taupo especially since you will go to Rotorua in either case. Bay of Islands will give your trip an added variety 🙂

I’d go for the former 🙂

Have a great trip

Amazingly well written and beautiful Pictures. I am also planning to go in mid November and I am sure to follow details given by you. Can you suggest a 15-16 days itinerary based on your 20 days trip. And yes I will be on a budget 🙂

Hey Ankit – just stick to the itinerary and cut out a couple of days in North Island. Unfortunately it’s hard to do NZ on a strict budget as it’s quite expensive to drink, eat, and stay in NZ but check out our post on accommodation for your New Zealand roadtrip for recommendations of a few B&Bs and hostels that we liked: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/new-zealand/new-zealand-road-trip-accommodation

I couldnt see any date of the blogpost But going by the first comment in Apr, I assume you guys travelled sometime in March-April ?

That would expect to be time for autumn in NZ Yet your piotures are very sunny, suggesting summer

So when did you guys exactly do this trip ?

Hi we travelled in Feb and got great, warm weather most days. Cheers

Hi guys, love your blog! I’m Thinking about NZ road trip after seeing your post. Just wondering how difficult is it to drive in New Zealand? I never drive on the left side of the road before 😉

You should definitely go to NZ and drive there. It’s not difficult as long as you follow the rules and general precautions that you would take anywhere you drive 🙂

Hi Savi and Vid! Both me and my husband(Age 60 and 66) are planning to do our 1st ever road trip in a foreign land (read Newzealand) in Feb.

When I Googled for info on the same the first blog that showed up was yours and my search began and ended there! You have gone through a great deal of trouble to put together such minute and all the important details of your roadtrip.This has made it all so super easy for travellers like us that I am left with no questions to ask!

Hats off to both of you and may God bless you with a lifetime of such wonderful holidays where you not only enjoy to the fullest but ensure through your blog that others do too.

If you have any further tips to give for first timers who shall be driving in New zealand please do let us know.

Dear Deepali – your comment put a huge smile on my face. We put all our tips here, so we don’t have more to offer but so happy we could help you out. Hope you have an amazing time in New Zealand 🙂

Heading there in Jan!

Thank you so much for an amazing itinerary! Made my job of planning so much easier 🙂

So happy to hear that Anum 🙂 Have fun in New Zealand and send us photos

Hey Savi and Vid, Your itinerary has helped me just like so many other people to plan my travel as well. Looking forward to see more in future. Thank you 🙂

So happy to hear that our itineraryf or a road trip in New Zealand helped you out so much Yashvi 🙂

Your itinerary has helped me a lot. Thanks a lot for that. I had a couple of questions

1. Do you know about the tongariro alpine crossing trek. Is it worth the effort to trek 19 kms 2. How was the weather in feb, should we carry a few winter clothes

Thanks, Rahul

Hey Rahul – yes you should definitely try to do the Tongariro alpine crossing trek – we didn’t go but it’s supposed to be amazing. It’s quite warm in February but would still suggest carrying at least 1 warm jacket and 1 jumper as the weather can turn very quickly in New Zealand

Hi Savi/Vid,

You have rightly stated ‘a road trip through NZ shouldn’t be the first one..’ we did this road trip many moons ago and no other road trip gave us that wow factor! our itinerary was very similar to yours expect that we flew from wellington to Queenstown, as much as we wanted to drive, we were short of time :(. This year we are planning on a road trip through the Canadian rockies and going to follow your itinerary..

So happy to hear that. Do send us photos from the Canadian Rockies when you visit 🙂

Your pictures are beautiful! Do you mind sharing what camera you use?

I have a Canon EOS R, Nikon D610, and a Canon EOS M50 (and also a gopro and drone) 🙂

Amazing post. The photos are unbelievable. Especially envious of the one of the night sky. We were captivated by it but never got a picture anywhere near good enough to do it justice!

Sounds like you guys did a very similar route to us. I think the only thing extra we managed to sneak in was the Tongariro crossing!

If you get time, I would love to have your opinion on the blog we wrote about our trip. http://kiwicampervanchronicles.blogspot.co.uk/

Keep up the great work! 🙂

Thank you Alex 🙂

Thank you for your amazing itinerary!! It is already making my planning easier…

I am going on a 20-day (inclusive of flying) honeymoon with my husband in June & we are intending to follow this itinerary..

We are flying into Auckland (ETA 10-ish AM) & flying out of Christchurch (ETA 10-ish AM).

Is there a way to slot in both Coromandel Peninsula & Hobbiton?

Transport-wise, is it possible/ advisable to do both a car & campervan? We are thinking of using campervan for a couple of days or so just for the experience..

Hey that’s so cool 🙂 Yes you can always do campervan in North Island and self-drive car in South Island 🙂

You can definitely do both Coromandel and Hobbiton although the days will be shorter in June so fewer hours to drive 🙂

In any case, hope you had an amazing time driving around New Zealand

Your pictures are so stunning! New Zealand looks like a great adventure, that everybody should try! Love it! 🙂

It sure is 🙂

Could u advise on the license for car rentals, are international driver permit/ idl really required?

No international driver permit is not required 🙂

Just as magical as I remember, Nice itinerary and fabulous nature scenes captured!

Hi, Your blog is very helpful and give all the guidance we wanted and thanks for that! Myself and my friend is planning on a roadtrip and we booked our flight to and from Auckland. We have 15 days and would like to spend 3 days in sydney as well. So if you can advise on what is the best way to travel (Auckland->syney->Auckland, Auckland->Sydney->Queenstown/wellington??) that would be great! Thanks in advance:)

I’d say Auckland, spend a couple of days, fly to Sydney, Sydney to Christchurch, rent a car and drive South Island and then back to Auckland, return car and fly out.

Your pictures are amazing. Can you please share the app you use to edit it and what filter you use (if any). How do you get that dreamy glaze to some of your pictures?

Hey Priyanka – I don’t use filters or apps. I just use Lightroom on my laptop to edit photos. But I spend a lot of time manually composing shots and playing around with the camera 🙂

Pictures are breathtaking !!!!! So want to visit New Zealand now. And every picture is worth being a wallaper!! beautifully captured!!

Guys, thanks so much for your blog. We recently visited New Zealand from U.K. and your blog justifies the beauty of this amazing country.

Hi, I am planning my honeymoon trip in the month of March, 2019. As per my current itinerary, I am travelling my Queenstown to Franz Joseph and staying there for 2 nights. However, I am equally tempted to do Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo and spend a night there. If I had to choose one, which one would you suggest?

We’d choose Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo 🙂

These photos are incredible! I offer a free trip planning service for NZ and would love to work with you. I’ve sent an email – if you haven’t received this, let me know!

Hey Savi n Vid, Is it safe for just 2 people to go on a road trip in South Island? Loved your itinerary and would like to go on a 10-day South Island road trip. Can i drive in NZ with a USA license? Please suggest.

Thanks a ton Regards Chetana

Hey yes it’s absolutelysafe for just 2 people to go on a road trip in South Island. That’s what we did and thousands of other couples drive around in New Zealand each year. The last we knew, you could drive in NZ with a USA license – however it is still better to confirm with your car rental agency before booking as these things keep changing 🙂

Wow what a great blog and amazing pics, really enjoyed it. We were planning a 10N NZ road self drive in April. Initial plan was to cover both islands after landing in Auckland. After reading your wonderful tour I realise it would be woefully short. Is it possible to cover north island highlights like geothermal rotorua in 2 or 3N and head to south island for east 8N, if so what are the highlights one can cover in SI? Thanks again!

Yes you can spend 2 or 3 nights in Taupo/Rotorua and then head to South Island – all highlights for South Island New Zealand are in this blog – you can see which ones you like and prioritise those 🙂

Absolutely loved your photos and details shared in the blog. My husband and I are travelling this March for 3 weeks and following your itinerary almost to the T! Just looking for a few suggestions though: 1) Is the drive from Taupo to Wellington a must – or should we save driving time and take a flight instead? 2) Is Kaikoura and Coromandel Cove similar in terms of vistas? Should we skip Kaikoura? 3)Arthur’s Pass surely sounds a must do, but the photos seem a bit arid and Leh Ladakh sorts..Would you recommend Abel Tasman NP over Arthur’s Pass NP? 4) You have not made Te Anau your base, is it better to stay in Te Anau/ Milford Sound? 5) We are from Mumbai, do we need to get an International Driving License or will our Indian driving cards suffice? 6) Did you consider visiting Punakaiki when planning?

Looking to hear back! Thanks a ton, Regards, AC

Hey Alisha,

So sorry we couldn’t get back to you. Hope you had a great time in New Zealand. Answering your questions as they might help others:

1) It’s nothing spectacular (compared to South Island) but logistically easier to keep the car 2) Yes you can skip Kaikoura – it’s good if you want to go whale watching! 3) There’s all k inds of landscapes in and around Arthur’s Pass NP. Even Abel Tasman is amazing (so we hear) so i’m sure you won’t go wrong in picking either 4) We preferred to make one place a base for 4 days than move around every second day. It’s a personal choice – you can definitely make Te Anau your base for Milford Sound 5) We didn’t need it 6) No we didn’t 🙂

Hope this helps. If you read this, do share photos from your trip with us 🙂

Hi there, been referencing to your article several times to plan for ours. Great stuff! Question – do you inform Hertz on the date and time you’re crossing over to the other island? Or do you just appear at the ferry station, drop off the car, and then pick up another one on the other island?

The Hertz website doesn’t seem to ask for the details during booking. Thanks in advance!

Yes we had to inform Hertz about the tentative crossing time 🙂

Lovely pictures and great idea. Thank you for the information. What month did you visit?

We did this road trip in New Zealand in February

Gone through your post . It’s really useful and your pics are really gorgeous. I am also planning a road trip to New Zealand in November.

What about the driving permit in New Zealand if you have Indian Driven license?

Thanks Shweta!

We were able to drive in New Zealand on our Indian Driving License !

This is amazing way to explore this beautiful city, It’s awesome to surround with great mountains with greenery and a lot of water. This is really great experience that one can have. Thanks mate for your great post, I love your pictures and appreciate your writing efforts.

Thank you for an amazing post. Planning a trip in November. Couple of quick questions :

1) Is it worth going from India for a week’s trip? 2) What do you recommend we must cover in a week? 3) Is there a reason you missed glow worm caves and hobbiton ?

1) Better if you go for 2 2) South Island 3) No particular reason

Hi Savi and Vid , Lots of appreciation to u guys cuz u really help millions a lot . Q: Guys I am planning my honeymoon trip for NZ and Fiji for 15 days including traveling in November .Are they enough ? Should I extend it for 3-4 days also ? And What do u prefer first , NZ and Fiji or vice versa .

Will be helpful if you guys could take out time and reply here . Anyways Great Work . God Bless Bruised Passports

Thank you so much Radhika 🙂 And congratulations.

If you can add 3-4 days, then definitely do that so that you spend 2 weeks in New Zealand and then 5-6 days in a beautiful resort in Fiji. We’d say do the New Zealand road trip first and then Fiji. You can read about our Fiji adventures here: https://www.bruisedpassports.com/category/fiji

Thank you for this blog post. It’s a great starting point for planning a trip to NZ. We are travelling to NZ for a 13 day trip. After reading your travelogue, we have crunched down the itinerary as follows. Would be grateful for your advice if this seems fine or should we make some changes.

Nov 24 – Land in Auckland at noon

Nov 25 – Rotorua or Waiheke island?

Nov 26 – Rotorua

Nov 27 – Rotorua (Hobbiton tour)

Nov 28 – Rotorua to Christchurch flight. Pick up car from Christchurch airport and head straight to Arthur’s Pass.

Nov 29 – Arthur’s Pass

Nov 30 – Fox Glacier (Fraz Joseph)

Dec 1 – Wanaka

Dec 2 – Queenstown (via Crown Range route)

Dec 3 – Queenstown (Milford Sound)

Dec 4 – Queenstown (adventure activity)

Dec 5 – Lake Tekapo/ Pukaki (Mt Cook)

Dec 6 – Fly to Auckland after dropping car at Christchurch Airport.

Dec 7 – Fly out of NZ

Looks great. Enjoy and share photos with us

Hey you guys have described the whole trip in such a amazing way..i could recollect almost everything..But why hvnt you included Bay of Island in this itinerary ?

Probably because we were short on time and had to leave something out. Given it’s New Zealand, it’s so difficult to decide what to leave out. We left Bay of Island out for our next trip (a big incentive for us to return ;))

What is the maximum time one has to drive in the whole road trip?

If you do a return drive from Queenstown to Milford sound then that will be your longest drive – around 10 hours or so in a day but totally manageable in New Zealand

Amazing blog!! Really helpful for the one who is looking to travel in NZ. Great..Keep Sharing!!

This is SO beautiful wow!! I live in New Zealand but this has opened my eyes even more to its beauty

Happy to hear that 🙂

Thanks for a detailed Itinerary. Pretty helpful in prepping up for our honeymoon trip to New Zealand. We are planning a 16 day trip from Auckland to Queenstown, Had a question – We are taking a Hertz car for our travel throughout these 16 days. Would be crossing from North to South Island with Interislander Ferry. As you guys did, we would also be dropping our vehicle at Wellington and picking up at Picton. So, While booking an Interislander ferry, did you guys mention that you would taking the vehicle?

From the booking site, we have received the following response – None of the above suppliers permit travel on the ferry between the North & South Islands, all however offer Inter island bookings where you confirm a booking as if the vehicle will be travelling on the ferry. Once the booking confirms, you then contact the supplier to advise of your cross over details & they will make a vehicle available on the other side all included in the original Total Cost.

Please share what you guys did?

Happy to hear the road trip itinerary is helpful 🙂

Well, that is exactly what we did. We dropped the car in Wellington and picked it up at Picton. Pretty much what the paragraph states. One booking with Hertz and then we informed them of our cross over details. Just inform Hertz what time you’ll be dropping the car off in Wellington and what time you’ll pick the next car in Picton. They’ll arrange everything.

Hope that helps

Hello, This is very helpful article it helps so many people. Thank you for sharing

thank you bruisedpassports for giving me wonderful information

You’re welcome!

Hi, your pictures are amazing! Can i do the same itinerary but in Spring i.e. months of Sept and Oct. Also, if i only have 8-10 days, which locations would you suggest i skip? Many Thanks!

Yes you can do it in end September / October (although it can be a bit windy). If you have only 8 days we’d suggest just doing the places in South Island mentioned in the itinerary 🙂

My husband and I recently took a trip to NZ and must have referred to your blog like a 100 times. Loved the itinerary and all the places visited/recommended by you did deliver more than our expectations! I will not shy away from referring my friends to your blog. Keep writing and traveling!!! May you travel to space one day and write a blog about that :))

Hey Akanksha,

Thank you so much for leaving that note. So happy to hear our article was helpful 🙂 Do share some photos from your trip with us if you don’t mind (you can send them on our Instagram channel @bruisedpassports)

Thanks for all the love

Hello Team Bruised Passport,

I so enjoyed reading your NZ trip. Have got inspired to plan one for myself with family.

Small qs – Which month did you guys travel ? Could you guide if 20 Mar-10Apr bracket would be suitable to travel? Have a school going daughter so want to manage this trip in her spring break.

