14 day itinerary for New Zealand

Itinerary

New Zealand is a beautiful country with so much to offer. Here's an ideal itinerary for 14 days in New Zealand that is family-friendly and at a relaxed pace:

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Upon arrival in Auckland, you can spend the day exploring the city. Visit the Sky Tower, take a stroll through the Auckland Domain park, or visit the Auckland Zoo.

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

Drive from Auckland to Rotorua, which takes about three hours. In Rotorua, you can visit the Te Puia geothermal valley, where you can see geysers, mud pools, and hot springs. You can also visit the Maori village of Ohinemutu and learn about the Maori culture.

Day 3: Rotorua

Spend the day in Rotorua visiting the Redwoods Forest, where you can go on a treetop walk or mountain bike ride. You can also visit the Polynesian Spa for a relaxing soak in the hot pools.

Day 4: Rotorua to Taupo

Drive from Rotorua to Taupo, which takes about an hour. In Taupo, you can visit the Huka Falls, take a boat cruise on Lake Taupo, or go on a scenic flight over the Tongariro National Park.

Day 5: Taupo

Spend the day in Taupo visiting the Craters of the Moon geothermal area, where you can see bubbling mud pools and steam vents. You can also go on a kayaking trip on the Waikato River.

Day 6: Taupo to Wellington

Drive from Taupo to Wellington, which takes about four hours. In Wellington, you can visit the Te Papa Museum, take a cable car ride up to the Botanic Gardens, or visit the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary.

Day 7: Wellington

Spend the day in Wellington visiting the Weta Workshop, where you can see how special effects are made for movies. You can also visit the Wellington Zoo or go on a Lord of the Rings tour.

Day 8: Wellington to Nelson

Take a ferry from Wellington to Picton, which takes about three hours. From there, drive to Nelson, which takes about two hours. In Nelson, you can visit the World of WearableArt and Classic Cars Museum, or go on a wine tasting tour.

Day 9: Nelson

Spend the day in Nelson visiting the Abel Tasman National Park, where you can go on a scenic hike or take a boat cruise along the coast.

Day 10: Nelson to Franz Josef

Drive from Nelson to Franz Josef, which takes about five hours. In Franz Josef, you can go on a glacier hike or take a helicopter ride over the glaciers.

Day 11: Franz Josef to Queenstown

Drive from Franz Josef to Queenstown, which takes about four hours. In Queenstown, you can go on a jet boat ride on the Shotover River, take a gondola ride up to Bob's Peak, or go bungee jumping.

Day 12: Queenstown

Spend the day in Queenstown visiting the Milford Sound, where you can go on a scenic cruise through the fjords. You can also visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park or go on a horseback riding tour.

Day 13: Queenstown to Christchurch

Drive from Queenstown to Christchurch, which takes about six hours. In Christchurch, you can visit the Canterbury Museum, go punting on the Avon River, or visit the Botanic Gardens.

Day 14: Departure from Christchurch

Depart from Christchurch and head back home with unforgettable memories of your New Zealand adventure.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to New Zealand!