Three weeks in New zealand - both islands

Three weeks in New Zealand self drive itinerary-  North Island - Auckland, Rotorua,  Napier, Wellington, then ferry to Picton/Blenheim, Kaikoura, Hanmer Springs, Hokitika, Franz Josef, Queenstown (and Fiordland), Lake Tekapo, Christchurch 

Your three weeks in New Zealand promises an epic journey through both islands.

On the North Island, our largest city, Auckland, awaits. Built around two harbours, life here is very much focussed on the outdoors. From Auckland, it's time to experience the geothermal and Maori cultural wonders of Rotorua. Bubbling mud, geysers, and steaming vents, combine with perhaps New Zealand's most informative variety of Maori cultural experiences, to make Rotorua a must see location. From Rotorua, the coastal beauty of Napier and Hawke's Bay will bring a smile to your face. Finally, it's time to head south to experience the scenic and cultural delights of our capital, Wellington.

The stunning South Island beckons, and a crossing of Cook Strait on the inter island ferries is a great transition from North to South. After a night in Blenheim, the largest town in the Marlborough wine region, you then head south along a majestic coastline to the marine wonderland of Kaikoura. Whales, dolphins, seals, penguins, and stunning landscapes. From Kaikoura it's a short hop to the beautiful alpine village of Hanmer Springs, famous for it's steaming hot pools. Your adventure then takes you to the "jade capital" Hokitika on our wild West Coast. Glacier country and the village of Franz Josef is next, before a few days in the vibrant, stunning hub of Queenstown. Take an opportunity while you are here to spend a day touring UNESCO listed Fiordland National Park, a definite highlight. From Queenstown, the turquoise lakes of the Mackenzie region await, before wrapping up your three weeks in New Zealand in Christchurch, the "garden city".

Adventure awaits, serenity beckons!

Need a hire car, camper or RV? We can help

Our roads are very well maintained. But our mountainous terrain means that many of our roads twist and turn, and what may seem like a short drive on a map, can actually take you much longer than you expected. Add to that the numerous photo stops and points of interest, and a carefully planned itinerary becomes crucial. 

As does your choice of vehicle. Some of our visitors prefer a larger SUV. But if it's just a couple or a small group, then a smaller sedan or hatch might be perfect. Remember that you can usually fold the back seat for additional luggage space if needed.

Our currency exchange rate often makes a New Zealand holiday very good value.

Unfortunately, expensive fuel prices can add to your holiday cost. Which is why we often choose a hybrid vehicle.

If you are considering an electric vehicle, we advise against this at the moment. Our charging network is just not extensive enough. If you are only staying in the major cities like Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, perhaps an electric vehicle will suit, but otherwise, we say no to electric vehicles.

We can offer a market leading range and prices for your three weeks in New Zealand itinerary

For many years, DriveNow have been a major supplier of rental vehicles around the world.

So we've partnered with them to give you access to vehicles from all of the major suppliers, at market leading rates.

For cars, you can compare prices and read reviews on our dedicated page here.

For campervans you can search a range of options here.

Today takes you to the east coast and the Hawke's Bay region. Napier is the main town and sits in a prominent position on a beautiful stretch of the coast.

Where to stay in Napier

The coastal views here are stunning and we love staying along the shore front near to the town centre. The Shoreline Motel is a great choice.

You can see what's available for Napier and Hawke's Bay here.

Napier and Hawke’s Bay have so much to offer. There's the Art Deco charm, the world renowned wineries, some stunning landscapes and of course, that famous local hospitality. 

After a devastating earthquake in the 1930's Napier was rebuilt in an art deco style, and the streets are filled with pastel-hued buildings adorned with the striking geometric patterns of the time. A guided tour is a great way to learn about the rebirth of Napier.

But there's so much more to love about the region. Food and wine are at the forefront of so much adventure here, and we love to Tour the vineyards like Church Road and Mission Estate. Why not visit when the Food and Wine Classic ( F.A.W.C ) is on, for a true gastronomic delight.

Nature lovers rejoice. You can cycle the Hawke's Bay Trails, surrounded by vineyards and rocky coastlines, or visit scenic Te Mata Peak for wonderful views of the region.

