New Zealand North and South

New Zealand | North Island | South Island

New Zealand North and South

We’re honestly not sure that anywhere in the world is as pretty as New Zealand. New Zealand has incredible beaches, mountains, adventure activities, food, wineries…you name it, they have it. This itinerary combines the highlights of the North and South Islands and even includes a three day trek in the wilderness in high style. If you have more or less time, look at our isolated itineraries of both islands.

Length: 18 days

Transportation: Car

Guide Book: Fodor’s, National Geographic

Day 1 – Auckland

Day 2 – Coromandel Peninsula

Day 3 – Hobbiton to Rotorua

Day 4 – Maori Culture and Geysers

Day 5 – Tongariro National Park and Lake Cruise

Day 6 – Wellington

Day 7 – Ferry to South Island / Nelson

Day 8 – Abel Tasman National Park and Wine Tasting

Day 9 – Christchurch

Day 10 – Mt Cook

Day 11 – Queenstown

Day 12 – Milford Sound

  • Drive to Milford sound (3h45m drive)
  • Overnight boat trip with Real Journeys
  • Dinner – on board
  • Lodging – boat (night 1/1)

Day 13 – Glowworms

Day 14 – Routeburn Track

Day 15 – Routeburn Track

Day 16 – Routeburn Track

Day 17 – Queenstown

Day 18 – Auckland + Home

In Depth Itinerary

Day 1 – Auckland

Realistically Day 1 will not put you in New Zealand. Depending on where you’re coming from and the International Date line you will most likely have a loss of a whole day. Plan accordingly. We had a great experience on New Zealand Airlines.

Arrive at the Auckland airport and get a free shoe cleaning. No, seriously –  because this an ecologically sensitive Island the inspection people very kindly look at the soles of your hiking shoes and clean them before you’re allowed out onto the island.

Pick up your rental car. We loved Apex Car Rentals. This is a local company that has several advantages – the cars are not brand new (so if you get a tiny ding nobody is likely to notice) but more importantly they are very affordable AND have a deal where you can get a ferry ticket to South Island and no severe drop fee with your rental (you’ll be returning in Queenstown). Most other rental companies have you drop your car at the Wellington ferry terminal then get off the boat in Picton and re-rent a car which is a needless hassle.

It’s a short drive into Aukland. Start your day with a free walking tour (leaves from the docks). It’s a great introduction to both Auckland and New Zealand. After the tour grab a light lunch and ice cream at Lewis Road Creamery and take a ferry over to Davenport, a cute Victorian village across the bay which is fun to wander. You can visit Mt Victoria, North Head, Cheltenham Beach, and Victoria Road in Davenport. Don’t miss Devonport Chocolates made right there.

We recommend heading to Stafford Road Wine Bar for a great introduction to New Zealand wines. You can also have a light dinner there. Other options for drinks include Hallertau Brewery, Annabels, Freida Margolis, Madame George, East St. Hall, and the Jefferson. For other dinner options consider Odettes Eatery, Pasture, Amano, Ortolana, North Park Restaurant and Bar, and Soul Bar and Bistro.

For lodging, head to Ponsonby Manor, Breamar B and B, Peace and Plenty Inn, or Heritage Auckland (night 1/2).

Day 2 – Coromandel Peninsula

Drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, a lovely area not too far from Auckland. Drive to Coromandel town then gravel 309 over to the other side of the peninsula. Stop at Waiau Falls and Waiau Kauri Grove (kauris are a native hardwood tree that was so valuable for its wood it was logged almost to extinction – big groves like this are national treasures).

From here head to Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve (Cathedral Cove). Park at the lot, change into your swimsuit, and hop on the bus to the trailhead. It’s about a half hour very scenic walk from here down to the beach. The scenery is spectacular – with sea stacks, lovely water and beach, and an arch. If it looks familiar it’s because it’s seemingly on every screensaver.

Cathedral Beach

When you get back to your car you can head a short drive south to Hot water beach, best at low tide. Have lunch here at the Hotties Eatery.

