New Zealand Travel Guide

New Zealand Travel Guide

The Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide

New Zealand is one of our favorite countries in the world. Why? Because New Zealand has the perfect mix of breathtaking landscapes, adventure activities, beautiful cities, wine regions, stunning beaches, amazing drives, and gourmet food. This is the land of fiords, hiking trails, bungy jumping, sheep, glowworms, and glaciers. Lord of the Rings and Hobbit fans journey here to tour Middle Earth. For those in search of epic adventures and scenery that is so gorgeous it is hard to believe it is real, come to New Zealand. This is a country that will live up to your expectations...it did for us!

Things to Do in New Zealand

New Zealand is the perfect mix of awe-inspiring landscapes, thrilling adventures, beautiful cities, world-renowned wine regions, stunning beaches, scenic drives, and gourmet cuisine. Here are 50 things to see and do in New Zealand.

New Zealand Itineraries

On this New Zealand itinerary, you can road trip through one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Along the way, go hiking, test your wits and go bungy jumping, go wine tasting, and much, much more.

One of the best ways to tour New Zealand is from behind the wheel of a car (or a campervan). This itinerary is designed as a 3 week road trip, starting in Auckland on the North Island and ending at Queenstown on the South Island.

If you have one week on the South Island of New Zealand, there are several different ways to plan your time. Whether you want to go hiking in Wanaka, visit the Milford Sound, see Aoraki/Mount Cook from the land and the sky, or spend your days engaging in all of the heart-pounding activities Queenstown has to offer, we have four great suggestions for you.
With 10 days on the South Island of New Zealand, you have just enough time to visit several top spots. Queenstown, Wanaka, the Milford Sound, and seeing Aoraki / Mount Cook (New Zealand’s tallest mountain) all top the list, but you also have the option to add on the Southern Scenic Route, Akaroa, Abel Tasman, and the Marlborough wine region.
Here are 3 different ways to plan a 2 week South Island road trip itinerary, visiting the highlights and a few hidden gems. Travel point-to-point between Queenstown and the Cook Strait (perfect for those who also have plans to visit the North Island) or make a loop, driving the Southern Scenic Route.
Cruise the Milford Sound, hike Roy’s Peak in Wanaka, go kayaking in Abel Tasman, spend a few days in Queenstown, drive the Southern Scenic Route, go wine tasting in Marlborough and Central Otago, soar over the glaciers from Franz Josef, and go on one of best road trips in the world. On this 3-week New Zealand South Island itinerary, visit the highlights of the South Island, plus a few hidden gems.
Here are 5 different ways to plan a trip to the North Island, ranging from 5 days to 2 weeks. Visit popular spots such as Auckland, Wellington, and Hobbiton, or venture off the beaten path to Northland, New Zealand. Many of these can be easily combined with our South Island itineraries to create an epic road trip through New Zealand.

North Island of New Zealand

There are plenty of places to go to keep you busy on the North Island. Spend some time in Auckland and Wellington, explore the fairytale world of Hobbiton, visit the hot springs and forests around Rotorua, and if you like hiking, don't miss the Tongariro Alpine Crossing...it is one of the best day hikes in the world.

Cruise the Bay of Islands, go blackwater rafting, spend a day on beautiful Waiheke Island, go sandboarding, hike the spectacular Tongariro Alpine Crossing, see glowworms and kiwi birds, visit Hobbiton, and explore the geothermal areas around Rotorua and Taupo…these are all things to do on the North Island of New Zealand.

Wellington

Wellington is the southernmost portion of the North Island. This region gets its name for the city of Wellington and here you can also visit the Martinborough wine region and the Kapiti Coast. From Wellington, cross the Cook Strait by ferry to reach the South Island.
Wellington is a beautiful city on the North Island of New Zealand. It is packed with fabulous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries. Walking the waterfront is a must-do, as is visiting Te Papa and riding the historic cable car. In this guide, we list 10 of the best things to do in Wellington plus where to eat and where to stay. 

