2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: New Zealand North to South Highlights

Perfect for first-time visitors to New Zealand who enjoy the ease of plane, train, and bus travel, this two-week highlights tour features the highlights of the North and South Islands. Throughout, you'll experience the country's range of breathtaking landscapes, from Waiheke Island's tropical coastlines and Rotorua's geothermal wonders to the dramatic mountains of Queenstown and the glaciers of the West Coast. In between, embrace the country's warm culture through a dinner cruise, a visit to a Māori heritage center, and a farm tour.

Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure begins in Auckland, an excellent place to shrug off travel fatigue while enjoying a sunset dinner cruise and ziplining on Waiheke Island. Then, visit the surreal Waitomo Glowworm Caves and the enchanting Hobbiton Movie Set during a transfer to Rotorua. Dedicate the following day to experiencing the Hell's Gate geothermal area and Te Pā Tū, a Māori cultural center, before catching a flight to the South Island. Your destination is Christchurch, and with two days here, you'll have plenty of time to explore by foot, on a punt ride, and alongside a local guide.

Continuing south, you'll pause for a night in Lake Tekapo to experience the region's brilliant night sky at Mount John Observatory before carrying on to Queenstown. Three days here ensures you have plenty of time to tick off exciting activities—think bungee jumping, jet boating, and a farm visit—and embark on a day trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Afterward, venture to the West Coast village of Franz Josef / Waiau to see the region's unique glacier-backed rainforest. Then, board the TranzAlpine Train for a spectacular journey back to Christchurch, where your adventure wraps up. Learn more

Itinerary #2: New Zealand Winter Discovery

Pack a few layers and take a road trip through New Zealand's dramatic South Island and lush North Island on this self-drive winter adventure. Perfect for those seeking an activity-filled trip, you'll experience skiing in the Southern Alps, stargazing under Mount Cook, and whale watching in Kaikōura. In addition, cross the Cook Strait by ferry, soak in natural hot springs, and tour the "magical" Hobbiton Movie Set.

Straight off the plane in Queenstown, you'll be met by pristine mountainous landscapes, and with four days based in this captivating town, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy its wintry splendors. Start with a free afternoon to bungee, paraglide, or wine taste. Then, continue the excitement with snowy fun at the Remarkables Ski Field, a thrilling jet boat ride, and a trip to Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. Next, drive to Christchurch—pausing en route for a night of star gazing at Aoraki / Mount Cook—and upon arrival, get to know this small city through a food tour.

Week two of your trip kicks off with back-to-back scenic drives, the first to Kaikōura for a whale watching tour, and the second through the wine region of Marlborough. Soon, you'll arrive in Picton, board a ferry, and journey across the Cook Strait to Wellington. Spend your first day on the North Island at the impressive Te Papa museum, then catch a flight to the geothermal-rich city of Rotorua. A two-day stay here ensures you have unhurried time to attend a traditional Māori experience and soak in hot springs before completing your adventure with a drive to Auckland. Learn more

Itinerary #3: New Zealand South Island Explorer: Southern Alps, Glaciers, Lakes & Fjords

Take the wheel and discover the South Island's diverse landscapes on this scenic road trip. With two or more days each in Christchurch, Aoraki / Mount Cook, Dunedin, Te Anau, and Queenstown, you can look forward to a mix of adrenaline-pumping activities, wildlife encounters, and short hikes. Mixed in, you'll have time to explore at your leisure, indulge in New Zealand's farm-fresh cuisine, and wine taste your way through Central Otago's famed vineyards.

Your trip begins in Christchurch, where you'll get your first taste of New Zealand's ever-present nature and warm culture through a paddling excursion along the Avon River / Ōtākaro, a whale watching tour in nearby Kaikōura, and a unique food safari. Next, collect your rental car, drive inland to Aoraki / Mount Cook, and spend a day boating, hiking, and stargazing. Continuing south, you'll soon reach the coastal city of Dunedin. Two days here ensure you have time to cruise around Taiaroa Head in search of albatross and tour the historic Larnach's Castle.

