New Zealand Itinerary: An Epic 18-Day Road Trip

After visiting over 40 countries, New Zealand is still one of those places we keep talking about. It’s not a destination you visit for history, culture, or nightlife — you go for the sheer natural beauty!

What really stayed with us was how quickly the landscapes kept changing. On our road trip, one moment we were driving past a quiet beach, then through thick green forests, then rolling hills — and suddenly, massive mountains and glaciers appeared out of nowhere. It never felt repetitive, and it never got old.

A New Zealand road trip genuinely spoils you. Not many countries offer this kind of variety across such a small area. People often compare it to Iceland, and while both are stunning, the experience is very different. Iceland’s landscapes are dramatic but the weather can be harsh almost year-round. In New Zealand, especially if you visit during summer months, the weather is incredible — making it a much more relaxed yet adventurous kind of trip. It’s the sort of place that works just as well for a honeymoon as it does for an active road trip.

Hiking on a glacier in Franz Josef

New Zealand is made up of two islands – the North Island and the South Island. This 18-day New Zealand itinerary covers both. You’ll start in the North Island and finish in the South, driving through some of the most beautiful parts of the country along the way.

This itinerary is based on our own New Zealand road trip and includes:

• Our exact route and driving times
• How to spend each day without rushing
• Beautiful places to stay
• Must-try restaurants and food stops

If you’re planning a self-drive trip and want to experience New Zealand at a comfortable pace with time to actually enjoy the scenery, then this itinerary will help you plan it properly.

Is a New Zealand road trip right for you?

New Zealand is one of the best countries in the world for a road trip! Roads are great and people follow rules, so it’s not difficult at all and actually rather stunning!

This kind of trip is perfect for you if:

• You enjoy long scenic drives (2-4 hours on average) and don’t mind spending time on the road
• You like stopping at viewpoints, lakes, beaches, and random pull-outs
• You’re okay driving on the left side of the road. To be honest, even if you’ve never driven on the left side, you can get a hang of it easily in a day or two.
• You want a mix of nature, light adventure, and relaxed days
• You prefer flexibility over ticking off attractions at speed

It may not be the best fit if:

• You dislike driving or want a trip based entirely on public transport. Public transport in New Zealand is not great so a road trip is really the best and only way to get around.
• You’re short on time and want to see “everything” quickly
• You’re looking for nightlife, shopping, or big-city experiences
• You don’t want to change accommodations frequently or move around daily

If you enjoy slow travel and letting the scenery guide your days, New Zealand will completely win you over.

North Island vs South Island: which one should you focus on?

One of the biggest questions you’ll have while planning your trip is whether to do just South Island (cause everyone’s told you to focus on it) or to also include North Island. So let me breakdown what you can expect to see in both.

North Island highlights

In the North island, you’ll find:

• Beaches and coastal drives
• Volcanic landscapes and geothermal areas
• Green rolling hills
• A slightly warmer and more laid-back vibe

If you’ve never witnessed volcanic landscapes and geothermal activity or want a few sunny days on the beach, then the North Island is an absolute must! Also, if you’re a Lord of the Rings movies fan, you can’t miss Hobbiton (LOTR movie set- it’s so cute) and Tongariro Alpine Crossing (home to Mount Doom).

South Island highlights

The South Island is where New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery lives. Expect:

• Towering mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes
• Some of the country’s most scenic drives
• More adventure activities
• Long drives but with constant “wow” moments

If mountains, alpine views, and epic landscapes are your priority, the South Island will probably steal your heart.

This itinerary covers both, starting in the North Island and finishing in the South, so you get the best of both worlds! And if I’d have to plan my first trip to New Zealand again, I wouldn’t change a thing! However, if you’re short on time and can only spare two weeks, then you can check out this South Island itinerary to plan a South Island focused trip.

Campervan vs. car + hotels: what’s better for a New Zealand road trip?

This is something we debated a lot, and there’s no single right answer- it really comes down to your travel style.

Campervan

A campervan is great if you:

• Want complete flexibility
• Don’t mind smaller living spaces
• Enjoy staying in nature or holiday parks
• Want to cook some of your own meals

That said, campervan travel is slower and can feel tiring if you’re moving often, especially on longer trips. However, New Zealand is one of the best places in the world for a campervan trip. So it might be worth considering.

