New Zealand: a country I’ve wanted to visit for a long time! I only had two weeks at the end of December to work with, which is the time usually recommended to visit just one of the two main islands. I was determined to visit both the North and South Islands, since they offer different scenery and experiences. After much research and planning, here’s what I came up with:
Day 1: Queenstown to Te Anau via Glenorchy
Day 2: Te Anau to Milford Sound
Day 3: Milford Sound to Queenstown
Day 4: Queenstown to Christchurch via Mt. Cook
Day 5: Christchurch to Kaikoura
Day 6: Kaikoura to Wellington via Cook Strait
Day 7: Wellington
Day 8: Wellington to Taupo
Day 9: Taupo
Day 10: Taupo to Rotorua
Day 11: Rotorua to Waitomo
Day 12: Waitomo to Whitianga
Day 13: Whitianga to Auckland
About the Itinerary
We traveled independently for the first part of the trip (Days 1-4). We mostly stuck to the plan, but definitely had time to do some spontaneous things or to just relax. Given the few days I had to visit the South Island before joining up with a tour group, we made the most of our time without feeling too rushed or overwhelmed.
During the second part of our trip, we joined up with a group from Haka Tours to explore the South Island for a few more days before touring the North Island. The North Island Adventure Tour included a lot of fun activities. We did some sightseeing, cooked meals together, made “surprise” stops on our road trips, and went on lots of crazy adventures. I usually don’t travel on group tours, but this was the BEST of both worlds. It’s great for any budget, since they have an “a la carte” option for activities. But even if you don’t book any extra add-ons, you’ll do a lot and have a great time. Accommodations are in hostels, but they are clean and safe. Our group was a mix of friends and solo travelers from all over the world, and we got along great. Our tour guide was fabulous. She was organized, yet flexible, and gave us lots of options of things to do and plenty of free time. It was nice to be able to kick back and let someone else do the planning and driving for a change. I include our amazing itinerary put together by Haka Tours below starting from Day 5.
DAY 1: QUEENSTOWN TO TE ANAU
We arrived in Queenstown in the morning and hit the ground running. We picked up our rental car from Go Rentals and drove into town (on the left!) to get some food before we set off on our mini road trip. We also grabbed some cookies at the famous Cookie Time store because they are that good.
Road to Glenorchy
Go on one of the most scenic drives of the country: The Road to Glenorchy. It takes about 45 minutes from Queenstown to the town of Glenorchy. Photo stop at Bennet’s Bluff at the 25km marker for great views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountains. You can’t miss it. It’s a curved shoulder where you’ll likely see other cars pulled over to capture the beautiful scenery.
Lord of the Rings Horseback Riding & 4×4 Tour
While you are in Glenorchy, don’t miss the opportunity to see some of the filming locations from movies like the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Wolverine, and the Chronicles of Narnia. Even better, go on the afternoon horseback riding tour with Dart Stables which also includes a 4×4 tour to the town of Paradise. Read about my experience on the Ride of the Rings tour here.
Video: LOTR Horseback Riding Tour: Glenorchy, NZ with Dart Stables
Drive to Te Anau for an overnight stay.
Hotel: Aden Motel
DAY 2: TE ANAU TO MILFORD SOUND
Road to Milford Sound
Drive along the Road to Milford Sound from Te Anau. There are several suggested scenic stops and hikes along the way. Allow enough time to make any stops you want. This drive can take anywhere from 2 hours to a whole day. Check out this brochure from the NZ Dept. of Conservation’s website for more suggested stops and travel tips.Suggested Stop #1: Mirror Lakes
This is a short stop right off the highway, perfect to stretch your legs for 10 minutes. There’s a small path that leads to several viewing points of small lakes that provide amazing reflective views of the Earl mountains. Your best chance to see a perfect “mirror” reflection is on an overcast day (with no rain) and the earlier in the day, the better.
Suggested Stop #2: Hike to Key Summit
Enjoy this 3-hr return hike along the famous Routeburn track to Key Summit with its mossy trees and silver ferns – a temperate rain forest. After about an hour from the start of the hike at the car park, the path branches off on a 20-25 min (rather steep) climb to the Key Summit for views of Fiordland National Park. There’s also a self-guided looped nature walk at the summit. It’s a beautiful hike even on the foggiest of days!