There's also farmers' markets, numerous craft and art galleries, and lots of locals keen to share their wares with you. 

The National Aquarium of New Zealand is well worth a visit, and to cap off your day, head to the Ocean Spa. How could you beat a hot pool with ocean views?

If you love your golf like we do, the challenging Cape Kidnappers is not to be missed. The Cape is also well known for the large Gannet colony which is best visited on an organised tour like this one.

Napier and Hawke's Bay have so much to offer.

Today takes you over Cook Strait to the South Island, and the port of Picton, a beautiful town at the head of the Marlborough Sounds. From Picton it's around 30 minutes drive to Blenheim.

Where to stay in Blenheim

If your focus here is a visit to the wineries, a motel in Blenheim is probably more suitable. But coastal areas like Picton and the bays throughout the Marlborough Sounds, have some great places to stay, like the Bay of Many Coves. Wonderful views, and a more relaxed holiday feel.

The beauty of the Sounds

Nestled at the top of New Zealand's South Island, Marlborough sparkles as a jewel of natural beauty and exquisite experiences, ready to captivate first-time visitors (and regulars for that matter).

Blenheim, a vibrant, sun-drenched town, is renowned as the epicenter of New Zealand’s wine industry. Here, flavor-rich vineyards beckon with the promise of Sauvignon Blanc, enriched by the fertile soils of the region. Wine tastings and gourmet culinary adventures that blend local ingredients with international flair, against the backdrop of vineyard vistas are popular and a "must do" experience.

Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds. The Sounds are a breathtaking natural wonder of sunken river valleys, weaving together secluded beaches and lush, forested landscapes. Exploring these majestic sounds by boat or kayak opens up a world of serene waters and stunning scenery. For the adventurous, the Queen Charlotte Track offers a dynamic trek amidst spectacular coastal and forest views, perfect for hiking or biking enthusiasts. This tour combines a one hour cruise from Picton with your self guided hike.

Marlborough’s charm extends beyond its landscapes. The Sounds are home to diverse marine life, offering unforgettable wildlife tours where seals, dolphins, and a kaleidoscope of bird life frolic in their natural habitat. A visit to the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum in Picton provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's maritime heritage.

We know that you will love the Marlborough district just as much as we do.

You can search a range of Marlborough experiences below:

Today you head south to the marine wonderland of Kaikoura. For the first half of your journey, the higway twists through the hills, before a windfarm appears, and with it, beautiful ocean views through the hills. 

The highway gradually descends to the coast and the drive from here to Kaikoura is mind blowingly gorgeous. On the right side, the Southern Alps tower above, and to the left, the turquoise waters of the ocean are ever present. Seal colonies dot the coastline and around 30 minutes north of Kaikoura, at the Ohau Point seal colony, there's a car park and walkway overlooking the seals.

As you near Kaikoura, the Seaward Kaikoura section of the alps open up in front of you, and in the cooler months the snow capped peaks are a photographer's dream.

Where to stay in Kaikoura

Kaikoura has a couple of distinct accommodation zones. There's a variety of motels scattered along the highway near the township, and there's the accommodation along the seafront near the town centre (known as the Esplanade).

When you arrive, we would be very surprised if you are not left gobsmacked by the views. Turquoise ocean waters, fringed by the towering Seaward Kaikoura ranges, capped with snow in the cooler months. For that reason, we always stay along the Esplanade, and our go to place is the Anchor Inn Beachfront Motel. The ocean view rooms are beautiful, and have a small outdoor seating area where you can relax and admire the views. From here it's a flat 20 minute walk to the town centre, or about 10 minutes walk to the iconic Pier Hotel (great food, and those views).

You can see a range of Kaikoura accommodation here.

Off the coast, nutrient rich waters provide the perfect environment for a marine paradise. 

There's a range of excellent tours, which are very popular, and can often book out well in advance. The whale watch tours are probably the most popular, and are really, really good. You can also try scenic whale spotting flights, or to get up and close to some of our marine friends, try the kayak tours. In the afternoons, the winds can increase, so we usually prefer a morning tour.

