Learn what to see on your visit to New Zealand, based on
our experiences and recommendations.
Two weeks in New Zealand is just too short a visit. But, if you are doing a stopover on your way to or from Aussie, or going to Fiji or the Cook Islands and you want to hang over for a few, here's what we recommend. Keep in mind, you may have to fly between destinations; driving a car would take far too much precious time. We've created itineraries that build in the necessary driving time, without overwhelming you with all the necessary driving. We cannot emphasize enough that you will do a lot of driving and it's not on the highway systems you are used to.
We agree with what seems to be the universal opinion that more time should definitely be spent on the South Island; the scenery and activities are vastly better. The population on the South Island is not quite 1 million while the North Island boasts the remaining 3 million.
Having said that, the North Island has quite a bit to offer, so it's best to not skip it entirely, just shorten your time here to save more for the South.
Day 1:
Land in Auckland, spend one day and stay the night.
Day 2:
Drive north to the Bay of Islands, stay two days and two nights; see area one day.
Day 3: Drive to Cape Reinga and also see 90-mile Beach, back to Bay of Islands.
Day 4: Drive to Auckland and south to Rotorua, 1 full day's drive (its less painful in one dose).
Day 5:
See Rotorua and Lake Taupo
Day 6: Return to Rotorua and fly to Christchurch, then go to South Island itinerary
An option for Days 5 and 6 would be to take a very quick tour of the Coromandel Peninsula, then drive back up to Auckland and fly out to the South Island from there (or Hamilton, a closer driving option).
Since you'll be coming into Auckland, most likely, (a few US-based flights do come during high season into Christchurch, the second largest city), spend one day in Auckland. It's a big city and compares to most mid-sized American cities, with a population of 2 million (same as Denver, Colorado). You can do city things like shop and people watch, launch off on tourist excursions, and spend more using your tourist dollar.
About 4 hours drive north of Auckland is the fabulous Bay of Islands and its main town Paihia. The town is becoming as resort-ized as you'll find in New Zealand (outside of Queenstown) but it's quite fine if you've been to America! Take the time to swim with dolphins and for a half-day trip to Russell, quite worth it.
The drive from the Bay of Islands to Cape Reinga is about three hours and the final gravel/dirt road is a pain in the ass, but the views are spectacular. And there's nothing like being at the northernmost tip of the country, looking out to the right at Hawaii and to the left at Aussie.
Rotorua takes you south of Auckland and it makes sense to see it in combination with Lake Taupo. While we didn't really care for Rotorua, it seems to be the destination place in winter for many Kiwi families for the hot sulfer springs. Perhaps what we didn't care for was exactly that--the hot sulfer springs because they emit the heaviest sulfer smell Angela has ever smelled, so much so that her eyes were burning whenever she walked outside. But the town does cater to visitors and there are a lot of family things to do. Again, though, the drive to Rotorua is about 4 hours, less than to Lake Taupo, but you'll still want to allocate at least half a day's travel time one-way.
The scenery of Lake Taupo is stunning to be sure. But it is a 6-hour drive from Auckland, or about 1.5 hours from Rotorua. So if you want to stay on the North Island, plan at least a day's drive to get to Taupo and arrange to stay there. There is very little lodging directly on the lake itself, oddly enough. You'll have to stay in Taupo, the town at the northern point of the lake.
If you are more interested in visiting a great national park, head another 1.5 hours south to Tongariro National Park where you will find mighty Mount Ruapehu.
If you choose this option, you'll take a two hour drive from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula can be seen in one long driving day, but better to take your time, even splitting it into two days with a stopover somewhere in between. The beaches are stunning and the small towns are lovely. Lots of tramping and relaxing, but worth a two day quick trip if you choose. Better yet, choose a longer itinerary and spend a few days here.
The South Island is the place to be in New Zealand, nearly everyone we speak to agrees. With the most picturesque landscapes in the world, the friendly residents, and natural beauty all around, if you can spend the majority of your time on the South Island, that should be your goal.
Most travelers fly into Christchurch or ferry over to Picton. We feel you should fly to save the time, you will need it. Plan to land in Christchurch and start making your way south--with driving times what they are, you'll need the rest of your days to see just Milford Sound, Queenstown and Lake Wanaka.
Day 6: Fly from Rotorua to Christchurch, stay overnight, visit CBD
Day 7: Drive south to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook and stay.
Day 8: Morning hike around Mount Cook then drive early afternoon to Wanaka; stay Wanaka
Day 9:
Drive 2 hours to Queenstown, stay 2 nights doing all the adventure stuff
Day 10: Queenstown, including driving to Glenorchy
Day 11: Drive to Te Anau and stay overnight.
Day 12: Early morning drive to Milford Sound, boat around, spend time, back to Te Anau.
Day 13: Drive to Queenstown, fly to Christchurch, overnight for internation flight the next day
Day 14:
Travel day, flying day
We are only recommending Christchurch on this itinerary because you are probably tired of all the driving and want a day out of the car. Wander around Christchurch's main squares and punt along th eAvon. You'll find the arts complex lovely--lots of money to drop there!
Head directly south and after half a days drive you should detour inland and see stunning Lake Tekapo. As far as gorgeous landscapes go, this has to be Angela's favourite site in all of the country. Breathtaking colors, the lake receives sediment runoff from the surrounding mountains that cause its turquoise blue coloring. Same is true of neighbour Lake Pukaki, which is a starting point toward Mount Cook.
The views in the Mount Cook area are nothing short of spectacular, with both Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki but there is little accommodation. You can rent some cabins or camp out about 30 minutes from the base, or there is a swanky resorty place (but small compared to what you think of resorts) at the base, but that is it until you head back down the road to Twizel. It's definitely worth a day hike to watch some of the less experienced trampers take all their high-tech gear out for what really is a stroll toward glaciers and lakes.
Spend the day in Wanaka, seeing the lake and the peaceful town that is starting to boom into a resort/tourist destination. You'll be reminded of Colorado, if you've been there.
Make time to do some crazy things because Queenstown is the adventure capital of the country. Bungee jump off the bridge where it all started. Another touristy place, but a must visit.
You'll stay in Te Anau, the gateway to Milford Sound. It was shocking to learn that there is no accommodation actually in Milford, with Te Anau being a 2 hour drive from the Sound. Your best bet to avoid massive tourists and crazy drivers in "the tunnel" is to try to get there before 10am. You may be lucky enough to see two different Milfords. If you are rich enough, try flying over from Queenstown to save the time, but your best way to experience it is on a boat on the water.
After Milford, you have about 1 day to drive back to Queenstown, hop a flight to Christchurch and get out of the country. If you want more time here at the tail end of your trip, cut Rotorua and Wellington, you will be glad you did. Better yet, just take off the freaking month and STAY!