Car + hotels (what we did)

We chose to rent a car and stay in guesthouses and vacation rentals, and it worked really well for us because:

• We had more comfort after long driving days
• Accommodation options were more varied and absolutely stunning
• Got to chat with our hosts learning more about the people and culture
• We were on our honeymoon and couldn’t imagine spending it in a camper van

If comfort matters to you and you don’t want to manage campsite logistics every night, car + hotels is a great option.

Day 1: Auckland

We landed in Auckland in the morning after completing a 24-hour journey. You will also probably get there after a long and tiring journey (unless you are travelling from Australia), as New Zealand is quite remote.

So, get some rest but do not sleep in the day time no matter how much your body begs for it. Instead, freshen up and check out these superb things to do in Auckland. We highly recommend strolling around Brito Street and also trying Giapo’s innovative ice-creams. If you’re an ardent wine- lover, you can extend your time in Auckland by a day and take a day trip to the Waiheke Island Wineries.

We spent this day just walking around and preparing for the New Zealand road trip.

Ensure you buy a sim card or an e-sim ( we bought a Spark sim), pick up your pre-booked rental car or a campervan (we rented a car from the aiprort itself but can do so from town as prices can be cheaper), and buy snacks and groceries for your road trip ( we picked up croissants, spreads, fruits, cheese, cookies, chips, juice, wine and such to have picnics)

Day 2: Hahei-Coromandel Peninsula

Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula: 175 km (2 hours, 20 minutes)

As we drove out of rainy Auckland, the rain faded and small picturesque villages and farms dotted the way. Not even a few minutes into the road trip, all we wanted to do was stop and take it all in—the peace and quiet coupled with beauty in every direction. The roads to the pretty village of Hahei are super twisty. The road signs just couldn’t make up their mind on how many kilometres would be curvy—next 5 km, next 5 km, next 5 km—it just went on. We chose Hahei for our stay at the Coromandel Peninsula as it gives easy access to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

If you have time, you can spend it relaxing on Hahei Beach before heading to Hot Water Beach.

Hot Water Beach: In the afternoon/evening, head to Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own spa pool. Plan to go here two hours either side of low tide. Check out low tide timings beforehand. You can get the shovel from your Airbnb or even rent them from can even rent them from cafes near the beach. Find a spot and start shovelling till you see find the perfect combination of hot and cold water coming from beneath. It long yet worthwhile process. If you are lucky enough like us then you might find an abandoned pool that is just perfect.

Where to eat: Hahei is a small village and Pour House is one few places to eat there. Do try the fish and chips here, it was so crunchy and light. Just melted in the mouth! If you’re vegetarian, you will find good options as well.

Accommodation: Hahei Getaway is walking distance from Hahei Beach, has all possible amenities, and the most beautiful reading spot – a hammock between two perfectly round-shaped trees.

Day 3: Hobbiton and Rotorua

Cathedral Cove: Woke up early for a tour with Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours. We kayaked to Cathedral Cove from Hahei Beach in a small group of 5 kayaks while juggling between lending an ear to our guide about the fascinating history of the area and being in awe of the coastline. Spent half an hour at the cove clicking pictures and enjoying hot chocolate and cookies provided by the kayak company, before kayaking back to our starting point.

We chose to kayak but you can also choose the free option- walk to Cathedral Cove from Hahei Beach. It takes about 30 mins to an hour depending on how many stops you make to enjoy the view. Also, note that Cathedral Cove does not have any eateries so carry your own water and food.

Hahei to Hobbiton- 163 km (2 hours 15 minutes)

Kiwi film director Peter Jackson found the perfect farm to build ‘The Shire’ for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ movies and guided tours hence began in 2012 in the place popularly known as ‘Hobbiton’. Whether you’ve watched the movies or not, I highly recommend going here anyway because it’s a beautiful place and a fun experience.

The tour takes you through the 12-acre property with a guide telling you interesting facts and stories about the set and movies all along. There are plenty of pretty photo opportunities in this immensely green hobbit land. The 2-hour tour ends at the Green Dragon with a free drink.

Note: Do pre-book the Hobbiton experience as it can sell out especially during the summer months.

Hobbiton to Rotorua- 71 km (1 hour)

Rotorua is mainly known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture (Maoris are the indigenous people of New Zealand). Everyone says you’ll be able to smell sulphur in the air throughout the city but we were happy that our nostrils failed us. We got here quite late in the evening, just in time for dinner so didn’t have time or energy to explore. However, incase you do, check to see if you can do either of these two activities or both!