The name Kaikoura translates from two Maori words, "Kai" (a meal or food) and "Koura" (crayfish), so it's no surprise that seafood is high on the list of delicacies here.

A few kilometres from the town centre at 55 Fyffe Quay, the Kaikoura Seafood BBQ should not be missed. Sitting roadside next to the ocean, a small caravan houses a large hotplate, on which your hosts prepare a variety of yummy local seafood. Crayfish, fish, scallops, whitebait and paua (a tasty marine snail) are all available, and we always try a selection. On a fine day, it's the perfect lunch time treat.

On the highway about 30 minutes north, Nins Bin and Karaka Lobster are both iconic local attractions, and if you want to try our delicious local crayfish, try one of these.

Hugging the coastline, the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway offers stunning local views, and takes about three hours to complete. It's a fairly easy walk, suitable for most. If you don't want to do the full walk, you can do selected sections. The Department of Conservation (DOC) website has all the information you need.

To see our local seals, Point Kean is easily accessible by road, is well worth a visit, and is only a ten minute drive from the centre of town.

The Kaikoura Museum in the town centre has some excellent historical exhibits and focuses on the region's whaling history. Thankfully, that industry no longer exists.

Classic cars buffs will love Harmon's Motor Museum, and Bernie's Diner offers a flashback to the 60's. Great fun.

We always head up to the Kaikoura Lookout at 274 Scarborough Street. This spot offers panoramic views to the north and south, and most "hero" shots of Kaikoura are taken from here. There's plenty of room to park, and a viewing platform. The views are indescribable.

You can see a range of available Kaikoura tours below.

Today you head inland to the delightful alpine village of Hanmer Springs. Famed for its hot pools, Hanmer Springs is the perfect place to break your east to west journey.

Your trip should take around 2 hours, via Mt Lyford Village. As you head south from Kaikora, it's the first posted route to Hanmer Springs. It's a lovely scenic drive, although even by New Zealand standards, it's a narrow and twisty road, so just take your time and admire the view.

Where to stay in Hanmer Springs

The village is reasonably compact, with most hotels just a short walk to the centre of the village. We've stayed in several over the years, and most recently Tussock Peak. It's a couple of hundred metres walk to the hot pools, bars and restaurants, and the rooms were spacious and clean. And just in case you don't make it to the hot pools, Tussock Peak offer their own spa suites.

You can see a range of Hanmer Springs accommodation here.

The hot pools are the major attraction here, and are wonderful fun for all ages. The kids love the water park and slides, while adults can soak away their cares in the quieter section of the park. If you are fortunate enough to be there in the winter months, soaking in a hot pool, surrounded by snow is something to experience.

But there's lots more to do here. You can bungy jump off the bridge over the Waiau River, jetboat along the same river, have a game of golf at the local course, or take the kids to the mini-golf course in the middle of the village. There's also whitewater rafting, stargazing tours, and quad bike adventures.

There's a vibrant bar scene and the main street is dotted with bars and restaurants. Monteith's, O'Flynn's Irish Pub, The Vintage, The Alpine Village Inn, Fire and Ice and Saint's Cafe are just some of the popular spots. If you haven't tried New Zealand Greenlip Mussels, we can highly recommend the mussel pots at Saint's Cafe. 

You can search a range of Hanmer Springs activities, and buy your hot pool tickets, using the search widget below:

Today on your three weeks in New Zealand adventure you head through the Southern Alps to the rugged West Coast. 

Around one hour from Hanmer Springs, the highway climbs over Lewis Pass, the northernmost of the South Island's three crossings of the alps. At 907 metres, it's a little lower than the crossing at Arthur's Pass, and slightly higher than Haast Pass.

After another 15 minutes or so, State Highways 65 and 7 intersect at Springs Junction. There's a small fuel stop there and some public toilets. It's a bit of a tricky intersection, but stay on State Highway 7 towards Reefton, which is another 30 minutes or so.

