New Zealand in a Month: Road Trip Itinerary

How to Make the Most of One Month in New Zealand

We know that you have heard a million times: one month is not enough time to explore New Zealand. But if that’s all the time you have for travelling New Zealand, then you can certainly have a good go at it! In the itinerary below, we go over how you can really make the most of New Zealand in a month.

The great thing about travelling New Zealand in a month is that it opens many transport options for you to really make the trip your own. We go through a quick guide on how to get around New Zealand in a month before the itinerary. For an idea of what awesome destinations to hit, as well as activities and budget accommodation, take a look at the one month New Zealand itinerary below. You’ll also get an idea of travel time between destinations so you can work out the perfect New Zealand trip for you.

How to Get Around New Zealand in One Month

We’re not going to beat around the bush there is going to be a lot of driving – A LOT. If you can handle it, then get yourself a rental vehicle and continue down to the itinerary below. Otherwise, if driving almost every day for an entire month does not quite sound like the trip you were imagining, then consider travelling New Zealand by bus. Here are your options when it comes to travelling New Zealand in a month.

Rent a car or campervan – The itinerary below begins and ends in Auckland meaning that you can have the same rental vehicle for the entire trip and avoid those hefty “one-way” fees. Get started with planning your vehicle rental in New Zealand with Guide to Renting a Car/Campervan in New Zealand.
National Coach – By far the cheapest option for getting around New Zealand is by coach. Get one of these bus travel passes to hit all of the destinations listed below. For more information, see our complete guide to travelling by bus.
Take a hop-on hop-off bus tour – A hop-on hop-off bus is a flexible bus tour where you can hop off the bus at any point on the route and jump back on the bus at a later date. There are three hop-on hop-off bus companies in New Zealand, where their national bus passes have a minimum travel time of around 20 days: Kiwi Experience, Stray Travel and Flying Kiwi. Find out more about them in What is a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus?
Take an escorted bus tour – All the logistics are sorted out for you, so all you need to do is enjoy. The following tour companies offer 21-28-day tours around New Zealand following a similar itinerary to what is featured below: Haka Tours, Flying Kiwi, Intrepid Travel, Kiwi Experience, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, G Adventures, AAT Kings, Adventure South, Hiking New Zealand, Monograms, Globus and Stray Travel.

New Zealand in a Month: Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei (Coromandel)

Drive Time: 2h15mins

You’ve arrived in Auckland, New Zealand! You will have plenty of time to see the city later, but for now, head south toward the Coromandel and the start of your one-month New Zealand adventure. Coromandel is the home of beautiful beaches, most famously, Cathedral Cove.

Things to Do in Hahei

These are pretty relaxing and accessible activities/sights to see for your first day in New Zealand:

Cathedral Cove. Either join a kayak tour, boat tour or take the easy coastal walk (1h30min walking track) to a beach with white cliffs and giant archway to walk through
Hot Water Beach. Go to Hot Water Beach at low tide to dig yourself a hot pool in the sand.

Accommodation in Hahei

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Day 2 – Hahei to Rotorua (Via Hobbiton)

Drive Time: 3 hours

Your final destination today is Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity and for being the cultural heart of New Zealand. Before you get there, don’t miss the Karangahake Gorge, halfway through the drive. There are a number of walking tracks in the area between 45 minutes to 4 hours going through a historic mining area taken back by the forest and the river. Walk through mining tunnels, through native forest, alongside mining relics and to magnificent waterfalls. On the other hand, you may want to use that time to visit the Hobbiton Movie Set in the town of Matamata.

Things to Do in Rotorua

If you get to Rotorua with time to spare, here are a few suggestions.

Relax in a natural geothermal hot pool. There are paid options, such as the Polynesian Spa (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), or go find some of the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua
See an evening cultural performance at one of the Maori attractions. We list most of the options in 10 Places to Experience Maori Culture in New Zealand.

Accommodation in Rotorua

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See more stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua.

Day 3 – Rotorua

Drive Time: 0 hours

There is so much to do in Rotorua that it is the perfect place to have a break from driving. There’s a huge range of activities from adrenaline fixes, wildlife, Maori cultural shows, geothermal parks and so much more!

