New Zealand Street Journey Itinerary: 2-4 Weeks (Up to date 2023)

Posted: 5/8/2023 | Could eighth, 2023

With its snow-capped mountains, historical glaciers, rolling verdant hills, extremely pleasant locals, and considerable world-class wine, New Zealand is as great as you’ve heard. In truth, take what you’ve heard and occasions it by ten. New Zealand will merely blow your thoughts once you go to.

Folks assume as a result of it’s a small nation, you are able to do all of it in two weeks. That’s not true. There’s lots to do right here. From the north island to the south island, you want a variety of time right here to do all of it. You may fill months with actions. New Zealand could also be small however it punches above its weight with issues to do.

However what if you happen to don’t have months? What do you do then? What route do you are taking? What island do you have to begin with? The place do you go?

Or what if you happen to do? Then what? The place do you start planning that type of journey?

I get these questions in my inbox on a regular basis. Having traveled all around the nation a number of occasions, I do know the complexities of making an attempt to determine the right way to get to these distant cities and out-of-the-way parks and glaciers.

Whereas buses and trains can take you most locations, one of the best ways to see the nation is by taking a street journey. With your personal set of wheels, you’ll have the ability to get deep into the pure landscapes that make this nation so well-known. New Zealand is a street journey nation. It’s one of the best ways to discover.

Under are my prompt itineraries that may allow you to plan your New Zealand street journey for optimum effectivity. Whether or not you’ve gotten two weeks, one month, and even longer, these will be sure that you see the highlights and get off the crushed path.

Be aware: Two weeks is the minimal advisable time for a New Zealand street journey. There’s a lot to see and do right here, but you continue to don’t need to be rushed or spend all of your time within the automobile. Should you solely have two weeks, deal with one island.

If you wish to be taught extra about Maori tradition, see the Waitomo glow worms, spend time in New Zealand’s major cities, and revel in stress-free actions like mendacity on the seaside and sitting in scorching springs, street journey the North Island.

If you wish to spend your time mountain climbing glaciers, doing journey actions, and absorbing the epic landscapes of New Zealand, head to the South Island in your street journey.

With one month, you may mix the next two-week itineraries to essentially have the ability to get pleasure from all that each islands have to supply. Greater than a month? There’s nothing you may’t do!

Step #1: Select the Proper Car

Earlier than you even plan your route, you want a method to get round. Street-tripping New Zealand by campervan may be very fashionable, particularly among the many extra budget-conscious traveler, as they function each lodging and transportation. There are 5 major rental companies:

Costs fluctuate lots. Your each day price will change relying on the place you decide up the automobile in case you are dropping it off at a distinct place, how lengthy you might be renting it for, how far upfront you e book, and once you e book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If residing out of a van for a number of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automobile and e book lodging alongside the way in which. To e book a automobile, try Uncover Vehicles, which searches rental companies massive and small to search out the most effective offers.
 

New Zealand Street Journey Itinerary: A Two-Week North Island Route

Days 1–2: Auckland

Auckland is the biggest and most populous metropolis in New Zealand and, opposite to fashionable perception, it isn’t the capital (that’s Wellington). Since most flights land right here, spend a few days recovering out of your (doubtless) lengthy journey.

Spend a while hanging out on the Auckland Area, go snorkel on Goat Island, and if you happen to love wine like I do, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Auckland, try my information to the town!

The place to Keep: The Albion – This historic lodging started as a “pub resort” within the nineteenth century. At this time there’s nonetheless a pleasant previous tavern within the resort. The rooms are snug and the place is quiet.

Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

Head to the Bay of Islands on the northern tip of the North Island for a number of days. With mile after mile of seaside and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which comprises 144 islands), this space has among the greatest alternatives for dolphin and whale watching, kayaking, swimming, and boating. The Bay of Islands can also be dwelling to what I feel are among the greatest seashores within the nation.

Whilst you’re right here you may go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (one of the vital essential historic websites within the nation), discover Cape Reinga (the northernmost level of New Zealand), and see wild dolphins on a boat tour.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Bay of Islands, try my full information!

The place to Keep: Haka Lodge – Positioned in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a variety of frequent areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Every little thing is tremendous clear and the beds are snug. It’s place to satisfy individuals.

