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THE ITINERARY COLLECTION
SOUTH PACIFIC / NEW ZEALAND

A 20-Day New Zealand Itinerary across Both Islands

A dinner in the Shire. A train through the mountains. A lake around the next bend. This one deserves some time.

A roughly three-week journey across both islands, from Auckland and Rotorua to Kaikōura, the West Coast, Wānaka, Queenstown, and Lake Tekapo, finishing in Christchurch.

Explore the itinerary
Alisha and Matt together on a Bora Bora beach

A trip from Alisha & MattPlanned with couples in mind.

Alisha and Matt at Milford Sound with Mitre Peak beyond
Two islands. A few very good reasons to take your time.

YOUR TIME20 days · 19 nights

THE ROUTEAuckland → Christchurch

GETTING AROUNDRoad + domestic flight + rail

THE BIG SCENERYMilford Sound + alpine lakes

THE TRIP, IN A FEW WORDS

Give it three weeks.
Let the scenery change.

Start with Auckland, Waitomo, and a longer Rotorua stay for Hobbiton, the redwoods, and geothermal outings. Then fly to Christchurch and make a short Kaikōura loop before taking the TranzAlpine west.

The second half follows the West Coast to Wānaka and Queenstown, then returns through the Mackenzie lakes to Christchurch. This page follows the New Zealand route only, with the Fiji extension left separate.

See how the route fits together ↘
A LITTLE ORIENTATION

North Island first.
South Island next.

Begin with a North Island road trip, fly south, then combine the TranzAlpine with another road trip. The first and final days include airport travel.

ROUTE DIAGRAM · NOT TO SCALE
Auckland → RotoruaWaitomo + Hobbiton
Christchurch + coastKaikōura + TranzAlpine
West Coast → QueenstownFranz Josef + Wānaka
Tekapo → ChristchurchLake country + departure
TWENTY DAYS · TWO ISLANDS · START AUCKLAND, FINISH CHRISTCHURCH
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE

Planning your New Zealand stay

Three car arrangements, with a flight and train

Return the North Island car before flying south. A separate Christchurch–Kaikōura rental comes before the TranzAlpine, and another car is collected at Greymouth. Arrange each handoff around the actual flight or rail service.

Choose the weather-dependent highlight

A glacier flight should not make the Franz Josef-to-Wānaka drive a race. Likewise, agree on the Milford outing’s return alternative before relying on a scenic flight back.

Twenty days includes the moves

Arrival, the domestic flight, the rail day, and departure are part of the count. Add time if a full mountain walk or an extra island region is a priority rather than treating every day as a full sightseeing day.

THE ROUTE AT A GLANCE

Your New Zealand route and overnight stays

DayRoute or focusOvernight
1AUCKLAND · ARRIVALQT Auckland.
2AUCKLAND → WAITOMOWaitomo Village Chalets, Home of Kiwipaka.
3WAITOMO → ROTORUAPullman Rotorua.
4ROTORUA · OPTIONAL BLUE SPRING · HOBBITONPullman Rotorua.
5ROTORUA · REDWOODS · TE PĀ TŪPullman Rotorua.
6KAITUNA RIVER · ROTORUAPullman Rotorua.
7WAI-O-TAPU · WAIKITE VALLEYPullman Rotorua.
8ROTORUA → CHRISTCHURCH → KAIKŌURASudima Kaikōura.
9KAIKŌURA → CHRISTCHURCHCrowne Plaza Christchurch.
10CHRISTCHURCH · CITY TIMECrowne Plaza Christchurch.
11CHRISTCHURCH → GREYMOUTH → FRANZ JOSEFAspen Court Franz Josef Motel.
12FRANZ JOSEF → HAAST PASS → WĀNAKAMarina Terrace Apartments, Wānaka.
13WĀNAKA · LAKESIDE TIMEMarina Terrace Apartments, Wānaka.
14WĀNAKA → CARDRONA → ARROWTOWN → QUEENSTOWNKamana Lakehouse, Queenstown.
15QUEENSTOWN → MILFORD SOUND → QUEENSTOWNQT Queenstown.
16GLENORCHY · SHOTOVER · QUEENSTOWNQT Queenstown.
17QUEENSTOWN · TOWN AND LAKEQT Queenstown.
18QUEENSTOWN → LAKE PUKAKI → LAKE TEKAPOGrand Suites Lake Tekapo.
19LAKE TEKAPO → CHRISTCHURCHThe George, Christchurch.
20CHRISTCHURCH · DEPARTUREOnward travel.
THE PLAN

Your New Zealand itinerary, day by day

Open a day for the details. Keep the whole route close.

