New Zealand wildlife and waterways

Arrive in Auckland and explore Waitomo Caves

Day 1 in Auckland

From Auckland airport travel to the Waitomo Caves, which takes around three hours. Here, you can take a 3.5-kilometre shuttle ride and a short walk through the spectacular bushland to the caves. By candlelight you can explore Footwhistle Cave, also known as Te Anaroa Cave, where you can see the glimmering glowworms up close.

Get on the water at Lake Taupo

Day 2–3 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.

After Lake Taupo you can drive to Wai-O-Tapu, a geothermal system created over thousands of years of volcanic activity. The brilliant green jewels of geothermal waters are an impressive sight and another example of the sheer number of natural wonders New Zealand has to offer.

Get back to nature at Marlborough Sounds

Day 4–6 in Marlborough Region

The Marlborough is New Zealand’s largest wine-producing region and home to the Marloborough Sounds.

With vineyards stretch in every direction beneath the hills, the Sauvignon Blanc produced here is considered some of the finest in the world, so try some in Blenheim town.

For many overland travellers, the Marlborough Sounds are their first glimpse of the South Island. The huge maze of beaches and jagged area of islands, inlets, and sunken valleys offer scenic road trips, remote hikes, secluded beaches, gentle sea kayaking with different views at every turn. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even dive a shipwreck in Port Gore.

Although not a national park, there are more than 50 reserves here. Some can be driven to — like the refreshing Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve — while others require a boat transfer, like Motuara Island.

Whale-watching in Kaikoura

Day 7–9 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).

Stopover in Queenstown

Day 10 in Queenstown

Make the 3.5-hour drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch airport, and fly on to Queenstown. Spend the evening enjoying the vibrant restaurants and bars.

Cruise Milford Sound

Day 11 in Milford Sound

Even by New Zealand’s standards, Milford Sound is a truly spectacular sight. Located in the southwest of the South Island, the beautiful fjord is packed with jaw-droppingly beautiful natural features, including Mitre Peak, rainforests and stunning waterfalls, such as Stirling and Bowen Falls.

Explore the adventure capital of the world

Day 12–14 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.