21 day itinerary
New Zealand
Personalized with:I want to travel at a relaxed paceInclude parks and green spacesInclude short walksInclude long walks
Itinerary
New Zealand is a stunning destination with breathtaking landscapes, lush parks, and plenty of opportunities for both short and long walks. Here’s a relaxed 21-day itinerary that balances exploration with downtime, allowing you to soak in the beauty of this incredible country.
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
- Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Check into your accommodation and take some time to relax.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the , the city’s oldest park, and visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at the waterfront .
Day 2: Auckland to
- Morning: Take a ferry to (about 40 minutes).
- Afternoon: Explore the island’s vineyards and olive groves. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a winery.
- Evening: Return to Auckland and relax.
Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua
- Morning: Drive to Rotorua (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the geothermal parks like or . Take a short walk through the bubbling mud pools and geysers.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance.
Day 4: Rotorua
- Morning: Take a short walk around the , a beautiful elevated walkway through the forest.
- Afternoon: Relax in the , soaking in the thermal pools.
- Evening: Explore the local dining scene.
Day 5: Rotorua to
- Morning: Drive to (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Take a short walk on the (6 km round trip).
- Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy the mountain views.
Day 6:
- All Day: Embark on the (19.4 km). This is a long walk, but it’s one of the most stunning day hikes in the world. Make sure to start early!
Day 7: Tongariro to Wellington
- Morning: Drive to Wellington (about 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take the cable car for stunning views.
- Evening: Explore the vibrant Cuba Street for dinner.
Day 8: Wellington
- Morning: Visit , New Zealand’s national museum.
- Afternoon: Take a short walk along the waterfront or visit the .
- Evening: Enjoy a quiet evening in the city.
Day 9: Wellington to Nelson
- Morning: Take the ferry to Picton (about 3 hours) and then drive to Nelson (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the local art scene and relax at .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 10:
- All Day: Take a day trip to . Enjoy a short walk along the coastal track or opt for a kayak tour to explore the stunning coastline.
Day 11: Nelson to Punakaiki
- Morning: Drive to Punakaiki (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and . Take a short walk along the coastal track.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy the sound of the waves.
Day 12: Punakaiki to Franz Josef
- Morning: Drive to Franz Josef (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Take a short walk to the .
- Evening: Relax in the .
Day 13: Franz Josef
- All Day: Take a guided glacier hike or a scenic helicopter flight over the glaciers. If you prefer a shorter walk, try the Track for stunning reflections of the mountains.
Day 14: Franz Josef to Wanaka
- Morning: Drive to Wanaka (about 3.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a short walk around the lake.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in town.
Day 15: Wanaka
- All Day: Hike the (10 km round trip) for stunning views of the glacier and waterfalls.
Day 16: Wanaka to Queenstown
- Morning: Drive to Queenstown (about 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Take the for panoramic views and enjoy a short walk around the top.
- Evening: Explore Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife.
Day 17: Queenstown
- All Day: Take a day trip to . Enjoy a scenic cruise through the fjord, and if time allows, take a short walk on one of the trails.
Day 18: Queenstown to Te Anau
- Morning: Drive to Te Anau (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the for a unique experience.
- Evening: Relax by the lake.
Day 19: Te Anau to Dunedin
- Morning: Drive to Dunedin (about 3.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a short walk to see the albatross and sea lions.
- Evening: Explore Dunedin’s historic architecture.
Day 20: Dunedin to Christchurch
- Morning: Drive to Christchurch (about 4.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the Botanic Gardens and take a short walk along the .
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in the city.
Day 21: Departure from Christchurch
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for a last stroll in the city or visit the .
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
This itinerary allows you to experience the best of New Zealand’s natural beauty at a relaxed pace, with plenty of opportunities for both short and long walks. Enjoy your adventure! 🌿✨