New Zealand had always been at the top of our travel bucket list. Its breathtaking landscapes—turquoise lakes, majestic snow-capped mountains, dramatic fjords—and its reputation as the “real-life Middle Earth” made it irresistible. Plus, Oceania was the last continent (besides Antarctica) we hadn’t set foot on, and I was eager to check it off the list.
Yet, planning a trip to New Zealand always seemed daunting. Flights from the U.S. were long and expensive, and with so much to see, it felt like we’d need at least three weeks to do it justice—a challenge when working in Corporate America, where vacations rarely stretch beyond two weeks.
After years of dreaming, our New Zealand road trip finally became a reality! Over 19 unforgettable days, we explored both islands, taking in stunning landscapes, unique cultural experiences, and moments of magic. In this guide, I’ll share our Top 10 favorite experiences, detailed itineraries, tips for customizing your trip based on your schedule, and practical advice for a comfortable, immersive journey through New Zealand.
Table Of Contents
- About New Zealand
- Top 10 Things to Do in New Zealand
- With More Time
- With Less Time
- Travel Tips and Resources
About New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich Māori culture, and world-class adventure sports. From the jagged peaks of the Southern Alps to turquoise lakes, geothermal wonders, and lush rainforests, New Zealand offers an incredibly diverse travel experience. Throughout our road trip, we explored diverse ecosystems, encountered unique wildlife, immersed ourselves in vibrant towns, and learned about the indigenous Māori culture along the way.
Quick Facts
- Capital: Wellington
- Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
- Languages: English, Māori
- Best Time to Visit: September to May, with spring (September-November) and fall (March-May) offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Safety: New Zealand is generally considered one of the safest countries to visit, with low crime rates and a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to travelers.
Top 10 Unforgettable Things to Do in New Zealand
If you’re traveling to New Zealand and want to save time searching for directions to all the places we mention in this travel guide, look no further than our custom map. Simply click on a point on the map below to get directions there!
10. Enjoying Fresh Salmon Sashimi at Lake Pukaki
Lake Pukaki, a glacier lake located on the South Island of New Zealand and famous for its vibrant turquoise color, is surrounded by breathtaking views of Mount Cook. The lake’s color comes from glacial flour, fine particles suspended in the water, giving it a distinct blue hue, especially vibrant on sunny days. Biking, hiking, fishing (allowed with a permit), swimming, and boating (summer only) are some of the most popular activities among visitors.
For us, we combined a visit to Peter’s Lookout, a scenic spot that offers iconic views of the lake with Mount Cook in the background, with a stop by the Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop on its shore, where the salmon is fresh and sustainably farmed in the glacier-fed waters nearby. Tasting fresh salmon sashimi with such stunning scenery made for an unforgettable, quintessentially New Zealand experience.
9. Albatross Viewing at Otago Peninsula
The Otago Peninsula is a wildlife haven, especially famous for the Royal Albatross Center, the world’s only mainland breeding colony of these majestic birds. Albatrosses are known for their massive wingspans, and watching them glide effortlessly is mesmerizing. We learned about their life cycles and the efforts to protect these rare seabirds, adding a deeper appreciation to the viewing. The peninsula also hosts other wildlife, including seals and penguins, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
8. Biking around Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka, surrounded by mountains and lush forests, is a serene, scenic spot with clear blue waters that reflect the landscape. Wanaka, the town on the southern shores of the lake, is a laid-back yet lively town and a real gem, given its beautiful lakeside setting, outdoor activities, and relaxed atmosphere. The area surrounding Wanaka is also becoming increasingly popular for its vineyards (famous for its Pinot Noir) and olive farms (known for producing high-quality olive oils), contributing to Wanaka’s reputation as a destination for food and wine lovers.
When we visited during the Fall, we biked along the Wanaka Lakeside Track, which allowed us to see more of this beautiful area with golden autumn leaves adding charm. We also enjoyed the famous #ThatWanakaTree, a lone willow growing in the lake that has become an iconic Instagram spot.
7. Geothermal Adventure at Rotorua
The next three of our favorite experiences are from our visit to the North Island of New Zealand. At number 7 and 6, we have Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s top geothermal hotspots. This area, located on the Pacific Ring of Fire, is brimming with unique geothermal features, and we particularly enjoyed visiting Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Waimangu Volcanic Valley.
