10 Days in New Zealand

Planning 10 days in New Zealand? Use our first‑timer friendly self‑drive itineraries for the North Island and South Island with routes, distances, must‑see stops, and seasonal tips.

10 days in New Zealand - two epic self drive itineraries for first time visitors

Overview

New Zealand is perfect for a self‑drive trip: short distances, world‑class scenery, and easy logistics. This guide gives you two complete 10 day New Zealand itineraries — one for the North Island and one for the South Island — designed for first‑time visitors. You’ll get day‑by‑day routes, main attractions, realistic drive times and distances between each overnight stop, plus seasonal highlights so you can plan with confidence.

There's lots of information on this page so you can use the clickable links below to move around the page.

how to choose your 10 day route

• Pick the North Island for geothermal wonders, Māori culture, golden beaches, and easy driving.
• Pick the South Island for dramatic alps, glaciers, fjords, and big-scenery road trips.
• Can’t decide? Do one island well. Trying to do both in 10 days means rushing (see below).

There are so many ways to spend 10 days in New Zealand, but before you decide on your route, it's important to know this one crucial thing......it is simply not possible to see both islands in 10 days. Sorry, but it's not enough time.

From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island it's almost 2,000 kilometres, and the two are separated by the ocean.

You could fly into Auckland and spend a few days using it as your base, then fly to say Queenstown or Christchurch and do the same, but frankly, you will miss so much by doing that.

So our best advice, is to use your 10 days in New Zealand to focus on just one island.

And if you decide that you can stretch to say 20 days, you can combine the North Island Option and the South Island Option, and experience some of the best bits of each island.

Whatever you decide, you will love your 10 days in New Zealand, and there's lots more information on our website to help you decide.

Enjoy!

10 Day North Island Self‑Drive Itinerary (Auckland to Auckland road trip)

Best for first‑timers who want beaches, geothermal parks, Māori culture, wine, and an easy capital-city finish.

North Island: Auckland to Auckland (10 days)

Route: Auckland > Coromandel > Rotorua > Taupo > Tongariro National Park > Wellington > Napier > Matamata/Cambridge > Auckland

This North Island self-drive itinerary takes you from Auckland's cosmopolitan vibe, to the beaches  and bays of the Coromandel, the geothermal and Maori cultural delights of Rotorua and Taupo, the volcanic landscapes of the Tongariro, Hobbiton, Hawke's Bays iconic wineries, and the harbourside charms of Wellington. It's a perfect way to spend 10 days in New Zealand.

Day 1 – Auckland

No major driving - overnight in Auckland

What to do

• Walk the waterfront from Viaduct Harbour to Wynyard Quarter; sunset at the Sky Tower.
• Britomart and Commercial Bay dining.
• Ferry to Devonport for North Head tunnels and Mount Victoria views.
• Optional: Waiheke Island wineries if you arrive early.

Where to stay (Auckland)

• Budget: LyLo Auckland (CBD pod-style hostel).
• Mid-range: Sudima Auckland City (central, modern).
• Luxury: Park Hyatt Auckland (harbourside) or The Hotel Britomart (boutique, sustainable).

Day 2 – Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula (Hehei/Whitianga)

Distance/time: 170–190 km; 2.5–3 hours via SH1/SH2/SH25.

Things to do

• Highlights: Hot Water Beach (go 2 hours either side of low tide),
• Hahei, Cooks Beach,
• kayak/boat to Cathedral Cove (track access has been unstable—check DOC for current status).
• Scenic coastal drives.

Day 3: Coromandel to Rotorua

Distance/time: 215–240 km; 3–3.5 hours via SH25/SH2/SH27/SH5.

Highlights:

• Wai‑O‑Tapu and/or Waimangu geothermal valleys,
• Te Puia (Pōhutu geyser), Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village,
• Redwood Treewalk,
• Polynesian Spa
• Evening hāngi and cultural performance (Te Pā Tū/Tamaki).

Where to stay (Rotorua)

• Budget: Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park (cabins).
• Mid-range: Sudima Lake Rotorua or Novotel Rotorua Lakeside.
• Luxury: Pullman Rotorua or Treetops Lodge & Estate (ultra-luxury wilderness lodge).

Day 4: Rotorua to Taupō

Distance/time: 80 km; ~1 hour via SH5.

