2 Weeks New Zealand Itinerary With Two South Island Options
Do you have two weeks holidays and would like to travel to New Zealand’s North AND South Island? And you’d like to travel by yourself in a motorhome or car?
A 2 weeks New Zealand itinerary is possible and I will show you two awesome options below.
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New Zealand might look small next to Australia, but don’t underestimate the driving time. When planning your New Zealand trip, you should keep in mind the curvy roads and best add an hour to the driving time your GPS suggests.
You might ask yourself, is two weeks in New Zealand enough?
If you have 2 weeks in New Zealand and would like to relax and enjoy your New Zealand holidays, it makes sense to decide to only visit one island (Have a look at my 2 weeks North Island and 2 weeks South Island itineraries). Whether it’s the North Island or South Island New Zealand is up to your preferences in the landscape. If you can afford it, I suggest you take 3 weeks (or more) to properly explore both island.
To reduce the amount of you driving, you could also go on a guided tour of New Zealand. Let them do the driving, sit back and enjoy the views.
If you’re happy to put up with all the driving yourself, I can help you out planning your New Zealand road trip.
Here’s your 2 weeks New Zealand itinerary
But first, let me explain to you how I set up the itinerary.
On the New Zealand North Island, there’s only one option. From Auckland cut right through the middle to Rotorua and further down towards Wellington.
On the South Island, though, you’ll have to choose between two options: Via West Coast or Mt Cook area in the South Island’s central route. You simply won’t have the time to do both. They are both unique and there’s so much nature to see on both routes. You choose which one you prefer.
North Island
South Island: Option via Mt Cook
South Island: West Coast Option
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Kia Ora ki Aotearoa (Welcome to New Zealand)! After arriving, choose your favourite transfer from Auckland airport to the city. The fastest and easiest are usually either SuperShuttle or Skybus.
Check into your Auckland accommodation and spend the rest of the day exploring the city centre.
Day 2: Spend the day in Auckland (or visit the Waitomo Caves)
If you decide to stay in the city, there are heaps of things to do in Auckland. How about a Harbour Cruise? Or spend the day on Waiheke Island, wandering from winery to winery and tasting all the best wines.
Welcome to auckland, the city of sails!
Looking for a different itinerary? Click here for all New Zealand travel itineraries!
Day 3: Drive via Hobbiton to Rotorua
Pick up your rental car and start your New Zealand road trip! En-route to Rotorua, make a stop in Matamata to visit Hobbiton. Movie set tours run daily between 9 am and 3.30 pm from the Shire’s Rest Cafe.
Check into your Rotorua accommodation after arriving and get ready for a very special dinner experience. At Mitai Maori Village, you not only get to see a Maori cultural performance (which of course includes the Haka), but you will also eat a delicious Hangi meal (cooked in an earth oven) and go on a guided bush walk after dusk. Or if you’re more into wellness, spend the evening in one of Rotorua’s most popular hot pool, Polynesian Spa.
Day 4: Visit Wai-o-Tapu, then continue to Ohakune via Huka Falls Taupo
Wai-o-tapu Geothermal Wonderland is exactly what the name promises. Think of any picture you’ve ever seen on geothermal Rotorua. It most likely was the Champagne Pool at Wai-o-tapu.
champagne pool at wai-o-tapu geothermal wonderland
Visit in the morning to see Lady Knox Geyser erupt daily at 10.15 am. Afterwards, marvel at the colours, steam and bubbling mud at Wai-o-Taupo thermal park before moving on towards Taupo.
Seeing the Huka Falls is almost a mandatory thing to do in Taupo, even if you don’t have the time to see more of the town.
Then drive along the very scenic Lake Taupo drive towards Tongariro National Park. I suggest you stay in Ohakune for the night as it’s a proper town with lots of cafes and restaurants.
More on things to do in Rotorua and Taupo can be found here.
so much water: huka falls
Day 5: Ohakune to Wellington
I’m gonna be honest with you, this drive is rather average. There are some scenic lookouts along the way and you should stop in Bulls for coffee or lunch and to enjoy the local humour.
Enjoy the afternoon exploring Wellington city centre. If you have the time, you should spend a full day here as there are heaps of (free) things to do in Wellington.
Visit the national museum Te Papa to learn about Maori and New Zealand history as well as New Zealand’s unique approach to dealing with the many earthquakes and volcanic eruptions that come from being located on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire.
