Of all the 75+ countries I have visited, New Zealand is my all time favourite! Even though I’m from the UK- quite literally on the opposite side of the world- I have visited twice and plan on returning again soon. I feel that one month is the minimum amount of time you should spend in this beautiful country because there is so much to see/do but don’t worry if you have less time, feel free to pick and chose what interests you most. This itinerary is more suited to self-drivers BUT most of these stops are also featured on the Kiwi-Experience hop-on-hop off bus (which I did on my first ever solo travel trip back in 2019). If you’re not sure what way to travel through NZ, make sure you check out my post where I compare hiring a car and the Kiwi-Experience and highlight the different pro’s/con’s.
Table of Contents:
NORTH ISLAND: Quick Overview
Day 1-2: Auckland
Day 3: Coromandel Peninsula
Day 4-6: Hobbiton and Rotorua
Day 7-8: Taupo
Day 9-10: Tongariro National Park
Day 11-12: Mount Taranaki
Day 13: Wellington
SOUTH ISLAND: Quick Overview
Day 14-15: Nelson and Abel Tasman
Day 16-18: West Coast: Franz Josef glacier, Fox glacier and Haast Pass
Day 19-21: Wanaka
Day 22-25: Queenstown (including day trips to Milford Sound and Glenorchy)
Day 26-27: Mount Cook National Park
Day 28: Lake Tekapo
Day 29: Kaikoura
Day 30: Fly home from Christchurch