At Wai-O-Tapu, we were captivated by its colorful pools and mineral terraces, including the vibrant Champagne Pool and the Lady Knox Geyser, a unique geyser notable for its regular eruptions reaching heights of up to 20 meters, which is induced daily at around 10:15 AM with the help of a natural soap compound.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley offered an equally fascinating experience. Formed by the devastating 1886 eruption of Mount Tarawera, it is the world’s youngest geothermal system and features colorful crater lakes, hot springs, and steaming cliffs. Its rich biodiversity and lush landscape made us feel like stepping into another world, blending geothermal wonders with beautiful natural surroundings. We highly recommend the half-day Full Waimangu Experience for a comprehensive exploration. We first took a scenic 2.5-mile easy self-guided hike through the volcanic valley. The trail ended at the port of Lake Rotomahana, a beautiful lake within Waimangu Volcanic Valley. We boarded a boat there, had a 45-minute relaxing cruise on Lake Rotomahana, and admired the steaming cliffs and geysers on its shore. Finally, we took a short shuttle bus ride and returned to the visitor center.
6. Experiencing the Māori Culture
Māori culture is integral to New Zealand’s identity, and Rotorua is a hub for learning about and experiencing this rich heritage. Many cultural attractions are popular, each providing valuable insights into Māori culture, traditions, and history.
We chose to visit the Te Pā Tū (formerly Tāmaki Māori Village) for the interactive and immersive journey into Māori traditions that it offers. We were welcomed with a traditional pōwhiri (greeting ceremony), explored a recreated village, enjoyed and even learned some of the cultural performances, and partook in a hāngī feast— traditional Māori dishes cooked using traditional earth oven methods. Through stories, music, and the powerful haka dance, we gained a deeper understanding of Māori traditions and values, which added a meaningful layer to our trip.
5. Visiting Hobbiton
I have to admit- I was not a prominent Lord of the Rings fan – I’ve never finished the books or the movies, and all my knowledge about Middle-earth was from a couple “Watch The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies in one hour” type YouTube videos. Despite being unfamiliar with the film, we found touring the Hobbiton Movie Set an enchanting experience.
Set amid rolling green hills, Hobbiton brings Tolkien’s world of Middle-earth to life, complete with detailed Hobbit Holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and stunning gardens. Learning about the set design and production was fascinating, and the whimsical setting was perfect for photos. It was truly a magical place.
The iconic movie set can only be visited through a guided walking tour, which lasts about two hours and includes a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn. To ensure the best experience, book your tickets online well in advance on the official Hobbiton Movie Set website, as tours can sell out quickly, even in shoulder seasons.
4. Visiting Queenstown
Known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” Queenstown is a vibrant, energetic town nestled by Lake Wakatipu and surrounded by mountains. If you are a thrill-seeker, Queenstown will be your dream hub- from paragliding and jet boating to bungee jumping and skydiving, there are endless activities to choose from. If you are like us, not into adventure sports, and are just looking to relax and enjoy nature in a scenic alpine setting, Queenstown is also a perfect spot.
Some of the activities that we enjoyed and highly recommended include:
- Take the Queenstown Gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak, the steepest cable car lift in the Southern Hemisphere, and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains.
- Experience the thrill of the Skyline Luge at Bob’s Peak—a gravity-powered downhill ride that’s fun and exciting for all ages.
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruising aboard the historic steamship TSS Earnslaw and visiting the Walter Peak Farm for an elegant afternoon tea, an interactive farm tour, and a fun sheepdog demonstration and sheep shearing show.
- Hike the Queenstown Hill Walking Track, a 3-mile, moderate-difficulty loop offering stunning views of the surrounding mountain range, the Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu. If you are taking this hike, we highly recommend doing the loop clockwise: At the junction about 0.8 miles from the trailhead, turn left to take the steeper route up to the summit, then take the longer but flatter route on the way down.
- Enjoy a relaxing soak and tea at the Onsen Hot Pools, which has spectacular views of the Shotover River and the Remarkables. It’s necessary to make advance reservations as they tend to be fully booked quickly.
- Try the famous Fergburger, once rated “the World’s Best Burger” by CNN.
