The Perfect Three-Week New Zealand Itinerary: North & South Island
With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse natural beauty, and endless adventures, it's no wonder so many dream of visiting New Zealand. Being at the top of every travel bucket list, the real challenge becomes squeezing everything this amazing country has to offer into just one trip! Having spent six months exploring New Zealand, I've crafted the perfect three-week itinerary that blends iconic sights, hidden gems, and thrilling activities to ensure you experience the best of both the North and South Islands.
Why You Need to Devote More Time for a Trip to New Zealand
New Zealand may look small when tucked into the corner of the world map, floating off the coast of giant Australia, but don’t let that fool you! It’s like driving from Seattle to San Diego, but with fewer direct routes as mountain ranges carve up the country. These beautiful but rugged landscapes mean longer travel times and more commitment to getting from place to place.
That’s why this itinerary is designed to give you a taste of everything New Zealand has to offer without doubling up on similar experiences. It's packed with diverse activities and must-see stops, from jaw-dropping hikes to serene beaches and lively towns. You'll leave with unforgettable memories and a deep sense of satisfaction without the “fear of missing out” that so many travelers feel.
Answering Your Frequently Asked Questions
Is two weeks enough for New Zealand?
While this itinerary is designed for three weeks, two weeks is still possible! If you’re short on time, I recommend focusing on the South Island, where you’ll find some of New Zealand's most dramatic scenery. You can trim a few days from the North Island, but whatever you do, don’t skip the South!
Do I need a car in New Zealand?
A car definitely makes things easier, but it’s not a must. I relied on New Zealand’s InterCity buses, which were semi-reliable and comfortable. That said, if you're not driving, be sure to plan ahead and have a backup plan—some towns are quite remote, and services like Uber and taxis aren’t always available. On a few occasions, I found myself stranded after a shuttle failed to return. As a solo female traveler, hitchhiking is not ideal, but hey, sometimes adventures get real and I needed to get home.
What month is the best time to visit New Zealand?
New Zealand’s summer (December to February) is the most popular time to visit, with perfect weather for outdoor adventures. But with great weather comes crowds! If you want fewer tourists and still want to enjoy pleasant weather, aim for March. It’s the shoulder season, so you'll find better availability for accommodations and activities while still having gorgeous days to explore.
Is New Zealand expensive to visit?
Yes and no! It’s an island in the Pacific, so by nature, a lot has to be flown in, which can jack up the prices, but you can easily tailor your trip to your budget. Grab groceries for your lunches, stay in hostels (there are plenty of awesome ones), and use the bus system instead of renting a car. Of course, other things—like visiting Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital—come with a tourist-town price tag. But trust me, it’s worth it.
The Ultimate Three-Week New Zealand Itinerary
NORTH ISLAND
Day 1: Auckland
Arrival & Breakfast: Start your trip with a quick breakfast at Remedy Coffee—known for open-faced bagel sandwiched and the best matcha latte in the country!
Mt. Eden Volcano:
Hike: Easy, paved trail with stunning views of the city.
Explore Downtown Mt. Eden: Perfect spot for lunch and boutique shopping.
Auckland Domain & Museum:
Learn about Māori culture at the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Wander the greenhouses, gardens, and enjoy a peaceful fern walk.
Day 2: Waiheke Island
Ferry to Waiheke Island: 40-minute ride with scenic views of the harbor.
Winery Hopping: Explore multiple vineyards via the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.
Enjoy local wines and farm-to-table dining.
Activities: Walk scenic trails, relax on the beaches, or rent bikes for a day of island exploration.
Pro tip: Book your ferry and bus tickets together online ahead of time to save money during the busy summer season!
Day 3: Auckland
Scooter Ride: Rent a Lime scooter and cruise along Tamaki Drive, following the coastline.
Mission Bay Beach: Stop for a swim and casual beachside lunch.
Cornwall Park & One Tree Hill:
Walk through the park to reach the One Tree Hill Obelisk.
Reward yourself with ice cream from The Creamery at the base of the hill.
Day 4: Hobbiton
Drive from Auckland to Hobbiton:
Pre-book a guided tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set for a magical Lord of the Rings experience.
Drive to Rotorua: Head to New Zealand’s geothermal capital and prep for adventure.
Day 5: Rotorua
White Water Rafting: Conquer Grade 5 rapids on the Kaituna River, including the world’s highest rafted waterfall.
Difficulty: Challenging, but unforgettable!
Soak in natural mud baths and sulfur pools.
Pro tip: Bring an old bathing suit, as the mud can stain, and avoid wearing jewelry—it’ll tarnish!
Stroll among the towering redwoods on eco-suspended bridges.
Drive to National Park: Ensure you can get an early start on tomorrow’s hike.
