One week in new zealand

If your time is limited to one week in New Zealand, here are some great ideas to help you make the most of your New Zealand adventure.

Is one week in new zealand long enough?

Okay, we need to say upfront, that one week in New Zealand is not enough to see everything.

But, you can experience a lot of New Zealand's best attractions in just one week, with the right planning.

From the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island, it's almost 2,000 kilometres. Now that's a lot of driving if you only have a week to spare.

So, we've put together some ideas to give you a few practical one week in New Zealand options.

We've made a couple of assumptions:

* We will assume that you have one full week to explore, so seven free days, so fly into your starting point on day 1, and fly out on day 9.

* Just in case you thought it could not be done, we've included an option highlighting some treats from each island!

* Our options assume that you hire a car or campervan and drive yourself

Find your perfect accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is important. The difference between a good and bad holiday can be influenced by where you stay.

And with so much wonderful scenery, we always try to choose somewhere with a view (and if possible a balcony). Having breakfast, or an evening wine, taking in the views, on our own balcony, has always enriched our holiday experience.

To give you the best range of accommodation we've partnered with Booking.com.

You can search and read reviews here.

Both Islands? Yes, it is possible

North and South in 7 - Auckland, Rotorua, Auckland, Queenstown (and Fiordland), Auckland

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Day 1 - arrive in Christchurch, the Garden City

Welcome to Christchurch, home to over 300 parks and gardens. As the South Island's largest city, with a population of over 400,000 people, Christchurch is a buzzing vibrant city, with a strong focus on outdoor pursuits, and fine food and wine.

Day 2 - explore Christchurch

Start the day with a stroll along the Terraces and through the riverside markets, jam packed with a great variety of eateries and vendors selling delicious locally sourced produce. Adjoining the pretty Avon River, it's a beautiful spot, and we love wandering along the riverside, "trout spotting" in the Avon's clear waters. A short walk away are the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and we always enjoy strolling around here. Access is easy, the pathways are flat and well maintained, and there are regular displays and events. Finish your central Christchurch time with a leisurely gondola ride down the Avon and let all those stresses of daily life drift away.

For some stunning views of the Southern Alps, the city, and Lyttleton Harbour, head out to the Christchurch Gondola. It's a nice relaxing way to pass a couple of hours, and at the top there's a cafe, discovery ride, and some nice walking tracks.

If you don't want to drive, there are some great combo tours available like the gondola, Avon punting, and city tram tour.

Other suggestions are a visit to the International Antarctic Centre (next to the airport), exploring Quake City, or a drive to Akaroa, where you can swim with the dolphins.

You can search a huge range of Christchurch activities below.

Day 3 - drive from Christchurch to Aoraki Mount Cook Village

Distance 330 klm (205 miles)

Driving time 4.5 hours

Today takes you south along State Highways 1, 79, 8 and 80, to the World Heritage listed Aoraki Mount Cook National Park.

As you leave Christchurch, the farmlands of the Canterbury Plains come into view, and the imposing Southern Alps hover on your right hand side.

It's a lovely drive, dotted with patchwork fields, and quaint towns like Geraldine, and Fairlie. Both are perfect for a quick stop, and a refreshment.

A little over 3 hours into your journey, you come to beautiful Lake Tekapo. The lake has the most vibrant turquoise colour, influenced by sediment from several glaciers in the Southern Alps. The village is the perfect spot to replenish your fuel supply, and have a look at the famous Church of the Good Shepherd, one of New Zealand's most photographed attractions. Between November and January, the shores of the lake are adorned with Lupin flowers, in various shades of pink and purple. Beautiful.

Important note about fuel - there is an unattended fuel pump in Mount Cook village, but fuel there is expensive, and we've heard reports that some cards will not work in the machine. Better to be safe and top up at Tekapo.

From Tekapo village to Mt Cook village takes around an hour and a quarter. But we guarantee it will take you a little longer as you will be tempted to pull over for some pictures, as Lake Pukaki and the Southern Alps tempt you. Wow, what a drive.