Day 5: Hobbiton

Visiting the Hobbiton film set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films is well one in every of New Zealand’s most well-known actions and a should for followers of the movies and books. Even if you happen to’re not a superfan, it’s attention-grabbing to see the film magic and go behind the scenes on this distinctive setting.

To see Hobbiton, you’ll need to take a tour that begins with a drive via the proprietor’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, providing epic views over the Kaimai Vary. From right here, you may discover Bag Finish, wander across the hobbit holes, and go to the Inexperienced Dragon Inn. Excursions begin at 89 NZD.

The place to Keep: Cosy Nation Keep B&B – It is a cute bed-and-breakfast situated in Matamata just some miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are improbable, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil, with roaming cats and goats for added environment.

Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the vital fashionable vacationer locations on the North Island. The title comes from the unique Maori “Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe,” which means “second lake,” because it was the second lake that Maori chief Ihenga found within the space.

The Maori had been the unique inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. That is the most effective space to find out about Maori historical past and tradition. Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural present whilst you’re right here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Expertise is the one I attended).

The area can also be identified for its geothermal exercise, and the dynamic panorama makes for thrilling nature walks, journeys to smelly sulfuric geysers, and soaks in luxurious spas with water from the recent springs.

The place to Keep: Rock Stable Backpackers – It is a centrally situated hostel with an expansive array of amenities, together with a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.

Day 8: Waitomo

Waitomo is thought for its worms — glowworms, that’s (spoiler alert: they’re truly fly larvae that emit a bioluminescent glow). Undoubtedly one of many coolest locations I visited in New Zealand, the Waitomo glowworm cave could also be very touristy however it’s merely breathtaking and in contrast to something you’ve ever seen.

For a whole checklist of issues to do in Waitomo, try my information in town.

The place to Keep: Juno Corridor – Near the glowworm caves, Juno Corridor has a swimming pool and tennis court docket on-site. There’s a big kitchen in addition to an out of doors grill for barbecuing.

Days 9-10: Taupo

Taupo sits on the shores of Lake Taupo and is a part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, an space that has had excessive volcanic exercise for the previous two million years. Taupo has tons of unimaginable hikes, numerous boating excursions, charming native markets, and gorgeous nature. Consider it like a quieter model of Queenstown (the South Island’s journey capita)l.

It’s additionally one in every of the most effective locations to go skydiving in New Zealand because of the views and clear skies (although I didn’t do that whereas I used to be there).

I cherished the small-town really feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and having the ability to take action many hikes. I might have stayed right here for weeks.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Taupo, try my information!

The place to Keep: Finlay Jack’s has an enormous kitchen, a giant frequent room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming workers, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. Every little thing within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you may get a fantastic evening’s sleep. Briefly, every part a backpacker or funds traveler would need from a hostel.

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking via this otherworldly, red-colored surroundings of volcanoes and sulfur was one of many highlights of my time in New Zealand. One of many Nice Walks of New Zealand and infrequently thought-about top-of-the-line day hikes on the planet, that is an epic 19-kilometer (12-mile) trek that takes a full day to finish (most individuals take 6-9 hours, relying in your health degree).

As you wind your approach via Tongariro Nationwide Park, you’ll stroll via volcanic terrain (together with the place Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), previous excessive peaks and sulfur lakes, and finish the day in a dense forest. It’s simple in components (the start and finish) and steep in others (particularly the portion after “Mount Doom”), so that you’ll get mixture of problem ranges.

Make sure to deliver water, sunscreen, a hat, bathroom paper, and a sweater or jacket (the climate can change quickly). Anticipate to pay round 40 NZD per particular person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the path or 280 NZD for a full-day guided hike.

The place to Keep: Nationwide Park Alpine Lodge – Positioned in Nationwide Park Village (the most effective place to remain if doing the trek), this lodge options budget-friendly non-public rooms, a communal kitchen and customary space (with a comfortable fire for chilly nights!), and a useful workers.

In any other case, you may keep in Taupo, which is the place individuals often base themselves once they do that trek.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Wellington is my favourite metropolis in your complete nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unimaginable nightlife, among the greatest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork displays, insightful museums, and a good looking harbor (which is greatest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks your complete metropolis).

Make sure to go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), trip the cable automobile to the Cable Automobile Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award–profitable props and particular results studio).