20 days · two islandsA ROUTE TO MAKE YOUR OWN
NEW ZEALAND · THE ROUTE
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DAY1

Hello, Auckland.

AUCKLAND · ARRIVAL
The Auckland skyline and Sky Tower seen from Mount Eden

Collect the car, settle in, and keep the first afternoon light after the flight.

  • Arrive at Auckland AirportAllow time for arrival formalities and rental-car collection.
  • Check in at QT AucklandFit the city time to your arrival and energy.
  • A first Auckland walkChoose a short waterfront or central-city walk that fits your arrival and energy.
  • Dinner at The ConservatoryThis is the arrival-evening restaurant. Confirm current opening and reservations.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
QT Auckland.

DAY2

From the city to the glowworms.

AUCKLAND → WAITOMO
Alisha beside illuminated limestone formations inside a cave at Waitomo

Start with Mount Eden, then leave enough travel time for the cave outings.

  • Mount EdenChoose the permitted walking route and viewing areas for your visit.
  • Drive to WaitomoLeave room for the drive and lunch before a timed tour.
  • Ruakuri CaveConsider a guided cave visit. Check the current check-in point and departure.
  • Spellbound glowworm outingIf doing both tours, confirm that the timings and travel between meeting points work. Otherwise choose one.
  • Settle into WaitomoTomo Bar & Eatery is a dinner option. Add the Ruakuri Bushwalk only if time and current conditions allow.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Waitomo Village Chalets, Home of Kiwipaka.

DAY3

A waterfall on the way to Rotorua.

WAITOMO → ROTORUA
Alisha looking toward Marokopa Falls amid green forest

Make this a road day with a scenic stop and a quieter evening.

  • Marokopa FallsThe waterfall is the morning stop in this route. Check current access before the detour.
  • Continue to RotoruaLeave room for lunch and the drive rather than adding another major outing.
  • Check in at Pullman RotoruaThis becomes the base for the next several nights.
  • Eat Street and the lakefrontEl Mexicano Zapata Cantina is a dinner option, followed by a walk if you feel like it.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Pullman Rotorua.

DAY4

An evening in the Shire.

ROTORUA · OPTIONAL BLUE SPRING · HOBBITON
Alisha and Matt at a round red door at Hobbiton

Keep the morning easy and build the afternoon around the Hobbiton experience.

  • A slow Rotorua morningLeave room for breakfast and a relaxed start.
  • Optional Blue Spring stopCheck current Te Waihou Walkway access before adding Blue Spring. Use only open, marked routes.
  • Hobbiton Evening Banquet TourConfirm the experience, meeting point, and check-in instructions for your own booking.
  • Return to RotoruaAllow for a late finish and the drive back to your base.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Pullman Rotorua.

DAY5

Redwoods, a farm, and an evening together.

ROTORUA · REDWOODS · TE PĀ TŪ
Alisha and Matt together beneath tall redwoods in Rotorua

A forest morning and cultural evening frame the day. Keep the farm outing only if the timings leave room.

  • Redwood Memorial GroveChoose a marked forest walk for the morning.
  • Lunch at EastwoodThis is a lunch option.
  • Agrodome, if it fitsArrange the farm visit around the evening pickup, leaving enough time to return and get ready.
  • Te Pā TūArrange the cultural experience and dinner, including transfers and dietary requests, directly with your booking provider.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Pullman Rotorua.

DAY6

A river outing and redwoods after dark.

KAITUNA RIVER · ROTORUA
Matt on a suspended walkway among illuminated redwoods in Rotorua

Let the morning activity and evening tree walk be enough. Keep the middle of the day flexible.

  • Kaituna rafting, if it suits your groupOne provider to consider is Kaituna Cascades. Check current conditions, participation requirements, and what to bring with the operator.
  • Lunch at Okere Falls StoreThe lunch stop is close to the river outing in this route.
  • An open afternoonRest or choose some Rotorua time before dinner and the night walk.
  • Dinner and the Redwoods night walkThe Fainting Goat and the illuminated tree walk are the evening ideas. Confirm the tree-walk entry arrangements.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Pullman Rotorua.

DAY7

Geothermal color, then warm water.

WAI-O-TAPU · WAIKITE VALLEY
Alisha looking across a steaming geothermal pool at Wai-O-Tapu

Keep the geothermal park as the morning outing and the hot pools for the afternoon.