Video: Hiking to Key Summit
Nature Cruise on Milford Sound
Take an afternoon nature cruise on Milford Sound to spot penguins, whales, dolphins, seals, and more. I recommend booking with Southern Discoveries for a small boat experience.
Video: Milford Sound Encounter Nature Cruise
Overnight stay in Milford Sound.
Hotel: Milford Sound Lodge
DAY 3: MILFORD SOUND TO QUEENSTOWN
Kayak Tour of Milford Sound
Sea kayaking is the best way to see Milford Sound. I recommend booking with Rosco’s Milford Kayaks on an early morning tour of Milford Sound and Lady Bowen Falls, the highest waterfall.
Video: Kayaking Milford Sound
Road to Milford Sound
You’ll take the same road back to Queenstown. I suggest stopping at the following places:
Suggested Stop #3: The Chasm
Stop at The Chasm for a 20 minute return loop walk through the forest and past some seriously powerful waterfalls. On your way back to the parking lot, keep your eye out for a small green electric box on the left that marks a secret path down the hill to the secret pools!
Suggested Stop #4: Lake Gunn Nature Walk
This walk is accessed from the Cascade Creek stop and takes you through a forest of tall red beech trees to the banks of Lake Gunn. There’s lots of birdlife and small side trips off the main path to sheltered lake beaches for a picnic. The walk is an easy, looped path and takes about 45-min round-trip.
Video: The Road to Milford Sound
QUEENSTOWN
Shotover Jet Ride
If you’re like me and you love thrilling adventures, you must go on “The World’s Most Exciting Jet Boat Ride” with Shotover Jet. It was so much fun! The boat ride is unique in that it spins 360 degrees, goes extremely fast, and gets really close to the canyon walls–making you think you’re going to hit. But it never does! You’ll scream, laugh, get splashed, and get your breathe taken away on the most exhilarating boat ride you’ll ever take. I highly recommend it!
Video: Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Skyline Gondola & Luge Ride
Ride the Gondola up the hill for great views of the city and surrounding mountains. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a ride or two on the Skyline Luge located at the top; if you’re feeling cray, sign up for a bungy jump or two.
Video: Queenstown Skyline Gondola & Luge
Fergburger
When you’re feeling hungry, don’t miss the best burgers in New Zealand at Fergburger. Order the “Tropical Swine” and you will not be disappointed! There will most likely be a long line (because it’s super popular), but it’s totally worth it. Or, you can do what the locals do and order ahead over the phone and bypass the line to pickup your food.
Overnight in Queenstown.
Hotel: Haka Lodge Queenstown
DAY 4: QUEENSTOWN TO CHRISTCHURCH VIA MT.COOK
The drive from Queenstown to Christchurch takes about 6 hours direct, however you can break up the drive with several stops along the way. It’s very scenic. We were in awe at all the different landscapes we saw and the amazing views around every corner. You’ll want to stop every 10 minutes to take selfies with sheep, jumping photos in front of mountains, and pictures of all the colorful lupins and turquoise lakes.
Hike Hooker Valley Track
I’d say the Hooker Valley Track is one of the best half-day hikes in New Zealand, taking only about 3-4 hours round-trip. It’s mostly flat, crosses a few fun bouncy suspension bridges (great for photo ops), has varying landscape, and best of all, has epic mountain views! If you’re lucky to be hiking on a clear day– you’ll enjoy views of the peak of Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand. The hike ends at a glacial lake with icebergs!! A perfect spot for a picnic lunch.
Video: Hiking the Hooker Valley Track to Mt. Cook
Lake Tekapo
Explore the shores of beautiful turquoise-colored Lake Tekapo. If you visit during the end of the Spring/beginning of the Summer season, you’ll be able to enjoy the colorful lupins that surround the lake. Nearby, check out The Church of the Good Shepherd and the Sheepdog statue. If time allows, drive or hike up to the top of Mount John to check out the observatory and the amazing views. I wish we could have stayed the night at Lake Tekapo, because I’ve heard it’s been ranked as one of the best spots in the world for stargazing. I’m putting that on my list of things to do when I go back!
