North to south white knuckle
Epic adventures from North to South Island
Begin your New Zealand trip in Auckland and make the short journey to Coromandel and on to Raglan for pristine beaches, rainforests and the chance to go sea kayaking around the coast. Next, travel to the hot springs of Rotorua, making sure to explore the region’s Maori culture, before visiting Lake Taupo’s cave art. Finish your North Island experience in cultural Wellington, before hopping across the Cook Strait to Kaikoura for whale-watching and spectacular views of the Kaikoura Seaward Range. From Christchurch, you can travel to Lake Tekapo for stargazing, before getting your adrenaline pumping in adventure capital Queenstown and its smaller sister Wanaka. Finally, visit the vast Franz Josef Glacier before ending your trip in Christchurch.
Key information
| Destinations | Queenstown, Lake Tekapo, Rotorua, Coromandel Peninsula, Kaikoura, Wanaka, Auckland, Franz Josef Glacier, Lake Taupo, Christchurch, Raglan, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Activity | Active, Nature & Wildlife, Solo Travel |
| Physical Level | Mild |
Suggested itinerary
Explore scenic Auckland
Day 1 in Auckland
Forget the city’s high-rise centre; the beauty of Auckland is the scenery surrounding it. From surf beaches to the islands of Hauraki Gulf, volcanic peaks to fertile farmland, it’s no surprise that the greater Auckland region features high in lists of the world’s most liveable places. This is the perfect introduction to New Zealand.
Taste adventure in the Coromandel
Day 2 in Coromandel Peninsula
Visible across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula has some of the most famous beaches in the country. Head to secluded Cathedral Cove for a picnic and swim, sea kayak around the coast or visit Hot Water Beach to dig out your own hot pool.
The centre of the peninsula is covered in forested hills, thick rainforest with plenty of opportunity for adventure such as canyoning at the 300m high Sleeping God Canyon. The Pinnacles Walk in the Coromandel Forest Park is a highlight, and can be done as a one-day or overnight hike. The summit of the Pinnacles is at 758m and has great views of the forest and peninsula. Some parts are very steep.
Don't miss
Soak in Coromandel’s Hot Water Beach
Visit Hot Water Beach either side of low-tide and you’ll find hot water bubbling through the sand. Dig your own spa pool and dive in.
Go surfing in Raglan
Day 3 in Raglan
The surfing town of Raglan on the Waikato coast is the perfect place to spend a few days lazing by the sea. Look for the black sand Ngarunui beach and the impossibly long surf breaks at Manu Bay, then spend evening enjoying its beach bars and restaurants.
Explore Maori history Rotorua
Day 4–5 in Rotorua
An eggy scent hangs over sulphuric Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island, which is home to spectacular geothermal springs, bubbling mud pools, geysers, and colourful geothermal terraces.
These natural features can be seen at various parks and open areas throughout Rotorua, but for a quieter experience, visit one outside the city. Orakei Korako, between Rotorua and Taupo, is a bit of a detour and requires a short boat ride to get across to the thermal terraces. If you’re driving a self-contained camper van, you’re allowed to park here overnight.
However, it’s not just the landscapes that attract visitors – 34% of Rotorua’s population is Maori, and cultural performances and banquets are worth seeing.
Don't miss
Dip your toes in the (very) hot springs of Rotorua
Unwind by the heavenly thermal pools at Rotorua, including the colourful Champagne Pool at Waiotapu and Waimangu Cauldron, otherwise known as Frying Pan Lake – where temperatures can reach a steamy 60C. For pools to swim in, try those at Waikite Valley.
Experience life in Tolkein's Middle-earth
Take a tour of the Hobbiton Movie Set, used for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film series, complete with a pint (and optional dress-up) in the Green Dragon inn. For avid fans, visit on the 22nd September for the Hobbit Day festivities and feasts.
See Waitomo Caves eerie glowworms
Take a 15-minute boat ride through Waitomo Caves to experience glowworm grotto, a hall filled with thousands of glowworms emitting a soft, illuminating light. Not to be missed.
Get on the water at Lake Taupo
Day 6–7 in Lake Taupo
Vast Lake Taupo is as big as Singapore and was created 2,000 years ago from a volcanic eruption so huge it would have been seen from China.
Today, visitors come for the magnificent Huka Falls, Maori rock carvings and watersports. Lake Taupo is also an excellent base for exploring nearby Tongariro National Park, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing day hike and skiing at Whakapapa.
Don't miss
Kayak around Lake Taupo
Enjoy a relaxing paddle in the crystal clear waters of Lake Taupo and explore the mysterious Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay, which can only be viewed from the water. The surrounding forests are also great for hiking and just north of Taupo you'll find the spectacular Huka Falls.
Tackle the 21km Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Go on a day-hike across the eery volcanic landscape of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Sprinkled with emerald lakes and soda springs, the 21km trail, which takes around seven hours to complete, winds around active volcanoes and features panoramic views across the harsh rocky terrain.
Visit cultural Wellington
Day 8–9 in Wellington
Creative Wellington has a claim to be New Zealand’s most cultural city. From art galleries to theatre, craft beer to coffee, Wellington is a compact city packing a powerful punch. If you’re still looking for outdoor activities, try mountain biking or sea-water kayaking, or take a walk on the Makara Peak track for views across the west coast beach.