Important note  about accommodation - accommodation in the village is limited and booking well in advance is essential. There's a hostel, a couple of lodges, and the historic, luxurious Hermitage. We saved up our pennies and stayed at the Hermitage in a room in the tower with a view of Mt Cook through a huge picture window. We sat there for a couple of hours, watching clouds roll in and out of view, sometimes obscuring the mountain peaks. Just before sunset a snowstorm hit and we watched a winter wonderland unfold. The Hermitage has a nice restaurant and bars and is highly recommended as a special treat. But please, book well in advance.

You can check availability and book your stay here.

For a greater choice of accommodation, consider Tekapo village or Twizel.

Day 4 - explore Mount Cook region

It's hard not to stand and stare, mouth agape, as Mt Cook and the alps unfold in front of you. This is a simply jaw-droppingly beautiful place.

The park is home to some wonderful walks, and perhaps the best known day walk is the Hooker Valley Track, an easy grade 3 hour return walk, that takes you over alpine streams, and through some of the most pristine alpine scenery imaginable. You can learn more about the region's walks on the Department of Conservation page here.

For a truly unique experience, the Glacier Explorer's Tour takes you onto the glacier fed waters of the Tasman Lake. Here, huge icebergs calve off the glacier and float in the lake. Moraines, several hundred metres high, tower around you, and the beauty of this place is mesmerising.

Please be aware that this is a seasonal tour and is usually closed from around mid June to the end of August. It's essential to book your spot well in advance. You can find out more here.

There's lots more to see and do here like stargazing tours, the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, skydiving, and the planetarium.

Day 5 - Drive from Mount Cook village to Queenstown

Distance 263 klm (163 miles)

Driving time 3.5 hours

Today you follow the shores of Lake Pukaki to Twizel, them Omarama. Not far out of Twizel, the High Country Salmon Farm is worth stopping at. There's a cafe, a shop to purchase delicious salmon, or you can even try your luck at catching a fresh fish (there's a charge for this).  Around 45 minutes from the salmon farm, the road snakes it's way down the Lindis Pass. There's a couple of observation points at the pass, so don't miss the opportunity for some pictures. We love the thick golden tussock which covers the ground here. Please take care in the colder months as the road can be affected by ice and snow.

About another hour brings you to the pretty town of Cromwell. Famous for it's stone fruit, it's a great place to stretch the legs and take a break. If time permits, take a walk through the historic village, or if you are feeling adventurous, the Highlands Motorsport Park offers the chance to drive a high powered sports car around the race track!

From Cromwell, it's around another hour to Queenstown. The road follows the rugged Kawarau Gorge and is dotted with wineries like the well known Gibbston Valley Winery. A must see is the original bungy site at the Kawarau Bridge.

Important note about where to stay in Queenstown

Queenstown has an extensive variety of places to stay with numerous hostels, and dozens of motels, hotels, apartments, luxury lodges and B & B's.

Before you book anything there's some important things you need to consider, so we've put together a page to help you here.

Days 6 & 7 - explore Queenstown and the Southern Lakes

Queenstown is the perfect holiday destination. Amazing scenery, an almost endless variety of things to see and do, hundreds of places to eat and drink, and a wonderful vibe.

We've got a dedicated page about the many attractions of Queenstown (just click here), so we'll just touch on a few of the best here.

Best relaxing activities

* take a cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the historic steamer the TSS Earnslaw

* head up to Bob's Peak on the gondola for views to remember

* explore the Queenstown Gardens

* relax at the Onsen Hot Pools

Best adrenaline charged activities

* ride the Shotover Jet or Kawarau jet

* bungy at the Kawarau Bridge

* raft down the rapids

There's lots more here. Enjoy.

Day 8 - day trip to Fiordland (Milford or Doubtful Sound), then return to Queenstown

Today is devoted to Fiordland, home to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound.

These are two of New Zealand's most popular attractions, and with good reason. Located in the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage region, these pristine wilderness wonders will take your breath away. Towering peaks that disappear into deep dark waters, thundering waterfalls, and amazing wildlife, make Fiordland National Park a very special place, and one that blows us away each time we visit.

