ITINERARIES AND RECOMMENDED TOURING ROUTES
The well-worn expression, ‘half the fun is getting there’ could not be more true of New Zealand. There is no country quite like this for exploring, and very few roads could be considered boring.
New Zealand scenery and attractions are so diverse, there is something to see or stop at round nearly every corner! It may simply be breathtaking mountains, an irresistibly sandy beach or glistening lake, or it may be one of our unique natural attractions – a glacier, fiord, volcano or geothermal, bubbling mud pool.
Our itineraries are intended to assist you in planning your holiday and in making the most of New Zealand. We recommend you use Kidz Go to find more specific information on areas you would like to visit and to help you decide where to base your time. The itineraries intend to clarify your driving time, so you can make travel decisions based on the needs and ages of your family. KEY >> spots to consider spending more time in if you have it. Itineraries are shown with minimal time in any one place, to indicate length of holiday needed with almost daily travel. Indicated places are suggestions of good family spots to explore and spend more time for longer holidays.
Note: all itineraries list the first day entirely in your starting point – this is to allow for arrival from elsewhere / exploring your starting city / resting after a long journey. However, the number of travelling days required for each route remains the same, whether you set off on day one or day two.
SOUTH ISLAND CIRCUITS
Circuit 1 ex Christchurch
Christchurch – Kaikoura – Marlborough Sounds – Abel Tasman – Hanmer Springs – Christchurch
>> Day one: Christchurch
Day two: Christchurch to Kaikoura (181km, 3 hours)
Day three: Kaikoura to Picton (2 hours)
>> Day four: Picton
Day five: Picton – Abel Tasman National Park (Kaiteriteri or Marahau) (4 hours)
>> Day six: Abel Tasman
Day seven: Abel Tasman to Hanmer Springs (5 hours) Relax in pools that night
Day eight: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch (2 hours)
Travelling days: 5
Recommended: take 12 days+ Highlights
> Whale watching/dolphin swimming at Kaikoura,
> stunning scenery and fabulous walks or boating in the Marlborough Sounds,
> sunny, sandy beaches of Abel Tasman National plus some of NZ’s best walks and great sailing or kayaking,
> Hot Pools at Hanmer Springs.
Circuit 2 ex Christchurch
Christchurch – Mt Cook – Queenstown – Wanaka – West Coast – Lewis Pass – Hanmer Springs - Christchurch
Day one: Christchurch
Day two: Christchurch – Mt Cook region (3½ hours)
Stay at Tekapo or drive on into Mt Cook village (50km / 45 mins each way extra)
Day three: Mt Cook – Queenstown (3½ hours)
>> Day four: Queenstown
Day five: Queenstown to Wanaka (via Crown Range) (1 hour)
>> Day six: Wanaka
Day seven: Wanaka to Fox Glacier (3½ hours / 262km)
Day eight: Fox Glacier to Punakaiki (3½ hours / 241 km)
Day nine: Punakaiki to Hanmer Springs (3½ hours / 261km)
Day ten: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch (2 hours)
Travelling days: 7
Recommended: take 12 days+
Highlights
> NZ’s highest Mountain, the Southern Alps and the breathtaking vistas enroute through the lake region of Canterbury.
> Queenstown – adventure capital of the world, combining a stunning natural setting with more to do and experience than anywhere else in New Zealand.
> Wanaka – lakeside town, surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps. Lots to do and a great year-round resort.
> Glaciers of the West Coast – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier
> Hot Pools at Hanmer Springs.
Circuit 3 ex Christchurch Christchurch – Dunedin – Catlins – Bluff – Riverton – Manapouri – Te Anau – Queenstown – Mt Cook – Christchurch
Day one: Christchurch
Day two: Christchurch – Dunedin (5½ hours / 361km)
Day three: Dunedin and Otago Peninsula
Day four: Dunedin – Catlins region (2 hours)
Day five: Catlins region – Invercargill and Bluff (2 hours / 121km)
Day six: Invercargill – Te Anau (via Southern Scenic Route) (3 hours / 187km)
>> Day seven: Te Anau
(Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound)
Day eight: Te Anau to Queenstown (2½ hours / 171km)
>> Day nine: Queenstown
Day ten: Queenstown – Christchurch (7 hours / 482km)
Travelling days: 6
Recommended: take 10 days+
Highlights
> Otago Peninsula – Southern Hemisphere’s only mainland breeding colony of the Albatross (the Royal Albatross), Yellow-eyed penguin spotting,
> (Southern Scenic Route) - remote and rugged Catlins and the fossilised forest of Curio Bay,
> NZ’s southern-most Mainland town – Bluff, the scenery and coast of the Southern Scenic Route,
> Manapouri – gateway to Doubtful Sound, Te Anau and Milford Sound,
> Queenstown – adventure capital of the world, combining a stunning natural setting with more to do and experience than anywhere else in New Zealand.