Many thanks for inspiring!

Happy to hear that. We did this New Zealand road trip in Feb. March end should be fine 🙂

Great article. New Zealand is a must see destination. Lots of good times.

Absolutely! There’s no other experience like a road trip in New Zealand 🙂

I can’t wait to get to NZ! I used to lived in Melbourne and knew a lot of Kiwis, the ones I have met have all been so chilled and down to earth. Combine that with the mountains and outdoors activities in South Island, I cannot wait to go and explore NZ! 🙂

Wow! Nice Blog And I Really Just Love It and Thanks For Sharing With us

amazing blog thanks for sharing this helpful blog.

This brought back so many happy memories for us – we travelled NZ in winter (fffffreezing but spectacularly wonderful) and so good to see that the country is still stunningly beautiful, despite the passage of time.

Rosemary, do we get to see beautiful greenery in winter as well?

Great. New Zealand is really a place which can mesmerize. There are so many things that a person can do here.

Hi guys, thanks for sharing and great pics!

Wonderful information, thanks a lot for sharing kind of content with us. Your blog gives the best and the most interesting information. I wonder if we can gather such practical information about new Zealand road trip itinerary.. Great one!!

amazing thanks for sharing this amazing blog like to read your blogs keep sharing.

wow that great article

Thanks for sharing this interesting and informative information

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Amazing content. Love your writing. Thanks for sharing this amazing article.

In which months 9 days trip is suggested in South Island for adrenaline activities

Summer months (November- February) are best for adventure sports

Moving to New Zealand is so exciting! Have a great time! Greets.

Your article was very good, and you have given very good information in this article. I regularly read all the articles on your website

Amazing blog. Thank you for share.

New Zealand is in my bucket list. Thanks for the fantastic post, it’s definitely gonna help me p[lanning a perfect itinerary to this country.

Nice Article.

Great post Savi! The narration is flowing and lucide.

The picture of Muriwai Beach is stunning.

Hi Savi, I am also planning a road trip to NZ, you have shared very amazing pics of your road trips. Thank You for sharing this amazing information with us and best of luck with your future trips.

It is a great website. The design looks very good. I will bookmark this page. I enjoyed the information.

Thanks for sharing these the Best Places to Visit in Summer in India

This is amazing. I really enjoyed your content. Good job and keep it up.

On a winter trip to Jaisalmer, you can spend most of your vacation time and join a fun desert trip. With so many beautiful places and fun events, the city is without a doubt a wonderful tourist destination.

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I have bookmarked your blog, Great content on your New Zealand road trip.

This is a good website, I have been reading its articles for a long time.

New Zealand is in my bucket list. Thanks for the fantastic post, it’s definitely gonna help me p[lanning a perfect itinerary to this country.

Great man, I am jealous how you can click so awesome images, can you make a detailed article about the gear, softwares, and methods that you use to click such awesome images?

Nice article

Just the article I needed!

Beautiful pictures. Would love to visit. Thank You for shaing!

Hey Priyanka – I don’t use filters or apps. I just use Lightroom on my laptop to edit photos. But I spend a lot of time manually composing shots and playing around with the camera 🙂

This is interesting

New Zealand head chef Francisco Fioriti returns to the lodge for the 2021/2022 seasons and brings his wealth of knowledge of New Zealand cuisine and techniques to craft a very unique and diverse dining experience each evening. Fancy relaxing with your friends over a delicious meal in the comfort of one of New Zealand’s leading Luxury Lodges? from September 2021 Fiordland Lodge is offering the opportunity in and around business levels for both lunch and dinner dining for non-house guests.

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New Zealand head chef Francisco Fioriti returns to the lodge for the 2021/2022 seasons and brings his wealth of knowledge of New Zealand cuisine and techniques to craft a very unique and diverse dining experience each evening. Fancy relaxing with your friends over a delicious meal in the comfort of one of New Zealand’s leading Luxury Lodges? from September 2021 Fiordland Lodge is offering the opportunity in and around business levels for both lunch and dinner dining for non-house guests.

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You have described the journey very well and have also written an in-depth article, and the pictures you have put in this post that’s are amazing

Just happened to come across your site as I googled for road trips. What a wonderful site with amazing photos, videos and text to go with it! You haven’t mentioned about the cost for this road trip or have I missed it??

I ended up coming across your site when searching for family vacations. What a superb blog, complete with beautiful photographs, videos, and content! .Keep writing like this. I also love your videos & instgaram post.

I can’t wait to get to NZ! I used to lived in Melbourne and knew a lot of Kiwis, the ones I have met have all been so chilled and down to earth. Combine that with the mountains and outdoors activities in South Island, I cannot wait to go and explore NZ! 🙂

Thank you !

This blog is so inspiring! It’s comprehensive and most of all, it’s the kind of travel i like!

Great write up and awesome pictures!

Keep travelling and keep seeing the world!

Hi Savi! I love this blog of yours. I will definitely go back to this blog when I am able to go to New Zealand in the future.

Beautiful photos! NZ is on the top of my travel bucket list so I’ll use your guide as reference when I do. Thank you for sharing!

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We Decided to go on a trip in the very first week of December. Probably to Japan

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Hey Savi and Vidit, Thanks for the detailed blog on the amazing road trip to NZ. I and my husband are planning to follow your itinerary and plan our honeymoon for next month. We just had a small question for you guys and hope we get some insights into it. We are thinking of starting from Christchurch and ending our trip in Auckland as we saw the prices of car rental are cheaper in the reverse way, do you guys have any recommendations on it, if so please let us know that would be really helpful to us! Thanks again!

Hey you’ll be absolutely ok doing it the other way round too – just pick the way that offers the best car rental rates and flights combo 🙂

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What an exhilarating adventure! Your Epic New Zealand Road Trip has left me inspired and itching to hit the open road. ????✨

Hey! I am following your itinerary for the South Island road trip but I am curious how did you choose between driving through the west coast and the east coast? General google searches suggest that west coast is more scenic, hence the question. What were your deciding factors?

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Wonderful & very informative article. I think these tips and advice are much helpful. Great Sharing, Thank you for such detailed description of the destination. All the pictures are gorgeous. Excellent Explanation.

Me and my wife dreamed of visiting New Zealand for years. She was in Australia last year, and was really close, but external circumstances prevented her from coming. Now we are planning this winter (summer in New Zealand as I write from the northern semisphere..). The article is great and it is really inspiring.

Hey so happy to hear that – hope you had an amazing road trip

Hey, lovely pictures and detailed itinerary. We are visiting NZ this year in April. Hope it’s a good time to visit. One question is whether to take the ferry out to fly to the South Island?

Yes April will be nice 🙂 if you’re renting a car in the North, then better to take the ferry. Otherwise you can fly. Both options are convenient and comfortable

First things first, I love your work and have been following since years. You have given some crazy travel goals to us, specially because we relate with your style of travelling. We as a couple enjoy adventure, offbeat and experiential travelling.

Needed some help, planning a trip to NZ in January for about 15 days. Had a couple of questions:

1. Driving through coromandel peninsula – would it be worth it to skip this and do waitomo glow worm caves alongwith hobbiton movie set? Did you consider these options? 2. Rotorua vs taupo – since we are short on time, which one would you suggest to spend more time in? 3. Flight vs ferry – flight from rotorua or ferry from wellington – what were your deciding factors? In case we are not doing taupo, would it make sense to take the flight and save time or the interislander is worth every bit of extra time here? 4. Arthurs pass to Franz josef – how did you manage to do the franz josef heli hike (which is about 4 hours? or not?) while travelling all the way to wanaka? Can you share the website you booked the tour through? I 5. Is Wanaka worth trading off something else from the itinerary since we have only 15 days? 6. Bookings and arrangements – is it safe to explore and book everything on our own (specially things like whale watching tours/ heli hikes etc) or would you recommend going via a travel agent to help get the best guides? How do you manage everything without support of any local agent?

I know this is a long list, but would be really helpful for us. Been waiting for NZ since about an year now

Hi Kanishka,

HAppy to hear that. Trying to answer your questions below:

a) Yes we did consider those options but chose Coromandel peninsula as it’s beautiful. You can easily do the other 2 instead b) Rotorua c) yes you can fly from Rotorua. we just wanted to make it a full road trip, so decided to skip the flight 🙂 d) Super early start and late finish 🙂 e) We’d suggest spending a couple of days in Wanaka for sure. Maybe you can skip Christchurch f) yes it’s safe to book everything on your own through reliable booking providers. we just do a lot of research and then when we are at the destination, we leave some flexibility to change things on suggestions of locals

hope you had an amazing trip. sorry for the delay in responding

The glowworm caves in Waitomo look enchanting! Did you take any guided tours, and if so, do you have any recommendations? I’d love to experience that magical sight myself. Overall, thanks for sharing your New Zealand road trip—it’s truly inspiring!

HEy we didn’t go to Waitomo 🙂 hope you have an amazing road trip in NEw Zealand

Thanks for this informative article

Is it possible for you guys to give a slightly consolidated intenrary like 8-9 day trip. Flying in to Auckland and Flying out of Christchurch.

That’ll be a difficult task as 8 days is quite short, especially if you’re flying into Auckland and flying out of Christchurch. I’d say skip the southern part of south island (which would be a shame), and do Auckland, Rotorua, Maybe Fox glacier when you move to south, and the area around Christchurch.

Thanks for sharing this road trip tips !!!

Excellent & informative blog with such good tips and superb photographs. We (4 of us) are planning a visit in April as we wish to enjoy the Autumn colors and foliage. We are looking for a leisurely road trip as we have a couple seniors with us who won’t be able to do too much walking/hiking. If you have any tips to offer I would be grateful. Thanks in advance.

Embarking on an epic road trip through New Zealand is an adventure like no other! From the rugged mountains to the pristine coastlines, there’s something awe-inspiring at every turn.

Lage raho bhai good job

What a fantastic schedule for a road vacation around New Zealand! I adore how you included well-known locations like Milford Sound together with lesser-known finds like Punakaiki Pancake Rocks. Also, your recommendations for places to stay and eat are also beneficial. So eager to go on the road and discover these breathtaking vistas for myself.

hope you have a great road trip in New Zealand

Wonderful & very informative article. Thanks for sharing the Useful and Informative Blog. Wonderful travel blog. Great Sharing, Thank you for such detailed description of the destination.

Amazing itinerary you have shared here…~

• Pingback: Epic New Zealand Adventure Itineraries

Wonderful & very informative article.

Thanks. A road trip in New Zealand is one of the best travel experiences

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Finding the Universe

Travel tales, photography and a dash of humor

The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Last updated: April 17, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 31 Comments

I spent a very happy year living, working and road tripping around New Zealand, and in that time I got to see quite a fair bit of what this magnificent country has to offer.

But what if you don’t have a year? What if you’ve got a more normal holiday period set aside for your trip, and you want to see as much of this phenomenally beautiful country as possible? Say… a month?

Well, fear not. New Zealand, unlike its vast neighbour, is a country which is eminently explorable in a month. Let’s get started with some pre-trip planning, and then look at a detailed one month New Zealand road trip itinerary.

Table of Contents:

Pre-trip planning for New Zealand

How to get around new zealand.

For this trip, I’m going to recommend that you have your own transport. Whilst New Zealand has a number of tour buses, and a limited rail service, the best way to experience the country at your own pace is with your own vehicle.

For a month, the easiest option is to rent a vehicle. Your two main choices are to rent a car, or to rent a campervan.

Generally, if you are aiming for a budget trip, then a car combined with hotels and hostels will proably work out cheaper than a campervan. Campervan hire can be expensive, and for the most part you have to pay for campsites anyway.

If you decide to rent a car, we usually recommend and use Discover Cars car rental price comparison tool , which works worldwide to find the best price on a rental car – it checks all the major car hire companies and we find it usually comes up with the best deal.

You could also try and buy a car and then sell it at the end , but in a month, you might not have the time or inclination to go down this road, despite the potential savings.

Of course, if you do want to rent a campervan to give yourself flexibility, and take advantage of the myriad beautiful campsites across the country, go for it! There are quite a few companies to choose from, we recommend taking a look at the options from Spaceship Rentals as a good starting point. Another great option is Motorhome Republic , who compare prices across a range of providers. You can see their New Zealand listings here .

Accommodation in New Zealand

There is no shortage of accommodation in New Zealand , from tucked away B&B’s and backpacker hostels right through to pricey high end establishments. There are also campsites galore, for the tent based travellers amongst you.

Prices vary. For a campsite, you will pay anything from 5 – 25 NZD per night per person. Hostel dorm beds go from around 22 NZD, whilst double rooms start at around 60NZD for two.

My advice would be to seek out the smaller, more personal accommodation providers, like the little hostels or B&B’s with personality. New Zealand is home to some truly wonderful hideaways, which cater to all types of traveller and every budget. You won’t be disappointed! Take a look at the booking.com listings for New Zealand to get the best deals.

When to visit New Zealand?

New Zealand has a fairly temperate climate, with four distinct seasons. It is busiest during the summer months (Dec – Feb), which is also when you are likely to get the better weather. Spring and autumn are also great times to visit, being less crowded and a bit cooler. If you’re visiting for the snow, then you will want to go in winter, (Jul-Sep).

My itinerary is for a more summery visit, as in winter many attractions become snow bound and harder to visit.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in New Zealand?

New Zealand isn’t a budget destination by any stretch of the imagination. Your main costs are going to be accommodation, transport and then food and any activities you want to take part in.

You could skimp on experiences, but my advice would be to budget for them and enjoy. Expect to budget at least 75-200 NZD per person per day all in.

Safety in New Zealand

New Zealand is a safe destination, assuming the volcanoes don’t go off while you are there. The main problem that affects travellers is having their vehicles broken into when leaving them parked for longer periods of time. Just ensure you take your valuables with you, and leave nothing at all on display, and you should be fine.

Let’s get on with this then. Based on my experiences, this is what I’d do for a month in New Zealand . I’d also recommend reading this excellent post on places to visit in New Zealand for more tips and planning advice.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month

This New Zealand Road Trip itinerary is designed for a month of travel, however it can be extended or shortened of course depending on how much time you have available! I’d suggest that if you have less than two weeks to road trip in New Zealand, then focusing on the south island might be a good option.

Week 1 – The North Island

You’re going to arrive into Auckland, pick up your hire car, and head out of the city. Auckland has its charms , but you’re only here for a month, and you want to get started, right? So turn your motor south, and head down to the fabulously smelly town of Rotorua, around 3 hours drive south.

Day 1: Rotorua – Volcanic Wonderland and Cultural Experience

Rotorua is famous, predominantly, for being the home of volcanic activity on New Zealand. It’s also one of the more important places for experiencing Maori culture. I recommend spending a couple of hours on a day trip to Wai-o-Tapu thermal reserve , around 30km south of the city.

You’ll want to arrive in the morning to see the Lady Knox geyser go off, and then spend some time exploring the park, taking in incredible sights like the below pictured champagne pool.

Other highlights of staying in Rotorua include spending some time in the Polynesian spa (which some say is a possible cure for jet lag?), exploring the Rotorua Museum (itself a former bath house from the Victorian era), and of course, experiencing a Maori cultural evening .

