21 day itinerary
New Zealnad
Personalized with:Include parks and green spacesI travel at a fast pace
Itinerary
New Zealand is a stunning destination with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and plenty of parks and green spaces to explore. With 21 days to play with, we can pack in a lot of adventure while still enjoying the natural beauty. Let’s dive into your fast-paced itinerary!
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
- Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the , the city’s oldest park, and visit the .
- Evening: Stroll along the waterfront at and grab dinner at a local eatery.
Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua
- Morning: Drive to Rotorua (approx. 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the geothermal parks, like or , and see the bubbling mud pools and geysers.
- Evening: Relax in the , soaking in the natural hot springs.
Day 3: Rotorua to Taupo
- Morning: Head to Taupo (approx. 1 hour). Stop at on the way.
- Afternoon: Explore the shores of or take a scenic cruise to see the Maori rock carvings.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view of the lake.
Day 4:
- All Day: Take on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (19.4 km, approx. 7-8 hours). This is one of New Zealand’s most famous hikes, with stunning volcanic landscapes.
- Evening: Return to Taupo for a well-deserved rest.
Day 5: Taupo to Wellington
- Morning: Drive to Wellington (approx. 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take the cable car for stunning views of the city.
- Evening: Explore Cuba Street for dinner and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Day 6: Wellington
- Morning: Visit , the national museum, to learn about New Zealand’s culture and history.
- Afternoon: Take a walk along the waterfront and visit .
- Evening: Enjoy a night out in the city, perhaps catching a show or live music.
Day 7: Wellington to Nelson
- Morning: Take the ferry to Picton (approx. 3 hours), then drive to Nelson (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the . You can hike or kayak along the stunning coastline.
- Evening: Relax in Nelson and enjoy some local seafood.
Day 8:
- All Day: Spend the day in . Consider a guided kayak tour or a scenic hike along the coastal track.
- Evening: Return to Nelson for dinner.
Day 9: Nelson to Franz Josef
- Morning: Drive to Franz Josef (approx. 6 hours). Enjoy the scenic drive through the West Coast.
- Afternoon: Arrive and take a short walk to the lookout.
- Evening: Relax at your accommodation or visit the .
Day 10:
- All Day: Take a guided glacier hike or a helicopter tour to see the glacier from above.
- Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in town.
Day 11: Franz Josef to Queenstown
- Morning: Drive to Queenstown (approx. 4 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore and take a leisurely walk along the lakefront.
- Evening: Enjoy the vibrant nightlife and perhaps try some local cuisine.
Day 12: Queenstown Adventure
- All Day: Choose your adventure! Options include bungee jumping, skydiving, or a jet boat ride on the Shotover River.
- Evening: Relax and enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 13: Day Trip
- All Day: Take a day trip to (approx. 4 hours each way). Enjoy a scenic cruise through the fjord.
- Evening: Return to Queenstown for a late dinner.
Day 14: Queenstown to Wanaka
- Morning: Drive to Wanaka (approx. 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Visit the stunning and take a walk around Lake Wanaka.
- Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner in this charming town.
Day 15:
- All Day: Explore . Consider a hike to the Rob Roy Glacier for breathtaking views.
- Evening: Return to Wanaka for the night.
Day 16: Wanaka to Christchurch
- Morning: Drive to Christchurch (approx. 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the and take a punting tour on the Avon River.
- Evening: Explore the city’s revitalized central area and enjoy dinner.
Day 17: Christchurch to Kaikoura
- Morning: Drive to Kaikoura (approx. 2.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Go whale watching or take a scenic walk along the .
- Evening: Enjoy fresh seafood at a local restaurant.
Day 18: Kaikoura to Marlborough Wine Region
- Morning: Drive to the (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Spend the day wine tasting and exploring the vineyards.
- Evening: Enjoy a gourmet dinner paired with local wines.
Day 19: Marlborough to Wellington
- Morning: Drive back to Wellington (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the for a chance to see native wildlife.
- Evening: Enjoy your last night in Wellington with a nice dinner.
Day 20: Wellington to Auckland
- Morning: Fly back to Auckland.
- Afternoon: Visit the for panoramic views of the city.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant.
Day 21: Departure
- Morning: Last-minute shopping or a stroll through .
- Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.
And there you have it! A whirlwind 21-day adventure through New Zealand, packed with parks, green spaces, and plenty of activities to keep you on the go. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of photos! 🌿✈️