  • Wai-O-TapuExplore the park on the current marked visitor routes.
  • Lady Knox Geyser, if operatingCheck the current presentation schedule when arranging your visit.
  • Lunch near the parkChoose the park café or another stop that fits the day.
  • Waikite Valley HotpoolsCheck current entry arrangements and bring what the operator recommends.
  • Back to RotoruaPig & Whistle or Indian takeaway are dinner ideas from this route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Pullman Rotorua.

DAY8

Fly south. Head for the coast.

ROTORUA → CHRISTCHURCH → KAIKŌURA

This is a transfer day, with the flight and drive taking priority.

  • Return the North Island rental carCoordinate the return with your flight check-in.
  • Fly to ChristchurchChoose a current service or connection that leaves time for the coastal drive.
  • Collect the next rental carArrange pickup in Christchurch and its later return around the rail journey.
  • Drive to KaikōuraCheck the road and allow time for a meal or break.
  • Settle in and reconfirm the outingCheck the next day’s sea conditions and reporting instructions. Add a short peninsula viewpoint only if there is time.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Sudima Kaikōura.

DAY9

A morning on the water.

KAIKŌURA → CHRISTCHURCH

Make the dolphin outing the main event, then return to Christchurch without rushing the drive.

  • Dolphin EncounterConsider a swim experience. Confirm operation, participation requirements, and current instructions; wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
  • Lunch after the outingKeep enough time for the onward drive.
  • A coastal stop, if timeUse permitted viewpoints and observe wildlife from an appropriate distance.
  • Continue to ChristchurchCheck in at Crowne Plaza.
  • Dinner at The Church PubWe liked dining in the old-church setting. Check current opening and reservations before making it your evening stop.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Crowne Plaza Christchurch.

DAY10

A day around Christchurch.

CHRISTCHURCH · CITY TIME
A heritage tram passing the colorful buildings of New Regent Street in Christchurch

Use the tram and city walks to keep the day flexible before the train journey west.

  • Historic Christchurch TramCheck the current route and ticket arrangements, then choose where to get off.
  • Riverside MarketUse the market for a flexible lunch.
  • Avon River and New Regent StreetChoose a walk through the central streets and riverfront.
  • Arts Centre or cathedral areasPick the stops that interest you, checking current visitor access.
  • An easy city eveningChiwahwah is a dinner option in this route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Crowne Plaza Christchurch.

DAY11

Across the Alps, then down the coast.

CHRISTCHURCH → GREYMOUTH → FRANZ JOSEF
Alisha and Matt sitting above the turquoise water at Hokitika Gorge

The train is the center of the day. Keep the later road stops conditional on its actual arrival.

  • TranzAlpine to GreymouthArrange the rail journey and check-in instructions before the trip.
  • Collect a car in GreymouthCoordinate pickup with the station arrival and allow time for lunch.
  • Optional Hokitika GorgeOnly add the detour if current access and your remaining drive leave enough room.
  • Continue to Franz JosefCheck the road and let your accommodation know if arriving later.
  • Dinner in townMonsoon or The Landing are ideas from this route.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Aspen Court Franz Josef Motel.

DAY12

The West Coast to Wānaka.

FRANZ JOSEF → HAAST PASS → WĀNAKA
Matt beside the river below Thunder Creek Falls on the Haast Pass route

Give the drive space. Glacier flying is conditional, and you do not need every scenic stop to make this a full day.

  • Optional glacier flightOnly add a glacier flight that is operating and leaves enough time for the drive. Confirm the operator’s weather alternative before booking.
  • A short glacier-area viewpoint, if appropriateCheck current visitor and trail access locally; do not rely on old glacier-walk descriptions.
  • Drive through Haast PassCheck road conditions before leaving and choose a small number of stops.
  • Waterfall stops, if openThunder Creek Falls and Fantail Falls are in this route. Use the permitted viewing routes.
  • Arrive in WānakaSettle into the apartment and keep the evening easy.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Marina Terrace Apartments, Wānaka.

DAY13

A slower day beside Lake Wānaka.

WĀNAKA · LAKESIDE TIME
The lone Wānaka tree in the lake beneath an overcast mountain backdrop

Use this as a break between road days. The longer mountain walks remain separate options, not extra appointments.

  • Breakfast and Puzzling WorldDripping Bowl and Puzzling World are the morning ideas.
  • Food-truck lunchChoose lunch around what is open.
  • A flexible afternoonThe lavender farm is an optional seasonal idea. Keep time to rest or enjoy the lake instead.
  • A lakeshore walkHead toward Edgewater. Choose your turnaround point for the time and conditions.
  • Dinner in WānakaFrancesca’s is the evening restaurant.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Marina Terrace Apartments, Wānaka.