You'll next stay in Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, where you'll embrace its prime location with a hike on the renowned Kepler Track and a cruising excursion on Milford Sound / Piopiotahi. After another drive, you'll find yourself in Queenstown, setting off on a scream-inducing jet boat ride and enjoying dinner at the Walter Peak High Country Farm. Queenstown is also the perfect base for wine tasting amid Central Otago's picturesque vineyards. However, there's more to see, and before wrapping up your trip, you'll squeeze in a spectacular glacier flight and travel by train to Christchurch. Learn more

Itinerary #4: New Zealand North Island Adventure

Crafted especially for travelers seeking a culturally rich trip filled with free time to unwind, this relaxed itinerary features the North Island's pristine beaches and geothermal wonders. Throughout, you'll have the opportunity to sip wine on Waiheke Island, beach hop on the Coromandel Peninsula, overnight at a tucked away farmstay, and meander through Wellington's fragrant Botanic Gardens. Plus, with a rental car on hand, you'll find it easy to sink into New Zealand's laid-back pace.

Your North Island adventure begins in Auckland with two days of independent exploration, perhaps strolling around the lively Wynyard Quarter and ferrying over to Devonport. Then, dedicate a day to savoring the wines of Waiheke Island before collecting your rental car and driving to the Coromandel Peninsula. With two days in this dreamy beach-dotted region, you'll have ample time to visit Cathedral Cove, experience the unique Hot Water Beach, and hike amid the Karangahake Gorge. The beach theme continues with a drive to Tauranga, which is an excellent spot to chase waterfalls, kayak, and unwind.

Next, leave the coast behind, drive southwest to Rotorua, and spend the afternoon meandering through the Hell's Gate geothermal area. While in Rotorua, you'll also visit the National Kiwi Hatchery and the Agrodome and rejuvenate at the Polynesian Spa. Afterward, make your way south to Wellington, and along the way, delight in a memorable overnight at Mairenui Farmstay. Then, in Wellington, visit the expansive Te Papa museum and celebrate the end of your trip with an idyllic day meandering along the City to Sea Walkway and through the Botanic Gardens. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Active Highlights of New Zealand's South Island

Hike, helicopter, jet boat, cruise, and kayak your way around New Zealand's South Island on this epic outdoor adventure. Perfect for those who love incorporating fitness into their vacation, you'll stay plenty active while exploring the natural wonders surrounding Christchurch, Franz Josef / Waiau, Queenstown, Te Anau, and Mount Cook. Notable highlights include hikes on the Kepler and Routeburn Tracks, a helicopter flight to a glacier, bungee jumping, and cruising Milford Sound / Piopiotahi.

Your active adventure kicks off in Christchurch, an excellent place to get your bearings while checking out city sights independently. Ready for more, you'll next board the TranzAlpine Scenic Train, zip your way to Greymouth, and continue by rental car to the glacier-backed town of Franz Josef / Waiau. Enjoy a night's rest, then pack in a scenic flight with a glacier landing, a short trek, and a kayak excursion before setting your sights on Queenstown. Known as New Zealand's adventure capital, you'll discover just how quickly three days can fly by here with a jet boat ride, bungee jump, wine tour, and farm show on the agenda. 

After bidding farewell to Queenstown, you'll hit the road to Te Anau. While small, this town has the big job of being the gateway to Fiordland National Park, which means over the following days, you'll be cruising Lake Te Anau and Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and hiking parts of the Routeburn and Kepler Tracks. Afterward, settle in for a scenic drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, arriving in time to join a fascinating stargazing experience. Cruise, 4WD, and hike among Mount Cook's dramatic landscapes the following day; then, complete your road trip with a drive through Burkes Pass to Christchurch. Learn more

More Great 2-Week New Zealand Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Check out these other two-week New Zealand itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.