The ultimate New Zealand itinerary: How to spend the perfect 3 weeks

Plan the perfect adventure with our ultimate 3-week New Zealand itinerary, featuring must-see spots and unforgettable experiences. 

Welcome to Aotearoa! The following contains the perfect 3-week itinerary for one of the best trips to New Zealand that you can imagine. And yes, it gets better because a Contiki trip will give you the red carpet treatment as you make your way to these unforgettable locations! The Contiki Ultimate New Zealand tour will take you to all these locations and more, so save yourself the hassle and book your seat! 

Week 1

Day 0 – Auckland

Welcome to the big smoke, Aotearoa’s largest city and an undeniable hive of activity. Before jetting off on your amazing adventure, this day is based on you touching down at least a day before your Contiki, so make the most of your free time in the city of sails! There are countless good ways to spend a day in Auckland, ranging from museums and art galleries to day trips in and amongst abundant native flora and fauna. Some of the best local day trips accessible from the central city are Waiheke and Rangitoto Islands (by ferry), Gibbs Farm, and Piha Beach (by car). 

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can throw yourself off any manner of local structures (with a rope attached), from the Harbour Bridge Bungy to the Sky Tower Skywalk and Skyjump! Hit two birds with one stone, as the Sky Tower happens to be New Zealand’s tallest building, offering wondrous views of Auckland and the wider region.  

Food-wise, anything from Commercial Bay should serve you well, as will local institutions like The White Lady, Federal Delicatessen, and Amano. Best Ugly Bagels at Cityworks Depot is another must-have! 

Day 1 – Bay of Islands

And we’re off! Buckle up and get ready for some of the best sights on the North Island because today, we are heading to the pristine Bay of Islands! On the way, lunch simply has to be a pie in Whangārei before checking out the Hundertwasser Art Centre, a quirky building by a quirky man (whom we cherish). 

The final stop for the day is sunny Paihia, where you can tour the Waitangi Treaty grounds and Museum to absorb some local history and culture. Wrap up the day at the beach with some delectable fish and chips as you watch that syrupy sunset over the horizon. 

Day 2 – Bay of Islands

You lucky thing, you’ve got the day to yourself! Explore hidden gems, get active, or chill at the beach. My perfect day in Paihia would consist of a sunrise swim and coffee at the beach (in a reusable cup, of course) before hopping on the water however I can! Whether you want to scuba dive, kayak, parasail, or whale and dolphin watch, playing mermaids in the water is where you should be. 

Not much of a water baby? Day trips up to the tip-top of Aotearoa (Cape Reinga) are available, as are other adrenaline-inducing activities like skydiving and horse riding along 90 Mile Beach! 

Day 3 – Paihia to Auckland

Today, we are heading back to Auckland, so make time for whatever you missed before! Whether you finally worked up the nerve for that bungee jump or want to go birdwatching at Tiritiri Matangi Sanctuary, today is full of opportunity. 

Worked up an appetite? Try an ice cream at Giapo’s or any of the delectable cuisines available in the melting pot that is Tāmaki Makaurau. Some personal recommendations would be Broke Boy Tacos, Dandan Noodles from Eden Noodles Cafe, or anything from Daily Bread. K-Road in the CBD is a good region to begin your culinary journey if you don’t know what you feel like. 

Day 4 – Rotorua via Auckland

A straight shot South through the lush, verdant rolling hills of the Waikato takes us to Vegas! Rotovegas, to be exact. Stop in at the Kiwi hatchery to see how our vulnerable national bird is being protected before you get to Rotorua itself. 

You’ll know when you get close, as the smell will hit you before the sight does. Bring a nose plug if you need to, but don’t balk, as it’s well worth enduring for some of the coolest activities in the Central North Island. Mud pools, cultural performances, and Zorbing are all on the table during this wondrous day. At night, experience the Redwoods, a light show beneath the canopy of giant sentinels that stand resolute in the rich, dense forest. 

Day 5 – Rotorua

We love a free day, don’t we? Spend it soaking up some of the best New Zealand destinations on offer, with white water rafting the Kaituna River, hiking around Lake Tarawera, and ziplining through the forest canopy all within your reach. 

