With breathtaking natural wonders like glaciers, secluded beaches, towering fjords, mirror-like lakes, thermal pools, dramatic mountain ranges and flower-filled valleys, there always seems to be an epic view no matter where you find yourself in New Zealand.
As someone who loves active adventures, getting off the beaten path away from the crowds, a laid-back vibe and stunning scenery, I can confidently say New Zealand is one of my favourite places on earth and absolutely lives up to the hype (and I’ve been to 100 countries!).
I visited with my partner and our daughter when she was just five-months-old, and while that meant we had to skip the high-octane activities (hello bungee jumping, paragliding and jet boating) we still had an incredible time hitting the country’s main highlights.
Cruising through Milford Sound, hiking beneath Mt Cook, silently admiring glowworm caves in Te Anau, wandering through lavender fields in Wanaka and soaking in Queenstown’s hot pools were just some of the unforgettable experiences our whole family could enjoy, making for an absolutely incredible trip.
Here’s exactly how we pulled off all that and more during our 10 day New Zealand itinerary on the North and South Islands, and my top tips so you can do the same.
Day 1: Auckland
Let’s be honest; far greater adventures await than what you’ll find in Auckland, the cosmopolitan capital city.
However, the vast majority of visitors kick off their itinerary for New Zealand here as it’s home to the main international airport, and the good news is the city centre is extremely walkable. We ended up quite enjoying our time here, since it was easy to see the highlights in just half a day while getting some fresh air after a long flight and walking off our jet lag.
You’ll want to spend your time in the central business district (CBD) where there are lively pedestrian-only laneways, high-end shopping, hidden alleyways and waterfront walks overlooking the Hauraki Gulf and gleaming yachts bobbing in the gem-toned water.
READ MORE: How to spend 2 days in Auckland, New Zealand (without a car)
The best things to do in Auckland include:
Viaduct Harbour: Home to some of the best photo-ops and most of the action in Auckland, as this area hosts restaurants, bars and cafes with outdoor patios overlooking the harbours around Princes Wharf.
Queen Street and Britomart: These shopping areas are just a couple blocks away from the harbour, where you’ll find shops, hotels, luxury high end stores, restaurants and entertainment venues. Commercial Bay mall has more than 100 stores and eateries, and there’s a Saturday market at Britomart along with boutiques and specialty stores featuring New Zealand-made products tucked into restored heritage buildings.
Sky Tower: At 328 metres tall, the Sky Tower is one of the tallest freestanding structures in the southern hemisphere, with 360° views of the skyline, harbour and volcanoes rising out of the gulf. Up for a thrill? Harness up for a SkyWalk experience, or the SkyJump where you leap right off the tower!
Where to stay in Auckland: Hilton Auckland
This swanky spot has an enviable location right on Princes Wharf, with the ferry terminal, CBD and Queen Street literally steps away.
The rooms at Hilton Auckland are modern, sleek and spacious, with some featuring floor-to-ceiling windows and wraparound balconies for admiring the water views. Amenities include a restaurant, lounge area, gym and outdoor pool. Click here to book
Day 2: Waiheke Island
Soaking in thermal hot springs, hiking around volcanic craters and relaxing on pristine beaches are just some of the things you can do during a day trip from Auckland, so hit the road and get exploring during your first full day in New Zealand!
Our family opted to visit Waiheke Island during our extra time in Auckland, and it turned out to be one of our favourite days of the entire trip–and as a bonus, it’s just a half hour ferry ride over.
This special spot is like Hawaii-meets-Napa Valley: think lush landscapes, tranquil beaches and award-winning wineries. The scenery is stunning, and leisurely beach hopping and wine tasting was the perfect way to ease into our trip after the long flight over.
READ MORE: Vineyards and Views: A Waiheke Island day trip from Auckland
The small island can easily be explored in a day, and there’s a hop on/hop off bus as well as organized wine tours. Since we were travelling with our five-month-old daughter, we decided to rent a car on Waiheke which cost about $100 for the day which gave us space to stash our stuff and a bit more flexibility.
