New Zealand Touring Routes
Spoilt for choice? destination-nz.com has prepared a selection of national, North and South Island itineraries to inspire you.
National
The suggested national itineraries provide a comprehensive view of New Zealand, taking in the most significant sights and attractions from one end of the country to the other. In the North Island you'll discover beautiful beaches, kauri forests, caves and phenomenal geothermal activity. In the South Island the emphasis is on grand mountain scenery, adventure activities, historic architecture and wildlife encounters. Throughout the country you'll find vineyards and inspired restaurants, exciting cities and towns, cultural entertainment and the chance to buy quality, locally-made clothing, artworks and homewares. By the end of your holiday, you'll know New Zealand from top to toe.
(1) Begin your journey in Auckland. Travel north to the Bay of Islands. Relax on a beach and take a cruise. Return to Auckland, another chance to comb shops, cafes and restaurants, before continuing to the Waitomo Caves. Go swimming or fishing in Taupo before exploring the gardens of Palmerston North. Explore the cultural delights of Wellington's galleries and nightlife, then cross to the South Island and enjoy the wildlife and seafood of Kaikoura. Further along the east coast, discover Christchurch and Dunedin. Restore your spirit in the rainforests of South Westland, then head for the excitement of Queenstown and Wanaka. Enjoy restaurants and nightlife before crossing to the tranquil West Coast. Admire glaciers, wild beaches and the spectacular rock formations at Punakaiki. Pamper yourself in Hanmer and finish in Christchurch.
(2) From Auckland head north to the Bay of Islands. Visit Kaitaia, the base for Cape Reinga, before going south to the beaches and galleries of Coromandel. Enjoy more beaches in the Bay of Plenty before moving to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Discover Taupo and Tongariro National Park. See the Waitomo Caves and Taranaki. Set your cultural side free in Wellington before crossing to the South Island. Explore Marlborough and the wildlife of Kaikoura. Further along the east coast discover Christchurch and Dunedin. From the southern tip of the island, visit Stewart Island and see native wildlife. Back on the mainland, explore South Westland, then head for Queenstown and Wanaka. Drive north along the West Coast before finishing in Christchurch.
(3)Begin in Auckland. Travel north to the subtropical Bay of Islands. Return to Auckland and continue to Waikato and the Waitomo Caves. Travel east and relax among the beaches and galleries of Coromandel. Enjoy more beaches in the Bay of Plenty and continue to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Discover the lakeside beauty of Taupo and the alpine scenery of Tongariro National Park. Travel to the east coast and enjoy the architecture and vineyards of Napier. Discover your cultural side amongst the galleries and shops of Wellington before crossing to the South Island. Explore Marlborough and Nelson. Travel south along the West Coast, admiring glaciers, rainforest and untamed beaches. Cross to Central Otago and the excitement of Wanaka and Queenstown, then head for the beauty of South Westland. Discover the history of Dunedin before exploring more of Central Otago, including New Zealand's highest peak: Mount Cook. Travel to Canterbury, travelling north to see the beautiful coastline and marine wildlife of Kaikoura before ending your journey in Christchurch.
North Island
New Zealand's North Island is a magical place with something to captivate every visitor. Whether you're looking for a beach holiday, an exploration of New Zealand's natural beauty, or a stylish time in the cultural capitals, you'll find it here.
(1) Tour New Zealand's subtropical north and discover marine adventures of every description. Cruise the Hauraki Gulf in Auckland then travel north past surfing spots to Whangarei. Enjoy waterfront restaurants before diving into the Bay of Islands. Go boating then move on to Kaitaia, the base for tours to Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. Follow the west coast back to Auckland, discovering kauri forests, coastal lakes and local thrills such as dune surfing and 4WD motorbiking.
(2) Explore New Zealand culture in this loop around the lower North Island. Start amongst galleries and museums in Wellington. Tour Parliament Buildings and watch a Parliamentary Debate. Over the Rimutaka Range to Wairarapa thoughts will move to the delights of fine wine and food. Further north, Palmerston North and New Plymouth offer authentic rural experiences - they're known for beautiful gardens, forest walks and pastoral landscapes. In Waitomo, venture underground to see cave formations and glow worms.