If the weather is nice, take the cable car towards the Botanic Garden for an amazing view over Wellington. The Botanic Garden is also free to visit, so make sure you go for a stroll there, too.
Looking over wellington
Day 6: Morning ferry to Picton
There is more than one Cook Strait ferry per day, but to save time I do suggest to take a morning ferry from Wellington to Picton.
Important: Check whether your rental vehicle is allowed to board the ferry. Some companies require you to drop off the car in Wellington and pick up a different one in Picton. While this can be a nuisance, it saves you paying a ferry ticket for your vehicle.
Once the ferry enters Marlborough Sound on the South Island, make sure to get a good viewing spot. It’s absolutely scenic!
After arriving in Picton, you have two options to continue your 2 weeks New Zealand itinerary on the South Island.
the magnificent marlborough sound seen from the cook strait ferry
Day 6: Picton to Kaikoura
Let’s continue on Day 6. After arriving in Picton, today’s drive will lead you past the most famous wine area in New Zealand, Marlborough. They’re dotted around the town of Blenheim. Stop at Cloudy Bay Vineyards for a wine tasting or two (but don’t forget about the legal driving limit!)
After arriving in Kaikoura, there might still be time to visit the Kaikoura seal colony and come up close and personal with the furry locals.
What a photomodel! seals in kaikoura
Day 8: Morning Whale Watching, then drive to Christchurch
Continue your New Zealand itinerary along the coast towards Christchurch. This road was closed for a few years after the big 2016 earthquake and you can still see the occasional reminder.
You can also drive inland and add a night in Hanmer Springs if you have the time.
Day 9: From Christchurch to Tekapo
Spend the morning exploring Christchurch. Most of the city is easily accessible on foot. Christchurch is currently in an in-between space as there is still a lot of damage from the earthquakes that can be seen. Especially sad is to see the once-mighty Christchurch Cathedral which partly collapsed during the quake. The ruins are a very sad reminder or the disaster.
christchurch’s prettiest street, new regent street
But nonetheless, Christchurch is not giving up. A lot of construction has happened over the past years and there are newly built and earthquake-safe houses and shopping areas popping up almost every day.
The drive to Tekapo can feel a bit long as it’s mainly through farmland. But once you arrive, you’ll instantly love the town and the incredibly blue Lake Tekapo. You’re surrounded by the typical New Zealand South Island landscape you see in magazines as well as the Insta-famous Church Of The Good Shepherd.
Stay in Tekapo for 2 nights.
Church of the good shepherd in tekapo
Day 10: Explore Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park
Put your hiking boots on and drive to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park for the day. This area deserves to be discovered slowly and on foot as it’s one of the most stunning regions in New Zealand.
Easy walks are abundant in the Mt Cook area. You can walk to the foot of Tasman Glacier, see the icebergs in Tasman Glacier Lakes. If you’re up for a slightly longer walk, go explore the Hooker Valley Track. And there are so many more walks waiting for you!
tasman glacier lake in aoraki/Mt cook
Day 11: From Tekapo to Queenstown
Today is all about driving. You’ll probably take lots of pictures along the way, so take your time driving from Tekapo to Queenstown.
Once you arrive in Queenstown, go for a stroll along Lake Wakatipu and explore the quirky town centre. Go for a coffee in one of the numerous cafes or drink a glass of Otago Pinot Noir at Steamer Wharf with views over the lake and the Remarkables in the background.
Day 12: Spend the day in Queenstown
If you do have the time, you should try and be in Queenstown for more than just one full day. There’s just so much to do in Queenstown!
You could take the Queenstown Skyline Gondola up the house mountain to take in stunning views over the town and the lake and then race your friends or family on the Queenstown Luge.
On the luge track, overlooking lake wakatipu and queenstown
Arrowtown nearby is an incredibly picturesque place. It looks like it’s been stuck in the good old gold rush times.
If you like wine, it’s almost a must to go on a wine tour to Gibbston Valley where mostly Pinot Noir is grown (as the grapes love the climate).
Or if you’re more into action and adrenaline, there’s Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy (the highest in New Zealand) and Kawarau Bridge Bungy (the first commercial bungy worldwide), ziplining, quad biking...I think you get the gist.
Don’t forget to eat a burger at probably the most famous burger joint Ferg Burger. You might just need some patience as the queues to order can often go around several corners. If you get too hungry waiting in line, Winnies Queenstown Pizza Bar sure is a delicious alternative.
