new zealand travel route 2 weeks

2 Weeks in New Zealand Itinerary

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It took me a while to visit New Zealand because it was out of my budget. You see, I started as a cheap backpacker who spent her first year of backpacking in Southeast Asia , where hostel dorms cost as low as $5 a night.

Now that I’m able to splurge a bit, my dream of visiting New Zealand finally happened. Since it’s in the southern hemisphere, I could actually skip winter from the north and be warm and cosy in this region.

New Zealand is such a dreamy destination, offering unique and exciting activities. Fan of the movie series The Hobbit? Well, it’s filmed in New Zealand, and you can visit those locations . If you want to see the Southern Lights or learn about Maori culture, this destination should definitely be on your list.

In addition to having an abundance of sights to see and activities to do, New Zealand also has exquisite cuisine and offers the tastiest wines around the globe.

Even if you don’t have much travel experience, you don’t have to worry about it since this country is easily accessible and safe to explore. Plus, Kiwis (a slang name for the locals) are one of the most welcoming people when it comes to international visitors .

If you’re wondering where it is located, New Zealand is about 2,000 kilometres southeast of Australia and sits in the South Pacific Ocean. T he two primary islands that make up this nation are the North and South Islands .

Take a look at our sample travel itinerary for 2 weeks in New Zealand.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING NEW ZEALAND

Before we get to the juicy parts, the list below consists of tips for a hassle-free journey that will be useful to you.

Find out how to get around New Zealand, the best time to visit, the language and currency, visa requirements, and much more! This guide will help you plan your two weeks in New Zealand and ensure that you will have a great time.

When is the best time to go to New Zealand

The peak season to travel to New Zealand is during summer, which is from December to February. However, if you prefer to enjoy the sunny days with fewer crowds, then you should go during autumn, which is from March to May.

If you love snow activities, then you should go during winter, which occurs in July or August , since the Central Plateau and Queenstown are turned into snowy wonderlands. September marks the start of spring, which lasts until November.

The weather begins to warm up, and although there is still a high likelihood of rain, you can still enjoy outdoor activities like cycling and hiking. Depending on the activities you plan to do, you should pack for 2 weeks accordingly to ensure you are not bringing too much or too little.

Getting around

Flying domestically is one of the fastest but most expensive methods to move around New Zealand. If you plan to get between the islands, taking a ferry is a cheaper option . You can also opt for a rail journey to appreciate the breathtaking scenery along the way.

With car rental, you can choose to alter your schedule and have the freedom to travel to different routes and destinations filled with fewer tourists. New Zealand also offers rental services that have a wide selection of automobiles to fit your budget. Keep in mind that in order to rent a car, you have to be 21 or older.

Average cost of 14 days in New Zealand

New Zealand can be a costly destination, but it’s definitely worth every penny. There are ways to make your trip a bit affordable, but to give you an insight, here are some ideas:

• Backpacker : Budget NZD 70-90 per day for hostel stays, cooking meals, and using public transport. Total: NZD 980-1,260.
• Mid-range: Plan for NZD 150-250 per day for three-star hotels, eating out occasionally and renting a car for some days. Total: NZD 2,100-3,500.
• Luxury: Expect to spend at least NZD 300-500 per day for luxury accommodations, dining at high-end restaurants, and enjoying guided tours or activities. Total: NZD 4,200-7,000.
• Family of 4: A moderate budget would be around NZD 200-350 per day for family-friendly accommodations, casual dining, and entry fees to attractions. If you’re travelling with children below 13, you don’t have to get extra rooms for them. Total: NZD 2,800-4,900.

Plus, you have to add the roundtrip flight to and from New Zealand . That can vary a lot depending on where you’re coming from. I also recommend that you get travel insurance for some peace of mind.

Language and currency

English and Maori are currently the two languages that are spoken the most, with Chinese, Samoan, and Hindi rounding out the top five. Visitors can definitely move around with just English.

The dollar (NZ$) serves as New Zealand’s currency and accepts all major credit cards, with MasterCard and Visa being the most extensively used. However, carry cash for emergencies, such as when your credit card suddenly does not work.

About 7% of New Zealand citizens pay for most purchases using cash, compared to more than 80% who use bank cards . If you’re out on a grocery, shopping, or eating in a restaurant, I suggest paying using a credit card for an easier transaction.

Travellers with passports from most parts of the Americas and Europe, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore can enter New Zealand with a free visa for 90 to 180 days.

Visitors from Australia have freedom of movement in New Zealand. Before arriving in New Zealand, all visitors must submit the New Zealand Traveler Declaration.

Visitors who can enjoy free visas must apply for NZeTA in advance , which can be obtained online. The document can take up to 72 hours to process. Make sure to get this before boarding time, and include weekends and holidays in your calculations.

Travel arrangement tips

The following travel sites can help you book your travel needs. I love using them because most services allow me to cancel or reschedule my booking at no extra fee or for a low fee.

PINNED MAP OF THE TOP THINGS TO SEE IN NEW ZEALAND

Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google

2 WEEKS IN NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY

With so many beautiful spots to see, it can be overwhelming for tourists to choose which areas to visit on their first trip. So, Here is a list of itineraries of the best places to see on your 14-day New Zealand trip .

You don’t have to follow all of it, but select the activities that excite you most. It’s up to you whether you utilise it exactly, save it as a guide, or a combination of both.

To make the most out of your time, be sure to book your accommodation or car rentals ahead of time, especially if you plan to travel during peak season. You should also i nclude no more than 4-5 cities to make sure your travel plan is not too cramped.

If you want to visit the entire country, it’s best to plan to spend 3 weeks in New Zealand . You can, of course, try to squeeze everything in just 14 days, but you will barely have enough time to soak in and relax during your trip.

Itinerary #1: North Islands Only

This itinerary is great for people who want to see the capital and busy cities and learn about the Maori culture . Since the sites on this itinerary are not too far from one another, you can really take your time and travel slower.

The largest city in New Zealand, Auckland, as well as the nation’s capital, Wellington, are both located on the North Island. T he North Island’s geography is incredibly diversified , with stunning beaches, mountains covered in snow, caverns, and natural flora all waiting to be discovered.

You can take a tour of the vibrant metropolis of Auckland, relax on one of the stunning beaches along the coast, or go wine tasting in one of the lush vineyards.

The greatest way to experience everything this Island has to offer is by driving since it enables you to stop at secret locations and scenic hidden spots along the way.

For this 2 weeks in New Zealand itinerary, you should consider renting a car to maximise your time. You can arrange your car rental pick up at the airport or city centre.

Take advantage of the thrilling sports available at each location, including caving, skydiving, skiing, and kayaking.

Wellington for 5 days

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital , is a small city with a blend of culture, cuisine, history, and nature. Strong coffee and top-notch craft beer will keep you going during your visit because Wellingtonians are experts at casual dining, and have a ton of fantastic restaurants and food trucks available.

Sailing the Cook Strait is more than a ferry ride since it’s considered one of the most magnificent sailing trips on the globe.

The abundance of native species of dolphins, albatrosses, whales, orcas, and fur seals will excite nature enthusiasts. Keep a watch out for large pods of humpback whales that can number up to 300 as they pass across the Cook Strait throughout June and September.

Depending on your flight, you should either arrive in Wellington or Auckland. If you land in Auckland, you can instead do this itinerary the other way around .

Taupo and Rotorua for 4 days

One of New Zealand’s most active geothermal areas is located in Rotorua, which is also a terrific spot to learn about Maori culture and traditions while also keeping an eye out for exploding geysers and stunning champagne lakes.

On the other hand, Taupo is a haven for anyone who wants some peace and quiet . The community is surrounded by beautiful scenery, with mountains, lakes, and clear skies adding to its tranquil atmosphere.

It should take Wellington to Taupo, which is 4 hours and 42 42-minute drive . The travel distance is 372.5 km. The InterCity bus service takes about 5 hours to get from Wellington to Taupo.

As for Wellington to Rotorua should take 5 hours and 33 minutes to travel 450 km directly on State Highway 1. The InterCity bus takes around 6 hours to get from Wellington to Rotorua.

There is a non-stop flight from Wellington to Taupo if you are not driving. However, you can stop in many amazing spots along the way with a car.

Auckland for 4 days

2 weeks in New Zealand is incomplete without seeing the most populated city in New Zealand – Auckland, which is also a multi-cultural centre for arts, food, music, and culture .

Although Wellington may take pleasure in being New Zealand’s coffee and gourmet capital, Auckland’s restaurants consistently earn the highest reviews.

With so many attractions nearby, it’s simple to switch between adventures. You can also book your flight from here to your home since New Zealand’s largest airport is located in Auckland.

It should take 3 hours and 17 minutes to travel 274 kilometres directly from Taupo to Auckland on State Highway 1.

The bus ride from Taupo to Auckland lasts for about 5 hours. As for Rotorua to Auckland, a usual drive should take 2 hours and 46 minutes to travel 229.5 kilometres on State Highway 1.

The bus ride from Rotorua to Auckland lasts about four hours. The fastest way to get to Auckland from either Taupo or Rotorua is to take a short 50-minute direct flight. The ticket will cost about $60.

Itinerary #2: South Islands Only

New Zealand’s South Island is home to tremendous waterfalls and breathtaking lakes . Moreover, this place is filled with various adrenaline-rush activities and adventures. Do you want to canyon swing, skydive, or bungee jump?

This makes this itinerary of 2 weeks in New Zealand more suitable for those who love adventure and nature .

It is bigger than the North Island and is distinguished by the numerous mountains and fjord s in its interior. The largest mountain in the nation, Mt. Cook, as well as glaciers, may be found in the Southern Alps, which are located here.

The South Island offers excitement in all its forms, from glacier valleys to wineries and animals to the starry sky. You will never stop gaping in awe at the beautiful scenery on this vast, mountainous island, no matter which locations you choose to visit.

You can still rent a car for this region . However, driving around mountainous roads and glaciers could be a slower way to travel. You can consider combining driving or bus rides and domestic flights.

Christchurch for 4 days

Before beginning your epic tour through the South Island, I would advise you to begin your itinerary in Christchurch to become familiar with the customs and culture. The central city is home to some of New Zealand’s oldest structures as well as cutting-edge buildings.

The Banks Peninsula, the breathtaking Southern Alps, and the renowned Canterbury Plains are all accessible from Christchurch, which serves as the starting point for exploration of the South Island.