I went to both the Mitai and Tamaki performances, and felt that the latter had the slight edge. Save money on these by booking via a hotel or the tourist office – this is usually cheaper than booking directly.

After you’ve filled up on culture and volcanoes, you’re going to head east, and take on the amazing East Cape of the north island – visited by less than 1% of visitors to New Zealand.

Days 2 – 4: East Cape – Deserted wilderness and spectacular coastal scenery

I’ve never understood why New Zealand’s East Cape is so under visited. Sure, it’s a bit out of the way, and it doesn’t have the sweeping majesty of the peaks of Tongariro , or Mount Taranaki out on the west coast, but what it does have are epic deserted driftwood coated beaches, sweeping vistas from switchback tarmac, and fascinating Maori heritage.

You’re going to need at least two days to do this area of the world justice, with highlights including the beautiful Tolaga Bay, black sand beaches, the east cape lighthouse and picturesque Raukokore Church.

The route winds from Opotiki to Gisborne along state highway 38, and there’s no shortage of accommodation along the way , from tiny guest houses and hostels to campgrounds. This is one road trip you will never forget – and we’re only in week one!

• Days 5 – 6: East Coast to Wellington – Wine tasting and Art Deco

After getting away from it all, what better way to get back to civilisation than by visiting the unusual art deco town of Napier on the east coast, and then spending some time exploring the world famous wineries of the Hawke’s Bay area. You could even explore the wineries by bicycle, if you were so inclined.

From here it’s down through the beautiful Wairapapa region , where you can explore more gorgeous coastline (such as that found at Castle Point), ancient cemeteries, and a town built in honour of one man’s travels. New Zealand really does have everything.

Now… with a car full of wine and memories, it’s time to do the last stretch of the drive, and pop down to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, and the place where you’re going to get your ferry to the South island.

Day 7: Wellington  

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital, and is one of the cities in New Zealand that really deserves your attention. It’s also not very big, so you can easily squeeze in most of the highlights in a day, or even less.

My tips would be to take a walk (or drive, if you’re feeling lazy) up Mount Victoria, for incredible panoramic views of the windy city, and then spend some time getting seriously culturalised in the Te Papa museum – probably New Zealand’s best museum by far. This also happens to be free, and free is good.

Once you’re done, hop on the three hour ferry to the south island (in itself a beautiful trip!), and prepare to be amazed by mountainous beauty.

Alternative route from Rotorua .

The standard route for the north island followed by most goes as follows: Auckland – Rotorua – Tongariro National Park – Wellington . This route is well worn, and for good reason – it showcases some of the best of the North island in an easy to follow route.

My advice takes you off the beaten track, to the beautifully wild and deserted east cape region, and then down the wine region of the east coast. But if you just want to focus on the classic highlights, you won’t go wrong with the route down the middle – although you’re going to have your fill of epic mountains on the south island pretty shortly!

If you’re looking for more to do on the North island, or want to spend a bit longer here, check out my five must do’s on the north island for more ideas!

Week 2 – South Island North Coast

The ferry ride in through the sounds of New Zealand’s south island should have whet your appetite for what is coming next. This island couldn’t be more different from the north island – and lovers of majestic open scenery are about to get their minds well and truly blown. Let’s start off with a tour of Queen Charlotte sound.

• Day 8: Picton to Queen Charlotte Sound for inspiring fjord like scenery

The Queen Charlotte Sound is home to one of New Zealand’s great walks, and is, by all accounts, a fabulous bit of a walk. For the less walk inclined amongst you though, you can drive along the Kenepuru road, which offers lots of exciting views with none of the muscle strain.

And what views they are. Low cloud will hang like fog over the sounds, grasping on to the mountain ridges with trailing fingery tendrils. The reflections of the sky in the mirror perfect water will make you want to cry out with joy, with only the perfect stillness that surrounds you holding you back. And I promise you, the south island is only getting started.

There are a variety of places to stay in this area , either in Picton itself or in a little hostel or B&B. Ideally though, you will have packed a tent and some rudimentary camping gear, and you’re going to be able to set up camp at one of the fabulously located DOC campsites in the area. Don’t worry if you forget to pack the coffee though, the next stop on the tour will sort you right out.

• Day 9: Queen Charlotte to Nelson for incredible coffee and a laid back vibe

If you are at all into coffee, then Nelson needs to be on your to do list. New Zealanders are about as obsessed with coffee as any nation I’ve ever met, and Nelson isn’t a bad place to get that coffee fix going.

You’ll be able to find places that literally roast the coffee beans in front of you, before serving it up in whichever style you prefer (and yes, New Zealand has its own name for every type of coffee – you’ll want to read up before visiting!).

Nelson is also a pretty town for a wander, and a great launching point for heading to the north of the south island.

Days 10 – 13: Abel Tasman and Golden Bay for sea kayaking along the coast and amazing birdlife

The Abel Tasman national park is famous for gloriously golden sands and sparkling waters, with the highlight of a trip here being a kayaking expedition along the coast. Alternatively, if you’re not into water, then you’ll want to take a hike along the coastline and find out what there is on offer in New Zealand’s smallest national park.

I’d advise setting aside a two to three days to really explore this area, doing some hiking, and seeking out the wildlife opportunities on offer, such as penguin watching or getting up close with fur seals. Then, head further north to Golden Bay – home to the 26 kilometre long Farewell spit, which is New Zealand’s longest sandspit.

This is one of New Zealand’s most diverse areas for birdlife, but if birds don’t get your engine running, then wandering the dunes as windswept sands caress your ankles and azure skies meet endless ocean all around surely will.

Week 3 – West coast of the South Island

Ok, so I’m playing fast and loose with how many days there are in a week, but I’m not expecting you to be following this guide to the letter. Take it as a template to dream upon, and build your dream trip around it. Now, let’s head to:

Days 14 – 15: Karamea for a laid back vibe, pounding seas, and the amazing rock formations of the Oparara Basin

For reasons of time, many visitors to New Zealand miss out Karamea , which, like missing out the East Cape, seems to me to be an oversight. This is a quirky little laid back town on the far north of the west coast of the island, which requires a bit of a detour to visit, as the only way there is a one way road up from Westport.

Most adventurers shirk this trip, and head south for the grand glaciers. We’re going to get to those, fear not. But first, lets try out some whitebait, and visit Australasia’s largest free standing limestone arch.

To get to Karamea from Golden Bay you have to go back on yourself a way until you hit state highway six, which will take you over to the wild west coast. Turn north instead of south via Westport, and follow the road parallel to the stretch of sand known as the Karamea Bight, with a gorgeous scenic drive through the mountains thrown in, before you emerge in the peaceful plain that is home to Karamea .

In Karamea you need to try out the whitebait (the towns principal attraction), and take some time to explore the Oparara Basin, which is a geological marvel about an hours drive north in the hills. Here you will find hollowed out limestone caves, arches spanning over 200 metres in length and a place known as the Moria Gate. Worth the detour, I assure you.

Day 16 – 18: Glaciers , Mountains and Possum Pie . Time to get epic on the West Coast 

It’s now time to head south, and start to take in some of New Zealand’s serious masterpieces. I’m talking of course about the glaciers that can be found breaking free from the mighty spine of the southern alps, which stretch from one end of the isle to the other.

On your way down to the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, you’ll pass by the Pancake Rocks , weird shaped rocks which look just like stacks of pancakes. If you’re lucky, it might even be sunny when you try to photograph them . You’ll also have the opportunity to stop off at the Possum place, and learn more about this introduced pest than you ever thought possible. Then eat it, in a pie.

Finally, with the incredible backdrop of the southern alps to motivate you on, you’re going to come to one of New Zealand’s serious highlights, the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

There are a multitude of ways to experience these glaciers, from a short walk to just take a look at them, through to scenic flights and guided glacier walks.Whatever you choose to do, you will not fail to be inspired by quite how insignificant man is compared to the might of nature.

Whilst you’re in the area, you’ll also want to check out the Mirror Lake (Lake Matheson), for gorgeous photography opportunities of stunning reflected alpine scenery. Because why not?

Days 19 – 20: Across the Haast Pass to Wanaka & Queenstown

Glaciers dusted off, it’s time to head back across the spiney southern alps at one of the few crossing points, this one being the Haast Pass . This is another glorious bit of road through gorgeous alpine scenery, with the Mount Aspiring National Park providing the back drop. As well as incredible mountain vistas, there are also lakes galore to be impressed by.

If you choose, you could stop off at Wanaka on the way across for a break, and take a wander along the lake. This is principally a skiing town, and is busiest in Winter, but there is plenty of scenery and hiking to enjoy all year round.

Then, head down to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown , where if there’s anything you could imagine your body being made to do, the Kiwi’s will have invented it, given it a name, and be willing to charge you to do it in Queenstown. Fun for everyone except your wallet.

Week 4 – Back to the mountains, and the home stretch to Christchurch

Days 21 – 23; te anau & the awe inspiring milford sound  .

There’s a list in New Zealand, of the top 100 things that every native must do before they die, and visiting Milford Sound and seeing Mitre Peak is number one on that list. Since we’ve got a month instead of a lifetime, it’s a no-brainer that this one has made it into our itinerary as well.

It’s a bit of a drive from Queenstown, as unfortunately the mountains didn’t erode in quite the perfect way to create a logical transport route, but the drive, like so many trips in New Zealand , is worth it in of itself.

There are loads of things to see as you drive in, and the landscape changes dramatically as you drive along, from grassy plains to towering mountains. I’d advise stopping at the Te Anau DOC office for up to date route information and attraction opening times.

Once you get to Milford Sound , you are going to take a cruise. You are going to see mile high mountains, waterfalls cascading hundreds of metres over cliffs into the sea, and you are going to realise how incredibly glad you are to be alive. Because Milford Sound really is that special. Take as much time as you can to visit this special place, and surrounding attractions, because it is worth it. Read more about visiting Milford, including advice on cruises, weather and getting here, in my Milford Sound post .

Days 24 – 27: To Mount Cook , for a mighty impressive bit of mountain 

You may think that by now you’ve had enough of mountains, and you want a bit of break. And that’s cool. If you want, instead of heading back inland, you’re welcome to pop out of Te Anau, and spend some time exploring the coast, with a trip to the Catlins , or some time in Dunedin . I wouldn’t blame you for wanting to diversify. Even if it meant you might miss sights like this:

Because for me, the southern alps are the most impressive sight in New Zealand, and none is so impressive as Mount Cook , which towers above all his brethren at just shy of 4000m. This is the mountain that Hillary cut his teeth on before tacking Everest. I promise you, however many mountains you think I’ve taken you to on this trip – you need to do this one too.

It’s a fair old drive up from Milford Sound to Mount Cook, so you’ll probably want to break it up a bit. Maybe a stop off in quaint little Arrowtown , a historic gold mining village just past Queenstown, would be nice.

Once you get to Mount Cook, I can recommend taking on some of the short hikes in the area. The excellent DOC office can fill you in on all the details, as well as weather conditions and safety advice – this is a high up alpine region after all. There’s even a posh hotel if that’s your thing.

Personally, I can recommend the three – four hour hooker valley walk which takes you as close to Mount Cook as you can get, as well as the walk to the Tasman Glacier and lake . Both offer incredible landscapes with not too much effort.

Days 28 – 30: Across to Christchurch, and some relaxing in a French style  

Ok, you’re running out of time in New Zealand. It’s time to turn your nose to the coast, and high tail it to Christchurch, not forgetting to stop off at the above pictured Lake Tekapo on your way for a last view of spectacular southern alp scenery reflected in the eerie blue of a glacial lake.

Christchurch, as you are probably aware, was very badly damaged in the earthquake of 2011, which caused widespread destruction, loss of life, and serious damage to property. The city is much recovered since then, but continues to undergo construction work as it turns itself into a garden city, so it may not be as accessible as it once was.

All is not lost, though. Just outside Christchurch you will find the Banks Peninsula and the charming French inspired town of Akaroa , which is just the perfect place to relax for however many days you have left on this incredible journey, take in some local air, and perhaps visit one of New Zealand’s most scenic toilets.

Then, return your hire car, hop on a plane, and pat yourself on the back. You did it!

The End! Well done!

Whew! That’s it for my round up of my ideal one month road trip itinerary in New Zealand. As always, a month is never going to be enough, but you should be able to see a lot of what this country has to offer in the time available.

New Zealand Road Trip Map

Here’s a map of this road trip to help you plan. You can also see this map on Google Maps here .

New Zealand Road Trip Overview

• Day 1: Rotorua – Volcanic Wonderland and Cultural Experience
• Day 2 – 4: East Cape – Deserted wilderness and spectacular coastal scenery
• Day 7: Wellington
• Days 10 – 13: Abel Tasman and Golden Bay for sea kayaking along the coast and amazing birdlife
• Days 14 – 15: Karamea for a laid back vibe, pounding seas, and the amazing rock formations of the Oparara Basin
• Day 16 – 18: West Coast:  Glaciers, Mountains and Possum Pie. Time to get epic on the West Coast
• Days 19 – 20: Wanaka & Queenstown for adventure
• Days 21 – 23: Te Anau & Milford Sound 
• Days 24 – 27: To Mount Cook , for a mighty impressive bit of mountain
• Days 28 – 30: Christchurch , and some relaxing in a French style

Further Reading

If you found this post helpful, you might like to check out my New Zealand guide section of the site, where I offer all kinds of advice, from must see attractions , through to awesome day hikes , as well as practicalities such as buying a vehicle , finding a job and even finding free internet .

For other reading, a fellow blogger wrote an excellent guide to your first time in New Zealand , which I found to be invaluable for my trip.

If you’d like some more resources to further plan your trip , then the following should help:

• This collection of New Zealand travel guides on Amazon.com ( Amazon UK for EU readers )
• The Lonely Planet Guide to New Zealand on Amazon.com ( UK / EU link )
• The Rough Guide to New Zealand on Amazon.com ( UK / EU link)

Enjoy – and if you have any feedback on this monster of a post, do share it in the comments below!

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There are 31 comments on this post

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Susan kingston says

18th July 2024 at 10:14 pm

Hi Laurence Would you happen to know if you can book a tour guide / driver for 4 weeks if I came alone Thanks Sue

Laurence Norah says

18th July 2024 at 10:24 pm

You can certainly take a group guided tour, you can compare a load of options at different price points, durations and types of tour on TourRadar here .

However I couldn’t see a fully private option that wasn’t self-guided. I’m sure it’s possible, but just be aware hiring a driver / vehicle for four weeks is likely going to be fairly costly. If budget is a factor, you might want to see if you can find someone to travel with who would be happy to drive for the duration of your trip. There are various message boards and groups I’m sure where you could find someone to travel with.

I hope this is of some help! Have an amazing time in New Zealand 🙂

18th July 2024 at 11:14 pm

Thanks for your quick reply 😁 I’ll check Tourradar out ! I’m retired now so no real restrictions on time/ budget 😁 My uncle lives in Gisborne and this will be my first trip to NZ so very excited to go . Any further ideas please share with me . I found your blog very helpful Thanks Sue

19th July 2024 at 1:08 pm

That sounds awesome 🙂 Well, I did some more digging and one option that popped up was Kensington Tours, who offer a private 24 day tour: https://www.kensingtontours.com/tours/australia-and-pacific/new-zealand/new-zealand-ultimate-road-trip

Other options include New Zealand Private Tours and Haka Private Tours . So there are definitely some options out there!

