2 Weeks in New Zealand - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: North to South New Zealand Luxury Road Trip: Auckland to Queenstown

This two-week road trip, crafted especially for discerning travelers exploring the North and South Islands for the first time, provides a hassle-free way to take in the best of the country's landscapes without forgoing creature comforts. Zip above the Southern Alps in a helicopter, enjoy an express tour of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi, soak in natural hot springs, and sip wine amid the enchanting vines of the Marlborough region.

Welcome to New Zealand! Your luxury adventure begins in Auckland, where delightful cruises around Waitematā Harbour and the Bay of Islands welcome your arrival. Next, collect a rental car and spend the following three days driving through rolling green hills and geothermal landscapes to the bottom of the North Island. En route, embrace local culture through intimate Māori experiences and roam "The Lord of the Rings" landscapes. A car ferry and a short drive on Day 6 will then take you to the elegant Marlborough Boutique Hotel on the South Island—the perfect base to savor the region's renowned wines.

Continuing south, you'll soon find yourself soaring above the Kaikōura Coast in a helicopter and soaking in the rejuvenating waters of Hanmer Springs. Afterward, veer west to conquer the rugged Lewis Pass and take in the mighty expanse of the Southern Alps in a helicopter. Bidding farewell to the remote West Coast, you'll next settle in at Wānaka's lavish Mahu Whenua, which promises to energize you for an action-packed stay in Queenstown. Join a fly-cruise-fly tour of Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and dine at a remote working farm before catching your onward flight. Learn more

Itinerary #2: New Zealand Luxury Highlights: Road Trip Through the North & South Islands

Discover New Zealand's alluring mix of rugged landscapes and welcoming small towns on this alternative luxury road trip of the North and South islands. Premier accommodations and private excursions make this itinerary ideal for those who appreciate the extravagances of life while Mother Nature takes center stage in wowing you from start to finish. Between whisky tastings in a high-altitude hut, a heli-hike adventure atop a glacier, and long afternoons at dreamy vineyards, you're bound to fly away invigorated by New Zealand's unmatched charm.

An overnight stay in Auckland kicks off your journey, and with dinner at the refined Ahi Restaurant, you'll be refueled and ready to hit the road. Your first destination is the 5-star Solitaire Lodge in Rotorua, which provides an idyllic place to relax between a thrilling floatplane experience and a Mountain Jade Workshop. Next, a two-night stay in Napier introduces you to Cape Kidnappers' tower cliffs and the award-winning wines of Hawkes Bay. Yet, farther south, the winery-filled town of Martinborough awaits, and after sipping your way through it, it's time to prep for a flight to the South Island.

Queenstown, with its striking alpine scenery, sets the perfect stage to conquer two days' worth of adrenaline-pumping activities. Soar above Milford Sound / Piopiotahi in a helicopter, jet boat through jagged canyons, and lace up your hiking boots to conquer part of the famed Routeburn Track. Next, hit the road to Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat, where you'll relax in style between a scenic flight, kayaking tour, and a heli-hike excursion. Lastly, continue to the resilient city of Christchurch and let a historic tram dinner and a day trip to the quaint coastal town of Akaroa mark the end of your grand adventure. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Luxury Food, Wine & Landscapes of New Zealand's South Island

Crafted especially for those eager to delve into the cuisine, wine, and rugged terrain that's become synonymous with New Zealand's South Island, this immersive two-week itinerary takes you deep into landscapes while highlighting subtle luxuries. Helicopter to a local's favorite picnic spot in Kaikōura, tag along on a mail boat route in Queen Charlotte Sound, and land atop Haupapa / Tasman Glacier. Along the way, experience the rejuvenating powers of farm-to-table meals and the crisp flavors of Central Otago's premier wines.

