New
Zealand
In case the Lord of the Rings trilogy (and the subsequent Hobbit trilogy) wasn't enough of a selling point for you, let us reassure you that New Zealand should be on the top of any adventure seekers list. With world class trekking, glaciers, vineyards, extreme sports, and views of every kind, Kiwi nation will not disappoint.
New Zealand
17 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch - Jailhouse Hostel
Day 2: Drive to Otago Peninsula - Moeraki Boulders - Penguins
Day 3: Peninsula Hike - Drive to Milford Sound
Day 4: Milford Sound Boat Tour
Day 5: Drive to Queenstown
Day 6: Queenstown
Day 7: Fox Glacier Hike
Day 8: Lake Matheson - Drive to Greymouth
Day 9: Pancake Rocks - Drive to Blenheim
Day 10: Vineyards or Nelson
Day 11: Ferry from Picton to Wellington (RV Ferry)
Day 12: Wellington - Drive to Tongariro
Day 13: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike
Day 14: Drive to Rotoura - Thermal Highway
Day 15: Waitamo Glow Worm Caves - Drive to Hamilton
Day 16: Hobbiton Tour - Drive to Auckland
Day 17: Depart
This was our itinerary. See other itinerary suggestions below!
How To Use This Map
This map is created in Google Maps. Click on it to open in a new window. Then click the icon at the top that says "open with my google maps." The map will become interactive. You can see the towns we stayed in and many of the stops we made along the way. Each one also includes a photo! Enjoy!
Our favorite New Zealand places!
And you'll see why!
Mud pots found along the Thermal Explorer Highway.
There are vineyards all over New Zealand. This one is outside of Blenheim in the South Island.
The sun setting on the Otago Pennisula. You can also find the nesting areas for albatross and a variety of penguins!
Mud pots found along the Thermal Explorer Highway.
Build your own adventure!
10-14 Day Itinerary
South Island
Day 1: Arrive Christchurch
Day 2: Drive to Otago Peninsula - Moeraki Boulders - Penguins
Day 3: Peninsula Hike - Drive to Milford Sound
Day 4: Milford Sound Boat Tour
Day 5: Drive to Queenstown
Day 6: Queenstown
Day 7: Fox Glacier Hike or Franz Joseph Glacier Hike
Day 8: Lake Matheson - Drive to Greymouth
Day 9: Pancake Rocks - Drive to Blenheim
Day 10: Blenheim to Christchurch and depart
Add extra days to Milford Sound (hiking), Queenstown (thrill seeking), the Glaciers (hiking), or Blenheim (wine country) depending what your interests are.
10-14 Day Itinerary
North Island
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Auckland to Hobbiton & Waitamo (Glow Worm Caves)
Day 3: Waitamo to New Plymouth
Day 4: Explore Mt. Taranki
Day 5: New Plymouth to Tongariro National Park
Day 6: Explore Tongariro, Lake Taupo, Thermal parks
Day 7: Drive to Napier
Day 8: Napier and surrounding area
Day 9: Drive to Rotorua - Maori cultural experience
Day 10: Drive to Auckland and depart
*Add extra days to extend your drive down to Wellington, extend your drive to the northeastern coastline or the northwestern islands.
Helpful Links
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There are many parks along the Thermal Explorer Highway. The parks charge a small fee to enter. It is one of the top thermal areas in the world! (But in my opinion Yellowstone is takes the cake).
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These caves were filmed in the Planet Earth series.
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This is the camper van rental place we used. They were fantastic, but on the more expensive side. We booked out van late, so we had to pay a higher price.
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There are TONS of camper van parks. There are also apps to help you find them.
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Take a cruise out in to the fjord. It is well worth the price!
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Car Ferry Wellington to Picton
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This ferry will carry you AND your vehicle from one island to the next. Pretty nifty.
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You can also tour Franz Joseph Glacier. If you only want to see them, you can walk up an easy path. If you want to climb or walk on them, then you'll need a tour.
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Looking for an interesting place to stay? This hostel is one of a kind!
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Things To Do
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Bungee Jumping
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Trekking/Hiking EVERYWHERE
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Short Hikes
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Day Hikes
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Multi-Day Backpacking
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Wine Tours
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Food Tours
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Maori Cultural Experience
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Diving
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Thermal Parks
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Hobbiton
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Glow Worm Caves
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Rock Climbing
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Biking
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Glacier Tours
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Bird Watching
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Skiing
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Snowshoeing
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Whale/Dolphin Watching
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Cruise the Sounds
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Pancake Rocks
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Visit a local market
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Visit a beach anywhere on the coast
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Check out a volcano
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Visit Lake Taupo
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This list could go on and on, but this is a good starting place.
Check out our blog to help you prepare for New Zealand!