Sarah Welch says

7th July 2024 at 6:45 am

Hi your Google map link isn’t working for me – would there be another way to share that route?

7th July 2024 at 1:59 pm

The link is working for me, can you try this one: https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1DY_DXcpIrGXhWaT6tFjtLxUlWVUAfJw8&usp=sharing

Let me know if not and I’ll see what else I can come up with!

Veronika says

4th October 2022 at 12:46 pm

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to New Zealand again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

4th October 2022 at 5:11 pm

Thanks very much Veronika – I hope you get back to New Zealand again soon!

Samuel Birch says

2nd December 2019 at 12:21 pm

I would love to travel in New Zealand as I believe that it is the most incredible place in the world to spend quality time with family or friends. Great Blog!! Keep sharing.

2nd December 2019 at 2:51 pm

Thanks very much Samuel – I hope you do get to visit New Zealand 😀

Deborah Brown says

13th March 2019 at 1:00 am

Hi guys, This is a fabulous, very helpful and informative blog, all of your comments and recommendations are really useful and the photos are fantastic. It will be quite a while before I can take such an amazing trip and I wanted to get an idea of what there was and the best approach to plan it (and then start saving hard!!) so thank you very much as this will definitely help me design my journey through what I feel is an amazing land. Best wishes to you both. Kind regards Deborah

13th March 2019 at 9:52 am

Hi Deborah!

Our pleasure, we’re delighted you found it useful. Good luck with the adventure!

Andrea O'Rafferty says

12th February 2019 at 4:11 am

Hi guys My friend and I followed your advice and guide to do the NC500 in September. It was invaluable. Scotland is so beautiful. We are off to New Zealand next January and I’m so pleased I’ve seen your blog. My question is we have an extra week to spare. Have you any suggestions as to how to spend it ? Thanks Andrea ps we are in our 60’s

12th February 2019 at 5:35 pm

Thanks for your comment, we’re delighted you were able to use our content to plan your trip!

So for New Zealand, if I had an extra week I would give that extra time to the north island. Many people rush to the south island, which certainly is very beautiful, but there’s lots to see on the north island too. So I’d suggest heading to the north of the island, then around the east cape. You could also cross the island and head to the Taranaki region, and the famous glow worm caves. Wellington is a nice city to spend a bit more time in as well.

I hope this helps a bit. I’m sure you’ll have no trouble finding more to do than I have listed here though!

28th November 2018 at 11:19 am

Thank you so much! The post is super useful.

28th November 2018 at 11:33 am

My pleasure Irene 😀 Have a wonderful trip!

Jessie says

19th October 2018 at 11:36 am

Love this!!! I’m visiting in a few weeks! Will probably arrive around the 17th or 18th of November. If I plan to stay in hostels and an occasional splurge in a nicer place… do you think i need to plan in advance? I’m doing that in Australia now with Air BNBs, and while I like having plans, I kinda like the idea in New Zealand of figuring it out as I go. Very different than Australia!

19th October 2018 at 2:45 pm

Hey Jessie 🙂

That should be ok, just be aware that you are coming into the summer in New Zealand so it will be a bit busier than average. But see how you go on the first few nights, which should give you an idea of the feasibility of your plan over the remainder of your trip 🙂

have a great time!

19th August 2018 at 11:31 pm

Thank you This is a wonderful article with great information. A fabulous reference as too where to get started.

20th August 2018 at 11:09 am

Our pleasure Lori – have a wonderful time in New Zealand 🙂

10th August 2018 at 3:12 pm

Can someone give me an expected budget for 2 people for this itinerary or very similar?

Paul Marshall says

25th June 2018 at 8:51 pm

Loving this guide. Heading back to New Zealand for my 3rd time in Feb and always keen to hear from others on their experience. So many places to visit.

25th June 2018 at 9:25 pm

Thanks Paul – it is a wonderful country for sure. Have a wonderful trip!

Dimitri Pagot says

3rd March 2017 at 10:36 pm

Exactly what I needed for planning the adventure of my life ! 🙂 Thanks a lot for the tips and all the itineraries, this is so helpful ! Thank you again ! Departure : August 2018 ! 🙂

Laurence says

4th March 2017 at 10:54 am

Awesome! Have an amazing trip 😀

harvard_staff says

31st December 2016 at 2:11 am

this is EXACTLY what I needed to begin planning our “trip of a lifetime” to New Zealand in a year….thanks so much!

31st December 2016 at 10:05 am

Perfect! My pleasure 😀 Have an amazing trip!

Bethaney says

14th February 2016 at 9:25 pm

As a Kiwi, I think this looks like a great itinerary. I’m pleased to see you include so much of the West Coast of the South Island in your itinerary. 🙂

Gabrielle Cormier says

19th July 2015 at 10:26 pm

Great article and tips 🙂 I’m going to NZ in November and I’m wondering how long in advance I should book my car rental and campsites (I’m bringing my tent)?

30th June 2015 at 10:06 pm

Hi Pedro – if you click on any of the images you get a slideshow. I also share a lot of photos from all my trips on the sites facebook page: http://facebook.com/findingtheuniverse 🙂

30th June 2015 at 10:05 pm

Hi Davey. I can’t argue with that, I actually lived up on in the Tongariro National Park for five months and loved it, as climbed Ngauruhoe as well! It’s certainly something folks should consider as part of this trip, although likely at the expense of seeing something else. There’s just so much awesome in New Zealand! 🙂

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Travel Itineraries | Luxury Travel | Travel Tips

14 Day New Zealand Tour Itinerary | A Complete Travel Guide

If you’re looking to explore all the best that New Zealand has to offer, then this 1 4-Day New Zealand Travel Itinerary is perfect for you. Starting in Auckland , your first stop will be Magical Mangawhai before making your way to the Coromandel Peninsula , after you’ll pass through Taupo . Take a pit stop in Wellington and pop across to Picton to marvel at the beauty the top of the South Island has to offer.

There are so many beautiful spots in New Zealand and two weeks isn’t quite enough to explore it all properly but this 14 day New Zealand Travel itinerary highlights some of the best spots without trying to squeeze too much into your holiday!

There are so many reasons why New Zealand should be at the top of your Travel Bucket List. From its stunning landscapes and gorgeous beaches to its world-class wine and food, New Zealand has something for everyone.

But what really sets New Zealand apart is its incredible culture . The Kiwis are some of the friendliest people on the planet, and they love nothing more than welcoming visitors into their homes. So if you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, New Zealand should definitely be at the top of your list.

How to get around New Zealand

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Day 2 and 3: Auckland – Mangawhai

Day 4: Mangawhai – Coromandel Peninsula

Day 5: Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach

Day 6: Hot Water Beach and New Chums Beach

Day 7: Otama Beach, Optio Bay and Crayfish Bay

Day 8: Coromandel Peninsula to Taupo

Day 9: Explore Taupo

Day 10: Taupo to Wellington

Day 11: Wellington to Picton

Day 12: Picton to Nelson

Day 13: Nelson

Day 14: Nelson to Auckland

Best Hotels and Resorts in New Zealand

What is the best time of year to visit new zealand, 14 day new zealand itinerary – summary, share this:.

Quick disclaimer, for this 14 day New Zealand Travel itinerary you are definitely going to want to hire a car . Reason being, some of the BEST places in New Zealand are quite remote which means public transport won’t take you there.

Or it’ll take you some of the way there, and you’ll end up having to get a taxi the rest of the way which will end up hurting your wallet.

Be sure to look into hiring a car before you arrive in New Zealand . There has been a recent influx of tourists post covid (which is super awesome!) but it means some car rental companies are struggling to keep up. So to avoid missing out, best to be prepared.

PS – Useful Travel Resources to use while heading to New Zealand to tick off this 14 Day New Zealand Itinerary

• Book your Rental Car in New Zealand on Discover Cars and RentalCars.com
• Book the best New Zealand Tours at GetYourGuide or Viator
• Book your Accommodation in New Zealand on Agoda or Booking.com
• Get an eSIM by Airalo to stay connected and Save on Roaming Fees
• Sign up for a Priority Pass before flying to New Zealand, and get access to premium Airport Lounges.
• Sign up for a Travel Insurance to enjoy a hassle free vacation in New Zealand.

14 Day New Zealand Travel Itinerary

Pin this New Zealand Trip Planner featuring an exhaustive 2 week New Zealand Tour Itinerary

After arriving in New Zealand’s biggest city, spend a day getting your bearings. Head to the Sky Tower for unbeatable views, take a walk through Auckland Domain and learn about New Zealand’s history at Auckland Museum .

Relax in the sun at the Viaduct for happy hour and grab a bite to eat. There is an awesome array of restaurants to choose from, some of the best in the city.

Auckland | Photo by Sulthan Auliya on Unsplash

If you’re feeling a little bit fancy and want to kick your holiday off right, Soul Bar is a popular choice. For something a bit more laid back try Hello Beasty or White and Wongs, both incredible Asian Fusion restaurants. I’m not exaggerating when I say the food is to die for, especially Hello Beasty. I’d happily eat there any day!

For a slightly cheaper night out Coops is a good option, or Dr Rudi’s is well known for their delicious pizzas.

Wherever you decide to go, you can’t really go wrong at the viaduct!

Start your day with a short drive north to Mangawhai Heads . They don’t call it Magical Mangawhai for nothing and it’s a summer hotspot you definitely want to check out.

Go for a swim at beautiful Mangawhai Beach , explore the quaint shops and cafes in the village and take a walk along the estuary.

In the afternoon, head to Te Arai Point for some surf or relaxation time on the golden sand beaches. Be sure to walk around to the beach to the right of Te Arai, it gives off massive Europe vibes and is so beautiful.

It’s very easy to spend a day or two enjoying the slower pace of Mangawhai beach town. The locals are incredibly friendly and due to Mangawhai’s growing popularity, there are quite a few boutique shops to explore.

Wake up early and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula , you’ll probably end up staying here for 3 or 4 days as there is plenty to do.

In fact you could probably spend your whole two weeks in the Coromandel and be quite content! However this New Zealand Travel itinerary is all about taking you to the best bits, so what hotspots do you need to hit?

Cathedral Cove

Hot Water Beach

Hahei Beach

• New Chums Beach

Crayfish Bay

Otama Beach

That might sound like a lot but luckily Cathedral Cove , Hahei Beach and Hot Water Beach are all pretty close to one another. Same goes for Opito Bay, Crayfish Bay and Otama Beach so you could probably knock out this list in 3 days (4 if you want more time relaxing at each place).

Let’s start with Cathedral Cove , one of New Zealand’s most iconic beaches . This place looks like something straight out of a movie set with its dramatic cliffs and the famous rock archway.

To beat the summer heat (and the crowds) you’ll want to head off early. The best way to get there is by walking. Cathedral Cove is also accessible by boat but walking is definitely the most popular option. With a distance of 2.5 kilometres and a walking time of 1 hour and 30 minutes return, it’s a pretty easy trek and so worth it once you get there!

Along the way, you’ll get some incredible views and there are plenty of photo opportunities. Be sure to swing by Stingray Bay , it’s usually pretty quiet and a real hidden gem.

Stingray Beach

Once you arrive at Cathedral Cove, take some time to explore and swim in the clear blue water. It really is as beautiful as it looks in pictures!

In the afternoon, walk back to Hahei Beach for a spot of sunbathing or swimming. This place is pretty popular due to being another stunning beach and one that is a bit more accessible than Cathedral Cove. However, it’s still worth a visit to see New Zealand’s stunning east coast.

In the morning of your sixth day of this 14 Day New Zealand Travel Itinerary, you’ll want to make your way to Hot Water Beach . This beach gets its name from the natural hot springs that run underneath it and as you can probably guess by its name, it’s a great spot for a hot soak!

All you need to do is dig a hole and voila, you have your very own hot tub! The perfect way to relax after a long day of exploring.

Hot Water beach is only a short drive from Cathedral Cove and Hahei Beach so it’s easy to include in your itinerary before making your way out to New Chums Beach.

Just be sure to go 2 hours on either side of low tide so you can actually access the hot water, this will largely dictate when you’re able to squeeze it into your itinerary.

In the summer months, it’s great to visit in the early morning or late afternoon so you can enjoy the heat of the water. During the day while the sun is beating down you’ll probably want to give it a miss but the beach is still worth a visit if you have time.

After you’ll make your way to Whangapoua Beach as this is where you’ll start the New Chums Beach Walk from. New Chums Beach is New Zealand’s most isolated beach and because of this, it’s also one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets.

The walk itself should take around 30 minutes. You will pass over some rocks and uneven ground, even a stream right at the start too but it isn’t a difficult walk and most people should be completely fine.

Instead of gunning it straight for the beach once you arrive at New Chums, take the extra time to walk to the top of the lookout. It’s a rather steep climb but the views certainly won’t disappoint, trust me!

New Chums Beach Lookout

After conquering the lookout, make your way to the beach and take some time to relax. New Chums Beach is the perfect place to kick back and really enjoy New Zealand’s beautiful landscape.

Make your way to Kuaotunu afterwards for a central place to stay. If you don’t feel like cooking Luke’s Kitchen has some delicious cuisine to choose from and the restaurant has an awesome laidback coastal vibe.

If you’re lucky and get a table outside you’ll be able to see the sunset. Sometimes live music is played over the weekends in the summer months.

Day 7 is all about relaxing at the beach and they are pretty gorgeous beaches! You’ll be quite happy lounging about and swimming all day.

Start your day off at Otama Beach , it’s a great place for swimming or sunbathing. The pohutukawa trees at the edge of the beach provide some much-needed shade.

Out of the 3 beaches, Otama is the place with the most waves and has a rather steep gradient, perfect for running and diving straight into the ocean. In saying that it is still a very safe swimming beach.

It’s also pretty secluded so if you arrive in the morning, don’t be surprised if you’re the only ones here!

Once you feel like a change of scenery, make your way to Opito Bay . This is the perfect spot if you want to go kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding as the water here is usually very calm.

Lastly, end your day at Crayfish Bay for some incredible views. Located just a short 10-minute walk from Opito Bay it’s definitely not to be missed.

Instead of beautiful golden sand, this unique beach is stony and has some pretty dramatic rock formations to the right-hand side of the bay. Walk round the rocks for some spectacular views of the sparkling blue water.

If you’re feeling brave, there’s a cliff jump down into the water. If you visit in summer you’ll likely see others jumping from the rocks.

There are metal bars mounted into the rocks to help you climb back up after your jump or you can simply swim back to shore.

Whether you jump or not, Crayfish Bay is definitely worth a visit.

It’s time to leave the Coromandel Peninsula and make your way to Taupo.

The journey will take you about 3 and a half hours so best to get on the road early to make the most of your time in Taupo. Matamata is a good halfway point to grab a bite to eat.

Taupo is located in New Zealand’s North Island and is well-known for its incredible scenery and geothermal activity. There are plenty of things to do in Taupo , from hiking and biking to swimming and fishing.

Taupo | Photo by Brandon Weekes on Unsplash

You can also visit the thermal pools or go whitewater rafting on the Waikato River. The activities you choose to do here will all depend on what kind of holiday you’re after.