Some of the best things to do on Waiheke Island are:
Oneroa Village: Wander around the main town where a palm tree lined strip hosts boutiques, art galleries, a gelato shop, cafes and restaurants overlooking Blackpool Beach.
Relax on the beaches: Top picks include Oneroa Beach, Onetangi Beach which is one of the island’s longest stretches of sand and popular with surfers, and Palm Beach for swimming and picnics.
Go wine tasting: There are about 30 boutique vineyards, earning Waiheke the nickname ‘Island of Wine.’ My fave stop is Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant which has gorgeous views of the gulf and a fun, relaxed vibe. Cable Bay Vineyards is also popular, while Man O’ War winery is a destination in itself and the kind of place you could easily spend an entire day.
Day 3-4: Wanaka
Spectacular scenery like glaciers, fjords, towering waterfalls and sky-high peaks await on the South Island, so it’s no surprise that exploring this region is arguably the highlight of a 10 day New Zealand itinerary.
The main hubs are Christchurch or Queenstown, and since our time was limited we opted to save many hours of driving by skipping Christchurch and flying straight into Queenstown (two hours from Auckland) to pick up our rental car and head off on the next leg of adventures.
Driving in New Zealand
You’ll absolutely need to rent a vehicle for this next portion, either by touring around and sleeping in a camper van (a popular choice with the younger crowd) or booking a regular vehicle and staying in hotels like we did.
Driving in New Zealand is actually quite straightforward other than being on the left side, as roads are in good condition and points of interest are well-marked. That said, there are several stretches with steep dropoffs and hairpin turns where you’ll need to take care, like along the road to Milford Sound, Crown Range Road and through the Lindis Pass.
I usually book rentals with Discover Cars since they often have the lowest price and flexible policies. We used them here too, by picking up and dropping off at the Queenstown airport which cost a few hundred dollars for a weeklong SUV rental.
Crown Range Road from Queenstown to Wānaka
After a quick grocery store stop to load up on essentials (ie snacks and wine), we hit the highway for the one hour drive from Queenstown to Wanaka along the famous Crown Range Road.
Known for its thrilling hairpin turns, sheer cliff edges and jaw-dropping panoramic views, New Zealand’s highest main road overlooks Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu before descending into Wānaka.
Be sure to pull over a few times at the marked lookouts for photos (the Crown Range Summit viewpoint is a standout which overlooks the Wakatipu Basin), or make a pit stop in the Cardrona Valley which has serene alpine meadows, a cute historic village and fabulous distillery.
What to do in Wānaka
Wānaka’s idyllic waterfront setting, cute town centre and scenic walking tracks make this a great spot to slow down for a few days, but don’t be fooled—there’s still tons to see here!
Downtown Wānaka: Most of the action is found along the waterfront, where lively restaurants and bars overlook the lake. There are a few more blocks-worth of cafes and boutiques, so budget an hour or two here.
Lake Wānaka: At 45 kilometres long, Lake Wānaka has a mix of activities on the water like jetboating, sailing and kayaking, and lots to explore along its shoreline like secluded coves, boardwalks through thick marsh and greenspaces. A popular activity is hopping on a scenic boat cruise to enjoy happy hour, which departs most evenings before sunset from the downtown waterfront.
The Wanaka Tree: Don’t miss the Instagram-famous #thatwānakatree, a willow which juts right out of the water near the Wānaka Watersports carpark.
READ MORE: Best things to do in Wānaka (with kids)
Wanaka Lavender Farm: Enjoying the picture-perfect backdrop at the Wanaka Lavender Farm is a lovely way to spend a few hours, where there are 20 acres of lavender fields, gorgeous gardens, outdoor games and farm animals.
The best time to visit is from December to February when the purple fields are in full bloom, though the farm is open year round.
Guests are welcome to sample homemade honey, lavender ice cream and teas, and elevate their time by booking the Picnic Experience where a hamper full of locally-sourced cheese, chutney, crackers, nuts and fruit can be enjoyed anywhere on the property.