The city continuously changes, offering residents and visitors new things to discover. When coming here, expect numerous street art, a thriving hospitality industry, and well-established green spaces.

Queenstown for 4 days

Your trip to Queenstown will undoubtedly involve a heart-pounding variety of activities , given that it is the world’s adventure capital.

Having said that, if extreme adventure isn’t your thing, Queenstown also provides a wide range of relaxing pursuits, such as spa treatments, art galleries, and picturesque hiking paths.

I also recommend you treat yourself to a number of the local bars and restaurants during your stay.

A direct drive from Queenstown to Christchurch will often take around 6 to 7 hours to travel a distance of 500 km. You can also take a direct 55-minute flight for as low as a $50 ticket.

If you’re not in a rush, I suggest stopping for a few hours or spending a night in the adorable mountain towns you’ll encounter along the road. You can also take day trips from Queenstown since there’s just so much to see.

Dunedin for 3 days

Dunedin, which is referred to as New Zealand’s Edinburgh , proudly displays its Scottish ancestry. It is one of the finest Victorian and Edwardian cities. Majestic hills surround it and sits at the foot of a vast, scenic bay.

Enjoy getting up close to uncommon animals like penguins, seals, and sharks while taking in the eccentric vibe of the city.

State Highway 8 through Clyde is the quickest route from Queenstown, and it takes roughly a 3.5-hour drive . You can also take a flight, but it’s not recommended since it’s not direct. However, the longer and more picturesque route travels through Te Anau and the Catlins region.

It can be difficult to decide which path to take, but ultimately, your decision will rely on the amount of time you have.

Steward Islands for 3 days

Brown Kiwi is a rare species that you can find a lot in the Stewart Islands . This place is also known as Ulva Island, which resembles a tropical paradise due to its crystal-clear turquoise sea. If you’re lucky, you can get a glimpse of the Aurora Australis (aka Southern Lights) here.

It is the ideal escape for individuals looking for adventure, peace, and quiet. The two ways to get to the island are by riding a 1-hour ferry from Buff or going on a flight from Invercargill, which usually takes up to 20 minutes. Since accommodation, shopping, and restaurants are all in Oban, I advise staying there .

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN NEW ZEALAND

Now that you have an idea of what a 2-week in New Zealand looks like, it’s time to show a list of attractions to visit here and must-see spots.

• Auckland War Memorial Museum
• Auckland Domain
• Rainbow Waterfalls
• Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary
• Kiwi North: Museum
• Auckland Botanic Gardens
• Butterfly Creek
• Take a day trip to Rangitoto Summit Track
• Enjoy a day trip to the Whale & Dolphin Safari
• Visit the Great Barrier Islan at night for a beautiful voyage and take in the starry skies
• Day trip to Muriwai Beach
• Explore Auckland – join a group tour for a full-day exploration
• Cape Reinga
• Hobbiton Movie set – book a day trip
• Sky Tower – get your ticket in advance
• Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki
• Day trip to Waitomo Caves – book a full-day trip
• Auckland Zoo
• Sea Life Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium
• Rainbow’s End
• MOTAT Museum of Transport and Technology
• Mission Bay Auckland
• Tandem Skydive – book this exciting tour
• Achilles Point
• Auckland Lookout
• Oakley Creek Waterfall
• Great Barrier Island
• Waiheke Island – Waiheke Wineries or Zipline and Native Forest Adventure

Taupo/Rotorua

• Wairakei Thermal Valley
• Day trip to Tongariro River
• Cruise Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake,
• Day trip to Skyline Rotorua
• Go on an aerial tour of Rotorua’s geothermal valleys and step foot at Mt. Tarawera
• Hobbiton Village – sign up for a popular guided tour
• Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa
• Huka Falls – check tour options
• Rainbow Springs Nature Park
• Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest
• Lake Taupo – book a cruise to see the rock carvings
• Waimangu Volcanic Valley
• Taupo Skydive – check the price
• Craters of the Moon
• Tongariro National Park
• Orakei Korako Geothermal – book a self-guided tour
• Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Tongariro Alpine Crossing Trail – Ketetahi side
• Pouakai Circuit – Henry Peak Lookout – optional as it’s really out of the way, located on the west side of the island)
• Tukino SkifieldCape Kidnappers – take a stopover here on your way to Wellington
• Day trip to Wairarapa
• Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne – check out this exciting tour to Zealandia
• Wellington Museum
• Wellington Cable Car – get your ticket in advance
• Kapiti Island – book a day tour
• Wellington Zoo
• Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa – join a tour with a guide
• Mount Victoria Lookout
• Massey Memorial
• Do a full-day tour that highlights all the top attractions of Wellington – check the itinerary

Christchurch

• Go on a cruise around the Tasman glacier
• Day trip to Hanmer Springs
• Take the TranzAlping Railway
• Day trip to the Banks Peninsula
• International Antarctic Centre
• Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
• Aoraki/Mount Cook – check tour price
• Glacier Explorers
• Book a combo tour for TranzAlpine Train, Arthur’s Pass, and Castle Hill
• Orana Wildlife Park
• Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools
• Day trip to Kawarau Bridge
• Day trip to Glenorchy to visit the Lord of the Rings filming locations
• Cycle along the 130-km tracks on the Queenstown Trail
• Queenstown Gardens
• Shotover Canyon Swing – check the price
• Lake Wanaka Lookout and Wildwire Wanaka
• Shotover River and Kawarau River Jet Ride – compare this tour and this one
• Skyline Queenstown Cable Car/Gondola
• Lake Wakatipu – join a catamaran cruise
• Queenstown Hill Walking Track
• Queenstown Helicopter Tour with Alpine Landing – book this tour or this one – check which one has better reviews
• AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy Centre
• Fiordland National Park – check the tour itinerary
• Skippers Canyon – try a jet boat tour
• Milford Sound/Piopiotahi – full-day tour or a helicopter ride or a cruise and lunch picnic
• Treble Cone Ski Area
• TSS Steamship – board a scenic cruise
• Mount Aspiring National Park
• Queenstown Tandem Skydive – book this thrilling adventure
• Enjoy the local wine and food – signup for a fun-tasting tour or a vineyard tour
• Visit Larnarch Castle – book tickets here or join this group tour
• Visit Olveston Historic Home – learn what to expect
• Day trip to the Otago Peninsula – check this tour or this one
• See penguins up-close through this tour
• Day trip to Otago Museum
• Enjoy a Beer Tasting Session – check the reviews

Stewart Island

• Explore Rakiura National Park
• Take a leisurely trip to Ulva Island via a walking tour and cruise experience
• Observation Rock for Southern Lights
• Experience an encounter with Wild Kiwi – Join this nature walk
• Foveaux Strait and Halfmoon Bay – Enjoy a minibus tour to Oban village, Lee Bay, Halfmoon Bay, and Horseshoe Bay

MUST-TRY NEW ZEALAND DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS

During your 2 weeks in New Zealand, try these tasty local dishes and yummy drinks and snacks that you can only find in this country or have their very own version of.

• Lamb Roast : New Zealand is known for its high-quality lamb, often roasted with rosemary and garlic.
• Fish and Chips : Freshly caught fish, especially snapper or blue cod, served with crispy chips.
• Pāua : A type of abalone unique to New Zealand, often made into fritters.
• Hangi : A traditional Māori method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven.
• Kumara : The Māori name for sweet potato, often used in a variety of dishes.
• Sausage Sizzle : Grilled sausages served on a slice of bread with onions and condiments.
• Whitebait Fritters : Delicate fritters made from tiny whitebait fish.
• Green-Lipped Mussels : A larger variety of mussels, often steamed or grilled.
• Pavlova : A meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit and whipped cream, often debated between Australia and New Zealand as to its origin.
• Lamingtons : Sponge cake squares coated in chocolate and desiccated coconut, sometimes with a layer of jam in the middle.
• Hokey Pokey Ice Cream : Vanilla ice cream with chunks of honeycomb toffee.
• L&P (Lemon & Paeroa) : A popular soft drink originally made using mineral water from the town of Paeroa.
• Flat White Coffee : A coffee similar to a latte but with a thinner layer of microfoam.
• New Zealand Wine : Especially the Sauvignon Blanc from the Marlborough region and Pinot Noir from Central Otago.

ACCOMMODATIONS IN NEW ZEALAND

To further help you plan your 14 days in New Zealand, here is a list of our recommended accommodations depending on your budget:

• Affordable: The Marion Hostel or Trek Global Backpackers or Cambridge Hotel
• Mid-range to Luxury: Rydges Hotel or Apollo Lodge Motel or Bolton Hotel
• Luxury: Ramada by Wyndham or Quest on Thorndon or Naumi Hotel Wellington
• Affordable to Mid-range: YHA Finlay Jack’s Backpackers or Acacia Lake View or Taupo Debretts Spa Resort
• Luxury: The Village Resort or Suncourt Hotel or Bella Vista Motel Taupo
• Affordable: HIT Hostel or Kiwi International Hotel
• Mid-range: Roomie Apartment Hotel or Holiday Inn
• Luxury: Grand Millenium or Ohtel Auckland or The Grand
• Affordable: Jailhouse Accommodation or Urbanz Hostel
• Mid-range: Hotel Give or Carnmore Hotel
• Luxury: Crowne Plaza or Wyndham Garden
• Affordable: Tahuna Pod Hostel or Southern Laughter Backpackers
• Mid-range: Pinewood Lodge & Apartments or Wyndham Gaden
• Luxury: Hilton Resort & Spa or Heartland Hotel or Swiss-Belsuites Pounamu
• Affordable to Mid-range: Superior Dunedin Apartments or March Apartments or Highland House Boutique Hotel
• Luxury: Beechwood Boutique Accommodation or Dunedin Palms Motel or Larnach Lodge & Stable Stay

Steward Island

• Affordable: Stewart Island Backpackers
• Mid-range: South Sea Hotel
• Luxury: The Bay Motel

SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is not some faraway fantasy paradise that should only exist in travellers’ minds . It’s incredibly simple to get there, and the trip across the Pacific will treat you to a ton of amazing sights and hidden gems.

There is plenty of delicious food and wine, a stunning array of breathtaking landscapes, kind and fun-loving people, and a vibe that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.

It has everything you could wish for in a destination, and spending 2 weeks in New Zealand will surely be very special. I personally hope I can visit again and see places that I missed.