Continue on to Christchurch to return rental car. Overnight in Christchurch.
Hotel: YHA Christchurch
DAY 5: CHRISTCHURCH TO KAIKOURA
Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Canterbury Plains
When I found out that there was an option to go on a hot air balloon ride, I knew I had to do it. This was my chance to finally check it off my Bucket List! We had a 3:30 a.m. wake up call, but it was so worth it once I found out we’d be able to watch the sunrise and that food was involved afterwards. We went with Ballooning Canterbury and our pilot was very experienced; he made us folks who were a little nervous feel a little more comfortable. We were lucky to actually set off, as many other people earlier in the week couldn’t go because of bad weather. The sunrise was beautiful, the panoramic views of the Canterbury plains were far reaching from the Southern Alps to the Pacific ocean, and the feeling of effortlessly floating in the sky was priceless. A must-do experience if you can.
Video: Hot Air Balloon Ride in Canterbury, NZ
Explore Christchurch
When we returned from our morning adventure in the sky, we got to meet the rest of our Haka Tours group: brothers from Canada, coworkers from India, and solo travelers from France, Germany, Australia, England, and the US–not to mention our fearless Maori leader, Willow, from New Zealand. We spent the morning exploring Christchurch, which is still in ruins in some parts from an earthquake a few years back. We visited the destroyed cathedral, the temporary Cardboard transitional cathedral, and the Re:start mall. After the earthquake, stores started selling their merchandise out of large shipping containers to pick their business back up. Now, there’s a whole outdoor mall with these shipping container stores, and it’s pretty cool.
If I had more time, I would have also visited the Botanic Gardens and gone on a Punting on the Avon tour.
Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
After about a 2.5 hour drive, we arrived in the small coastal town of Kaikoura. Part of our group went out on a deep sea fishing adventure, while the rest of us opted to walk along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, a 3-hr easy walking track along the coast where you can watch seals and enjoy clifftop views of the ocean and mountains. Here’s a cool brochure from the Dept. of Conservation with more information.
Video: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway
Free Evening to relax. Our friends who went Deep sea fishing caught some fish that they didn’t know what to do with, so our guide took us to a restaurant called Cooper’s Catch where they actually battered and fried the fish for us at no extra cost. There was enough fish and chips for the whole group to have dinner. Even though I don’t eat fish, I thought that was pretty cool. We spent the evening meeting new friends from Ireland in the hot tub and relaxing after a long, fun day.
Overnight in Kaikoura.
Hotel: Dusky Lodge
DAY 6: KAIKOURA TO WELLINGTON VIA COOK STRAIT
KAIKOURA
Swimming with Wild Dusky Dolphins
Hands down, this was the most incredible experience of the trip. I’ve gone swimming with dolphins before, but they were trained and in a pen. Swimming with these playful dolphins in the wild was a completely different experience. We went out early in the morning with a company called Dolphin Encounter. It was amazing to see how curious the dolphins were about us snorkeling around them. To get their attention, we’d have to make noise and sing songs. One dolphin came up to me, made eye contact, then started swimming around me in circles. I started spinning around in circles, too, and tried to keep up. Then, he swam faster and faster and noticed how I couldn’t keep up. I started laughing, and I could tell the dolphin was amused, as well, then he darted off. It was a cool experience. There were literally hundreds of these dolphins swimming, playing, and jumping among us. Sign up well in advance to avoid disappointment, because they only allow limited number of people out in the water with the dolphins.
Video: Swimming with Wild Dusky Dolphins in Kaikoura
Kaikoura Lookout
The Kaikoura Lookout is off of Scarborough St. The town is so small–if you don’t have a map, ask anyone and they can point you in the right direction. This lookout provides amazing panoramic views out over the town, the mountains to the north, Goose Bay to the south, the landscape to the west and the peninsular seascape to the east.