They are perfectly reachable in a day from Queenstown, and there are multiple daily tours to both. But, we strongly recommend that you don't attempt the drive yourself. Milford Sound is about 4 hours drive one way from Queenstown, and Doubtful Sound, which cannot be reached by car, involves a 2 hour drive from Queenstown to Manapouri, a boat crossing of Lake Manapouri, then a private bus over the Wilmot Pass, before you can board your tour boat. So as you can see, this makes for a very long day, on unfamiliar roads. Which is why we always take a guided tour from Queenstown. Much better to sit back in your air conditioned coach, learning about the region from your guide. If you would rather drive yourself we recommend staying two nights in Te Anau, which is around 2 hours drive from Milford Sound and about twenty minutes from Manapouri. There are also a range of scenic flights but these are very weather dependant.

Which one is better?

Each Sound has it's own charm.

Milford Sound is perhaps more spectacular, particularly after rain, when dozens of waterfalls cascade into the Sound. Towering mountains like Mitre Peak play hide n seek with the ever changing cloud formations and it's full of "wow" moments. The drive from Te Anau to Milford is a memorable part of the trip with raging rivers, near vertical cliff faces, and the imposing Homer Tunnel all adding to the experience.

Doubtful Sound is several times larger than Milford Sound, and feels more isolated and perhaps, more peaceful. There's still the towering mountains and deep calm waters, but there's less "tourist activity". Perhaps the best way to describe it is to use the Maori name, Patea, which translates to 'the place of silence'.

Whichever one you choose, we have no doubt you will come away with incredible memories, ready to plan your next trip to Fiordland.

You can search available tours for both using the search boxes below.

Day 9 - fly out of Queenstown

Unfortunately it's time to head out to Queenstown Airport. We hope to see you again.

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Days 1 - arrive in Auckland, the "city of sails"

Spanning the shores of two magnificent harbours, life in Auckland is heavily focused on the water, with outdoor dining, cruises, surfing and sailing all popular.

Somewhere to stay

You can search for Auckland accommodation here.

Depending on your flight arrival time it may be more convenient to stay near the airport, which is around 20 klm from the city centre. For accommodation near Auckland Airport click here. If you are looking for hotels really close to the airport, both the Novotel and Pullman are within a couple of hundred metres.

Day 2 - explore Auckland

Time to explore the wonders of Auckland. With a population of over 1.5 million people, it's our largest city, and is filled with lots to see and do.

We enjoy taking our time to explore the city centre and wandering through the Viaduct Precinct, which is packed with restaurants, bars and shops.

With limited time, we recommend taking a tour to show you the highlights, and you can check these out using the search box below.

A few other suggestions are a visit to Hobbiton, a trip to the top of the 328 metre high Skytower (the Sky Jump and Sky Walk are both exhilarating), dolphin watch cruises, or a ferry across the Hauraki Gulf to explore the beaches and wineries on Waiheke Island.

We also love driving north of the city to explore the coastal bays and villages of the Hibiscus Coast, with Orewa being a favourite.

Day 3 -  drive from Auckland to Rotorua

Distance 215 klm (134 miles)

Driving time 3 hours

Your journey today takes you south along State Highway 1, through the Waikato region. Green farmlands and rolling countryside remind you of something you might expect to see in the U.K.

Hamilton is about half way between Auckland and Rotorua, and it's a thriving city, and a good spot to break your journey for a coffee or some lunch.

Find your perfect place to stay in Rotorua.

If you are looking for a self contained apartment, Quest is centrally located and very popular.

Day 4 - explore Rotorua

Welcome to Rotorua, New Zealand—a captivating destination where nature, geothermal wonders, and rich Māori culture converge to create an unforgettable experience. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s North Island, Rotorua beckons with its unique blend of attractions that promise to enchant and inspire.

Begin your journey with a visit to the geothermal marvels of Waiotapu, where you can witness the awe-inspiring Pōhutu Geyser erupting to heights of 30 meters. This vibrant geothermal area is also home to bubbling mud pools and steaming springs, offering a sensory experience unlike any other.

