12 day itinerary
Nuova Zelanda
Personalized with:I travel at a fast paceSolo travelBy car
Itinerary
New Zealand is a stunning country with diverse landscapes, and traveling by car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Here’s a fast-paced 12-day itinerary that will let you soak in the beauty of both the North and South Islands. Buckle up, and let’s hit the road!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Pick up your rental car and check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: Explore the vibrant waterfront area, visit the for panoramic views, and grab lunch at the .
- Evening: Stroll through the and visit the . Dinner at a local eatery in the city.
Day 2: to Rotorua (Approx. 3 hours)
- Morning: Depart early for Rotorua. Stop at Hobbiton in Matamata for a guided tour of the movie set.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Rotorua. Visit to see geysers and learn about Maori culture.
- Evening: Relax in the or enjoy a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance.
Day 3: Rotorua to Taupo (Approx. 1 hour)
- Morning: Head to to see colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pools.
- Afternoon: Drive to Taupo. Visit and take a walk along the lakefront.
- Evening: Optional: Take a scenic cruise on or try skydiving for an adrenaline rush!
Day 4: Taupo to (Approx. 1 hour)
- Morning: Depart for . Prepare for a day hike.
- Afternoon: Hike the (approx. 19.4 km). It’s a challenging trek but offers breathtaking views of volcanic landscapes.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation in the park. Rest and enjoy a hearty meal.
Day 5: Tongariro to (Approx. 4.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart early for . Enjoy the scenic drive through the countryside.
- Afternoon: Arrive in . Visit the and explore the waterfront.
- Evening: Take the cable car to the for sunset views. Dinner in the lively Cuba Street area.
Day 6: to (Ferry) and (Approx. 2 hours drive)
- Morning: Catch the ferry to (book in advance). Enjoy the stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.
- Afternoon: Drive to . Explore the local art scene and visit the (if it’s a Saturday).
- Evening: Relax at a local café or restaurant. Try some fresh seafood!
Day 7: to (Approx. 1 hour)
- Morning: Head to . Rent a kayak or take a water taxi to explore the stunning coastline.
- Afternoon: Spend the day hiking or relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Don’t miss the famous !
- Evening: Return to for the night.
Day 8: to (Approx. 6 hours)
- Morning: Depart early for Franz Josef. Enjoy the scenic drive through the West Coast.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Franz Josef. Take a guided glacier hike or a scenic helicopter flight for incredible views.
- Evening: Soak in the to unwind after your adventure.
Day 9: Franz Josef to (Approx. 4.5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for . Stop at the stunning for a quick photo op.
- Afternoon: Arrive in . Explore the town, and take a ride on the for breathtaking views.
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant overlooking the lake. Try the famous Fergburger!
Day 10: Adventure Day
- All Day: Choose your adventure! Options include bungee jumping, jet boating, or a day trip to (highly recommended). If you choose , take a scenic cruise through the fjords.
- Evening: Return to . Relax and enjoy the nightlife or a quiet evening by the lake.
Day 11: to (Approx. 5 hours)
- Morning: Depart for . Take the scenic route through the Central Otago region.
- Afternoon: Arrive in . Visit the and the .
- Evening: Explore the for dinner and shopping.
Day 12: Departure from
- Morning: Depending on your flight time, you can visit the or take a stroll along the .
- Afternoon: Return your rental car and head to the airport for your departure.
Tips:
- Make sure to book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas.
- Keep an eye on the weather, as it can change quickly, especially in the South Island.
- Enjoy the journey! The drive itself is often as beautiful as the destinations.
There you have it! A whirlwind tour of New Zealand that packs in adventure, culture, and stunning landscapes. Safe travels, and enjoy every moment! 🌏🚗✨