Things to Do in Rotorua

Visit a geothermal park. Geysers, steaming lakes, bubbling mud, silica terraces and so much more can be seen in one of the many geothermal parks of Rotorua
Catch a Maori cultural performance (if you missed doing so yesterday)
Do some adrenaline activities
Zorb your way in a giant hamster ball down a hill (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor), go luging from the top of the gondola (on Viator and Tripadvisor), mountain bike in the Redwood Forest (on Viator and Tripadvisor), jet boat or do a freefall experience at the Velocity Valley (on Viator and Tripadvisor), and so much more!
See native New Zealand wildlife at Wingspan or Rainbow Springs (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

For more inspiration, get stuck into The Complete Guide to Rotorua.

Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo

Drive Time: 1 hour

Not too far from Rotorua is Taupo on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake! Again, there really is a lot to do here! If you want to skydive and/or bungy jump on the North Island than Taupo is a great place to do it. Plus, there are plenty of options to get out on the lake, relax in hot pools, see raging waterfalls and more!

Things to Do in Taupo

Take a trip out on New Zealand’s largest lake, whether it’s fishing, kayaking, sailing, cruising or parasailing
Bungy jump over the Waikato River
Do a skydive (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Go on a white water rafting trip on the Tongariro River (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Walk along the Waikato River to a natural hot pool at Spa Park, then onto Huka Falls
Get more inspiration from The Complete Guide to Taupo.

Accommodation in Taupo

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Day 5 – Taupo to Tongariro National Park

Drive Time: 1h15mins

Get up early and drive to the Tongariro National Park to do the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most popular day hike over the volcanic plateau. Otherwise, take your time getting to the Tongariro National Park and enjoy one of the shorter hikes in the area, still giving fantastic views of the Central North Island volcanoes. You also have the option for mountain biking or even skiing on the Whakapapa ski field in winter.

Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This is New Zealand’s most popular day hike taking you over the volcanoes of the central North Island. The 8-hour hike is one-way and requires some planning in terms of transport and keeping safe. Take a look at our Guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to work out a plan
Ski or snowboard at Whakapapa Ski Field in winter
Choose from other hikes in Tongariro National Park by looking at the 13 Walks Around National Park Village & Whakapapa Village.

Accommodation in National Park Village

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Day 6 – Tongariro National Park to the Ruahine Forest Park

Drive Time: 2 hours

The mission today is to spend some time in the New Zealand wilderness. Ruahine Forest Park is an awesome place to do that and a locals favourite! There are a few different wilderness lodges and camping options in the Ruahine Forest Park, as well as activities from hikes to horse riding to white water rafting. To break up the journey, stop in Ohakune for a coffee or check out the Mangawhero Walking Track (1-hour loop) to walk in the forests at the base of Mt Ruapehu. Your final destination today will be at one of the accommodation options listed below. You’ll get more time to explore the area or do an activity there tomorrow.

Accommodation in the Ruahine Forest Park

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River Valley Lodge

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Day 7 – Ruahine Forest Park

Drive Time: 0 Hours

Its time to relax/go wild in the Ruahine Forest Park! Whatever your bag is, you could do some white water rafting or horse riding at River Valley, horse riding, 4x4ing or claybird shooting at Makoura Lodge, or hiking in the Ruahine Ranges. Alternatively, relax in your farmstay or accommodation to get a taste of Kiwi life.

Things to Do in the Ruahine Forest Park

Go white water rafting on the Rangitikei River
Horse trek through the stunning landscape (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Hike one of many Ruahine tracks listed in the 25 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North

Day 8 – Ruahine Forest Park to Wellington

Drive Time: 3h20mins

Your final destination today is the capital city of New Zealand! However, we recommend breaking up the drive by stopping along the Kapiti Coast, full of beaches and walks to check out! Walk over a sand dune walkway in the Queen Elizabeth Park, relax on Peka Peka Beach. How about getting a kite landboarding or kite surfing lesson on Foxton Beach?

