16 Days in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: New Zealand Culture & Nature Tour: Auckland to Queenstown

Discover New Zealand's culture and nature on a highlights self-drive tour across the North and South Islands, from Auckland to Queenstown. Adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts will appreciate highlights like a Māori cultural performance in Rotorua, kayaking across Tasman Lake, and hiking on New Zealand's highest peak. Round off your tour with a serene lunch cruise in Queenstown and an evening of stargazing at Lake Tekapo. 

Your New Zealand adventure begins in Auckland on the North Island, where you'll explore the city and join a thrilling whale watching cruise. Then, drive to Coromandel for a glass-bottom boat tour before heading to Rotorua for canopy tours, a night walk through the Redwoods, and a visit to Wai-O-Tapu and Hell's Gate. Experiencing a traditional Māori evening is also on the agenda. Continue to Tongariro National Park for whitewater rafting and hiking on the strikingly beautiful Tongariro Alpine Crossing. After a scenic drive to Wellington, you'll make the quick flight to Christchurch on the South Island and enjoy a tramway dinner experience.

The journey continues to Lake Tekapo on Day 9 to soak in hot pools beneath a star-studded night sky. The following day, get some exercise hiking on Aoraki / Mount Cook and kayaking on Tasman Lake. Next, drive to Wānaka and explore Mou Waho island before heading to Te Anau to see the glowworm caves. A cruise on the stunning Milford Sound / Piopiotahi awaits you before you continue to Queenstown. Here, you'll relax in an onsen (heated pools), take a Shotover River boat tour, enjoy a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw Edwardian steamer to Walter Peak, and end with your departure from Queenstown. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Best of New Zealand: Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook & Queenstown

Experience New Zealand's North and South Islands on this best-of itinerary. It's ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts with city tours, wine tastings, and even a chance to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set. Highlights include black sand beach strolls in Auckland, a Māori cultural performance in Rotorua, stargazing near Aoraki / Mount Cook, and an overnight Milford Sound / Piopiotahi cruise. 

Your New Zealand journey begins in Auckland, where you'll explore Waitakere Ranges' beaches and rainforests before embarking on a city tour and indulging in a food and wine tour on Waiheke Island. Next, you'll travel to Rotorua via Hobbiton for a Mitai cultural experience and dinner. In Rotorua, you're in for a Waimangu Valley nature walk and cruise, a visit to a kiwi hatchery, and a glowworm kayak excursion. Your North Island adventure concludes with a flight to Christchurch, where you'll explore the city and embark on a dolphin cruise in Akaroa Harbor.

On the South Island, you'll experience punting on the Avon River / Ōtākaro in Christchurch before driving to Aoraki / Mount Cook for an evening of stargazing. After a free Day 10 for exploration, you'll drive to Queenstown, where your adventures will include a 4WD tour to the historic gold mining settlement of Macetown, a ride on the Skyline Gondola, an overnight cruise in Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, and a choice between a winery tour or a jet boat and funyak safari. Your trip concludes with a Walter Peak Farm barbecue dinner on your last evening before you depart from Queenstown the next day. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Active Adventure on New Zealand's North & South Islands

This active adventure is perfect for thrill seekers ready to bungee jump off Kawarau Bridge, skydive over Queenstown, and heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier. Experience the best of New Zealand's natural beauty and thrilling activities by visiting the Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary, discovering the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, and immersing yourself in Māori culture. Finish off with a heart-pounding walk on the SkyTower Skywalk in Auckland. 

Begin your adventure in Christchurch on the South Island for a historic tram dinner. Then set off toward Aoraki / Mount Cook the next day, where you'll explore the Haupapa / Tasman Glacier before heading to Queenstown. Here, experience bungee jumping off the famous Kawarau Bridge and skydiving. A day trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi will follow, and then you'll drive to Franz Josef Glacier for a hiking adventure, followed by a heli-hike on Franz Josef on Day 7. Finally, drive to Greymouth, hop aboard the TranzAlpine Train back to Christchurch, and have a free day to explore or float along the Avon River / Ōtākaro.