3. Waterfall and Dolphin Sighting at Milford Sound
From Queenstown, you can easily journey to Milford Sound, a stunning fjord carved by glaciers and part of the Fiordland National Park. Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s natural wonders and often called the “eighth wonder of the world”. It is surrounded by steep cliffs and misty waterfalls that are especially active after rain. Its rich wildlife matches its beauty, making it an awe-inspiring destination. During our cruise, we were lucky to spot pods of dolphins swimming alongside our boat, a memorable encounter in a pristine setting.
A range of transportation options and activities are available to suit various preferences and budgets. When we visited, we chose to join a full-day coach and cruise tour for convenience and economic reasons. The package included round-way coach services from Queenstown to Milford Sound and a 2-hour cruise through the fjord. We pre-ordered lunch with the tour company, which they distributed once we got on the cruise. One-way coach ride took about 4-5 hours. On the way to Milford Sound, the coach stopped at a cafe and souvenir shop at Te Anau, where we got to buy pies, sandwiches, or snacks to carry with us. The weather conditions were excellent on the day we visited; the tour company also gave a same-day upgrade option to people who wanted to take a helicopter ride instead of the coach back to Queenstown at an additional cost.
If budget is not a concern or you have limited time, a great alternative is taking a half-day helicopter and cruise tour. Packages typically include round-trip scenic flights from Queenstown to Milford Sound (about 1 hour 45 minutes one-way) and a 2-hour cruise through the fjord. Some packages also include glacier landings. This option saves significant transportation time and provides stunning aerial views of the Southern Alps and Milford Sound. A friend of mine recently visited Milford Sound with her family and took this tour. She told me it was one of her most memorable experiences.
Self-driving is an option if you prefer the ultimate flexibility or more time at Milford Sound. We recommend staying over midway at Te Anna for one night, as the drive to Milford Sound directly from Queenstown requires careful planning due to its length and winding roads.
2. Hiking and Exploring Glacier in Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook National Park, located in the South Island’s Mackenzie Region, is one of New Zealand’s most iconic destinations. It is named after Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country’s tallest peak, which rises 3,724 meters (12,218 feet) above sea level. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is part of the larger Te Wāhipounamu —South West New Zealand World Heritage Area.
Mount Cook National Park offers some of the most scenic trails and dramatic alpine landscapes we ever experienced and is a must-see for any nature enthusiast. During our 1.5 days visit, we hiked the Hooker Valley Track, a 6-mile out and back, moderate-difficulty trail filled with suspension bridges, glacial rivers, and sweeping mountain views. We also did the Tasman Glacier Explorer boat tour and had a close-up view and touch of floating icebergs, a rare sight for us. When we visited, we stayed at the Hermitage Hotel and booked its full board package that included room, breakfast, and dinner, which we highly recommend.
1. Hiking and Stargazing at Lake Tekapo
Finally, we had the most beautiful lake in New Zealand. Nestled within the Mackenzie Basin and surrounded by snow-capped mountains, Lake Tekapo is a stunning glacial lake celebrated for its brilliant turquoise waters, colored by fine glacial sediments.
Visiting during the fall, we biked along the lake under beautiful willow trees, their vibrant yellow and golden hues creating a picturesque backdrop. We explored the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, a charming stone church built in 1935, and the Sheepdog Memorial, a bronze statue erected in 1968 to honor the indispensable collie sheepdogs that helped shape New Zealand’s agricultural legacy. We also hiked up Mt. John via the Mt. John Summit Circuit Track and returned along the Lakeshore Walkway, a scenic 5-mile moderate-difficulty loop. The panoramic views of Lake Tekapo’s striking turquoise waters from the trails were absolutely breathtaking. At the summit, we indulged in coffee and cake at the renowned Astro Cafe, savoring both the treats and the unparalleled scenery.
Due to its clear skies, Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve and one of the best places in the world for stargazing. Stargazing near the Church of the Good Shepherd at night was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The sky was filled with stars, blinking and smiling at us, and we even saw the Milky Way with our naked eyes- the whole experience was more than magical and romantic. Lake Tekapo’s blend of natural beauty and dark skies made it the top favorite of our 19-day New Zealand road trip.