> NZ’s highest Mountain, the Southern Alps and the breathtaking vistas enroute through the lake region of Canterbury.
Circuit 4 ex Christchurch
Christchurch – Hanmer Springs – Nelson – Abel Tasman - Greymouth – Arthurs Pass – Christchurch
Day one: Christchurch
Day two: Christchurch – Hanmer Springs (2 hours / 134km)
Day three: Hanmer Springs – Nelson (4 hours / 302km)
Day four: Nelson to Abel Tasman (Kaiteriteri or Marahau) (1 hour)
>> Day five: Abel Tasman
Day six: Abel Tasman to Greymouth (4½ hours / 294km)
Day seven: Greymouth to Christchurch (3½ hours / 241km)
Travelling days: 4
Recommended: take 8 days+
Highlights
> Hot Pools at Hanmer Springs.
> sunny, sandy beaches of Abel Tasman National plus some of NZ’s best walks and great sailing or kayaking
> Scenery; coastal and mountains, of West Coast, and Arthurs Pass. Lots of spots for camping, fishing, walking.
Circuit 5 ex Christchurch
Christchurch – Alpine Pacific Triangle – Christchurch
Day one: Christchurch
Day two: Christchurch – Hanmer Springs (2 hours / 134km)
Day three: Hanmer Springs – Kaikoura (2 hours / 130km)
Day four: Kaikoura to Christchurch (2½ hours / 181km) Travelling days: 3
Recommended: take 3 days+
Highlights
> Hot Pools at Hanmer Springs.
> Whale watching/dolphin swimming at Kaikoura
Circuit 6 ex Queenstown
Queenstown – Wanaka – West Coast – Arthurs Pass – Christchurch – Mt Cook – Queenstown
Day one: Queenstown
>> Day two: Queenstown
Day three: Queenstown to Wanaka (via Crown Range) (1 hour)
>> Day four: Wanaka
Day five: Wanaka to Fox Glacier (3½ hours / 262km)
Day six: Fox Glacier to Christchurch ( 6 hours / 403km)
Day seven: Christchurch
Day eight: Christchurch to Queenstown (7 hours / 482km)
Travelling days: 3
Recommended: take 8 days+
Highlights
> Queenstown – adventure capital of the world, combining a stunning natural setting with more to do and experience than anywhere else in New Zealand.
> Wanaka – lakeside town, surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps. Lots to do and a great year-round resort.
> Glaciers of the West Coast – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier
> Christchurch – city of trams, gondola, punts on the river, beaches and the volcanic crater that is now Lyttelton harbour.
> NZ’s highest Mountain, the Southern Alps and the breathtaking vistas enroute through the lake region of Canterbury.
Circuit 7 ex Queenstown
Queenstown – Ida Valley – Dunedin – Roxburgh – Queenstown
>> Day one: Queenstown
Day two: Queenstown to Dunedin (4½ hours / 320 km)
>> Day three: Dunedin and Otago Peninsula
Day four: Dunedin to Queenstown (via Roxburgh) (4 hours / 283km)
Travelling days: 2
Recommended take 5+ days
Highlights
> Queenstown – adventure capital of the world, combining a stunning natural setting with more to do and experience than anywhere else in New Zealand.
> Clyde and Roxburgh Dams, the Rail Trail and opportunity to bike ride some of NZ’s most scenic and family-friendly off-road track,
> Otago Peninsula – Southern Hemisphere’s only mainland breeding colony of the Albatross (the Royal Albatross), Yellow-eyed penguin spotting,
Circuit 8 ex Queenstown
Queenstown – Milford Sound – Queenstown
>> Day one: Queenstown
Day two: Queenstown to Milford Sound (4 hours / 286km)
>> via Te Anau
Day three: Milford Sound to Queenstown (4 hours / 286km)
Travelling days: 2
Recommended take 2+ days
Highlights
> Queenstown – adventure capital of the world, combining a stunning natural setting with more to do and experience than anywhere else in New Zealand.