Continuing your journey, you'll take a coastal train to Picton and then a three-hour ferry—considered one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world—to Wellington. Check out the Wētā Workshop, home to props and costumes from "The Lord of the Rings," and observe native wildlife at Wellington's Zealandia. On the drive to Rotorua, you'll stop at the Te Pā Tū for a Māori feast and performance. Enjoy a forest canopy tour the next day in Rotorua before driving to Auckland, where you'll have the chance to try the Sky Tower Skywalk—a great way to soak up sweeping panoramas. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Ultimate New Zealand Self-Drive Adventure

Delve into the wonders of New Zealand on this road trip, combining city exploration with outdoor activities. Starting in Auckland, journey through Rotorua's geothermal wonders, marvel at the capital city Wellington, and cruise across to the South Island's wine region. From stargazing in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park to jet boating in Queenstown and an overnight cruise in Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, there's a delightful mix of relaxation and exhilaration. This itinerary is perfect for those seeking a balance of urban exploration and outdoor adventure.

Your adventure begins in Auckland, where you'll scale the Sky Tower or make your way to Mount Eden. Next, board a ferry to Waiheke Island, savoring the area's wines. From there, it's off to Rotorua to experience the geothermal power, relax at Solitaire Lodge, and explore Tarawera thermal springs. Next, you'll journey to Wellington, stopping at the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary before enjoying some free time in the city. Your North Island tour ends with a ferry trip to South Island, where you'll taste the celebrated wines of Blenheim's Marlborough wine region.

Following your wine tasting, drive to Kaikōura for a unique marine life encounter before continuing to Christchurch. Your journey then takes you to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park for stargazing in the evening and a cruise on Tasman Lake the next day. On Day 12, you'll drive to Queenstown, the country's adventure capital, and enjoy a Lake Wakatipu cruise on the TSS Earnslaw steamship. A thrilling Shotover Canyon jet boat ride is followed by a drive to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi for an overnight cruise. The final day involves one last scenic drive back to Queenstown, marking the end of your adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Wild New Zealand: Auckland, Tongariro, Wellington, Kaikōura, Christchurch, Mount Cook & Queenstown

Immerse yourself in some of New Zealand's most beautiful and exhilarating wilderness experiences on this 16-day tour of both the North and South Islands. Starting in Auckland and ending in Queenstown, you'll journey through national parks, hike around volcanoes, watch whales in their natural habitat, and even stargaze in an International Dark Sky Reserve. Highlights include a night cruising on the remote Doubtful Sound, a guided hike around the Ruapehu Crater Lake, and wine tasting in Central Otago.

After spending a night in Auckland, the "City of Sails," you'll pick up your rental car and drive to Tongariro National Park, home to three active volcanoes and where you can engage in mountain biking or a full-day guided hike around the Ruapehu Crater Lake. Next, journey to Wellington, visit the Te Papa Museum, and take in the area's sights, sounds, and tastes on a guided walking tour. On Day 6, you'll cross the Cook Strait and continue to Kaikōura to embark on a sunset kayaking tour and whale watching cruise. Afterward, drive south down the coast to Christchurch before boarding the scenic TranzAlpine train to Arthur's Pass.

Explore the national park and visit sites like the weatherworn outcrop of limestone at Castle Rock. Next, you'll carry on to Aoraki / Mount Cook and embark on a stargazing adventure before checking out the Sir Edmund Hillary Centre, which pays homage to the legendary Kiwi explorer. You'll then have five days dedicated to Queenstown. Enjoy a Central Otago wineries tour and see charming historical settlements, like Old Cromwell, and take an overnight cruise on stunning Doubtful Sound to discover the wilderness scenery and wildlife. Then take in the vistas from the popular Skyline Gondola and a trek on the Routeburn Trail. Learn more

More Great New Zealand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Check out these other New Zealand itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.

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