New Zealand's Ultimate Self-Drive Hiking Adventure: Auckland to Queenstown - 19 Days

Highlights

• Tackle two beautiful three-day treks on New Zealand's South Island
• Hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing with a private guide
• Ride a helicopter to get to a glacier, then go for a guided ice hike
• Kayak and cruise around beautiful Abel Tasman National Park
• Relax your hiking muscles in a spring-fed hot tub in the rainforest

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, Explore

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand's largest city, Auckland! A driver will be waiting at the airport ready to transfer you to your hotel. Take some time to relax and refresh before heading out to explore this beautiful harborside city. Auckland sits on a narrow strip of land surrounded by the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean and has not one but two bustling harbors. It's easy to see why it's nicknamed the "City of Sails." 

For the very best views of Auckland, scale the 1,075-foot-tall (328 m) Sky Tower to stand at the dizzying observation deck. Or make your way to the top of Mount Eden, one of the city's 48 volcanic cones. After, you could stroll around the flower-filled Wintergardens and learn about the city's Polynesian and European roots at the Auckland Museum. For dinner, delve into Auckland's world-class dining scene and seek out local seafood or lamb.

Day 2: Drive to Rotorua via Waitomo Caves & Hobbiton

It's time to begin your New Zealand road trip! First, collect a rental car and cruise to Rotorua, New Zealand's famous geothermal city three hours south. This is one of the world's most active volcanic regions, with bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and natural hot springs. As you journey into the heart of the North Island, make a detour to explore the impressive underground caverns of the Waitomo Caves. A 45-minute guided tour will teach you about stalactites and stalagmites, and you'll boat quietly through the Glowworm Grotto along an underground river.

After, continue to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Located on a huge cattle farm near Matamata, explore the film location that was created for "The Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" movies. During your guided tour, you'll see sights like Hobbit dwellings, the Mill, and the Green Dragon Inn. You'll also hear how the area was transformed into a location for Middle Earth. After, stop for a bite at the Green Dragon Inn, then continue to Rotorua where you'll check into your accommodation.

Day 3: Free Time in Rotorua, Te Pa Tu Maori Feast & Performance

Today, you'll have free time to explore Rotorua at your own pace. Choose to experience the natural wonders of this active volcanic region—or get active. You could start your day exploring Rotorua's famous geysers, bubbling mud holes, steaming vents, and sulfur pools at Hell's Gate. Explore the nearby redwood forests that are popular with hikers and mountain bikers, or step up the adrenaline at Velocity Valley Adventure Park, where you can go static skydiving or ride a giant swing.

Tonight, you're invited as a manuhiri (guest) at Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village). Settle into an enchanting space surrounded by towering tawa trees and a forest-formed amphitheater for a four-hour celebration of Māori history and culture. An opening ceremony kicks off with kai horotai (appetizers). Listen to stories and songs and watch dance performances, then follow your Māori guide by torchlight to your three-course hākari (feast). Select from a table of hāngī dishes (meat, fish, and vegetables). This a traditional Māori method of cooking food underground.

Day 4: Drive to Tongariro National Park via Wai-O-Tapu

This morning, you'll make the two-hour drive from Rotorua to Tongariro National Park, an area with active and extinct volcanoes and a diverse range of ecosystems. The drive takes you along the thermal highway, passing through the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. En route, stop by Wai-O-Tapu to explore out-of-this-world colorful landscapes with geysers, bubbling mud holes, steaming vents, and sulfur pools. Choose various short walks that showcase the distinctive landscapes and volcanic activity, including the largest mud pool in New Zealand.

Watch the famous Lady Knox Geyser erupt to huge heights, then jump back in the car and continue south toward New Zealand's first national park. Tongariro was created after the three sleeping volcanic peaks were gifted by Te Heuheu Tukino IV, the paramount chief of the Tuwharetoa people, to the people of New Zealand in 1887. Check into your accommodation and rest up—tomorrow you'll tackle the national park's most famous day hike, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This challenging full-day hike explores beautiful landscapes and geothermal phenomena.

Day 5: Private Guided Hike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Lace up your hiking boots this morning for a full-day guided hike on the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which spans the length of Mount Tongariro at 12 miles (19.4 km). The crossing takes you through a diverse landscape with dramatic volcanic features. Your private guide will meet you at the trailhead in the Mangatepopo Valley, located at 3,640 feet (1,100 m), ready to tackle this bucket-list hike. The benefit of hiking with a local is that they'll be constantly assessing the weather and track conditions, so you can relax and immerse yourself in the scenery.

