If “epic landscapes, adrenaline rushes, and the cutest sheep you’ve ever seen” sounds like your kind of trip, welcome to New Zealand. This 14-day itinerary takes you from Auckland to Queenstown and covers the best of both the North and South Islands. 

Whether you’re chasing adventure, chill vibes, or just want to pretend you’re in Middle-earth for a few days, here’s your perfect two-week NZ plan. 

North Island

Day 1: Touch Down in Auckland 

Welcome to Aotearoa! Start in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, known for its volcanic hills, black-sand beaches, and buzzing food scene. Check out the Sky Tower for panoramic views, take a sunset stroll along Viaduct Harbour, or hop a ferry to Devonport for boutique shops and coastal charm.

Vibe check: Big city energy with a laid-back twist. 

Day 2: Auckland → Rotorua (Stop at Hobbiton!) 

On your way to Rotorua, stop in Matamata to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, a must for any Lord of the Rings fan. You’ll explore lush rolling hills dotted with hobbit holes before heading to Rotorua — famous for its bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and rich Māori heritage.

Must-do: Book a Māori cultural dinner for an unforgettable night of stories, song, and kai (food). 

Day 3: Rotorua = Geothermal Glow-Up 

This place is bubbling — literally. Visit Wai-O-Tapu or Te Puia for neon-coloured hot pools, geysers, and mud baths. Balance it out with a soak at the Polynesian Spa, or walk among the treetops at the Redwoods Treewalk. 

Optional activity: Ziplining over canyons. Where thrill meets scenery.

Day 4: Rotorua → Taupō → Tongariro 

Take the scenic route via Huka Falls (so blue it looks photoshopped) , a thundering waterfall with brilliant turquoise water, and Lake Taupō, New Zealand’s largest lake formed by a massive volcanic eruption. By evening, arrive at Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with lunar landscapes and towering peaks.

Day 5: Hike the Tongariro Crossing 

A bucket-list day. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a full-day hike through volcanic craters and emerald lakes. If the weather’s not looking so good, opt for a shorter walk or just soak in the scenery with a coffee in hand. 

Pro tip: Start early to beat the crowds and pack layers – alpine weather changes fast!

Day 6: Tongariro → Wellington 

Hit the road to the capital — a city with more craft beer than people (probably). Visit Te Papa Museum, walk the waterfront, or ride the Cable Car (pictured above) for stunning panoramic views.

Mood: Indie, artsy, breezy. 

South Island

Day 7: Ferry to the South Island → Kaikōura 

Say goodbye to the North Island and cruise across the Cook Strait to Picton. From there, drive the coastal route to Kaikōura, known for epic marine life and crayfish you have to try (if you like seafood). 

Hot tip: Book a whale-watching tour if time allows – this is one of the best places in the world to spot them!

Day 8: Kaikōura → Christchurch 

Grab a morning coffee by the beach, then head south to Christchurch — a city that’s reinvented itself with street art, cute laneways, and riverside eats. 

Unexpected delight: The Transitional “Cardboard” Cathedral is an underrated gem to see.

Day 9: Christchurch → Lake Tekapo 

Drive inland to Lake Tekapo, a surreal alpine lake famed for its striking turquoise water and wild-flower filled shores. Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd for a postcard-perfect view, then stick around after dark – this is part of a Dark Sky Reserve and stargazing is next level.

Don’t miss: Mt John Observatory for a guided tour of the southern sky.

Day 10: Tekapo → Aoraki / Mt Cook 

It’s a short but jaw-dropping drive to Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park. Home to NZ’s tallest peak, this area offers dramatic alpine views, glaciers, and iconic hikes. The Hooker Valley Track is a flat, well-marked trail that delivers big mountain payoff for minimal effort.

Feeling fancy? Book a scenic flight over the Southern Alps. 

Day 11: Mt Cook → Queenstown 

Cruise through Lindis Pass, an Instagrammable stretch of golden hills, and stop in Cromwell for orchards and the famous real fruit ice cream. Roll into Queenstown, nestled beside Lake Wakatipu, in time for a golden hour drink by the water.

Local tip: Pick up cherries or apricots from a roadside stand in summer.

Day 12: Queenstown Adventures 

This is NZ’s adrenaline capital. Whether you’re skydiving, bungy jumping off the Kawarau Bridge, or zipping through canyons on a jet boat, Queenstown is the place to get your heart racing. Prefer something more mellow? The Gibbston Valley wine trail delivers scenic sips and cellar door vibes. Choose your own chaos: 

• Bungy jumping (if you dare) 

• Jet boating through canyons 

• Gondola + luge combo 

• Wine tour through Gibbston Valley (yes please) 

Day 13: Day Trip to Milford Sound 

Make a day trip to Milford Sound, a dramatic fjord carved by glaciers, with thundering waterfalls, misty peaks, and mirror-like water. Accessible via coach or scenic flight, it’s a jaw-dropper from every angle.

Fun fact: Milford Sound looks even more magical in the rain – so don’t put it off due to weather!

Day 14: Queenstown Send-Off 

Time to say haere rā. Enjoy a relaxed brunch (check out Bespoke Kitchen or Vudu Cafe), squeeze in one last lake walk, and head to the airport with your camera roll full and your soul reset.

Travel Tips