Mount Iron Track: This family-friendly trail starts just outside of downtown Wanaka, with fantastic panoramic views from its 250-metre-high summit. It takes about 90 minutes to complete the 4.5 kilometre loop, which has views of the town, Southern Alps and Lake Wanaka. Be sure to bring lots of water, a hat and sunscreen as it gets quite hot in summer and there’s not much tree cover.
Globe Guide tip: We started our hike by following the trail up to the left and did the full loop (clockwise), and found that the views were best on the first half. So, you might want to consider heading back down the same way once you reach the summit for better views of the lake both ways.
Where to stay in Wanaka: Alpine Junction Townhouse Apartments
This two-level setup at was absolutely perfect for our family and felt like a home away from home, thanks to its two bedrooms, two bathrooms, laundry, kitchen, living room and fenced backyard.
Alpine Junction is technically in Albert Town which is less than a 10 minute drive from downtown Wanaka, and there are some beautiful walking paths just out the back leading down to the Clutha River.
The complex also has a few amenities like a small grocery store, pub and an extremely popular patisserie and cafe, which makes this a fantastic base for your time in the Wanaka area. Click here to book with Expedia or reserve on Booking.com.
Day 5: Mt Cook National Park
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is one of the most scenic areas on the entire South Island, home to the country’s tallest mountains and largest glaciers.
Accommodations can be hard to come by, so even though it’s a few hours from Wānaka we knew it would be worth the long drive to do it as an out-and-back day trip. Sure enough, it turned out to be our favourite day of our entire New Zealand trip.
The drive technically takes 2 ½ hours from Wanaka, but you’ll want to allow extra time for the inevitable roadside stops to properly admire the jaw-dropping scenery.
The road from Wanaka starts off through the Lindis Pass, a dramatic alpine area of tall, tussock-covered mountains, then through Ōmarama which is known for a geological attraction called the Clay Cliffs.
The highlight is the approach towards Lake Pukaki which is famous for its dazzling turquoise hue framed by pink and purple lupins, and where Mt Cook’s peak first comes into view.
You’ll only have time for one hike if not staying overnight, and I highly recommend you make it the Hooker Valley Track. This is one of the most popular trails in New Zealand for good reason: the views are unreal in literally every direction, and it requires almost no effort.
The out-and-back pathway is very flat (packed dirt or wooden boardwalks), and takes about 90 minutes each way. We did it with our five-month-old baby, so this track is a great option for those wanting to do family friendly hikes in New Zealand-–just be sure to wear lots of layers as the weather is no joke here.
READ MORE: The Hooker Valley Track: New Zealand’s best family-friendly hike
Day 6: Te Anau
Prepare to have your mind blown during the next couple days of this New Zealand itinerary when you head into Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO site and home to Milford Sound.
It’s a three hour drive from Wanaka to the town of Te Anau which is the gateway to the park, and the scenery along this stretch of road that winds past Lake Wakitupu is a stunner.
Some people who are short on time simply visit Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown and completely skip Te Anau, which frankly seems crazy to me since that requires so much driving and very little time to actually explore.
So, I recommend staying in Te Anau for two nights like we did which gives you enough time for the trip down, seeing the glowworm caves, and heading to Milford Sound first thing the next morning to enjoy the whole day there.
One of New Zealand’s most mesmerizing, meditative experiences is visiting the Te Anau Glowworm Caves, a labyrinth-like cavern illuminated by hundreds of twinkling glowworms which look like sparkling stars.
The blue-green light they emit is created by a chemical reaction in their digestive system which interacts with oxygen to produce their signature glow, and visitation to their habitat is carefully managed.
The Te Anau Glowworm Caves are only accessible via a scenic boat ride across Lake Te Anau, and booked our tour through Real NZ.
We ended up doing three excursions with them during our 10 day New Zealand itinerary, and were so impressed with how well organized each one was, the quality of tours and the guide’s knowledge, so I definitely recommend them.
