New Zealand in 3 Weeks (21 Days): Road Trip Itinerary [2024]

How to Get Around New Zealand in 3 Weeks

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 for almost 21 days 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 three weeks:

Car or Campervan Rental

The itinerary below begins in Auckland and ends in Christchurch. Because of this, we recommend searching for a car rental company with a low (or no) one-way fee. Get started with planning your vehicle rental in New Zealand with The Guide to Renting a Car and The Guide to Renting a Campervan in New Zealand.

National Bus (InterCity)

By far the cheapest option for getting around New Zealand is by coach. Get one of the InterCity bus passes to hit all of the destinations listed below. For more information, see How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand.

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 a few hop-on hop-off bus companies in New Zealand that offer national bus passes with a minimum travel time of around 20 days, which you can discover for yourself in Hop-On Hop-Off Buses in New Zealand: Complete Guide + How Do They Work.

Escorted Bus Tour

All the logistics are sorted out for you, so all you need to do is enjoy. There are a number of bus tour companies offering 21-day tours around New Zealand following a similar itinerary to what is featured below, yet including accommodation, some meals and some activities. Check them out in The Best 20+ Days Tours of New Zealand.

There are a few more transport options, which we list in the 10 Best Ways to Travel Around New Zealand.

Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland

Drive time: 0 hours

Welcome to New Zealand! Now, we’re guessing you took a long flight to get here and where else to recover than Auckland?

Before hitting the road, take some time to explore New Zealand’s largest city otherwise known as the “City of Sails”. It’s also the city of volcanoes, many of which you can explore. Climb Mt Eden for some of the best views of the city, or take a ferry out to Auckland’s youngest volcano, Rangitoto Island. On the other hand, if you want to relax after your flight, enjoy the bars and eateries of the city using The Food Guide to Auckland.

Things to Do in Auckland

• Walk on the volcanic and wildlife-filled island of Rangitoto Island
• Take a whale-watching cruise with Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari (more info on Viator and Klook)
• See the city from the top of the Sky Tower, the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest building (on Viator and Klook)
• Walk to Mt Eden for more awesome views
• See T-rexes and Maori artefacts at the Auckland Museum (on Viator and Klook)…

… And the list continues over at the 50 Best Things to Do in Auckland.

Accommodation in Auckland

Budget:

• ibis budget Auckland Central
• Empire Apartments
• Attic Backpackers

More cheap stays can be found in the 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Auckland.

Mid-range:

• SkyCity Hotel Auckland
• Auckland City Hotel
• Ramada Suites Victoria Street West

There’s a lot more where that came from in The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland!

Luxury:

• SO/ Auckland
• The Hotel Britomart
• voco Auckland City Centre

See more stays in the 25 Best Luxury Hotels & Accommodations in Auckland.

Day 2 – Auckland to Hahei

Drive time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Now it’s time to hit the road and start travelling New Zealand! First up, head to Hahei in the Coromandel for some of the best beaches on the North Island.

Things to Do in Hahei

• Hike to the famous Cathedral Cove and its beach with white cliffs and a giant coastal arch
• Take a boat tour with Hahei Explorer to Cathedral Cove
• Explore beaches and islands with Cathedral Cove Kayaks
• Go to Hot Water Beach at low tide to dig yourself a hot pool in the sand.

For more ideas, head to the 22 Best Things to Do in The Coromandel.

Accommodation in Hahei

Budget:

• Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Hahei Holiday Resort
• Tatahi Back Packer

See more like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel.

Mid-range:

• The Church Accommodation
• Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
• Hahei Beach Apartment

For more mid-range stays, take a look at the 15 Best Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel.

Day 3 – Hahei to Waitomo (via Karangahake Gorge)

Drive time: 3 hours

Your final destination today is Waitomo, famous for its glowworms and caving activities. 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!

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Waitomo caves tomorrow, but if you just can’t wait, here are some options:

Things to Do in Waitomo

• Explore the Waitomo caves with one of the 8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours
• Do a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave or the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Do the Ruakuri Bush Walk at night to see glowworms
• Go on a caving adventure with Waitomo Adventures, The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. (more info on Viator and Klook) or Cave World Waitomo.

Check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Waitomo for more recommendations.

Accommodation in Waitomo

Budget:

• Juno Hall Backpackers
• Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge

Learn more in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Waitomo.

Mid-range:

• Abseil Inn
• Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B
• Woodlyn Park Motel

See more options in the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Waitomo.

