Planning your trip to New Zealand? Welcome! These are our recommended 7-, 14- and 21-day New Zealand Itinerary Options – from a family of proud New Zealanders!
We have detailed these itinerary options filled with all our favourite places to see, tips for transport, culture, food to try plus what we think are the top things to do in Northland, Auckland, Rotorua, Taupō, Wellington and Queenstown, New Zealand.
The Essentials: Transport, Culture, and Food
It really is a beautiful country to explore, and these is something for everyone. Whether you are seeking the stunning and rugged outdoors, free things to do, adventure activities or the best family-friendly outings there are so many highlights.
Read on for details of how to best get around for transport in New Zealand, things to know about culture, food, places to stay and the Best 7-, 14- and 21-day New Zealand Itinerary Options.
Welcome to New Zealand!
Getting Around
For the best way to explore New Zealand with ultimate freedom to choose your own itinerary and pace, you need to rent a car or a campervan.
Public transport between regions (like InterCity buses) exists but won’t get you to the hidden waterfalls, find the famous Mince and Cheese Pie from The Baker or the best roadside fish-and-chip spots (which we will tell you about).
This gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and allows you to get to some more remote locations.
- The Campervan: This is the gold standard for NZ travel. It gives you the freedom to wake up overlooking a lake or a mountain range.
- Domestic Flights: If you only have 7 days, fly between Auckland and Queenstown to maximise your time. It is likely an international flight arrives to Auckland.
- The Interislander Ferry: The 3.5-hour journey across the Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton is one of the most beautiful ferry crossings in the world.
Best Time of Year?
These itineraries can be done all year. In the winter months, you can go skiing instead of hiking. But do pack clothes for different temperatures at all times of the year. New Zealand is famously known for its ‘four seasons in one day’!
Māori Culture
Experiencing Māori culture in New Zealand is an important part of any trip. But the great news is that Northland and Rotorua are two of the best places in the country to learn about Māori culture – both of which are on these New Zealand itinerary options.
Food in New Zealand: What to Eat
There are a few must-try foods to eat in New Zealand:
- Fish and Chips: The gold standard of Kiwi takeaway. Best eaten on the beach, out of newspaper, with a side of “L&P” (Lemon & Paeroa—a world-famous-in-NZ soda).
- The Humble Meat Pie: Found in every local bakery. Look for “Mince and Cheese” or “Steak and Mushroom.” A gourmet pie from a small-town bakery is often the highlight of a road trip. (Try The Baker in Tīrau!).
- Pineapple Lumps: Look for these sweets – they are our NZ fave!
- Hāngī: Food cooked in an earth oven—a traditional Māori method. The steam and heat from the earth result in incredibly tender meat and smoky, earthy root vegetables (kūmara).
- Pavlova: A meringue-based dessert topped with cream and fresh fruit (kiwifruit is the classic choice). Just don’t tell an Australian—we still claim it as ours!
PART I: New Zealand Itinerary Options
Welcome to the best part – choosing your New Zealand itinerary!
We are lucky to be from New Zealand and recently had three months exploring from top to bottom by campervan. So we’ve been all over. We loved visiting right up to the north of New Zealand and drove all the way around the beautiful South Island on both coasts.
So here are our tried and true best suggestions for what to do with 7 – 21 Days in New Zealand.
There is much to see and a few choices to make about where to start each itinerary. Plus we have listed two options for a 7-day New Zealand itinerary for either the North Island or South Island.
Choosing a 7-Day New Zealand Itinerary
If you only have a week, you can either focus on the North Island or the South Island.