You can expect the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to take 7-8 hours and the landscape to constantly change as you pass towering volcanic peaks and crater lakes. You'll encounter vibrant emerald lakes, ancient lava flows, and steam vents that create a surreal and otherworldly atmosphere. The hike highlight is the challenging but rewarding climb up to the Red Crater at 6,187 feet (1,886 m), where you can soak in panoramic vistas of the surrounding volcanic terrain. Be sure to bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and proper hiking boots for this trek.

Day 6: Drive to Wellington, Weta Workshop, Wildlife Sanctuary Night Tour

There's a 3.5-hour drive ahead today as you enter Wellington, New Zealand's capital. Along the way, you could stop in Taihape for a photo with the large Gumboot Statue or at Mangaweka Gorge, with plenty of outdoor activities. You can also stop to browse the antique shops of Bulls or spy on wading birds in the estuary near Foxton. The coastal seaside towns of Paraparaumu, Paekakariki, and Plimmerton are also worth a short detour. Finally, you'll reach Wellington, a beautiful and compact capital on a deep natural harbor surrounded by lush hills.

This afternoon, you'll visit the Wētā Workshop to discover the props, costumes, and creatures created for your favorite films such as "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," and "Furious 7." Learn about movie effects, watch artists at work, and explore a world of movie miniatures. After dark, venture to Zealandia, a wildlife eco-sanctuary and forest just 10 minutes from the city. Kiwi birds, tuatara reptiles, and Maud Island frogs come alive at night. With a guide and a flashlight, come eye-to-eye with more than 100 nocturnal species in the 500-acre (225 ha) area.

Day 7: Ferry to Picton, Seafood Odyssea Cruise

This morning, you'll return your rental car and cross from New Zealand's North Island to the South Island aboard the Interislander ferry. This journey has been described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world," so keep your camera handy. You'll pass New Zealand's oldest lighthouse at Pencarrow Head, see a seal colony at Red Rocks, and cruise through the lush green mountains, small islands, pristine waters, and secluded bays of the Marlborough Sounds. At the end of the Queen Charlotte Sound, the boat stops in the picturesque town of Picton.

Once on dry land, grab lunch in town then board the scenic seafood cruise of the Marlborough Sounds. Over 3.5 hours you'll soak up the scenery as you cruise the Queen Charlotte Sound aboard a luxury catamaran. While onboard you'll sample fresh local seafood with a glass of local Marlborough sauvignon blanc, learn about the local aquaculture industry, and see a salmon and mussel farm. As you cruise, keep an eye out for local seals, dolphins, and penguins. After, return to Picton for the evening.

Day 8: Hike the Queen Charlotte Track (Day 1)

After experiencing the Queen Charlotte Sound from the water, it's time to explore on land. Today is the first of a three-day hike around the region. The adventure begins with a water taxi to Ship Cove, a secluded point on the fringe of the sound. This scenic and historic reserve was a favorite anchorage point for Captain Cook during his explorations in the 1770s, and it's also a significant site for local Māori.

Today's hike takes you through virgin beech forest and past punga ferns on an 8.7-mile (14 km) trek from Ship Cove to Furneaux Lodge. It should take around five hours to reach the historic family-run lodge, and along the way, you'll enjoy water views of the sound. Once you reach the estate, kick off your hiking boots and relax with an ice-cold drink and views of the sound and native New Zealand bushland. 

Day 9: Hike the Queen Charlotte Track (Day 2)

After a hearty breakfast at Furneaux Lodge, grab a packed lunch from the on-site chefs and set off for the second day on the Queen Charlotte Track. Your 7.5-mile (12 km) coastal walk will end at picturesque Punga Cove, venturing through native bush. As you walk for four hours today, listen for the call of native New Zealand birds including bellbirds and fantails.

Keep following the trail through native bush and over a bridge to the head of Endeavour Inlet. Stop and stretch your legs here while learning about the area's mining industry that thrived there in the late 19th century. Then, follow the main track onward and into Big Bay, surrounded by beech forest before working your way toward Camp Bay. Just five minutes from here lies Punga Cove, where you'll stop for the night.

