20 Days in New Zealand - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: New Zealand Outdoor Adventure: Queenstown to Auckland

Perfect for first-time visitors looking for a mix of bucket list highlights and off-the-beaten-path adventures, this 20-day New Zealand trip explores the best of the North and South islands. Experience Queenstown's dramatic mountains and adrenaline activities, spot kiwis in the wild on Steward Island, and travel up the West Coast, where glacier and subtropical rainforest meet. Then, end your trip to the North Island, checking out Rotorua's geothermal wonders and exploring Auckland at your leisure.

Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in Queenstown, nestled in the Southern Alps and the perfect place to get your first taste of the country's extreme beauty while cruising across Lake Wakatipu, jet boating below the dramatic peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park on the Dart River, and winery hopping on two wheels in Gibbston Valley. Then, spend a day hiking part of the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, before transferring south to Invercargill and then to Bluff, where you'll catch a ferry to Stewart Island.

With three days on the largely untouched Stewart Island, you'll have plenty of time to explore on your own, embark on a wild kiwi encounter from Little Glory Cove to Ocean Beach, and head to the nearby Ulva Island to spot rare birds. Then, your adventure continues back over the Foveaux Strait and onward to Wānaka for an afternoon to kayak, explore, or relax. Begin your trip up the South Island's West Coast next, stopping to hike to the Blue Pools, soak in Glacier Hot Pools, and kayak Lake Mapourika on the way. 

Once you've made it to Greymouth, it's time to hop aboard the TranzAlpine Scenic Train bound for Christchurch. Spend the following days checking out the city's highlights, joining a day tour of Akaroa, and visiting the Tāne Living Māori Village before catching a flight to the North Island. Your first destination is Rotorua, where you'll observe its geothermal marvels and join a thrilling whitewater sledging or riverboarding excursion on the Kaituna River. Then, after a stop by Hobbiton, you'll continue to Auckland and enjoy a free afternoon until it's time to catch your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Self-Drive & Discover New Zealand's Landscapes: Winelands, Glaciers, Fjords & Geothermal Wonders

Complete with leisurely afternoons winery hopping, multiple heli-hikes, and fascinating wildlife excursions in search of the elusive kiwi, this 20-day self-drive itinerary is ideal for those looking to experience the country's highlights at their own pace. During your journey, you'll drive, bike, boat, hike, and kayak through the best of the country's landscapes—including Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, Waiheke Island, the Southern Alps, and the dramatic West Coast.

Your New Zealand trip begins on the North Island, sipping wine on sun-drenched Waiheke and driving to Rotorua, stopping along the way to experience Waitomo's night sky-like glowworm caves. Spend the evening at Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village) and the following day at the Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland before continuing to Napier for a fantastic day of cycling or winery hopping. Next on the agenda is a drive to Wellington, and after joining an evening tour of Zealandia searching for kiwis, you'll enjoy an afternoon exploring the impressive Te Papa museum and nearby wineries independently. 

Bid farewell to the North Island on the morning of Day 9 and travel by ferry to Picton, cruising through beautiful Marlborough Sounds. Back in the car, you'll continue to Blenheim for a second day of winery hopping, followed by a coastal drive along the Kaikōura coast to Christchurch. After another scenic drive, you'll find yourself in Aoraki / Mount Cook, pondering the dramatic mountain of the same name, cruising along the iceberg-dotted Tasman Glacier Lake, and taking to the skies for a thrilling heli-hike on Haupapa / Tasman Glacier.