Reefton is a good place to stop for a break. Known as the first place in the Southern Hemisphere to have an electric street lighting system, its a pretty little town nestled in the hills on the banks of the Inangahua River. There's some nice cafes like the Broadway Tea Rooms and Bakery.

From Reefton its around an hour to Greymouth, the largest town on the West Coast, and home to the iconic TranAlpine train journey which runs from here to Christchurch on the east coast.

Another 30 minutes down the coast brings you to your destination, Hokitika.

Hokitika accommodation

Hokitika has a good range of accommodation, and our preference is always somewhere with an ocean view.

One of our favourites is the Shining Star chalets. A nice quiet location, with a range of room types, and some with ocean views. We also love the Beachfront Hotel for its central location and onsite bar and restaurant.

You can search a range of Hokitika accommodation here.

Nestled on the stunning West Coast, Hokitika is a charming town brimming with natural beauty and a thriving artisan scene.

Around 30 minutes from town, Hokitika Gorge is famed for its turquoise waters, lush native bush and picturesque swing bridges. There's an easy walking track leading to breathtaking views and plenty of photo opportunities, making it a must-see attraction.

Hokitika’s rich cultural heritage is on display in the many artisan jade workshops dotted around town. Known as Pounamu in Māori, jade holds deep cultural significance and is a source of creative inspiration for many local artisans. Discover the exquisite craftsmanship as you watch carvers skillfully transform raw stone into intricate jewelry and sculptures. Most workshops offer the chance to learn about the stone’s history, and you may even find a unique piece to take home as a souvenir.

Today your three weeks in New Zealand itinerary takes you further south along State Highway 6 to Franz Josef village, and the wonders of glacier country.

It's another lovely drive with a mix of sea views, ancient forests, and towering peaks.

Where to stay in Franz Josef

Our preference is always somewhere in the village rather than on the highway out of town. But that's a personal choice and there are some great spots to stay just out of the village.

We've stayed a few times at Punga Grove. It's close to the village amenities (including the Monsoon Bar) and has a good range of room types and sizes.

You can see what's available in Franz Josef here.

Fox Glacier village, which is around 30 minutes south, also has a selection of accommodation and a range of bars and restaurants.

Franz Josef and Fox are two of the most accessible glaciers in the world, and their respective villages are the base for a tours like the awesome glacier hikes and helicopter flights (please include a snow landing, you will not regret it). As you ascend, huge ice crevices are revealed, and some have the most amazing blue tones.  When we landed at the top of the glacier the air was pure and crisp and it was just such a pristine environment, and something we will never forget.

Also highly recommended is the West Coast Wildlife Centre, home to the rare rowi Kiwi. And to take away the aches of a busy days exploration, a visit to the Waiho Hot Tubs is just the tonic.

Today takes you south along the coast, before State Highway 6 detours inland just after the village of Haast. Another indescribable drive that combines ancient forests, snow crusted mountains, roaring rivers, and beautful lakes.

Be sure to stop at Knight's Point, which is about 115 kilometres south of Franz Josef village. The roadside lookout has wonderful coastal views and there are public toilets in the car park.

About half an hour further on brings you to Haast. It's only a small village but there's a couple of cafes, a nice hotel for lunch, and importantly, a fuel station.

Handy tip - top up your tank here as there's no fuel now for several hours.

Just after Haast, a long bridge takes you over the Haast River. It's single lane and has a couple of passing bays along its length. Pay attention to the road and any oncoming traffic, because your gaze will probably be drawn upstream to the river valley. Wow!

From here the highway heads back inland through the mountains, and there are some beautiful spots to stop for pictures like the Gates of Haast, the Makarora Blue Pools, and Fantail Falls.

After Makarora, Lake Wanaka appears and is your companion for the next twenty five kilometres or so. After crossing a hill known as  "the neck", Lake Wanaka "disappears" and Lake Hawea comes into view. Not long from here to Wanaka, which is a good place to stop before the final stage of about 1 hour from Wanaka to Queenstown.

From Wanaka, there are two routes to Queenstown, one via Cromwell and the other via Cardrona and the Crown Range. Assuming good weather conditions, we always take the Crown Range option. The views, the views, the views!

