New Zealand may look compact, but it’s bursting with jaw-dropping landscapes, cultural gems, and unforgettable experiences. With so much to see and do — from glaciers to glowworms, Māori villages to mountain trails — planning the perfect itinerary can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve put together 7, 14, and 21-day New Zealand travel itineraries, tailored for different styles of travel. Whether you’re into adrenaline, relaxation, culture, or road trips, these itineraries will help you make the most of your time in Aotearoa.
✈️ Before You Go: Quick Planning Tips
- ✌️ Two islands, different vibes: North Island = culture, beaches, volcanoes. South Island = mountains, lakes, adventure.
- 🚗 Self-drive is ideal: Freedom campers and road-trippers thrive here.
- 📅 Seasons matter: Summer (Dec–Feb) = beaches & hiking. Winter (Jun–Aug) = snow sports & hot springs.
🗓️ 7-Day Itinerary Ideas
🚀 The Highlights-Only Express (North or South Island)
Perfect for: First-timers with limited time
Option 1: North Island (Culture + Coast)
- Day 1–2: Auckland – Explore the city, Waiheke Island, or Piha Beach
- Day 3: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Day 4–5: Rotorua – Geothermal parks & Māori experiences
- Day 6–7: Taupō & Tongariro Crossing (if hiking)
🗺️ Explore an interactive map of this route and tailor it to your preferences.
Option 2: South Island (Nature + Adventure)
- Day 1–2: Queenstown – Adventure activities, lakefront dining
- Day 3: Milford Sound cruise (day trip or overnight)
- Day 4–5: Wanaka & Roy’s Peak hike
- Day 6–7: Aoraki/Mt Cook + Hooker Valley Track
🗺️ Explore an interactive map of this route and tailor it to your preferences.
📸 Pro tip: Pick one island — don’t try to do both in a week!
🗓️ 14-Day Itinerary Ideas
🛣️ Ultimate Road Trip – North to South Combo
Perfect for: Explorers who want variety and a bit of both islands
- Day 1–2: Auckland & Waiheke Island
- Day 3–4: Hobbiton & Waitomo
- Day 5: Rotorua + geothermal parks + Māori culture
🗺️ Explore an interactive map of this route and tailor it to your preferences.
- Day 6: Fly to Queenstown
- Day 7–8: Queenstown + Milford Sound
- Day 9–10: Wanaka & Mount Cook
- Day 11: Lake Tekapo + stargazing
- Day 12–13: Christchurch & Akaroa
- Day 14: Fly out from Christchurch
🗺️ Explore an interactive map of this route and tailor it to your preferences.
🧳 Alternate version: Do this route in reverse if flying into Christchurch and out of Auckland.
🏕️ Outdoor Lover’s Loop (South Island only)
Perfect for: Nature seekers, hikers, and photographers
- Day 1–2: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
- Day 3–4: Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
- Day 5–6: Wanaka – Rob Roy Glacier or Roy’s Peak
- Day 7–8: Queenstown – Adventure capital
- Day 9–10: Te Anau + Milford Sound
- Day 11–12: Catlins Coast – waterfalls, wildlife, remote beauty
- Day 13–14: Dunedin – penguins, albatross, quirky heritage
🗺️ Explore an interactive map of this route and tailor it to your preferences.
🥾 Bonus: Add a Great Walk like the Routeburn or Kepler Track if you’re a keen tramper.
🗓️ 21-Day Itinerary Ideas
🧭 The Full Aotearoa Experience
Perfect for: Bucket-listers and long-haul travelers
Week 1: North Island
- Auckland, Waiheke Island, Coromandel Peninsula
- Rotorua (geothermal parks + Māori culture)
- Taupō & Tongariro Crossing
- Wellington – Te Papa Museum, vibrant food scene
🗺️ Explore an interactive map of this route and tailor it to your preferences.
Week 2: South Island Begins
- Interislander Ferry to Picton
- Nelson & Abel Tasman – kayak or hike
- West Coast: Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks), Hokitika
- Franz Josef Glacier heli hike
🗺️ Explore an interactive map of this route and tailor it to your preferences.
Week 3: Southern Scenic Beauty
- Wanaka & Mount Aspiring National Park
- Queenstown + adrenaline activities
- Milford Sound (overnight cruise if possible)
- Lake Tekapo + Dark Sky Reserve
- Christchurch + departure
🗺️ Explore an interactive map of this route and tailor it to your preferences.
🚗 Note: This is a loop-friendly route if renting a car. You can fly into Auckland and out of Christchurch or vice versa.
🧳 Itinerary by Travel Type
| Traveler Type | Suggested Itinerary |
|---|---|
| 🧗♂️ Adventurers | South Island 14-day or 21-day loop (Queenstown, Kepler, Wanaka) |
| 🧘♀️ Relaxation seekers | North Island (Waiheke, Coromandel, Rotorua, Napier) |
| 👫 Couples | 14-day romantic combo – vineyard stays + lakeside cabins |
| 👨👩👧 Families | North Island (Rotorua, Hobbiton, Wellington) + short hikes |
| 📸 Creators & Photographers | 21-day full route – hit all the Instagrammable spots! |
💭 Final Thoughts
No matter how long you’re in New Zealand, you’ll find natural beauty, friendly locals, and unforgettable adventures around every bend. These itineraries are starting points — mix, match, and customize based on your interests, energy levels, and travel goals.
👉 Need Help Planning Your Trip?
Excursion New Zealand is your ultimate guide to an unforgettable journey. We help you discover top attractions, hidden gems, and local favorites to maximize your New Zealand adventure.
How it works is you enter you starting origin, destination and it will show you an optimized route and any attractions along the way.
From there you can select what attractions you want to see and we provide you with a plan including the travel time required.