DAY14

Arrowtown on the way to Queenstown.

WĀNAKA → CARDRONA → ARROWTOWN → QUEENSTOWN
A historic building on Buckingham Street in Arrowtown

Make the move a scenic day, then leave the afternoon for the first Queenstown stay.

  • Cardrona and the Crown RangeChoose the route and stops for current road and weather conditions.
  • ArrowtownWalk through the heritage streets and choose a café or lunch stop.
  • A little local historyThe Chinese Settlement and Lakes District Museum are ideas.
  • Check in at Kamana LakehouseKeep the afternoon for the hotel.
  • Dinner and an optional soakConsider Nest Lounge and a private soak if the current booking arrangements suit your arrival.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Kamana Lakehouse, Queenstown.

DAY15

Give Milford Sound the day.

QUEENSTOWN → MILFORD SOUND → QUEENSTOWN
Alisha and Matt together in the cabin of a small sightseeing plane

Keep the road, cruise, and possible scenic flight together as one full-day outing.

  • An organized Milford Sound day tripConfirm the pickup, transport, and meal arrangements with your provider.
  • Cruise the soundMake the boat outing the main event, subject to operation and conditions.
  • Scenic flight return, if operatingThis route aimed for a flight back and changed the day around the weather. Confirm the provider’s alternative if flying is not possible.
  • Move to QT QueenstownArrange your luggage and hotel change around the day trip.
  • Dinner at Margo’sThe cauliflower appetizer was liked enough to prompt a second visit later in the stay.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
QT Queenstown.

DAY16

A scenic drive and a fast boat.

GLENORCHY · SHOTOVER · QUEENSTOWN
Alisha overlooking Lake Wakatipu from a lookout on the Glenorchy road

Keep an eye on the road conditions and leave enough time between the drive and the booked outing.

  • Drive toward GlenorchyMake the scenic road part of the day, with stops only where permitted and conditions suitable.
  • Lunch around GlenorchyChoose a café that fits your return timing.
  • Shotover JetConfirm the current meeting point, reporting time, and participation requirements.
  • Dinner and the waterfrontFlame Bar and Grill is a dinner option, followed by a promenade walk if you want one.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
QT Queenstown.

DAY17

A Queenstown day without the long drive.

QUEENSTOWN · TOWN AND LAKE
Alisha walking toward Steamer Wharf in Queenstown

Keep one day for the town, the lake, and whichever smaller outing you feel like.

  • A town and waterfront wanderUse the morning for shops and lakeside time. A market is an option only if one operates during your visit.
  • Fergburger or FergbakerThese are food stops from this route.
  • Choose one optional outingKiwi Park or Skyline are ideas. Check operation and allow enough time to enjoy the one you choose.
  • Margo’s again, if you wantReturn here if you want another meal, or choose something closer to your evening plans.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
QT Queenstown.

DAY18

Through the passes to lake country.

QUEENSTOWN → LAKE PUKAKI → LAKE TEKAPO
The stone Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo

This is already a substantial driving day. Keep the full Hooker Valley walk for extra time rather than promising it alongside every stop.

  • Lindis PassMake a permitted viewpoint stop on the drive north.
  • Choose a detourThe Omarama Clay Cliffs are an option if access, time, and road conditions suit.
  • Lake PukakiLeave time for a viewpoint and the mountain scenery.
  • Optional Aoraki / Mount Cook side tripCheck current road and track access. A full Hooker Valley outing needs its own weather window and time allowance; do not squeeze it into an already long transfer day.
  • Continue to Lake TekapoCheck in and enjoy the lakefront. Make stargazing an optional outing that fits your arrival and the sky conditions.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Grand Suites Lake Tekapo.

DAY19

Back to Christchurch, at a quieter pace.

LAKE TEKAPO → CHRISTCHURCH
A view along the Avon River from a punt in Christchurch, with our feet stretched out in the boat

Finish the road trip and leave the afternoon for a slower city outing.

  • Fairlie BakehouseThis is the breakfast-stop idea on the return route.
  • Drive to ChristchurchAllow time for the journey and hotel arrival.
  • Check in at The GeorgeSettle in before the afternoon outing.
  • Punting on the AvonWe found the outing peaceful and relaxing. Confirm current departures before building the afternoon around it.
  • Botanic Gardens and dinnerAdd a garden stroll if you feel like it. Kum Pun Thai is a dinner option.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
The George, Christchurch.