You can read all about what to expect during the incredible glowworm tour here; the full experience takes about three hours, so I suggest booking it later in the day so the drive to Te Anau isn’t rushed.
Where to stay in Te Anau: Tukare Lookout
This splurge-worthy setup overlooking Lake Te Anau is a dream in every sense, and was our favourite stay of the whole trip.
Tukare Lookout has two standalone villas, each featuring a fully-equipped kitchen, bedroom, seating area, luxurious bathroom and outdoor balcony.
One has a large outdoor soaking tub which is an incredible place to relax after a day of sightseeing and do some stargazing, while the other has its own sauna.
While the setup is best for couples enjoying a romantic getaway, it was also wonderful for our family since there’s lots of space, we could make our own meals, it’s fully carpeted which was great for baby, and we didn’t have to worry about disturbing other guests. Click here to book
Day 7: Milford Sound
Get up early the next morning for your day trip to Milford Sound, as you’ll want to make the most of every moment of this bucket list-worthy spot.
It takes about two hours to drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound, though of course you’ll want to pull over at some of the scenic lookouts en route for photo-ops.
The winding route heads deep into Fiordland National Park where dramatic cliffs, lush rainforests and mirror-like lakes await.
It’s well worth hopping out of the car to do one of the short walks to spots like the Lake Gunn loop through moss-covered beech forest and The Chasm where a powerful waterfall cuts through sculpted rock formations fed by the Cleddau River.
Once you arrive at Milford Sound, there are a number of flat waterfront pathways to explore, birding opportunities and a visitors centre to grab lunch.
The highlight is undoubtedly taking a boat ride through the fjords, feeling the spray of cascading waterfalls as you cruise up beside them while keeping an eye out for wildlife like seals, dolphins, and even the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin depending what time of year you visit.
Boat tours depart from Milford Sound Wharf, passing by the iconic Mitre Peak and St Annes Point Lighthouse toward the Tasman Sea. Soak up the sights and enjoy commentary from the on-board host who will point out features like Seal Rock and spectacular Stirling Falls.
Cruises typically last 90 minutes to two hours (we booked this one with Real NZ) and there’s lots of room on the decks for taking photos as well as indoor seating to enjoy a cup of coffee and get a break from the inevitable rain.
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Tips for the drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound
- There are no gas stations along the highway, so fuel up before leaving Te Anau
- Budget at least 30 minutes to find a parking spot, pay and walk to the cruise terminal from the main parking lots–this is really important to keep in mind if you’ve reserved a boat ride.
- Go first thing in the morning or in late afternoon to avoid the tour bus rush and catch the best light for photos.
- Allow for lots of time for photo stops, slow traffic, and waiting to get through the one-lane Homer Tunnel. There’s also no cell phone service, so drive carefully!
READ MORE: How to rock a day trip to Milford Sound, New Zealand
Day 8-10: Queenstown
The final few days of your New Zealand trip itinerary will see you heading back up to Queenstown, known as the country’s adventure capital thanks to high-octane activities like paragliding and jet boating.
We had three days here and it definitely wasn’t enough, since there are also some fantastic day trips you’ll want to do. So, I recommend planning some looong days to squeeze it all in, or add a bit of time here if you have some flexibility.
Some of the best things to do in Queenstown are:
Jet boat rides: Strap in for a thrilling jet boat ride along the Kawaru and Shotover rivers for this only-in-Queenstown experience. The captain races across Lake Wakatipu, navigates tricky turns on the Kawarau River while guests scream with delight, and speeds through the shallow waters of the Shotover River doing 360-degree spins and fishtails which make it feel like you’re on a rollercoaster.
Adrenaline activities: Try paragliding, skydiving or bungee jumping off the Kawarau Bridge
Explore downtown: Wander around downtown and the waterfront to enjoy the views from the greenspaces and Lake Esplanade, do some shopping and check out the scene on Queenstown Bay Beach.
Skyline: Head up the gondola to the Skyline park for birds-eye views overlooking the city, hike the Ben Lomond trail, go ziplining or mountain biking, and navigate the Queenstown Luge course to wind your way through 1,600 meters of banked corners, tunnels and dippers.