Explore the Esplanade
The Esplanade is the main town road that runs along the beachfront. There are lots of souvenir shops, cafes, ice cream shops, as well as gardens and access to the beach. It’s a great place to explore for a few hours and grab some snacks like a meat pie or two and some pineapple lumps.
Lunch at Beach House Cafe
We had lunch at the Beach House Cafe. It was great, and I highly recommend it. They had lots of options on the menu from lighter fare to comfort foods and they have indoor and outdoor seating with great landscape views out the back.
Ferry from South Island to North Island
After a two hour drive to Picton including a surprise stop at a beautiful vineyard in the Marlborough region, we picked up reinforcements (Whittaker’s Pear/Manuka honey chocolate & L&P soda) at the grocery store then boarded the Interislander ferry to take us to the North Island! The scenic ferry ride lasts around 3.5 hours, but it goes by pretty quickly. The first hour or two you can get situated and look out at beautiful scenery as you pass through first the Marlborough sound, then the Cook Strait. Inside the ship, they have cafes, lots of tables, couches, and chairs to spread out on, and they even have a movie theater on board.
Video: Ferry Crossing from South Island to North Island
Overnight in Wellington.
Hotel: YHA Wellington
DAY 7: WELLINGTON
Mount Victoria Lookout
The best lookout spot in the city with great panoramic views of the city and harbor.
Te Kopahou Reserve
This is a great sport for a quick stop to take some pictures. It’s fun to observe a fur seal colony that hang out on the rocks off the coast. Stop in at Te Kopahou Visitor Center for an exhibit with interesting facts about the reserve and the nearby Red Rocks Coastal Walk.
Relax at the beach
We spent the afternoon at Scorching Bay beach. It’s a picture perfect, calm beach great for relaxing, swimming, building a sandman (it was December, after all), and having a picnic lunch.
Visit the Te Papa Museum
Te Papa is one of the most innovative and interactive museums I’ve ever been to. Make sure to spend at least a couple of hours here. There’s so much to see, including indoor and outdoor exhibits showcasing New Zealand’s diverse art and culture–ancient and modern.
As it happened to be Christmas Day, we spent the rest of the day preparing for our big family dinner. We made dishes representing some of our countries, learned about Kiwi Christmas traditions, and had a white elephant gift exchange. Most everything in the city was closed for the holiday. If When I go back, I’d like to check out the scene on Cuba street, the Weta studios, and take the cable car to the Botanic gardens.
Overnight in Wellington.
Hotel: YHA Wellington
DAY 8: WELLINGTON TO TAUPO
The drive from Wellington to Taupo takes about 4.5 hours, but our guide had some surprise stops planned for us along the way, including a playground with ziplines and hamster wheels, getting a jumping photo in front of Mt Ngauruhoe (aka Mt Doom from Lord of the Rings), and cliff jumping into Lake Taupo!
Mokai Gravity Canyon
On the way to Taupo, we stopped at Gravity Canyon, where we had the opportunity to go on a tandem 260 ft tall freefall canyon swing and flying fox ride at 100 mph. What a thrill!
Video: Canyon Swing at Mokai Gravity Canyon
Video: Flying Fox at Mokai Gravity Canyon
Free Evening. Dinner at Cinnamon Fine Indian. Overnight in Taupo.
Hotel: Haka Lodge Taupo
DAY 9: TAUPO
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Widely regarded as the best day walk in New Zealand, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging 7-8 hour hike in a rugged alpine environment with jaw-dropping views and varied landscapes. At times, the climb and descent are very steep. It’s very exposed to the elements, so make sure you have a good weather forecast and are prepared with enough water and food to keep up your energy. Hike past an active volcano, the Emerald lakes, craters, and natural hot springs. This was the most challenging and rewarding hike I’ve ever done!
Video: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Soak in Natural Hot Pools at Otumuheke Stream, Spa Park
This was a great way to unwind and relax muscles after a long hike. There are lots of different areas of natural hot pools at Otumuheke Stream Spa Park. Some are hot and some colder the closer they are to the river, so walk around to scope out the best spot/temperature. My favorite was a small hot pool with a waterfall, which was soothing to sit under- like a massage for my head and shoulders. And the best part is that it’s free!