Once you reach Wellington you have the evening to enjoy the eateries and nightlife of the capital city! You’ll have more time to explore Wellington on the way back up north.

Accommodation in Wellington

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See more stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington.

Day 9 – Wellington to Picton

Drive Time: 0 Hours (Ferry Crossing)

Today you have the treat of taking the ferry from the North Island to the South Island! We recommend a sunrise or sunset sailing for the best prices and the best light for a stunning journey across the Cook Strait and through the Marlborough Sounds – see The Ferry Between the North Island and South Island: Full Guide. Depending on what time your sailing is, you will either have time to do something in Wellington or Picton. Here are some ideas.

Things to Do in Wellington

Visit the Te Papa Museum to learn everything there is to know about New Zealand
Go to Zealandia to see native New Zealand wildlife (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Do a Lord of the Rings tour
Tour the city sights of Wellington from the Waterfront to Cuba Street to the Botanic Gardens to Mt Victoria. Find out more in our One Day in Wellington: City Walking Tour Itinerary.

Things to Do in Picton

Take a mail boat cruise out onto the waters of the Marlborough Sounds (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Go dolphin swimming (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Mountain bike the Link Pathway
Visit one of the Marlborough Sound resorts like Lochmara, for walks, wildlife and relaxation (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Kayak around the harbour
Take a tour of the wine region and do some wine-tasting (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Accommodation in Picton

If everything goes to plan and you do not miss your ferry then these are some excellent accommodation options in Picton.

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Day 10 – Picton to Nelson (Abel Tasman National Park)

Drive Time: 1h50min

Do one of the activities that you missed in Picton yesterday or hit the road to Nelson. Stop by Havelock to take a boat cruise out into the Marlborough Sounds or join a kayaking tour down the Pelorus River one of The Hobbit filming locations. Then you will reach New Zealand’s sunniest city, Nelson, where you will have more opportunity to do some of the following activities.

Things to Do in Nelson

Walk to the Centre of New Zealand found in the Botanic Reserve
Step back in time and also try some craft beer at Founders Park
See where the One Ring was made at the Jens Hansen Ringmaker store
Treat yourself to local Nelson cuisine
Go on a winery crawl
Or a craft beer crawl.

Accommodation in Nelson

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Day 11 – Nelson (Abel Tasman National Park)

Drive Time: 0-1 hour

Nelson is the gateway to three national parks in the South Island. One of which is the Abel Tasman National Park, full of pristine golden sand beaches backed with lush forest. Tours operate from Nelson daily taking you into the Abel Tasman National Park via Kaiteriteri. Either drive to Kaiteriteri yourself (1 hour one way) for maximum flexibility or take one of the shuttle services. In Kaiteriteri, you have a great deal of Abel Tasman options from kayaking tours, water taxis to hikes, or boat tours.

Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park

Take a water taxi to do a day hike of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Kayak in the Abel Tasman National Park (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Take a boat tour to explore the bays and beaches of the Abel Tasman National Park (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Board a sailing trip into the national park (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Do some mountain biking in Kaiteriteri, Nelson or in the Abel Tasman National Park
Take on some canyoning in Abel Tasman.

Day 12 – Nelson to Punakaiki (Via Nelson lakes National Park)

Drive Time: 3h45min

There’s a fair bit of driving to do today but the beautiful views of the Buller Gorge help pass the time quickly. There are a few quaint towns to stop by for a coffee, such as Murchison. However, to really make the most of the drive we suggest taking a detour into the Nelson Lakes National Park to see the beautiful Lake Rotoroa or Lake Rotoiti. Both are very similar in terms of views and short walks available so take your pick! This will add on an extra 20 minutes onto your drive time, but they are simply too good to miss.

Once you arrive in Punakaiki, you have plenty of options, but don’t miss the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes for their impressive and bizarre rock formations.

Things to Do in Punakaiki

Do the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes Walk (20-minute loop)
Visit the Punakaiki Cavern (just off the side of the state highway)
Horse trek into the Paparoa National Park
Sample the Paparoa Track, one of the New Zealand Great Walks
Check out the stunning overhang and waterfall onto the beach on the Truman Track (15 minutes one way).