When it comes to food and drinks, Taupo is definitely the place to be. From fine dining restaurants to trendy cafes, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant town.

There is so much to do in Taupo that you may as well take an extra day to explore at a bit of a slower pace.

During the day drive around the lake and discover unique swimming spots. If you get a chance, I’d recommend hiring a kayak and checking out the Maori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. It’s a beautiful sight and definitely worth a visit. Of course, it’s amazing spending time on the lake as well cause it is a stunner.

Make sure to take in the stunning views of New Zealand’s North Island from Huka Falls too. The thundering cascade is something that shouldn’t be missed.

Next it’s time to make the trek from Taupo to Wellington . At 4 hours and 40 minutes, it’s nothing too crazy and totally doable within a day.

There isn’t a lot to see on the way down so it’s a good idea to just get on the road and head straight there. Of course stop for a quick toilet break or some food when you need it.

Wellington | Photo by Jil Beckmann on Unsplash

When you arrive in New Zealand’s capital, there’ll be plenty of things to do. From visiting Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum to checking out the library or chilling at one of the beaches Wellington has to offer.

If you’re into shopping, head on over to Lambton Quay for some retail therapy or Cuba Street for some awesome bars, cafes and street art.

In the morning, catch the Interislander across Cook Strait to travel to the top of the South Island.

Make sure to book the ferry well in advance as over the summer months and particularly over the Christmas break the boats fill up fast. You’re also more likely to get stuck with the less desirable travel times the longer you leave it (think 2am in the morning!).

The ferry will drop you in Picton, a gorgeous little seaside town that people tend to pass straight on through. I recommend spending the night here so you can explore the area and catch one of the incredible sunsets in the evening.

Grab a bite to eat from a nearby cafe or bakery before making your way to Bob’s Bay . Even if it’s not hot enough to swim this picturesque bay is worth a visit.

The walk from the marina is pretty easy, it takes just 30 minutes and is known as the “lower track”. There is an “upper track” you can explore as well if you wish.

Enjoy an afternoon swim at the bay and watch some of the ships coming in. With toilet facilities and a picnic table, it’s got everything you need for a lazy afternoon.

In the evening, make your way down to the marina to watch the sunset. If you’re lucky the sky will turn into a gorgeous array of pinks and oranges. Take a picnic rug with you to sit down and relax on the grass.

Once the sun has gone down, wander around the collection of restaurants at the marina to find a bite to eat. Being a pretty small town there isn’t a ton of choice but you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy.

Picton is the gateway to New Zealand’s Marlborough Sounds , a stunning collection of islands and waterways that are perfect for kayaking or boat trips. Spend the morning of day 12 doing a cruise through the Marlborough Sounds.

Marlborough Sounds

A cruise is a great option to discover some of the hidden bays and possibly spot some sea life such as dolphins and seals.

As an alternative to doing a cruise, you can also rent bikes and take them around Queen Charlotte Drive which is a fun way to explore the area and get some amazing views of the sounds.

Soon it’ll be time to make your way to Nelson, it’s worth stopping in Blenheim on the way if you’ve got time.

The region is known for its wine so it’d be rude not to try some! Wither Hills, Cloudy Bay and Villa Maria are just some of the top-rated vineyards in the area. Pop in for a glass of wine, or two and enjoy some delicious food.

After lunch, continue driving to the picturesque town of Nelson. This journey will take you through some of New Zealand’s most stunning scenery, so be sure to make some stops along the way.

Nelson is a beautiful town in New Zealand that is known for its wine and stunning scenery. Visit the Abel Tasman National Park for a look at some of the most beautiful coastline in the country.

Spend the morning walking the coastal track, admiring the lush native bush and rugged limestone cliffs. It’s possible to just walk some of the track and then catch a boat back to the start so you don’t need to worry about booking any overnight huts.

Then, in the afternoon head to Kaiteriteri Beach for a refreshing swim. You can also take a walk through the city centre or visit one of the art galleries and museums.

Day 14 sadly means your holiday has come to an end. Catch a flight from Nelson back to the city of Auckland where you’ll farewell New Zealand.

If you have time before your flight, take a stroll around the Wynyard Quarter, New Zealand’s waterfront district. Stop off for a coffee at one of the many cafes in the area before you make your way to the airport.

Your New Zealand adventure may be over, but it’s sure to be an experience that you’ll never forget!

If you are wondering, where to stay in New Zealand, you can simply enter your dates, and hit the search button in the box below, to search and compare prices for the Best Hotels and Resorts in New Zealand, based on your needs.

Photo by Sarah Evans on Unsplash

New Zealand features four distinct seasons, each bringing its own unique set of experiences. The New Zealand summer (December to February) is usually the best time for travellers who are looking for hot weather, long days and plenty of outdoor activities.

Spring (September to November) is a great time for hiking, seeing the incredible New Zealand landscapes in bloom, and spotting some of New Zealand’s wildlife.

Autumn (March to May) is an ideal time for wine tasting, and the cooler temperatures make it a great time for mountain biking or trekking.

Finally, winter (June to August) brings snow-covered mountains, ski resorts and lots of hot thermal springs to explore. No matter which season you choose, New Zealand is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Day 6: Hot Water Beach and New Chums Beac h

No matter what you decide to do during your 14 days in New Zealand, it’s sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and experiences.

Enjoy discovering the stunning New Zealand scenery, getting up close with some of New Zealand’s unique wildlife, and indulging in New Zealand’s delicious food and wine. New Zealand is sure to leave you wanting more!

Don’t forget to Pin this New Zealand Travel Guide and New Zealand Trip Planner featuring an exhaustive 14 Day New Zealand Travel Itinerary , carefully crafted and curated by a local, which will help you in planning for your trip to New Zealand.

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13 Great Reasons to Visit New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling hills, and copious amounts of wine, it’s a destination unlike all others.

Tucked away in the corner of the world, it’s a country that requires some planning to visit. Flights here aren’t cheap, after all. Round-trip flights from the United States are almost always over $1,000 USD and the journey takes upwards of 23 hours.

And even when you arrive, the country itself is far from being budget-friendly.

Yet even with that in mind, it’s a destination I never get tired of visiting. New Zealand is worth every penny if you ask me.

While it has seen a boom in tourism in recent years, New Zealand is still the beautiful and pristine country I first visited many years ago.

Christchurch has recovered from its earthquakes and now a hip place to be; Wanaka is still offers incredible hiking; the glaciers were just as mind-blowing as ever; the forests still home to wonderful walks; and Kiwis just as fun and friendly as ever.

In short, if New Zealand isn’t on your travel list, it should be.

To help you plan your trip, here are my favorite places to visit and things to do in New Zealand that you shouldn’t miss:  

1. Explore Abel Tasman National Park

The park covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), and even though it’s the country’s smallest national park, there’s a ton to see here. If you want to explore the park beyond its hiking trails, rent a kayak. That way, you can visit the tiny coves and beaches that make the area so special. Full-day rentals start at around 85 NZD, or you can join a guided kayaking tour starting at 130 NZD.

The park is best as an overnight or multi-day trip as it’s too far from Nelson to really do it justice in a day trip.  

2. Glacier Trekking on Fox and Franz Josef

At present, the only way to trek on the glaciers now is via heli-hike (a half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience). They are expensive (485-499 NZD) but the helicopter ride, trekking, and whole experience are worth the price in my opinion.

Conversely, you can just go on a helicopter tour without the hiking (they last about twenty minutes and start at around 225 NZD) or just hike to the glacier face and take photos from a distance.

No matter what option you choose, pass through this area while you make your way down the South Island. You won’t regret it!  

3. Do an Extreme Sport

There are a million activities to choose from: you can skydive basically anywhere; Queenstown is home to Shotover jets (rocket-like boats that zip on shallow rivers), ziplines, and bungy jumps; and there’s caving, zorbing, transalpine hiking, paragliding, and so much more. If it can be done outdoors, it can be done in New Zealand.

Here are some prices for activities to help you budget and plan, with prices varying depending on where you go and length of the experience:

• Bungy jumping – 165-275 NZD
• White-water rafting – 135-225 NZD
• Zorbing – 40-85 NZD
• Skydiving – 300-600 NZD
• Paragliding – 100-200 NZD
• Ziplining – 100-150 NZD

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, don’t miss the Nevis Bungy Jump — it’s the highest in the country!  

4. Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

However, even if you aren’t a strong hiker (and I am not), the Tongariro Crossing is easily completed in a day (it usually takes between 6-8 hours). Trekking through this otherworldly, red-colored environment of volcanoes and sulfur was the highlight of my whole time in New Zealand.

Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, toilet paper, and a sweater or jacket (the weather can change rapidly).  

5. Learn About Maori culture

Rotorua is usually the best city to see Maori cultural shows , though there are other noteworthy sites around the country, including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Tane Mahuta in Bay of Islands and the Te Papa museum in Wellington .

Shows usually last around 2.5-3 hours and include a tour of a traditional village, performances, and a meal. Tickets range from 150-250 NZD.

6. Don’t Miss Wellington

It has a popping nightlife, tons of art galleries, great food, fantastic cafés, a beautiful harbor (that is best seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the entire city), and is easily walkable. Be sure to hit some of the world-class and award-winning museums like the Museum of Wellington and Te Papa, New Zealand’s national museum.  

7. Check Out the Glow Worms

I found the three-hour trip long enough, but if you like to abseil, you should consider the five-hour version. This experience is one of my most lasting memories of my trip .

Tickets cost around 150 NZD for the three-hour rafting trip and 260 NZD for the five-hour trip. If you just want to walk around the caves and see the glowworms, tickets cost around 55 NZD.  

8. Hang Out in Queenstown

The city has such a feisty and outdoorsy energy to it. Even though it has become hugely popular and filled with people, I cannot express my love of Queenstown enough. It’s surrounded by beautiful peaks, has narrow streets and pedestrian lanes filled with shops and restaurants, a spectacular lake, tons of trails and parks, and Queenstown Hill watching over the city like a benevolent overlord.

This is one of the best spots in the country to do an extreme sport (bungy, skydive, shotover jet, etc), take a wine tour, or just chill out on a nearby beach.  

9. Visit Hobbiton

To see Hobbiton (located about two hours from Auckland or one hour from Rotorua), you’ll have to take a tour. The Classic Tour lasts around 2 hours and cost 89 NZD for adults. There are also several other experiential tours you can take here, including a Second Breakfast or Banquet Tour (both of which involve hobbit-inspired meals and drinks).  

10. Explore Fiordland

This region is home to the majestic Milford and Doubtful Sounds, the Milford and Keppler Tracks, and lots of camping and hiking opportunities. If you want to experience New Zealand’s nature away from the crowds, come here.  

11. Discover Stewart Island

Come here to see dolphins and do some single-day or multiday treks. If you aren’t into hiking, you don’t need more than a day or two here, unless you really want some peace and quiet, in which case, stay forever.  

12. Chill Out in Christchurch

If you’ll be there for a few days, be sure to check out the free Canterbury Museum, which has a detailed replica of the city during the Victorian era; and Quake City, an interactive museum dedicated to the 2010-11 earthquakes. Don’t miss riding the gondola into the nearby hills for a sweeping view of the city as well!  

13. Drink Copious Amounts of Wine

There are lots of biking trails around the wine regions as well, so you can drink and cycle around (which is better than drinking and driving!). It’s also much cheaper than paying for a guided tour (which costs around 100-250 NZD depending on the region and tour length). The Gibbston River Trail, an 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) walking and biking path near Queenstown crosses through a number of vineyards and is a fun way to explore and sample some of the area’s best vintages.

If it’s not clear from this list, I love New Zealand. It’s one of my favorite countries in the world and I never get tired of going back.

And, while these may be my 13 favorite things to see and do in New Zealand, this list only scratches the surface. There’s also the Bay of Islands and Raglan for surfing, the Coromandel and Dunedin for beer, Wanaka and Mt. Cook for hiking, Hammer Springs for hot springs, and, well, you get the idea. There’s a lot here. You’re never going to be bored, especially if you love the outdoors.

There’s a reason travelers never have anything bad to say about this country!

Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional repatriation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I only recommend products and companies I use. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are mine alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. This page does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

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Welcome to your New Zealand Escape!

Kia ora! We’re Alex and Michelle. We’re super proud to introduce you to our beautiful country.

Explore by Region

About New Zealand

The North Island - Where most New Zealanders live. Volcanoes, stunning beaches, and home to hobbits.

The South Island - Epic mountains, lakes, glaciers and sheep! The birthplace of bungy jumping.

Click the map to learn about each region!

Largest New Zealand city surrounded by oceans and beautiful islands.

Bay of Plenty

Laden with beautiful beaches and geothermal wonders!

Tauranga Rotorua

Incredible sea-life on the coast through to glacier-fed lakes and the highest mountains in New Zealand.

Christchurch Kaikoura Hanmer Springs Arthurs Pass Akaroa Lake Tekapo Twizel Mt Cook

Gisborne/ Hawke's Bay

From thick New Zealand bush to surfing and seals, full of friendly small towns and wineries!

Gisborne Hastings Napier

Nelson/ Marlborough

Natural coastal beauty around every corner, also home to great wine and beer!

Nelson Marlborough Sounds Blenheim Abel Tasman Golden Bay

Manawatu - Wanganui

Skifields on Mt Ruapehu in winter and one of the most popular NZ hikes across Mt Tongariro in summer.

Ruapehu & Tongariro National Park

Gorgeous estuaries, beaches, and coves. Dense native forests and rich history around the birth of our nation.

Home to snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, and a rugged peninsula sheltering sandy beaches and wildlife like penguins.

Dunedin Queenstown Wanaka Oamaru

Cruise, hike, fly or kayak jaw-dropping fiords. Gateway to Stewart Island.

Fiordland Invercargill Catlins Stewart Island

Surf beaches, farm life, and dense native bush.

New Plymouth

Hobbiton, surf and swimming beaches, plus the longest river in New Zealand.

Coromandel Hamilton Taupo

Hosts the capital city with a vibrant cafe scene, our favourite museum, and coastlines galore.

Wellington Kapiti Coast

Remote coastline with rugged rock formations and unique glaciers.

West Coast Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers

Travel Tips

Suggested itineraries, ask us anything, north island, south island, packing list, choose your escape.

Stewart Island

Stewart Island Nearby   Stewart Island: Understand Population ~ 400 Also known as Rakiura, “Place of Glowing skies” by the Maoris, Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third largest island and…

Wanaka Nearby Wanaka: Understand Population ~8,500 Wanaka is set on a stunning lake with endless water-sport activities. Wanaka is much more relaxed than Queenstown, and many of it’s activities are…

Twizel Nearby Twizel: Understand Population 1,250 Just south of Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook brings you to the quiet town of Twizel. Originally built to house the people working on…

Dunedin Nearby Dunedin: Understand Population 126,000 Famous for being a University city of Scottish heritage, Dunedin offers a delightful combination of fine Architecture and cultural riches. The port City of…

Northland Nearby Northland: Understand Population ~ 152,000 Head up to the tippy-top of New Zealand for beaches on both the East and West Coast, Kauri forests, cliff-top walking trails and…

Coromandel Peninsula Nearby Coromandel: Understand Population ~ 29,000 The Coromandel Peninsula is a series of coves, beaches, rainforests and harbours jutting out on the east coast of the North Island. It’s…

New Zealand Is Top of Our Wish List Right Now. Here’s Why.

