2-week roadtrip in New Zealand : between the most important places

You want to see the best places across New Zealand ? You have a two week vacation to plan ? 🔍
Then this itinerary is perfect for you ! Go for a beautiful road trip from the North Island to the South Island, stopping by the must-sees. Discover some of the most gorgeons landscapes : from landscapes, to mountains and volcanos. Go surfing off stunning beaches, taste so local wine and explore welcoming and lively cities. 😍

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Itinerary of this 2 weeks road trip in the New Zealand

 

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🚗 We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

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The itinerary step by step

 

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What to do in Queenstown ?

World’s capital of adventure. 

• In winter, go skiing in one of the many ski resorts drawing many winter sports lover from all around the world.Coronet Peak is open all year round.
• Do not mis the most important tourist attraction in the city : the Gondola. It takes you up the top of the mountain and will let you enjoy a gorgeous view over the lake. If you feel like an athlete, go up by foot and you’ll save 35$.
• For a unique experience, head to Kiwi Birdlife Park and discover the endemic bird : the kiwi. A rare chance to get a glimpse of this shy bird.
• Want something unusual ? Stop the Underwater Observatory. Step in a submarine and observe Lake Wakatipu‘s marine life.
• fer thrilling experiences ? Then try one of the many activities like bungyjumping, jetboat, rafting …
• Hikers, take the Mode Lake Loop Track, accessible to all (2 or 3 hours round) and get a goregous view over the lake.

 

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What to do in Te Anau ?

A city right off a like. 

• Explore Lake Te Anau, New-Zealand’s second largest lake, by renting a kayak or hiking around it and discovering exceptionnel wildlife and floral.
• Tired ? Stroll around the streets of this small calm city, stop to have a local beer.
• Explore the surroundings by driving on the iconic Milford Hwy : one of the most beautiful roads in New-Zealand.

 

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What to do in Milford Sound ?

One of the most stunning fjords in the world. 

• Go for a 1 and half to 2 hour crois to discover the fjord. Outstanding sceneries guaranteed !
• For a breathtaking view, go for a plane or helicopter ride over this unique landscape.
• For those who prefer doing their thing on their own, rent a kayak, paddle around the fjord and enjoy an extraordinary experience in the beautiful place !

 

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What to do at Lake Tekapo ?

A vibrant blue lake. 

• Step in the Church of the Good Shepherd on the riverbank, it was built in 1935. Enjoy a perfect view of the Southern Alps from the altar’s window.
• After taking a pister of the Mackenzie Sheep Dog Statue , take one of the hiking trails following the riverbank. And for a stunning view of the Mackenzie Basin, head to Mount John Observatory or to Cowans Hill.
• You’ve always dreamed of seeing Northern Lights but are afraid of cold ? Fortunately Lake Takepo exists ! One of the best spots to see the Northern Lights in New-Zealand because of its clear but dark sky. From April to September, go up Mount John Observatory to enjoy this beautiful sight.

 

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What to do in Christchurch ?

A charming city under construction because of the many earthquakes it underwent. 

• Called « the Garden City », Christchurch has many gardens. Go to Hagley Park, it houses a 30ha botanical garden where you can take a break. Go for a ride on a rowboat on Avon River and get to see a rugby or cricket game.
• For an emotional visit, head to the corner of  Cashel and Madras streets and explore the 185 Empty White Chairs, an artwork by Pete Majendie paying tribute to the victims of the 2011 earthquake.
• Stroll around the Re-Start Container Hall, a place with where coffee shops and cute stores settled in containers.
• Surfers, head to the coastal suburbs of Sumner to get to nice waves.

 

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What to do in Wellington ?

New-Zealand’s capital : dense and charming.

• Do not miss the Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum which littoral means « treasure container ». Discover a 6-floor museum with Maori and Pacific treasures, the country’s extraordinary natural life and unique artworks. There is even an earthquake simulator.
• Be sure to go on the famous Cable Car, an easy way to get from the business district to the botanical garden’s main entrance. Once up there, enjoy a breathtaking view over the city.
• Explore the city center by foot, at your own pace and discover many shops, restaurants and attractions.
• Dive into New-Zealand’s unique and fragile natural environment by going to Zealandia, a 225 ha sanctuary near the main district. Discover rare indigenous species, explore lovely trails and try to catch a glimpse of the kaka, the tuatara and many other animals. A try urban jungle !

 

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What to do in Tongariro National Park ?

A National Park surrounding three volcanos.

• Hike on the « Tongariro Alpine Crossing », one of the world’s most beautiful 1-day trek along the three volcanos : Tongariro, Ngayruhoe et Ruapehu. Discover steam craters, old lava flows and vibrant blue thermal lakes : an unforgettable experience !
• If you prefer water sports, go for a level 3 rafting in the many rivers’ rapids winding through a fascinating landscape. For those who love to fish, the park has many lovely fly fishing spots.
• More a winter sport person ? No problem, the park is open in winter and has a great ski resort where you will get a beautiful view of the volcanos. A unique experiences !

 

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What to do in Taupo ?

A gorgeous lave on a huge volcano. 

• Enjoy one of the many activités you can do : trout fishing, skiing down mount Ruapehu or observing natural geothermic phenomenons.
• If you wan to expérience something unusual, go to the shrimp farm, take a walk in one of the geothermic parks and admire the rock engravings of Mine Bay on a kayak or boat. .
• You love thrills ? Go down Great Lake Trail on a mountain bike.
• Be sure to check out the Huka Falls, these falls are so powerful that 220  000 liters of water falls from them every second. Go above the falls by hiking for an hour on the Spa Park trail through the exotic forest, along the river.

 

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What to do in Rotorua ?

A fascinating city in the middle of the Pacific Ring of Fire. 

• If you wan to get a closer look of kiwis, explore of of the city’s wildlife parks. Want to discover endangered species in an abundant vegetation and learn more about the New-Zealander nature, head to the Rainbow Springs. If you’d prefer seeing African lions and hand-feed farm animals, go to Paradise Valley Springs.
• Thrill lovers, go rafting down the rapids, falls and rocks of Wairoa river.
• For a relaxing moment, take a dip in a mineral steam pool and enjoy the spectacular view of lake Rotorua or enjoy one of the city’s many SPAs.
• For a cultural discovery, go to the authentic pre-european Maori village or eat a hangi meal.

 

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What to do in Auckland ?

New-Zealand largest city, between two bays and 48 extinct volcanic cones.

• Go for an eco-safari with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari and discover Brydes whales, killer whales and dolphins in the beautiful marine park of Hauraki Gulf.
• For an underwater discovery, go diving in the first marine reserve of New-Zealand, Goat Island reserve.
• Hikers, head to the top of Rangitoto, a volcanic island in the middle of the gulf or explore  Tiritiri Matangi Nature Reserve and discover the (too) many different species of endangered birds.
• Want to learn more about the Maori culture ? Visit Auckland Museum and watch maori show : haka, weapon parade, poi dance …
• Do not miss the Sky Tower go through the 328m / 1075ft of lifts up to the observation platform. A spectacular view !
• For a full culinary discovery, head to the famous district of Wynyard Quart and Viaduct Harbour where you will get to choose from many coffee shops and restaurants. For a more sophisticated cuisine, go to Federal Street. And if you’d like a gastronomic and local beer go to City Works Depot.

 

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To learning more…

 

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

 

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If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team will be happy to hear from you !