Highlights:

• Huka Falls viewpoints, and jetboat
• Aratiatia Rapids (check release times),
• boat or kayak to Mine Bay Māori rock carvings,
• Craters of the Moon. Optional detour to Orakei Korako (geothermal park; add ~45–60 min).
• DeBretts Hot Springs

Some great accommodation options in Taupo

• Budget: Finlay Jacks Backpackers (central).
• Mid-range: Suncourt Hotel & Conference Centre (lake views).
• Luxury: Huka Lodge (iconic luxury) or Acacia Cliffs Lodge (boutique).

Day 5: Taupō to Tongariro National Park (Whakapapa Village)

Distance/time: 100–110 km; 1.25–1.5 hours via SH1/SH47.

Highlights:

• Short alpine walks (Taranaki Falls, Tawhai Falls),
• chairlift to Knoll Ridge (seasonal).
• In summer, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (19.4 km one‑way; book shuttle). In winter, go with a guided group or choose lower trails.

Search for accommodation at Whakapapa

You can see some great Whakapapa accommodation here.

Day 6: Tongariro to Wellington

Distance/time: 330–350 km; 4.5–5 hours via Desert Road (SH1).

Highlights en route:

• Desert Road volcano views,
• Taihape (famous “gumboot”),
• Kapiti Coast beaches.

In Wellington:

• Stroll the waterfront promenade along Wellington Harbour,
• Visit Te Papa museum for a wonderful introduction to all things kiwi,
• Cuba Street eateries,
• Ride the iconic Wellington Cable Car
• Weta Workshop - creative heaven.

Where to stay in Wellington

• Budget: The Marion Hostel.
• Mid-range: Naumi Studio Wellington or Rydges Wellington.
• Luxury: InterContinental Wellington or QT Wellington.

Day 7: Wellington (second night)

No inter‑city drive today.

Highlights:

Continue your Wellington adventure. The Zealandia eco-sanctuary is a great family choice.

Day 8: Wellington to Napier (Hawke’s Bay)

Distance/time: 320–330 km; 4–4.5 hours via SH2.

Highlights:

Greytown and Martinborough (coffee and wineries) on the way;

In Napier:

• Art Deco architecture tours,
• Stroll along Marine Parade,
• Te Mata Peak lookout,
• Hawke’s Bay cellar doors,
• Cape Kidnappers gannet tours (Oct–Apr),
• Visit the National Aquarium - we love the penguins,
• Cycle some of the Hawke’s Bay Trails between wineries and coastal estuaries.

Where to stay (Hawke’s Bay)

• Budget: Kennedy Park Resort Napier (cabins/budget rooms).
• Mid-range: Shoreline Motel (Napier waterfront).
• Luxury: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers (ultra-luxury) or Porters Boutique Hotel (Havelock North).

Day 9: Napier to Matamata/Cambridge (Hobbiton)

Distance/time: 250–270 km; 3.5–4.5 hours via SH5/SH1/SH29.

Highlights:

• Hobbiton Movie Set (prebook; this tour includes bus transfers). Base yourself in Matamata or Cambridge for charm and dining.

Where to stay in Matamata/Cambridge

You can see a range of options and book your Matamata accommodation right here.

Day 10: Matamata/Cambridge to Auckland

Distance/time: 150–170 km; 2–2.5 hours via SH1.

Optional detour:

Waitomo Glowworm Caves (Matamata to Waitomo ~90 km; 1.25 hours; then Waitomo to Auckland ~200 km; 2.5–3 hours). Book black‑water rafting or glowworm boat tours ahead.

Seasonal highlights on New Zealand's North Island

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Best beach weather in Coromandel; long daylight for hikes and lake time. Book early.
• Autumn (Mar–May): Crisp views in Tongariro; grape harvest in Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa; fewer crowds.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Skiing at Whakapapa/Tūroa; geothermal areas are atmospheric with steam in cold air; occasional road closures on Desert Road—check conditions.
• Spring (Sep–Nov): Waterfalls are full, lambs in pastures, blooming gardens in Rotorua and Hamilton.

10 Day south island self-drive itinerary

A greatest‑hits loop with the Southern Alps, glaciers, lakes, Queenstown, and Milford Sound. One day (Day 8) is long; you can split it with an extra night in Cromwell or Twizel if you have flexibility. 10 days in New Zealand has never been so much fun!

10 Day South Island Self‑Drive Itinerary (Christchurch Loop)

Route: Christchurch > Hokitika > Franz Josef Village > Wanaka > Queenstown > Te Anau (Fiordland) > Aoraki/Mt Cook Village > Lake Tekapo > Christchurch

A visual feast awaits as your South Island self-drive itinerary takes you to snow capped alps, turquoise lakes, deep dark fiords, raging rivers, towering waterfalls, and so much more.