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Wellington, try my detailed information to the town.

The place to Keep: The Dwellington – Greater than half the Dwellington is frequent area, with a video games room, a cinema room (with soft seats!), residing rooms, out of doors patios, and even tennis and squash courts. The workers additionally actually goes out of their method to be sure you really feel welcome.

Should you’ve solely bought two weeks and are ending your street journey in Wellington, you may fly out of the airport right here to wherever it is advisable go subsequent. When you have extra time, you’ll take the automobile ferry (round 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to proceed your journey (through which case, observe the next two-week South Island itinerary, however in reverse).
 

New Zealand Street Journey Itinerary: A Two-Week South Island Route

Should you select the South Island in your two-week street journey, begin in Queenstown. Even when your worldwide flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you may simply get an inexpensive flight to Queenstown. Queenstown additionally has direct flights to many main cities in Australia in case your journey to New Zealand is an element of a bigger journey in Oceania.

Days 1-3: Queenstown

Queenstown is a small, picturesque city overlooking Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by the attractive peaks of the Remarkables mountain vary. It has a feisty and outdoorsy power to it, with slender streets and pedestrian lanes crammed with retailers and eating places.

Often called “the journey capital of New Zealand” (it’s the launching pad for each kind of journey exercise you may consider), Queenstown lives as much as the hype. Though it has turn into vastly fashionable, I can’t specific my love of Queenstown sufficient. I really like sitting by the lake, watching the sundown with a bottle of wine, and mountain climbing the close by trails.

Discover close by vineyards, benefit from the waters of Lake Wakatipu, bungy bounce, zipline, rafting, or skydiving. There’s lots to do right here.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Queenstown, try my detailed metropolis information.

The place to Keep: Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms have balconies, the showers have prodigious water stress, and the pillows are thick. There are actions each evening and a free dinner and quiz evening on Sunday. General, it is a great spot to remain.

Days 4-6: Fiordland

The Fiordland area is without doubt one of the nation’s most scenic and distant (and as such, additionally dwelling to quite a few Lord of the Rings movie places). Given its gigantic mountains, deep lakes, swelling rivers, untamed forests, and resplendent fjords (lengthy, slender inlets banked by steep cliffs, created by glaciers), the federal government has largely made the land off-limits to guard these pure sources.

Milford Sound is a tremendous fjord that’s greatest identified for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You may stroll the wooded path alongside the sandy shore for excellent views of the height, or take the Chasm Stroll on the Cleddau River to get near highly effective waterfalls.

The fjord itself is dwelling to seal and penguin colonies. You may typically see pods of dolphins frolicking within the waters too. Discover by boat and take a look at the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see uncommon black coral and different underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the one firm doing cruises that embody the Underwater Observatory. Cruises begin from 129 NZD.

Whereas much less well-known than Milford, Uncertain Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord within the nation. You may solely get to Uncertain by way of boat. A wilderness cruise of Uncertain Sound prices 199 NZD.

The place to Keep: Milford Sound Lodge – That is fairly actually the one place to remain inside about 50 kilometers (31 miles). It’s not low-cost, however the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is scrumptious, and the up to date rooms are cozy but trendy. In any other case, when you have a automobile, you may keep within the closest city, Te Anau the place you’ll discover cheaper lodging.

Days 7-8: Wanaka

Wanaka is a ski and summer time resort city framed by snowcapped mountains. As close by Queenstown has turn into overcrowded in recent times, journey to Wanaka has exploded and this sleepy however actually cool little city has turn into fashionable with backpackers and out of doors lovers, particularly skiers and boaters. There’s not a ton to do right here past having fun with the outside. Most individuals come right here for a number of nights to hike, chill out, and transfer on.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Wanaka, try my detailed metropolis information.

The place to Keep: Mountain View Backpackers – This hostel has an enormous out of doors area with a grill, area to lie within the solar, and a giant desk to congregate round (there have been many fulfilling nights spent ingesting wine outside).

Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef is a tiny city that’s primarily used as a jumping-off level for seeing the Franz Josef Glacier and the Fox Glacier.