7-Day North Island Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
- Day 2: Drive to the Bay of Islands (Paihia)
- Day 3: Russell & Opua
- Day 4: Day Trip to Cape Reinga
- Day 5: Return to Auckland
- Day 6: Waiheke Island
- Day 7: Auckland Farewell
7-Day South Island Itinerary
- Day 1-2: Christchurch & Mount Cook
- Day 3-5: Queenstown & Wanaka
- Day 6-7: Nelson & Abel Tasman (Fly back from Nelson)
14-Day New Zealand Itinerary
- Day 1-3: Auckland & Bay of Islands
- Day 4-6: Rotorua & Taupo
- Day 7-8: Wellington
- Day 9-11: Nelson & Marlborough
- Day 12-14: Christchurch & Mount Cook
21-Day New Zealand Itineary
- Day 1-4: Auckland & The Far North (Cape Reinga/Paihia)
- Day 5-9: Rotorua, Tauranga, Taupo & Tongariro
- Day 10-12: Wellington & Ferry Crossing
- Day 13-15: Nelson & West Coast
- Day 16-19: Queenstown & Mount Cook
- Day 20-21: Christchurch
PART II: Things to See on Your New Zealand Itinerary
These are the highlights of each of the key destinations in New Zealand.
1. Auckland: The City of Sails
New Zealand’s largest city is built on a volcanic field. There are spectacular views from Mount Eden of the city and harbour.
It is a great starting place (and obviously where our biggest international airport is). Wander Queen Street and get a tour up the Sky Tower for epic views of the city and harbour.
- Mount Eden (Maungawhau): Hike to the summit of this dormant volcano for 360-degree views of the city and its emerald-green craters.
- Sky Tower: Take a tour up our tallest building!
- Waiheke Island: Take a 40-minute ferry ride for a day of vineyard hopping. The island is world-renowned for its Syrah and stunning coastal walks.
- Viaduct Harbour: Explore the waterfront, enjoy a meal at one of the upscale restaurants, and see why Auckland is the yachting capital of the world.
2. Bay of Islands: Paihia, Waitangi, and Russell
This is where I am from in New Zealand and I can’t help but share the highlights to make sure you get the most out of your time up here!
- Hole in the Rock Cruise: From Paihia, head out into the Bay of Islands.
- Paihia Beach: Relax on the golden sands or grab a kayak to explore the nearby mangrove forests.
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds: The most important historic site in NZ, where the founding document was signed.
- Russell: Take the passenger ferry from Paihia to this charming town, which was the first capital and once the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’.
- Fish & Chips: Get takeaway fresh Fish & Chips and sit on the beach. It’s a must!
3. Kerikeri & Kawakawa
Hidden gems in the Northland region.
- The Stone Store (Kerikeri): NZ’s oldest standing European building.
- Hundertwasser Toilets (Kawakawa): The most famous public toilets in the world, designed by the Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
4. Cape Reinga
This is – quite literally – the very tip of New Zealand. It is a long day trip from Paihia, but it is the crown jewel of the North and well worth the journey.
- The Lighthouse: Walk the path to the iconic lighthouse where you can literally see the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean colliding in a turbulent, swirling white-water line.
- Te Paki Sand Dunes: Rent a sandboard and fly down these massive, desert-like dunes. It’s a workout to climb up, but the ride down is exhilarating.
- Mangonui Fish Shop: This is legendary. Built over the water, they serve the freshest fish in the country. Order the snapper and chips—you won’t regret it.
- Spiritual Significance: Learn about the Te Reinga Wairua—the leaping-off place for spirits on their journey back to the ancestral homeland of Hawaiki.
5. Rotorua & Taupō
For travellers from around the world, Rotorua is most famous for its rich Māori culture as well as the chance to experience some of New Zealand’s famous adventure activities. Plus, Rotorua is famous for its incredible geothermal activity – and its ‘sulphur’ scent(!).
See our Detailed Guide of Things To Do In Rotorua and recommended places where to stay.
Lake Taupō is an inland playground that perfectly balances high-octane adventure with serene natural wonders. The incredible Huka Falls can be viewed from a platform. So whether you’re seeking the adrenaline of a freefall or the quiet mist of a geothermal spring, this massive crater lake has an experience for every pace.