Accommodation in Punakaiki

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Day 13 – Punakaiki to Franz Josef

Drive Time: 3 Hours

Head to the Glacier Country with one of the worlds most accessible glaciers! Franz Josef is your opportunity to walk on, crawl inside, fly over, skydive over or walk up to a glacier. Get some ideas on how you can take on the glacier here. Nevertheless, there’s actually more to do here than glacier gallivanting! Check it out in the list below.

Things to Do in Franz Josef

Do a heli-hike on the Franz Josef Glacier (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Do one of New Zealand’s highest skydives over the glacier and Southern Alps (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Hike to the Franz Josef terminal face (1h30min one way)
Relax in the Glacier Hot Pools (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Kayak on the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Go horse trekking in the West Coast wilderness.

Accommodation in Franz Josef

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Franz Josef Oasis

Day 14 – Franz Josef to Wanaka

Drive Time: 3h40min

You’ve got a long drive ahead today but plenty of reasons to stretch your legs. You’ll be going through another super scenic rode on the Haast Pass where we recommend you stop at Thunder Creek Falls just a minutes walk from the road. Then don’t miss the Blue Pools of Haast. This is a 1-hour return walk through forest to some of the clearest and bluest rivers you will ever see.

This evening you will have the time to relax by the beautiful Lake Wanaka.

Things to Do in Wanaka

Have a local craft beer or wine at one of the lakefront bars
Do a stand-up paddleboard or kayak tour on Lake Wanaka (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Visit Puzzling World and get lost in their giant maze (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Do a skydive if you missed the chance in Franz Josef (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Accommodation in Wanaka

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Day 15 – Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive Time: 1 Hour

Time to hit the Adrenaline Capital of the World! Take the Cardrona Valley route to be the best views on the way to Queenstown. Once there you have so much to do! Take a look at The Complete Guide to Queenstown or the list below.

Things to Do in Queenstown

Do a bungy jump you have three to choose from in Queenstown
Do a skydive (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Go skiing or snowboarding in winter
Do a jet boat tour
Go white water rafting (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Visit the Lord of the Rings filming locations
Go up the Gondola and do some luging/mountain biking/eating/sightseeing (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
See native wildlife at the Kiwi Birdlife Park (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Party at the bars and clubs
Do a wine-tasting tour (on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Accommodation in Queenstown

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See more stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown.

Day 16 – Queenstown (or Milford Sound)

Drive Time: 0 Hours

If the list of things to do in Queenstown wasn’t enough for you, then you also have the option today to take a bus trip (or drive) to Milford Sound. We get it, Milford Sound is on almost everybody’s New Zealand bucket list, so this is a way to squeeze in the experience in a one-month New Zealand itinerary.

With towering mountains, untouched rainforest and unbelievable scenery, Milford Sound is an unforgettable journey. To have a break from driving, we recommend taking one of the many bus tours to Milford Sound then boarding a cruise of the fiord. Bus trips give you plenty of opportunities to hop off the bus and do multiple short walks on the way. For more information, get your head in Guide to Milford Sound and the Milford Road.

However, if you want a break from the road, you have plenty more options for things to do in Queenstown listed above as well as some more inspiration in the 10 Queenstown Must-Dos.

Day 17 – Queenstown to Mt Cook

Drive Time: 3 Hours

If you have not had enough of epic scenic drives, then here’s one more for you through the Lindis Pass on the way to Aoraki Mt Cook National Park. On the way to Mt Cook, consider stopping by the Highlands Motorsport Park in Cromwell to challenge your travel buddies to go-karting or stop by Omarama for their hot pools with a view. Additionally, there are The Lord of the Rings filming locations in Twizel which are best seen with a tour.

Once at Mt Cook, you have a lot of options to explore the heart of the Southern Alps with its glaciers, but well get onto that more tomorrow.

Accommodation in Mt Cook

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YHA Mt Cook

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Day 18 – Mt Cook

Drive Time: 0 Hours

There are many ways to enjoy the impressive landscape of the Aoraki Mt Cook National Park, from glaciers to lakes to mountains, so you’ll want to spend a whole day doing some or all of the following activities.