For nature enthusiasts, the serene beauty of the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest offers an enchanting escape. Wander beneath the majestic trees on walking and cycling trails, or take to the treetop walk for a bird’s-eye view of this tranquil haven. The night time walk offers a unique experience.

To immerse yourself in Māori culture, the Mitai Māori Village is a "must do". Here, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the descendants of the land’s original inhabitants and can enjoy traditional performances, storytelling, and a delicious hangi feast cooked using geothermal steam.

Pack your bags and let Rotorua’s wonders unfold just for you!

There's so much else to see and do here and you can use the search box below to find the perfect activities for you.

Day 5 - drive from Rotorua to Napier

Distance 218 klm (136 miles)

Driving time 3 hours

Today's journey takes you South along State Highway 5. If time permits, stop in at Taupo (around one hour from Rotorua) and have a look at the thundering Huka Falls. Access is free, and you will be amazed at the amount of water that flows through the chasm. There's a thrilling jetboat ride that takes you to the face of the falls - wow!

Welcome to Napier and Hawke's Bay.

You can search for your ideal Napier accommodation here.

We always choose somewhere close to the city centre with ocean views like the Shoreline Motel. It's ideally located opposite the beach, and just a couple of minutes walk from the aquarium, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to choose a sea view room.

Day 6 - explore Napier & Hawke's Bay

Napier and the Hawke's Bay region has a captivating blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. The perfect holiday essentials, right?

Nestled along a stunning coastline on the North Island's east coast, the region is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse attractions. We love strolling along the black volcanic sand beaches.

Te Mata Peak offers panoramic views across the rolling hills and vineyards, making it an ideal spot for hiking and photography. Early morning sunrises are a thing of wonder. If you love your marine life, a visit to the National Aquarium of New Zealand in Napier is a must, where you can marvel at the wonders of the deep and meet the famous Little Penguins. Great for "kids" of all ages.

Hawke’s Bay is a wine lover’s paradise, boasting some of New Zealand’s finest wineries. Embark on a vineyard tour and indulge in tastings, savoring the region’s acclaimed Chardonnay and Syrah, while taking in the picturesque vineyard vistas.

Napier is celebrated for its unique Art Deco architecture, a legacy of the city's reconstruction after the 1931 earthquake. You can stroll through the charming streets, or join a guided tour to appreciate these architectural gems.

And if you are a golf enthusiast, you will find Hawke’s Bay a haven, with several world-class golf courses, like Cape Kidnappers, set in stunning surroundings.

Nearby, the world's largest mainland gannet colony is well worth a visit if time allows.

To relax at the end of your day exploring, head to the Ocean Spa, located opposite the beach. Soothing hot pools and amazing views.

You can search a range of Hawke's Bay activities below.

Day 7- drive from Napier to Wellington

Distance 325 klm (202 miles)

Driving time 4.5 hours

Today you head South along State Highways 50 and 2 to our capital, Wellington.

Around half way, the Pukaha National Wildlife Centre, is the perfect place for a break. This sanctuary is teeming with native wildlife, including our iconic kiwi, in its natural environment. There's a selection of other native wildlife including birds and reptiles (like the unusual Tuatara). They offer a range of educational talks and tours and there's a great cafe.

Accommodation in wellington

We always like to stay in either the central business district, or at nearby Oriental Bay (the Copthorne is great). Wellington has a wonderful cafe culture with numerous restaurants, bars, pubs and cafes, many of which are located in these areas. Some iconic attractions like the Wellington Cable Car, and our national museum Te Papa, are also close by. Wellington Airport is around 8 klm from the city centre, and there's a range of accommodation there, with Rydges located directly above the terminal building.

You can search for Wellington CBD accommodation here.

To find accommodation near Wellington Airport click here.

Day 8 - explore Wellington

Welcome to Wellington, New Zealand's vibrant capital! Nestled between rolling hills and a stunning harbor, this city offers a delightful mix of culture and nature.

