Discover the diversity of New Zealand: sparkling coastlines, majestic mountains, unique wildlife and vibrant cities. Our three-week itinerary takes you through the breathtaking South Island and the contrasting North Island, making it perfect for adventure seekers, nature lovers and connoisseurs alike.
Weeks 1 & 2: South Island – From Christchurch to Picton
1. Christchurch
Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, impresses with its blend of history, modern architecture, and lush green parks. It is a great place to start your New Zealand trip, with plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can recharge your batteries before setting off on your adventures.
Sights & activities:
- Botanical Garden: Relax among exotic plants.
- City centre: Explore New Zealand architecture and street art.
Restaurants & cafés:
- C1 Espresso: Iconic coffee with an original delivery system.
- Dice & Slice: Delicious pizza, ideal for lunch.
- Riverside Market: Various food stalls, regional products.
2. East Coast & South towards Nugget Point
The east coast of New Zealand, stretching from Moeraki to Nugget Point, is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers, boasting miles of beaches, dramatic coastlines, and unique rock formations. This region is characterised by miles of beaches, dramatic coastlines and unusual rock formations. With a little luck, you can spot penguins here, which is a unique experience.
Sights & activities:
- Moeraki Boulders: Photograph huge, round rocks on the beach.
- Nugget Point: Lighthouse and spectacular coastal views. Great for stargazing!
- Curio Bay: Opportunity to see penguins and other marine life.
3. Te Anau & Milford Sound
Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular natural wonders and a highlight of the South Island. Although the journey there is long, it is worth every minute, with mountains, rivers and dense rainforests lining the route and offering breathtaking photo opportunities at every turn. The fjord itself is characterised by steep cliffs, waterfalls and deep blue water, conveying both the power and tranquillity of nature. Rain is frequent here, and it is then that the waterfalls cascading down the rock faces are at their most spectacular. Te Anau is the gateway to Milford Sound.
Sights & activities:
- Boat tours on the fjord: observation of waterfalls, sea lions and birds.
- Kayaking for a more intense nature experience.
- Hikes in the surrounding area, e.g. to the Milford Sound Foreshore Track.
- Photo spots along the route, especially at Homer Tunnel and viewpoints.
- With a little luck: encounters with dolphins or penguins.
4. Queenstown
Surrounded by lakes and mountains, Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure centre. As well as adrenaline-fuelled activities such as bungee jumping and jet boating, the city offers culinary delights and peaceful nature experiences.
Sights & activities:
- Lake Wakatipu: Walks, boat trips, photo spots.
- Bob’s Peak (Skyline Gondola): Views over Queenstown and the surrounding area.
- Deer Park Heights: Wildlife viewing and panoramic views.
- Adrenaline activities: Bungee jumping, jet boating, paragliding.
Restaurants & cafés:
- Ferg Burger & Ferg Pies: Iconic fast food.
- Bespoken Kitchen & Yonder: Modern cuisine, great breakfast options.
5. Glenorchy & Arrowtown
Glenorchy is a tiny village at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by majestic mountains and pristine forests. With its remote location, it is the perfect place for nature lovers, photographers and anyone who wants to enjoy the tranquillity of the New Zealand countryside. Arrowtown, on the other hand, is a charming historic town reminiscent of the gold rush era. Its cobblestone streets, old houses and small museums transport visitors back to the 19th century. Arrowtown is particularly picturesque in autumn, when the trees are ablaze with colour.
6. Wanaka
Wanaka is a charming little town on Wanaka Lake, surrounded by the Southern Alps. Although smaller and more relaxed than Queenstown, it offers equally breathtaking nature, outdoor activities and photo opportunities. The crystal-clear lake is ideal for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or relaxing walks along the shore. The surrounding mountains are a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and winter sports enthusiasts.
Sights & activities:
- Lake Wanaka: ‘The Wanaka Tree’, stand-up paddleboarding, walks.
- Roys Peak: Day hike with spectacular views! A highlight!
7. Mackenzie District (Omarama & Mount Cook/Aoraki National Park)
Located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, the Mackenzie District is a must-see. It is famous for its vast plains, crystal-clear lakes, and spectacular mountains in the Southern Alps. It is a true paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and outdoor adventurers. Thanks to the clear air and minimal light pollution, the Mackenzie District is one of the best places in the world for stargazing.
Sights & activities:
- Omarama Clay Cliffs: Spectacular, towering clay layers, ideal for photography and short hikes.
- Lake Ohau: A tranquil, picturesque lake, ideal for walking, kayaking or overnight stays in the surrounding area.
- Hooker Valley Track: An easy to moderate hike with breathtaking views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, suspension bridges and a glacial river.
- Tasman Lake: Glacial lake with floating icebergs.
- Peters Lookout: One of the best photo spots in the region with panoramic views of the peaks and glaciers.
- Lake Pukaki: Picturesque lake with bright turquoise water and perfect views of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
- Lake Tekapo: Famous for the Church of the Good Shepherd, stargazing and hikes around the lake.
8. West coast
The west coast of the South Island is a paradise for nature lovers. Here, rugged coastal landscapes meet lush rainforests and impressive glaciers, which are among New Zealand’s most famous sights.