Day 6: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: My personal favorite hike in New Zealand!
Pretend to be Frodo and hike through the filming location of Mordor and up Mount Doom before crossing over the mountain range passing sulfuric lakes, sand pits, mud flats, and alpine vegetation.
Length: 20.2 km
Difficulty: Strenuous, with varied terrain from volcanic craters to steep inclines.
Pro tip: Take the sunrise shuttle from National Park Village for an early start.
Drive to New Plymouth: Rest those legs while soaking in the scenic drive.
Day 7: New Plymouth
Pouakai Circuit Reflective Tarn (Mirror Lake):
Hike Length: Moderate hike through the enchanting Goblin Forest.
Town Exploration: Chill by the beach, grab lunch, and take care of laundry (you’ll need a fresh start for the South Island).
Day 8: Wellington
Drive to Wellington: New Zealand’s capital city, buzzing with art, culture, and great food.
Cuba Street: The perfect spot for street performers, music, and some of the city’s best bites.
Explore the Waterfront: Take a leisurely walk along Wellington’s scenic harbor.
Wellington Cable Car: Ride up for incredible views of the city.
SOUTH ISLAND
Day 9: Abel Tasman
Ferry from Wellington to Picton: Keep an eye out for dolphins and whales during the crossing!
Drive to Abel Tasman:
Activities: Choose from kayaking, canyoning, or sailing around the stunning golden beaches.
Must-try: Grab a burger at Fat Tui—their veggie burgers are out of this world!
Day 10: Westport
Drive to Westport:
Stay at Bazils Hostel & Surf School for an authentic New Zealand hostel experience.
Surfing: Take a lesson at one of the world’s top surfing beaches.
Dinner: Enjoy delicious wood-fired pizza at the hostel's Pizza Kitchen.
Day 11: Franz Josef
Drive to Franz Josef Glacier:
Hike Roberts Point Track for incredible glacier views.
Difficulty: Challenging, especially on the slippery descent. Take your time!
Day 12: Wanaka
Drive to Wanaka:
Relax by the lake or explore the charming town.
Shop for souvenirs at Roam Clothing—their local designs are a great way to remember the adventure!
Day 13: Wanaka to Queenstown
Roys Peak Hike:
Start the challenging hike before dawn (about 3 hours before sunrise) to catch stunning sunrise views.
Don’t forget a headlamp and watch out for cows on the trail!
Drive to Queenstown:
Explore this adventure capital—packed with incredible food, cafes, and shops.
Day 14: Queenstown
Thrill-seeker paradise: Choose from bungee jumping, skydiving, zip-lining, or canyon swinging—Queenstown is the place to get your heart racing!
Day 15: Milford Sound Day Trip
Drive to Milford Sound:
Pack lunch, water, and sunscreen—this is a remote, beautiful area with few convenience stores.
Explore this iconic fjord by boat (book in advance!).
Hike Lake Marian Track:
Distance: 3.2 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 16: Queenstown
Hike Ben Lomond Track:
Difficulty: Challenging, but rewarding with panoramic views.
Take the gondola or luge down for some extra fun.
Drive to Dunedin: Enjoy another scenic to the east coast of the South Island.
Day 17: Dunedin
Breakfast at Maggies: Start the day right with a delicious meal and coffee.
Botanic Gardens: Explore one of the best gardens in the world, complete with a bird aviary with over 40 species of New Zealand birds.
Evening Penguin Tour: Watch the adorable Little Blue Penguins return to shore on the Otago Peninsula.
Day 18: Mount Cook
Drive to Mount Cook:
Hike the Hooker Valley Track:
Length: 10.9 km
Difficulty: Moderate, with unbeatable postcard views of snow-capped mountains and glacial rivers.
Drive to Lake Tekapo.
Day 19: Lake Tekapo
Rent a Bike: Explore the stunning trails around the lake, followed by a refreshing swim.
Dark Sky Project: One of the best stargazing spots in the world. Learn about Southern Hemisphere constellations and catch a glimpse of the Southern Lights or shooting stars if you’re lucky!
Day 20: Christchurch
Riverside Market: Located in the heart of the CBD this market sells local produce, meats, seafood, baked goods, sweets, coffee, and more.
Hop-On Hop-Off Tram: Discover Christchurch’s artsy neighborhoods and post-quake rebirth.
Day 21: Christchurch
Fly home: Your epic New Zealand adventure comes to an end!
You’re Ready to Book the Flight
New Zealand is a country that beckons to adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you’re ready to make the long journey, this three-week itinerary will ensure you leave no stone unturned. From hiking epic trails to sipping wine in beautiful vineyards, New Zealand has a bit of everything—and with this guide, you’ll experience it all without the stress of trying to fit everything in. Trust me, it’s worth the trip!