Taupo and Turangi will keep you occupied with geothermal activity, hot springs, scenic walks and trout fishing. While in Taupo take a lake cruise to visit spectacular Maori rock carvings. At Tongariro National Park, get involved in New Zealand's outdoor culture and go mountainbiking, horse trekking or walking. Return south to Wellington via a series of intriguing small towns.
(3) For a rejuvenating journey, delve into culture at Auckland's museums and galleries. Swim with dolphins or visit a wildlife sanctuary on a Gulf island. In Hamilton explore the Waikato Museum of Art and History or cruise the Waikato River. At Waitomo Caves, discover an underground world. Push your limits black-water rafting and abseiling, or simply marvel at millions of glow-worms. Explore Maori myths and legends in Rotorua. Visit Te Wairoa, a village buried by the 1886 Mount Tarawera eruption, for a palpable sense of history. The geothermal activity of the area is unforgettable. Taupo also offers geothermal activity. Take a lake cruise to visit Maori rock carvings. Palmerston North offers regional tranquillity with beautiful gardens and forests to explore. Amongst the bright lights of Wellington, visit some of New Zealand's finest galleries and museums, including the national museum, Te Papa, and explore New Zealand politics at Parliament House.
(4) Combine surf with culture for a perfect balance. Start in Auckland and enjoy a multitude of beaches from sheltered bays to the isolated west coast. Stay balanced with galleries and cafes. On the east of the Coromandel Peninsula, a series of beaches runs all the way to Opotiki. You'll also find galleries offering the wares of Coromandel artists. Take a forest walk before heading for the cafes of Mount Maunganui and Tauranga. Follow the East Cape road to Whakatane and Gisborne for surf and chardonnay. Discover more vineyards in Hawke's Bay. Napier offers some of the best Art Deco architecture outside Miami. Taupo and Rotorua offer fishing, cruising, swimming and wine and food al fresco. Soak in a mineral pool before heading back to Auckland.
(5) This round trip will introduce you to the best of the North Island. Urban entertainments in Auckland lead on to simple, seaside pleasures in Coromandel. Taste Tauranga's sunny lifestyle and marvel at the fumaroles and geysers of Rotorua. Taupo offers more geothermal experiences, and the chance to reel in one of the world's finest Brown or Rainbow Trout. At Tongariro National Park, admire three immense volcanoes - depending on the time of year, you can take a scenic walk or ski on them. Gisborne and Napier are all about vineyards, surf beaches and Art Deco architecture, while Wellington is a cultural experience that mixes New Zealand heritage with contemporary creativity. Browse the gardens and galleries of New Plymouth. Stop at Waitomo on your way back to Auckland and let an underworld of caves and glowworms capture your imagination. Begin your journey discovering Auckland. Travel north to the delightful Bay of Islands. Return back to Auckland and continue to Waikato and the underground magic of the Waitomo Caves. Visit beaches, forests and craft galleries in Coromandel. Enjoy more beaches and sunshine in the Bay of Plenty and continue to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua. Discover the lakeside beauty of Taupo and surrounds, including Tongariro National Park. Take a scenic walk in stunning alpine scenery. Travel east and enjoy magnificent architecture and vineyards in Napier. Discover your cultural side amongst the galleries of Wellington before crossing to the South Island. Explore Marlborough and Nelson. Travel south along the West Coast, admiring glaciers, rainforest and untamed beaches. Cross over to Central Otago and enjoy Wanaka and Queenstown, then head for the natural beauty of South Westland. Discover the history of Dunedin before seeing New Zealand's highest peak: Mount Cook. Travel to Canterbury, going north to see the marine wildlife of Kaikoura before ending your journey in Christchurch.
South Island
The South Island is a land of contrast. Whether you seek relaxation or adrenaline-fuelled adventure, you'll find it here - against a backdrop of the most amazing scenery you'll ever encounter.