Flaxmill cove

Head to your lodging at Flaxmill Cove B and B. Head down to and Cooks Beach, Flaxmill Cove, and the view from Shakespeare Cliff for some spectacular scenery and then head to the end of the peninsula, park your car and grab the passenger (and sheep) ferry over to Whitianga. You can wander around the small town but we highly recommend getting reservations and grabbing dinner at Salt. After dinner grab the ferry back and drive back to Flaxmill.

View from Shakespeare cliffs

Day 3 – Hobbiton to Rotorua

After a great breakfast  head south to Hobbiton. It is probably good to have reservations as this is a popular attraction.

If you have zero interest in Lord of the Rings, you can instead do the Mount Maunganui hike and hot pools.

Hobbiton

From here drive to Rotorua. Visit lake, or wander around Rotorua. Wander around the historic district, enjoy Rotorua Lake and park. Nearby you can visit the Buried Village of Te Wairoa archeologic sight.

For dinner head to Eat Street – an open air series of restaurants.

For lodging, check into Pohutu Vista. 

Day 4 – Maori Culture and Geysers

Visit Te Puia for a fascinating look at a geothermal valley that has been home to local Maori for hundreds of years. They have a great cultural show, carving and weaving schools, and a valley of mud pots and geysers. It’s worth several hours (eat lunch here).

Te Puia

From here make your way south toward Lake Taupo. There are several geothermal sights along the way – we enjoyed Orakei Korako where you ride a boat across a small lake to a thermal area with geysers and a large silica terrace and can take a walk through the extensive geothermal area.

Orakei Korako

From here drive south to the resort town of Lake Taupo.

Depending on what time it is, grab lunch or snacks at The Merchant of Taupo. You can also grab items here for a dinner picnic. For dinner, options include 2 Mile Bay Pizzas or The Bistro Taupo. 

For lodging we recommend Hilton Lake Taupo or Sails on the Lake.

Day 5 – Tongariro National Park and Lake Cruise

From Lake Taupo you can see large volcanoes just to the south of the lake – these are in Tongariro National Park. As you drive south along the lake you will come to a world famous fishing river – the Tongariro – home of reportedly large trout. If you so desire there are several fish guiding services in the area. Continue on to the national park. If the weather is good the Tongariro alpine crossing is supposed to be the best one day hike in the world. There are shuttle services to allow a one way walk. Allow enough time – there is a fair amount of climbing involved and its about 12.5 miles. If you want a mellower alternative that still gives you a taste of the mountain there is a nice shorter and flater loop hike to Taranki falls.

Taranki Fall

If you opted for the shorter walk when you return to Taupo join Sail Barbary for a lovely sail on the lake. You also could arrange to do this the day before if you plan to do the long trek.

Be sure and see Huka falls (basically right in town) at some point before you leave Taupo. While the falls are not high, they are impressive.

Day 6 –  Wellington

From Taupo drive back south along the shores of the lake past the volcanoes and on the Wellington. It’s sort of a long drive today (4h46m) but the first part is pretty scenic. When you arrive in Wellington head to the docks and visit the New Zealand National Museum Te Papa Tongarewa.

From here it’s a short walk through downtown Wellington to the funicular which takes you up to the Botanical Gardens. Wander back down through the lovely gardens to the historic government buildings and Old St Paul cathedral.

Old St. Paul

For drinks, head out to the Aro Valley area (a nice neighborhood near downtown) to Garage Project’s tap room. Have dinner right next door at Rita’s, or try Boulcott Street Bistro, Bouquet Garni, or Logan-Brown.

For lodging consider Hotel Mercure or Booklovers B&B.

Day 7 – Ferry to South Island / Nelson

Catch the morning ferry to the South Island. Before leaving, you’ll get a nice view of Wellington and the harbor and then of the Picton Coast on the other side. The boat is large and comfortable. If you used Apex car rental you can arrange a ferry crossing with car as part of your rental. For many other companies you may need to drop your car in Wellington, travel as a passenger, then re-rent a car in Picton.

From Picton it’s an easy drive to Nelson. Consider trying some (but not too many!) wineries on the way. Arrange for lunch at Seifried Estate Vineyard and Restaurant. Other wineries to try include Waimea Estates, Moutere Hills Vineyard, Ruby Bay Vineyard.

