Itinerary
- Day 1
Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Head southeast from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula and you'll find yourself on some really nice coastline. Kayaking out to Cathedral Cove is the main event this morning, then after lunch you'll drive to Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own spa pool in the sand and soak in the naturally heated mineral water. It's one of those things that sounds odd until you actually do it. Take the evening easy and get some rest before tomorrow picks up the pace.
- Start point
- 54 Cook Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010, New Zealand (Lylo Hostel, 08:45 - 08:45)
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking to Cathedral Cove
- Hot Water Beach - dig personal spa pool and soak in naturally heated mineral water
Landmarks Cathedral Cove Hot Water Beach - Day 2
Coromandel to Waitomo
You'll leave the Coromandel behind and head into Karangahake Gorge for a hike that takes you through old walkways and mining tunnels from the area's past. From there it's on to Waitomo where the glow-worm caves are the main draw, with an underground river and some cool stalactite formations to see. There's also Ruakuri Scenic Reserve nearby if you want another native forest walk with a natural tunnel to check out. Black water rafting is available as an optional activity this afternoon if you're keen for something more intense.
- Accommodation
- Berth / Cabin (Waitomo Homestead Cabins)
Included Activities
- Hike through Karangahake Gorge walkways and old mining tunnels
- Visit Waitomo Caves - glow-worm caves with underground river system and stalactite/stalagmite formations
- Walk through Ruakuri Scenic Reserve including Ruakuri Natural Tunnel and native forest
Optional Activities
- Black Water Rafting - raft in tubes through underground rapids, leap off waterfalls, float beneath glow worms
Landmarks Karangahake Gorge Waitomo Caves Ruakuri Scenic Reserve - Day 3
Waitomo to Rotorua
Hobbiton village is optional this morning, so you can stop and walk through the Lord of the Rings sets if that's your thing. Then you'll continue to Rotorua, which is geothermally active with bubbling mud pools and geysers scattered around. The region has quite a few optional activities like white water rafting, zip lining, or just exploring the geothermal areas on your own. By evening there's an optional 3-hour cultural visit at Mitai Maori Village that includes a traditional feast and gives you a real sense of the area's heritage.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Hobbiton village visit - Lord of the Rings movie set
- White Water Rafting on Rotorua rivers
- Zip Lining across canopy
- Explore geothermal activity and natural hot springs
- Mitai Māori Village - 3-hour cultural experience including traditional Māori feast
Landmarks Hobbiton Movie Set Rotorua Geothermal Area Mitai Māori Village 
- Day 4
Rotorua
Today is all about exploring Rotorua at your own pace with plenty of options depending on what appeals to you. You can run the rapids of the Kaituna River if you want an adrenaline rush, take a mountain jade highlights tour to grab some souvenirs, or head to Wai Ariki for a more relaxing spa experience surrounded by natural hot springs. There's really something here for different energy levels and interests.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rock Solid Backpackers)
Optional Activities
- Kaituna River White Water Rafting
- Mountain Jade Highlights tour
- Wai Ariki restorative spa journey
Landmarks Kaituna River - Day 5
Rotorua to Lake Taupō
Te Puia geothermal reserve is available as an optional stop in the morning, then you'll head toward Lake Taupo. A walk to Huka Falls is included and it's worth the time to see the power of the water there. The lake itself is an extinct volcano crater with solid views across it. After lunch you can opt for sailing out to see Maori rock carvings or go skydiving if you want that bird's-eye perspective of the region.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Adventure Hostel Taupo)
Included Activities
- Walk to Huka Falls
Optional Activities
- Te Puia geothermal reserve visit
- Sailing across Lake Taupō to Māori rock carvings
- Skydiving above Lake Taupō
Landmarks Te Puia Huka Falls Lake Taupō 
- Day 6
Lake Taupō to Wellington