Sculpture gardens, epic hiking trails, and food steeped in māori history await..

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Take in Auckland’s skyline from Maungawhau/Mount Eden, a volcanic cone within the city limits.

Courtesy of Henry Mcintosh/Unsplash

During the Northern Hemisphere’s summer 2023, I spent a month Down Under with my husband and kids, circling Australia and bouncing between the North and South islands of New Zealand. Despite it being nearly as exhausting as it sounds, we made core memories on “Great Walks” and in national parks, sledding on luges and jet boating in Queenstown, and playing Queen at high tea in Auckland. We also left much undone for our next visit—including a trip to one of the world’s best new resorts set on a high-country sheep station. Read on for some of the best places to visit now in New Zealand.

Wanaka is a can’t miss for adventurers.

Queenstown and Wanaka

South Island

Queenstown has long been the adrenaline capital of New Zealand—it’s the birthplace of bungee jumping, as well as an entry point into the Southern Alps and all its corresponding sports (heliskiing, jet boating, luging at Skyline Queenstown , you name it). Over the years the mountain town has gotten more developed, and expensive, although any visitor would be remiss not to wait in line at Fergburger for the eponymous burger the size of a child’s head. (Now a mini-franchise, Mrs. Ferg has added pastries, gelato, and lattes to the menu, and Ferg’s bar keeps the fun going until 2 a.m.) Also of note: Madam Woo ’s “flavors from the Malacca Straits” does authentic laksa, beef rendang, and a five-spice fried chicken for the ages. Chase it all with a cocktail and live music at bolthole Little Blackwood.

An hour’s drive north of Queenstown is the more laid-back Wanaka , on the south side of Lake Wanaka, which is developing a reputation as a foodie town. It has a bit of everything: fine dining, a food truck scene, wineries and a husband-and-wife-run distillery taking advantage of all that alpine water. Dinner at Kika is a must-do, so we hear—next trip! Wellness and mindfulness are front of mind here, with responsible travelers encouraged to embrace slow travel and support Love Wanaka , which raises money to support conservation and biodiversity in the region.

Where to stay

Checking into Queenstown can prove a little tricky—there aren’t a lot of hotel and rental options—so some travelers opt to stay outside the downtown corridor at the Matakauri , recently taken over by Rosewood. With just 24 guest rooms, suites, and villas, set on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, it feels remote even though it’s only a seven-minute drive from Queenstown. I’m not prone to adjectives, but the views are gorgeous .

Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city.

Photo by Sulthan Auliya/Unsplash

North Island

Whether it’s their first or 15th time in New Zealand, most U.S.-based travelers pass through the country’s largest city and main international hub. With its boat-filled harbor and dramatic volcanic surroundings, Auckland is a stunner when viewed from any vantage point: hiking to the summit of Maungawhau/Mount Eden or along the shoreline of Te pane o mataoho/Maangere Mountain ; on a ferry headed to winery-laden Waiheke Island; or atop the gantry at Silo Park, the rooftop bar of the QT hotel, or the observatory of the iconic Sky Tower.

If you’re traveling with kids, get on the ice with a colony of king and gentoo penguins at Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium , or learn the story behind NZ rugby and haka (the Māori war dance at the start of each match) at the Auckland All Blacks Experience . Drive an hour outside Auckland to Sculptureum at Matakana, whose six art galleries, three sculpture gardens, vineyard, and Rothko Restaurant make for a lovely all-ages way to spend an afternoon.

Cordis Auckland , a Langham sister property downtown, manages to be both business traveler– and family-friendly. Corner Executive Suites have a living room, king-size bedroom, and kitchen with a microwave and range; views of the Sky Tower; and oversize bathrooms with soaking tubs. Make time for a Cordis High Tea for Two; it also has a thoughtful kids’ afternoon tea with a red panda mascot named Cody and a sugar rush for the ages.

Looking for more top hotels? Try the new InterContinental on the water, the Park Hyatt, or JW Marriott Auckland .

Where to eat and drink

Breakfast at Amano Bakery in Britomart ; Instagram-famous Giant Cookies at Moustache Milk and Cookie Bar ; your pick of Italian at Bivacco on the waterfront and/or at Baduzzi on the North Wharf in Wynyard Quarter. Ditch the cell phone (social media is discouraged here), puffer coats, and sneakers for a fancy night of cocktails at Pineapple on Parnell.

Don’t miss a chance to visit Wellington on your next visit to New Zealand.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

Hiakai restaurant in Wellington began as a pop-up experience in 2016, when founding chef Monique Fiso created dishes that celebrated her Māori and Samoan roots with the precision of an artist who honed her craft in New York City. “We place a special focus on researching and showcasing [Indigenous] ingredients in modern and inventive ways,” writes the Hiakai team. Much has been said (everywhere from Time magazine to the World’s 50 Best ) about how memorable those dishes are, be it a vichyssoise with local potatoes served with mussel ice cream, or kumara (sweet potato) gnocchi in a sauce of huhu grubs. Fiso and her cofounder Katie Monteith also maintain a zero-waste philosophy and a commitment to foraging for wild kai (local ingredients). Fans of the restaurant can continue their education with Fiso’s Hiakai cookbook , which includes a history of Māori food culture, descriptions of traditional ingredients, and recipes. 40 Wallace St., Mount Cook, Wellington; book now: $140 for tasting menu.

Granite and marble formations rise out of the sea at Abel Tasman National Park.

Photo by Daboost/Shutterstock

Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park

The South Island of New Zealand needs no hype man, no filter. Natural wonders come with legendary names like the Remarkables and Valley of the Trolls, and they beg to be explored on foot, by car, helicopter, skis, jet boat, bungee—you name it.

As Elen Turner wrote for Afar in 2022 , “Road-tripping is the only way to really experience the South Island’s natural beauty. Start in Nelson, a city of more than 50,000 at the top of the South Island, and drive west about an hour to the eastern entrance of Abel Tasman National Park . Many travelers opt to hike—or ‘tramp'— the Coast Track , a five-day, 37-mile ‘Great Walk,’ camping in tents along the way. If you have mobility issues (or perhaps toddlers in tow), you can still get the best of the national park via boat tours from Kaiteriteri, stopping at beaches on turquoise bays.

“Continue the drive over notorious Tākaka Hill—with its narrow, windy, gut-churning lanes—to Golden Bay, pausing at a lookout for panoramic Tasman Bay views. Stay overnight in a town along the way, such as Tākaka or Collingwood, and end your visit marveling at the 65-foot-high Wainui Falls and Te Waikoropupū Springs. The cold, clear springs are a sacred Māori space—a source of life, healing, and renewal for locals and travelers alike.”

Flockhill Lodge brings a touch of modern design to a working South Island sheep station.

Photo by Barry Tobin

Craigieburn Valley

In between Christchurch and Queenstown is a homestead that people are making pilgrimages to: Flockhill Lodge , a four-bedroom property set on a 36,000-acre, high-country sheep station. Afar named it a “best new hotel of 2023 ” and I’ve been itching to check it out ever since. Flockhill’s greatest luxury is its privacy and remoteness (plus access to nature and incredible food). “New Zealand–born chef Craig Martin emphasizes local ingredients in his meals: Périgord black truffles foraged in Canterbury one night, followed by fresh-caught hapuku from Rakiura the next,” writes Jessica Beresford in her review of the lodge. “Even with these luxuries, the retreat’s best asset is its access to adventures.” Guides can take guests on guided hikes, bike rides through the Southern Alps, snowboarding at the nearby Craigieburn ski areas, or fly-fishing on Winding Creek.

The rugged Routeburn Track winds for 20 miles through Fiordland National Park.

Photo by Maaaja/Shutterstock

Fiordland National Park

Several years ago B.C. (before children), I went on my first New Zealand “Great Walk”—one of 10 well-maintained hut-to-hut hikes through some of the country’s most scenic stretches. This was a three-day, 25-mile, many-weather-patterns tramp along the Routeburn Track in Fiordland and Mount Aspiring National Parks with Ultimate Hikes New Zealand , and I’m still talking about it. The Great Walks program turned 30 last year, and in celebration, added a new trail to the network: a 38-mile loop called Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track , also in Fiordland National Park. Be among the first to check out its ancient forest, Māori land, and crowd-free coastlines. Base up in Queenstown, and please make time to stand in line for a Ferg Burger—it’s worth it.

This article was originally published in 2023 and was updated in September 2024 with new information.

New Zealand Travel Guide

New Zealand is a wonderful country for a road trip, especially on the mostly rural South Island, where they have more sheep than people .

This country has two main islands, and both are worth visiting. The North Island has great beaches, volcanoes, and green farmlands, while the South Island has glaciers, fjords, rain forests, and arguably the best road tripping conditions and overall scenery.

Last, but not least, New Zealand is where the entire Lord of the Rings movie series was filmed, and they even kept some of the movie sets . That gives it bonus cool points.

Read through this complete New Zealand travel guide for more info on what to expect!

Quick Facts

Christianity

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Visa free access (with ETA) for many nationalities

Temperate; summer is Dec - Feb

Power Plugs

The main airport in New Zealand is Auckland (AKL) on the North Island, which has lots of direct flights from countries all over the world. On the South Island, the biggest airport is Christchurch (CHC). There are also smaller airports in Wellington, Queenstown, and Dunedin.

You can shop for flights to New Zealand on Skyscanner.

New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world, with a low violent crime rate of 0.7 per 100k inhabitants (90% lower than the global average). Theft from vehicles does happen occasionally and you'll see signs warning about this in parking lots, so remember to always lock up and keep your valuables with you.

The climate in New Zealand is temperate and mild, so there's seasonal variation in temperatures, but nothing very extreme. Spring and Summer in NZ are from September to November, and December to February, respectively.

Summer daytime temps hover around 24 C° (75 °F), and winter 13 °C (55 °F), with spring and autumn temps being between those ranges. Winter in NZ is from June to August.

New Zealand is not a cheap country. You can expect to pay over $2 New Zealand Dollars per liter for gas (that's a liter, not a gallon)! Eating out isn't cheap either, with casual restaurants costing upwards of $20 NZD ($12 USD) for a meal.

The good news is that you'll pay a fraction of this when cooking your own meals. Camper van rentals are not exactly cheap either, but you can cut costs by looking for free/low cost campgrounds. The handy CamperMate app is great for this.

Destinations

Pick a destination and start exploring!

North Island

South island.

The best New Zealand tours & activities

My latest blog posts about New Zealand

Hobbiton New Zealand: How To Visit The Shire Movie Set

One of the most photogenic places in New Zealand is actually a movie set — Hobbiton, from the popular ‘Lord of the Rings’ series! Hobbiton village was …

How To Hike The Tongariro Crossing In New Zealand

The Tongariro Crossing is one of the biggest and best day hikes in New Zealand. Mars-like volcanic peaks and smoking craters may not be the first thing …

How To Do The Roys Peak Hike In Wanaka, New Zealand

The Roys Peak hike is one of the most well known day hikes in south island New Zealand. This tough trail on the outskirts of Mount Aspiring …

Tasman Glacier Walk & Lake View In New Zealand

The Tasman Glacier Walk may be a little less popular than the nearby Hooker Valley Track, but they both have amazing views and they’re super easy to …

Hooker Valley Track: Short Walk & Lake In New Zealand

The Hooker Valley Track is one of the best short walks in New Zealand. It’s a flat, easy hike with amazing views of some of the best …

Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall Walk In Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand

The Devil’s Punchbowl Waterfall is a short walk in Arthur’s Pass, New Zealand that rewards you with a nice waterfall. The falls are impressive and easy to …

Get In Touch

Feel free to contact me if you have travel questions, comments, or suggestions! I'll try to get back to you!

Ultimate NEW ZEALAND Travel Guide

New Zealand is an island nation located in the South Pacific Ocean and is part of Oceania .  Oh New Zealand, how we love you, let us count the ways.

We are absolutely, unconditionally in love with this country. It has more natural beauty to deliver than most other places in the world combined.

Made up of two islands, referred to as North and South, New Zealand packs a huge punch in diversity. It is a place where you could be on the beach then up in the mountains in the span of an hour.

Each island offers you something new and this country deserves as much time as you can give it.  We spent 5 weeks traveling all over  the North and South islands and it was one of our most memorable trips to date.

This country easily tops our list of favorite places in the world.

Destinations

New zealand travel: quick tips.

Don’t Visit NEW ZEALAND Without:

UNIVERSAL TRAVEL ADAPTER

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

NEW ZEALAND BUCKET LIST

Hike the tongariro crossing.

Arguably the best day hike in the world,  the Tongariro Crossing  takes you directly through Middle Earth. You’ll explore volcanic landscapes, bright-colored lakes, towering craters, and more. 

GO TO HOBBITON

If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan, then a visit to Hobbiton is a must in New Zealand. Tour the film set and learn about the production of both the LOTR and Hobbit series. 

VISIT MILFORD SOUND

Located on the South Island, Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most famous natural attractions. It is best explored by boat or kayak. It is also possible to hike the popular Milford Track here too.

MORE ADVENTURES IN NEW ZEALAND

There is no shortage of great  things to do in New Zealand  during your visit and the biggest problem you’ll face is fitting them all into your itinerary.

Each part of the country has its own offering and unique things to check out during a visit, so be sure to look at our multiple city and regional guides once you decide where your itinerary will take you.

SKYDIVING OVER LAKE TAUPO:   Adventure sports were basically invented in New Zealand, so you should be sure to  jump out of an airplane  while you’re there! We decided to jump over Lake Taupo and the scenery was stunning. It is also possible to jump in Queenstown and Auckland.

ICE CLIMBING ON FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER:  Take a helicopter flight and land on the Franz Josef glacier for an afternoon of  ice climbing . It is both physically challenging and exciting, a great way to get up close with this stunning natural wonder.

CAVING IN WAITOMO:  Famous for its glowworm caves, heading  underground in Waitomo  is a must when in New Zealand. There are multiple programs available depending on the fitness levels that will have you exploring caves, underground rivers and waterfalls.

WHALE WATCHING IN KAIKOURA:  The best place to watch whales in New Zealand is from the sleepy seaside town of Kaikoura. There are resident gray whales, orcas and dolphins that are almost a guarantee to spot during a tour. It is also possible to see sea lions and sharks on a tour, along with several species of aquatic birds.

VISIT THE CATLINS:  One of the least visited places, and best-kept secrets, in New Zealand, is  the Catlins . Located on the far southwest tip of the South Island, this natural area is a wonderland of dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife. This includes penguins!

KAYAKING IN ABEL TASMAN:  The most stunning place in the country to kayak is in Abel Tasman. The water here is crystal clear and bright turquoise. This is paired with white sand beached and lush forests. It is possible to do both day trips and multi-day adventures here.

WHITE WATER RAFTING IN ROTORUA:  Jump in a  raft on the Kaituna River  and try your hand at navigating the world’s largest commercially rafted waterfall! Not only is the scenery on this river gorgeous, but the rafting here is some of the best we have ever done in our travels.

