It’s hard to do New Zealand justice in a short amount of time. With snow-dusted peaks, turquoise lakes, geothermal wonders, and coastlines that seem to stretch forever, this country has a lot to offer. That’s why most travelers aiming to see both the North and South Islands give themselves at least three to four weeks – but even then, it’s a careful balance between road-tripping and slowing down to take it all in.

You can squeeze a classic highlights loop into two weeks, but it often involves skipping entire regions or racing from place to place. If you’ve got the time, a 3+ week itinerarycaptures the best of both islands, with plenty of local gems along the way.

This guide includes a full 3+ week itinerary, optional add-ons if you want to go deeper, and a condensed 2-week version for travelers short on time.

Classic New Zealand: Your 3+ Week Island-Hopping Guide

Here’s a day-by-day flow, heading north to south, designed for travelers who want a full but balanced experience.

1. Auckland

Start in New Zealand’s largest city. Take time to explore the waterfront, check out Ponsonby’s cafés, hop on a ferry to Waiheke Island for a vineyard lunch, or head up Mt Eden for panoramic views of the city.

2. Coromandel Peninsula

Famous for its golden sand beaches and coastal hikes, the Coromandel is a stunner and offers a laid-back contrast to Auckland. Take a short walk through one of Coromandel’s finest kauri groves, dig your own spa pool at Hot Water Beach,and hike to Aotearoa’s most famous beach,Cathedral Cove.

3. Rotorua

Mud pools, geysers, and Māori culture converge in Rotorua. Soak in a hot spring, visit a geothermal park, and experience a traditional hangi feast and cultural performance. Make sure you also experience the Redwoods Treewalk – it’s pure forest magic.

4. Taupō

A short drive from Rotorua, Taupō offers lakeside dining, bike trails, and the powerful Huka Falls. Adventure seekers can try skydiving or bungy jumping here too.

5. Tongariro National Park

Home to the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s best one-day hikes. Think volcanic craters, emerald lakes, and mountain air. It’s a long hike, it’s steep, and the weather is unpredictable, but this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts dramatic, awe-inspiring scenery like nowhere else.

6. Wellington

Visitors often overlook this tiny capital, but Wellington’s compact, creative energy makes it a highlight of any trip. Visit the Te Papa museum, admire the Lambton Quay architecture, ride the cable car, and explore the beautiful botanic gardens. And don’t miss Wellington’s top eats and coffee culture at Belen, Loretta, and commuters’ favorite, Willis Lane.

7. Ferry to the South Island

Board the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry for one of the most scenic boat rides in the world. Keep your camera ready as you cruise into the stunning Marlborough Sounds and arrive at the gateway to the South Island, Picton.

8. Picton to Abel Tasman

Grab an award-winning toastie from Toastie Lords and drive west from Picton to the sunniest region in the country. The Abel Tasman Coast Track is breathtaking, with options to kayak, hike, or take a water taxi between the golden sand bays.

9. West Coast

Head south along the wild West Coast, stopping at the famous Pancake Rocks in Punakaiki and the Franz Josef Glacier. Walks here range from forest trails to glacier viewpoints, and the forest-draped landscapes feel like something out of prehistoric times. Detour to Hokitika Gorge for the brightest blue water you’ve ever seen.

10. Wanaka

Charming, chilled-out Wanaka is beloved by locals and tourists alike and is a welcome pause after big driving days. Hike up Roys Peak (if you’re up for it) or take a more mellow lakeside stroll to Eely Point. If that’s too much effort, catch a film at the quirky Cinema Paradiso, complete with sofas and fresh cookies.

11. Queenstown

Whether you’re here for jet boating, skiing, hiking, or just good food and wine, Queenstowndelivers. It’s a lot more high-end than other places in Aotearoa, with luxury shopping and fine dining. It also has a more budget-friendly side: Ride the gondola, enjoy the lakefront, grab a bite to eat at iconic Fergburger (be prepared for a long queue), or take a winery tour in nearby Gibbston Valley.

12. Fiordland

Drive to Te Anau, then venture into Fiordland National Park, known for having three Great Walks, dramatic glacier-carved fiords, and peaceful beach forests. Hop on a cruise through Doubtful Sound, walk part of the Kepler Track, or take a drive to Milford Sound. The Te Anau – Milford Highway has many walks and viewpoints to enjoy.Towering cliffs, waterfalls, and cheeky kea parrots await.

Keas, the world’s only alpine parrot, are renowned for their intelligence and are famous for taking and eating things left lying around. Keep them and yourselves safe by never leaving tempting items out – including your car keys, walking poles, boots, clothing, and any food.

13. Mount Cook / Aoraki

Head into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park for glacier lakes, mountain walks, and alpine stargazing. The Hooker Valley Track is a must for dramatic views, but if you’re up for a leg workout, the Sealy Tarns Track (nicknamed the “stairway to heaven”) offers epic rewards for your effort.

14. Tekapo

Before reaching Christchurch, stop in Tekapo, a lakeside town known for its aquamarine water, jaw-dropping lupin fields, and southern hemisphere stargazing. Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd or take a soak in the hot pools with mountain views.

14. Christchurch

End your journey in Christchurch, where old and new blend beautifully. Punt along the Avon River, drive to charming Akaroa to swim with dolphins, or simply explore the city’s ever-evolving food scene.

Have More Time? Add These Local Favorites:

• The Catlins (between Queenstown and Dunedin) for windswept beaches, sea lions, and penguins.

• Kāpiti Coast (near Wellington) for chilled beachside villages and a wildlife haven, Kapiti Island.

• Poor Knights Islands (off Tutukaka) for world-class scuba diving and snorkeling.

Short On Time? Here’s a 2-Week Itinerary

If you’re on a tighter schedule, this condensed loop covers the key sights:

Week 1 – North Island:

• Auckland
• Rotorua
• Taupō
• Tongariro Crossing
• Wellington

Week 2 – South Island:

• Picton
• Abel Tasman
• Queenstown
• Milford Sound
• Mount Cook or Christchurch

Expect more driving and early starts—but still plenty of wow moments.

Best Time to Visit New Zealand

New Zealand is stunning year-round, but each season offers something unique:

• Summer (Dec–Feb) – Peak season. Long days, warm weather, busy trails and beaches.

• Autumn (Mar–May) – Settled warm weather, golden foliage, and fewer crowds.

• Winter (Jun–Aug) – Snowy Alps, ski towns buzzing, ideal for stargazing and hot pools.

• Spring (Sep–Nov) – Waterfalls full, flowers blooming, trails can be wet but rewarding!

If you want to enjoy both islands in their best light, late summer or early autumn is ideal.

This article was written by Kathryn Curzon, a shark conservationist and dive travel writer for SSI.