View of Queenstown Hill, Queenstown, New Zealand

2 Week Travel Itineraries in New Zealand

Are you looking for the perfect way to spend two weeks in New Zealand? Whether you want to explore the country by bike, visit the Milford Sound, or go on a hiking trip, read on for itinerary inspiration and ideas for your next holiday - including some of the top places you can't miss.

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Our top itinerary for 2 weeks in New Zealand

Day 1 - Raglan - Your first stop is New Zealand’s iconic laid back surfer town - Raglan. Home to one of the world’s longest left-hand breaks, you’ll have the chance to explore the rugged landscape, unique black sand beach and catch a few waves.

Day 2 - Waitomo - The adventure continues to Waitomo, a town better known for what’s beneath it. Crawl, abseil, raft and squeeze your way through the dark abyss, lit only by the twinkling light of the glow worms above.

Day 3 & 4 - Taupo - Explore the magnificent lake jet boating, sailing or from 15,000ft above. Fancy a hike? Spend the day conquering one of the best one-day walks in the World, Tongariro Crossing.

Day 5 & 6 - Rotorua - Experience the world-famous movie set at Hobbiton, max-out relax in natural thermal hot springs, check out the bubbling mud pools, or discover the breathtaking redwood forests.

Day 7 & 8 - Coromandel - Explore the Gateway to Narnia at Cathedral Cove, spend the afternoon kayaking or swimming in the turquoise waters then catch the sunset from the natural hot pools on Hot Water Beach.

Day 9 & 10 - Franz Josef - Explore the Franz Josef Glacier, stunning formations made over thousands of years, where you can hike, helicopter - or both! Want something at a lower altitude? Quad bike, kayak or relax in glacier hot pools, before kicking back with a cold drink to soak it all in.

Day 11 - Milford Sound - Larger-than-life waterfalls, ancient forests, awe-inspiring mountainscapes and leaping dolphins, welcome to UNESCO-listed Milford Sound.

Day 12 & 13 - Queenstown - Bungy jumps, canyon swings, or horse riding; whatever your adventure threshold, there’s something in Queenstown for you to choose from! Try one of New Zealand’s most scenic skydives, hit the trails for a bike ride, go luging or jetboat up the canyon.

Day 14 - Mt Cook - Check out the iconic Aoraki, Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s highest peak. The mountain stands at 3,724 metres, but don’t worry – there are plenty of short walks and glacier hikes around. Then spend the night stargazing in this beautiful National Park.

Discover the full itinerary here: New Zealand Explorer

See more 2-week itineraries in New Zealand on TourRadar.

2 week New Zealand North Island itinerary

Day 1 - Kaikoura - Drive the beautiful coastline to Kaikoura, known for its rich marine life. Explore this mountainous coastal town and then go sperm whale watching or swimming with wild dolphins.

Day 2 & 3 - Nelson - Head for Nelson, a picturesque destination in its own right as well as your entry point to the Abel Tasman National Park. Take a kayak or sailing tour through the waters of Abel Tasman National Park, or maybe a tour of the coves and bush trails.

Day 4 - Marlborough Sounds - Take the ferry across the majestic Marlborough Sounds, where rising sea levels filled valleys with water about 10,000 years ago, resulting in picturesque waterways and isolated islands.

Day 5 & 6 - Mt Ruapehu - Tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a full-day hike considered to be one of the best in New Zealand and offers rocky trails, magnificent aquamarine lakes and volcanic steam vents.

Day 7 & 8 - Rotorua - Go on a tour that combines trips to the glow-worm caves of Waitomo and the film set of Hobbiton (where the Shire sections of Lord of the Rings were filmed).

Day 9 & 10 - Bay of Islands - Enjoy a trip to the Hole in the Rock, an aptly-named rock tunnel which offers a good chance at spotting dolphins, and a full-day sailing tour around the islands.

Day 11 & 12 - Auckland - Cross into the city via the Auckland Harbour Bridge, getting spectacular views of the ‘City of Sails’ as you do.

Discover the full itinerary here: New Zealand North Island Explorer Northbound

See more two-week itinerary ideas for New Zealand North Island on TourRadar.