Alternatively, you can channel your inner nerd and head North to Matamata for a tour of Hobbiton! See the film set that helped to put Aotearoa on the map, and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two along the way. Once a year, a half-marathon takes you on an adventure across the property, allowing you to frolic through the meadows to your heart’s content. Yes, I’ve done it, and no, I don’t regret it. 

Treat those sore muscles from a long day adventuring in any of the local hot springs or spas, powered by Mother Nature herself! It truly is a bucket list thing to do in New Zealand.

Day 6 – Taupō

Tired of exploring yet? Me neither! Another amazing day awaits, so let’s get into it. Huka Falls is our first pitstop on the way to Lake Taupō, and boy, what a sight it is! Depending on conditions, over 220,000 litres per second can funnel through the falls, so don’t go thinking you can kayak your way down it. Professionals might risk it, but you’ve got so much more adventuring to do. 

Now, onto the main event: Lake Taupō. Said to be bigger than the entirety of Singapore, it’s more than just a lake… It’s a SUPERVOLCANO. Home to two of the largest volcanic events in Earth’s recent history, it puts the scale of human history into perspective, let alone you as an individual. So, make the most of your fleeting mortality and skydive over the top of it! It has the best view in town. Afterward, a spot of fishing, a lake cruise, and some tasty Kai will round out the day beautifully. 

Day 7 – Mount Ruapehu

As you drive through the dramatic Central Plateau, keep one eye on Mount Ruapehu (in all its majesty) and one on the lookout for wild Kaimanawa Horses! Not as common as they once were, these majestic beasts roam the plains, living that ultimate horsey life. 

Welcome to Ohakune! Fuel up on a giant eclair and go cycling along the Mangawhero trail, or take a short walk through any of the nearby local tracks. Watch the sun glisten and dance as it sets on the side of the snow-capped beauty that is Ruapehu. What a way to wrap up the first of your 3 weeks in New Zealand.   

If you have extra time, Blue Duck Station is a must-do. Sandwiched between Ruapehu and Whanganui National Park and on the banks of the Whanganui River, Blue Duck Station truly has it all. Explore the local bush, go on a horse trek, kayak, and gaze at those beautiful stars. This is what travelling to New Zealand is all about. 

Week 2

Day 8 – Wellington

Goodbye wop-wops (check the Kiwi slang guide for this one!), hello Capital! Welcome to the windy city, which makes up for its blustery climate with a whole lot of personality. Amazing food, coffee, wine, and culture – you truly can’t beat Welly on a good day. Indulge in whatever takes your fancy, Cuba Street being a good place to start, with crowd favourites like Fidels, Midnight Espresso, and Ombra all being a stone’s throw from one another. Still got some gas in the tank? Hit Courtenay Place for a night on the town, and be sure to pick up some Lucky Chicken to devour on the way home. 

Day 9 – Wellington

It would be rude not to start your day with a coffee in the birthplace of the Flat White. Try Pour and Twist, Raglan Roast, Cafe L’affare, or Havana for your caffeine hit. Then, we’re back into nature! Zealandia is home to some of our rarest and most diverse animal life, all wrapped up safely behind a predator-proof fence that allows you to roam free! If you’re more inclined to hit the water, head for Lyall Bay or Red Rocks for some unreal sights and marine life! 

End your day with even more delicious food at places like The Old Quarter, Dragonfly, Mr Go’s, or Charley Noble if you feel fancy. Try Gorilla Burger or Heartbreaker for burgers and fried chicken for those of you feeling a bit less… sophisticated. 

Day 10 – Kaikōura

Put on your sea legs and get ready to cross the Cook Strait because today you’re hitting the South Island! Believe it or not, some of the best New Zealand attractions are yet to come. We’ll be passing through Picton and Blenheim on our way to Kaikōura, so be sure to stop in and pick up wine from some of the best vineyards in the country! 