1. Learn the Maori way of life, see a Haka performance and try Hangi (traditional Maori food)
2. After sunset, do the Redwoods Nightlights Treewalk.

Where to eat in Rotorua: Head to Eat Street for dinner! It is a short street lined with restaurants serving different cuisines. We ate at Atticus Finch (Yes! Like the character from you know which book) and the food was brilliant. The vibe of the street is so lively, we went here the next day as well. Do dine here at least once!

Accommodation in Rotorua: We stayed in a private room at the Airbnb Lake Views Paradise and Tranquility. We absolutely loved our stay, as our hosts were super kind and we learned a lot about life in New Zealand from them. This was definitely our most memorable stay during our road trip in New Zealand. However, if you’d like a more private place then this Airbnb a good option.

Day 4: Geothermal Exploration in Rotorua

There is so much to do in Rotorua it is hard to decide and fit it all in one day. Unfortunately, we were there on a rainy day so we didn’t end up doing as much as we would have liked. 

Wai-o-Tapu: Start with Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland which is a 30-minute (31 km) drive from Rotorua. The occasional touch of the wind, the heat of the steam rising from the hot pools, the various colours of the pools and the smell of sulphur tantalise all your senses while you walk through the 18 sq. km. active geothermal park. The park also has mud pools and a geyser, Lady Knox, with an eruption height of 10-20 meters. With a little manual intervention, the geyser erupts at 10:15 am every day. Visit the park accordingly! You also have the option of coming back the next day to watch the geyser erupt.

Polynesian Spa: After lunch, head to Polynesian Spa which has several natural geothermal spring water pools with different temperatures. We felt that the public pools were good enough, but if you’re looking for a more romantic private experience than you can also book a private lake view pool or a combination of both. The pools can get very crowded in the evening so plan for a morning visit if that’s important to you. We were lucky to find it relatively empty as it was drizzling, but as soon as the drizzle stopped, the place filled up.

If you couldn’t do the Redwoods Treewalk or the Maori performance and dinner the previous day, you can do it today. We were so relaxed after visiting Polynesian Spa that we simply returned to our Airbnb and slept!

We spent only one day in Rotorua, but if you like adventure sports and such, I think one should set aside two days to be able to enjoy the city. Check out the adventure activities that Rotorua offers to decide if you’d like to stay another day.

Day 5: Waitomo and Taupo

Rotorua to Waitomo- 140 km (2 hours)

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are famous for worms that emit light, illuminating the dark caves like the night sky. They are unique to this part of the world; hence, this activity is a must-do if nature fascinates you. We thoroughly enjoyed this 30- to 45-minute guided tour led by a descendant of the Maori Chief who originally explored the cave. The way the guide navigated the boat in the darkness using ropes that were pre-installed in the cave was fascinating.

Note that this is a commercialised experience, with tours running every 30 minutes. You are not allowed to use your cameras when inside the cave, as this may damage the ecology of the cave.

Alternatives: In case you don’t want to make the detour to Waitomo, you can do a nocturnal glowworm tour in Rotorua itself the previous evening and use this morning to spend more time in Rotorua zorbing, white water rafting, ziplining, visiting the Waimangu Volcanic Valley etc.

Or you can head directly to Taupo to spend some time by Lake Taupo, checking out  Mine Bay Maori Carvings and visiting Orakei Korako Geothermal Park.

Waitomo to Taupo- 150 km (2 hours)

After visiting the glow worm caves, drive to Taupo and take a walk around Huka Falls which is famous for the incredible volume of clear blue water gushing through a wide gorge. It is just a 10-minute walk from the car park and makes for quick stop.

Accommodation: Cozy studio on Hyde and Woodland Park Guest Suite are superb places to stay in Taupo.

Day 6: Taupo-Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike

Taupo to Ketetahi Car Park- 73 km (1 hour)

The most awaited part of the trip had finally arrived—the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Day Hike—known to be one of the best day hikes in the world. It also has dual status as a World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural significance.