Don't miss
Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Victoria
Venture to the top of Mount Victoria and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington. The Mount Victoria Lookout is a relatively easy walk from the city centre, along woodland trails that were used in The Lord of the Rings.
Whale-watching in Kaikoura
Day 10 in Kaikoura
Kaikoura is the place to see wildlife in New Zealand, set against the might of the Seaward Kaikoura mountain range, this is a stunningly beautiful stop.
The ocean currents and deep trench offshore mean the seas around Kaikoura are home to a huge variety of marine life year-round. Sperm whales, humpback whales, blue whales, orca, dusky dolphins, Hector’s dolphins, seals, albatross, penguins and sea birds, who come for the nutrient-rich waters that are perfect for feeding, can be seen on sightseeing cruises or flights (note a minimum age of three for cruises, but not flights).
See regeneration in action in Christchurch
Day 11 in Christchurch
Most travellers use Christchurch as a base for exploring the south island, but there is plenty to see in this upwardly-mobile city. Hit by a series of earthquakes between 2010-13 that destroyed many of its buildings, Christchurch is now an intriguing mix of cutting-edge architecture and historic buildings.
Stargaze at Lake Tekapo
Day 12 in Lake Tekapo
A highland lake in the middle of New Zealand’s south island, Lake Tekapo is best known for its incredibly clear skies that are perfect for stargazing. However, visitors also come for hiking, boating, mountain biking and windsurfing on the water.
Overlapping with the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park is New Zealand’s only International Dark Sky Reserve and the largest such reserve in the world, the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With almost no light pollution here whatsoever (settlements are few and far between), it’s a spectacular place to stargaze. Stargazing from open-air hot springs is also offered.
Don't miss
Lupin spotting at Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo’s sparkling emerald waters offer stunning views of the Southern Alps year-round, but flower-lovers should aim to visit between mid November-December for the thousands of lupins which decorate the waterfront.
Queenstown – the adventure capital of the world
Day 13–14 in Queenstown
New Zealand’s adventure sports capital is a surprisingly small town, famously the birthplace of bungy jumping, it’d be possible to spend days here hiking, biking, rafting, canyoning, zip lining or riding the luge.
However, if you’re after something less strenuous, it’s worth noting that Queenstown also has excellent vineyards and an exciting food scene. Tour nearby wineries, and enjoying the views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. It’s not a “typical” South Island town, but don’t let that get in the way of enjoying this pretty place.
Don't miss
Skydive high above the Glenorchy mountain range
The blue lakes and snow-capped mountains in and around Glenorchy are so stunning that they were used as locations for The Lord of the Rings films, and, for those who dare, skydiving is an incredible way to take in this amazing scenery.
More adventure, fewer visitors in Wanaka
Day 15–16 in Wanaka
Laidback Wanaka has a claim to be Queenstown’s cooler sibling.
Another little town on a lake (Lake Wanaka) and presided over by mountains, Wanaka is smaller than Queenstown. Offering similar adventure activities, but a less hectic, frenzied centre, Wanaka is an excellent place to get your day-time adventure thrills before an evening relaxing in quirky bars and modern restaurants.
As well as great day hikes in the nearby Mt. Aspiring National Park — such as to the Rob Roy Glacier, the Blue Pools and Mt. Brewster — travellers with more limited time can take a tour out to Mou Waho, an island in the middle of Lake Wanaka. This little island in a lake has it’s own lake at its summit, a 20-minute hike from the landing jetty.
Don't miss
Mountain biking in Wanaka
The Deans Bank 11km track through the Otago landscape offers fantastic mountain biking for intermediate-advanced riders, with views of the Clutha River and Southern Alps.
Visit the sparkling ice Franz Josef
Day 17–18 in Franz Josef Glacier
Franz Josef’s icy mass once flowed all the way into the sea, but after decades of global warming, the glacier has retreated inland and is now only accessible by helicopter. Try hiking trails, glacier experiences and adventure sports.
Journey through Arthurs Pass to Christchurch
Day 19–20 in Christchurch
On the way back to Christchurch, you'll traverse the South Island on the stunning TranzAlpine train crossing. Travelling across the Southern Alps through Arthur’s Pass, this is considered as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Along the way you’ll see epic vistas, travel the edges of the ice-fed Waimakariri River and see miles of native beech forest.
Where to stay
Classic
Haka Hotel Newmarket
Hake Hotel Newmarket is Auckland’s first 3-star rated hybrid hotel. Take your pick from their range of chic accommodation options including private rooms, studios with outside decks and innovative hotel-standard bunk rooms.
Superior
Rainforest Retreat
Rainforest Retreat is a unique destination with varied options to suit the budgets and needs of all travellers. Immerse yourself in the spectacular mountains and bush of New Zealand’s West Coast.
Book this itinerary
This route booked with one of our specialist tour operators would cost from NZ$6,499pp. Pricing varies by accommodation class, and can be tailored to suit your budget.
Pricing is typically inclusive of hotels, transfers, meals, and all guided excursions and activities.
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