New Zealand: North to South in 12 Days
New Zealand
Overview
New Zealand's two islands are different enough to feel like separate trips: Auckland's harbour city and a geothermal, Māori-culture stop in Rotorua on the North Island, then a domestic flight south to Queenstown — the self-declared adventure capital of the world — for mountains, lakes and adrenaline sports beneath the Southern Alps.
- Duration
- 12 days
- Pace
- Balanced
- Transport
- Mixed
- Estimated budget (comfortable)
- US$1,300–US$1,650
Route
1. Auckland2. Rotorua3. Queenstown
Highlights
- A geothermal walk and Māori cultural evening (hangi) in Rotorua
- Milford Sound day trip from Queenstown
- Bungy jumping, jet boating or skydiving in Queenstown, if inclined
- The Sky Tower and harbour views in Auckland
Worth knowing
- Long-haul flights make this an expensive, far destination for most travellers
- Distances between regions are large — this route needs a domestic flight, not just driving
- Weather in the South Island changes fast — pack for four seasons in a day
Day by day
Day 1
AucklandMain activities
- Arrive, settle in
- Sky Tower and waterfront
Overnight: Auckland
Day 2
AucklandMain activities
- Waiheke Island day trip — wineries and beaches
Overnight: Auckland
Day 3
Auckland → RotoruaMain activities
- Drive (~3h)
- Te Puia geothermal park
~3 hoursOvernight: Rotorua
Day 4
RotoruaMain activities
- Wai-O-Tapu geothermal wonderland
- Māori cultural evening (hangi feast and performance)
Overnight: Rotorua
Day 5
Rotorua → Auckland → QueenstownMain activities
- Drive back to Auckland, domestic flight (~2h)
~2 hours flightOvernight: Queenstown
Day 6
QueenstownMain activities
- Skyline Gondola and luge
- Lakefront town walk
Optional additions
- Bungy jump at the Kawarau Bridge
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 7
QueenstownMain activities
- Milford Sound day trip
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 8
QueenstownMain activities
- Free day for adventure activities
Optional additions
- Jet boating on the Shotover River
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 9
Queenstown areaMain activities
- Glenorchy scenic drive
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 10
Queenstown areaMain activities
- Arrowtown historic gold-rush village
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 11
QueenstownMain activities
- Free day / wine tour in nearby Gibbston Valley
Overnight: Queenstown
Day 12
QueenstownMain activities
- Departure via connecting flight through Auckland
Overnight: Queenstown
Alternatives
Shorter version · 8 days
Drop Rotorua and fly directly Auckland → Queenstown.
Longer extension · 16 days
Add Wellington and the Abel Tasman coastal track between the two islands.