new zealand travel itinerary pdf

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.

Also, if you like reading the content I create and curate, I will be really thankful if you could take a moment to

LIKE | COMMENT | SHARE and SUBSCRIBE 

Also, if you’re on Facebook, I would love to have you as a part of 

the Eat Travel Live Repeat Travel Community

Subscribe via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to theETLRblog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Email Address

• Kale by LyraThemes.com.

Privacy Overview

The Most EPIC 1, 2 or 3 Week New Zealand Itinerary (2024)

• Last Updated: April 10, 2024

Read on the learn about the most epic New Zealand itinerary you can plan!

Welcome to one of the world’s most stunning destinations. New Zealand is, quite justifiably, top of many people’s travel bucket list. 

The home of adrenaline sports, breathtaking scenery and the Lord of the Rings, New Zealand has plenty to keep you entertained for months. 

However many of us sadly don’t have months available, so I’ve put together these 1 week, 2-week and 3-week New Zealand itineraries.

Plus there are a few extra places if you’re lucky enough to have a little longer. 

I’ve varied each New Zealand itinerary so that you can potentially chop and change or merge them together, giving you plenty of options to choose from. 

Table of Contents

Getting To and From New Zealand

Getting around new zealand, day 1 and 2 – auckland , day 3 and 4 – bay of islands, day 5 – waitomo caves, day 6 – tongariro national park, day 7 – hobbiton , day 1- akaroa and the banks peninsula, day 2 – okains beach, the banks peninsula and driving to mount cook, day 3 – mount cook and drive to wanaka, day 4 – hiking around lake wanaka , day 5 – adrenaline sports around lake wanaka, day 6 – milford sound, day 7 – queenstown, day 1 and 2  – auckland, day 3 – mount maunganui, day 4 – rotorua and drive to the tongariro national park, day 5 – tongariro national park , day 6 – wellington, day 7 – crossing the cook strait and driving to the abel tasman national park. , day 8 – hiking in the abel tasman national park , day 9 – south islands west coast – kaiteriteri to hokitika, day 10 – south island’s west coast – hokitika to franz josef or fox glacier and on to queenstown, day 11 and 12 – queenstown, day 13 – mount cook national park, day 14 – christchurch, day 1 – auckland , day 2 – waitomo , day 3 – tongariro national park, day 4 – the forgotten world highway, day 5 – wellington , day 6 – crossing the cook strait to picton and driving to kaikoura, day 7 – whale watching and dolphin swimming in kaikoura, day 8 and 9 – akaroa, the banks peninsula and driving to mount cook., day 10 – hiking around mount cook, day 11 and 12 – wanaka, day 13 and 14 – queenstown , day 15 and 16 – doubtful sound , day 17 and 18 – catlins national park , day 19 and 20 – dunedin and the otago peninsula , day 21 – christchurch , north island , south island , new zealand itinerary transport tips.

Getting around New Zealand with a rental car is fairly easy, as long as you’re confident with self-driving.

Public transport isn’t a great option, and you’ll end up missing out on the many great spots to visit along the way.

Alternatively, you can look at signing up for a tour. We recommend Haka Tours .

For the vast majority of travellers, New Zealand is a fair distance away. The country has 5 main international airports, Auckland and Wellington on the North Island and Christchurch, Queenstown, and Dunedin on the South Island. 

We have more information on our dedicated New Zealand page here .

This means you don’t necessarily need to follow circular itineraries.

However, this will bring additional one-way charges for vehicle hire, although these are usually cheaper outside of the summer months. 

All of these examples will require you to hire a rental car or a campervan to get around.

Spaceship does the best, affordable campervans in New Zealand.

New Zealand is not really a country you can visit solely through public transport.

Roads are generally in excellent condition although do watch out for weather warnings and other such notifications from the government in the winter months especially. 

Any New Zealand road trip itinerary is likely to involve a fairly large amount of driving.

It is also very likely that journey times will be longer than in your home countries due to New Zealand’s terrain.