Our Itineraries
Here’s a quick overview of our 19 days road trip in New Zealand. This itinerary is designed as a road trip, starting from Christchurch on the South Island and ending at Auckland on the North Island, with a short flight from Queenstown to Auckland involved. For people visiting New Zealand from another continent, this probably means taking a 3-week vacation from work, considering the inter-continent flight time. We found it the perfect amount of time to visit both islands of this amazing country. It is especially suitable for first-time visitors who prefer a comfortable, mid-paced journey.
19-Day New Zealand Road Trip:
- Explore South Island (13 days)
- Day 1- Day 2: Fly into Christchurch. Pick up rental car. Explore Christchurch
- Day 3: Akaroa
- Day 4- Day 5: Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
- Day 6- Day 7 (am): Mount Cook National Park
- Day 7 (pm)- Day 8: Dunedin & Otago Peninsula
- Day 9- Day 10 (am): Wanaka
- Day 10 (pm)- Day 13: Arrowtown, Queenstown & Milford Sound
- Return rental car in Queenstown. You’ll fly to Auckland from Queenstown and continue the trip in North Island on Day 14.
- Explore North Island (6 days)
- Day 14- Day 16: Fly into Auckland. Pick up rental car. Explore Rotorua & Taupo
- Day 17 (am): Hobbiton
- Day 17 (pm)- Day 19: Auckland
- Return rental car in Auckland. Fly back home from Auckland on Day 19.
For a more detailed itinerary with day-to-day activities, food, and accommodation recommendations, I recommend reading our article 19 Days Road Trip in New Zealand- The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit
With More Time
If you have more time in New Zealand, it’s worth checking out other beautiful destinations that we didn’t mention:
- Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park
- Kaikoura
- Mount Aspiring National Park
- Arthur’s Pass National Park
- Fox and Franz Josef Glacier
- Glenorchy & Paradise
- Bay of Islands
- Waitomo Caves
- Mount Tongariro
With Less Time
If you only have two weeks of vacation but still want to visit the highlights of both islands, we have included an additional itinerary option below to help you plan your trip. If you only have one week of vacation, we suggest visiting only one of the islands.
12-day Roadtrip:
- Explore South Island (8 days)
- Day 1: Fly into Christchurch. Pick up rental car. Explore Christchurch
- Day 2- Day 3: Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
- Day 4- Day 5 (am): Mount Cook National Park
- Day 5 (pm): Wanaka
- Day 6- Day 8: Queenstown & Milford Sound
- Return rental car in Queenstown. Fly to Auckland from Queenstown and continue the trip in North Island on Day 9.
- Explore North Island (4 days)
- Day 9- Day 10: Fly into Auckland. Pick up rental car. Explore Rotorua
- Day 11 (am): Hobbiton
- Day 11 (pm)- Day 12: Auckland
- Return rental car in Auckland. Fly back home from Auckland on Day 12.
Travel Tips and Resources
1. Renting a Car
New Zealand’s beauty is best explored by car and New Zealanders drive on the left side! Be sure to rent a vehicle that fits your needs (remember to account for luggage storage spaces, too!) and book in advance to get the best rates. We used Hertz when we visited New Zealand and had a great experience.
2. Accommodations
During our New Zealand road trip, we stayed in vacation rentals for most places except Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook, and we highly recommend them. The rooms were often more spacious than hotels at similar prices, and we enjoyed more amenities, such as kitchens and dining areas, on-site washers and dryers, and outdoor spaces. They gave us more of the feel of a “home,” which we found essential for staying comfortable for longer trips.
Whether you choose vacation rentals or hotels, book early. Popular destinations like Mount Cook, Lake Tekapo, and Queenstown can fill up quickly, even in shoulder seasons.
3. Budget
New Zealand can be expensive. Mix dining out with self-catering or “home” cooking to manage costs and maintain a healthier diet. Local supermarkets like Countdown, New World, Pak n Save, and Four Square offer affordable options.
4. Packing Essentials
Bring layers for varying weather, as conditions can change rapidly. Good hiking shoes and a rain jacket are essential.
5. Essential Travel Apps
- Google Maps for navigation and nearby stops
- GetYourGuide for local tours
- Airbnb for vacation rentals
- Booking.com and Expedia.com for hotels
The End. Happy Traveling!
Leave a Reply