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The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling verdant hills, incredibly friendly locals, and abundant world-class wine, New Zealand is as wonderful as you’ve heard. In fact, take what you’ve heard and times it by ten. Because New Zealand will simply blow your mind when you visit.

People think because it’s a small country, you can see it all in two weeks. Unfortunately, that’s not true. There’s a lot to do here. From the north island to the south island, you need a lot of time here to see the highlights. You could literally fill months with activities and still only scratch the surface. New Zealand may be small but it punches above its weight with things to do.

But what if you don’t have months? What do you do then? What route do you take? What island should you start with? Where do you go?

Or what if you do have a month to spend? Then what? Where do you begin planning your New Zealand itinerary?

Below are my suggested itineraries that can help you plan your New Zealand road trip for maximum efficiency. Whether you have two weeks, one month, or even longer, these itineraries will ensure that you see the highlights and get off the beaten path.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

New Zealand Itinerary Highlights

Choosing the right vehicle.

• Two-Week North Island Route
• Two-Week South Island Route
• One Month Itinerary
• Things to Remember

Note : Two weeks is the minimum recommended time for a New Zealand road trip. There’s so much to see and do here, yet you still don’t want to be rushed or spend all your time in the car. If you only have two weeks, focus on one island.  

• Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
• See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Visit Hobbiton
• Experience a Maori Cultural Show
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Go skydiving or bungy jumping
• Explore Fiordland National Park

Want more info on these activities (and many others)? I cover them all below!  

• Travellers Autobarn
• Wicked Campers

Prices vary a lot. Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick up the vehicle, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (in the high season, prices seem to double!).

If living out of a van for a few weeks doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, simply rent a normal car and book accommodation along the way. To book a car, check out Discover Cars , which searches rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.

If you plan to drive New Zealand, you can use this widget to get a free quote for your car rental:

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week North Island Route

Days 1–2: auckland.

Spend some time hanging out on the Auckland Domain, go snorkelling on Goat Island , and if you love wine like I do, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island .

For a list of more things to do in Auckland, check out my guide to the city!

Where to Stay : The Albion – This historic accommodation began as a “pub hotel” in the 19th century. Today there’s still a nice old tavern in the hotel. The rooms are comfortable and the place is quiet.

Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

While you’re here you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (one of the most important historical sites in the country), explore Cape Reinga (the northernmost point of New Zealand), and see wild dolphins on a boat tour .

For a list of more things to do in Bay of Islands, check out my complete guide!

Where to Stay : Haka Lodge – Located in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a lot of common spaces, a large kitchen, and great views over the harbor. Everything is super clean and the beds are comfortable. It’s a good place to meet people.

Day 5: Hobbiton

To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour that starts with a drive through the owner’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, offering epic views over the Kaimai Range. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. Tours start at 89 NZD.

Where to Stay : Cosy Country Stay B&B – This is a cute bed-and-breakfast located in Matamata just a few miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are fantastic, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil, with roaming cats and goats for added atmosphere.

Days 6–7: Rotorua

The Maori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. This is the best area to learn about Maori history and culture . Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural show while you’re here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience is the one I attended).

The region is also known for its geothermal activity, and the dynamic landscape makes for exciting nature walks, trips to smelly sulfuric geysers, and soaks in luxury spas with water from the hot springs.

Where to Stay : Rock Solid Backpackers – This is a centrally located hostel with an expansive array of facilities, including a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.

Day 8: Waitomo

You can walk, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them. A 45-minute rafting trip is the standard visit, but if you want to go abseiling (also known as rappelling) there’s a five-hour option too. Prices start at 55 NZD for a boat tour and 195 NZD for extended tours with abseiling.

For a complete list of things to do in Waitomo, check out my guide on the town.

Where to Stay : Juno Hall – Close to the glowworm caves, Juno Hall has a swimming pool and tennis court on-site. There’s a large kitchen as well as an outdoor grill for barbecuing.

Days 9-10: Taupo

It’s also one of the best places to go skydiving in New Zealand thanks to the views and clear skies (though I didn’t do this while I was there).

I loved the small-town feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and being able to do so many hikes. I could have stayed here for weeks.

For a list of more things to do in Taupo, check out my guide!

Where to Stay : Finlay Jack’s has a huge kitchen, a big common room, a spacious patio with BBQs, fun and welcoming staff, bike rentals, and a super friendly hostel dog. Everything in the hostel is updated, with new, modern pod-style beds so you can get a great night’s sleep. In short, everything a backpacker or budget traveler would want from a hostel.

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

As you wind your way through Tongariro National Park, you’ll walk through volcanic terrain (including where Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), past high peaks and sulfur lakes, and end the day in a dense forest. It’s easy in parts (the beginning and end) and steep in others (especially the portion after “Mount Doom”), so you’ll get a good mix of difficulty levels.

Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, toilet paper, and a sweater or jacket (the weather can change rapidly). Expect to pay around 50 NZD per person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the trail or 325 NZD for a full-day guided hike .

Where to Stay : National Park Alpine Lodge – Located in National Park Village (the best place to stay if doing the trek), this lodge features budget-friendly private rooms, a communal kitchen and common area (with a cozy fireplace for cold nights!), and a helpful staff.

Otherwise, you can stay in Taupo, which is where people usually base themselves when they do this trek.

Days 12–14: Wellington

For a list of more things to do in Wellington, check out my detailed guide to the city.

Where to Stay : The Marion – This boutique hostel is just blocks away from everything you’ll want to see. It’s cozy, with comfy beds and large bathrooms, and the staff really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It’s a clean, social spot to relax and meet other travelers.

If you’ve only got two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you can fly out of the airport here to wherever you need to go next. If you have more time, you’ll take the car ferry (around 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to continue your trip (in which case, follow the following two-week South Island itinerary, but in reverse).  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week South Island Route

If you choose the South Island for your two-week road trip, start in Queenstown. Even if your international flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you can easily get a cheap flight to Queenstown. Queenstown also has direct flights to many major cities in Australia if your trip to New Zealand is part of a larger adventure in Oceania.

Days 1-3: Queenstown

Known as “the adventure capital of New Zealand” (it’s the launching pad for every sort of adventure activity you can think of), Queenstown lives up to the hype. Even though it has become hugely popular, I cannot express my love of Queenstown enough. I love sitting by the lake, watching the sunset with a bottle of wine, and hiking the nearby trails.

Explore nearby vineyards, enjoy the waters of Lake Wakatipu, or go bungy jumping, ziplining, rafting, or skydiving . There’s a lot to do here.

For a list of more things to do in Queenstown, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms have balconies, the showers have excellent water pressure, and the pillows are thick. There are activities every night and a free dinner and quiz night on Sunday. Overall, this is a great place to stay.

Days 4-6: Fiordland

Milford Sound is an amazing fjord that’s best known for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You can walk the wooded trail along the sandy shore for perfect views of the peak, or take the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to get close to powerful waterfalls.

The fjord itself is home to seal and penguin colonies. You can often see pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters too. Explore by boat and check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see rare black coral and other underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the only company doing cruises that include the Underwater Observatory. Cruises start from 165 NZD .

While less well-known than Milford, Doubtful Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord in the country. You can only get to Doubtful via boat. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound costs 299 NZD.

Where to Stay : Milford Sound Lodge – This is quite literally the only place to stay within about 50 kilometers (31 miles). It’s not cheap, but the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is delicious, and the contemporary rooms are cozy yet modern. Otherwise, if you have a car, you can stay in the closest town, Te Anau where you’ll find cheaper accommodation.

Days 7-8: Wanaka

For a list of more things to do in Wanaka, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Mountain View Backpackers – This hostel has a huge outdoor space with a grill, space to lie in the sun, and a big table to congregate around (there were many enjoyable nights spent drinking wine outdoors).

Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

Hiking the glaciers here is an unforgettable experience. Sadly, because they have receded and are melting quickly due to climate change, the caves and walks have been shut down. Now, the only way to trek on the glaciers is via heli-hike ( an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience ). These are expensive (500 NZD), but the helicopter ride, trekking, and experience as a whole are worth the price in my opinion.

Conversely, you can just hike to the glacier face and take photos from a distance. There are tons of viewing points (and you’ll see photos of just how far the glaciers have receded over the years).

Where to Stay : Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Just a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging offers free homemade soup every night, free breakfast (homemade waffles and pancakes!), two communal kitchens, and a hot tub.

Days 10–11: Abel Tasman National Park

The best way to see the park is by kayak, so you can explore the little coves and beaches that really make the area special. Full-day rentals start at around 110 NZD, or you can join a guided kayaking tour starting at 190 NZD. You can also take a scenic cruise around the park for 95 NZD.

Where to Stay : Marahau Beach Camp – Offers both dormitories and small private cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are also tent and campervan sites if you want to save money.

From here, pick your last stop: either drive onwards to Christchurch and end there or take the ferry over to Wellington (an adventure in and of itself!) and end there. Either way, you’ll be able to catch a cheap and quick flight back to Auckland for your international flight home.

If you’re heading to Christchurch, keep reading. If you’d like to visit Wellington, scroll back up and follow the tips in the North Island itinerary section.

Days 12-14: Christchurch

While there’s not a lot “to do” per se, the vibe here is really relaxed, and it’s worth not rushing through if you aren’t short on time. Be sure to ride the gondola , visit the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake City (a unique and interactive museum that recounts personal stories from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For a list of more things to do in Christchurch, check out my city guide.

Where to Stay : Urbanz – This is an awesome hostel located in downtown Christchurch with friendly staff and a huge kitchen. There’s also a hostel bar, a pool table, fast Wi-Fi, laundry, movies, and comfy couches, as well as a parking lot.

If you need to get back to Queenstown, it’s a 6 hour drive from here. Alternatively, you can fly to Auckland. The flight is just over an hour and tickets can be found for as low as 65 NZD if you book in advance.  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month

Again, these are just recommended itineraries — I encourage you to adapt as needed!  

Things to Remember When Road-Tripping New Zealand

To help you make the most of your road trip, please remember the following rules:

• Traffic flows on the left here (not the right, like in the US or Canada).
• You must always park your car in the direction that traffic is going (or risk a fine).
• There are plenty of pull-off points for taking photos — use them instead of stopping at a random spot along the side of the road, which can be quite dangerous given how tight the roads are here.
• Roads here are winding, so remember that it might take longer than you expect to cover a particular distance.
• As long as your current and valid driver’s license is in English, you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit.
• If you’re traveling by campervan, use the CamperMate app to find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable country, loaded with epic landscapes, friendly Kiwis, and a rich culture. Due to its remote location, visiting is usually a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most travelers. Taking a road trip is the best way to make the most of your time here, tailoring your itinerary to your own preferences and New Zealand bucket list.

Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for specific places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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New Zealand in 2 Weeks (14 Days): Road Trip Itinerary

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the ultimate 2-week new zealand road trip itinerary (both islands).

You’ve probably heard enough times that two weeks is not enough time to see New Zealand but we’ll spare you the lecture. Two weeks is the time you have in New Zealand so let’s make the most of it! While seeing a lot of New Zealand in 14 days is doable, it does involve a lot of driving. Consider looking at how to spend two weeks on the North Island or two weeks on the South Island as alternatives. Nevertheless, if you want to hit both islands and see some major highlights, continue on down to the “New Zealand in two weeks” itinerary below including both islands!

Our two-week New Zealand itinerary incorporates a bit of everything you’d dream of for a New Zealand trip: volcanic landscapes, mountains, beaches, rugged coastal areas, wildlife and cultural experiences. We’ll also throw in a few tips on how to get around New Zealand in two weeks.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks (14 Days): Overview

• Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei (Coromandel)
• Day 2 – Hahei to Waitomo (via Karangahake Gorge)
• Day 3 – Waitomo to Rotorua (via Hobbiton)
• Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo or Tongaririo National Park
• Day 5 – Explore Taupo or Tongariro National Park
• Day 6 – Taupo or Tongariro National Park to Wellington
• Day 7 – Wellington to Picton
• Day 8 – Picton to Nelson
• Day 9 – Explore Nelson or Abel Tasman Day Trip
• Day 10 – Nelson to Punakaiki (via Nelson Lakes)
• Day 11 – Punakaiki to Franz Josef
• Day 12 – Franz Josef to Wanaka
• Day 13 – Wanaka to Queenstown
• Day 14 – Explore Queenstown or Milford Sound Day Trip

How to Get Around New Zealand in 2 Weeks

We’re not going to beat around the bush there is going to be a lot of driving – A LOT. If you can handle it, then get yourself a rental vehicle and continue down to the itinerary below. Otherwise, if driving almost every day for two weeks does not quite sound like the trip you were imagining, then consider travelling around New Zealand by bus. Here are your options when it comes to travelling around New Zealand in two weeks.

Car or Campervan Rental

The itinerary below begins in Auckland and ends in Queenstown meaning that you should look for car rental companies with small or no “one-way” fees. Get started with planning your vehicle rental in New Zealand with The Guide to Renting a Car and The Guide to Renting a Campervan in New Zealand .

National Coach

By far the cheapest option for getting around New Zealand is by coach. Get one of the InterCity bus passes to hit all of the destinations listed below. For more information, see How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours

A hop-on hop-off bus is a flexible bus tour where you can hop off the bus at any point on the route and jump back on the bus at a later date. There are a few hop-on hop-off bus companies in New Zealand with itineraries for around 14 days, which you can discover for yourself in Hop-On Hop-Off Buses in New Zealand: Complete Guide + How Do They Work .

Escorted Bus Tours

All the logistics are sorted out for you, so all you need to do is enjoy. There are a number of bus tour companies offering 10-12-day tours around New Zealand following a similar itinerary to what is featured below, yet including accommodation, some meals and some activities. Check them out in The 10 Best 10-12-Day Tours of New Zealand .

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei

Drive time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Landed in Auckland Airport , check! Rental vehicle picked up , check! Now it’s time to hit the road to Hahei in the Coromandel . We are guessing you are in New Zealand to see the natural landscapes rather than the cities, so leave Auckland behind and head to some of the most stunning beaches on the North Island.

Things to Do in Hahei

These are pretty relaxing and accessible activities/sights to see for your first day in New Zealand:

• Hike to the famous Cathedral Cove and its beach with white cliffs and a giant coastal arch
• Take a boat tour with Hahei Explorer to Cathedral Cove
• Explore beaches and islands with Cathedral Cove Kayaks
• Go to Hot Water Beach at low tide to dig yourself a hot pool in the sand.

For more ideas, head to the  22 Best Things to Do in The Coromandel .

Accommodation in Hahei

• Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Hahei Holiday Resort
• Tatahi Back Packer

See more like this in the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel .

• The Church Accommodation
• Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
• Hahei Beach Apartment

For more mid-range stays, take a look at the  15 Best Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel .

Day 2 – Hahei to Waitomo (via Karangahake Gorge)

Drive time: 3 hours

Your final destination today is Waitomo , famous for its glowworms and caving activities. Before you get there, don’t miss the Karangahake Gorge , halfway through the drive. There are a number of walking tracks in the area between 45 minutes to 4 hours going through a historic mining area taken back by the forest and the river. Walk through mining tunnels, through native forest, alongside mining relics and to magnificent waterfalls.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Waitomo caves tomorrow morning, but if you just can’t wait, here are some options:

Things to Do in Waitomo

• Explore the Waitomo caves with one of the 8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours
• Do a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave  or the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Do the Ruakuri Bush Walk  at night to see glowworms
• Go on a caving adventure with Waitomo Adventures , The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. (more info on Viator and Klook ) or Cave World Waitomo .

Check out the  15 Best Things to Do in Waitomo for more recommendations.

Accommodation in Waitomo

• Juno Hall Backpackers
• Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge

Learn more in the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in Waitomo .

• Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B
• Woodlyn Park Motel

See more options in the  10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Waitomo .

Day 3 – Waitomo to Rotorua (via Hobbiton)

Drive time: 1 hr 50 mins

If you want to do one of the caving activities in Waitomo  or didn’t get to do one of the Waitomo activities yesterday, this morning would be a great time to do so! Join one of the caving operators in Waitomo, throw on a sexy wetsuit and tube/abseil/climb your way through the Waitomo Caves – compare all of your options in the 8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours .

Once the adventure is over, it’s time to hit the road to Rotorua . Depending on what you prefer, there are things to do along the way to Rotorua, such as Hobbiton in Matamata , or save some time for more things to do in Rotorua this evening.

Things to Do on the Road to Rotorua

• Stop by Otorohanga to see a kiwi bird in the kiwi house or quickly learn a bit of New Zealand history down the Ed Hillary Walkway
• See the Arapuni Swing Bridge , a huge suspension bridge crossing New Zealand’s longest river
• Do the Te Waihou Walkway  to the Putaruru Blue Spring to see some of the purest and clearest water flowing in a stream
• Take a detour to Matamata to visit The Hobbiton Movie Set (more info on  Viator and  Klook ) . This will add an extra 30 minutes to your drive time.

Things to Do in Rotorua

If you get to Rotorua with time to spare, here are a few suggestions.

• Relax in a natural geothermal hot pool. There are paid options, such as the Polynesian Spa (more info on  Klook  or  KKday ) , or go find some of the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua
• See an evening cultural performance at one of the Maori attractions
• Go for a bite to eat on Eat Streat and beyond
• See the forest decorated on the Redwoods Treewalk
• Have a race on the night Luge at Skyline Gondola .

For more recommendations, check out the  25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua .

Accommodation in Rotorua

• Holdens Bay Holiday Park
• BKs Rotorua
• Rock Solid Backpackers

For more options, check out the  20 Best Budget Accommodations in Rotorua .

• Kings On Peace
• Silver Fern Rotorua
• Aura Accommodation

See more stays in  The 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua .

• Pullman Rotorua
• Regent of Rotorua
• Ngamihi Lodge

More lavish finds are available in the  20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Rotorua .

Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo or Tongariro National Park

Drive time: 1 hour to Taupo or 2 hr 15 mins to National Park Village

Today, spend some time doing awesome stuff in Rotorua before hitting the road. But why the crazy drive time? Well, if you are into hiking and landscapes, then we suggest that you pass through the town of Taupo and base yourself in the Tongariro National Park so that tomorrow morning, you can tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or another hike in the national park .

However, we know long hikes are not for everyone, so another option is to stay in Taupo which has a huge variety of activities on offer. Find out more about what there is to do in either Taupo or Tongariro National Park in tomorrow’s section. Before then, you have a day in Rotorua to enjoy before hitting the road!

• Geysers, steaming lakes, bubbling mud, silica terraces and so much more can be seen in one of the many geothermal parks of Rotorua
• Catch a Maori cultural performance (if you missed doing so yesterday)
• Do some adrenaline activities Zorb your way in a giant hamster ball down a hill, go luging from the top of the Skyline Gondola , hike or mountain bike in the Redwood Forest , jet boat or do a freefall experience at the Velocity Valley , and so much more!
• See native New Zealand wildlife at Wingspan or National Kiwi Hatchery (more info on Viator and Klook ) .

Again, we have a lot more recommendations in the 25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua .

Accommodation in Taupo

For those who decide to stay in Taupo, here are your best accommodation options:

• Haka Lodge Taupo
• Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
• Chevron Motel

Check out more options over at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Taupo .

• Millennium Hotel Lake Taupo
• Suncourt Hotel

For more, check out the  20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Taupo .

• Hilton Lake Taupo
• Flying Trout Boutique Lodge

Discover more upscale finds in the  15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Taupo .

Accommodation in National Park Village

Get closer to the Tongariro Crossing by staying at one of these accommodations:

• National Park Backpackers
• Howards Mountain Lodge
• The Crossing Backpackers

See more options in the  7 Best Hostels in National Park Village & Whakapapa .

• Plateau Lodge
• The Park Hotel
• Tongariro Crossing Lodge

Day 5 – Taupo or Tongariro National Park

Spend the whole day in Taupo or Tongariro National Park doing awesome activities. There’s no driving to do today other than to your chosen activity. Plus, you can stay in the same accommodation as last night.

Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , taking you over the volcanoes of the central North Island. The 6-8-hour hike is one-way and requires some planning in terms of transport and keeping safe; take a look at our Guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to work out a plan
• Ski or snowboard at Whakapapa Ski Field in winter
• Choose from other hikes in Tongariro National Park, such as Tawhai Falls , Silica Rapids and Taranaki Falls
• Discover the birthplace of the Haka at the historical Opotaka .

For more ideas, check out the  15 Best Things to Do in the Tongariro National Park .