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

7 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary (Into and out of Auckland)

This 7-day New Zealand itinerary around the North Island of New Zealand is a circular loop flying in and out of Auckland .

This means you won’t have to pay a one-way charge when hiring a set of wheels.

Our first New Zealand itinerary begins in Auckland, the City of Sails. As New Zealand’s largest city there are plenty of things to do to keep you entertained for a couple of days.

Spend your first day in the city itself. Maybe head up to the Sky Tower , the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, and check out the views. 

The city is also home to the excellent Auckland Museum and Auckland Art Gallery which are well worth checking out.

Spend your evening wining and dining in the city’s slick restaurants and bars.

On your second day take the chance to explore Auckland’s stunning scenery.

Whether you fancy a bit of beach bumming, island hopping, or hiking Auckland has it all. 

Pick up your wheels and head out early to this gorgeous area of New Zealand’s North Island.

From Auckland, it’s roughly 3-4 hours to the town of Paihia which along with Russell forms the heart of the Bay of Islands. 

Spend your first here day exploring Russell and Paihia, home to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds .

Alternatively, you could check one of the many hiking trails in the area.

However, if wildlife is your thing then head out on one of the wildlife cruises that depart from Paihia. 

The next day begins the drive down to Waitomo.

However, make sure you drive back via the Tutukaka Coast . This deserted expanse of stunning coastline is home to plenty of gorgeous beaches and short coastal walks.

Waitomo is one of New Zealand’s best destinations for adrenaline activities. Get ready to squeeze, swim, slide and climb your way through some seriously awesome caves. 

There are numerous trips, tours, and trails ranging from the more sedate, where you can check out the glow worms all the way up to epic caving and black water rafting trips. 

The highlight is probably the Lost World Cave which starts with a 100-metre abseil into the cave. Trust me, it’s awesome! This will be an awesome addition to your New Zealand itinerary.

This stunning national park is home to what some describe as the best one day walk in the world; the Tongariro Crossing.

You’re best off staying in the village of Whakapapa as this is closest to the crossing as well as a number of other trails.

Of these other trails, the pick of the bunch is the short, but stunning ridge walk and the longer Taranaki falls trail.

Get ready for sore feet and spectacular views.

On your way back to Auckland pay a visit to Hobbiton . It is here that numerous scenes for the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies were filmed.

The movie set is built amongst the rolling hills of Alexander farm in Waikato. 

If you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings or the Hobbit then this is a must-visit.  

Check out these awesome Hobbiton tours on Get Your Guide .

There are plenty of other great things to do on North Island New Zealand so give yourself more time if you can before moving on to the South Island.

7-Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary (into Christchurch, out of Queenstown)

This 7 Day South Island New Zealand road trip itinerary takes in some of the South Islands’ most stunning destinations.

Pick up your wheels from Christchurch Airport and make a beeline for Akaroa , the main town on the Banks Peninsula. This will be the first stop on your New Zealand road trip itinerary for the South Island.

The drive from Christchurch is absolutely spectacular. There are amazing views over Akaroa and large swathes of the Banks Peninsula from the Hilltop , an excellent pub/restaurant.

Keep your fingers crossed for a blue sky day!

You could spend the rest of the day hiking around Akaroa, exploring the town itself or checking out one of the wildlife cruises.

Blackcat cruises run excellent dolphin-watching and swimming trips from the harbour. Be sure to book early in the summer months . 

Get up bright and early and head over to Okains Beach on the eastern end of the Banks Peninsula. This is an epic place to visit on a New Zealand road trip itinerary.

This deserted beach is an absolute gem with spectacular views, both there and on the drive over. The waves are a decent size, although do be aware of potential rip currents and don’t go out of your depth. 

You can spend the rest of the day taking on one of the area’s many hiking trails.

However, you may want to begin the stunning drive to Mount Cook . On the way make sure you check out Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepard before carrying on the Lake Pukaki.

At Lake Pukuai expect stunning views of Mount Cook (on a clear day only I’m afraid) as well as some amazing salmon sashimi from the Mount Cook Alpine Salmon shop . 

