21 day itinerary
New Zealand
Personalized with:On a budgetStart and finish in Auckland Have a few days where we can ski
Itinerary
New Zealand is a stunning country with so much to offer, and I’m excited to help you plan a budget-friendly 21-day itinerary that starts and ends in , with some skiing included. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into a budget-friendly hostel or Airbnb.
- Afternoon: Explore the Waterfront and take a stroll around the .
- Evening: Grab dinner at a local food market like the (check the schedule for locations).
Day 2: to
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the geothermal parks (like ) for some stunning landscapes.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maori cultural experience and dinner at (look for budget options).
Day 3:
- Morning: Visit the for a walk or bike ride.
- Afternoon: Relax in the free hot pools.
- Evening: Explore the local eateries for some affordable dining.
Day 4: to
- Morning: Head to (about 1 hour by bus).
- Afternoon: Visit and take a walk along the lakefront.
- Evening: Enjoy a budget-friendly meal at a local café.
Day 5: to
- Morning: Take a bus to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Settle into your accommodation and explore the park.
- Evening: Prepare for the hike the next day.
Day 6:
- All Day: Hike the (a full-day trek). Pack a lunch and enjoy the breathtaking views!
- Evening: Rest and recover at your accommodation.
Day 7: Tongariro to
- Morning: Travel to (about 4 hours by bus).
- Afternoon: Explore the (free entry).
- Evening: Check out for affordable dining options.
Day 8:
- Morning: Take the cable car to the for stunning views.
- Afternoon: Visit the and enjoy a walk.
- Evening: Try some local fish and chips for dinner.
Day 9: to
- Morning: Take the ferry to Picton and then a bus to (total travel time about 5-6 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore ’s local markets (if it’s a Saturday).
- Evening: Enjoy a budget meal at a local pub.
Day 10:
- All Day: Take a day trip to . You can hike or kayak (look for budget tours).
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 11: to
- Morning: Travel to (this will be a long travel day, about 8 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax.
- Evening: Enjoy a simple dinner at a local café.
Day 12:
- Morning: Take a guided glacier hike (look for budget options).
- Afternoon: Relax in the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery.
Day 13: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the town and take a walk along .
- Evening: Enjoy a budget meal at (a must-try!).
Day 14:
- All Day: Spend the day skiing at or (check for budget lift passes).
- Evening: Relax and enjoy a cozy dinner.
Day 15:
- All Day: Another day of skiing! Choose a different ski area or enjoy more time on the slopes.
- Evening: Treat yourself to a nice dinner after a day of skiing.
Day 16: to
- All Day: Take a day trip to (book a budget-friendly tour). Enjoy the stunning fjords and maybe a cruise.
- Evening: Return to for the night.
Day 17: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 6 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the city, including the and the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local eatery.
Day 18: to
- Morning: Head to (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take in the stunning lake views.
- Evening: Stargazing at the .
Day 19: to
- Morning: Travel to (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Explore the area and take a short hike (like the ).
- Evening: Stay overnight in budget accommodation.
Day 20: to
- Morning: Travel back to (this will be a long travel day, about 8-9 hours).
- Afternoon: Arrive in and relax.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 21: Departure from
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or sightseeing in .
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
Tips for Budget Travel:
- Use buses for intercity travel (like InterCity or Naked Bus).
- Look for free or low-cost activities (like hiking, beaches, and parks).
- Consider cooking your meals if you have access to a kitchen.
- Check for discounts on attractions and activities.
I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your adventure in New Zealand! Let me know if you have any questions or need adjustments. Safe travels! 🌏✈️