Journey overview
New Zealand's highlights are spread over two islands, and long drives can quietly consume a trip. This itinerary uses four bases and one domestic flight, with most of the time in the South Island's lakes and mountains. Driving days are kept short, and the itinerary works equally well self-drive or with a private driver-guide.
Day-by-day outline
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Overnight flights from the US typically arrive in the morning, a calendar day later because you cross the International Date Line. Private transfer to a waterfront hotel, a rest, and an easy afternoon around the harbor.
Day 2: Waiheke Island
Ferry across the Hauraki Gulf to Waiheke Island for vineyards, coastal walks and a long lunch, returning to the city in the evening.
Day 3: To Rotorua
Drive south through the Waikato, with an optional stop at the Waitomo glowworm caves or the Hobbiton Movie Set. Arrive in Rotorua in the afternoon.
Day 4: Geothermal Rotorua
Explore a geothermal valley with geysers and mud pools, and join a Māori cultural experience that explains the area's history and traditions. Soak in natural hot pools in the evening.
Day 5: Fly to Queenstown
Fly south (usually connecting via Auckland or Christchurch). The approach into Queenstown, between mountains and lake, is spectacular. Settle into your lodge or lakeside hotel.
Day 6: Glenorchy and the lake
Drive the lakeside road to Glenorchy at the head of Lake Wakatipu, with short walks and mountain views. Alternatively, a jet boat or horse ride in the valley.
Day 7: Arrowtown and Gibbston
The historic gold-mining village of Arrowtown, then cellar doors in the Gibbston Valley for Central Otago pinot noir.
Day 8: Your choice
A day trip over the Crown Range to Wanaka, a guided half-day hike, a scenic helicopter flight with an alpine landing, or simply a slow day by the lake.
Day 9: To Fiordland
Drive to Te Anau on the edge of Fiordland National Park. In the evening, a short walk by the lake or a boat trip to the Te Anau glowworm caves.
Day 10: Milford Sound
Travel the Milford Road, one of New Zealand's great drives, with stops at the Mirror Lakes and alpine viewpoints, then cruise Milford Sound. Some travelers prefer to fly back to Queenstown by small plane or helicopter, weather permitting.
Day 11: Return to Queenstown
Return to Queenstown for a final evening, with time for a gondola ride or a farewell dinner.
Day 12: Depart
Fly from Queenstown to connect with your international flight home.
Highlights
- A day among Waiheke Island's vineyards
- Geysers, hot pools and Māori culture in Rotorua
- The lakes and mountains around Queenstown
- Central Otago wine country
- The Milford Road and a cruise on Milford Sound
- An optional scenic flight over the Southern Alps
Who this journey suits
This journey suits couples, nature and wine lovers, and active families. It offers a good balance of easy days and outdoor activity, and can be tailored to luxury lodges or comfortable boutique hotels. Travelers with more time often add Wanaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook or the Bay of Islands.
Practical considerations
- Season. November to April is best for this route. In winter (June to August), Queenstown becomes a ski resort and the Milford Road can be affected by snow and avalanche risk.
- Fiordland weather. Rain is common, and scenic flights may be canceled at short notice. A spare day in the region is useful.
- Driving. New Zealanders drive on the left, and roads can be narrow and winding. A driver-guide is an excellent option for the Milford Road.
- Entry. Most US passport holders need an NZeTA and pay the NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy before travel. Check Immigration New Zealand for current fees and rules.
Domestic flight connections, road conditions and entry requirements change. All details are confirmed when we plan your journey.
Ways to customize it
- Add Wanaka and Aoraki/Mount Cook, driving out to Christchurch.
- Begin in the Bay of Islands for subtropical sailing and history.
- Add Australia for a three-week trans-Tasman journey; see our 14-day Australia journey.
- Read the best time to visit New Zealand and North Island vs South Island.
