Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Paihia
Leave Auckland early this morning heading north toward Paihia. You'll stop in Warkworth for breakfast and stretch your legs at Whangarei Falls before arriving in the Bay of Islands by midday. The region has 144 islands and pristine beaches with rich history throughout. There's plenty to choose from here including the Waitangi Treaty Grounds or water activities like cruises to Hole in the Rock, sailing, fishing, diving, or parasailing depending on what appeals to you.
- Start point
- 54 Cook Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand (Lylo Hostel, 07:15 - 07:15)
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Palm Tree Lodge (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Cruise to Hole in the Rock
- Spot marine life and secret coves
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Diving
- Parasailing
- Visit Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Beach relaxation
Landmarks Whangārei Falls Bay of Islands Hole in the Rock Waitangi Treaty Grounds 
- Day 2
Paihia
Spend your full day exploring the Bay of Islands coastal area from Paihia. A serene ferry ride to Otehei Bay is an option, or try a cruise out to Hole in the Rock where you might spot dolphins. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds offer cultural insights if that interests you. If you prefer outdoor activities, a scenic horse trek along the coastline works too. By evening, consider joining an Evening Sundowner Cruise to wrap up the day on the water.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Palm Tree Lodge (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Ferry ride to Otehei Bay
- Cruise to Hole in the Rock with dolphin spotting
- Explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Scenic horse trek along coastline
- Evening Sundowner Cruise
Landmarks Otehei Bay Hole in the Rock Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Day 3
Paihia to Auckland
After sleeping in this morning in Paihia, you'll head out in the early afternoon driving back to Auckland. The rest of your day is flexible with lots of options once you arrive. You could take a ferry to one of the islands, explore cultural attractions, or find a spot with views of the skyline. It's yours to shape depending on what you feel like doing.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Lylo)
Optional Activities
- Island escapes
- Cultural discoveries
- Skyline viewing
- Day 4
Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Travel southeast from Auckland to reach the Coromandel Peninsula, a coastal area with pristine beaches and dramatic cliffs. You'll kayak along clear waters to Cathedral Cove, one of the iconic spots here. Later, head to Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own spa pool and soak in naturally heated mineral water. It's a great chance to rest and recover before the next part of your journey.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park)
Included Activities
- Kayaking to Cathedral Cove
- Hot Water Beach experience
Landmarks Cathedral Cove Hot Water Beach 
- Day 5
Coromandel Peninsula to Waitomo
Leave the Coromandel and travel into Karangahake Gorge in the Kaimai Ranges. You'll walk through scenic pathways and old mining tunnels that tell the area's history. From there, continue to Waitomo to visit the glow-worm caves with their underground river system and stalactite formations. A walk through Ruakuri Scenic Reserve shows you the natural tunnel and native forest. If you want more action, black water rafting is available as an optional add-on.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Waitomo Homestead Cabins)
Included Activities
- Hike through Karangahake Gorge and old mining tunnels
- Visit glow-worm caves
- Walk through Ruakuri Scenic Reserve
Optional Activities
- Black Water Rafting trip - raft in tubes, leap off waterfalls, float beneath glow worms
Landmarks Karangahake Gorge Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Scenic Reserve - Day 6
Waitomo to Rotorua
Depart Waitomo with an optional stop at Hobbiton if Lord of the Rings appeals to you. Then drive on to Rotorua, where the landscape changes dramatically. You'll see bubbling mud pools, geysers shooting into the air, and natural hot springs scattered throughout the region. White water rafting, zip lining, or geothermal exploration can fill your day. There's also an optional evening at Mitai Maori Village with a traditional feast if you want to experience the local culture and cuisine.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Visit Hobbiton village
- White Water Rafting
- Zip Lining
- Geothermal activity exploration
- Natural hot springs
- Mitai Māori Village 3-hour experience with traditional Māori feast
Landmarks Hobbiton Mitai Māori Village 
- Day 7
Rotorua
Spend another day in Rotorua exploring the geothermal features, lakes, and forests around you. You could ride the rapids of the Kaituna river for an adrenaline rush, take a Mountain Jade Highlights tour to see more of the landscape, or go for something relaxing like the Wai Ariki spa experience with its restorative hot water pools. The choice really depends on whether you want adventure or relaxation today.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Ride the rapids of the Kaituna river
- Mountain Jade Highlights tour
- Wai Ariki restorative spa journey
Landmarks Kaituna River - Day 8
Rotorua to Lake Taupō