Day 1: Arrive Christchurch (overnight Christchurch)

No long drive today.

Highlights:

• Riverside Market, a great place to explore and sample some local produce,
• Stroll through the Botanic Gardens,
• Go punting on the Avon, or combine it with the tram and gondola.

Some great places to stay in Christchurch

If you need somewhere near the airport, the Novotel and Sudima are both fantastic. The Novotel is around 100 steps from the terminal, and the Sudima is about a ten minute flat walk. The Sudima is next to a shopping centre with a good supermarket and a selection of retaurants like Lonestar. From here it's only 20 minutes drive to central Christchurch so everything is easily accessible.

You can see lots of other options here.

Day 2: Christchurch to Hokitika via Arthur’s Pass

Distance/time: 240–255 km; 3.5–4.5 hours via SH73.

Highlights on the way:

• Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill rocks,
• Arthur’s Pass Village (Devils Punchbowl Falls walk),
• Otira Viaduct Lookout.

In Hokitika:

• Enjoy a West Coast sunset on Hokitika Beach,
• Hokitika Gorge (short walk),
• Explore the local artisan workshops, and maybe even buy a jade souvenir,
• Head into the canopy at the West Coast Treetop Walk.

Where to stay in Hokitika

We have a couple of favourite places to stay in Hokitika. The Shining Star cabins are a few minutes drive from town, and we love the beachfront location, and the fact that they are self contained with a kitchen. Our other favourite, the Beachfront Hotel, is in the town centre, and has a great bar and restaurant overlooking the beach. Be sure to book an ocean view room.

There's a lot more choice here and you can explore what's available here.

Day 3: Hokitika to Franz Josef Glacier

Distance/time: 135 km; ~2 hours via SH6.

Highlights:

• Okarito Lagoon kayak or kiwi‑spotting tour,
• Glacier valley walks (check current track status),
• Relax in the hot pools,
• Helicopter flights with snow landing (weather dependent) are an amazing experience,
• See a Kiwi at the West Coast Wildlife Centre.

Where should I stay in Franz Josef?

Within the village there's a good range of options, and our preference is always a motel within the village, rather than one of those on the outskirts. Punga Grove and the Alpine Glacier Motel are two that we love, but you can see what's available here.

Day 4: Franz Josef to Wānaka via Haast Pass

Distance/time: 285–300 km; 4–5 hours via SH6.

Highlights:

• Lake Matheson at dawn (near Fox Glacier),
• Bruce Bay, Knights Point,
• Blue Pools (Makarora),
• Fantail Falls.

In Wānaka:

• Take a lakeside stroll. Look for huge trout from the small jetty across from the shopping centre,
• See "that Wanaka tree",
• Visit a local winery,
• Marvel at the displays at Puzzling World,
• Visit the National Transport and Toy Museum.

Ideas for Wanaka accommodation

Our favourite is The Moorings. Their lake view studios have stunning views and are only a few minutes walk to the town centre. They also have a selection of apartments, but booking well ahead is recommended.

For a budget choice, Haka House is very highly rated.

You can see other Wanaka accommodation options here.

Day 5: Wānaka to Queenstown

Distance/time: 68 km; 1–1.5 hours via Crown Range Road (snow/ice possible in winter; an alternative is via Cromwell 110 km; 1.5–2 hours). Check conditions on NZTA.

We recommend an early start so you have maximum time to see a few iconic Queenstown attractions.

Highlights on the way:

• Stop at the lookout on the Crown Range for some epic photos,
• Explore Arrowtown heritage village,
• Visit a Gibbston Valley winery,
• Stop at the Kawarau Bridge bungy. Great to watch others jump, and even better to try yourself,
• Stop at the historic Cardrona Pub.

The absolute "must do" Queenstown attractions

With very limited time here, there are two things that we think are at the top of the tree in Queenstown:

• The Skyline Gondola and Luge - easy access from the town centre, and stunning views make this something not to miss,
• Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamer. Choose from a cruise only or a cruise and lunch or dinner at Walter Peak, a working farm.  

There is so much to see and do here. Please check out the links in our Nav Bar or this page for more ideas.

Day 6: Queenstown to Te Anau

Distance/time: 173–185 km; 2–2.5 hours via SH6/SH97/SH94.

Today takes you along the shores of Lake Wakatipu, before heading into rolling hills, and on to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park.