This 19.4 km hike takes you through volcanic terrain with solidified lava flats, red craters, emerald lakes, steam vents, and not to mention, the famous Mount Doom (aka Mount Ngauruhoe) featured in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ movies.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a point-to-point hike starting at the Mangatepopo Car Park and ending at Ketetahi Car Park. So you’ll park your car at Ketetahi Car Park, take a shuttle to the starting point, and end the hike at your own car park. We highly suggest booking the first Tongariro shuttle, which leaves at 6:30 am. This way, you can get a head start before the crowds reach and if you’re a really slow hiker, you’ll have enough time to make it back to your car.

It takes about 6–8 hours to complete the hike. However, it took us 10 hours as we took a tonne of breaks for pictures and rest. Also, we decided to hike in regular sports shoes as we had underestimated the difficulty level. Do not do this hike without a sturdy pair of hiking shoes, as it is a strenuous trek with high chances of getting injured without proper gear.

Despite the early start, hike difficulty level, fear for our lives and subsequent body aches, it was the highlight of our New Zealand road trip. Walking inside and on the edges of craters and around an active volcano which last erupted in 2012 was an experience we will recall time and again. The views were stunning, unlike anything we had ever seen before.

Day 7: Wellington

You have two options on this day.

1. Drive 271 km back to Auckland to return your car and take a flight to Christchurch. Doing this will save you money on your New Zealand trip as you won’t incur a one-way fee on your car rental. Car rentals are much cheaper if you return your car to the same place where you picked it up. If you do this, then, after your arrival in Christchurch, rent a car and drive 225 km to Kaikoura. Follow this itinerary from Kaikoura (click here to continue reading).
   
   
2. Drive 371 km to Wellington. Driving to Wellington will enable you to see a new city, the capital of New Zealand and also experience the scenic ferry ride to South Island. This is what we did, though there is no wrong or right way. If you’re following this route, then continue reading.

Taupo to Wellington: 371 km (5 hours)

The drive from Taupo to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a long one.

Depending on what time you leave for Wellington, you’ll have a few hours to explore. Here are a few ways to spend your evening:

1. Ride the cable car to Kelburn Lookout to enjoy panoramic views of Wellington city and harbour. You can also visit the Botanic Garden, Cable Car Museum, Space Place and Zealandia (a wildlife sanctuary) via a free shuttle.
   
   
2. Visit the Weta Cave, a creative design and effects facility that made movies like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ come to life. The Weta Cave houses props, creatures, costumes, vehicles, etc. created for the movies. This is where we really wanted to go this evening, but couldn’t make it on time.
   
   
3. Visit the Te Papa Museum, an interactive national museum that immerses you in New Zealand’s unique history

For more options of things to do, read this list of 15 Things to Do in Wellington!

Later in the evening, take a stroll through Cuba Street, a walking street known for its world-class cafés, bars and restaurants, quirky stores and somewhat bohemian feel. Wellington’s vibe is known to be amazing. But unfortunately, we were here during the week before Christmas so most shops and restaurants were closed till Boxing Day.

Accommodation: We stayed at Astelia Apartment Hotel which has a great location and really spacious rooms.

Day 8: Kaikoura

Ferry: Wellington to Picton: 102 km (Driving time: 3 hours, 30 minutes)

Ready for New Zealand’s stunning South Island? Hop on the Interislander ferry to Picton (book this much beforehand because the better timings sell out).

The three-and-a-half-hour journey on the Interislander is an enchanting one—through the Cook Straight into the magnificent Marlborough Sound. You can eat, drink, stroll, enjoy the view, and just unwind. It’s not just a journey but an attraction in itself.

The best seats on the ferry would be in the lookout areas, which are located on the sides of the ferry. If you care about a a good view, it is wise to arrive early to be able to grab good window seats. If you don’t get good seats, you can always walk out to the balconies or the open-air deck.

A lot of people hire the same vehicle for the entire duration of their New Zealand road trip and ferry their cars or campervans to the South Island or vice versa. The company we hired the car through, Omega, had the option to hire another car at Picton/Wellington, which saved us the cost of transporting the car via ferry.

Picton to Kaikoura: 156 km (2 hours 15 minutes)

Continue your New Zealand road trip towards Kaikoura as soon as you reach Picton. As you get closer to the town, you’ll be driving on a beautiful seaside route. It is possible to spot seals on the rocks shore on this route. So when you see a lot of cars parked by the roadside, it’s your cue to do the same.

Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway: On reaching Kaikoura, set out for the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway. Park your car at Point Kean Carpark and head atop the cliffs, which offer a panoramic view of the Seaward Kaikoura Range and the Pacific Ocean. You’ll surely get lost in the vast expanse of the ocean, the distant yet loud sound of waves and chirping of a huge colony of seagulls on the rocks below.

We chose to do only an hour of walking around. However, the entire walkway will take three hours to complete. You can also choose to walk along the elevated path on the rocks below for a closer view of wildlife. Remember to maintain distance from seals- they may seem lazy but they are fast and their bites are lethal!

Kaikoura (in the Māori language, ‘kai’ means food, ‘koura’ means crayfish) is famous for its namesake, popularly known as rock lobsters. Try some out at the Nin’s Bin, which is close to the walkway.

For more suggestions on lip-smacking foods to eat, read 10 Must-Eat Foods in New Zealand.

Accommodation: Jandals on Otago is an excellent stay option in Kaikoura.

Day 9: Arthur’s Pass National Park

Whale-Watching: Kaikoura is the whale-watching capital of New Zealand. On a whale-watching tour, you can spot giant sperm whales all year round. Depending on the season, you may also see humpback whales, blue whales, pilot whales, southern right whales, and orcas (including the world’s smallest and rarest, the Hectors). There is just so much wildlife to spot here, from fur seals to pods of dolphins and the endangered wandering albatross.

So use this morning to go whale watching either by boat or a whale-watching flight.

If you’ve been whale watching before, you can also go swimming with dolphins and seals, or watch all the wildlife from kayaks.

Kaikoura to Arthur’s Pass Village: 303 km (4 hours)

After your morning adventure, head to your next destination, a small village in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. The drive from Kaikoura to Arthur’s Pass National Park begins with vistas of the vast ocean and ends with splendid mountains with scree slopes and barren valley river beds strewn with pebbles.

Stop en route at Castle Hill, a scattering of monolithic limestone rocks. This area formed the backdrop of the battle in Chronicles of Narnia: The Witch and the Wardrobe. You can walk around and explore the place and maybe even have a picnic. It makes for a nice pitstop.

On reaching Arthur’s Pass Village, walk the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls Track, as it is short and easy to do this evening. Another short option is the Bealey Valley Track.

Accommodation: Arthur’s Pass Motel and Lodge offers private rooms in a lodge. They’re very proactive and communicative, which we found very helpful.

Day 10: Franz Josef Glacier Village

On the way to Franz Josef, make a stop at Hokitika Gorge. It’s just a 15-minute walk to a gorge with beautiful blue water!

Arthur’s Pass Village to Franz Josef Glacier Village: 233 km (3 hours)

Not far from Arthur’s Pass Village, you will cross the often photographed Otira Viaduct, that spans a stretch of unstable terrain. As you descend towards the West Coast, the scenery will gradually transform into lush rainforests. The diversity of landscapes you will see in these three hours will be awe-inspiring: mountains, rainforests, glaciers, rivers, beaches, and ocean.  You will be left wondering how it is even possible for all of these to exist within a few kilometres of each other.

You’ll finally reach the town of Franz Josef, a small one centred around its main attraction, the Franz Josef Glacier. There isn’t much to do in town except try the cafes and bars and shop for souvenirs.

So after checking-in into your hotel, go see the Franz Josef Glacier Terminal Face. It is an easy 1.5-hour walk from the glacier valley car park. It takes you through a forest, and past a waterfall along a wide river stone track. The glacier once covered the valley you will walk on. However,  you can’t get too close to the glacier face anymore. It has receded too far due to global warming.

Where to eat: Eat at Alice May and do try Pavlova (a meringue-based dessert)

Accommodation: We stayed at a motel here that we wouldn’t recommend. Instead, you can stay at Aspen Court Franz Josef

Day 11: Franz Josef: Heli-hiking

Heli-hike: Gear up for an exciting activity: heli-hiking! Its a four-hour tour that includes a helicopter ride to the glacier and a 2 hour hike on it. The experience is phenomenal, albeit expensive! The helicopter ride to and back from the glacier offers impressive views of the glacier valley. On landing on the glacier, you will explore ice formations like glacier walls, ice caves, crevasses, etc. Do pre-book the heli-hike months in advance as they are quite popular.

Heli-hikes often get cancelled due to bad weather. We were aware of such situations arising frequently and had accordingly designed this New Zealand itinerary. And guess what, ours did get cancelled!