Things to Do in Taupo

• Take a trip out on New Zealand’s largest lake , whether it’s fishing, kayaking, sailing, cruising or parasailing
• Bungy jump over the Waikato River with Taupo Bungy
• Do a skydive with Taupo Tandem Skydive
• Go on a white water rafting trip on the Tongariro River with Tongariro River Rafting
• Walk along the Waikato River to a natural hot pool at Spa Park , then onto Huka Falls
• Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings with Sail Barbary (more info on Viator and Klook ).

For more inspiration, take a look at the 20 Best Things to Do in Taupo .

Day 6 – Taupo or Tongariro National Park to Wellington

Drive time: 4 hours from National Park; 5 hours from Taupo

Your final destination today is the capital city of New Zealand! However, there’s plenty to do along the way to break up the 4-hour drive.

Things to Do on the Road to Wellington

• Stop by Ohakune for its walking and biking trails. Hire a bike and do the 2-hour Old Coach Road  or hike in the Mangawhero Forest (1 hour)
• Visit the National Army Museum in Waiouru
• Stop by Taihape , see the giant gumboot and do the short walk to the Mt Stewart Reserve lookout
• Do a quick detour to Palmerston North to check out the Wildbase Recovery Centre, the National Rugby Museum and Te Manawa Museum
• Check out the quirky town of Bulls and spot all the bull-related puns of the town
• Along the Kapiti Coast , stop by one of the beaches like Peka Peka Beach or Queen Elizabeth Park. Or take a tour to Kapiti Island to check out the native bird sanctuary.

Accommodation in Wellington

• Microtel by Wyndham Wellington
• The Dwellington
• Trinity Hotel

Need more options? Head to the  15 Best Budget Accommodations in Wellington .

• Willis Village
• U Boutique Hotel
• Quest on Thorndon

Check out The 50 Best Accommodations for all of your best options.

• InterContinental Wellington
• Rydges Wellington
• Sofitel Wellington

See more stays in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wellington .

Day 7 – Wellington to Picton

Ferry time: 3 hrs 30 mins

Today you have the treat of taking the ferry from the North Island to the South Island ! We recommend a sunrise or sunset sailing for the best prices and the best light for a stunning journey across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds – see The Ferry Between the North Island and South Island: Full Guide .

Depending on what time your sailing is, you will either have time to do something in Wellington or Picton . Here are some ideas.

Things to Do in Wellington

• Visit the Te Papa Museum to learn everything there is to know about New Zealand
• Go to Zealandia to see native New Zealand wildlife
• Do a self-guided  Lord of the Rings tour or be guided by Xplor Tours
• Tour the city sights of Wellington from the Waterfront to Cuba Street to the Botanic Gardens to Mt Victoria. Find out more in our   One Day in Wellington: City Walking Tour Itinerary …

… And more as listed in the  25 Best Things to Do in Wellington .

Things to Do in Picton

• Take the Beachcomber Cruises ‘ mail boat cruise out onto the waters of the Marlborough Sounds
• Go dolphin swimming with E-Ko Tours (more info on Viator and Klook )
• Mountain bike the Link Pathway or Queen Charlotte Track
• Kayak around the harbour with Wilderness Guides
• Take a tour of the wine region and do some wine tasting with Sounds Connection .

Learn more about these activities, as well as many others, in the  20 Best Things to Do in Picton .

Accommodation in Picton

If everything goes to plan and you do not miss your ferry then these are some excellent accommodation options in Picton.

• Harbour View Motel
• Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
• Tombstone Backpackers

For more ideas, check out the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in Picton .

• Beachcomber Inn
• Tasman Holiday Parks Picton
• A Sea View B&B

Check out the  20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Picton for more details on these accommodations and others.

• Kippilaw House
• Escape to Picton Boutique Hotel
• Bay of Many Coves

Learn more about these stays in the  10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Picton .

Day 8 – Picton to Nelson

Do one of the activities that you missed in Picton yesterday or hit the road to Nelson .

Stop by Havelock to take a boat cruise out into the Marlborough Sounds or join a kayaking tour with Pelorus Eco Adventures down the Pelorus River one of The Hobbit filming locations . For more inspiration, check out the   10 Best Things to Do in Havelock .

Then you will reach New Zealand’s sunniest city, Nelson, where you will have more opportunities to do some of the following activities…

Things to Do in Nelson

• Walk to the Centre of New Zealand found in the Botanic Reserve
• Step back in time and also try some craft beer at Founders Park
• See where the One Ring was made at the Jens Hansen Ringmaker store
• See native birds at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary
• Treat yourself to local Nelson cuisine …

… And the list continues over in the 20 Best Things to Do in Nelson .

Accommodation in Nelson

• Delorenzo Studio Apartments
• Tahuna Beach Holiday Park
• Tasman Bay Backpackers

There’s a lot more listed in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nelson .

• The Hotel Nelson
• Harbourside Lodge
• Quest Nelson

Check out more options in the   20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Nelson .

• The Sails Nelson
• Tides Hotel
• Grand Arden Monaco Nelson

More indulgent options await in the  10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Nelson .

Day 9 – Nelson or Abel Tasman Day Trip

Drive time: 0-1 hour

Nelson is the gateway to three national parks in the South Island. One of which is the Abel Tasman National Park , full of pristine golden sand beaches backed with lush forest. Tours operate from Nelson daily taking you into the Abel Tasman National Park, such as Wine, Art & Wilderness . Either drive to Kaiteriteri yourself (1 hour one way) for maximum flexibility or take one of the shuttle services.

In Kaiteriteri, you have a great deal of Abel Tasman options from kayaking tours, water taxis to hikes, or boat tours…

Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park

• Paddle a traditional Maori canoe with Waka Abel Tasman
• Skydive over beaches with Skydive Abel Tasman (more info on Viator and Klook )
• Do some beach-hopping by kayak with Wilson’s Abel Tasman
• Cruise Abel Tasman from Kaiteriteri with Wilson’s Abel Tasman
• Take a hiking a boat cruise of Abel Tasman from Nelson with Wine, Art & Wilderness .

Learn more about these activities and more in the  20 Best Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park .

Day 10 – Nelson to Punakaiki (via Nelson Lakes National Park)

Drive time: 3 hrs 45 mins

There’s a fair bit of driving to do today but the beautiful views of the Buller Gorge help pass the time quickly. There are a few quaint towns to stop by for a coffee, such as Murchison . However, to really make the most of the drive we suggest taking a 20-minute detour into the Nelson Lakes National Park to see the beautiful Lake Rotoroa or Lake Rotoiti . Both are very similar in terms of views and short walks available so take your pick!

Once you arrive in Punakaiki , you have plenty of experiences to choose from but don’t miss the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes for their impressive and bizarre rock formations.

Things to Do in Punakaiki

• Do the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk
• Visit the Punakaiki Cavern
• Kayak on the Pororari River with Waka Puna
• Experience Barrytown Beach by horse wagon with Golden Sands Horse and Wagon Tours
• Sample the Paparoa Track , one of the New Zealand Great Walks.

Learn about all of these activities and more in the  10 Best Things to Do in Punakaiki .

Accommodation in Punakaiki

• Te Nikau Retreat
• Punakaiki Beach Hostel

More details on these hostels can be found in the  5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Punakaiki .

• Punakaiki Beachfront Motels
• Punakaiki Beach Camp
• Tasman Sea Retreat
• Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 11 – Punakaiki to Franz Josef

Head to the West Coast’s Glacier Country where you’ll find some of the world’s most mesmerising glacier experiences. Franz Josef is your opportunity to walk on, crawl inside, fly over, skydive over or walk up to a glacier, as described in the 7 Ways to Take on New Zealand’s Glaciers . Nevertheless, there’s actually more to do here than glacier gallivanting! Check it out in the list below.

Things to Do in Franz Josef

• Do a heli-hike with Franz Josef Glacier Guides
• Do one of New Zealand’s highest skydives over the glacier and the Southern Alps with Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier (more info on Viator and Klook )
• Hike to the Franz Josef Terminal Face
• Relax in the Waiho Hot Tubs
• Kayak on the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours (on Viator and Klook ) .

Get much more details over in the  25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef .

Accommodation in Franz Josef

• Franz Josef Montrose
• Rainforest Retreat
• Glow Worm Accommodation

Discover more affordable stays in the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef .

• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
• Punga Grove
• Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef

Head to the  20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Franz Josef for more recommendations.

• Te Waonui Forest Retreat
• Westwood Lodge
• Kahere Retreat

For more details, check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef .

Day 12 – Franz Josef to Wanaka

Drive time: 3 hrs 40 mins

You’ve got a long drive ahead today but plenty of reasons to stretch your legs. You’ll be going through another super scenic road on the Haast Pass where we recommend you stop at Thunder Creek Falls just a minute’s walk from the road. Then don’t miss the Blue Pools of Haast . This is a 1-hour return walk through the forest to some of the clearest and bluest rivers you will ever see!

This evening, you will have the time to relax by the beautiful Lake Wanaka .

Things to Do in Wanaka

• Hike up Roy’s Peak
• Climb a waterfall with Wild Wire Wanaka
• Visit Puzzling World and get lost in their giant maze
• Skydive over beautiful Lake Wanaka with Skydive Wanaka
• Cruise to a sanctuary island on Lake Wanka with Eco Wanaka Adventures .

Head to the 25 Best Things to Do in Wanaka for more ideas.

Accommodation in Wanaka

• Altamont Lodge
• Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Mountain View Backpackers

More cheap stays can be found in the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in Wanaka .

• Club Wyndham Wanaka, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
• Archway Motels & Chalets
• The Moorings Motel and Apartments

Check out the  20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Wanaka  for more ideas.

• Wanaka Luxury Apartments
• Lime Tree Lodge
• Edgewater Hotel

More recommendations can be found in the  10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wanaka .

Day 13 – Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive time: 1 hour

Time to hit the “Adrenaline Capital of the World”! Take the Crown Range  to be the best views on the way to Queenstown. Once there, you have so much to do! Take a look at The Complete Guide to Queenstown or the list below.

Things to Do in Queenstown

• Do a bungy jump; you have three to choose from in Queenstown
• Do a giant swing with Nevis Swing or Shotover Canyon Swing
• Experience the thrills of a jet boat ride
• Go skiing or snowboarding at The Remarkables in winter
• Hike Ben Lomond .

The possibilities are endless, as described in the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown .

Accommodation in Queenstown

• Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Adventure Queenstown Hostel
• Melbourne Lodge

Choose from more affordable stays in the  15 Best Budget Accommodations in Queenstown .

• Lomond Lodge Motel & Apartments
• The Glebe Apartments
• Alexis Motel & Apartments

Browse all of the top stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown .

• QT Queenstown
• Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
• Hulbert House

Find out more about each premium accommodation in our 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Queenstown .

Day 14 – Explore Queenstown (or Milford Sound Day Trip)

Depending on what time your flight is, you can squeeze in some short activities in Queenstown from the list above. However, if you have one more full day to spare then this is your chance to visit Milford Sound . We get it, Milford Sound is on almost everybody’s New Zealand bucket list, so this is a way to squeeze the experience into a two-week itinerary for New Zealand. Although you can drive there (8 hours return), we recommend taking a break from driving and taking one of the bus trips to and from Milford Sound with a cruise included.

However, if you want a break from the road, you have plenty more options for things to do in Queenstown listed above as well as some more inspiration in the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown .

Depart from Queenstown

When your trip in New Zealand is all wrapped up, return your rental vehicle to the Queenstown depot then head onto your next adventure! Queenstown Airport is well-connected domestically to the rest of New Zealand, as well as internationally to Australia.

More New Zealand Itineraries for 2 Weeks / 14 Days

That’s the end of our New Zealand road trip itinerary for 2 weeks / 14 days on both islands. If this itinerary didn’t take you fancy, see our alternative two-week itineraries:

• North Island in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
• South Island in 2 Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary
• New Zealand Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 2 Weeks
• New Zealand Luxury Itinerary: 2 Weeks
• New Zealand Food Itinerary: 2 Weeks
• New Zealand Family Itinerary: 2 Weeks
• New Zealand Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 2 Weeks
• How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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New Zealand’s North and South Island: Two Week Self Drive Road Trip Itinerary

• August 8, 2023
• New Zealand Itineraries

28 Comments

Whilst I would recommend to anyone who is asking for my personal opinion to just stick to the South Island if you’ve got 2 weeks or less, some of you might still insist on seeing both islands.

Whilst ambitious it can still be done. I’ve taken a lot of time to design a two week itinerary around the North and South Islands that will maximize your experience without leaving you feeling stressed.

Two Week New Zealand North and South Islands Itinerary Overview

This itinerary  starts in Auckland  and then takes you through some of  the most photogenic spots of the North Island.   After 6 days you will need to catch another flight from Auckland to Christchurch on the south island and pick up your second rental car.

You will then spend 8 days traveling through the best spots on the South Island. The itinerary  finishes in Queenstown,  from where you can fly back to Auckland or, if you came from Australia, then book your return flight directly out of Queenstown.

Check out my other New Zealand road trip itineraries here

Do you only have one week or are interested in only seeing the South Island?  Browse through my other itineraries ! I am sure you will find something just for you! 

• A four to eight-week route on both of New Zealand’s Islands  
• A 10-day route through South Island’s diverse landscapes
• A two-week route on the South Island designed for hikers – Reader’s favorite!
• A whistle-stop one-week tour of the South Island

How to get around New Zealand on your road trip

Option 1: hire a rental car

The best way is to simply hire a car in Auckland for the first leg of the trip and then the second car in Christchurch with a drop-off in Queenstown for the second part.

Don’t worry about dropping the car off at a different location. Companies in New Zealand are really well accustomed to it and it won’t cost a lot more. In fact, it will probably save you some money. Check for the best car rental deals with  Discover Cars.  It will give you a drop-off option at a different airport than pick-up, plus their customer service is excellent!

This is more economical and faster than crossing over by ferry. Not only it will save you at least a day of driving, but also the money spent on gas if you had to add all those kilometers to your trip. 

One-way flights from Auckland to Christchurch can be purchased for as low as 50 bucks. The ferry costs 250 dollars for a car, that’s 5 times more expensive! 

Option 2: hire a motorhome

Another great option for road trips around New Zealand, chosen by many travelers every year is renting a motorhome. A great search engine that compiles many camper van rental companies in New Zealand is the M o torhome Republic . It’s way easier than checking each and every one separately.

Companies like Britz, Mighty, Jucy, Apollo, and Maui are the leaders when it comes to motorhomes and can all be found on this website. 

If you decided on the latter read  my guide to motorhome travel in New Zealand.

TIP: Your total driving distance along this itinerary is  ca. 1730 kilometers or 1070 miles.  This excludes the flight between the islands.

New Zealand two-week road trip itinerary part 1: North Island

As I mentioned earlier  starting your trip in Auckland  will not only be the most economical way to do it, but Auckland is also very well connected to the places you will visit on the first part of this trip

Day 1 Auckland

Auckland is the biggest New Zealand city, but I don’t want to waste your time on cities when there is so much amazing nature to experience!

If you fly in the afternoon or evening I would recommend staying overnight and setting off on your road trip early the next day. In the meantime, you can visit some cool photo spots in Auckland with Mount Eden being my favorite .

Take it easy on your first day, you have quite a lot ahead of you in the next two weeks! I am sure the time difference will wreak havoc on your body, so getting some proper sleep is essential.

Accommodation options in Auckland on night 1

Haka Lodge Backpackers

What guests loved about it

Perfect place to stay and interact with other travelers, well-equipped kitchen, comfy lounge area, privacy curtains in the bunk rooms

Roomie Apartment Hotel

Clean rooms with comfortable beds, cute finishing touches, great location, easy to get to from any direction

For Luxury Fans

Hotel Fitzroy

Friendly and welcoming staff, small boutique hotel with great facilities, tasty breakfast

Day 2-4 Taupo

• Distance from Auckland to Taupo:  270 km / 168 miles
• Duration:  3,5 hours

On your second day head towards  Taupo,  a little town nestled on the shore of New Zealand’s biggest lake of the same name. You can choose the direct route from Auckland to Taupo (275 km/4 hours) or a slightly longer route past Waitomo and visit the world-famous glowworm caves.

New Zealand Glowworms are an endemic species found only in New Zealand and as the name indicates they are worms that glow in the dark and by doing so attract their prey.

I have visited a few glow worm caves in New Zealand and have to say, they are fascinating. The best way I can describe them is by saying that they look like little stars glued onto a ceiling.

My friends Jordan and Jenna have captured this  beautiful timelapse video  of the glowworms. See it for yourself! 

There are a few companies that operate tours within these caves with Legendary Black Water rafting being the leader.

Best things to do around Taupo

Tongariro crossing day hike (day 3).

When you find yourself touring around New Zealand’s North Island there is one place you absolutely can’t miss and that’s The Tongariro Crossing.

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

The Tongariro crossing can also be done as a whole circuit, called  Tongariro Northern Circuit . It takes 3-4 days to complete and will require staying in alpine huts or camping. However, 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 day hike itself is a one-way journey.

A lot of visitors organize transport from Taupo to the start of the hike, which then picks you up at the finish line and brings you back to Taupo. The shuttle journey will take around 1 hour and if your time is limited that’s your best option. 

TIP: 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. 

Best Places To Stay In Taupo on Nights 2 & 3

Alpine Lake Motel

Very clean, quiet setting, some rooms have private courtyards, spa bath

Hilltop Whakaipo Estate

“Fabulous farm life experience but in luxury”, very friendly and personable hosts, stunning location overlooking the lake

“Experience of a lifetime”, the ideal place to relax and unwind in an idyllic setting, artwork paying homage to the significant history of the property

Day 4-5 Rotorua

• Distance from Taupo to Rotorua:  82 km / 50 miles
• Duration:  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. This place is also known to be the best spot for  experiencing the native Maori culture. 

Best things to do around Rotorua

Take a stroll through the whakarewarewa redwood forest.

I hope your tongue is still ok after pronouncing it. Though 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 rafting and I was hooked. I could hardly contain my excitement when we were about to raft 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 boat. Check availabilities below.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua  is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s high geothermal activity.

There are lots of interesting pools, cauldrons, and the famous erupting Lady Knox Geyser. At 32.50$ it’s a bargain.  

Tamaki Maori Village

Learn about the Maori culture and listen to the beautiful folk songs followed by a traditional dinner fest. See the recap of my personal experience  here  and check the availability below.

White Island – A Stratovolcano 

Rotorua is only an hour’s drive from Whakatane. This little coastal town is the gateway to White Island – New Zealand’s most active volcano, which you can visit and walk on! Tours operate from Rotorua with a shuttle service provided daily. *

Important! Please note that due to the 2019 tragic eruption, currently, the only way to see White Island is from the air.

Best places to stay in Rotorua on night 4

Ambassador Thermal Motel

Great spa pool, great location, close to town and local attractions, basic but comfortable rooms with everything one needs for an enjoyable stay

Karanda BnB

Homely atmosphere and the warm welcome from the local hosts, beautiful views over Rotorua both day and night, excellent interiors

Peppers On The Point Lake

Fantastic views of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island, a secluded location yet still close to the main attractions, veggie garden

Day 5-6 Hobbiton & Coromandel

• Distance from Rotorua to Hahei:  215 km / 134 miles 
• Duration:  3 hours

It’s time to escape the smell of Sulphur and experience New Zealand’s coast for the first time!

From Rotorua drive towards Hahei – a little town on the Coromandel Peninsula. Take the route through Matamata and stop at the most famous movie set in the world – Hobbiton.

I still think, that at 80 dollars it is the most overpriced tourist attraction in the whole of New Zealand, but personally, I don’t regret spending it. I found the tour very interesting and as a massive Lord Of The Rings fan, I am glad I didn’t miss out.

Best things to do around Coromandel

If you are not interested in visiting Hobbiton just drive straight to Hahei, the gateway to discovering the Coromandel Peninsula. There are a fair few things you can do around here without breaking your wallet. 

Hot Water Beach

This natural phenomenon was only discovered recently, but it is certainly a very popular spot amongst tourists and can get ridiculously 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 out the tides first. The nearby hotels and campsites will have them enlisted at reception. 

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. Few bucks well spent if you ask me. 

Cathedral Cove

One of  the most photogenic spots on the North Island  is Cathedral Cove – a marine reserve located on the peninsula. The place is named after the cave accessible by a short hike or kayak.

The start of the trail is only minutes away from Hahei. This place gets really busy so to maximize your experience hike to the Cove early in the morning or late in the afternoon after the crowds subside.