You'll travel south around Lake Taupo and into Tongariro National Park where there's a two-hour walk through native bush and waterfalls available (only during summer). After that it's down to Wellington, the capital, which has a good food and arts scene going. Mount Victoria is free to explore if you want views of the city and harbor, or you can dive into the craft beer spots around town depending on what sounds good to you.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Haka House)
Included Activities
- Walk through Tongariro National Park native bush and waterfalls (summer time only)
Optional Activities
- Mount Victoria visit (free)
- Wellington craft beer scene and nightlife exploration
Landmarks Tongariro National Park Mount Victoria - Day 7
Wellington to Abel Tasman National Park
You'll board the Interislander ferry and cross to the South Island through Marlborough Sounds, which gives you some really nice views from the water. After that you'll drive through vineyards and into Nelson, known as one of New Zealand's sunniest spots. From Nelson it's on to Kaiteriteri at the edge of Abel Tasman National Park, and you've got options for exploring the park by foot, kayak, water taxi, or even skydiving to see it from above.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Kaiteri Lodge)
Included Activities
- Interislander ferry crossing through Marlborough Sounds
Optional Activities
- Abel Tasman National Park exploration - on foot, by kayak, or water taxi
- Skydiving over Abel Tasman National Park
Landmarks Marlborough Sounds Nelson Abel Tasman National Park - Day 8
Abel Tasman to Westport
The morning has you kayaking out to Split Apple Rock and along the golden bays near Kaiteriteri where you might spot some marine wildlife. Alternatively, take a water taxi into one of the Abel Tasman bays and do a native forest walk from there. This afternoon you'll head to Nelson Lakes for the iconic wharf jump photo opportunity, then it's down to Westport, which has a laid-back surf town vibe to it.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Bazils Hostel & Surf School)
Optional Activities
- Kayaking to Split Apple Rock and golden bays near Kaiteriteri
- Water taxi to Abel Tasman bays with native forest walk
Landmarks Split Apple Rock Nelson Lakes - Day 9
Westport to Lake Mahinapua
Today is a long drive down State Highway 6, about 435 kilometers along the Tasman shoreline with some real character to the landscape. You'll stop at Cape Foulwind for a seal colony walk, take in the rugged beaches, and see the famous Punakaiki Pancake Rocks where the rock formations look exactly like their name suggests. By evening you'll stay at the historic Mahinapua Hotel right across from Lake Mahinapua. It's a good spot for meeting other travelers and sharing a meal.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Mahinapua Hotel)
Included Activities
- Cape Foulwind seal colony walk
- Punakaiki Pancake Rocks visit
Landmarks Cape Foulwind Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Lake Mahinapua 
- Day 10
Lake Mahinapua to Franz Josef
It's a short drive from here into Franz Josef, the northern gateway to the Southwest New Zealand World Heritage area. You've got the full day free to check things out, and the glacier views and surrounding Alps are genuinely nice. There are various walking trails available, some free and some paid, depending on how much time and energy you want to spend exploring what the area has to offer.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rainforest Retreat)
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef glacier and Alpine walking trails
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier Te Wahipounamu 
- Day 11
Franz Josef
Another free day in Franz Josef means you can go deeper into exploring. The Franz Josef Glacier itself is accessible on a heli hike tour if you want that experience, or there are free walking trails that get you reasonably close to it as well. Lake Mapourika is also nearby if you'd rather kayak on calm water with glacier views reflected in it rather than hiking to them.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Rainforest Retreat)
Optional Activities
- Franz Josef Glacier Heli Hike tour
- Franz Josef Glacier walking trails (free)
- Lake Mapourika kayak tour
Landmarks Franz Josef Glacier Lake Mapourika - Day 12
Franz Josef to Wanaka