Find even more things to do in Queenstown here!
Day 13: Milford Sound Tour
Another must-do in New Zealand. When in Rome...or in this case, Queenstown, you just have to see Milford Sound!
Even though Milford Sound is close on the map, it’s a long and highly scenic drive. Which is why, if you only have a day, you should join one of the many Milford Sound tours from Queenstown. This way you can fully focus on the dramatic landscape.
mirror lakes on milford road
Day 14: Fly out from Queenstown
The last day of your 2 week New Zealand itinerary has already arrived.
From Queenstown, it’s easy to fly to any big airport in New Zealand for your international flight. Or if your next stop is Australia, you can fly from Queenstown directly.
Even though it is a very tight itinerary to travel New Zealand, I hope you have the time of your life.
Day 6: Picton to Nelson
Let’s continue on Day 6 of your 2 New Zealand itinerary. After arriving in Picton, head west towards Nelson. The drive leads you along Queen Charlotte Sound with some amazing views into the Fiord.
Nelson is known to be a very artsy town. There are a lot of little galleries that can be visited. It’s also popular for Cider breweries and peanut butter (what how it’s made at Pic’s Peanut Butter factory).
Nelson is also the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park. If you have an additional day, walking and kayaking in Abel Tasman is a real highlight.
Day 7: Nelson to Hokitika via Punakaiki Pancake Rocks
Today you’ll have your first day on the famous New Zealand West Coast. On your way to Hokitika where you stay for the night, you’ll pass Greymouth. Stop at the beaches and try your luck finding Pounamu (New Zealand Jade, also known as Greenstone) between the rocks.
Another must-stop is at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
punakaiki pancake rocks…you can see where the name comes from
Once you arrived in Hokitika and it’s not too late, head inland to Hokitika Gorge. The water there is incredibly clear and it’s a great spot for a picnic.
Day 8: Hokitika to Franz Josef
Today’s drive is quite leisurely. Franz Josef is not too far from Hokitika but the roads are winding, so be careful.
The West Coast can have some quite nasty weather that can cause landslides and road closures, so it’s best to give the area some extra time that you won’t have to suddenly rush or miss your Franz Josef Heli hike.
Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier & Hot Pools
experience of a lifetime: franz josef glacier heli hike
If you’re on a lower budget, there are countless walks in the glacier valley you can do, most of them easy and only just over an hour in length.
view from mount iron in wanaka
Day 11: Drive to Queenstown
The Wanaka to Queenstown drive is filled with amazing views and lookout points! It’s probably one of your shortest drive during your 2 weeks in New Zealand, but I promise you will stop and stare (and take pictures) often.
steep road from wanaka to queenstown
Once you arrive in Queenstown, go for a stroll along Lake Wakatipu and explore the quirky town centre. Go for a coffee in one of the numerous cafes or drink a glass of Otago Pinot Noir at Steamer Wharf with views over the lake and the Remarkables in the background.
Day 12: Spend the day in Queenstown
If you do have the time, you should try and be in Queenstown for more than just one full day. There’s just so much to do in Queenstown!
You could take the Queenstown Skyline Gondola up the house mountain to take in stunning views over the town and the lake and then race your friends or family on the Queenstown Luge.
Arrowtown nearby is an incredibly picturesque place. It looks like it’s been stuck in the good old gold rush times.
If you like wine, it’s almost a must to go on a wine tour to Gibbston Valley where mostly Pinot Noir is grown (as the grapes love the climate).
at gibbston valley winery near queenstown
Or if action and adrenaline is more up your alley, there’s Shotover Jet, Nevis Bungy (the highest in New Zealand) and Kawarau Bridge Bungy (the first commercial bungy worldwide), ziplining, quad biking...I think you get the gist.
Also, don’t forget to eat a burger at probably the most famous burger joint Ferg Burger. You might just need some patience as the queues to order can often go around several corners.
Find even more things to do in Queenstown here!
Day 13: Milford Sound Tour
Another must-do in New Zealand. When in Rome...or in this case, Queenstown, you just have to see Milford Sound!
the mighty mitre peak in milford sound
Even though Milford Sound is close on the map, it’s a long and highly scenic drive. Which is why, if you only have a day, you should join one of the many Milford Sound tours from Queenstown. This way you can fully focus on the dramatic landscape.