New Zealand in 7-10 days
New Zealand in 1 Week
New Zealand may be small but it packs an adventurous punch. In one week, you can see a lot, but be prepared for a little bit of driving. Another option is to stay in Queenstown or Christchurch and take day trips.
Days 1-3, Queenstown: Take an all day Lord of the Rings tour, experience the thrill of Jet boating, Bungee Jumping, Skyline Luge, and Paragliding. Enjoy a demonstration of the native dance, the Haka, and learn about the native culture.
Day 4, Milford Sound: Take a half day cruise around beautiful Milford Sound, see waterfalls, hike, and catch a glimpse of a seal. Return to Queenstown for dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants along the lake.
Day 5, Mount Cook & Fox Glacier: Walk on a real glacier, hike the Mount Cook trail and enjoy a meal at the lodge before hitting the road.
Day 6-7, Nelson & Wellington: Visit and spend the night in the small seaside town of Nelson before making your way across the water to Wellington.
See All New Zealand in One Week Itineraries »
New Zealand in 2 Weeks
North Island
Day 1, Wellington: Visit the Wellington Museum and Weta Workshop - where the famous prosthetics from Lord of the Rings were created.
South Island
Days 2, Nelson: Enjoy this seaside town on the south island, just across the water from the north. Take half a day to explore Kahurangi National Park.
Day 3, Marlborough: Wine tasting premier Sauvignon Blanc and other wines from this new yet growing wine region.
Day 4-6, Mt. Cook & Fox Glacier: Walk on a real glacier, hike the Mount Cook trail and enjoy a meal at the lodge before hitting the road.
Day 7, Milford Sound: Spend a full day cruising around beautiful Milford Sound, see waterfalls, hike, and catch a glimpse of a seal. Head on to Queenstown for dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants along the lake.
Day 8-9, Queenstown: Take an all Lord of the Rings tour, experience the thrill of Jet boating, Bungee Jumping, Skyline Luge, and Paragliding. Enjoy a demonstration of the native dance, the Haka, and learn about the native culture.
Day 10, Fiordland National Park: Take a full day to explore this beautiful national park before heading to Christchurch.
Day 11-13, Coastal Drive: Enjoy a long coastal drive up the South Island’s east coast on your way to Christchurch.
Day 14, Christchurch: End your journey in bustling Christchurch, do some shopping and sightseeing around the city.
See All New Zealand in Two Weeks Itineraries »
Active Adventure Tour in New Zealand
Day 1, Wellington: Take the ferry across to the South Island - the thrills start here as waters can be choppy!
Day 2-3, Nelson: Abel Tasman National Park, sea kayaking along the Abel Tasman coastline, Tonga Arches, go whitewater rafting on Buller River
Day 4, Paparoa National Park: Pancake Rocks, go rafting through a black-water cave lit by glow-worms
Day 5-6, Franz Joseph: View Franz Josef glacier from a thrilling helicopter ride and walk on Fox Glacier.
Day 7-8, Wanaka: Hike Wilkin River, go mountain biking, and enjoy leisure time by Lake Wanaka. Hike to Rob Roy Glacier.
Day 9-11, Queenstown: Visit the original bungee jumping site at AJ Hackett, go jetboating, take in the views as you soar down in the Skyline Luge or enjoy a tandem paraglide.
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