Spend the night in Mount Cook village. If you’re in a campervan or have a tent stay at the White Horse Hill campground .

It does get busy in the summer months so don’t get here too late. The facilities are basic, but the views are amazing. 

Pull on your hiking boots and get ready for some breathtaking alpine scenery on your New Zealand road trip itinerary.

READ MORE: Here’s our complete guide to the best hikes in New Zealand !

The most popular hike is the Hooker Valley , and with good reason.

The views en route and at the trail’s end on the edges of Hooker Lake are breathtaking. Expect the hike to be around 3 hours return.  

Check out the Red Tarns Track which is a solid stair climb. Your knees will hate you but the view is worth it.

Additionally, the Kea Point Track is well worth checking out especially as it’s only one hour from the White Horse Hill campsite.

Over the other side of the National Park, you will find the Tasman Glacier and Blue Lakes walk , which gives amazing views of the Tasman Glacier and on a clear day, Mount Cook. 

Hop into your wheels and begin the 200km journey to the gorgeous town of Wanaka.

Welcome to what many would describe as their favourite place in New Zealand. I’ve been fortunate enough to visit twice and each time it’s taken my breath away. 

Naturally, as you would expect there are hiking trails galore around here, so pull on your boots and slap on the sunscreen. 

Probably the most well-known is the hike up to Roys Peak . It’s a 16km return hike, 8km up and 8km down with no shade and a lot of switchbacks.

However, the views at the top are sublime.

End the day with a BBQ on the edge of Lake Wanaka, utilising one of the many free BBQs along the lake’s edge.

READ MORE: Be sure to add these incredible things to do in Wanaka to your itinerary!

As spectacularly beautiful as Lake Wanaka is, it also has its fair share of adrenaline sports to get your hearts racing. 

Try your hand at one of New Zealand’s newest adrenaline sports – canyoning.

Start at the top of a canyon and work your way down by any means necessary. Deep Canyon is the company to go with, offering some amazing trips. 

If that’s not your thing but you still want to set your heart pounding then head over to Sky Dive Wanaka who are more than happy to throw you out of a plane. 

Get ready for a long drive! You’ll need an early start from Wanaka to get to Milford Sound on your New Zealand road trip. But Milford Sound is very doable as a day trip.

You have two options. Book a tour in Queenstown that will handle the travel to Milford Sound and the cruise itself.

Or drive to Milford Sound and book a cruise yourself.

Either way, you will need to book in advance. 

Milford Sound is spectacular and is unsurprisingly one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. Get ready to have your breath taken away. 

After an epic day in Milford Sound, drive back up to Queenstown that night.

For a real unique experience (if you have the extra day up your sleeve), check out the overnight boat trip with Real Journeys in Milford Sound .

Spend the final day of your New Zealand road trip in the self-proclaimed adrenaline capital of the world.

If you’ve got the stomach and the money then do one of the many Bungy jumps or the terrifying canyon swing, which is absolutely amazing. 

However, if the pennies are running low the Skyline Luge is an excellent budget option that offers breathtaking views over Queenstown and the Remarkable’s.

Make sure you visit Fergburger to chow down on one of their legendary meat patties. A fantastic way to sign off. 

READ MORE: More great ideas about what to do in Queenstown.

2-Week New Zealand Trip (into Auckland and out of Christchurch)

This 2-week itinerary takes in some of the best moments of the North and South Island’s 1-week itineraries but adds in a few new destinations as well. 

It follows a common route of flying into Auckland and out of Christchurch.

Do be aware that you will be charged one-way fees on any cars or camper vans you rent. You can also do this route in reverse if you wish.  

Spend your first day getting acclimatized and checking out Auckland’s, museum’s galleries and attractions. 

On your second day, get out and explore some of the awesome hikes and natural scenery surrounding the city, especially in and around the Haruki Gulf .

This gorgeous coastal town is one of New Zealand’s most popular domestic tourist destinations.

The beaches here are gorgeous however the real highlight is the Mauao , Mount Manganui’s spectacular walking track.