If this happens to you, you’ll have to arrive at the heli-hike company early next morning to put yourself on standby list incase tours are happening that day. You might have to wait a lot depending on your standby number. We waited for hours and just as we were about to leave we enquired for one last time if there were two spots on the next tour and to our surprise, the person at the counter said ‘yes’. So don’t give up easily and keep enquiring. If you aren’t able to go for some reason, you have the option of book a helicopter tour instead in Franz Josef or Queenstown or you can ask for a refund.

Options of things to do if your glacier hike gets cancelled this day:

1. Alex Knob Track – If you aren’t going for the glacier heli hike and want a good view of the glacier from a mountain opposite it, then try this 17 km hike. You will also be rewarded with views of the Tasman Sea.
2. Lake Matheson Walk – A 30-minute drive brings you to this lake that is famous for mirror reflections of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook.
3. Tartare Tunnels Walk – An 80-minute round trip on foot to see glowworms in a non-commercial setting.
4. Kayaking in Lake Mapourika – Spot wildlife and take in the beautiful scenery.
5. West Coast Wildlife Centre – See rare kiwis, tuataras and walk through their interactive glacier display. This centre is located in the town itself.

If you have a heli-hike booked, then a dip in the Franz Josef Glacier Hot Pools comes complimentary. Later in the evening, head here to unwind and mend your muscles.

Day 12: Wanaka

If your heli-hike got cancelled the previous morning, try your luck this day. If it didn’t, head straight to Wanaka!

Franz Josef Glacier Village to Wanaka: 286 km (4 hours)

The drive to Wanaka is mind-blowing. This is where we thought New Zealand’s true beauty began and all the drives henceforth were beyond impressive. Today’s drive had in store for us another glacier (Fox Glacier), the ocean, and forested mountains. But the best bit was the seemingly endless drive by Lakes Hawea and Wanaka. You will want to stop over and over again at various lookout points and your trip of four hours will turn to over five. It just can’t be helped; it is that beautiful.

Note that the drive to Wanaka can also be made into a full day trip as there is enough to explore midway. If you’ve left for Wanaka early, you’ll have all the time to explore these mid-way spots.

Finally, you’ll get to our favourite town in New Zealand, Wanaka, which offers brilliant views over Lake Wanaka and a chill culture with cafes, restaurants and bars dotting the centre, which is situated beside the lake.

Accommodation: The Hunny Nook and Treble View Guest House are excellent places to stay in Wanaka.

Day 13: Wanaka

Roy’s Peak hike: Use this day to do this 16-km hike, which has the most picture-perfect views that are Instagram famous. We highly recommend you do this hike if you can. We simply didn’t wake up for it; otherwise, we would have too!

However, Roy’s Peak can get incredibly busy. So if you’re crowd averse, head to Isthmus Peak instead, which is again a 16-km hike.

Alternative: Since we didn’t do the hike, we simply walked around and explored what the town had to offer. Had lunch at Big Fig where we filled our plates with slow-cooked foods that are great for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Then, we got ice cream from Black Peak Gelato nearby and sat by the lake to savour it. We didn’t mind missing the hike at all!

With a happy tummy, we then visited the Wanaka Lavender Farm. It is a cute farm with not only lavender fields but also animals like alpacas, pigs, sheep, hens, yaks etc. They also have life-sized ‘Four in a Row’ and ‘Tic Tac Toe’ games. We ended our time here devouring honey-flavored ice cream and lavender tea at their café.

During sunset, check out The Wanaka Tree, a 100-year old willow tree that stands alone in the water of Lake Wanaka with the Southern Alps as its backdrop. A popular spot for photographers!

Day 14: Arrowtown and Te Anau

Wanaka to Arrowtown: 54 km (50 minutes)

On the short drive from Wanaka to Arrowtown, you can stop at Cardrona Bra Fence: a wire fence lined with bras since 1999.

Arrowtown is a historical town from the gold-rush days that has retained its colonial-era style buildings to this day. It wasn’t hard for us to imagine ourselves in long gowns and tailored suits walking down the lane of this one street town. A lip-smacking lunch at The Chop Shop Food Merchants will be the cherry on the cake.

