21 day itinerary
New Zealand
Personalized with:On a budget
Itinerary
New Zealand is a stunning country with so much to offer, and you can definitely explore it on a budget. Here’s a 21-day itinerary that balances adventure, nature, and culture while keeping costs in check. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
- Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Check into a budget-friendly hostel or Airbnb.
- Afternoon: Explore the and take a stroll through the .
- Evening: Grab dinner at a local food market (like the Auckland Night Markets) for affordable eats.
Day 2: Auckland
- Morning: Visit the and the (free entry to the grounds).
- Afternoon: Head to the for panoramic views (consider just going to the viewing deck instead of dining).
- Evening: Enjoy a walk around the city and find a cheap eatery for dinner.
Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua
- Morning: Take a bus to Rotorua (around 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the free to see geothermal activity.
- Evening: Check out the local eateries for some traditional Māori food.
Day 4: Rotorua
- Morning: Visit (entry fee, but worth it for the geysers and Māori culture).
- Afternoon: Relax in the free hot springs at .
- Evening: Attend a free cultural performance if available.
Day 5: Rotorua to Taupo
- Morning: Bus to Taupo (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Visit (free) and take a walk along the lake.
- Evening: Cook dinner at your accommodation or find a budget-friendly café.
Day 6: Taupo
- Morning: Go for a hike on the (consider a guided tour if you need help).
- Afternoon: Enjoy the stunning views and pack a picnic lunch.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy a quiet evening by the lake.
Day 7: Taupo to Wellington
- Morning: Bus to Wellington (around 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the (free entry).
- Evening: Walk along the waterfront and find a budget-friendly dinner spot.
Day 8: Wellington
- Morning: Take the cable car to the (free entry).
- Afternoon: Visit the (entry fee, but worth it for wildlife lovers).
- Evening: Check out Cuba Street for affordable dining options.
Day 9: Wellington to Picton
- Morning: Take the ferry to Picton (book in advance for cheaper rates).
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful .
- Evening: Enjoy a meal at a local pub.
Day 10: Picton to Nelson
- Morning: Bus to Nelson (around 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the (if it’s a Saturday) for local crafts and food.
- Evening: Cook dinner at your accommodation or find a local café.
Day 11: Nelson
- Morning: Day trip to (consider a budget-friendly guided tour).
- Afternoon: Enjoy hiking or kayaking (pack a lunch).
- Evening: Return to Nelson and relax.
Day 12: Nelson to Franz Josef
- Morning: Travel to Franz Josef (this will be a long travel day, around 8 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax.
- Evening: Enjoy a simple dinner and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Day 13: Franz Josef
- Morning: Take a guided glacier hike (look for budget options).
- Afternoon: Relax in the (entry fee).
- Evening: Cook dinner or find a budget-friendly spot.
Day 14: Franz Josef to Queenstown
- Morning: Bus to Queenstown (around 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the town and take a walk along .
- Evening: Enjoy a budget meal at Fergburger (a must-try!).
Day 15: Queenstown
- Morning: Take a day trip to (consider a budget tour).
- Afternoon: Enjoy the stunning scenery and maybe a boat cruise (look for deals).
- Evening: Return to Queenstown and relax.
Day 16: Queenstown
- Morning: Go hiking on the (free).
- Afternoon: Explore the local shops and markets.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery.
Day 17: Queenstown to Wanaka
- Morning: Bus to Wanaka (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Visit the famous and take a walk around the lake.
- Evening: Cook dinner or find a local café.
Day 18: Wanaka
- Morning: Hike to (free, but it’s a challenging hike!).
- Afternoon: Relax in Wanaka and enjoy the views.
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening in town.
Day 19: Wanaka to Christchurch
- Morning: Travel to Christchurch (around 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the and the city center.
- Evening: Find a budget-friendly restaurant for dinner.
Day 20: Christchurch
- Morning: Visit the (free entry).
- Afternoon: Explore the and local shops.
- Evening: Enjoy your last dinner in New Zealand at a local eatery.
Day 21: Departure from Christchurch
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Budget Travel:
- Accommodation: Look for hostels, budget hotels, or campsites.
- Transport: Use buses for intercity travel (like InterCity or Naked Bus) and consider a hop-on-hop-off bus pass.
- Food: Cook your meals when possible, and eat at local markets or food trucks for affordable options.
- Activities: Look for free or low-cost activities, and consider group discounts for tours.
I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your 21 days in New Zealand! Enjoy your adventure! 🌏✈️