The views from the top are absolutely spectacular!

Welcome to New Zealand’s geothermal capital. Head over to Te Whakarewarewa to check various interesting sights in this thermal reserve.

It’s home to over 500 springs as well as the famous geyser Te Puia . 

If you want to get to know some of New Zealand’s birds then head over to the city’s Kiwi Sanctuary when you can see these beautiful, but endangered birds. 

Begin driving over to Tongirio Park late in the afternoon and in the summer months you may be able to time this right to catch the sun setting along Lake Taupo which is absolutely spectacular.

If you want to stay at the campsite in Whakapapa be sure to book ahead, especially in the summer months.

READ MORE: Check out some of the best things to do in Rotorua .

Pull on those hiking boots and get ready to take a lot of pictures.

We’ve already mentioned some of the top hikes in the region, but an interesting fact is that Mount Ngauruhoe , one of the 3 mountains that make up the park, is Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings films.  

New Zealand’s wet and windy capital packs quite a punch. There is a lot to do here, so sadly you will be unable to pack everything into one day. 

If you have time for one thing in Wellington make sure you head to the incredible Te Papa museums situated on the city’s waterfront.

This excellent museum has numerous excellent exhibitions focusing on New Zealand’s history and geography. 

If you fancy getting outside, head up to Mount Victoria for spectacular views over the city. 

Spend the evening eating around Hannahs Lane , followed by a beer or two on Cuba Street .

READ MORE: Check out our guide on what to do in Wellington .

Get up bright and early to board the ferry to cross the Cook Strait to the port of Picton . The journey over is spectacular, especially the final section. 

Once off the ferry, hot foot it over to Kaiteriteri , one of the final towns before the Abel Tasman National Park.

On the way, find some time to stop in the pretty town of Nelson. We have an article on things to do in Nelson if you have more time. 

Kaiteriteri is a tiny town that is the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park. There’s not much going on here, but there are a couple of decent eateries and nice beaches. 

The full Abel Tasman Coastal Track takes anything between 3 and 5 days.

However, there are plenty of excellent one-day hikes and kayaking trips for those that don’t have quite so much time.

One particularly excellent day hike starts at Bark Bay and then heads south finishing at Anchorage Bay .

This 12km hike takes you through some of the park’s most spectacular scenery. You can also extend this trail by detouring to visit Cascade Falls and the gorgeous Cleopatra Pools .

To get out here you will need to have a sea taxi booked to and from your start and endpoints.

You can privately charter taxis, although it will be much more expensive. There are also options to combine a half-day cruise with a hike as well. 

However, if you fancy getting out onto the water then take the opportunity to take a kayaking or combined kayaking and hiking trip.

We have an awesome article on kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park for you to check out.  

Get a good night’s sleep in Kaiteriteri as there are two epic days of driving coming up!

Get up bright and early and head towards one of New Zealand’s most stunning areas: the South Island’s West Coast. 

Expect desolate coastal roads, windswept beaches, and alpine scenery as you get closer to the Southern Alps of New Zealand. 

From Kaiteriteri you will come through the Buller Gorge with plenty of great scenery and some lovely little towns.

You’ll continue along the coast to Westport and then head south hugging the ocean.

Make sure you check out the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki , the numerous deserted beaches and spectacular viewpoints.

This is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or a cheeky beer. 

End your day by getting to the quaint town of Hokitika and visiting its rather lovely gorge.

There are numerous awesome campsites in this area, however, like many along the west coast water-saving measures are frequently implemented. 

Head south towards either Franz Josef or Fox Glaciers. At both, there are decent short hikes where you can see the glaciers up close .

However, you can also see the amount they have receded in recent years. As a result, glacier hikes, unless you’ve got deep pockets for a heli hike, are no longer an option. 

That being said the valley walks to viewpoints at both Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers offer some spectacular views, along with a stark reminder about the challenges our planet faces. 

If you fancy something a little more high octane then head to Skydive Franz where you can throw yourself out of a plane with epic views of both the ocean and the Southern Alps. 