Mountain climbing the glaciers right here is an unforgettable expertise. Sadly, as a result of they’ve receded and are melting shortly as a consequence of local weather change, the caves and walks have been shut down. Now, the one method to trek on the glaciers is by way of heli-hike (an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/mountain climbing expertise). These are costly (500 NZD), however the helicopter trip, trekking, and expertise as an entire are well worth the value for my part.

Conversely, you may simply hike to the glacier face and take images from a distance. There are tons of viewing factors (and also you’ll see images of simply how far the glaciers have receded in over time).

The place to Keep: Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Only a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging gives free home made soup each evening, free breakfast (home made waffles and pancakes!), two communal kitchens, and a scorching tub.

Days 10–11: Abel Tasman Nationwide Park

Drive simply six hours north of glacial Franz Josef and also you’ll be in beachy Abel Tasman Nationwide Park. With its turquoise water, dense jungles, and heat temperatures, this park makes you are feeling such as you’re within the tropics quite than New Zealand. It covers over 23,876 hectares (59,000 acres), which means there are a variety of single and multi-day hikes (together with the 3-5-day Abel Tasman Coast Observe, one of many Nice Walks of New Zealand).

One of the simplest ways to see the park is by kayak, so you may discover the little coves and seashores that basically make the world particular. Full-day leases begin at round 85 NZD, or you may be a part of a guided kayaking tour beginning at 130 NZD. You too can take a scenic cruise across the park for 79 NZD.

The place to Keep: Marahau Seashore Camp – Gives each dormitories and small non-public cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are additionally tent and campervan websites if you wish to lower your expenses.

From right here, decide your final cease: both drive onwards to Christchurch and finish there or take the ferry over the Wellington (an journey in and of itself!) and finish there. Both approach, you’ll have the ability to catch an inexpensive and fast flight again to Auckland in your worldwide flight dwelling.

Should you’re heading to Christchurch, preserve studying. Should you’d like to go to Wellington, scroll again up and observe the information within the North Island itinerary part.

Days 12-14: Christchurch

Although severely broken by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 (over 185 individuals had been killed and three,000 buildings had been broken), Christchurch has rebounded and developed right into a brand-new metropolis. This revival has instilled a newfound sense of hope and vibrancy, and led to extra funky bars and markets, and new eating places, retailers, and displays. The locals have labored onerous to rebuild, and there’s a neighborhood spirit right here that basically shines. I really like the place Christchurch goes.

Whereas there’s not lots “to do” per se, the vibe right here is de facto relaxed, and it’s price not speeding via if you happen to aren’t quick on time. Make sure to trip the gondola, go to the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake Metropolis (a singular and interactive museum that recounts private tales from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Christchurch, try my metropolis information.

The place to Keep: Urbanz – That is an superior hostel situated in downtown Christchurch with pleasant workers and an enormous kitchen. There’s additionally a hostel bar, a pool desk, quick Wi-Fi, laundry, films, and comfortable couches, in addition to a car parking zone.

If it is advisable get again to Queenstown, it’s a 6 hour drive from right here. Alternatively, you may fly to Auckland. The flight is simply over an hour and tickets may be discovered for as little as 65 NZD if you happen to e book upfront.
 

New Zealand Street Journey Itinerary: 1 Month

You’ve bought longer to discover New Zealand, nice! You’ll doubtless fly into Auckland, and make your approach south via the North after which South Island following the above itineraries. You may take your time, linger longer, go to extra locations, and shift your plans if you happen to really feel pulled in a sure route.

Once more, these are simply advisable itineraries — I encourage you to adapt as wanted!
 

Issues to Keep in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That can assist you benefit from your street journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the proper, like within the US or Canada).
• You have to all the time park your automobile within the route that site visitors goes (or danger a fantastic).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking images — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet of the street, which may be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed here are winding, so do not forget that it would take longer than you count on to cowl a specific distance.
• So long as your present and legitimate driver’s license is in English, you don’t want an Worldwide Driver’s Allow.
• Should you’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to search out close by campsites, fuel stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable nation, loaded with epic landscapes, pleasant Kiwis, and a wealthy tradition. Because of its distant location, visiting is often a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many vacationers. Taking a street journey is one of the best ways to benefit from your time right here, tailoring your itinerary to your personal preferences and New Zealand bucket checklist.

Want a rental automobile in your epic journey? use the widget beneath to search out the most effective offers!