Things to Do in Mt Cook

Take a scenic flight, helicopter ride (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) or land on a glacier in a ski plane (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
If you missed out in Franz Josef, do a glacier heli-hike on the Tasman Glacier New Zealand’s longest glacier (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Do one of the many hikes listed in the 10 Must-Do Hikes Around Mt Cook
Do some stargazing in this International Dark Sky Reserve
Take a boat trip or kayak on a glacier lake.

Day 19 – Mt Cook to Geraldine (Via Lake Tekapo)

Drive Time: 2h15min

Next stop, Geraldine! This is not without an obligatory stop at Lake Tekapo with its vibrant blue lake and the most scenic church in New Zealand, The Church of the Good Shepherd. Stop by the Fairlie Bakery for one of their award-winning New Zealand pies, then onward to Geraldine. You have time to either do an activity this evening or tomorrow morning so take your pick from the following!

Things to Do in Geraldine

Do grade 5 white water rafting on the Rangitata River (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Horse trek in the hills of Peel Forest
Hike, swim, rappel, cliff jump and more on a canyoning tour
Go mountain biking or 4×4 off-roading
Take an alpaca for a walk.

Accommodation in Geraldine

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The Vicarage

Day 20 – Geraldine to Christchurch

Drive Time: 2 Hours

If you missed any of the awesome activities yesterday, take the time to do them before you hit the road to Christchurch. Journey through the Canterbury Plains to Christchurch where you now get the chance to explore the South Islands biggest hub.

Things to Do in Christchurch

Walk in the Botanic Gardens
Visit the Canterbury Museum
Take an open-top bus tour of the city (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Grab some souvenirs to take home
Try some Kiwi cuisine in Christchurch.

Accommodation in Christchurch

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Day 21 – Christchurch to Kaikoura

Drive Time: 2h15min

Enjoy a coffee in Christchurch before hitting the road toward Kaikoura, the marine wildlife mecca of New Zealand. The drive is a scenic one along the coast until you reach the small coastal town of Kaikoura. Although you have a full day to make the most of Kaikoura tomorrow, there is so much to do that you can start exploring straight away!

Things to Do in Kaikoura

Walk the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway (2 hours one way) with multiple viewpoints over seal colonies
Catch a scenic flight to see whales from the sky (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Join a wildlife boat tour whether to see whales, dolphins or albatross (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Try some famous Kaikoura crayfish
Get a surf lesson with a local surf school.

Accommodation in Kaikoura

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Fyffe Country Lodge

Day 22 – Kaikoura

Drive Time: 0 Hours

Because there is so much to do in Kaikoura, we recommend spending the day doing any activities you missed yesterday. Plus, here are some more things to do in Kaikoura, which are best done if you are spending a whole day here.

More Things to Do in Kaikoura

Hike Mt Fyffe for some epic views. Its 5 hours return to the hut or 8 hours return to the summit
Swim with dolphins in their natural habitat
Swim with playful New Zealand fur seals (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor).

Day 23 – Kaikoura to Picton

Drive Time: 2 Hours

Next stop, Picton! As you travel to Picton, be sure to stop off in Blenheim. Blenheim is surrounded by vineyards and is in the centre of New Zealand’s biggest wine-making region. Take advantage of that fact by going on a wine-tasting tour or hire a bike for a self-guided tour among the vines. Once you reach Picton, again, you have a lot of things to do from exploring the Marlborough Sounds to mountain biking to hiking. Take a look at the list above to see if there was anything you missed, or get more inspiration from The Complete Guide to Picton.

Accommodation and activities in Picton are listed on Day 9.

Day 24 – Picton to Wellington

Drive Time: 0 Hours (Ferry Crossing)

We recommend taking the ferry early today to give you enough time to explore Wellington. Was there an activity that you missed? Check Day 9 for things to in Wellington. Then have a relaxing evening in New Zealand’s capital city before hitting the road up north tomorrow!

Day 25 – Wellington to Whanganui

Drive Time: 2h30mins

Make your way back up north via the west coast of the North Island to see some wild coastline and the perfectly-shaped Mt Taranaki volcano. The journey begins by heading toward Whanganui.