> Milford Sound – described by Rudyard Kipling as ‘the Eighth Wonder of the World’, simply astounding.
NORTH ISLAND CIRCUITS
Circuit 9 ex Auckland
Auckland – Bay of Islands – Cape Reinga - Auckland
Day one: Auckland
Day two: Auckland to Paihia (3½ hours / 230km)
>> Day three: Paihia / Russell / Bay of Islands
Day four: Paihia to Cape Reinga (3 hours / 215km)
>> Day five: Northland region
Day six: Cape Reinga – Auckland (6 hours / 422km)
Travelling days: 3 days
Recommended 6+ days
Highlights
> Auckland and the Sky Tower, Mission Beach, northern beaches, Devonport, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke Island.
> Towns of Paihia and Russell
> Boat trip around the Bay of Islands
> Ninety mile beach and the northern tip of New Zealand – Cape Reinga.
Circuit 10 ex Auckland
Auckland – Coromandel – Auckland
Day one: Auckland
Day two: Auckland to Coromandel (2½ hours / 169km)
>> Day three and four: work way around Coromandel, explore.
(Whitianga, Cooks Beach, Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Forest, Tairua)
Day five: Thames to Auckland (1½ hours / 115km)
Travelling days: 2
Recommended 3+ days
Highlights
> Auckland and the Sky Tower, Mission Beach, northern beaches, Devonport, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke Island.
> Cathedral Cove, Cooks Beach and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula
Circuit 11 ex Auckland
Auckland – Coromandel – Bay of Plenty – Hawkes Bay – Taupo – Auckland
Day one: Auckland
Day two: Auckland to Coromandel (2½ hours / 169km)
>> Day three: work way around Coromandel, explore.
Day four: Coromandel to Mt Maunganui (2½ hours / 173km)
>> Mt Maunganui and region
>> Day five: Mt Maunganui to Whakatane (1¼ hours / 88km)
>> Day six: Whakatane to Gisborne (2½ hours / 187km)
Day seven: Gisborne to Napier (3 hours / 216km)
>> Day eight: Napier
Day nine: Napier to Taupo (2 hours / 142km)
>> Day ten: Taupo to Rotorua (1 hour / 82km)
Day eleven: Rotorua to Auckland (3¼ hours / 244km)
Travelling days: 8
Recommended 10+ days
Highlights
> Auckland and the Sky Tower, Mission Beach, northern beaches, Devonport, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke Island.
> Cathedral Cove, Cooks Beach and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula
> Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
> Sunny seaside towns and great surfing or boogie boarding around Gisborne,
> Seaside and ‘retro’ style city of Napier, swim with sharks at the National Aquarium, fabulous vineyards.
> volcanic region of Taupo – dam gates opening and closing at the Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls.
Circuit 12 ex Auckland
Auckland – Rotorua – Taupo – Waitomo – Auckland
Day one: Auckland
Day two: Auckland to Rotorua (3 1/4 hours / 244km)
>> Day three: Rotorua
Day four: Rotorua to Taupo (1 hour / 82 km)
>> Day five: Taupo
Day six: Taupo to Waitomo Caves (2 hrs / 149km)
>> Day seven: Waitomo Caves
Day eight: Waitomo Caves to Auckland (2 ¾ hrs / 193km)
Travelling days: 4
Recommended 8+ days
Highlights
> Auckland and the Sky Tower, Mission Beach, northern beaches, Devonport, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke Island.
> Bubbling, geothermal mud pools of Rotorua, Maori cultural show.
> volcanic region of Taupo – dam gates opening and closing at the Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls.
> Glowworm caves of Waitomo, plus blackwater rafting
Circuit 13 ex Auckland
Auckland – Coromandel – Bay of Plenty – Gisborne - Napier – Taupo – Rotorua – Auckland
Day one: Auckland
Day two: Auckland to Coromandel (2 ½ hrs / 170km)
>> Day three: Coromandel
Day four: Coromandel to Whitianga (45 mins / 45km)
>> Day five: Whitianga and region
Day six: Whitianga to Tauranga (2 ½ hrs / 166km)
>> Day seven: Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
Day eight: Tauranga to Gisborne (4 hours / 277 km)
>> Day nine: Gisborne
Day ten: Gisborne to Napier (3 hours / 216km)
>> Day eleven: Napier
Day twelve: Napier to Rotorua ( 3 hours / 222km)
>> Day thirteen: Rotorua
Day fourteen: Rotorua to Auckland (3 hrs / 233km)
Travelling days: 7
Recommended 14+ days
Highlights
> Auckland and the Sky Tower, Mission Beach, northern beaches, Devonport, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke Island.