You'll leave Franz Josef and head to Wanaka by crossing the Haast Pass, which is a serious piece of driving through alpine country. Along the way you'll hug the shores of crystal-clear lakes that reflect the mountains back at you. Once in Wanaka, the iconic 'That Wanaka Tree' is the photo spot everyone goes for, and the lakefront has a nice buzz to it. Winter has ski fields available and summer brings mountain biking, carting, and day hikes.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Adventure Hostel Wanaka)
Optional Activities
- Haast Pass scenic drive
- That Wanaka Tree photo
- Wanaka lakefront stroll
- Winter skiing and snowboarding
- Summer mountain biking, mountain carting, day hikes
Landmarks Haast Pass That Wanaka Tree Lake Wanaka 
- Day 13
Wanaka to Queenstown
If you're an early riser, Roy's Peak offers some iconic views but it's a solid hike and you'll need to be back for the bus to Queenstown. The drive goes through Lake Hawea and the Crown Range, which has dramatic scenery. Once in Queenstown you'll stop at Kawarau Bridge where there's bungy jumping and jet boating available. The town itself has gondola rides and lakeside walks, and it's the adventure capital vibe that makes it different from other spots you've been.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Roy's Peak hike
- Kawarau Bridge activities
- Queenstown bungy jumping, jet boating, gondola rides, lakeside walks
Landmarks Roy's Peak Lake Hawea Crown Range Kawarau Bridge 
- Day 14
Queenstown
You'll be spending at least three nights here in Queenstown, which gives you real time to settle in and pick activities that actually appeal to you rather than rushing through everything. The lake is beautiful for walks, and the adventure activities are legitimate options if that's your scene. Between the walking options and things like bungy jumping or jet boating, there's genuinely something for different interests and energy levels here.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Hostel)
Optional Activities
- Lake exploration and surrounding walks
- Adrenaline-pumping activities
Landmarks Lake Wakatipu - Day 15
Queenstown to Milford Sound
This is an early morning departure from Queenstown heading toward Fiordland. You'll stop in Te Anau for coffee or breakfast and have some photo stops during the drive through alpine landscapes and at Homer Tunnel. In Milford Sound you'll take a scenic boat cruise under Mitre Peak and keep an eye out for dolphins, seals, and penguins in the water. It's a long day but the scenery makes it worth the drive back to Queenstown in the evening.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Nomads Hostel)
Included Activities
- Scenic boat cruise on Milford Sound - Piopiotahi - beneath Rahotu/Mitre Peak
Optional Activities
- Te Anau stop for coffee or breakfast
Landmarks Milford Sound - Piopiotahi Rahotu / Mitre Peak Homer Tunnel Te Anau - Day 16
Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
You'll head out of Queenstown through Lindis Pass, which is famous from Lord of the Rings filming locations. The drive takes you past Mount Cook at Lake Pukaki, then into Lake Tekapo with its location right against snow-capped peaks. There's quite a range of things to do here depending on your mood and energy: relax by the lake, soak in hot springs, walk scenic trails, or check out the stars in what's recognized as one of the world's largest dark sky reserves.
- Accommodation
- Hostel (Lakes Edge)
Optional Activities
- Lake Pukaki Mount Cook viewing
- Lake Tekapo lakeside relaxation
- Hot springs soaking
- Scenic walkway exploration
- Stargazing in world's largest dark sky reserve
Landmarks Lindis Pass Mount Cook / Aoraki Lake Pukaki Lake Tekapo - Day 17
Lake Tekapo to Kaikoura
You'll drive straight into Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island and the third largest in all of New Zealand. The city is in the middle of rebuilding after the 2011 earthquakes, so you'll see street art, botanical gardens, and can learn about recent history. From there it continues to Kaikoura where the day wraps up. You can either stay on the bus for the whole journey or hop off in Christchurch if you want to explore for a bit longer before heading to Kaikoura.
- End point
- 12 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand (Hotel Give, 14:00 - 14:30)
Optional Activities
- Christchurch street art exploration
- Christchurch botanical gardens visit
- Christchurch earthquake history exploration
Landmarks Christchurch Christchurch Botanic Gardens 