Day 10: Hike the Queen Charlotte Track (Day 3)

Your final day on the Queen Charlotte Track is the most challenging of all. Today's walk from Punga Cove to Torea Bay will take around eight hours, crossing 14 miles (22.5 km) of terrain. The walk will follow the ridgeline, weaving in and out of the regenerating forest. Below, you'll see beautiful bays and picturesque coves, with an undulating coastline stretching far from your reach.

Your views will switch from the green waters of Kenepuru Sound to the shimmering blue sea of the Queen Charlotte Sound. As you hike today, look for the flightless weka, an endemic woodhen, and other native New Zealand birds. Finally, you'll be on the steep descent into Torea Bay. Here, you'll meet Beachcomber Cruises for a ride back to Picton. Make sure you arrive in time for the transfer!

Day 11: Drive to Abel Tasman National Park, Half-Day Land & Water Adventure

After breakfast, collect a rental car and drive 3.5 hours to Abel Tasman National Park, named after the Dutch explorer Abel Janszoon Tasman. First, you'll pass Mount Cullen on the way to Havelock, the greenshell mussel capital. Then, drive over the Bryant Range, stopping at lookouts along the drive to New Zealand's smallest national park, which covers an area of 91 square miles (237 sq km).

This afternoon's adventure starts with a kayak ride along the spectacular Kaiteriteri coastline. Take in the park's white-sand beaches and dramatic cliffs as you paddle. Rest at a secluded cove before returning to shore for a picnic lunch. Then swap your kayak booties for walking shoes and join the Vista Cruise to Onetahuti, where you'll have the chance to view the seal colony at Tonga Island on the way. Once the boat arrives at the Tonga Island Quarry, hike the 4.3-mile (7 km) coastal track to Medlands Beach. Finish the day with a relaxing cruise back to Kaiteriteri.

Day 12: Drive to Punakaiki, Visit Pancake Rocks & Paparoa National Park

Today's drive takes you from Abel Tasman to Punakaiki, a town set on the dramatic and wild West Coast. Turn the four-hour drive into an adventure, stopping at Buller Gorge to take in the scenery and Murchison town for a quiet lunch stop. While here you could go whitewater rafting, kayaking, or go trout fishing. Continue on to Whites Creek, home to New Zealand's longest swing bridge. Take in magnificent views of the gorge, then go for a short bush walk or jet boat ride. Pass through the port town of Westport, then finally the coastline guides you to Paparoa National Park.

First up, squeeze in a visit to Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks. The famous rocks are best at high tide when incoming ocean waves send seawater up the blow holes, creating spectacular plumes. The site is located in the national park, where you'll also find karst limestone formations scattered among lush green forests and carved-out river canyons. You can safely explore some of the subterranean cave systems solo on the Fox River Cave Walk or visit the Punakaiki cavern. If you're craving adventure, join a guided nature walk or go black water rafting.

Day 13: Drive to Franz Josef / Waiau, Free Time

This morning, after breakfast, hit the road south along the west coast for two hours until you reach Franz Josef / Waiau. En route, you could pause at Hokitika, a top spot to shop for jade or greenstone crafts. While here, take a short walk to Hokitika Gorge, a slice of paradise where turquoise waters flow through a narrow gorge. After, pop by the old gold-mining town of Ross to see original buildings, or Whataroa, home to some of the world's rarest birds—the New Zealand white heron and the kotuku.

Day 14: Glacier Heli-Hike, Relax in a Private Rainforest Hot Tub

Eat a hearty breakfast ahead of this morning's exhilarating helicopter ride to the top of the Franz Josef / Waiau Glacier. Look out over the staggering scenery and panoramic views of the three icefalls before you land on the icy landscape. Step out of the chopper and join your guide for a two-hour trek. You might find yourself squeezing through narrow crevasses, winding between ice towers, and sliding through ice caves as your local guide shares stories about the geology and history of the glacier. 

Return to town for lunch, then relax into the afternoon with a one-hour soak. Immerse yourself in a private wood-fired hot tub tucked in the lush rainforest typically found on New Zealand's west coast. The freshwater comes from a beautiful mountain stream and is heated with a wood fire. Enjoy the solitude and calm ambience of the warm water, aromatic wood smoke, and the sound of native birds chirping in the forest. You can bring your snacks and drinks for a truly relaxed afternoon.