Follow the signs to Cardrona, home to the historic Cardrona Hotel and the Cardrona Distillery. An interesting attraction here is "Bradrona" - see the image below. 

Just after Cardrona the road begins to climb the Crown Range, New Zealand's highest main road. During the winter months, the road can be closed by snow and ice, so hopefully, it will be open for you. At the summit there's a lookout with jaw dropping views towards Queenstown (see the image below).

From the base of the Crown Range it's about 30 minutes to Queenstown.

Important information about where to stay in Queenstown

If you have never been to Queenstown, we recommend you choose the location of your holiday accommodation carefully. To help, we've put together "Some Tips About Where To Stay In Queenstown" which you can read here.

If you have any questions at all, please ask us.

We always have a little difficulty writing an itinerary that includes Queenstown. Why? Well, there is just such a huge variety of things to see and do in Queenstown and surrounding regions, that it's impossible to cover everything.

It's almost unique in that it caters to such a wide cross section of people.

If you love a holiday filled with hair raising adrenalin filled adventure, this is the place. You can jump off things, out of things, race across the water, down rapids, and even underwater in the Hydro Attack.

But what if you just want to relax, recharge, and watch the world go by at a slower pace? Again, this is the place. Chill at one of over 100 wineries. Take in those amazing views at a lakeside bar or restaurant. Ride the historic TSS Earnslaw on a pristine lake, or climb high above town on the Skyline Gondola for views that would be difficult to beat.

There's lots of information on our website to help you plan your ideal adventure and there's also a great activities widget below to help.

And, we've put together a few of our favourite "mild" and "wild" picks for you:

Some "relaxing" favourites

Here's a few relaxing suggestions:

* let someone else do the driving and enjoy a wine tour.

* take the Skyline Gondola 450metres above town to Bob's Peak for some of the best views on earth. And make the most of your time by booking a window seat at Stratosfare restaurant.

* feel the tranquility with a stroll through the Queenstown Gardens.

* meet local artisans at the Queenstown markets.

* choose your cruise on the TSS Earnslaw - cruise only, cruise and lunch or dinner, or add a high country farm tour.

* looking for a scenic drive? Glenorchy (45 - 60 minutes) or Arrowtown (20 - 30 minutes).

* join a Lord of the Rings tour and see where some of the most famous scenes were shot..

* head up to Deer Park Heights. Stunning views and some pretty neat wildlife.

Need some adrenalin?

* while you are here, it would be a shame to not bungy bungy bungy! The original Kawarau Bridge site is our favourite, but for a real thrill, take the 134 metre leap from the Nevis Bungy.

* Queenstown is jetboat heaven. Choose from the iconic Shotover Jet, the Kawarau Jet, or the isolation of the fabulous Dart River safari.

* jump from a plane on a skydiving adventure.

* sample some of the finest rapids in New Zealand on a whitewater raft challenge.

If we can offer one piece of helpful advice, here goes. Please, do not come to the South Island without devoting at least a day to visiting either Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound in Fiordland National Park.

But importantly, if you decide to see Fiordland, please don't be tempted to drive there yourself. On a map, Queenstown is about seventy kilometres in a direct line from Milford Sound. But by road, you need to go around the Southern Alps. So it takes 4 - 5 hours driving each way. That's 9 - 10 hours driving on unfamiliar roads. Add to that the cruise of 2-3 hours, and some sightseeing on the way, and your day is suddenly twelve or thirteen hours.

Flights are a great alternative. BUT, they are weather dependant, and cancellations are possible.

So if you are staying in Queenstown, please do not drive yourself to Fiordland. Sit back and relax in the comfort of an air-conditioned coach. These tours are wonderful, and usually include stops at points of interest. And of course the expert local commentary is invaluable. So you will still have a long day, but you can always rest on the coach coming home.

There's lots of information on available tours below, or please head over to our Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound pages.

Today it's time to head from Queenstown to the Mackenzie region and the turquoise waters of Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki.