South Island of New Zealand

The South Island of New Zealand is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. Visiting Queenstown is a must, but you can also visit Wanaka, Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park, Christchurch, Abel Tasman National Park, the Marlborough Wine Region, and the Milford Sound.

Whether you prefer to go on scenic drives and explore the South Island’s long list of charming towns or prefer to add more adventure to your trip with multi-day treks, bungy jumpint, and scenic helicopter flights, there is plenty to keep you busy on the South Island.

In this guide, we list 40 of the best things to do on the South Island…have fun picking out your favorites!

The Southern Scenic Route is a 600+ kilometer driving route that connects Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau, and Queenstown, New Zealand. It is a gorgeous drive, and along the way you are treated to some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.

Marlborough

The Marlborough region of New Zealand is located on the northern part of the South Island. If you cross the Cook Strait by ferry from Wellington, you will cruise through the Queen Charlotte Sound to Picton. From here, it is a short drive to Blenheim and New Zealand’s largest wine region, the Marlborough wine region.
The Marlborough wine region is the largest wine region in New Zealand. This region produces some of the best Sauvignon Blanc in the world, along with Riesling, Gewürtztraminer, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris. For wine aficionados, spending a day or two wine tasting in Marlborough is one of New Zealand’s best experiences.

Tasman

The Tasman region also sits on the northern end of the South Island. Tasman Bay and the nearby national park gets its name for Abel Tasman, a Dutch explorer and merchant. This small region is home to three national parks: Abel Tasman, Nelson Lakes, and Kahurangi.

Abel Tasman National Park is New Zealand’s smallest park. Located on the northern coastline of the South Island, Abel Tasman is home to one of New Zealand’s multi-day walking tracks, aptly named the Abel Tasman Coast Track. This is also a great place for kayaking, exploring the wide, empty beaches, and walking on trails amidst a rainforest-type landscape.

West Coast

This long, skinny region runs along the west coast of the South Island, wedged between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Alps. This rugged strip of land is one of the most remote in New Zealand and one of the most beautiful. Lush, green rainforests line the coast, sitting in the shadow of tall, glacier capped mountains.

On the west coast, spend some time in Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, hiking into the mountains and taking a helicopter flight over the Southern Alps, visiting the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, and swimming in Hoktika Gorge.

Otago

Otago is home to Queenstown and Wanaka, making this one of New Zealand’s top destinations for tourists. This gorgeous region is home to stunning landscapes, wineries, quaint towns, picturesque hiking trails, and some of New Zealand’s most thrilling activities such as bungy jumping and jet boat riding.

This region also has a stretch of coastline along the east coast, home to Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula, and the start (or end, depending on the direction you travel) of the Southern Scenic Route, a multi-day road trip along the south coast of the South Island.

Southland

This is as far south as you can go in New Zealand. The Catlins are a hilly country in the southeast portion of Southland and Invercargill is this region’s largest town. Fiordland National Park, New Zealand’s largest national park, makes up the western portion of Southland. Stewart Island sits just off the south coast of the South Island.

In Southland, you can also spend some time in Te Anau, visit the Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, and hike the Routeburn Track, a long-distance hike that crosses over into Otago, ending near Glenorchy.

Top Experiences

Milford Sound.  You cannot visit New Zealand without taking a cruise on the Milford Sound. You can tour the Milford Sound on a day trip from Queenstown, but if you have the time, stay overnight in Te Anau, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery between Queenstown and the Milford Sound.

Queenstown. This is New Zealand's adventure capital and the coolest city in the country. This is where you go to get your crazy on! Go jet boat riding, bungy jumping, parasailing, mountain biking, skiing, whitewater rafting, and so much more.

Go Tramping. Tramping is a New Zealand term for walking or hiking over rough terrain. New Zealand is home to some of the best long distance hiking trails in the world, such as the Milford Track and the Routeburn Track. Some say that tramping is the best way to properly see this country.