It takes around 1 hour (one way)  to complete the whole walk, not including the time you will spend exploring.

From Hahei, it’s about a 2-hour drive back to Auckland. Drop off your rental car and catch a domestic flight to the South Island. 

Best Places to stay around Hahei in Coromandel on night 5

Tatahi Cove Guest House

Only 1-hour walk to Cathedral Cove, clean and comfortable rooms, close to shops, restaurants, and a cafe

The Church Accommodation

Cottages with porches have garden access, close access to the beaches, and shovels on offer for use at the hot water beach

Ponga Eco-Lodge

Outdoor spa

Modern apartments with a tree-house feeling, a great deck for enjoying the landscapes and surrounding nature, and the stars at night

New Zealand Two-week road trip part 2: South Island

I hope you’ve liked what you’ve seen thus far. It’s time for the South Island now, and let me tell you, if you liked the North you will absolutely love the South.

From Auckland, you can catch a flight to Christchurch, and then follow my favorite route through Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook NP, Wanaka, Queenstown, and Fiordland NP.  

If you need to catch an international flight out of New Zealand at the end of your road trip, then consider doing this route by  starting in Queenstown and finishing in Christchurch.

Christchurch does have an International Airport, whereas Queenstown has only connecting flights within New Zealand and Australia.

Day 6-7 Christchurch and Tekapo

• Distance from Christchurch to Tekapo : 220 km / 136 miles 

I hope your flight was relatively early in the day. Pick up your second rental in Christchurch and head straight over to Tekapo. I personally don’t recommend staying in Christchurch longer than necessary.

The effects of the terrible earthquake that destroyed it in 2010 can still be seen to this date.

Besides, I always tell people, who ask for my advice, that they didn’t come to New Zealand to visit cities but to see its spectacular nature, and this itinerary is designed just for that.

Tekapo is a small town located on the shore of a beautiful turquoise lake of the same name. Due to its isolation from the light pollution of big cities, in 2012 it was named the World’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. 

What to do in 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 offers unparalleled views of the stars and planets. The Milky Way is easily viewable with your bare eyes!! 

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. If you want to get a good spot arrive early and be prepared to wait for your perfect shot.

Mount John Observatory

15 minutes uphill drive further along State Highway 8 out of town leads you toward Mount John Observatory.

Complete with night sky tours, an awesome Astro cafe, and the opportunity to look through really really big telescopes at night. The views of Lake Tekapo from up there are breathtaking, but the windy road that leads to the top is not for the fainthearted. 

Lupin Flowers (seasonal)

Unfortunately, this isn’t a year-round phenomenon, they are only in bloom for around 6 weeks from mid-November until the start of the new year.

Technically Lupin flowers are just weeds that had spread around the island like a disease creating danger to native species of plants.

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.

They can be found all over the place from the shoreline of Lake Tekapo, along the roadside to Mount Cook, and all around the surrounding meadows.

Where to stay in Tekapo on night 6

Tailor Made Tekapo

Wonderful and very considerate owners, easy check-in and check-out process, clean and well-organized communal kitchen

Alpine Lodges

Offers great privacy, farm animals are around, the cabins are comfortable and well-stocked

Aldourie Lodge

Quaint, charming, and cozy, the library room, the kitchen and lounge area has wonderful views, a beautiful garden setting

Day 7-8 Mount Cook National Park

• Distance from Tekapo to Mount Cook Village:  105 km / 65 miles  
• Driving time: 90 mins

The next stop on your epic journey will be my favorite place in New Zealand – Mount Cook National Park. The home to the country’s highest mountain, it’s a hiker’s and photographer’s paradise.

Stay the night at the Mount Cook village or White Horse Hill campground located around 5 minutes from the town. There are no supermarkets in this area, so make sure to buy whatever you may need before you leave Tekapo. 

What to do in Mount Cook National Park?

Since Mount Cook National Park is one of the most sought-after destinations in New Zealand I have decided to write a whole guide about the best hikes, activities, and places to stay here. 

I think visiting for a day is an absolute minimum. If you have an extra day to spare on your holiday and don’t know where to spend it, this is the place! 

Head over to my  first-timer’s and hiker’s guide to Mount Cook National Park  for more information.  

Where to stay in Mount Cook National Park on night 7

Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

Close access to the DOC information center, well-stocked kitchenettes, amazing views over the mountains

Aoraki Court Motel

Nice design and decorations, guests recommend booking rooms with numbers 23-26 for the best mountain views, the size of the rooms was larger than expected

The Hermitage

The magnificent views of Mount Cook from the bar and restaurant area as well as the rooms, lovely staff, great buffet dinners

TIP:  Accommodation in Mount Cook village is scarce and tends to be booked out in the high season. Make sure to make your reservation as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment. If you can’t find anything in Mount Cook, the little town of Twizel will be your next best option. 

Day 8-10 Wanaka

• Distance between Mount Cook village and Wanaka:  200 km / 124 miles
• Duration:  2 hours 15 min

On the way south from Mount Cook and after 2.5 hours of  some of the best roads in the country,  including the famous Lindis Pass, you’ll eventually arrive in Wanaka.

The little sister of Queenstown has become more popular but for different reasons. 

Although it has some of the best ski fields in the southern hemisphere, it’s not really that famous for adventure sports. What Wanaka is known for, thanks to Instagram I may add, are the two locations pictured above and below: Mount Roy and the lone willow tree. 

Best things to do in Wanaka

If you came to New Zealand to admire its nature, hiking is the best way to do it. Not only it is free, but getting to the top of a mountain will give you a chance to see New Zealand from above.

Wanaka has plenty of hikes to choose from and I enlisted some of  my favorite hikes around Wanaka  in a separate post.

Capture the beauty of ‘That Wanaka Tree ‘

Though a bit infamous amongst some of the locals due to the crowds that it attracts, this lone willow tree standing on the shore of the lake is definitely the photographer’s favorite.

If you love taking photos just as I do you should add this spot to your list, but don’t worry. If scrambling for a spot isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternative  spots in Wanaka where you can capture stunning photographs. 

Take a drive along the Mount Aspiring Road

If you are not so much into hiking, there are loads of other spots that are easily accessible by car and don’t require much effort. One of them is the scenic drive through Mount Aspiring National Park.

Bear in mind though, that halfway along the route, there will be few fords to cross, therefore it’s only recommended if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

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.

Where to stay in Wanaka on nights 8 & 9

Altamont Lodge

Well-equipped kitchen and common areas, cozy rooms with wood paneling on the walls, lounge room with garden views

Lakeside Apartments

Smart furnishing and decorations, spacious and sunny bedrooms, amazing balcony and terrace views

Wanaka Luxury Apartments

New and clean facilities, great location, well-designed layout of the apartments

Day 10-12 Te Anau & Fiordland National Park

• Distance between Wanaka and Te Anau:  230km / 143 miles
• Duration:  3 hours 

Next on the itinerary is the journey to Milford Sound via Te Anau. Don’t worry we aren’t missing out on Queenstown, which you will pass on the way to Te Anau. 

We’re just breaking up the journey. It makes more sense to visit Milford Sound first and then come back to Queenstown.

This road trip is well-designed, so don’t worry I am not wasting your time. If you have less than 2 weeks to see New Zealand you can shorten your journey and just stay in Queenstown.

From here you can book yourself onto a flight or a day-long bus journey to Milford Sound and let someone else take you there! I covered this option in a separate  post dedicated to Milford Sound.

When driving from Wanaka to Te Anau via Queenstown I suggest going over the more scenic Crown Range Road.

If you are traveling in the winter season, check the weather conditions first. You might also have to carry snow chains, so make sure your rental is equipped with them.

Once you pass Queenstown you will drive towards Te Anau through a beautiful stretch of road called the Devil’s Staircase along the Remarkables Mountain Range. Make sure to keep your eyes on the road though! This is a very bendy part of the journey.

When you get to Te Anau check into your accommodation and take a break. You can go on a stroll around the lake in the evening and recharge your batteries before the big day tomorrow!

TIP: If you are not keen on driving that much or you want to shave a couple of days off the itinerary, head straight to Queenstown and just go on a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

Best things to do in Fiordland National Park

• Distance between Te Anau and Milford Sound:  120km /75 miles
• Duration:  1,5 hours – 3 hours 

Scenic cruise around the Fjords

A must-do whilst you’re here is a cruise around the Fjords. There are few companies running the cruises offering a similar service at a similar price.

Remember to pack a raincoat with you even if it’s perfectly sunny outside as all of the drivers like to get up close and personal with the waterfalls! With that said don’t expect it to be sunny. Fiordland National Park is the rainiest part of New Zealand.

Scenic flight

Milford Sound is undeniably one of the best places for a scenic flight in New Zealand. There are a few different options for scenic flights around Milford Sound. Whether you want to go over the coastline or around the mountains or do a bit of both which I really recommend.

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!

Where to stay in Te Anau on nights 10 & 11

Asure Explored Motel

Large, clean, and comfortable rooms, lovely garden setting, welcoming and friendly owners

Dunluce Boutique Accommodation

What guests loved about it, the homely atmosphere, homecooked breakfasts, practicality and the decor of the rooms, picturesque location

Fiordland Lodge

The lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains, a huge and cozy fireplace, a different restaurant menu set daily

Day 12-14 Queenstown

• Distance from Te Anau to Queenstown : 172 km / 107 miles
• Duration:  2 hours

Best things to do in Queenstown

Now, where do I start with Queenstown? I hope you planned enough money for your budget because whether it’s Bungy Jumping, skydiving, or a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu on board TSS Earnslaw, you are going to be doing stuff here.

I spent a total of 7 months living and working in Queenstown and wrote separate posts on the best photography spots ,  must-do activities , and awesome  hiking in Queenstown , that should help you plan your stay in this beautiful mountain town

Where to stay in Queenstown on nights 12 & 13

Driftaway Queenstown

Modern furnishings and bedding, well-equipped common areas, and access to restaurants within walking distance

The Canyons B&B

Quiet surroundings with beautiful views of the canyon, lovely and helpful staff, soaking in a jacuzzi under the stars

The Rees Hotel

Very attentive staff, cozy fireplace, excellent menu choices, complimentary shuttle service to downtown Queenstown

Important tips for your New Zealand road trip

• Within the peak season December through March, I highly recommend booking your accommodation and car/camper as far in advance as you can. New Zealand receives a lot of visitors in the peak season and the last thing you want to do is stress about where you are going to sleep on your holiday of a lifetime!
• If you are traveling in the winter months end of June – September then make sure your accommodation in Queenstown and Wanaka is booked in advance. Those are ski season months and both of those places are famous and busy ski towns.
• To check roads and hiking trails conditions, especially in the winter months, go to New Zealand’s  Department of Conservation website
• Every town on this itinerary has an I-site – tourist information center, where you can pick up maps and information about the areas and hikes
• Download the Camper Mate travel app  for finding the cheapest campsites on the island

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.

