Amazing 7-day road trip itinerary in New Zealand (South & North)
In January 2020, I had the opportunity to do a road trip of both the South and North Island of New Zealand in just a week. It was one of the most beautiful country that I have ever visited. There is so much to see and the diversity of landscapes is astonishing. The itinerary that I am about to present you is quite intense, you get to see a lot but in a short time. In this post, I will show you a route that can be done in seven days along with key places and activities on the way. Let’s get started with the itinerary on the map.
The itinerary on the map
The idea is to spend about 3 days in the South Island and 4 days in the North Island. The total driving time is approximately 27 hours. You can expect 4–5 hours of driving everyday. However, it is a pure joy to drive in New Zealand. It is full of small roads with beautiful views on lakes, mountains, sheeps, etc.
The main stops are Queenstown — Franz Josef Glacier — Hokitika — Picton/Wellington — Taupo — Rotorua — Auckland
Day 1: Queenstown
We started our road trip by landing at the tiny Queenstown airport which has a beautiful runaway in the middle of the mountains.
1. Milford Sound
The first day we decided to go visit the mythical Milford Sound with a bus tour given that there is about a four-hour drive to get there and then you need to go back to Queenstown. We booked the Premium Milford Sound Coach — Cruise — Coach ex Queenstown tour on bookme.co.nz (great website to find discounted activities and tour).
2. Visit town — Burgers, Ice cream & Churros
Once you arrive in this small town you will quickly realize that there is one popular restaurant: Fergburger. The wait is totally worth it, it was probably the best burger I had in my life (CNN agrees). Next step in this little food adventure is to go to the Patagonia Chocolates Ice Cream. Once again, macadamia vanilla was so delicious, especially given the view from the beach at sunset. You can also enjoy some giant (and original) churros at the ChurrosBar (check their Instagram) right next to the beach owned by a lovely Chilean couple.
Day 2: Lake Wanaka, Blue pools, Glacier and Hokitika
Get ready for an amazing day to make your way to Hokitika from Queenstown.
1. Lake Wanaka — Mount Iron trail
First, take the road to Wanaka and do the Mount Iron trail, the drive to get there takes about an hour. It’s a 4.5km loop with an elevation gain of 200m. The hike takes approximately an hour return and you get to enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Wanaka and Albertown.
2. Haast blue pools
Next, drive another hour on this stunning road where you can see Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka to reach Haast blue pools. Once you get there, you have a short 10 minutes walk to reach a beautiful river and its bridge.
3. Franz Josef Glacier
It’s time to hit the road again, this time three hours to reach Franz Josef Glacier! Over there you can do a hike of approximately an hour to see the glacier.
4. Hokitika
Drive another 1h30 to reach Hokitika and spend the night there.
Day 3: Last day in the South — let’s go to Wellington
Starting from Hokitika, today we are heading to Picton in order to get the ferry to Wellington. We will go up the coast until West Port where we will then head east to Picton.
1. Surprise on the way: Motukiekie Beach
Drive approximately an hour to reach another one of those scenic points: Motukiekie Beach. You get a view on the below rocks, it’s quite something!
2. Punakaiki Pancake rocks (and food)
Another 20 minutes drive to reach Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes Walk. There you can do a short walk around the rocks (approximately 30 minutes). You can enjoy some delicious pancakes at the Pancake Rocks Cafe.
3. Wine tasting at Saint-clair winery
Stop by the Saint Clair Family Estate Vineyard Kitchen for a fantastic Malborough wine tasting session in the middle of the vineyard. The wines were of high quality. The Malborough region in New Zeland is famous for its Sauvignon Blanc, I highly recommend tasting it. (Also, get the muffin, it’s delicious.)
4. Picton’s ferry to Wellington
Drive 20 minutes to reach Picton where you will take a 3-hour ferry to reach Wellington. Before entering the ferry, take five minutes to get a view of Bob’s bay. Enjoy a 3-hour ferry ride to Wellington. Spend the night in this fun town.
Day 4: Time to explore the North: — Tongarino and Taupo
You made it, you are in the North Island. Let’s explore some amazing National Parks.
1. Tongarino National Park — Taranaki Falls
One of the famous hike is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing but it is 19.4km so in 7 days it is quite difficult to fit it in. Instead, we did the Taranaki Falls which is a 2-hour return hike where you get to see Mount Ngauruhoe, Mount Ruapehu and the Taranaki Falls. A 4-hour drive north will bring you to Discovery Lodge Tongarino where you can start the hike.
2. Taupo — Spa & Maori rock carvings
Drive another hour north to reach Taupo. I recommend two activities over there. The first one is a relaxing spa at the stunning Wairakei terraces. Thanks to the geothermal activity in the region you can spend some time in three thermal pools (more or less hot). The other activity is a sunset sailing cruise that will bring you on Lake Taupo for 3 hours and enjoy some beverages and pizza while exploring the Maori rock carvings.
Day 5: Skydive, Rotorua and Hobbiton
1. 18,500 Skydive above Lake Taupo
What a better way to start the day than a 18,500ft skydive above Lake Taupo? You get an astonishing view of the lake and can see some of the Mounts in the Tongarino National Park. I did mine with Taupo Tandem Skydiving, they offer transport from your accommodation so it is quite convenient.
2. Huaka falls
A little bit outside Taupo are the Huaka falls. While you only need a short stop there, it is impressive to see a river/fall with an average daily flow of 160 cubic meters per second.
3. Rotorua— Whakarewarewa village
Head to Rotorua and its Whakarewarea living village to experience the Maori culture, natural geysers and geothermal pools (one hour drive). They offer a tour of a village where you get to see the geysers but also how they use all the thermal energy to live. There is also a live show with cultural performances such as songs and a traditional haka.
4. Experience the magical world of Hobbiton
Both Lord of the Rings film trilogy and The Hobbit film series were shot for the most part in New Zealand. One of the key places is Hobbiton. The movie producers and the owner of the land decided to keep The Hobbiton Movie Set, they now offer tours. I thought it would be a very touristic venue but it really felt special to be there. It seems like you are in a different world. The tour tells you a lot of secrets that went into making this amazing production. However, it is very busy so try to book in advance online. It’s about an hour drive from the Whakarewarewa village.
5. Drive to Auckland
Finish this long day by driving approximately two hours to reach Auckland and spend the night there.
Day 6: Auckland and Waipu caves
1. Waipu caves — Glowworm
A 2-hour drive will get you to the Waipu Caves. Perhaps less famous than the Waitomo ones, they seem to be equally as impressive and more convenient. There are no organized tours. You can simply walk in the cave, you might have to walk through wet portions so plan accordingly, and enjoy this natural beauty. I attempted to take a couple of pictures but it was difficult to capture.
2. Mount Eden
Return to Auckland and stop by Mount Eden to get a 360˚ view of the city
3. Wander around the city
I have three food/drinks recommendations: start with some tasty cocktails at GG x Flamingo bar while you wait to get a table at Cottos restaurant for some delicious Italian meals. Finally, head to Giapo for some premium ice cream experience.
That’s it, you made it. I personally had an amazing time visiting New Zeland and was in constant aw of how much there is to see.
Let me know about your experience in New Zealand and I hope this was useful!