LEARN ABOUT THE MAORI PEOPLE:  Take some time to learn about the indigenous people that have lived in New Zealand for hundreds of years. The  Tamaki Maori Village  in Rotorua provides an interactive look at day to day life of the Maori people.

SOAK AT HOT WATER BEACH:  On the North Island, head for the Coromandel Peninsula. During low tide, you can head to the main beach with a shovel, dig a hole in the tide line and enjoy a soak in the boiling hot waters of the volcanic beach.

TRY BUNGEE JUMPING:  Invented in New Zealand, it is possible to jump from many different situations across the country. That is if you dare. Some of the most famous include the original Kawarau bridge jump outside of Queenstown, the Auckland Bridge and the 134m Nevis.

FOODIE BUCKET LIST

New Zealand has a diverse multicultural makeup, and the country’s cuisine is characterized by a mix of Maori, European and Asian dishes, many of which are now beginning to fuse and merge, to produce a unique culinary scene. 

HANGI:  A Hangi is a traditional Maori cooking technique, where food is cooked using ovens dug into the ground. Food consists of vegetables and meat, and it’s slowly roasted in the pits for hours, before being served at feasts. 

FISH N CHIPS:  A classic New Zealand dish popularised by British settlers and immigrants is Fish and Chips. With an abundance of coastline, fishing is a big industry, and battered fish served with fried chips has endured as a popular dish. 

PAVLOVA:  Popular in both Australia and New Zealand, Pavlova is a dessert that was dedicated to a Russian dancer, and which is beloved in both countries. This meringue-based cake is topped with whipped cream and generous servings of fruit.

NEW ZEALAND FESTIVALS

NEW YEAR:   New Year is a great time to travel to New Zealand because the entire country celebrates in style. This is one of the first places in the world to ring in the New Year, and the best places to be are the cities. Head to Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch for the biggest events and biggest parties. 

ANZAC DAY:  ANZAC Day is held on 25th April each year, and it’s a commemoration of soldiers from both Australia and New Zealand who have been killed in wars and conflicts across the world. While it’s a somber affair, it’s also an important sign of national identity, as New Zealand’s involvement in wars helped the country to assert its independence from Great Britain. 

WAITANGI DAY:  An equally important national holiday is Waitangi Day, which is held on 6th February each year. This commemorates the day that the Waitangi Treaty was signed between the Maori and British, and it marks the birth of what would become modern New Zealand. Celebrations and commemorations are primarily held in Waitangi, while other communities also host events too, with many using the day as an opportunity to educate people on Maori history.

PLAN YOUR TRIP LIKE A SEASONED PRO!

Popular regions in new zealand.

SOUTH ISLAND WEST COAST

The West Coast region of the South Island is one of the most dramatic and beautiful places in New Zealand. Along the coast, you can find impressive natural sights such as Milford Sound, Mount Aspiring National Park, Abel Tasman, and the Franz Josef Glacier. To name a few. The main hub is Queenstown, the country’s extreme sports capital, a small city surrounded by mountains on the shores of Lake Wakatipu. In winter you can ski and snowboard, while all year round you can bungee jump and skydive. 

Found at the top of the North Island, Auckland is the most iconic city to visit when you travel to New Zealand. This is the country’s largest city, but as well as being full of museums, culture and great restaurants and bars, it’s in the perfect location to explore nature. With warmer weather than the rest of the country, you can visit the nearby beaches, travel across to the islands, and enjoy hiking spots and even volcanoes.

Located in the Southwest corner of the South Island, the towns of Dunedin and Invercargill anchor this area for exploration. It is a hotbed for wildlife lovers. If you love penguins, you will have the chance to spot yellow-eyed, Fjordland, and blue penguins in this part of New Zealand. Be sure to head to the Catlins. You can also enjoy a rugby game and the world’s steepest street in Dunedin. The Mysterious Moeraki Boulders are also found in this part of the country. 

New Zealand’s capital is found at the far southern end of the North Island, and it’s the city to visit if you are interested in the country’s history, heritage, and culture. In Wellington, you’ll find great museums but you’ll also find excellent scenery, as the city overlooks the spectacular Cook Strait.  It is a great base to see off the beaten path places like River Valley to the North. In Wellington, you can also access the South Island by ferry.

BAY OF PLENTY

Located along the northern coast of the North Island, the Bay of Plenty is one of the most beautiful places to visit when you travel to New Zealand. The long coastline here is incredible, and you can base yourself in the city of Tauranga if you are looking to make the most of the beaches and the Pacific Ocean. On the Western end, the Coromandel Peninsula offers you Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. To the south, you can enjoy the outdoor and cultural delights of Rotorua, where you will find geothermal spas, geysers, and volcanoes, as well as Maori villages.

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL BUDGET

Setting a budget for travel to New Zealand is highly dependent on your travel style. While it is possible to  travel on a small budget , it is good to know that New Zealand is not a cheap destination. That said, you can make your trip as basic or as luxury as you desire.

To help you set your budget, we’ve included some base range price estimations for travel within New Zealand. Of course, keep in mind that prices can fluctuate based on seasons, availability and festivals.

ACCOMMODATION:  Varies by type and rating. Generally, you can expect  camping  to be free to NZD 20 per night,  hostels  to average NZD 40 per night,  mid-range hotels  to average NZD 75 per night and  luxury hotels  to be NZD 150 and up per night.

ATTRACTIONS : Costs vary. New Zealand is the place to do lots of activities, and these will add up to be the biggest expense. Skydiving costs NZD 500 and bungy jumping costs NZD 150, for example.

TRANSPORTATION:  The most popular method of travel around New Zealand is by car or bus. Rental cars can be picked up for around NZD 20 per day, while campervans will cost closer to NZD 60 per day. You can expect a litre of Petrol to cost around NZD 2. Overnight Intercity Bus Fare will be approximately NZD 60 (Auckland to Wellington, for example).

FOOD:  Food will vary widely depending on your tastes and what restaurants you choose to visit on your trip. Generally, though, you can expect to find  fast food  for around NZD 10 per meal,  mid-range restaurant  meals for NZD 25 per person and pay around NZD 10 for a  pint of beer .

60 NZD PER DAY

Staying in hostels, or hiring a campervan, eating fast food or cooking own food, and a few activities. 

150 NZD PER DAY

Private rooms. Restaurant meals. Several activities and day trips.

300 USD + PER DAY

Upscale hotels. Restaurant meals and bars. No limit on the number of activities undertaken.

WHERE TO STAY IN NEW ZEALAND

Below you will find some of the places we have stayed during our travels in New Zealand. These are individual properties that we enjoyed and would recommend to other travelers.

For more specific advice, check out The Best Queenstown Accommodation Guide Out There

HOW TO GET AROUND IN NEW ZEALAND

Despite New Zealand being diverse in topography, it is quite easy to get around. There is an extensive bus network that operates between just about every city and village on both of the islands. Multiple tours run, both in group and private scenarios offering good connectivity to most places.

That said, it is still possible to rent a car or campervan and get off the beaten path to enjoy the vast nature that this country has to offer. Don’t be afraid to go out and explore.

FLIGHTS:  The quickest way to travel around New Zealand is by flying, however, given the small number of airlines operating in the country, there’s little competition and prices can be high. Air New Zealand is the best carrier, with the most extensive network.

BUS:  Major cities are connected by long-distance bus routes, and this can be a cost-effective way to travel to New Zealand. Schedules though can be irregular, particularly the more rural you get, and if you have limited time then traveling by bus is not necessarily practical.

CAR/CAMPERVAN RENTAL:  By far the best way to travel around New Zealand is by hiring a car or a campervan. The country is perfect for road tripping, and the winding roads and mountain passes are absolutely stunning. Many of New Zealand’s best sights can be difficult to reach by public transport, and having your own vehicle will make exploring so much easier. If you want to save on accommodation costs, or just enjoy even more flexibility, then you can even rent a campervan to tour around New Zealand. Check out  Discover Rental Cars  for great deals.

TRAIN:  New Zealand only has a very limited public rail network, and train travel is not the best way to get around. The only real services are tourist services, on routes such as the TranzAlpine or Coastal Pacific. While seen as classic rail journeys, they are holidays in themselves and not the best mode of getting from A to B.

CYCLING:  Increasingly, long-distance cycling is becoming a popular way to see New Zealand. The country is well set up for cyclists, with cycle paths and lanes in cities and in the countryside.

FERRIES:  Of course, having two major islands, means that when traveling overland from north to south, you will need to take a ferry. There are several sailings each day, between Wellington and Picton.  

KIWI EXPERIENCE:  We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the brilliant and somewhat famous backpacker buses that prowl the country. These tours are a great way to make new friends and see the best that New Zealand has to offer on both islands.

TOP NEW ZEALAND TOURS

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW ZEALAND

15 Days from Auckland to Christchurch Includes Coromandel, Rotorua, and top places on the South Island.

NEW ZEALAND MULTI-SPORT

22 Days from Auckland to Christchurch North & South Island with a wide variety of activities included.

NEW ZEALAND JOURNEY

12 Days from Auckland to Queenstown National Geographic Journeys tour of both North & South Island.

WHEN TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand, with its relatively southern location in the Pacific Ocean, experiences a generally temperate climate, with harsher weather in the South Island and hotter weather – verging on sub-tropical – in the North Island.

The weather can vary with the seasons, but in reality, there’s not really a bad time to travel to New Zealand, as the country looks different and has different activities to offer in every season.

Seasons are reversed in comparison to the northern hemisphere  of course, and the most popular months to travel to New Zealand are  summer , between December and February, and in particular over the Christmas holidays.

Temperatures are hot, the skies are clear, the mountains are great for hiking and the lakes are perfect for swimming.

Spring and Fall  can be quieter times to visit, in comparison to summer, and while the weather can be more unpredictable – this is New Zealand, and it’s likely to rain at some point.

You can find prices are lower and the attractions aren’t as crowded. The shoulder seasons are perfect for hiking when the weather isn’t too hot.

Winter , between June and August, is perfect for winter sports, and in the mountains, you’ll find ski resorts are packed out, while the snow-capped scenery looks incredible.

For more in-depth information, be sure to check out Best Time to Visit New Zealand: Month by Month Breakdown

LOOKING FOR SOME INSPIRATION?

Safety in new zealand.

New Zealand could well be one of the safest countries in the world when it comes to crime. There are low crime rates, and while yes, in the cities you might be the victim of petty crime, there is little chance you will be involved in anything serious.

Rural New Zealand is even safer, and you’ll find villages and towns to be hospitable and welcoming to tourists, particularly when they rely heavily on visitors for income.

New Zealand does have its dangers though, as the country sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, and is prone to violent earthquakes.

There is little you can do to predict where and when an earthquake will strike, and you would have to be incredibly unlucky to be caught up in one if you are just visiting on a short vacation.

Perhaps the biggest dangers are posed by New Zealand’s adventure sports and outdoor pursuits.

If you are looking to hike, ski or white water raft, then you should follow safety instructions and procedures and importantly, be aware of the weather.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

NEW ZEALAND TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

New zealand travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to New Zealand and start planning your dream trip.

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Discover New Zealand blog

Ideas, information & inspiration for your new zealand travels.

We have got the answers to all your New Zealand questions right here! Browse through our range of blogs and learn about everything from great places to stay and activities to do, right through to what sort of weather to expect on your New Zealand adventure and how to nail your travel packing! Learn about the North and South Island so you can see where you want to spend more of your time, see the best National Parks and Wildlife or where to go walking, hiking and biking if you are after adventure! Are you a Lord of the Rings fan? We have you covered! See our blogs with all you need to know about indulging in Middle Earth. We want to make sure you make the most out of your holiday as we know how special New Zealand is to travel. Our local New Zealand Travel Specialists are located in Wanaka and can offer you the best advice and planning services. Contact them today to find out more!

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Bay of Islands

Christchurch, best times to visit new zealand, how to get there, transportation.

When people learn I’m from New Zealand , I often hear that it’s at the top of their bucket list — or, if they’ve been, that it’s their favorite country in the world.  I may be biased, but I am not surprised. The stunning natural beauty, thriving culinary scene, and unique outdoor activities would charm even the most seasoned traveler.

Everywhere you look, there’s a picture-perfect backdrop filled with greenery and crystal-clear waters. And although it has a lot of untouched land, it boasts the same highlights you would find in any major global city, with art galleries, shopping districts, nightlife, and luxury hotels. Plus, it’s politically stable and very safe, which are increasingly appealing traits.

Tessa Desjardins/Travel + Leisure

Geographically, the country is divided into two islands with distinct characteristics: the North Island is full of beaches and is home to the main cities, and the South Island is an alpine wonderland defined by majestic mountain landscapes, rugged coasts, and world-class ski slopes. There has been a lot of development over the past few years, and travelers have more places to eat, stay, and play than ever before.  Below, see Travel + Leisure ’s essential guide to making the most of this magical South Pacific destination, according to a local.

Angelina Pilarinos/Travel + Leisure

North Island

The North Island is lined with beautiful beaches and islands surrounding the narrow coasts. It’s also where the capital, Wellington, is located, along with the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, Auckland , which is an essential destination on any New Zealand itinerary (and the gateway for most international flights). As Annie Dundas, the Director Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, notes, Auckland is “an urban oasis — the perfect fusion of a busy, modern city that looks out to mesmerizing landscapes and islands — all within easy reach and laden with wineries and leisurely places for long lunches.” It is worth spending at least four days in Auckland, but the North Island has many unique areas to explore, and below, we’ve charted the key destinations to prioritize.

Things to Do

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a popular day trip for locals and is accessible by boat, ferry, or helicopter from downtown Auckland. It’s filled with boutique wineries, restaurants, and beautiful beaches and is especially popular in the summer months when music festivals and jazz concerts are hosted in sprawling vineyards. There’s also a contemporary art sculpture trail, Sculpture on the Gulf , hosted each summer, enticing many Aucklanders across the harbor for a cultured day out. Pop over for the day, tour the wineries, get a scoop of ice cream at Island Gelato Company , and wander around the artisan boutiques. If you’d like to spend the night, there are high-end rentals available on Waiheke Unlimited and Vrbo , or for a hotel, go for Delamore Lodge .

Visit the Auckland Museum and the Auckland Art Gallery

For a close-up view of New Zealand’s culture and history, visit the stately Auckland Museum , where you’ll find a collection of national artifacts along with a rotation of exhibitions. It’s set at the top of the city’s main park and is within walking distance of Auckland CBD, where the Auckland Art Gallery is located. Here, you’ll find some of the country’s most valuable artworks, along with various international collections. Both are worthwhile attractions that can be ticked off in half a day.

Explore Commercial Bay and Britomart

Downtown Auckland has been transformed over the past decade and has become the city’s most vibrant shopping and dining hub. It’s bustling from day to night and is especially packed on Friday nights for after-work drinks and dinner. You can find some of the city’s best restaurants and cocktail bars within a small vicinity, and it’s a fashion mecca with storefronts from major brands and local fashion designers (be sure to check out Karen Walker , Kate Sylvester , and Zambesi ).