Hi! I am the photographer and creator of www.inafarawayland.com. I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe since I turned 18. A few years ago, during one of my trips to Scotland, I bought my first DSLR and my adventure with photography began. When I am not stuck to my computer editing photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the mountains.

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• November 15, 2021
• 18 Comments

Hi Marta, best website I’ve found so far for itineraries that suit my interest. I’ve looked through several of your 10-14 day routes. hoping to come to NZ next year in Feb. from Alberta, Canada but will likely only have about 2 weeks to spend. I plan to focus on the South Island (but may try to squeeze in Rotorua and Taupo). My question is about the Nelson area on the north side of the South Island. the area appears to have appeal – with national parks, beaches, breweries, etc. but isn’t included in any of the routes I’ve looked over. Is this simply due to it being out of the way, or is the area less worth visiting than the other spots you’ve highlighted? thanks for your feedback. ps. I glanced through your Banff 14 day itinerary as it’s an area I know very well, and you’ve done a nice job of capturing many of the highlights

Hi Dale. The Nelson lakes, Abel Tasman and Golden Bay feature on my 4-8 week itinerary . The 2-week itineraries are shorter and focus more on the highlights. Of course what a highlight is is different to everyone else. I didn’t find The north part of the South Island as exciting as other areas. They are also indeed out of the way so visiting them would add a lot of driving unless you flew from North Island directly to Nelson and then organized a drop off in another town. I hope that helps!

Hello Marta, this itinerary looks amazing! Do you think May could be a good time to do it?

Hi Roberta. Yes you can follow this itinerary in mail, however there are a few things you won’t be able to do in May like the Tongariro crossing for example. Basically hiking season ends in April, whilst May is still fine for hiking it is more weather dependent. There may already be snow at high elevations. It kind of corresponds with November in the Northern Hemisphere. I hope that helps!

Howdy – thanks for putting this together. Is there any was it can be downloaded and printed for us old folks that like to read off paper?

Hi Tim 🙂 Yes you can print it out directly from your web browser. I use mac and google chrome (or command + p on PC it would be crtl + p). I choose file and print. A window pops up where I can save the page as PDF file. Then once saved I can open it and print it (just choose the pages that you won’t to print (for example from 1-30), otherwise even the entire comment section will be printed which totals in over 60 pages). I hope that helps.

Planning a 2-week trip to both North and South Islands roughly using your itinerary as the guide. Family of 4 adults from San Francisco, CA. Parents are 64 and 67 (moderately active in reasonable health). Boys are 28 and 30.

We wonder if we should include Milford Track into the itinerary. Will it be physically too difficult? What would be the best time of the year? How about last week of November or first week of December (Spring in NZ)? Will Fall (April-May) be better?

How do we go about booking with Department of Conservation? How far in advance?

If we cannot walk Milford Sound, should we consider Gertrude Saddle or something similar for an equivalent experience of Fiordland National Park? Any thoughts?

Hi Al. Thanks for stopping by and following my itinerary. The Milford Track isn’t an overly demanding trek when the weather is good, but during wet weather (which is common in Fiordland) it can get slippery. I cannot tell you for sure if you would be able to walk it or not because I simply don’t know your parents abilities. I do remember having one Australian couple walking with their mum and they were very slow, to the point that on day 3 the ranger had to go out to help them out get down from the pass. The next day my then partner offered to carry her backpack to make her trip easier. I am not sure if they completely overestimated their own abilites but they certainly should not have been there. With that said my 60 year old dad walked Alta Via 1 across the Dolomites with me which was a lot harder and longer and did just fine. He did run half marathon that same year though. I often meet 60-70 year olds in the mountains who surprise me with their vigor, but I would call them very fit rather than moderately fit as you describe your parents. As for the time of the year Autumn is less rainy than spring in the mountains. I did the Milford Track in April and was very lucky with weather. As for bookings you need to keep your hand on the pulse and book the track right when the reservations open. It’s like booking tickets to a famous festival. They all dissapear very quickly. The reservations usually open a few months in advance for the next season. A much easier hike in the Fiordland is the hike to Lake Marian. Getrude Saddle has way too many chains and places where one could slip easily. it is harder than any part of the Milford Track. I hope that helps!

Thanks for the detailed itinerary! I’m just in the beginning stages of planning a trip. I’m wondering what the weather is like in September, October and early November as we are debating which month would be best to go for two weeks. We are big into the outdoors, nature and would be doing a lot of hiking and driving. Additionally, approximately what would be an average budget per person for the itinerary above for two weeks in NZ? Thanks!

Hi Katie, If your objective is to hike then you should go no earlier than November. That’s when the hiking season starts. New Zealand has a very mild climate. As for budget, this is a very broad questions and depends on so many things from what car you want to get to whether you plan on staying in hostels vs hotels to cooking for yourself vs going out, that I am afraid I won’t be able to answer it. New Zealand isn’t a cheap country to travel around.

I just would like to say I love your blog and the itineraries. I just bought tickets to NZ and we will be there it March for 3 weeks. I will definitely follow your itineraries. Jasper is beautiful! Edyta

Hi Edyta! Thanks so much for your amazing feedback. Have an amazing time in New Zealand. I am sure you will love it!

Hi Marta !!! First of all thank you for your hard work. I am going in two weeks and we were wondering where we can see wild life animals in freedom like seals or sheeps (love them), we are visiting both islands. Thank you so much.

Hi Marta. Thanks for visiting. You can see the seals along the coastline. You can often spot Dolphins and seals in Milford Sound on the cruise. As for sheep, well I wouldn’t consider them a wildlife and they are everywhere.

This looks incredible! I cannot wait to go next March 2025 and am going to follow this to a tee!

Hi Lisa! I am so glad to hear you find it helpful. Please consider supporting my site by using the affiliate links when booking your holiday. Happy travels!

hi thanks for the detailed explanation. I am planning to travel NZ from North to South Island in early Oct 2024 (3 people in total). Please help me in answering some of the questions below. I understand they are many but it will be really helpful.

1. What is the cheapest and best way to explore? 2. Is it campervan + holiday parks or car rental + air bnbs/hostels? 3. I would like to have it as budget friendly as possible. I feel campervan would be a good option as I can cook and save money on meals. 4. But do you think cooking daily on campervan is something possible? I believe we can cook on some of the holiday parks where we have kitchen facilities. Please correct me if I am wrong. 5.Are kitchen facilities available in all holiday parks and freedom campsites? 6.Will I get the information of kitchen facilities in the application? 7.Also how about the fuel consumption for campervan vs car rental? Can you give a rough ball park of consumption litres of gasoline for 1000kms of travel in campervan and car rental so that it would be easier for comparison? 8.Incase if I am planning to go with car rentals and hostels, is it easier to find hostels in all the main areas?

Thank you so much for the information and hard work

Hi Ranjith. Here are the answers: 1+2: If you are a single person the hostels, if you are travelling with at least 2+ people then a campervan 3: You can also cook in hostels 4. Yes cooking daily in a campervan is possible but you will have to visit supermarkets more often because storing a lot of food is tricky 5. Holiday parks yes but DOC campsites no 6. Yes in the Campermate app you will get the info about the facilities. I also recommend reading reviews left by other travellers 7. It is so highly dependent on the campervan and the style of driving, that it is impossible for me to answer this questions. Generally the bigger the car the more it consumes 8. Hostels are everywhere around NZ so it shouldn’t be a problem.

I hope that helps! I hope you consider supporting my website. If you need more advice please use my trip planning advice services .

Hi Marta, I’m planning to travel in August. Do you think should I miss some areas of your itinerary due to the weather or is it possible to visit everywhere in August? Thanks for your help 🙂 Regards

Hi Nadia, In general you can visit all areas in August, but you won’t be able to do all the hikes. You can skip Taupo because you won’t be able to do the Tongariro Crossing. On the south Island you can visit all places, but I would recommend doing a bus trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown instead of driving there yourself. Also make sure your rental car is equipped with snow chains just in case. You only carry them in the trunk of your car and use them when really needed! I hope that helps.

Hello thanks so much for this lovely itinerary. Any pro tips on making the trip budget friendly?

Also wanted to ask if we do not take the Milford Sound flight, is it still worth to go and stay at?

Hi Ankita. Thanks for visiting. I think self catering (cooking your own meals along the way) is the best way to help budget the trip a bit better. I didn’t find the food in New Zealand extraordinary. The restaurants are expensive and there are way too many fast food places which is a waste of money. Other than that don’t be afraid to splurge on some activities etc. New Zealand is special. No need to fly to Milford Sound, you can drive there or take the bus from Queenstown. There are plenty of companies that offer bus-ferry-bus options from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back. You can read all about it in my guide to Milford Sound .

I’m following your itinerary for my trip in coming March.

Yey! I am so stoked to hear this. I hope you will have an amazing time! Let me know if you have any questions. Happy travels!

My trip is in October, hope the season would be good, Spring. I have a question, are we able to drive from Auckland to Christchurch then to Queenstown. Your guidance would be great. Thank you

Hi Selvi, Thanks for visiting. You can drive from Auckland to Christchurch (you will have to take the ferry in Wellington to get to the South Island). You will be adding quite a few kilometres to your itinerary though. Let me know if you have more questions.

Absolutely breathtaking views. My bucket list always. My question is How would be March? Is it too hot. Or May would be ideal. And can kids do glacier hiking?

Hi Kaveri! Thanks for visiting. March is a great month for traveling to New Zealand, much better than May. New Zealand has a rather temperate climate so you don’t have to worry about it being too hot. May is already low shoulder season, kind of like November when compared to the Northern Hemisphere. I wouldn’t advise traveling in May, especially on the South Island. As for glacie hiking. Whilst there is definitely age restriction, normally older kids can go with no issues. It really depends on how old your kids are. I hope that helps!

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

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