Keep your head on a swivel for seals, whales, and dolphins as you weave your way along the wild, rugged coastline on your way to what could be a very delicious dinner. Kaikōura is renowned for its seafood, with crayfish being a local delicacy worth indulging in. Be sure to pair it with scallops, mussels, or prawns, any type of fritter, and some garlic bread! 

Day 11 – Kaikōura

How do I spend a full day in Kaikōura? Let me enlighten you. A whale-watching tour is a must, although if you’re feeling spritely, a kayak tour might be the way to go! Share the water with seals as they dip and dive around your vessel, watching curiously as you paddle along like the clumsy human you are. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the rare and endangered Hector’s Dolphin! Scuba diving and hiking the local mountains are also worthwhile activities in the area. 

Feeling more like a passenger princess? Helicopter tours are also available, allowing you to take in the magnificent marine life from above. Round it out with some more crayfish for dinner (if your wallet allows), and call it a day well spent! 

Day 12 – Christchurch

Au revoir Kaikōura, bonjour Christchurch! Welcome to Canterbury, a true stronghold of agriculture and that can-do Kiwi attitude. As you may know, Christchurch suffered a severe earthquake in 2011 that decimated buildings, businesses, and livelihoods alike, not to mention the loss of life. The City that stands today is a true testament to its resilience, with buildings like the cardboard cathedral and renovated town hall standing tall and strong. Go for a walk through Hagley Park or go punting on the River Avon; just soak it all up! If you’re after more of an experience, try Antarctic World! 

Day 13 – Franz Josef via Arthur’s Pass and Hokitika

Today is going to be an absolute treat, with some of the most breathtaking views in the country coming up. I’m talking about Arthur’s pass, of course! Dramatic, lush, and unforgivingly beautiful valleys punctuated by snow-capped mountains you can only dream of climbing (well, you can climb them if you have the time and experience). What a way to welcome in the hidden gem that is the rugged West Coast! 

Get in touch with traditional customs and culture by understanding the role of Pounamu (or greenstone) in traditional Māori culture. A lot of Aotearoa’s first trails were forged by Māori people on their annual pilgrimages through the South Island to collect the precious stone, used for tools and jewellery alike. Hokitika and the West Coast were, and are, places of great cultural significance. Hokitika also saw prosperity as a gold rush town but has since quietened down… significantly.

Back on the bus, Franz Josef, here we come! You’re in glacier country now and a stone’s throw from Aoraki / Mount Cook. 

Day 14 – Franz Josef

Day 14: Here we go! Franz Josef Glacier is the big ticket item today, with hikes, helicopter tours, and even a skydive over it being on the cards. You can also opt to get off the beaten track with day hikes or quad bike adventures through the decadent green forests that permeate the region. 

Finish up with a soak in the local hot pools and try to get your hands on some more seafood before tuckering out from a long day full of adventures. Rest is important, we still have a MASSIVE week to go!  

Week 3

Day 15 – Queenstown via Haast and Wānaka

You thought Arthur’s Pass was cool? Wait until you see the Haast Pass as we cross from the West Coast into the Otago region! Peep Mount Aspiring as we pass through Lake Hāwea and Wānaka for lunch. Wānaka is a destination in its own right, with a lifetime’s worth of adventures to be had in this region alone. Boating across Lake Tekapo, stargazing at the night sky, cycling across breathtaking arid plains, or hiking up lush viridescent mountains are a small part of what you can get up to here. 

Enough about that; we’re in Queenstown now! New Zealand’s adventure capital, where you can spend every penny you have (and then some) in an alarmingly short space of time. But it’s all worth it for what truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Why not start by hurtling yourself off the Kawarau Bridge, at what is the birthplace of bungee jumping? 

That jump probably has you feeling pretty famished, so fuel up on some Fergburger and hit the hay; we’re just getting started.

Day 16 – Queenstown

I’d recommend getting up bright and early to catch the sunrise at the top of Queenstown Hill if you can stomach it; there is no better way to soak up the majesty of this incredible place. The views atop Ben Lomond would surpass it, but you’d need to get up at 2 am to make that sunrise, and that would be crazy…right? 