Continue on through the Haast pass to Lake Wanaka. 

We’ve already mentioned Queenstown in the previous itinerary, so you already know there is hiking, adrenaline sports or just lazing by the lake on offer!

You could also do a day trip to nearby Arrowtown , a gorgeous little town nestled in the hills between Queenstown and Wanaka.

Make sure you pick up a pie here, which is a classic New Zealand snack. 

From Wanaka head to Mount Cook National Park. The drive up Lake Pukaki is absolutely breathtaking with stunning views available on clear days.

From the Whitehorse Hill campground definitely do one of the many hikes in the area. Although it’s the busiest, the Hooker Valley Trail provides the best views of Mount Cook!

Spend the night at Mount Cook and enjoy an epic sunset behind the Southern Alps .

From Mount Cook make the long journey back to Christchurch.

In the city itself check out the botanical gardens and see how the city is rebuilding itself after the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011.

Head up to the summit of Mount Cavendish via the Christchurch gondola for some lovely views of the city before heading back to the airport.

3 Weeks in New Zealand – Fly into Auckland and out of Christchurch

We’ll continue the north-to-south theme with this itinerary. However, like the 2-week New Zealand itinerary, this one can also be done in reverse.

This route is slightly South Island heavy, but it does include 5 places we haven’t yet mentioned so there’s plenty of variety here!

Get over the jet lag and take it easy in the City of Sails, a true highlight of the North Island of New Zealand. Drive down to Waitomo in the evening. 

Spend the day spying glow worms or making your heart work just a little bit faster in New Zealand’s cave capital. 

After a day of caving drive to the village of Whakapapa in the Tongariro National Park in preparation for taking on the Tongariro Crossing. 

Get ready for some seriously sore feet as you take on what some regard as the best one-day walk in the world. 

After a good night’s sleep, take on the fascinating and often overlooked Forgotten World Highway which runs for 148 km from Taumarunui to Taranaki.

This quirky route is built on old colonial bridle paths through forests, gorges, and tunnels there are a lot of single-lane portions that will require some very careful navigation. 

However, after doing it, it’s easy to see why this is regarded as one of the best one-day drives in New Zealand. 

At the end of the Forgotten World Highway, you will have the opportunity to take in stunning views of Mount Taranaki before you head south toward Wellington.

Hitamangi is a decent place to spend the night as it’s only a couple of hours from here to Wellington.

From Hitamangi head down to Wellington to make the most of the Te Papa museum and then eat and drink yourself silly on Cuba Street!

After the gorgeous crossing from  Wellington to Picton (weather dependent of course) head over to the gorgeous seaside town of Kaikoura. 

Enjoy a well-earned pint in one of Kaikoura’s pubs 

Kaikoura’s greatest attraction is its stunning array of New Zealand wildlife. The seas around Kaikoura are home to sperm whales, dusky dolphins, New Zealand fur seals and albatross amongst many others. 

There are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with these stunning creatures through the amazing wildlife activities on offer. 

If you don’t fancy getting wet then book one of the city’s whale-watching tours .

The ocean waters around Kaikoura are home to the world’s largest predator, the sperm whale, with both humpback whales and orcas passing through on their New Zealand coastal migration routes during the year. 

You can also check out kayaking trips to watch seals and dolphins as well as bird-watching trips to observe the albatross that live in the area. 

If you fancy staying on dry land then head to Point Kean to observe the seal colony. Do not get too close and do not get between them and the water.

This gorgeous part of New Zealand keeps you close to the coast, but Kaikoura’s mountainous backdrop is replaced by the green rolling hills of the Banks Peninsula. 

Spend your first day soaking up the sun in Akaroa , maybe head out dolphin watching or head out on one of the many hikes in the area. 

On your second day head over to the gorgeous and often deserted Okains beach before heading south towards Mount Cook.

Stop in at Fairlie bakehouse for an epic pie before powering on past Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki before arriving at Mount Cook.

You know the deal here! Hiking in some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand.

For so many years Wanaka was very much in Queenstown’s shadow.

