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!
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.
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.
Northland
This is the northernmost region in New Zealand. It’s called the Winterless North because of its mild climate all year. Whangārei is this region’s largest city.
In Northland, you will find the Bay of Islands, Paihia, Kerikeri, Russell, Cape Reinga, and Ninety Mile Beach. Northland is also home to New Zealand’s largest tree, Tāne Mahuta.
Northland, New Zealand: Cape Reinga & the Twin Coast Discovery Highway
Paihia, New Zealand: Best Things to Do, Day Trip Ideas & Bay of Islands Tours
Bay of Islands | Things to Do, Map, Photos & HELPFUL Tips
Auckland
Auckland Itinerary: Best Way to Spend 1, 2 & 3 Days in Auckland
Auckland Bucket List: 20 Best Things to Do in Auckland, New Zealand
Waiheke Island Day Trip: Things to Do & One Day Itinerary
Waikato & the Bay of Plenty
Tongariro Alpine Crossing, A Step-By-Step Guide to New Zealand’s Best Day Hike
Photo Tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set
Waitomo Caves: Glowworms, Blackwater Rafting & the Best Tours
20 Amazing Things to Do in Taupō (+ Map, Photos & Tips)
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour | Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
20 Amazing Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand
Wellington
South Island of New Zealand
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
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.
Canterbury
Canterbury is the largest region in New Zealand. It covers a long portion of the South Island’s east coast and stretches inland to the Southern Alps.
Christchurch is the largest city in this region and the South Island. In Canterbury, you can also visit Akaroa and the Banks Peninsula, Kaikoura (a great place to take a cruise to see dolphins), Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, and beautiful Lake Tekapo.
15 Amazing Things to Do in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
16 Amazing Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand
Best Things to Do in Akaroa & Banks Peninsula, New Zealand
Hooker Valley Track Hiking Guide: Stats, Map & Photos
SiloStay, One of the Most Unique Places to Stay in New Zealand
Tasman Glacier View, Blue Lakes, and Tasman Lake Hiking Guide
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.
Best Things to Do in Franz Josef | Glacier Country, New Zealand
Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Helicopter Tours: Photos, Tips & What to Expect
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.
20 Best Things to Do in Dunedin & the Otago Peninsula
Queenstown Itinerary: 3 Unique Ideas for Your Perfect Vacation
Diamond Lake & Rocky Mountain Track: Best Routes, Map & Trail Stats
20 Epic Things to Do in Wanaka, New Zealand
Queenstown Bucket List: 25 Epic Things to Do in Queenstown
Roys Peak Track: Stats, Photos, Hiking with Kids
Becoming Adrenaline Junkies in Queenstown, New Zealand
A Tale of Four Bungy Jumps
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.
Milford Sound: Day Trip Options, Key Summit Hike & HELPFUL Tips
Routeburn Track: Day Hike Options, Trail Stats & Photos
The Southern Scenic Route of New Zealand: Things to Do, Map, Itinerary
Doubtful Sound Day Trip: What to Expect, Photos & Map
Recaps & Photos
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.