Highlights:

• Te Anau Glowworm Caves,
• Take in the views on a lakeside walk.

Best places to stay in Te Anau

Like so many South Island destinations, Te Anau offers stunning scenery, and to make the most of our time here, we love the motels along the lakefront. 

There's a good choice of accommodation, and if you really want to spoil yourself, Fiordland Lodge is special.

On the lakefront, we love the Lakeside Motel and Apartments, the Fiordland Lakeview Motel, and Radford's on the Lake.

You can more places to stay in Te Anau here.

Around 20 minutes drive from Te Anau, the village of Manapouri is another option but has a limited range. Manapouri is the departure point for tours to Doubtful Sound.

Day 7: Milford Sound day trip (return to Te Anau)

Distance/time: 236 km return Te Anau–Milford–Te Anau; 4–5 hours driving plus cruise time. We recommend a tour including your coach to and from Milford Sound. Sit back, relax, and let your tour guide handle everything.

This is a highlight of any New Zealand holiday. Milford Sound is perhaps our most popular attraction, and offers towering peaks, thundering waterfalls, and deep dark waters. You can learn more on our dedicated page here.

Highlights:

• Mirror Lakes,
• Lake Gunn nature walk,
• The Chasm,
• Milford Sound cruise (choose nature or boutique small‑boat).

Winter brings potential avalanche control closures—if you decide to self-drive, check the NZTA before departure. Coach‑cruise‑coach is a great no‑stress alternative.

Option 2 - Doubtful Sound

Not sure if you should go to Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound? It's a common dilemma, particularly if you only have time to see one of them.

Fortunately, we've put together some ideas to help you decide. See our recommendations here.

Day 8: Te Anau to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village

Distance/time: ~410 km; 5.5–6.5 hours via Queenstown, Cromwell, Tarras, Lindis Pass, Omarama, Twizel (SH94/6/8/8A/8).

Highlights:

• Lindis Pass lookout,
• Lake Pukaki views,
• High Country salmon in Twizel.

In Aoraki/Mount Cook:

• Hooker Valley Track (check for closures),
• Tasman Glacier viewpoint,
• See icebergs on the Glacier Explorer's tour,
• Learn about the region at the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Note: This is a long but rewarding drive; if you prefer shorter days, stay overnight in Cromwell or Twizel and continue the next morning.

Important: there's no fuel available in Mt Cook village, so be sure to top up the tank in Twizel.

Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park is a World Heritage area, and is renowned for jaw dropping alpine scenery, and some of New Zealand's best walks.

Places to stay in Aoraki/Mt Cook Village

The village is quite small but VERY popular, and accommodation options are limited. This is a place where we strongly recommend you research and book your accommodation up to 6 months in advance (be sure to take a flexible rate in case your plans change).

The iconic Hermitage is expensive, but wonderful. The mountain view rooms have huge picture windows, and watching the weather change across Mt Cook is better than any television screen. There's an excellent restaurant, and it's next to the planetarium and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.

Mt Cook Lodge and Motels is a little more affordable and has a good range of accommodation types. There's a bar and grill, and great views.

You can see other options here.

Day 9: Aoraki/Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo

Distance/time: 105 km; 1.25 hours via SH8.

Today it's a short drive to the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. The village has a good range of services with various restaurants, cafes, a small supermarket, and a wide choice of places to stay.

Highlights:

• Lake Pukaki viewpoints (turquoise water),
• Lake Tekapo Church of the Good Shepherd,
• Mt John Summit Road or walk for panoramic views,
• Tekapo Springs pools.
• Night sky experiences in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.

Day 10: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch

Distance/time: 227 km; ~3 hours via SH8/79/1.

Unfortunately all good things must end, and it's time to head back to Christchurch.

Highlights:

• Fairlie (try a famous pie),
• Geraldine artisan stops.

Return your rental vehicle and depart.

South Island Seasonal highlights

• Summer (Dec–Feb): Long daylight; best for alpine hikes, Milford cruises, West Coast beaches. Book well ahead.
• Autumn (Mar–May): Arrowtown and Central Otago glow with golden foliage; settled weather and fewer crowds.
• Winter (Jun–Aug): Ski season in Queenstown/Wānaka; stunning snowy peaks; watch for ice on Arthur’s Pass and Crown Range; carry chains when required.
• Spring (Sep–Nov): Lupins bloom around Tekapo/Pukaki (typically late Nov–Dec), waterfalls are strong, baby wildlife sightings on the coast; variable weather.