Get an ice cream at Penguino Ice Cream Cafe and for dinner head to Urban Oyster Bar and Eatery, The Styx, Hopgoods, Harry’s Hawker House, or Cod & Lobster.

Drive to your lodging at Ah House B and B.

Day 8 – Abe Tasman National Park and Wine Tasting

Today drive about an hour to Kaiteriteri where you will grab a boat taxi to take you up the Abel Tasman National Park coast. You can then get dropped at a beach and walk back as far as you wish along the coastal track. When you’ve had enough grab the taxi back.

For lunch head to DeVille Cafe or Morri Street Cafe.

On the way back stop by Neudorf winery.

For dinner pick a place you didn’t try the night before.

Day 9 – Christchurch

There are two routes to head south to Christchurch:

  • By way of Nelson Lakes NP and Hanmer springs
  • By way of Kaikoura which is famous for swimming with dolphins and whale watching. 

You will likely want to stay in or near Christchurch because of the distances / driving times , but be aware, the heritage buildings in the center of town that the city was famous for, were badly damaged in severe earthquakes more than a decade ago. The famous cathedral is in ruins and they’re in the process of rebuilding it. Christchurch’s downtown has an abundance of empty lots where buildings once stood. For quite a while many businesses operated out of shipping containers – less so now, but some are still active.

The Botanical Gardens are lovely, you can take the plucky little trolly that runs through the old historic district, and you can punt on the river Avon in high victorian style (or do Waka paddling instead).

For dinner, try Fiddlesticks or Otahuna Lodge.

For lodging stay at The George or Otahuna Lodge.

Day 10 – Mt Cook

It’s a bit of a drive to Mt Cook (4h6m) but it is scenic and easy. You should get there in time to take a spectacular hike up the Hooker Valley. Mt Cook is only around 12,000 feet but you are quite far south and the mountain is very alpine – Sir Edmund Hillary climbed here training for Everest. Popular activities include glacier flights.

Check into the Hermitage for one night. There are limited dining options in the village here but the Panorama restaurant at the hotel is good.

Hooker Valley Trail

Day 11 – Queenstown

After breakfast at Old Mountaineers take a short walk to the Tasman glacier terminus and then drive to Queenstown.  Along the way stop at alpine lavender fields for a quick photo op.

Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand – as you walk around town look at the signs for all the activities available. Today you have options. You can wine taste and have lunch at Amisfield winery. You can wander the cute town on the lake with tons of bars and restaurants. You can take the cable car up the mountain where there are activities like bungee jumping, luging, and hikes. Or you can simply enjoy a drink with a view at the top. You can soak at Onsen Hot Pools.There are also nice boat rides on the lake on the Yvalda or TSS Earnslaw. The gardens across the small bay are small but pleasant. You can hike the Moke Lake Loop Track or Bob’s Cove Trail. If you are so inclined consider bungee jumping, this is where the sport began.

For drinks head to Atlas beer cafe, Reds Bar, or The Bathhouse.

For dinner check out Public Kitchen, Botswana Butchery, The Lodge Bar, Rata, Eichardt’s Bar and Dining, Madam Woo,  Bespoke Kitchen,  Fergburger, or Jervois Steak House.

Trelawn

Trelawn place is a good option to stay, just south of town on a bluff over the Shotover river where you can watch the jet boats roar up the river below. Other good options include The Spire, Matakauri Lodge, and Eichardt’s Private Hotel.

Shotover River

Day 12 – Milford Sound

It’s about a 4 hour drive to the Milford Sound but it is quite scenic much of the way. Stop at Te Anau for a break, snack, or lunch depending on the time. You need not rush because you’ll get on your boat at 16:30. There are plenty of marked stops along the road. Paradoxically, pray for rain: Milford sound is gorgeous anytime but after a rain water pours off the granite walls in thousands of waterfalls. Within a few hours of the rain stopping most of them go away and there are 5 fixed waterfalls in the bay. Head to the boat terminal where you will board your overnight boat trip with Real Journeys (reservations essential). You will sail out in the sound with stops for kayaking, swimming (if you are very brave), or a walk.