> Cathedral Cove, Cooks Beach and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula
> Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
> Sunny seaside towns and great surfing or boogie boarding around Gisborne,
> Seaside and ‘retro’ style city of Napier, swim with sharks at the National Aquarium, fabulous vineyards.
> pass through the volcanic region of Taupo – see dam gates opening and closing at the Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls.
> Bubbling, geothermal mud pools of Rotorua, Maori cultural show.
ONE WAY
1. Christchurch – Mt Cook – Queenstown
Day one: Christchurch
Day two: Christchurch – Mt Cook Village (4½ hours / 330km)
Day three: Mt Cook Village to Queenstown (3½ / 262km)
Travelling days: 2 Recommended 2+
Highlights
> Christchurch – city of trams, gondola, punts on the river, beaches and the volcanic crater that is now Lyttelton harbour.
> NZ’s highest Mountain, the Southern Alps and the breathtaking vistas enroute through the lake region of Canterbury.
> Queenstown – adventure capital of the world, combining a stunning natural setting with more to do and experience than anywhere else in New Zealand.
2. Christchurch – Auckland (option one)
Day one: Christchurch
Day two: Christchurch to Hanmer Springs (2 hours / 134km)
Day three: Hanmer Springs to Picton (4 hours / 287km)
>> Day four: Picton and Marlborough Sounds
Day five: Picton to Wellington (ferry crossing)
Day six: Wellington to Napier (5 hours / 329km)
>> Day seven: Napier
Day eight: Napier to Taupo (2 hours / 142km)
Day nine : Taupo to Rotorua (1 hour / 82km)
>>Day ten: Rotorua
Day eleven: Roturua to Whitianga (3½ hours / 223km)
>> Day twelve: Coromandel Peninsula region
Day thirteen: Whitianga to Auckland (2½ hours / 191km)
Travelling days: 8 Recommended 13 days+
Highlights
> Hot pools at Hanmer Springs
> Scenery of the Marlborough Sounds and leaving the South Island by boat
> NZ’s capital city – Te Papa museum
> Seaside and ‘retro’ style city of Napier, swim with sharks at the National Aquarium, fabulous vineyards.
> volcanic region of Taupo – dam gates opening and closing at the Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls.
> Bubbling, geothermal mud pools of Rotorua, Maori cultural show.
> Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula
> Auckland and the Sky Tower, Mission Beach, northern beaches, Devonport, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke Island.
3. Christchurch – Auckland (option two)
Day one: Christchurch
Day two: Christchurch to Picton (4½ hours / 338km)
>> Day three: Picton and Marlborough Sounds
Day four: Picton to Wellington (ferry crossing)
>> Day five: Wellington
Day six: Wellington to New Plymouth (5 hours / 352km)
>> Day seven: Taranaki region
Day eight: New Plymouth to Waitomo Caves (2 ½ hours / 181km)
>> Day nine: Waitomo Caves
Day ten: Waitomo Caves to Auckland (3 hours / 193km)
Travelling days: 5 days Recommended 10+ days
Highlights
> Scenery of the Marlborough Sounds and leaving the South Island by boat
> NZ’s capital city – Te Papa museum
> Kapati Coast and Mount Egmont/Taranaki
> Glowworm caves of Waitomo, plus blackwater rafting
> Auckland and the Sky Tower, Mission Beach, northern beaches, Devonport, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke Island.
4.Auckland – Christchurch (option one)
Day one: Auckland
Day two: Auckland to Whitianga (2½ hours / 191km)
>> Day three: Coromandel Peninsula region
Day four: Whitianga to Rotorua (3½ hours / 223km)
>> Day five: Rotorua
Day six: Rotorua to Taupo (1 hour / 82km)
Day seven: Taupo to Napier (2 hours / 142km)
>> Day eight: Napier
Day nine: Napier to Wellington (5 hours / 329km)
Day ten: Wellington and ferry crossing to Picton
>> Day eleven: Picton and Marlborough Sounds
Day twelve: Picton to Hanmer Springs (4 hours / 287km)
Day thirteen: Hanmer Springs to Christchurch (2 hours / 134km)
Travelling days: 8
Recommended 13 days+
Highlights
> Auckland and the Sky Tower, Mission Beach, northern beaches, Devonport, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke Island.
> Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula
> Bubbling, geothermal mud pools of Rotorua, Maori cultural show.
> volcanic region of Taupo – dam gates opening and closing at the Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls.
> Seaside and ‘retro’ style city of Napier, swim with sharks at the National Aquarium, fabulous vineyards
> NZ’s capital city – Te Papa museum
> Scenery of the Marlborough Sounds and leaving the South Island by boat
> Hot pools at Hanmer Springs
> Christchurch – city of trams, gondola, punts on the river, beaches and the volcanic crater that is now Lyttelton harbour.
5.Auckland – Christchurch (option two)
Day one: Auckland
Day two: Auckland to Waitomo Caves (3 hours / 193km)
>> Day three: Waitomo Caves
Day four: Waitomo Caves to New Plymouth (2 ½ hours / 181km)
>> Day five: Taranaki region
Day six: New Plymouth to Wellington (5 hours / 352km)
>> Day seven: Wellington
Day eight: Wellington to Picton (ferry crossing)
>> Day nine: Picton and Marlborough Sounds
Day ten: Picton to Christchurch (4½ hours / 338km)
Travelling days: 5 days
Recommended 10+ days
Highlights
> Auckland and the Sky Tower, Mission Beach, northern beaches, Devonport, Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World, Auckland Harbour, Waiheke Island.
> Glowworm caves of Waitomo, plus blackwater rafting
> Mount Egmont/Taranaki
> NZ’s capital city – Te Papa museum
> Scenery of the Marlborough Sounds and leaving the South Island by boat
> Christchurch – city of trams, gondola, punts on the river, beaches and the volcanic crater that is now Lyttelton harbour.
TOURIST ROUTES AND ATTRACTIONS
1. THERMAL EXPLORER HIGHWAY – Auckland – Taupo – Rotorua - Hamilton
A region abundant with crystal-clear lakes and streams, natural hot pools, geothermal activity, Maori culture and vineyards. The route is well-signposted with attractions and lookout points along the way.
Included (in whole of part) in our Itineraries: 11, 12, 13, 15, 17
2. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY – Coromandel – Bay of Plenty – Whakatane - Eastland
This spectacular coastal touring route links the Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty with the Hawkes Bay region. It is well-signposted with scenery including rainforest, hot water beaches, volcanic islands, fantastic surf, Maori cultural sites and vineyards.
Included (in whole of part) in our Itineraries: 10, 11, 13, 17
3. TWIN COAST DISCOVERY HIGHWAY – Auckland – Whangarei – Paihia – Cape Reinga - Dargaville
A highway linking Auckland with sub-tropical Northland, passing interesting little townships and spectacular coastline. The highway loops around Northland, taking in both the east and west coasts.
Included (in whole of part) in our Itineraries: 9
4. ALPINE PACIFIC TRIANGLE – Christchurch – Waipara – Kaikoura – Hanmer Springs
Combining some top tourist attractions, all within 2 hours drive of one another. Starting in the Waipara, just north of Christchurch, the return route takes you up to Kaikoura, then inland to Hanmer Springs, Mt Lyford and Hurunui, then finishing up at Amberley – less than an hour from Christchurch.
Included (in whole of part) in our Itineraries: 1,2,4,5,15,16
5. STATE HIGHWAY 8 AND THE LINDIS PASS – Geraldine – Fairlie – Tekapo – Mount Cook – Lindis Pass – Cromwell – Queenstown or Wanaka.
The route between Christchurch and Queenstown passes through the Southern Alps, with spectacular mountain views, including Mount Cook, and the glistening Lake Pukaki and impossibly blue waters of Lake Tekapo. Highlights include the hot pools and ice skating at Tekapo.
Included (in whole of part) in our Itineraries: 2, 3 and 6
6. SOUTHERN SCENIC ROUTE – Dunedin – Catlins – Invercargill – Bluff – Manapouri – Te Anau
New Zealand’s first touring route, including the 160 million year old fossilised forest at Curio Bay, NZ mainland’s southern most point (Slope Point) and town (Bluff), wild coastline and the Sounds of the West Coast.
Included (in whole of part) in our Itineraries: 3 and 7
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