DAY20

Homeward, or onward.

CHRISTCHURCH · DEPARTURE

Keep the final day for the rental return and your next flight.

  • Breakfast and a final city stopOnly add a short outing if the flight leaves room.
  • Return the rental carFollow your current rental agreement and airport instructions.
  • Depart ChristchurchArrange your onward destination separately. The Fiji extension is outside this itinerary.

WHERE YOU’LL SLEEP
Onward travel.

Alisha at the door of a TranzAlpine carriage during a stop
MAKE ROOM FOR THIS

For one morning,
let someone else drive.

The TranzAlpine changes the rhythm of the trip. Travel from Christchurch to Greymouth, collect the next rental car, and continue down the West Coast.

A GOOD PLACE TO LAND

Where to put your feet up.

Places to stay along the route.

A PLACE TO LAND.
A BASE TO EXPLORE.
AUCKLAND · ONE NIGHT

QT Auckland

The first overnight, with time for a city walk and dinner after arrival.

Find it on the map
ROTORUA · FIVE NIGHTS

Pullman Rotorua

The longer North Island base for Hobbiton, the redwoods, geothermal outings, and the surrounding area.

Find it on the map
KAIKŌURA · ONE NIGHT

Sudima Kaikōura

The coastal overnight before the planned dolphin outing and return to Christchurch.

Find it on the map
WĀNAKA · TWO NIGHTS

Marina Terrace Apartments

The lakeside base after the West Coast drive, with time for a slower day before Queenstown.

Find it on the map
QUEENSTOWN · THREE NIGHTS

QT Queenstown

The main Queenstown base after the first night at Kamana Lakehouse.

Find it on the map
LAKE TEKAPO · ONE NIGHT

Grand Suites Lake Tekapo

The lake-country overnight before returning to Christchurch.

Find it on the map

Other overnights in the route: Waitomo Village Chalets, Aspen Court Franz Josef Motel, two nights at Crowne Plaza Christchurch, one Queenstown night at Kamana Lakehouse, and the final night at The George in Christchurch.

FROM OUR TRIP · WHAT WE REMEMBER

A few things that stayed with us.

Some of the clearest comments from the trip were about a meal, a quiet afternoon, and a walk we want to finish.

Margo’s, twice.

We liked the tropical buttermilk popcorn cauliflower enough to return for it. Keep Margo’s on the Queenstown dinner list, and check the current menu.

The Church Pub in Christchurch.

The old-church setting made an impression. It was the kind of dinner stop we wrote down for more than just the food.

Punting on the Avon.

We found the outing peaceful and relaxing. It fits well near the end, when the trip has already covered a lot of ground.

Hooker Valley, unfinished.

We only walked part of it in the rain. We would like to return for the full walk in clearer weather.

A NOTE FROM ALISHA & MATT

Leave room
for the weather.
And the drive.

The road days are part of this trip. Keep them roomy, and let the flight, train, and weather-dependent outings set the few appointments that matter.

Alisha & Matt
01

Plan the transport handoffs first.

The route uses a North Island car, a short Christchurch–Kaikōura rental, then another car after the train to Greymouth. Arrange pickup and return points around the flight and rail connections.

02

Keep a little weather room.

Milford Sound, glacier flying, the coast, and the alpine walks depend on conditions. Keep alternatives and avoid stacking a long drive with every possible walk along the way.

03

Choose one big outing at a time.

A full mountain walk, scenic drive, and evening tour can turn a day into a checklist. Pick the part you care about most, then let the smaller stops fit around it.

BEFORE YOU GO

A few good questions.

Does this include Fiji?

No. This page ends with departure from Christchurch. The Fiji extension and international flight connections are separate from the New Zealand route.

Is this twenty full sightseeing days?

No. The twenty days include arrival in Auckland, the domestic flight south, rail and road transfers, and departure from Christchurch. Several days are deliberately lighter.

Do we take the car between the islands?

This route flies from Rotorua to Christchurch and changes rental cars. It does not include a ferry crossing.

Are the glacier flight and full Hooker Valley walk guaranteed highlights?

No. Glacier flying depends on operation and conditions. A full Hooker Valley walk needs a suitable weather window and its own time; keep it as a separately planned option.

Are ZORB and the Rotorua luge part of the core route?

Neither is scheduled in this route. Add time in Rotorua and check current participation requirements if either is a priority for you.

How do we keep a copy?

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