Start your journey at Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, where captivating exhibits reveal New Zealand's rich heritage (you can purchase your entry tickets here). The "Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War" exhibit is worth the price of entry alone, and details, through the eyes of eight New Zealander's, New Zealand's involvement at Gallipoli in World War 1. A stunning exhibition featuring lifelike figures created by the famous Weta Workshop (and of course, if you are a Lord of the Rings fan, no visit to Wellington would be complete without a visit to the Weta Workshop).

We love strolling along the picturesque Wellington waterfront, sampling the bars and restaurants. Don't miss the cable car ride to the Botanic Garden. It's a must do for breathtaking views. Take some time to discover the creative buzz of Cuba Street, full of eclectic shops and cafes.

Zealandia, a fully fenced nature reserve near the city centre is a really relaxing spot to pass a few hours. You can wander the well maintained paths at your own pace or take a guided tour.

With its welcoming locals and vibrant atmosphere, Wellington promises a memorable experience for first-time visitors. Enjoy every moment!

Day 9 - fly out of Wellington

We hope you've had a great time on the North Island. Hope to see you again soon.

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So you thought you couldn't see both islands in just 7 days? Well, there is a way.

If your time is limited and you need maximum "bang for your bucks" this is the itinerary for you.

Taking in some key hotspots on both the North and South Islands, get ready to experience everything from the stunning bays, beaches, and harbours of Auckland, the geothermal wonders and Maori cultural delights of Rotorua, to the pristine lakes and mountains of Queenstown and the World Heritage listed charms of Fiordland.

Please note: we have assumed that you will have 7 full free days to explore.

Day 1 - arrive in Auckland

Welcome to the "City of Sails".

Flanked by two stunning harbours, Auckland is a water lover's paradise.

Auckland accommodation

If you caught a late flight in, you might like a hotel near the airport. You can search options here. The Pullman and the Novotel are both close to the airport and are always popular.

For accommodation throughout Auckland, click here.

Day 2 - explore Auckland

As our largest city, Auckland has something to please everyone. But it's a big city, with lots to see and do, so if you are coming here for the first time, a highlights tour might be a good choice.

There's a vibrant social scene and we love wandering around the city centre and the Viaduct Harbour area, where you can find a huge variety of places to eat, drink and relax.

Always popular here are tours to Hobbiton, and Skytower. For a really relaxing day, hop on the ferry across to explore the charms of Waiheke Island and the Hauraki Gulf.

The ever popular dolphin watch cruises are a wonderful way to explore our waterways, but if you like just exploring at your own pace, just hire a car and head off up the coast. We love the bays and beaches around Orewa, and it's less than an hours drive from the city.

Day 3 - drive Auckland to Rotorua

Distance 215 klm (134 miles)

Driving time 3 hours

Today your adventure takes you south to the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Rotorua.

With a population of more than 70,000, it's a bustling, bubbling (literally) town, and we love the diversity of attractions here.

We always look for accommodation close to the lake and town centre, like the Millenium.

Day 4 - explore Rotorua

Rotorua is perhaps the Maori cultural hub of New Zealand, with several cultural experiences available.  The Mitai Māori Village is one of the most popular, and introduces you to traditional Maori art, performance and food. Learn about traditional life for the Maori people, as you are welcomed to their home. Hear the story of their life, told through song and dance. The haka, a Maori war dance, is a memorable experience. And we loved the traditional Maori hangi (feast), cooked in the earth. Yum! Others like Te Pa Tu and Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village, offer similar experiences.

Now no visit to Rotorua would be complete without a visit to some of our geothermal wonders. At Waiotapu, you can witness the awe-inspiring Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts up to 20 metres into the air (the eruption is "encoraged" at 10.15am daily). There's also mud pools and the steaming Champagne Pool, and this is a real journey of the senses. At Te Puia, explore the native bush, geysers (like the Pohutu Geyser), and mud pools. There's also the Kiwi Conservation Centre and the New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute.

The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest is a beautiful spot to visit. We love exploring the forest on the range of well maintained trails. The treetop walk gives a unique experience, particularly the night time walk. The Skyline Gondola takes you to the top of  Mt Ngongotahā for wonderful views of the lake and surrounding region. There's a cafe and restaurant but if you feel a little more adventurous, the luge, skyswing, zipline and mountain bike park are ready and waiting!