Milford Sound

Day 13 – Glowworms

The next morning the boat continues to explore Milford Sound and briefly cruises out into the Tasman sea before heading back to port. Stop in Te Anau and take a trip out to the glowworm caves via boat. After that, continue your drive back to Queenstown. If you are doing the Routeburn Track the following day with Ultimate Hikes, you will need to be back by 16:30 for an orientation meeting.

Day 14 – 16 – Routeburn Track

The Routeburn Track is an awesome (but NOT a leisurely) walk – it is definitely a challenging hike. It is a really great adventure. It’s a well marked trail but if you have short legs or poor balance it can be a struggle because of the boulders you will have to climb over. But for most folks who are used to mountain walking it will not be a problem.

Climb on a bus early in Queenstown (you can park in the public lot nearby for a reasonable daily rate – ask Ultimate Hikes) to the start of the track. Stop at Te Anau for morning tea/snacks then continue on to the trailhead. You start by climbing up through a beech forest. Take a hike to a viewpoint (Key Summit), then back to the trail for a more gentle climb past incredibly green forest to arrive at MacKenzie Lake Lodge.  Lodge is a bit of a misnomer – it is a seriously nice hotel. In fact when you get there they greet you with a glass of Kiwi Gatorade then you are shown to your room – which is basically a nice hotel room with private en suite shower. Shower up and change for dinner – head down to the bar for wine and/or beer than later have a fantastic dinner. You could take your glass of wine and head over to the Department of Conservation (DOC) hut to see how the other half lives (someone in our group suggested that) but we think that just sounds cruel…

Lake McKenzie Lodge

The next morning after a great breakfast you’ll have stuff laid out to prepare your lunch for the day. Then take the short walk to lake MacKenzie and climb above the lake and out of the forest to walk along the mountains above the tree line where there are great views across to snow capped peaks. Midday arrive at Harris Saddle hut for lunch. Then descend to Routeburn Falls Lodge – equally as nice as last’s nights lodging – and located right next to the falls. The next morning after another great breakfast head down a spectacular valley (with much easier trail walking). Stop for a dip in the river then continue to the trailhead and bus. Stop for a snack on the way out – you’ll be back to Queenstown by 14:00. The whole trip is wonderful quality. There are great guides full of information and encouragement. Altogether first rate.

Once in Queenstown check back into your lodging, and consider soaking in a hot tub either at your lodging or at Onsen Hot Pools – you earned it.

Day 17 – Queenstown

In the morning, it’s a very short drive to Shotover Jet. It’s a lot of fun to blast up the gorgeous river at high speeds.

Shotover Jet

After this head back to Queenstown to poke around, have lunch, and do an activity you haven’t yet done (time permitting) before you head to the airport, return your rental car, and fly back to Auckland.

Either pick up another rental car or plan to use a taxi or uber to get to downtown Aukland.

Grab a drink at Hallertau Brewery, Stafford Road Wine Bar, Annabels, Freida Margolis, Madame George, East St. Hall, or The Jefferson. Have dinner at Stafford Road wine bar, Odettes Eatery, Pasture, Amano, Ortolana, North Park Restaurant and Bar, or Soul Bar and Bistro. 

Stay in the same place as before, Ponsonby Manor, Breamar B and B, Peace and Plenty Inn, or Heritage Auckland.

Day 18 – Auckland + Home

Today is going to depend when you leave, but you may get another nearly full day in Aukland.

Get breakfast at Buoy, Kingi, Orphans Kitchen, or Ozone.

After, there are several things you can do. You can visit the wonderful Auckland Museum which has some really fantastic Maori artifacts / temples. It has other fascinating stuff as well – track down the Moa skeleton. You can visit the Aquarium. You can hike the Coast to Coast Walkway. You can ferry over to Waiheke Island via Fullers, have lunch at Oyster Inn and wine taste at Batch Winery.

Depending what you do, grab lunch at Mission by the Beach in beautiful Mission Bay.

When it’s time, head back to the airport and bid goodbye to New Zealand.

*If you have more time (an additional week), we recommend doing our 2 week trips of both the North and South Island instead. 

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