📍 New Zealand

NEW ZEALAND COMPLETE: VOLCANOES, FJORDS AND COASTAL PARADISE

Geysers hissing in thermal mist, glaciers calving into turquoise lakes, fjords cutting through ancient rock. New Zealand, a continent in miniature.

≈ 27
Days
4322
Km
20
Stops
📖 12 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Follow Rotorua and its geysers, then trace the East Cape coast where ocean strikes rock. Cross Cook Strait to the South Island, head to Abel Tasman and its golden beaches, then approach Milford Sound and its dizzying cliffs. New Zealand strings together scenes, each road offering a new idea of adventure.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Rotorua

geothermal pools mud bubbles maori heritage

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6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Wai-o-Tapu geothermal park and observation of Lady Knox geyser
2
Visit to Rotorua museum and walk around the lake
🎯

Activities

→
Maori cultural evening at Tamaki village with haka and traditional meal
→
Relaxation in the thermal pools of Polynesian Spa
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 300 km
Travel time: 4h
2
Day

Tolaga Bay

longest wharf east cape isolation beauty

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6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Scenic route to East Cape, stops at black sand beaches and Tolaga Bay Wharf
🎯

Activities

→
Sunset over the bay and free exploration of deserted beaches
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 250 km
Travel time: 3h30
3
Day

Raukokore

white church headland dramatic coastal remoteness

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6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of East Cape lighthouse and the picturesque Raukokore church
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the coast to observe the wild landscapes of East Cape
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 180 km
Travel time: 2h30
4
Day

Gisborne

first sunrise wine region pacific warmth

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4 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Gisborne, first city to see the sun, and Tairawhiti museum
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting of local wines in the surrounding vineyards
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 290 km
Travel time: 4h
5
Day

Napier

art deco facades wine country gateway

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6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of the Art Deco city of Napier and the waterfront
🎯

Activities

→
Bike tour of Hawke's Bay vineyards with tastings
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 330 km
Travel time: 4h30
6
Day

Wellington

windy capital craft beer culture buzzing

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6 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Stop at Cape Palliser and the village of Castlepoint before arriving in Wellington
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of the capital's cafés and galleries
7
Day

Wellington

windy capital craft beer culture buzzing

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6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Ascent of Mount Victoria for panorama over Wellington
2
Visit to the national museum Te Papa Tongarewa
🎯

Activities

→
Walk along the waterfront before taking the ferry to the South Island
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 92 km
Travel time: 3h
8
Day

Picton

ferry gateway marlborough sounds island crossing

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6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Crossing of Cook Strait and arrival in Picton
2
Car exploration of Queen Charlotte Drive and viewpoints over the fjords
🎯

Activities

→
Short hike on the Queen Charlotte Track
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 140 km
Travel time: 2h
9
Day

Nelson

sunshine artist colony craft breweries thrive

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6 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to Nelson city center and its coffee roasters
🎯

Activities

→
Seaside walk at Tahunanui Beach
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 1h
10
Day

Abel Tasman

golden beaches kayaking coastal track paradise

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9 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Entry into Abel Tasman National Park and coastal walk to Anchorage Bay
🎯

Activities

→
Kayaking along the golden coast and seal watching
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 100 km
Travel time: 1h30
11
Day

Golden Bay

farewell spit seal colony remote beauty

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9 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Farewell Spit and the dunes of Golden Bay
🎯

Activities

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Bird watching and beach walk
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 250 km
Travel time: 3h30
12
Day

Karamea

oparara arches limestone wilderness road ends

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6 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Scenic route to the west coast, discovery of the limestone formations of Oparara Basin
🎯

Activities

→
Tasting of local whitebait and cave exploration
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 330 km
Travel time: 4h30
13
Day

Punakaiki

pancake rocks blowholes coastal drama west

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6 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the Pancake Rocks and marine geysers of Punakaiki
🎯

Activities

→
Coastal walk in Paparoa National Park
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 230 km
Travel time: 3h30
14
Day

Franz Josef

glacier hiking rainforest ice river walk

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8 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Franz Josef Glacier observation and walk to the viewpoint
🎯

Activities

→
Scenic flight over the glaciers
→
Photo of Lake Matheson and its alpine reflections
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 280 km
Travel time: 4h
15
Day

Wanaka

lake serenity lone tree mountain backdrop

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6 photos
Day 15
🔍

Discover

1
Route via Haast Pass with stops at waterfalls and alpine lakes
2
Walk along the shores of Lake Wanaka
🎯

Activities

→
Short hike in Mount Aspiring National Park
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 1h30
16
Day

Queenstown

bungy birthplace lake wakatipu adventure hub

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6 photos
Day 16
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Queenstown city center and Lake Wakatipu
🎯

Activities

→
Adventure activities: bungee jumping, paragliding or jet boat
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 2h30
17
Day

Te Anau

fiordland gateway glowworm caves lake peace

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10 photos
Day 17
🔍

Discover

1
Journey to Te Anau with stop at Arrowtown, former mining village
🎯

Activities

→
Preparation for Milford Sound visit at the DOC center
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 240 km
Travel time: 3h30
18
Day

Milford Sound

sheer cliffs waterfalls dolphins fjord majesty

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10 photos
Day 18
🔍

Discover

1
Cruise in Milford Sound fjord with observation of Mitre Peak and waterfalls
🎯

Activities

→
Short hike on the Milford Track
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 470 km
Travel time: 7h
19
Day

Mount Cook

aoraki glacier views highest peak stargazing

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10 photos
Day 19
🔍

Discover

1
Scenic route to Mount Cook with stop at Lake Pukaki
2
Hooker Valley Track hike for views of Mount Cook
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of Tasman Glacier and its lake
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 310 km
Travel time: 4h30
20
Day

Christchurch

garden city rebuild innovation street art

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4 photos
Day 20
🔍

Discover

1
Route via Lake Tekapo and its Church of the Good Shepherd
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of Christchurch center and walk in the botanical gardens
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 90 km
Travel time: 1h30
21
Day

Akaroa

french settlement dolphins volcanic harbor charm

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6 photos
Day 21
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to Banks Peninsula and visit to Akaroa with French charm
🎯

Activities

→
Observation of Hector's dolphins during a cruise
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 80 km
Travel time: 1h10

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🛡️ Travel advice - New Zealand

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (December-February): Peak season with warmest weather (18-25°C), long daylight hours, and best conditions for hiking, beaches, and outdoor activities. Highest prices and crowds.

Autumn (March-May): Excellent weather with comfortable temperatures (12-22°C), stunning fall colors, and fewer tourists. Great value season with stable weather conditions.

Winter (June-August): Cool temperatures (5-15°C) perfect for skiing, fewer crowds, and lower accommodation rates. Best time for Southern Alps snow sports and cozy indoor experiences.

Spring (September-November): Mild weather (10-20°C) with blooming landscapes, moderate crowds, and good value. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities before summer crowds arrive.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 22 and 32 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in New Zealand?

Adventure paradise with stunning landscapes, Maori culture, and outdoor activities. Experience Lord of the Rings scenery, traditional culture, and incredible natural beauty. The country offers adventure activities with cultural authenticity and natural preservation. New Zealand provides life-changing experiences with natural wonders and cultural richness.