- Te Puia (Rotorua): See the Pōhutu Geyser and learn about Māori woodcarving.
- Redwoods Treewalk: Walk across suspension bridges high above the forest floor. It’s especially magical at night when the David Trubridge lanterns are lit.
- Wai-O-Tapu: Drive slightly south to see the “Champagne Pool” and the neon-green “Devil’s Bath.”
- Rotorua Canopy Tours: Get some of Rotorua’s famous adrenaline rush taking a treetop guided walk!
- Huka Falls (Taupo): Witness the incredible power of the Waikato River as it is forced through a narrow chasm.
6. Tauranga & Mt Maunganui
This region is a coastal hub famous for its beaches. Tauranga and the iconic Mt Maunganui serve as the sun-drenched capital of the Bay of Plenty.
Both are a favourite destination for relaxation and adventure, offering a coastal vibe that is hard to beat anywhere else in Aotearoa.
- The Mount (Mauao): Hike to the summit for a bird’s-eye view of the coastline.
- Fish and Chips at the Mount: Grab a scoop of chips and some snapper from a local shop and eat them on the beach at sunset.
7. Wellington
Windy, creative, and packed with incredible food.
- Te Papa: The National Museum of New Zealand. It’s interactive, free, and incredibly deep. Don’t miss the “Gallipoli” exhibit.
- Weta Workshop: Go behind the scenes of The Lord of the Rings and Avatar. See how the props, costumes, and creatures are made.
- Wellington Cable Car: Ride from Lambton Quay up to the Botanic Gardens for a classic view of the harbour.
8. Nelson
This is famously the Sunniest City in New Zealand and the gateway to the Abel Tasman National Park.
- Abel Tasman Coast Track: Take a water taxi into a cove and hike back through golden sands and native bush.
- Centre of New Zealand: A short hike to the geographical centre with views over Tasman Bay.
9. Queenstown
Beautiful Queenstown is the most popular spot in the South Island and the home of bungy jumping and jet boating.
- Milford Sound Day Trip: Often called the eighth wonder of the world. It is a must-do.
- Skyline Gondola: For the best views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
10. Mount Cook (Aoraki)
A dark-sky reserve and home to NZ’s tallest mountain.
- Hooker Valley Track: An easy, flat 3-hour return walk that takes you over three swing bridges to a glacial lake.
- Stargazing: Since there is zero light pollution, the night sky here is mind-blowing.
11. Christchurch
After spending so much time in the ‘Winterless North’, heading south to Christchurch (Ōtautahi) feels like stepping into a completely different world.
Often called the “Garden City,” Christchurch is a place that has reinvented itself with incredible heart and creativity after the 2011 earthquakes.
You’ve got the English-style charm of the Avon River running through the centre, mixed with cutting-edge modern architecture and some of the best street art in the Southern Hemisphere.
- The Christchurch Botanic Gardens: Stunning year-round and perfect for a slow afternoon walk.
- Riverside Market: A modern indoor market perfect for trying local delicacies and craft beer.
- Ride the Historic Christchurch Tram: You really can’t miss these beautifully restored heritage trams trundling through the city streets. It’s the most iconic way to get your bearings.
Choosing a New Zealand Itinerary
No matter which route you choose, your New Zealand itinerary will leave you with a camera roll full of memories and a deep appreciation for the unique spirit of Aotearoa. Enjoy your trip!
More About Travel in New Zealand
- Franz Josef Or Fox Glacier?
- Family Friendly Walks In Franz Josef.
- Putaruru Blue Springs South Waikato.
- Wairere Falls Walk Near Matamata.
- 5 Things To Do In Russell Bay Of Islands.
- Visiting Milford Sound In Winter.
- Hooker Valley Track Mt Cook.
- Hiking Roys Peak Track In Wanaka With Kids.
Travel Planning for New Zealand & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, adventure ticket, local tours and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before travel anywhere in the world!