However there are many that would say it’s little old Wanaka that is the leading light in this region of New Zealand. 

Spend your two days here hiking and giving your heart something to worry about with the various adrenaline activities on offer. 

A short, very pretty drive away from Wanaka is the adrenaline capital of the world – Queenstown.

Set on the edge of Lake Wakatipu with the Remarkables across the way this is certainly one of the most picturesque places in New Zealand. 

However be warned, this is also one of the most expensive areas in New Zealand, so expect that to be reflected in the prices of accommodation and food. 

Spend at least one day doing some crazy adrenaline activities. This was the place where AJ Hackett created the bungy from the Kawarau Bridge.

If you fancy something altogether more terrifying then head for the Nevis or the Canyon Swing. I have done the latter and can confirm that it is absolutely amazing. 

On your second take a more sedate pace around Queenstown itself or take a day trip to either Arrowtown or Glenorchy .  

If you have the time and the money then Doubtful Sound is a must. It isn’t as famous as Milford Sound in New Zealand, but it should be!

Words and photos cannot describe the sheer size and beauty of this stunning expanse of wilderness. 

The drive from Queenstown to Manapouri is a long one, so if you’re planning an overnight trip you will probably need to drive down the night before.

However, if you’re doing a day trip then you can take day 15 to drive down, and day 16 to visit Doubtful Sound. 

We have an article on kayaking in Doubtful Sound which is well worth checking out. 

Day trips are certainly doable, but it is a long day.

To get to Doubtful Sound you will need to take a boat across Lake Manapouri, before and then a coach along the most expensive road in New  Zealand before reaching the shores of Doubtful Sound. 

Whether it’s raining or shining Doubtful Sound is absolutely stunning. 

From Manapouri head down to Curio Bay in the heart of the Catlins National Park.

This rarely visited New Zealand national park is nestled in the southeastern corner of the South Island. Its rugged coastline, gorgeous beaches, and hiking trails provide plenty of things to do. 

From Curio Bay , it’s possible to spot dolphins from the beach. 

A short drive from Dunedin is the gorgeous Otago peninsula. Like the Kaikoura peninsula, wildlife is what draws people here. 

The Royal Albatross Centre on the edge of the peninsula offers the opportunity to see these beautiful birds close up.

Come by in the evenings to see the adorably cute little blue penguins returning to their nests after a day of feeding. 

Additionally, take the opportunity to kayak with the area’s local seal population which is a truly fantastic experience. 

The peninsula is also home to numerous excellent hikes and trails. 

READ MORE: Adventure activities in Otago for you to check out.

Spend your final day driving back up to Christchurch and exploring the city’s botanical gardens and visiting some of its museums and art galleries before you return your wheels. 

Alternative Spots

Even 3 weeks in New Zealand is still a squeeze, so there are certainly a few places we’ve missed.

Sadly there are some difficult decisions to be made.

In general, there is probably more to do on South Island than on the North Island. However, this will naturally change from person to person. 

Here are a few areas that are also well worth visiting that we haven’t mentioned here: 

• Cape Reinga and the Northland 
• Napier and Hastings
• Nelson Lakes National Park 
• Marlborough Wine Region 
• Mount Aspiring National Park
• Any of New Zealand’s great walks
• Arthur’s Pass National Park 
• Hammer Springs 

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

Love Travel?

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter for the best travel tips, ideas and deals!

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

READ MORE...

Whanganui Journey in New Zealand – The Ultimate Guide [2024]

The Ultimate Guide to New Zealand’s South Island in Winter

5 Best Adventure Activities In Taranaki, New Zealand

Related Posts

The best new zealand road trip itinerary in 2024, 21 amazing things to do in auckland, new zealand [2024], 3 days kayaking in abel tasman (everything you need to know), gopro hero7 black dusk white launch in queenstown, new zealand, leave a comment cancel reply.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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
• Reserve a campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Find hotels with Booking.com
• Book your tours & activities with Get Your Guide

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!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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.

Copyright © In A Faraway Land 2024