(1) Journey from coast to coast. Start with the cultural richness of Christchurch’s museums, galleries and shops. Head west to the Southern Alps, stopping at Arthur’s Pass for alpine scenery. The West Coast towns of Greymouth and Hokitika will introduce you to gold-mining history. In contrast to the east, the West Coast is covered in lush rainforest. Head south to Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers. Enjoy a night out at the vibrant lakeside resort of Wanaka. Travel past blue glacier lakes on your way to Aoraki Mt Cook. Enjoy cafe stops at country towns as you cross the Canterbury Plains on your return to Christchurch.
(2) Discover an intriguing balance of eco-adventure and indulgence on this popular driving route. Check out the shops and galleries of Christchurch, and purchase your own slice of New Zealand: perhaps designer fashion or an original artwork. Enjoy a punt ride on the Avon River, then indulge at a city café. Discover wild and unspoilt beaches in Kaikoura. See whales and dolphins, then indulge in the freshest of seafood. Stop in the Waipara Valley on your way south and visit vineyards, olive groves and nut farms. Continue to Hanmer Springs, where hot pools, massage therapies and great restaurants will rejuvenate you. Stop for coffee or a beach picnic on your return trip to Christchurch.
(3) From Christchurch, follow the coast to Oamaru, where you can see sandstone architecture, penguins and the Moeraki Boulders. Take in Dunedin’s historic buildings and wildlife experiences on the Otago Peninsula before you drive across Southland to the rainforests of Te Anau and Milford Sound. Relax in Queenstown and Wanaka, then explore the West Coast. Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers, and the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, are unforgettable highlights. Enjoy laid-back Nelson and Blenheim, exploring beaches, vineyards and galleries. At Kaikoura take a boat trip to get up-close to seals, dolphins and whales. Explore the vineyards of Waipara Valley on the return trip to Christchurch.
(4) Hot springs, vineyards and the opportunity for outdoor adventures lend a pleasurable mix of indulgence and excitement to this itinerary. Pursue cultural entertainment in the laid-back city of Christchurch, wandering quaint streets and exploring shops and galleries. Enjoy cafe culture and take a relaxing gondola ride. In the spa town of Hanmer Springs, nourish body and soul with a walk or horse trek in crisp mountain air, followed by a soothing hot mineral soak, sauna and massage therapy. Travel north through the magnificent alpine scenery of Lewis Pass. Around Nelson, enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, beaches, galleries and vineyards. Cut across to Blenheim and discover some of the nation’s most lauded vineyards and the restaurants that accompany them. At Kaikoura, view whales, dolphins, seals and sea birds. Then return to Christchurch via the vineyards of the Waipara Valley
(5) Fill your memory with eco-experiences. In Christchurch, explore beaches and the hills. To get closer to New Zealand wildlife, visit one of several wildlife reserves. Braided rivers feature on the drive to Oamaru. Visit a penguin colony and wonder at Moeraki’s spherical boulders. In Dunedin, explore the Otago Peninsula to see penguins, fur seals and Royal Albatross. Follow the Southern Scenic Route from Dunedin to Invercargill. The incredible Catlins region offers a chance to see some of the nation’s finest coastal scenery and rainforest full of wildlife and waterfalls. Stop at Curio Bay to see a 160 million-year-old fossilized forest and look out for penguins, seals, sealions and dolphins offshore. Relax in the cafes of Invercargill before venturing out to explore protected wetlands nearby. Take a ferry crossing to Stewart Island for an unsurpassed eco-experience. New Zealand’s third largest island offers a slice of wilderness where native birds are found in abundance. Back on the mainland, head for Te Anau and Fiordland National Park: one of the largest World Heritage Areas in the world. Get away from it all with a scenic walk in spectacular rainforest and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound. In Queenstown, experience Skippers Canyon – a steep river gorge offering bungy-jumping, jetboating and rafting. Relax with a cruise on Lake Wakatipu or enjoy cafes and restaurants. On your return to Christchurch, detour to Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, admiring glacial lakes on the way.