Free evening. Kiwi Burger BBQ. Overnight in Taupo.
Hotel: Haka Lodge Taupo
DAY 10: TAUPO TO ROTORUA
Relax at Lake Taupo
Lake Taupo is a freshwater lake and is about the size of Singapore! There are lots of activities you can do on and near the lake, including sailing out to Maori rock carvings, swimming, and the famous Lake Taupo Hole in One Challenge.
Visit Huka Falls
Huka Falls is a really powerful waterfall. Apparently it could fill up an Olympic sized swimming pool in 11 seconds! It’s a beautiful site and a really popular attraction in the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a jet boat to the base of the falls.
Explore Wai-o-tapu Thermal Park
Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland is a colorful geothermal attraction with a self-guided tour. You can view different kinds of geothermal activity and volcanic features from walkways and designated viewing areas. Some pools are over 200 degrees Fahrenheit, so watch your step!
Video: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-o-Tapu Mud Pools
This is a quick stop with free admission. You will be fascinated by the mud pools erupting at the site where a mud volcano was destroyed in the 1920s.
Hangi Feast, Cultural Show & Glowworm Bush Walk at Mitai Maori Village
This was a great opportunity to learn more about the indigenous culture in New Zealand. The Mitai Maori Village experience includes a traditional Hangi feast (where the food is cooked underground), a grand warrior canoe entrance, a cultural performance including the famous Poi and Haka dances, and glowworm bush walk to the sacred freshwater spring after sunset.
Video: Mitai Maori Village: Hangi Feast & Cultural Show
Overnight in Rotorua.
Hotel: YHA Rotorua
DAY 11: ROTORUA TO WAITOMO
Zorbing at Ogo
Extreme zorbing at Ogo! Put your swimsuit on and jump into this big plastic ball filled with water and roll down the hill like a hamster in a hamster wheel. It’s a thrilling ride and refreshing on a hot summer day. Choose from different tracks: straight down the hill (and race your friends!) or choose the zig zag track for a bumpier ride. Bring your GoPro or rent one there. Lots of fun!
Video: Zorbing at Ogo
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
You won’t want to miss this tour of the original movie set from The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit films. It’s located in Matamata, about an hour drive from Rotorua. Journey through “middle earth” and visit the hobbit holes, including Bag End, where Bilbo and Frodo lived. Enjoy a guided tour of Hobbiton and at the end, drink a ginger beer on a sofa by the fire at the Green Dragon Inn.
Video: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
On our drive to Waitomo, we had two surprise stops: one at a blueberry farm to buy fresh blueberry ice cream and the other at Arapuni Suspension bridge with views of the dam and scenic gorge.
Dinner at Curly’s Bar. Free evening.
Overnight in Waitomo.
Hotel: Kiwi Paka Waitomo
DAY 12: WAITOMO TO WHITIANGA
Black Water Rafting
Black Water rafting is a must! We did the Black Labyrinth tour. The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co will prepare you with wetsuits, boots, helmets, and tubes. After brief instruction, you’ll head down into the cave, where you’ll float down the underground river, jump off waterfalls, and admire the lights above from the glow worms lining the limestone cave walls.
Video: Black Water Rafting in Waitomo
Explore Kiwiana Town
A great pit stop on your journey to or from Waitomo is the small one-street town of Otorohanga, also known as Kiwiana town. Here, they celebrate all things Kiwi, i.e. icons, heroes, and heritage that embody New Zealand culture. They have statues, murals, and outdoor exhibits where you can learn about Kiwi things like the All Blacks, pavlova, Maori carvings, sheep, and even bungy jumping. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to meet the Kiwi bird itself!
Pick Lemons in Paeroa
L&P is a type of soda made in New Zealand. It stands for Lemon & Paeroa. The flavor is just like a lemon drop! It’s not too sweet and has the right hint of lemon. It’s so refreshing and it immediately became my drink of choice. You can visit the town of Paeroa, the town where it was invented. You’ll find this large L&P statue at the end of the main street, where you can learn about the history of the drink. Feel free to pick some lemons from the nearby lemon trees. It’s free for the public to pick them! We took a bunch of lemons home and made some fresh lemonade. Yum!