Arrowtown to Te Anau: 180 km (2 hours 10 minutes)

Continue your drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fjordland. Most people do the Milford cruise as a day trip from Queenstown. However, choosing to make a stop-over at Te Anau will not only cut down the drive time but also enable you to cruise around Milford Sound before the crowd from Queenstown arrives.

On reaching Te Anau and settling in your accommodation, take a stroll by the impressive Te Anau lake lake. There are shaded routes and picture perfect views. It’s amazing to see people relax here as if on a lazy Sunday evening. Have I mentioned this before- I love New Zealand’s lakeside towns and their ability to put everyone at ease so effortlessly.

Accommodation: Dusky Retreat and Mayflower Cottage are excellent options.

Day 15: Milford Sound and Queenstown

Te Anau to Milford Sound- 118 km (1 hour 45 minutes)

Milford Sound is not really a Sound (valley carved by a river), but a Fjord (valley carved by glaciers). It is referred by some as the Eighth Wonder of the World because of it’s sheer beauty and magnificence, making visiting this place a must-visit! It receives an average of 182 days of rain per year. We love sunny days hence I though we were lucky to have been here on a sunny day but some would disagree with me. While giant fjords are clearly visible on sunny days, the brilliance of Milford waterfalls is magnified on rainy ones! The best part is, not matter the weather, you’ll have a brilliant time.

The early morning drive to Milford will be supremely spectacular, with clouds suspended low over not only lake Te Anau but also the ginormous mountains and fjords. You’ll be aching to stop over and over again to absorb the view fully but don’t do it just yet as your have a cruise to do. Make all the stops you want on the way back to Queenstown. 

The fjords are best seen through a cruise on a small boat at the earliest time possible: 8:45 AM. You’ll be able to leave earlier than everyone else and get really close to wildlife and waterfalls. And when you see the crowd on the bigger cruises, you’ll be thanking your stars that you’re not on that boat.

After you cruise, be sure to hang around the shore and see the brilliant views of Mitres Peak. Better yet, head to the Milford Sound Swing for the most perfect view and gorgeous photos!

Milford Sound to Queenstown- 287 km (3 hours 50 minutes)

On the drive to Queenstown, we give in to what our hearts wanted to the way to the fjords—multiple stops and more pictures of mountains around. There are 20 such stops on the way. We stopped at Mirror Lake, where perfect reflections of the Earl Mountains can be seen and took a nap on Eglington Valley Viewpoint’s vast grass field.

You’ll reach Queenstown late in the afternoon so just walk around the centre, exploring this incredibly beautiful city. It is the party hub and the adventure capital of New Zealand-where the first-ever commercial bungee was established. Owing to its popularity and convenience, accommodation in Queenstown is highly expensive year-round for the most basic of hotels and B&Bs.

Despite how crowded and expensive Queenstown was, we thoroughly enjoyed our New Year’s Eve here– bar hopping, trying out food from cafes and street stalls, while watching the concert that went on even beyond the midnight fireworks. Ah! The dazzling fireworks over the lake stole our hearts, what a welcome to the new year!

Accommodation

Starlight Retreat had everything we could ask for, except that it was a little bit outside of the town. The hosts are really kind and the place wasn’t as exorbitantly priced as all the others in town. Despite our adventures, I am glad we were able to find this listing on Airbnb.

Glenorchy to Queenstown: 46 km (45 minutes)

Head back in Queenstown and ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak. This gondola is very steep and gets you up the peak in no time. Alternatively, you can get to the peak through an easy one-hour hike. Once at the top, you can enjoy sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Range beyond. There are a plethora of activities available to keep you entertained; you can choose to do paragliding, bungee jumping, luge riding, stargazing and even have dinner at their restaurant, Stratosfare. We chose to ride the luge on this day, an activity similar to go-karting except on non-motorized karts with wheels that roll down the curvy mountain slope.

Tip
The gondola ride is quite expensive, at 44 NZD. So, it is better to do all activities you wish to do on Bob’s Peak on the same day and save on repetitive gondola ride costs.

If you’d like to save money in this rather expensive country, read these essential money-saving tips.

Day 16: Queenstown- Glenorchy, Luge, Hot Pools

Queenstown to Glenorchy: 46 km (45 minutes)

The drive to Glenorchy from Queenstown is known to be one of the most beautiful in the whole wide world. The road takes you along the endless Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy, beyond which there is a place called Paradise. That’s right, Paradise! The best bit is that lake Wakatipu is astonishingly beautiful and serene no matter the weather.