Courtesy of Park Hyatt Auckland

Park Hyatt Auckland

Since opening in 2020, the Park Hyatt has become the crème de la crème of the Auckland hotel scene. It has a prime location, excellent views, amenities, restaurants, and spacious rooms with freestanding bathtubs and terraces overlooking the Viaduct Harbor — ideal for room service with some atmosphere. It’s within walking distance of the best bars, restaurants, and shops, but it feels like a serene enclave where you can manage to get a good night’s sleep, despite being right by the action.

The Hotel Britomart

As the name suggests, this chic hotel is located right in the heart of Britomart, surrounded by some of Auckland’s best shopping and dining. Rooms are sleek and modern yet very small, so they are suitable for solo travelers and couples. If you’re seeking something more spacious, the suites are some of the finest in the city (with price tags to match). And the restaurant, Kingi, is also excellent. 

Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbor

Located between the Viaduct and Wynyard Quarter, the Sofitel has long been a go-to for celebrities and diplomats visiting New Zealand. It boasts the high standards that you would expect from the French hotel brand, with a fine-dining restaurant, elegant interiors, and an impressive spa and wellness center. 

Restaurants

For a fun atmosphere and Italian-inspired fare, head to Bivacco in the Viaduct. The menu has sharable classics like pizza, antipasto, pasta, and oysters, and on any given day, you’ll find yourself surrounded by well-heeled locals socializing over bottles of rosé and cocktails. 

Soul is a restaurant that has stood the test of time, and for over 20 years, it has been a go-to venue for some of the city’s most stylish soirees. Like Bivacco, it’s also a lively spot in the heart of the Viaduct, where people go for the food as well as the scene. After dinner, there’s a dance floor that attracts a mature crowd, and on the menus, you’ll find fresh seafood and bistro classics alongside an extensive wine and Champagne list.

While it’s not the newest or the sceniest place, Prego has been a solid option along Ponsonby Road for years and is just as popular with families as it is for birthday celebrations and dinners preceding big nights out at the bars along the strip. Go for the pizza or the chicken saltimbocca — everything on the menu is great as are the cocktails. And, it's always a reliable destination for a good atmosphere and delicious food.

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Known locally as Te Papa , the country’s largest museum is essential on any Wellington itinerary. It contains over 800,000 artworks and objects, and it has a rotation of exhibitions, including dinosaur skeletons and ancient artifacts that you would expect to find at the American Museum of Natural History. It’s an interesting experience for children and adults alike.

Ride the Wellington Cable Car

For panoramic views of the city, jump on the historic Wellington Cable Car , which boards in the heart of the Lambton Quay shopping district and travels up the hillside of Kelburn. Here you will find a scenic lookout, botanic gardens, and the Cable Car Museum . 

Wander Hannahs Laneway 

Also known as Leeds Street, Hannah’s Laneway is a foodie’s paradise, lined with street food vendors, contemporary art, and cool cafes. You can pick up a variety of distinctly "Kiwi" specialties, from black forest toast to pies and creamy hot chocolates. Just be sure to skip breakfast so you have room to sample everything.

QT Wellington

This centrally located hotel could be equated to the likes of The Standard and Edition Hotels, with quirky, ultramodern design and a lively food and beverage scene.  It’s right across from the Te Papa Museum in the center of town and is popular with both business and leisure travelers. There are 65 hotel rooms with either city or harbor views, and it also has 98 apartments. 

Wharekauhau Country Estate

Although it’s a 90-minute drive from Wellington, this luxury lodge is a popular stop on any Wellington itinerary. It’s set on a 5,000-acre estate overlooking the coast and has welcomed royals and many international diplomats visiting the capital. Everything is designed so that you don’t need to leave: food is included and sourced from the farm, it has a spa and fitness center, and a variety of outdoor activities from ATV quad biking to tennis. 

You will need to book a month in advance to secure a table at this intimate prix-fixe restaurant. The menu is seasonal, and it changes every day, so there’s always something new. A typical night might feature lamb manti, panfried snapper, and crisp meringue — delicious renditions of local New Zealand cuisine.

Located on the nightlife-centric Cuba Street, Loretta is a place to enjoy crowd-pleasing classics in a fun environment.  It’s renowned for its sourdough pizzas and vanilla cheesecakes and is a great place to go with friends before a night out or for brunch on a Sunday. 

Ortega Fish Shack

This nautical-themed restaurant serves some of the best seafood around, from Yellowtail Kingfish ceviche to smoked Moki rillettes and green-lipped mussels. It’s a charming and eclectic place that perfectly represents Wellington's hip, creative vibe. 

Sculptureum

Sculptureum is a lovely and cultured place to spend an afternoon, with six art galleries, three sculpture gardens, a vineyard, and a restaurant appropriately named Rothko. Whether you’re staying in the area or doing a day trip up from Auckland, it’s an essential for contemporary art lovers and is especially great to visit in the summer months.

Matakana Village Farmers Market

Every weekend, Matakana Village comes alive with rustic markets featuring a variety of artisan food stands and fresh local produce. You’ll find delicious local cheese, honey, baked goods, chocolate, and award-winning flat whites.  It’s set up right next to the boutiques in the charming village, where you’ll find everything from quaint homeware stores to shoe shops, and there’s also a cinema and a restaurant within the main village complex.

Omaha Beach

The Rodney District has some of the most stunning beaches on the North Island, and one of the most popular among them is Omaha — a white sand beach that attracts swimmers, surfers, and families setting up for the day. It’s only a 10-minute drive from Matakana Village, and it has ample parking, a café, a boutique with swim essentials, and a playground. For bigger waves, surfers head to Tawharanui Beach , which is also located within the Matakana region. 

Takatu Lodge

This gorgeous boutique lodge is located on a serene hilltop overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. It has only four suites with luxurious furnishings, underfloor heating, and views overlooking the gardens and the vineyards. Meals are provided in the dining spaces and tailored to guests’ preferences. Also, picnics are on offer for those wanting to set up at the nearby beaches for the day. 

Courtesy of Brick Bay

Brick Bay is a similar concept to Sculptureum, with a restaurant, wine tastings, and a contemporary sculpture trail positioned around a pond and throughout a native bush. It’s been around for a long time and is very popular with both locals and Aucklanders, so it’s worth booking in advance, even if it’s just to sample their wine varietals over a cheese platter after the lunchtime rush. 

Cruise the Islands

The Bay of Islands has 144 subtropical islands, and there are many ways to explore them, be it by chartering a yacht, going on a scheduled group boat tour, hiring a kayak, or embarking on a snorkeling expedition. You can see an abundance of enchanting sea life, too, including dolphins, penguins, and whales. 

Visit the Waitangi Treaty grounds

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds is New Zealand’s most important historic site. It is where the country’s founding document was signed in 1840. Today, it contains two museums with interactive displays, guided tours to learn about the country’s history, and traditional Maori cultural performances that are staged in the meeting house. 

Kauri Cliffs

Kauri Cliffs was recently added to the Rosewood portfolio, which is a testament to its high standards. It’s one of New Zealand’s most iconic luxury lodges, with a golf course that is ranked 37th on Golf Digest ’s Top 100 Greatest Golf Courses in the World, an excellent restaurant, and a fabulous spa nestled into a tranquil forest full of native birdlife. 

Eagle’s Nest

Positioned on a private 75-acre peninsula overlooking the Bay of Islands, Eagle’s Nest is one of New Zealand’s most luxurious boutique retreats. It is an intimate enclave, with only five villas that are beautifully designed. One thing to note is that there is no restaurant, however breakfast provisions are provided and there are on-call chefs available for private dining. 

Duke of Marlborough

The Duke of Marlborough is New Zealand’s first pub, and since opening in 1827 (before the Treaty of Waitangi was signed nearby), it has undergone various reincarnations. Visit today, and you’ll find a refined version of a classic pub with décor that feels fresh while honoring its history. Menus feature locally sourced, seasonal fare with popular items like paua risotto, clam fritters, pork belly, and of course, a solid burger.  

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

South Island

The South Island is renowned for its spectacular natural scenery from the golden beaches of the Abel Tasman to the fiords and mountains in the Southern Alps. The vibe is generally more casual, and it’s where many of the country’s best adventure activities can be experienced. In Wanaka and Queenstown , you’ll find pristine ski slopes, dramatic mountain landscapes, and an array of sprawling wineries. It’s also home to many of New Zealand’s Great Walks and multi-day hikes. There are many beautiful places to explore, and as Sarah Handley, Tourism New Zealand's general manager for the Americas and Europe, notes, “New Zealand's connection to the U.S. has never been stronger, and Americans can now fly non-stop to Christchurch, in the South Island, with United's direct service from SFO.”

Americans can now fly non-stop to Christchurch, on New Zealand's South Island, with United Airlines' direct service from San Francisco (SFO) starting Dec. 8.

Over the Top Helicopter Tour

JensenChua/Getty Images

For a true bucket list experience, take a helicopter ride and tour through the Southern Alps and the Milford Sound.  It’s the most magical way to see everything and experience areas that are usually inaccessible, like the secluded Madagascar Beach and snow-capped, sky-high peaks. The "eurocopters" are state-of-the-art, with maximum visibility from any vantage point.  They can be booked privately or as part of scheduled group tours. 

TSS Earnslaw Cruise

Renowned as "the Lady of the Lake," the Earnslaw is a 110-year-old steamboat that tours Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown down to Glenorchy. It’s one of the best ways to observe the natural grandeur of the Remarkables and Cecil Peak and is a particularly popular activity for families. The cruise itself takes 90 minutes, but there are various experiences that can be added on arrival at Walter Peak High Country Farm, including horse treks, cycling, or barbecues. 

Arrowtown is a historic gold-mining town that looks like a village out of a fairy tale. Everything has been lovingly preserved, and it is lined with quaint artisan boutiques, galleries, cafes, and restaurants. It’s only a 20-minute drive from Queenstown, and on the way, you could stop at Millbrook Resort for a round of golf or a spa session (just outside of the main village). Be sure to stop at The Remarkable Sweet Shop for the crème brulee fudge.  

Eichardt’s Private Hotel

Eichardt’s is an iconic Queenstown establishment and one of the most beloved boutique hotels in the country. It has an exceptional cocktail bar, restaurant, and spa, along with a $20,000-per-night penthouse located above the Louis Vuitton boutique next door. The location could not be better, positioned right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the center of the action. Inside the rooms, the interiors are ultra-luxurious and suited to the alpine theme of the town — think crackling fireplaces, marble bathrooms with underfloor heating, and plush beds with fur throws. 

Matakauri Lodge

Matakauri Lodge is another property that was recently added to Rosewood’s portfolio (along with Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers in Hawkes Bay) and is a key destination on New Zealand’s luxury circuit, hosting the British royal family and many celebrities over the years. The intimate lakeside retreat has only 13 spacious accommodations, and it boasts stunning views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. Cocktail hour is a social affair, and the food and wine offerings are world-class.

The Carlin is new, but it’s already garnered international acclaim, winning Best New Hotel at the Boutique Hotel Awards in 2022. It’s a place that would have the "Palace" distinction if it were in France, with ultra-luxe amenities that surpass the typical five-star standard. Guests have access to private jets and Michelin-star dining, and it is home to the largest penthouse in the Southern Hemisphere.

Located just a 15-minute drive from the city center, Amisfield is the most popular winery and restaurant in the region and is an essential daytime excursion. Wine tastings are available, and there are excellent Pinot Noirs produced on site. But to make the most of it, do an al fresco lunch in the beautifully manicured courtyard and take in the views of the postcard-worthy mountains.

Botswana Butchery

This lively lakefront bistro is one to book in advance, particularly if you’re visiting on a weekend. It has a charming atmosphere and some of the best representations of hearty New Zealand cuisine sourced from the surrounding farms and waters. It also has an excellent wine list with varietals from vineyards in the area.

You will need to time your visit to Fergburger well, as the lines can often exceed an hour in the evenings, but it has the best burgers in Queenstown (and anywhere, really) and is worth factoring in. There is a long menu of options to suit everyone including vegetarian options, beef, lamb, pork, fish, chicken, and also breakfast burgers. The same operators also opened Fergbaker next door, where you can pick up a classic meat pie — both delicious options, especially on a cold and snowy day.

Blanket Bay

Glenorchy is very remote, and what to do, where to stay, and where to dine all fall under the same category if you want to do it well. The place to go? Blanket Bay, where apocalypse-weary billionaires are known to escape. It is one of the country’s finest luxury lodges and is the best way to experience all the area has to offer, with an excellent restaurant, bar, spa, wellness center, and a variety of outdoor activities, from horse riding to heliskiing and jet boating. Accommodations are split between rooms in the main house and luxuriously decorated standalone villas.

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

Located in the Mt. Cook National Park, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve has some of the clearest and darkest skies for star-spotting. It was the first Dark Sky Reserve to be established in New Zealand and is a magical way to experience the country’s untouched natural beauty by night. 

Explore the City’s Art Galleries

Christchurch has a thriving art scene and many galleries in the central city that are worth checking out. The main ones to prioritize are the Centre of Contemporary Art (CoCa) , Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu , and the Christchurch Art Centre . 

The Mayfair

Since opening in 2022, The Mayfair has been a welcome addition to the city’s luxury hotel scene. It’s a boutique hotel with minimal, contemporary décor, and sophisticated dining options, from high tea to an all-day café and cocktail bar and bistro. The central location makes it popular for both leisure and business travelers. 

The Observatory Hotel

The Observatory is a chic, design-forward boutique hotel that also opened in Christchurch in 2022.  It has rich interiors give the sense of eternal night, with vivid colors and ambient lighting. Rooms are very photogenic, and there are multiple dining options from the Drawing Room to all-day eatery Bunsen, and more casual options within the broader complex, from food trucks to sushi and dumplings.

Inati is a stylish fine-dining establishment helmed by the former head chef of Gordon Ramsay’s The Warrington. If there’s one place to book in advance in Christchurch, this is it. The menu is filled with sharing plates and divided into earth, land, and sea categories. Guests can park up at elegant stools overlooking the open kitchen and observe their food being artfully crafted. 

If you want to experience the great outdoors (which is the primary drawcard), the best time to visit is over the summer, between December and the beginning of April. During this period, temperatures are balmy, and you’re more likely to encounter solid blocks of sunshine. It’s also when the cities come alive, with many music festivals and cultural events, and is the best time to explore the beaches, wineries, and stunning walking tracks. That said, New Zealand is a great place to visit year-round, and it is also a world-renowned ski destination with ski resorts throughout the North and South Island. If you’re looking to ski, the months to consider would be between June and October, when the fields are open. 

Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

The best way to get to New Zealand is to fly into Auckland Airport, which is the country’s primary gateway. Air New Zealand has multiple routes available, including a direct flight from New York City, which takes 17 hours but is surprisingly manageable, given it flies overnight (and the airline is renowned for its excellent cuisine and high standard overall). United Airlines also has a direct flight from San Francisco's SFO, and Qantas also has a route from New York to Auckland. 

Once you arrive at the airport, there are taxis and rideshare services available, including Uber, but given everything is quite spread out, it is definitely worth renting a car. That will allow you to easily explore all of the different areas (some of which don’t have regular public transport options available). Driving is also a great way to visit some of the more remote beaches and destinations off the beaten path. If you’re planning on staying in the city centers, there are buses available, trains (albeit with limited routes), and ferries. 

Where to Go in 2024

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