Plenty more stunning landscapes await, and after a three-hour drive south, you'll find yourself in Queenstown. Over three days here, you'll have time to bungee jump, skydive, jet boat, hike, cycle, or enjoy a perfect mix of a few activities. A day trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi is also a must, as is a wine-tasting tour of Central Otago's best boutique vineyards. However, with your trip winding down, it's time to journey up the West Coast to Greymouth, where you'll drop your rental car and board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train bound for Christchurch. Learn more

Itinerary #3: New Zealand South Island Road Trip: Christchurch to Dunedin

Explore from the beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park to the dramatic glaciers of the West Coast on this ultimate 20-day road trip, crafted for those who want to focus their time on New Zealand's South Island. Throughout the journey, you'll enjoy long afternoons of winery hopping, get your adrenaline pumping in Queenstown, and see the awe-inspiring waterfalls of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. You'll also cruise the remote Queen Charlotte Sound, heli-hike in Franz Josef / Waiau, and search for the elusive kiwi on Steward Island.

Begin your South Island road trip in Christchurch, getting your first introduction to New Zealand's unique wildlife at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and enjoying dinner onboard a colonial-style tram. Over the following three days, you'll make your way to Blenheim, stopping en route to soak in the picturesque Hamner Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, go whale watching in Kaikōura, and spot seals on Oahu Point. Then, delight in a memorable cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound before continuing to Nelson, located at the top of the South Island. 

Your next destination is Abel Tasman National Park, known for its pristine waters and golden beaches, and you'll see the best of them during two days dedicated to cruising, sea kayaking, and hiking. Back on the road, a six-hour drive brings you to Greymouth, where you'll check out the Pancake Rocks before continuing to Franz Josef / Waiau. Choose from a variety of scenic hikes and fly over the region's three glaciers during a heli-hike experience until it's time to continue to Wānaka.

There's certainly no lack of excitement during your time in Wānaka and neighboring Queenstown, with adrenaline options including skydiving, bungee jumping, and jet boating. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, opt for a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu or sip wine in the picturesque Gibbston Valley. You'll also enjoy a day admiring waterfalls in Milford Sound / Piopiotahi before heading to Bluff to catch a ferry to Stewart Island. Spend your last days searching for kiwis in the wild and embarking on a side trip to Dunedin until it's time to return to catch your flight home from Queenstown. Learn more

Itinerary #4: New Zealand Self-Drive Loop in the South Island

Wind your way clockwise around the South Island of New Zealand on this well-rounded self-drive loop, perfect for those looking for a slower-paced adventure filled with highlights. During two or more nights each in Lake Tekapo, Te Anau, Queenstown, and Wānaka, there's no need to hurry as you embark on gentle nature hikes, scenic cruises, and wildlife excursions. In between, you'll have free days to explore as you please, paired with exciting activities like scenic glacier flights and glowworm cave tours.

After arriving in Christchurch, your journey begins with a relaxing evening enjoying the city's green spaces and a free day to tour the International Antarctic Center and the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Next, hit the road to Lake Tekapo, and during your two days here, you'll have plenty of time to snap iconic shots of the Church of the Good Shepherd, stargaze under UNESCO-listed skies, and stroll along the striking turquoise blue lake. Then, set your sights on Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park and spend the afternoon taking in dramatic landscapes on an activity of your choice before driving south to Dunedin.

Known for its rugged coastlines, you'll have no problem filling a day checking out the many coastal sites of the Otago Peninsula on a guided tour, but soon, it'll be time to head away from the coast to Te Anau. Using this charming lakeside town as your base, you'll cruise Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, hike part of the Routeburn Track to Key Summit, and visit glowworm caves before hopping back in the car and continuing to Queenstown. The following two days are yours to spend as you please, and paragliding, wine tasting, visiting a farm, and riding the Skyline Gondola are just a few of your options.

Next on your road trip is a drive over the Crown Range to Wānaka, where you'll take in the region's impressive landscapes while exploring Mou Waho Island Nature Reserve and hiking in Mount Inspiring National Park. Another scenic drive brings you through Haast Pass to Franz Josef / Waiau, where you'll embark on a scenic flight before continuing up the coast to Punakaiki. With your trip winding down, you'll spend your last day soaking in Maruia Springs and relaxing at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa until it's time to return your rental car to Christchurch and catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip & Tekapo Trek

Crafted especially for those who love exploring independently, this 20-day active New Zealand road trip features hikes across the North and South Islands. Highlights include exploring Rangitoto Island, ticking off the full-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a three-day trek in Tekapo, and a heli-hike near Aoraki / Mount Cook. Top that with a Milford Sound / Piopiotahi cruise, time in Mount Aspiring National Park, and a whale watching flight in Kaikōura. 