TSS Earnslaw Cruises: Hop aboard the iconic TSS Earnslaw to cruise across Lake Wakitipu to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Enjoy the views and entertainment aboard the iconic ‘Lady of the Lake’ and peek down at the engines working to power this vintage coal-fired steamship, and nosh on a fantastic buffet lunch or dinner at the farm.
Guests are also welcome to explore the working farm and watch demonstrations like sheepshearing, which makes this all-ages tour one of the best things to do in Queenstown with kids.
Go for a hike: These ones are low effort with a big reward.
Eat at Fergburger: Grab a bite at Fergburger, a Queenstown staple found right downtown. Just make sure you’re not in a rush, as it’s often lined up down the block!
Relax in a hot pool: Enjoy a spa session at Onsen Hot Pools, where an unforgettable relaxation experience combines with breathtaking views (read all about it here).
Book with Viator:
Best day trips from Queenstown
Along with the aforementioned Crown Range Road, a couple of scenic drives worth doing near Queenstown are:
Drive to Glenorchy: Despite the drive time from Queenstown to Glenorchy only being 45 minutes, you’ll want to budget a full day for this spectacular road trip as there are so many fantastic stops along the way. The highway traces the edge of Lake Wakatipu with gorgeous views of The Remarkables mountain range, leading to many waterfront pullouts and scenic walkways.
Arrowtown: Sadly we didn’t have time to get here despite it only being 20 minutes from Queenstown, but it’s highly recommended. Arrowtown is a historic, western-themed gold mining town, so walking down Main Street feels like being transported back in time. There are some great eateries here, scenic walking tracks and quirky activities like gold panning.
Where to stay in Queenstown: Driftaway Queenstown
This camper park was such a fun find, and works great for many types of travellers including families, couples who enjoy a glamping vibe, and the #VanLife crowd.
Driftaway Queenstown is right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu in the Frankton Arm, which is away from the bustle of downtown traffic but still close to the main sites (easily accessed by bus, bike or the Queenstown Water Taxi). The park has a main check-in area, dozens of camping sites, a Facility Hub with bathrooms, kitchens, laundry, a ski-drying room and games, and an impressive outdoor play area for kids.
We opted to stay in one of the Self-Contained Villas which have a bed, private bathroom, kitchen/lounge space and outdoor balcony. The larger Family Self-Contained Villa is similar, but sleeps up to four people with a separate second bedroom.
The serene waterfront setting is beautiful, and the highlight of a stay is booking a soak in one of the private hot tub rooms.
Two to four guests are welcome to book a one hour session, and each room has a washroom, space for hanging robes and towels, and a retractable window that fully opens to enjoy views of the lake and mountains. Click here to book
Globe Guide tip: Take care when booking your domestic flight from Queenstown back to Auckland if it’s on a separate ticket than your international flight home. It’s not uncommon for flights out of Queenstown to be delayed or cancelled due to weather, so you’ll definitely want to build in some buffer time.
Knowing this, I purposely booked the second-last flight of the day back to Auckland so we’d still have options to make it there by the next afternoon in case of an issue, and sure enough our flight was delayed several hours. It wasn’t a big deal for us, but there were several passengers on our flight who were totally stressed out since the delay meant they missed their flights which were scheduled to depart from Auckland that evening.
2 week New Zealand itinerary
Have a few extra days to add on to your trip and looking for a New Zealand two week itinerary? Lucky you!
My suggestion would be to pace the original route out a bit by spending two more days in Queenstown, another night in Wanaka, and the final extra day in the Auckland area or Wanaka. This gives you more time for all of the amazing day trips around those areas, and the longer drives won’t be so rushed.
Another option is to spend the additional time in Rotorua, which is a three hour drive south of Auckland.
The region is known for its geothermal parks and natural hot springs, and it’s close to the Waitomo Caves where you can see glowworms and the Hobbiton movie set where The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were filmed.
Book one of these popular tours in Rotorua:
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