2 week New Zealand South Island itinerary

Day 1 & 2 - Punakaiki - Why not explore the popular Pancake Rocks and the Blowholes at Dolomite Point on a 1-kilometre walking loop, take a hike along the Pororari River Track, passing limestone cliffs and through sub-tropical forests, or simply laze beachside at this sleepy town.

Day 3 & 4 Franz Josef - There are a number of ways in which you can visit the glacier – there’s guided glacier hikes, kayaking opportunities, or if you want to splash out, why not book yourself in on an unforgettable scenic helicopter flight, enjoying unrivalled views over the region, and some with the option of landing on the glacier for a heli-hike experience.

Day 5 & 6 - Queenstown - Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world, with something for every type of activity seeker. Jump in a jet boat, off a bridge or out of a plane, weave your way down the river by raft, kayak or paragliding, see the countryside by mountain bike, hiking, scenic flight, or relax with a glass of wine overlooking Lake Wakatipu.

Day 7 & 8 - Milford Sound - Board a nature cruise through the fjord to the Tasman Sea, feeling dwarfed by the imposing mountains like Mitre Peak, passing the stunning Stirling and Lady Bowen Falls, soaking up the airbrushed nature surrounding you and breathing in the crisp mountain air.

Day 9 & 10 - Mt Cook - Explore the nearby lakes, stream and glaciers in the surrounding national park. You’ll have the next day to embark on some nature hikes, check out the local museum, or go in search for the world's only true alpine parrot, the Kea.

Day 11 & 12 - Christchurch - Christchurch has so much to explore so take the chance to get your bearings around this city on the Avon River. In the evening, there is a whole new range of pop up cafes, restaurants and bars check out.

Discover the full itinerary here: New Zealand South Island Explorer

See more two-week itinerary ideas for New Zealand South Island on TourRadar.

Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata, New Zealand

Helpful Info

Local languages: English, Te reo Māori
Popular destinations: Milford Sound, Bay of Islands, Lake Taupo
Perfect for: Nature, Adventure, Hiking
Best time to visit: September to May
Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)

Explore our range of of 2 week New Zealand tours

Discover New Zealand's top destinations and activities

Budget
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Explore a varied offer of budget New Zealand adventures that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Auckland and Queenstown. Each affordable tour will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market. Discover the best budget tours around the world with TourRadar!
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South Island
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Our TourRadar customers keep coming back to tell us about three activities they particularly love on the South Island. In Queenstown, even travelers who get nervous about heights end up loving the Canyon Swing - it sends you gliding like a pendulum through a deep gorge in a mix of free-fall and smooth swinging motion. The cycling routes near Wedderburn have gained quite a following; the trails take you through sprawling valleys and past towering mountains that could be straight from a movie set. And right there in Wedderburn, you can try your hand at curling - it's a proper Kiwi tradition where you'll learn to slide stones across ice with surprising skill and strategy. While these spots are excellent year-round, spring and autumn tend to be really pleasant with mild weather and fewer tourists, though winter brings its own magic with snowy peaks and warm, cozy evenings indoors.
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North Island
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The North Island really delivers on New Zealand's natural marvels and cultural heritage. Our tours regularly get amazing feedback about the Waitomo caves, where tiny glowworms create what looks like an underground starry night in the limestone chambers. Over in Rotorua, you'll find nature at its most active - mud pools bubble away while geysers shoot up from the earth in an impressive display of geological forces. The bright blue waters of Huka Falls thunder through a narrow gorge near Taupo, making quite an impression on visitors. The cultural side comes alive when our guests join Māori communities for traditional hangi feasts and genuine local connections. For both film buffs and casual tourists, the Hobbiton Movie Set offers a remarkably detailed slice of Middle Earth with its cozy hobbit holes and lovingly maintained gardens. Many of our travelers prefer visiting the thermal areas in winter when steam creates mysterious scenes, while summer visitors tend to mix these sites with nearby trails and outdoor activities.
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Hiking
34 Tours
Hiking in New Zealand offers breathtaking landscapes, from towering mountains to serene coastlines to majestic fjords. Hike the famous Milford Sound, take on the challenging Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or walk the scenic Abel Tasman Coast Track.
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