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park. Located in the Southern Alps, Mt Cook is New Zealand's highest peak. The Hooker Valley Track is one of the best half day walks in New Zealand and gives visitors some of the best views of Mt. Cook. It is an easy walk suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Here is your chance to walk on a glacier. For those wanting a more unforgettable experience, charter a helicopter for awesome views of New Zealand.

Roys Peak Track. If you want to keep your feet on the ground but still see some amazing views, this is one of New Zealand's most scenic hikes. Climb up to Roys Peak for a breathtaking view out over the lakes and hills of the South Island.

Wanaka. This is one of our favorite towns in New Zealand. This is where you would stay if you were to hike Roy's Peak Track. After your hike, relax at the Cinema Paradiso, the coolest movie theater ever!

Bungy Jumping. Do you dare? Go for it! New Zealand is where this crazy sport began. Where better to leap off of a bridge than at the Kawarau Bridge, the site of the first commercial bungy jump. There are more options around Queenstown and Taupo as well. Even bigger kids can get in on the action, doing the bungy swing all while overlooking beautiful Queenstown. This is the place to check bungy jumping off of your bucket list!

Waitomo Glowworm Caves. For a super cool, unique experience, journey to Waitomo on the North Island. Glide on an underground grotto and gaze up at the tiny living lights carpeting the walls and ceiling over your head. If you want to add more adventure to the visit, go blackwater rafting.

Hobbiton. You do not have to be a Lord of the Rings or a Hobbit fan to enjoy this visit. This tour of the filming site of "The Shire" is pure fun. Feel like a giant as you wander past these small, hobbit houses. At the end of your tour, drink a glass of ale at the Green Dragon Inn. Again, fun for the entire family.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Labeled as New Zealand's single best day hike, we agree! You need an entire day to complete this hike but it is worth every step that you will take. Hike past Mt Doom and Mordor (yes, this was another filming site for Lord of the Rings), gaze over the emerald green lakes and smell the unpleasant sulfur odor bubbling up from the ground, and walk past active volcanoes. If you are an avid hiker, put Tongariro at the top of your list!

Auckland. Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. Most likely you will fly into here when entering New Zealand. There is a lot to do in and around the city and it is worth visiting for at least a few days if you have the time.

Bay of Islands.  Located near the northernmost tip of New Zealand, this is one of the North Island's most popular destinations. Tour the Bay of Islands by boat or by airplane, go snorkeling, or go fishing.

Wellington. Wellington is the capital city of New Zealand. This city has an awesome dining and nightlife scene. It is also the home of Weta Cave, the special effects company that brought the Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Avatar, and many more movies to life.

Marlborough Wine Region. New Zealand produces some of the world's best sauvignon blanc. Tour the wine regions by bicycle, car, or private tour, and sample some of New Zealand's best wine.

How Many Days Do You Need in New Zealand?

At minimum, plan on spending 7 days in New Zealand. This gives you just enough time to visit one region of New Zealand. For example, you can visit a portion of the North Island or visit Queenstown, Wanaka, and Mt. Cook on the South Island.

For the best experience, plan on spending two weeks or longer in New Zealand. This gives you enough time to road trip through the South Island. With an additional week, you can add on the North Island.

If you only have a few days in New Zealand, we recommend choosing one city and doing day trips from here.

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

Summer (December, January, and February) is peak season. The days are long and warm. The weather is great but expect large crowds of people and more expensive prices for activities and lodging.

The fall season (March, April, and May) has cooler weather and less tourists. The trees are ablaze in yellows and reds and for those who like hiking, this is one of the best times to be in New Zealand.

Come to New Zealand in the winter (June, July, and August) for winter sports on the South Island.

Spring (September, October, and November) is another beautiful time to visit New Zealand. November sees a lot of flowers but not many tourists.