Sights & activities:
- Haast Pass: Thunder Creek Falls.
- Lake Matheson: Reflections of the mountains.
- Glaciers: Fox Glacier & Franz Josef Glacier.
- Hokitika & Punakaiki: Hokitika Gorge, Pancake Rocks.
9. Kaikoura
Located on the east coast, Kaikoura is world-renowned for its marine life. However, the region has more to offer than just whale watching, with a wealth of nature experiences and photo opportunities along the coast waiting to be discovered.
Sights & activities:
- Whale watching: Tours to see the giants of the sea.
- Seal colony at Ohau Point: Observe the animals.
- Kaikoura Lookout: Panoramic coastal and mountain views.
Restaurants & cafés:
- Coopers Catch Fish & Chips: Fresh fish and seafood.
- Flo & Co.: Café with regional flair.
10. Picton
Picton is located on the north coast of the South Island in the Marlborough Sounds and is the main ferry terminal for crossings to the North Island. This idyllic small town is not only a convenient stopover, but also offers beautiful scenery and leisure activities.
Week 3: North Island – From Wellington to Auckland
1. Wellington
Wellington, the capital city, combines culture, history and urban quality of life. The city is known for its museums, cafés and harbour.
Sights & activities:
- Te Papa Tongarewa: Interactive national museum.
- Cuba Street & Coastal Promenade: Street food, cafés and shops.
2. Mount Taranaki
Mount Taranaki, also known as Mount Egmont, is a symmetrical, almost perfectly shaped volcano on the west coast of the North Island. Its impressive silhouette towers majestically over the surrounding forests and coastal landscapes. It is particularly photogenic when reflected in the surrounding lakes or rivers.
3. Tongariro Nationalpark
Tongariro National Park is renowned for its volcanic landscapes and emerald-green crater lakes, as well as the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Fans of The Lord of the Rings know the park as the filming location for Mordor – its dramatic backdrop attracts nature and film fans alike.
Sights & activities:
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing: World-famous day hike through volcanic landscapes.
- Emerald Lakes and Red Crater: Colourful volcanic lakes and peaks.
- For Lord of the Rings fans: explore filming locations and experience the film’s backdrop.
4. Geothermal wonders
New Zealand is a geologically active country, and spectacular geothermal landscapes can especially be found on the North Island. The region around Rotorua, Taupo and Orakei Korako is characterised by steam columns, hot springs, colourful mineral pools and bubbling mud pots. These areas offer a unique insight into the raw power of nature.
Sights & activities:
- Rotorua: Starting point for geothermal activities, hot springs, mud baths, Maori culture. This is where most people stay overnight and use the city as a base.
- Orakei Korako: Hot springs, geysers, colourful pools.
- Wai-O-Tapu: Champagne Pool, Artist’s Palette, solfataric fields and geysers.
5. Hobbiton
The world-famous film set from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, Hobbiton is an absolute must for all fans. Located in Matamata, about one to one-and-a-half hours from Rotorua, it offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the idyllic world of the Shire. The lovingly designed hobbit houses, green hills and blooming gardens are almost magical and perfect for photos. A tour lasts about two hours, with an experienced guide leading you through the set and sharing film facts.
6. Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island is one of New Zealand’s most scenic regions. Here, white sandy beaches meet emerald-green waters, steep cliffs meet lush forests and charming coastal towns nestle in hidden coves. This area is ideal for beach lovers, hikers, kayakers, and anyone who wants to experience New Zealand’s relaxed atmosphere.
Sights & activities:
- Cathedral Cove: A natural rock arch, accessible via hiking trail or kayak.
- Discover dream beaches and bays.
- Hot Water Beach: Dig your own hot pool in the sand.
7. Auckland
Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city. Located between the Waitematā and Manukau harbours, it is also known as the ‘City of Sails’. Sailing, water sports and harbour flair characterise the cityscape. At the same time, Auckland offers a vibrant cultural, artistic and culinary scene, modern architecture and green spaces.
Sights & activities:
- Sky Tower: View over the city.
- Viaduct Harbour: Cafés, restaurants, relaxed atmosphere.
- Shopping & street life: Explore the city centre and trendy neighbourhoods.
Practical tips
- Plan your travel times generously: Many routes offer breathtaking photo opportunities, so plan breaks.
- Roys Peak & Hooker Valley Track: Start early to avoid crowds.
- Be respectful when observing animals: Keep your distance and do not feed the animals.
- Milford Sound & glaciers: Weather dependent, remain flexible.
- Starry sky in Tekapo: Best view in the Dark Sky Reserve, be sure to pack your camera.
Three weeks in New Zealand
New Zealand is a country full of contrasts, untouched nature and unforgettable experiences. In three weeks, you can discover both the dramatic landscape of the South Island and the geothermal diversity and cultural highlights of the North Island. From the majestic Southern Alps and crystal-clear lakes to spectacular coastlines, bubbling thermal areas and cinematic Hobbit hills, each region has its own distinctive charm.
The suggested itinerary – two weeks on the South Island and one week on the North Island – offers a balanced mix of adventure, nature, culture, and culinary highlights. It allows you to experience the diversity of New Zealand up close, from national parks and cities to idyllic small towns.