Day 15: Drive to Wānaka, Siberia Valley Outdoor Experience

Return to the road this morning for the four-hour drive from Franz Josef / Waiau to the township of Wānaka. Watch the dramatic mountain scenery fold away as you pass by Fox Glacier. Take a break at Knights Point Lookout and look for elephant seals sunbathing on the beach. Cross the Haast River then turn inland and through a mountainous valley littered with waterfalls. Continue to the township of Wānaka, set on a vast lake of the same name. This walker's paradise is known as the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park.

Your own half-day wilderness adventure in the park begins with a flight. Experience the dramatic beauty of its mountains, rivers, glaciers, lakes, rainforests, and waterfalls from above with a 25-minute scenic flight. Then land in the Siberia Valley where you'll set off for a 2.5-hour hike through native beech forest on a well-marked trail. This wilderness track links the remote Siberia Valley with the unspoiled Wilkin Valley. Here, you'll encounter the Wilkin River Jets and board a boat for a thrilling and uniquely scenic 30-minute trip back to where you started.

Day 16: Drive to Queenstown, Routeburn Track Briefing

Your final drive takes you over New Zealand's highest sealed road—Crown Range Road—before dropping into Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure capital. It's only a one-hour journey, so you might like to take a detour east to Gibbston, a community by the Kawarau Gorge known for its fantastic wineries. Vineyards line both sides of the road, and you can pull up at notable wineries, such as Peregrine, Chard Farm, Gibbston Valley, or Two Paddocks, to taste Gibbston's specialty—pinot noir.

When you reach Queenstown, parked on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, you'll find a small but bustling town surrounded by soaring vistas of the Remarkables mountain range. Tomorrow, you'll commence a multiday hike, so early this afternoon, you'll need to check in for a pre-Routeburn Track briefing to pick up gear and confirm details. After, drop off your rental car. Then, you could explore the streets, go paragliding, jetboating, bungee jumping, or soak in a Japanese-style onsen ahead of the big trek.

Day 17: Hike the Routeburn Track (Day 1)

The Routeburn Track is a three-day 20-mile (32 km) hike that crosses two of New Zealand's beautiful national parks. Today's the first day, and the adventure begins with an early morning coach transfer to the Divide, stopping in Te Anau for morning tea on the way. At the Divide, collect your lunch before setting off on the steep and rocky trail. Day one begins with a steady climb up through the silver beech forest. Soon, you'll see signs for Key Summit. Leave your pack here and make a one-hour detour to the summit for fantastic 360-degree views and a wetlands walk.

Return to the turn-off, collect your pack, and then make the short downhill trek to Lake Howden for lunch and a hot drink. In the afternoon, the Routeburn Track gradually climbs to the 240-foot (80 m) Earland Falls. You'll stop for a short break at the base pool. From here there's another 3 miles (5 km) to go. You'll climb for a short section before making the steep descent to Mackenzie Lodge, your stop for the night. Your host will have a cold drink and snack waiting! Today's total hike is 7.5 miles (12 km) long.

Day 18: Hike the Routeburn Track (Day 2)

Rise early for breakfast, make sandwiches for the road, and get your gear on—it's time to get hiking! Day two starts just past Lake Mackenzie, rises up through an ancient beech forest and native flora, and then emerges for spectacular views of the lake below. You'll make your way up to Ocean Peak Corner for views of the Darran Mountains all the way to the distant Tasman Sea at Martin's Bay.

Take a lunch break; if track and weather conditions allow, you can climb up Conical Hill for another vantage point. The track continues around Lake Harris and then works its way down to Routeburn Valley and Routeburn Falls. Finish the day at Routeburn Falls Lodge, your last overnight stop on the trek. Today's route is 6.9 miles (11 km) and lasts about 4-6 hours.

Day 19: Hike the Routeburn Track (Day 3), Depart Queenstown

It's your final day in New Zealand—and your last day on the Routeburn Track. Today's hike will last just 3-4 hours, covering the final stretch of 5.7 miles (9 km). The track heads down through red beech forest to the pastures of the Routeburn Flats. You'll pause for a picnic lunch, and the brave can take an icy dip in the fresh turquoise water. From here it's an easy walk, so enjoy yourself and listen to the native birds as you wander through the native forest. 

Take the detour loop track to a nature walk with panels about this vast forest's natural history. From here, cross a suspension bridge to finish the track. You made it! At Road End, you'll be transferred back to Queenstown. From here, say goodbye to your guides and fellow hikers and take a private transfer to the airport in time for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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