Things to Do in Whanganui

Check out Victoria Avenue for its shopping and historic architecture
Walk the tunnel to the Durie Hill Elevator then climb the Durie Hill Tower!
Visit the stunning Kai Iwi Beach
Watch the insane amount of birds at Virginia Lake.

Accommodation in Whanganui

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Day 26 – Whanganui to Stratford

Drive Time: 1h30min

On today’s drive, you’ll get to see the wild west coast of the Taranaki region as you make your way up to Stratford. Stratford is on the edge of the Egmont National Park with the impressive Mt Taranaki at its centre. Stratford gives good access to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and the Stratford Plateau on Mt Taranaki giving you a great deal of walking and hiking options through enchanted forests to waterfalls and volcano views!

Things to Do in Stratford

See the town centre Glockenspiel that performs at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm
Do the Wilkies Pools Loop Track (1 hour) and Dawson Falls (20 minutes) near the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre
Do one of the 5 Walks You Have to do in Stratford, Taranaki.

Accommodation in Stratford

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Stratford Kiwi Motels and Holiday Park

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Day 27 – Stratford to Waitomo

Drive Time: 3h16min

Now it’s time for an ironically unforgettable journey through the Forgotten World Highway. Fill up with fuel before delving into this historical and isolated part of the North Island. You will get breathtaking views of Mt Taranaki as you leave Stratford. Stop by the Republic of Whangamomona and get your passport stamped. After that, you will go through old tunnels (or over them if you are too scared), as well as through the wild and wonderful Tangarakau Gorge. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. You can find a few in our 10 Places You Can’t Miss on the Forgotten World Highway.

After a long drive to Waitomo, just relax in Waitomo in one of these affordable accommodations.

Accommodation in Waitomo

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Waitomo Boutique Lodge

Day 28 – Waitomo

Drive Time: 0 hours

Now you have the whole day to enjoy one or more of the epic glowworm and caving activities in Waitomo. Join one of the caving operators in Waitomo, throw on a sexy wetsuit and tube/abseil/climb your way through the Waitomo Caves! There are a few walks in the area too if you are still feeling active.

Things to Do in Waitomo

Explore the Waitomo Caves by one of the 6 Ways to Take On the Waitomo Caves
Do a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) or the Waitomo Glowworm Caves (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Do the Ruakuri Bush Walk (45 minutes) at night to see glowworms
For more inspiration, take a look at The Complete Guide to Waitomo.

Day 29 – Waitomo to Auckland

Drive Time: 2h30min

Take your time driving up to your final destination on this two-week itinerary of the North Island. There are a lot of quirky little towns to stop by on the way like Otorohanga with the best public toilets in New Zealand and the Ed Hillary Walkway in the centre of town. You’ll then reach Auckland city where you can relax tonight at one of the harbour eateries or on top of the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sky Tower. Well give you more ideas on what to do in Auckland tomorrow, but if you have time, you can fit in some activities this evening.

Accommodation in Auckland

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See more stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland.

Day 30 – Auckland

Drive Time: 0

For your final day in New Zealand, why not have one last day of wild beauty by taking the ferry to one of the off-shore islands, like Rangitoto, Waiheke or Tiritiri Matangi? Alternatively, this could be your last chance to do a skydive in New Zealand or jump from the Sky Tower. You can even cruise out into the harbour searching for whales and dolphins with a whale safari tour. Auckland really has a lot to offer! Then its time to return your rental car and head to the Auckland Airport for your next adventure.

Things to Do in Auckland

Go to the Auckland Museum (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Walk up the volcanic island of Rangitoto Island
Drink wine and be merry on Waiheke Island
See protected wildlife on the Tiritiri Matangi Island bird sanctuary (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Do a skydive (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Jump off the Sky Tower with the SkyJump (on Viator and Tripadvisor) or walk around the top of it with the SkyWalk (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Take a whale-watching cruise (on Viator and Tripadvisor)
Walk to Mt Eden for some city views.

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Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.

Contact Laura via our contact page