At Glenorchy, stop by the Glenorchy Wharf, which has a boat shed, the red paint of which, pops quite beautifully against the colours of nature.

If you’re hungry, you can stop for a coffee, cake or sundae at Mrs Wooly’s General Store, a quaint souvenir and general store visible as soon as you enter or exit Glenorchy.

Onsen Hot Pools: For sunset, set out for Onsen Hot Pools, which offers spa services with an astounding view overlooking the Shotover River Canyon. Physically and visually soaking in the marvels of nature in a candle-lit private cedar-lined pool while sipping wine is a must-have experience, especially if you are travelling with your better half! Do make sure to pre-book your slot, as it sells out fast.

Food: Fergburger is famous for its gourmet burgers. We would have loved to try a burger from here but the lines outside were always so long, with people gobbling them up while sitting on benches outside. The whole scene did not appeal to us! If you have more patience than us, try their burgers. Also, have some chocolates, coffee and ice cream at the lakeside Patagonia Chocolates.

Day 17: Mount Cook and Tekapo

Bungy Jumping: Today’s your day to go bungy jumping—one of the best things to do in New Zealand. You cannot come to the birthplace of commercial bungee jumping and go back without getting your adrenaline levels up.

There are three bungees you can choose from in Queenstown: The Kawarau Bridge Bungy which is the first commercial bungee in the world with a fall of 43 metres; The Ledge Bungy which offers awe-inspiring views over Lake Wakatipu with a drop 47 meters , and The Nevis Bungy which is the highest bungy & swing at a whopping 134 meters.

We chose the Ledge because it’s the least time-consuming, has the best view over Queenstown and is freestyle (so we could just run into the unknown without having to look over ‘the ledge’).

Queenstown to Mt. Cook: 264 km (3 hours 15 minutes)

The drive takes you through vast expanses of vineyards of the famous wine-making Otago region. On the way, you will be tempted to stop at lake Pukaki, as its waters are a brilliant bright turquoise, a result of the sun reflecting glacial particles in the water.

Mt. Cook is the tallest mountain in New Zealand, at 3,724 meters. The village is quite expensive and it is quite tough to find accommodation. For that reason, we actually stayed in Tekapo! Whether you stay here or in Tekapo, I highly recommend doing the Hooker Valley Track-10-km return hike in Mount Cook National Park that’ll take 3 hours. If you get late this day to do the hike, you can easily do it next morning.

Stargazing: The region (Mt. Cook and Tekapo) is part of the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, one of the only 16 such reserves in the world. Low levels of light pollution make it perfect for stargazing. You’ll literally be able to see the milky way as soon as you step of your accommodation.

If you’re staying in Tekapo, you can also take a tour to Mt. John Observatory or do a stargazing experience to make more sense of that brilliant sky. Another interesting thing you could do is stargaze while soaking in hot pools. 

Accommodation: Both Tekapo and Mount Cook so not have a lot of stay options. Lakeside Apartment is superb place to stay in Tekapo. It’s a historical house with the perfect location by the lake. And Aoraki Court Motel is perhaps one of the only places to stay in Mount Cook Village.

Day 18: Christchurch

At Tekapo, visit the Church of the Good Shepherd, an old stone church located on the banks of Lake Tekapo and surrounded by purple lupins. It is known for its location next to the lake, which makes it an ideal spot for photographers.

Tekapo to Christchurch: 226 km (2 hours 50 minutes)

The drive from Tekapo to Christchurch is dotted with pretty purple lupins along the road and never-ending undulating green hills beyond. Stop at Fairlie for some pies from the famous Fairlie Bakehouse or at Geraldine for some fresh berries sold right on the roadside.

Christchurch, a resilient city hit by earthquakes time and again, has a quaint, artsy charm to it. There is street art in every corner of the city, some to cover up the damage done by the 2011 earthquake and some as a canvas for creativity and hope in times of distress.

Walk around New Regent Street, a walking street built in the Spanish Mission Style in the 1930s, with a distinct pastel colour theme. The only vehicle that passes through is the city tram. Do visit here, there are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars to keep you occupied. For dinner,south head to Little High Eatery which has local businesses serving international cuisine with shared seating amongst them.

Accommodation: Milano Motor Lodge is an excellent mid-range stay and if you’re looking for something more luxurious then The George will be perfect.