Your South Island adventure begins in Christchurch, where a four-course dinner onboard a moving tram introduces you to the city's highlights. Then, catch a train to Kaikōura and let the pristine Pacific coastline sweep away worries as you whale watch, tour a traditional farm, and indulge in seasonal dishes. Continuing north, you'll soon find yourself lazing amid the gardens of Marlborough Boutique Hotel and pondering remote lifestyles while onboard Queen Charlotte Sound's official mail boat. Afterward, hit the road to Abel Tasman National Park and don your trail shoes for a superb coastal hike.

Next, a stopover at Pihopa Retreat in Nelson on Day 7 ensures you have time to rejuvenate before jet-setting to Queenstown. Upon arrival, embark on a high-speed jetboat ride, then fill the following days with a Milford Sound / Piopiotahi fly-cruise-fly excursion, a 4WD journey through "The Lord of the Rings" filming locations, and an unhurried winery hopping tour. Next, venture north to the high-end Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat, and when you're not lazing in your private villa, take to the skies to experience the surrounding peaks in style. Lastly, wrap up your South Island adventure with a drive back to Christchurch. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Luxury Highlights of New Zealand's North Island

Embrace a leisurely pace while sipping wine, cruising amid pristine islands, and pondering geothermal wonders on this North Island-focused getaway. Ideal for the discerning travelers seeking a mix of self-guided and catered experiences. You'll find every detail has been thought of, leaving you to hike, fly, dine, and cycle in peace, from Auckland, up to the Bay of Islands, and down through Rotorua and Napier to Wellington.

Kick off your journey with a relaxing two-day stay in Auckland, indulging in seasonal cuisine and wine tasting on Waiheke Island. Then, it's back to the airport for a short flight north to Paihia. Your home here is The Landing, and when you're not lazing on one of its private beaches, you'll find your itinerary has been balanced with a thrilling scenic flight to Cape Reinga and a private Bay of Islands cruise. Afterward, fly back to Auckland, pick up a rental car, and drive to Rotorua, where an evening at Wai Ariki Spa and a guided walk on Mount Tarawera reveal the region's geothermal wonders.

Week two of your getaway begins with a drive south to Taupō, and after a lovely night at Huka Lodge, you'll spend a day jet boating and learning about Māori rock art. Next, continue south to Napier and explore the Art Deco Quarter in a 1930s vintage car before switching to a bike to pedal amid Hawke's Bay's wineries. Another afternoon amid vines awaits in the lovely village of Martinborough, followed by a day trip to the cliff-perched Cape Palliser Lighthouse. Then, on your final day, make a beeline for Wellington to squeeze in a visit to the Te Papa museum on your way to the airport. Learn more

Itinerary #5: New Zealand Luxury Golf Experience

Tee off under rugged mountains, alongside seaside cliffs, and amid fern-strewn fairways on this tour of New Zealand's finest golf courses. Featuring Te Arai Links, Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Kinloch Golf Course, and Cape Kidnappers Golf Course, all located on the North Island, you'll be spoiled with excellent facilities and accommodations that belong in a luxury travel magazine. Beyond the greens, enjoy the local scenery from the deck of a yacht, on hiking trails, and with a glass of wine in hand.

With your clubs in tow, celebrate the start of your adventure over dinner at Auckland's famed Ahi Restaurant. Afterward, hop behind the wheel for a scenic drive to Mangawhai, where a three-day stay at Te Arai Links, a world-class golfing destination, awaits. Conquer the dunes, hilly greens, and coastal drop-offs of the South and North Courses, and be sure to book a massage before continuing to Rosewood Kauri Cliffs. This award-winning course is famed for its ocean views, complimented by marsh, forest, and farm scenery, which you'll get well acquainted with over two dedicated days of play.

Your next set of rounds awaits near Taupō, but before tackling two days at Kinloch Golf Course, take an afternoon to hike or bike amid the wonders of Tongariro National Park. While based at Kinloch Manor & Villas, you can also swap a day of golf for an epic hike across the renowned Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Afterward, continue to Napier and drop your bags at the elegant Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. As your final destination, you'll no doubt be eager to hit the fairways, but don't forget to save time for mountain biking and wine tasting, as all too soon, you'll be catching your departing flight from Napier. 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.