Dig Your Own Hot Pool at Hot Water Beach
Hot Water beach is the most unique beach! Naturally heated mineral water bubbles up from under the sand at this beach. Bring/rent a shovel, or dig with your hands to carve out your own hot pool and let the hot water fill it in. When you’ve had enough of the steaming hot water, jump into the ocean–the cooler water is refreshing!
Free Evening. Homemade sausage sizzles for dinner. Overnight in Whitianga.
Hotel: Turtle Cove Hostel
DAY 13: WHITIANGA TO AUCKLAND
Take a Bone Carving Class
We took a bone carving class in Whitianga with Bay Carving. We got to choose a Maori symbol that we wanted to carve. I chose the Koru spiral, which is the symbol for peace, growth, new life, and tranquility. You will learn how to carve, sand, and polish the bone and at the end you’ll attach it to a necklace. It’s a neat experience!
Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking
This was one of my favorite experiences on the trip–kayaking out on the open ocean and through caves on our way to Cathedral cove. The cove (accessed by ferry or kayak) is next to a beautiful beach, where we stopped to have some hot chocolate and biscuits before heading back. Several movies have been filmed here, including scenes from the Chronicles of Narnia. I highly recommend this adventure!
Video: Cathedral Cove Sea Kayaking Tour
Drive to Auckland. Late Evening flight back home.
PIN IT:
Could you provide the budget for this trip?
Yes, a budget would be nice!
Did you feel that your trip was rushed at all? My husband and I are planning a N & S Island trip in a similar time frame and have been told it’s completely unrealistic, but it seems to me that you guys managed just fine!
I was also wondering, do you think it’s worth it to do the entire Tongariro Alpine Crossing or would you recommend doing a shorter hike there and adding in Huka Falls?
Thank you!
Hi Ami,
I heard that it was unrealistic, too, but I didn’t have a choice to stay longer as I had limited vacation days. But I was determined to see the top sights on both islands! I didn’t feel rushed at all, though I’m used to being on-the-go. My aim wasn’t to see everything there was to offer. I did a lot of research and narrowed it down to exactly what I wanted to see and do. This itinerary was absolutely doable. If anything, I would have added an extra day in the Queenstown area.
I’m not an avid hiker, and I almost didn’t do the Tongariro crossing, since the pictures I saw online weren’t that “beautiful” and I could have done other things in Taupo. It also sounded hard, and I didn’t necessarily want to work out hard on my vacation! However, my tour guide convinced me it was a must-do, and I have to say she was right. I don’t regret it! Pictures really don’t do it justice. It’s the most magnificent, challenging, yet rewarding hike I’ve ever done. If short on time and want to do both, Huka falls can be seen in a 10-15 minute photo stop, as there is plentiful parking right at the falls.
Enjoy NZ!
Thank you so much for your response, Krissy! It is so encouraging! We also do our trips at top speed, so I think after reading your experience, our trip will work out alright!
My biggest hurdle with the Tongariro Crossing is that we will be coming from the Hobbiton area that morning, so I’m just not sure if logistically it can work out to drive down there and complete the hike in a time frame that will allow us to still shuttle back to our car. I’m also concerned about leaving our luggage in the car, as I’ve read that break-ins can be an issue in the car lots there. I will keep looking into it!
Thank you again for your reply!
I’m so impressed. As a Kiwi, I’m not sure I’d recommend anyone doing what you did at breakneck speed. Our philosophy is quality over quantity. If you did the research and got out of it what you wanted, then kudos to you.
For a lot of people, who live in the Northern Hemisphere, New Zealand probably does feel like it is a long way to come to. You seemed to tick of a lot of the items that everyone wants to do.
Are you still in contact with anyone from the tour group?
What would you do again if you came back?
What would you not have done with hindsight?
This is so unbelievably helpful for our upcoming trip that is only 10 short days!! I am taking notes on your stops like crazy and I love all the fun facts you also say about each place. Thank you so much for taking the time to write this out and share it with the world!