Check out Te Puia geothermal reserve this morning before heading toward Lake Taupo. The walk to Huka Falls is included in your itinerary and worth seeing, especially watching the water pound down the rocks. Once you reach Lake Taupo, you can enjoy the views from the lakeside or try optional activities like sailing on a yacht to see Maori rock carvings, or skydiving if you want a bird's-eye perspective of the area.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Adventure Hostel Taupo)
Included Activities
- Walk to Huka Falls
Optional Activities
- Te Puia geothermal reserve exploration
- Sailing across Lake Taupō to Māori rock carvings
- Skydiving above Lake Taupō
Landmarks Te Puia Huka Falls Lake Taupō Māori rock carvings 
- Day 9
Lake Taupō to Wellington
Head south around Lake Taupo toward Tongariro National Park where you'll do a two-hour native bush and waterfall walk through the forest (this is summer only). Later you'll drive to Wellington, New Zealand's capital and the hub for culture, arts, restaurants, fashion, and nightlife in the country. Mount Victoria offers free views of the city, or explore the craft beer scene and nightlife once you settle in for the evening.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Haka House)
Included Activities
- Two-hour walk through Tongariro National Park native bush and waterfalls (summer only)
- Visit Mount Victoria (free)
Optional Activities
- Explore Wellington craft beer scene
- Wellington nightlife
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Mount Victoria - Day 10
Wellington to Kaiteriteri
Take the Interislander ferry from Wellington across the Cook Strait to the South Island, traveling through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds as the boat cuts through the water. After landing, drive through vineyards to Nelson, known as New Zealand's sunniest city. Continue on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of Abel Tasman National Park. You're now set up for adventures on foot, by kayak, water taxi, or even skydiving depending on what you choose to do.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Kaiteri Lodge)
Included Activities
- Interislander ferry across Cook Strait through Marlborough Sounds
Optional Activities
- Explore Abel Tasman National Park on foot
- Kayak through Abel Tasman National Park
- Water taxi tour of Abel Tasman National Park
- Skydiving above Abel Tasman National Park
Landmarks Marlborough Sounds Abel Tasman National Park 
- Day 11
Kaiteriteri to Westport
Spend your morning kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and paddling along golden bays near Kaiteriteri. You'll likely spot local marine wildlife during this time on the water. If kayaking isn't your preference, take a water taxi to Abel Tasman National Park instead and walk through the native forest on shore. After lunch, stop at Nelson Lakes for the famous wharf jumping photo spot before arriving in the surf town of Westport by evening.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Bazils Hostel & Surf School)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking to Split Apple Rock
- Kayaking along golden bays near Kaiteriteri
- Water taxi to Abel Tasman National Park bays
- Native forest stroll
- Photo stop at Nelson Lakes wharf
Landmarks Split Apple Rock Nelson Lakes - Day 12
Westport to Mahinapua
Travel down State Highway 6 along the Tasman shoreline for about 435 kilometres through changing landscapes and coastal scenery. The Cape Foulwind seal colony walk lets you see seals resting on rocks, and you'll pass rugged beaches and the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks along the way. By evening, you'll stay at the historic Mahinapua Hotel across from Lake Mahinapua, a unique spot where you can meet and bond with fellow travelers on the tour.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Mahinapua Hotel)
Included Activities
- Cape Foulwind seal colony walk
- View rugged beaches
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Landmarks Cape Foulwind Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Lake Mahinapua - Day 13
Mahinapua to Franz Josef
Drive a short distance to Franz Josef, the northern gateway to Te Wahipounamu Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. This region encompasses Aoraki/Mount Cook, Westland Tai Poutini, Mount Aspiring, Fiordland National Parks, and the conservation lands around them. You'll have a free day here to experience what Franz Josef has to offer with its glacier and Alps views spreading out around you.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rainforest Retreat)
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier views
- Walking trails
- Explore Franz Josef wilderness
Landmarks Te Wahipounamu Aoraki/Mount Cook Franz Josef Glacier 
- Day 14
Franz Josef
Another free day in Franz Josef means you can focus on the glacier itself. Choose between a heli hike tour that takes you higher up, or walk the free trails through the wilderness at ground level. Alternatively, book a kayak tour on Lake Mapourika where you'll paddle serene waters with the surrounding scenery reflected around you. The choice is yours depending on your energy level and interests.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rainforest Retreat)
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike tour
- Walking trails (free)
- Lake Mapourika kayak tour
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier Lake Mapourika - Day 15
Franz Josef to Wanaka
Leave Franz Josef and drive toward Wanaka, crossing the Haast Pass and its winding mountain roads. You'll pass alongside lakes where mountains reflect perfectly in the clear water below. Once you arrive in Wanaka, check out the iconic 'That Wanaka Tree' in the lake, stroll along the vibrant lakefront, and feel the town's buzzing energy. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding here, while summer offers mountain biking, mountain carting, and day hikes through the area.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Adventure Hostel Wanaka)
