Two Weeks in New Zealand: The Ultimate North and South Island Loop

Step by step

1. Book an 'Open Jaw' flight

   Book your arrival into Auckland (AKL) and your departure out of Christchurch (CHC). This saves you 15-20 hours of backtracking across the country.

2. Rent a reliable vehicle

   Book a rental car or campervan at least 3 months in advance. Ensure it has an 'inter-island' policy if you plan to take the ferry with your vehicle, though dropping one car in Wellington and picking up another in Picton is often easier.

3. Master the ferry crossing

   Book your Interislander or Bluebridge ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton well in advance. The 3.5-hour crossing is weather-dependent, so always check the ferry operator's website on the morning of travel.

4. Download offline maps

   Cell service is non-existent in the mountainous regions of the South Island. Download Google Maps for the entire country before you leave your hotel Wi-Fi.

Packing

• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket (essential for all seasons)
• Sturdy hiking boots (broken in before arrival)
• Layerable merino wool base layers
• Universal power adapter (Type I)

Itinerary

• 1 — Explore the Auckland Viaduct Harbour. — Arrive in Auckland, pick up rental car. — Drive to Waiheke Island for a vineyard lunch. — Traffic in Auckland is heavy; allow 45 minutes to get from the airport to the city center.
• 2 — Continue 1 hour to Rotorua. — Drive 3 hours to Matamata. — Tour the Hobbiton Movie Set. — Book Hobbiton tickets at least 4 weeks ahead.
• 3 — Attend a traditional Māori Hāngī dinner experience. — Visit Te Puia geothermal park. — Soak in the Polynesian Spa. — The smell of sulfur in Rotorua is strong; get used to it quickly.
• 4 — Stay in Taupō town center. — Drive to Lake Taupō (1 hour). — View Huka Falls and take a boat trip. — Taupō is great for lake-front dining.
• 5 — Dinner on Cuba Street, Wellington. — Drive south to Wellington (5 hours). — Stop in the Wairarapa wine region. — Wellington is incredibly windy; carry a windbreaker.
• 6 — Overnight in Picton. — Visit Te Papa Museum. — Take the ferry to Picton (afternoon sailing). — Ferry check-in is 60 minutes before departure.
• 7 — Stay in Kaiteriteri. — Drive to Nelson (2 hours). — Explore Abel Tasman National Park. — Water taxis are the best way to see the park.
• 8 — Stay in Greymouth or Hokitika. — Drive toward the West Coast (4-5 hours). — Stop at Punakaiki (Pancake Rocks). — The West Coast road is winding; drive slowly.
• 9 — Dinner in Wanaka. — View Franz Josef Glacier. — Drive through the Haast Pass to Wanaka. — Haast Pass has no gas stations; fill up before you enter.
• 10 — Dinner in Wanaka. — Hike Roys Peak (5-6 hours total). — Relax by Lake Wanaka. — This is a steep, strenuous hike.
• 11 — Eat at Fergburger. — Drive to Queenstown (1.5 hours). — Take the Skyline Gondola. — Parking in central Queenstown is expensive and scarce.
• 12 — Late drive back to Queenstown. — Full day trip to Milford Sound. — Boat cruise through the fiord. — It is a 4-hour drive each way; consider a coach tour to relax.
• 13 — Stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve. — Drive to Lake Tekapo (3 hours). — Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd. — Book the observatory tour 2 weeks ahead.
• 14 — Fly out of Christchurch Airport. — Drive to Christchurch (3 hours). — Explore the Botanic Gardens. — Return your rental car at least 3 hours before your flight.