Heading out of Queenstown the highway reveals numerous wineries, and the craggy Kawarau Gorge, which winds it's way between steep rocky cliffs. The original AJ Hackett Bungy centre is a great place to stop. If you can build up the courage, try a bungy. It's a thrilling thing to do. Or, you can head down to the observation deck, and watch others take the 43 metre leap.

Around an hour from Queenstown, you reach the town of Cromwell, a beautiful service town, famous for it's stone fruits, and more recently, the Highland's Motorsport Park.

Another 45 minutes or so brings you to Lindis Pass. With an elevation of 971 metres, the pass is subject to snow in the cooler months, so more care is needed when driving at those times. The hills are covered with golden tussock grass, and this gives the area a really unique look. Be sure to stop at the observation point for some pictures.

Around 30 minutes south of Tekapo, Lake Pukaki unfolds before you. Like Lake Tekapo, the waters are an amazing turquoise colour, fed by melt from glaciers in the Southern Alps. There's several spots to pull over and take pictures, and the Lake Pukaki Visitor Centre is well worth a stop.

Places to stay in Tekapo

Handy tip - accommodation here can fill up months in advance, so we recommend getting in early.

You can see a range of accommodation here (we always like somewhere with a lake view).

Welcome to Tekapo, a charming village sitting on the edge of an impossibly turquoise lake, backed by the snow covered Southern Alps. Across Lake Tekapo, Aoraki Mt Cook, New Zealand's highest peak, is an imposing sight.

Tekapo is the perfect half-way point between Christchurch and Queenstown and with scenery like this, one night just never seems enough here.

A good way to start your journey is with a visit to the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. This quaint stone church features a large picture window overlooking the lake and to the alps beyond. Stunning.

Nearby, Tekapo Springs is the perfect spot to relax away those aches and pains. Whether you opt for a soak in the warm, relaxing waters, enjoy a luxurious spa treatment, or test your skills on the ice skating rink (seasonal), Tekapo Springs offers something for all ages. You can even combine a night time hot pool dip with a stargazing experience. Watch the heavens from the warmth of the pools!

For outdoor enthusiasts, the area offers numerous hiking trails. The Mount John Walkway is particularly popular, providing panoramic views of the Mackenzie Basin. It's also an ideal spot to stargaze at night, as Tekapo is part of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, renowned for its clear, starry nights.

Adventure seekers can try heli-skiing during the winter or take a scenic flight over the stunning snow-capped mountains. For a more relaxed experience, try mountain biking or horseback riding along the lakefront.

If you are lucky enough to be here between November and January, the lakeshore is dotted with multi-coloured Lupins (see the image below), a beautiful sight.

As your day winds down, sample our local cuisine at one of the charming eateries in town, featuring everything from fresh local salmon to hearty lamb dishes.

Tekapo, with its blend of nature, adventure, and relaxation, warmly invites you to explore its wonders and create unforgettable memories. Safe travels!

Another scenic drive today as you head north to Christchurch. 

The towns of Fairlie and Geraldine lead you out of the Mackenzie and into the patchwork of the Canterbury Plains. 

Around half way to Christchurch, the town of Ashburton is the perfect place to take a break.

We love to spend time in the city centre. The area known as the Terraces fronts the Avon River, and the riverside markets, have a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars, together with merchants selling locally sourced food and veges. The Avon river is home to a healthy population of trout, and they are easy to spot in the clear water. Nearby, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens are an easily accessible spot to pass an hour or two. The other great activity here is the punt ride down the Avon. You could almost be in Venice.

If you want some beautiful local views, a visit to the Christchurch Gondola will not disappoint. There's a cafe at the top, a discovery adventure ride, and some nice trails, with lots of photo opportunities.

These combo tours are an excellent introduction to Christchurch and highly rated.

Near the airport, the International Antarctic Centre features a chill room (Brrr!), a penguin display, and an ATV ride. Quake City in the CBD documents the horrific earthquake that devastated Christchurch in 2011. Around 90 minutes drive from Christchurch, the French influenced village of Akaroa is well worth a visit, and while you are there, you can swim with the dolphins.

You can search a huge range of Christchurch activities below.

Unfortunately your three weeks in New Zealand has come to an end. We would love to see you again.

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