But there's so much more to see and do here in Rotorua, so take a few minutes to check out some popular options with the search box below.

Day 5 - drive Rotorua to Auckland then fly to Queenstown

Distance 215 klm (134 miles)

Driving time 3 hours

Flight time Auckland/Queenstown 2 hours

This morning it's time to drive back to Auckland before linking with your flight to New Zealand's "Adventure Capital" Queenstown.

You can check flight times and make bookings here:

The flight into Queenstown is spectacular, so much so that in 2025, the British Insurer AllClear declared Queenstown as the second place getter in their "The world's most beautiful airport landings" awards.

A tip about where to stay in Queenstown

Queenstown has a huge range of accommodation. You name it, it's there. Hostels, apartments, hotel rooms, and five star lodges. But, you need to be aware of some very important issues before you choose. We've summarised these on our dedicated Queenstown accommodation page, so please have a look before you book.

Day 6 - explore Queenstown and the Southern Lakes

Welcome to what must surely be one of the most stunning holiday destinations in the world.

When you combine jaw-dropping scenery, an almost endless variety of amazing experiences, dozens of wineries, and over 100 bars, pubs and restaurants, you have all the ingredients for the perfect holiday, right?

Queenstown sits in the Southern Lakes region on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, and is surrounded by towering mountains, which are snow capped in the colder months (around May/June to October). There are several world-class ski fields within an hours drive, and the town buzzes during winter.

Queenstown is also the perfect base for the not to be missed World Heritage listed Fiordland National Park. Here Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound will leave you breathless with their pristine beauty.

Although Queenstown has a well earned reputation as our "Adventure Capital", it's also a place where you can just chill and take in the scenery, wander the shops, markets, lakefront and Queenstown Gardens. Or take a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu.

There's lots more information available through the links in our Nav Bar, and you can search a huge range of activities using the search box below.

But here are a few of our favourites, from "mild" to "wild":

Some "mild" suggestions

We love the historic TSS Earnslaw, which cruises the waters of Lake Wakatipu. You can choose to do just a cruise, or combine it with a visit to Walter Peak farm where you can have a delicious lunch or dinner. There's also an option to visit the working farm.

Bob's Peak, around 450 metres above the town, is home to the Skyline complex, and the ride up on the gondola is breathtaking. At the top the views are almost indescribable. There's a cafe, gift shop, luge ride, bungy, and our favourite the Stratosfare Restaurant. Dinner at a window table at sunset is a memorable experience.

The "wild side" of Queenstown

Well, take your pick. Skydive, go whitewater rafting, thunder through rivers and gorges on a jetboat, soar above town on a paraglider, or even dive under the lake in the Hydro Attack.

Day 7 - day trip from Queenstown to Fiordland

With just a week to see the best of the country, a trip to Fiordland is something that you just have to do.

In a direct line, it's only around 100 kilometres from Queenstown to Milford Sound. But because the alps block your path, the drive there takes a bit over 4 hours each way. On unfamiliar roads, that makes for a big day if you decide to drive yourself.

Which is why we always recommend taking a guided tour that includes your coach transport to and from Fiordland, and your cruise. Along the way your expert guide will stop off at some great scenic spots, and of course give you lots of information about the region.

You can also choose to fly, but those tours are very much weather dependant and are frequently cancelled, so with limited opportunities on your itinerary, we would probably choose a coach tour.

There's a lot of debate about which Sound you should visit. We love both. Milford Sound is perhaps more spectacular with towering peaks that disappear into the clouds, and thundering waterfalls by the dozen. Doubtful Sound is a larger and a little more serene, as evidenced by it's Maori name, Patea, which means Place of Silence. Whichever one you choose, you won't be disappointed.

You can search a range of options using the search boxes below.

Day 8 - fly Queenstown to Auckland

Flight time 2 hours

Time to head back to Auckland.

Day 9 - depart Auckland

Thanks for visiting our "one week in New Zealand" page. We hope to see you soon.