The day doesn’t stop there! Canyon swings, cycle tours, horse treks, and via ferratas await before hitting the famous ice bar! Just don’t lick the table, trust me… 

Day 17 – Queenstown

Today is also yours, you intrepid little explorer! My recommendation would be to start the day with a jet boat ride up the Shotover River. Nothing wakes you up quite like blistering speeds an arm’s length away from sheer cliffs, right? If you haven’t been up the gondola, you must also do that! There’s a luge at the top for you and your friends to unleash that pent-up tension. Just don’t bump them too hard, or you might be on the hook for some damages. 

If you’re feeling like something a bit more relaxed, go for a spa day at the local onsen, then head down the Nevis Valley for some of the best wine you can get your hands on. Alternatively, the Earnslaw is a delightful little boat that’s been in service since 1912, serving up lake views and delightful treats in spades. The TSS Earnslaw will take you to Walter Peak, where you can take part in any manner of farm tours, horse treks, or culinary adventures. 

Queen 18 – Queenstown

It’s your last day in Queenstown, better make it count! If you haven’t already, head down the Nevis Valley for canyon swings, catapults, and bungee jumps that’ll make your heart pump harder than the first time you tried a Kiwi flat white.

If you happen to be here in winter, you best be hitting the slopes for that sweet, sweet powder! Coronet Peak is less than 30 minutes from Queenstown and suits beginners and seasoned pros alike. If you’re vibing a road trip, hire a car for the day and head down the Crown Range to the iconic Cardrona Hotel for a memorable end to what truly is an unforgettable place. 

Day 19 – Te Anau & Milford Sound

Don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened. Don’t dwell on it too long either, because we are still on tour and in for an absolute treat! Today, Milford Sound is on the agenda. Keep an eye out for Kea as you get ready to go through the Homer Tunnel, and bask in the majesty of the iconic Mitre Peak on the other side. Head out for a lake cruise and get up close and personal with cascading waterfalls and clear, fresh glacial waters at this UNESCO World Heritage site.

We end the day in gorgeous Te Anau, with even more boats and even more lakes for you to fill your cup with.  

Day 20 – Lake Ōhau

Wholesome vibes only today folks; we’re on the road again today. Kingston is home to an agricultural education experience, Real Country, that supports women in farming, which is more than reason enough to learn a thing or two about the noble art of farming. 

The next stop is a town that needs no introduction: Arrowtown! Once a gold mining boomtown, it’s now a quaint little spot with a plethora of delicious cafes, bakeries, and the must-visit Remarkables Sweet Shop! Head down to the River and try your hand at gold panning; you never know what you might find! 

Tonight, we’re living large at the one and only Lake Ōhau! 

Day 21 – Christchurch via Lake Tekapo

I’m not crying, you’re crying. Your tour of New Zealand in 3 weeks is almost at an end. You’ve seen the very best of both the North and South Islands, creating unforgettable memories with newfound lifelong friends. But not before we finish up with a truly unforgettable place. 

Lake Tekapo! No, you’re not mistaken. There’s a reason it’s known as one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand. Sapphire blue glacial waters, brilliant purple lupins lining the roadside. On a hot summer day, only the snow-capped mountains and brown tussocky hills delineate a horizon of endless blue. 

The nearest international airport is in Christchurch, so start saying your goodbyes! Or… don’t? 

Extra time

If you simply can’t handle the idea of leaving New Zealand after 3 weeks, stay! Places like Wānaka, Central Otago, the West Coast, or Abel Tasman National Park are all worth revisiting, containing some of the best things to do in New Zealand, let alone the South Island. Whether you want to hike, cycle, dive, surf, or camp your way through more of Aotearoa, just know you’re more than welcome! 

How many days in New Zealand is enough?

3 weeks is a good starting point and probably the minimum if you’re coming from the other side of the world. 3 months would fly by and allow you to dive deep into most parts of the country, so find what works for you. 

Which month is best to visit New Zealand?

Summer runs from December to February, with equally gorgeous shoulder seasons starting in September/October and ending in April. By the time Easter rolls around, things tend to be cooling off down South. But YOU CAN SKI IN THE WINTER! Do with that information as you please.