Your nature-packed road trip begins in Auckland, and although this is New Zealand's largest city, you'll get straight to admiring impressive landscapes while cruising Waitematā Harbour and hiking Rangitoto Island. Next, it's off to Rotorua to hike among its native forest on a canopy tour and explore its geothermal wonders while visiting Hell's Gate. Then, ensure you're rested, as the following two days are spent in Tongariro National Park, conquering the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing and embarking on shorter hikes of your choice from Whakapapa Village.

Weary legs will delight in a break from the hiking with a drive down to Wellington next on the agenda. During your day here, you'll enjoy a stroll along Cuba Street and join a night tour at Zealandia until it's time to board a ferry bound for the South Island. After arriving in Picton and driving to Kaikōura, you'll admire its remarkable sea life from a kayak and the air on a scenic flight before traveling inland to Arthur's Pass Village. Choose between a one-hour, two-hour, or half-day trek in Arthur's Pass National Park the following day; then, continue to Lake Tekapo for a stargazing experience.

As you wake to Day 12 of your adventure, your biggest hike awaits, this time over three days on the Tekapo Trek. With a guide leading the way, you'll cross through the Cass Valley, hike along ridgelines and rocky summits, and spend two nights in picturesque alpine huts. Hopefully, you still have some energy in store, as a heli-hike on Tasman Glacier is next on the itinerary, followed by two days based in Wānaka, exploring Mount Aspiring National Park and wandering the town's lakefront. Then, end your trip on the ultimate high note, cruising Lake Te Anau and the iconic Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Auckland to Christchurch Road Trip: Food, Wine & Nature Trail

New Zealand is renowned for its rich wine, fresh food, and pristine nature, and this 20-day trip introduces you to the best of each. Discover stunning landscapes while enjoying creature comforts as you indulge your senses during an overnight cruise on the remote Doubtful Sound, go winery hopping in the famed Kumeū wine country, join a cooking class in Kaikōura, and take a scenic train through Aurthurs Pass.

Kia ora, and welcome to Auckland! Your well-rounded adventure begins with two days in Auckland, sailing around Waitematā Harbour and winery hopping in Kumeū wine country. You'll then pick up your rental car and head to Hobbiton for a tour before continuing to Rotorua for a day learning about Māori culture at the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute. Back on the road, your next stop is Wellington, where two days will fly by as you explore Zealandia in search of rare wildlife and embark on a flavorful coffee, chocolate, cheese, and craft beer tour.

On the morning of Day 8, you'll drive onto a ferry and enjoy a scenic journey across the Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island. Spend a night in the nearby town of Blenheim before continuing to Kaikōura, a small town known for its marine life, where you'll delight in a scenic walk along the Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, join a cooking class, and board a catamaran for a whale watching excursion. Next, continue your road trip south, stopping for a night in Christchurch, then head inland to Aoraki / Mount Cook for a thrilling day cruising Tasman Glacier Lake and hiking one of the nearby trails.

With just over a week left on your itinerary, it's time to hit the rest of the South Island's magnificent highlights. Start with a drive to Te Anau for an otherworldly excursion into the Te Anau Glowworm Caves; then, continue to Manapouri, where you'll embark on an epic overnight cruise on Doubtful Sound. Next, drive to Queenstown for two days of adrenaline-pumping activities before heading up the West Coast to Franz Josef / Waiau. While your trip may be winding down, you'll still have time to heli-hike on a glacier and take the scenic TranzAlpine Scenic Train to Christchurch. 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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