Optional Activities
- Haast Pass scenic views
- Visit 'That Wanaka Tree'
- Ski fields and pizza in skis (winter)
- Snowboarding (winter)
- Mountain biking (summer)
- Mountain carting (summer)
- Day hikes in the area (summer)
Landmarks Haast Pass That Wanaka Tree Lake Wanaka 
- Day 16
Wanaka to Queenstown
Wake up in Wanaka and pick your adventure for the morning. If you're up for it, rise early to climb Roy's Peak for iconic summit views before heading back to catch your bus to Queenstown. The drive goes via Lake Hawea and the dramatic Crown Range with epic mountain panoramas the whole way. Stop at the famous Kawarau Bridge where you can try adrenaline activities, then arrive in Queenstown where bungy jumping, jet boating, scenic gondola rides, and lakeside strolls await.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Roy's Peak hike
- Kawarau Bridge adrenaline activities
- Bungy jumping
- Jet boating
- Scenic gondola rides
- Lakeside strolls
Landmarks Roy's Peak Lake Hawea Crown Range Kawarau Bridge 
- Day 17
Queenstown
Spend your time in Queenstown, one of the most notable destinations you'll visit on this tour. You have at least three nights here to settle in and make the most of it. The beautiful lake surrounds you with great walks nearby, or dive into adrenaline activities that Queenstown is famous for. There's plenty to do whether you want to relax or seek out adventure during your stay.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Lake exploration
- Surrounding walks
- Adrenaline-pumping activities
Landmarks Lake Wakatipu - Day 18
Queenstown to Milford Sound
Depart Queenstown early this morning heading to Fiordland's heart. You'll stop in Te Anau for coffee and breakfast before continuing on. The drive winds through alpine landscapes and Homer Tunnel with scenic photo stops along the way. Arriving at Milford Sound means joining a scenic boat cruise beneath Mitre Peak. This 16-kilometre glacial fiord is home to dolphins, seals, and penguins, plus rare deep-water marine species you won't see elsewhere. Head back to Queenstown in the evening.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Hostel)
Included Activities
- Scenic boat cruise through Milford Sound
Optional Activities
- Stop in Te Anau for coffee or breakfast
- Spot dolphins, seals, and penguins
Landmarks Te Anau Homer Tunnel Milford Sound Rahotu/Mitre Peak Piopiotahi Marine Reserve - Day 19
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
Leave Queenstown and travel through Lindis Pass, an area famous from Lord of the Rings filming. Stop to admire Mount Cook as it reflects in Lake Pukaki. Later arrive at Lake Tekapo with its snow-capped alpine setting and clear starry skies overhead. Relax lakeside, soak in hot springs, discover scenic walkways, or spend time stargazing in one of the world's largest dark sky reserves to see the night sky properly.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Lakes Edge)
Optional Activities
- Photo stop at Mount Cook/Lake Pukaki
- Lakeside relaxation
- Hot springs soaking
- Scenic walkway discovery
- Stargazing at dark sky reserve
Landmarks Lindis Pass Aoraki/Mount Cook Lake Pukaki Lake Tekapo - Day 20
Lake Tekapo to Kaikoura
Travel directly to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island and New Zealand's third largest overall. You'll see a city rebuilding after the 2011 earthquakes, with street art, blooming botanical gardens, and recent history visible throughout. You can stay on the bus or hop off here to explore. If you continue, you'll head to Kaikoura where the day ends.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Hotel Give)
Optional Activities
- Explore Christchurch street art
- Visit botanical gardens
- Learn about earthquake recovery history
Landmarks Christchurch 
- Day 21
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is known throughout New Zealand for whale watching and swimming with dolphins, so spend your day exploring these marine encounters. The area's name actually means to eat crayfish, kai meaning to eat and koura meaning crayfish. Relax on the beach in the evening and sample some of the best seafood New Zealand has to offer for dinner.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Dusky Lodge)
Optional Activities
- Whale watching
- Swimming with dolphins
- Beach relaxation
- Seafood dining
Landmarks Kaikoura - Day 22
Kaikoura to Wellington
Head north along the dramatic Kaikoura coastline and stop to watch seals resting on the rocks below. Make your way to Picton ferry terminal in time for the afternoon sailing back to the North Island. The ferry crosses through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds before arriving into Wellington by evening as the sun sets.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Haka House)
Included Activities
- Seal viewing at Kaikoura coastline
- Interislander ferry to North Island through Marlborough Sounds
Landmarks Kaikoura coastline seals Marlborough Sounds - Day 23
Wellington to Auckland
Depart Wellington this morning, heading north and leaving the wind behind. You'll pass through Taihape, known as the gumboot capital, then traverse the Central Plateau with views of Tongariro National Park off in the distance. The drive brings you back to Auckland where your journey ends.
- End point
- 54 Cook Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand (Lylo Hostel, 18:00 - 18:00)
Landmarks Taihape Central Plateau Tongariro National Park