Day 4 – Waitomo to Rotorua (via Hobbiton)

Drive time: 1 hr 50 mins

If you want to do one of the caving activities in Waitomo or didn’t get to do one of the Waitomo activities yesterday, this morning would be a great time to do so! Join one of the caving operators in Waitomo, throw on a sexy wetsuit and tube/abseil/climb your way through the Waitomo Caves – compare all of your options in the 8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours.

Once the adventure is over, it’s time to hit the road to Rotorua. Depending on what you prefer, there are things to do along the way to Rotorua, such as Hobbiton in Matamata, or save some time for more things to do in Rotorua this evening.

Things to Do on the Road to Rotorua

• Stop by Otorohanga to see a kiwi bird in the kiwi house or quickly learn a bit of New Zealand history down the Ed Hillary Walkway
• See the Arapuni Swing Bridge, a huge suspension bridge crossing New Zealand’s longest river
• Do the Te Waihou Walkway to the Putaruru Blue Spring to see some of the purest and clearest water flowing in a stream
• Take a detour to Matamata to visit The Hobbiton Movie Set (more info on Viator and Klook). This will add an extra 30 minutes to your drive time.

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 Klook or KKday), or go find some of the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua
• See an evening cultural performance at one of the Maori attractions
• Go for a bite to eat on Eat Streat and beyond
• See the forest decorated on the Redwoods Treewalk
• Have a race on the night Luge at Skyline Gondola.

For more recommendations, check out the 25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua.

Accommodation in Rotorua

Budget:

• Holdens Bay Holiday Park
• BKs Rotorua
• Rock Solid Backpackers

For more options, check out the 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Rotorua.

Mid-range:

• Kings On Peace
• Silver Fern Rotorua
• Aura Accommodation

See more stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua.

Luxury:

• Pullman Rotorua
• Regent of Rotorua
• Ngamihi Lodge

More lavish finds are available in the 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Rotorua.

Day 5 – Rotorua to Taupo or Tongariro National Park

Drive time: 1 hour to Taupo or 2 hr 15 mins to National Park Village

Today, spend some time doing awesome stuff in Rotorua before hitting the road. But why the crazy drive time? Well, if you are into hiking and landscapes, then we suggest that you pass through the town of Taupo and base yourself in the Tongariro National Park so that tomorrow morning, you can tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or another hike in the national park.

However, we know long hikes are not for everyone, so another option is to stay in Taupo which has a huge variety of activities on offer. Find out more about what there is to do in either Taupo or Tongariro National Park in tomorrow’s section. Before then, you have a day in Rotorua to enjoy before hitting the road!

Things to Do in Rotorua

• 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, go luging from the top of the Skyline Gondola, hike or mountain bike in the Redwood Forest, jet boat or do a freefall experience at the Velocity Valley, and so much more!
• See native New Zealand wildlife at Wingspan or National Kiwi Hatchery (more info on Viator and Klook).

Again, we have a lot more recommendations in the 25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua.

Accommodation in Taupo

For those who decide to stay in Taupo, here are your best accommodation options:

Budget:

• Haka Lodge Taupo
• Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
• Chevron Motel

Check out more options over at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Taupo.

Mid-range:

• Millennium Hotel Lake Taupo
• Suncourt Hotel
• eMotel

For more, check out the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Taupo.

Luxury:

• Hilton Lake Taupo
• Huka Lodge
• Flying Trout Boutique Lodge

Discover more upscale finds in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Taupo.

Accommodation in National Park Village

Get closer to the Tongariro Crossing by staying at one of these accommodations:

Budget:

• National Park Backpackers
• Howards Mountain Lodge
• The Crossing Backpackers

See more options in the 7 Best Hostels in National Park Village & Whakapapa.

Mid-range:

• Plateau Lodge
• The Park Hotel
• Tongariro Crossing Lodge

Day 6 – Taupo or Tongariro National Park

Spend the whole day in Taupo or Tongariro National Park doing awesome activities. There’s no driving to do today other than to your chosen activity. Plus, you can stay in the same accommodation as last night.

Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, taking you over the volcanoes of the central North Island. The 6-8-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, such as Tawhai Falls, Silica Rapids and Taranaki Falls
• Discover the birthplace of the Haka at the historical Opotaka.

For more ideas, check out the 15 Best Things to Do in the Tongariro National Park.

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 with Taupo Bungy
• Do a skydive with Taupo Tandem Skydive
• Go on a white water rafting trip on the Tongariro River with Tongariro River Rafting
• Walk along the Waikato River to a natural hot pool at Spa Park, then onto Huka Falls
• Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings with Sail Barbary (more info on Viator and Klook).

For more inspiration, take a look at the 20 Best Things to Do in Taupo.

Day 7 – Taupo or Tongariro National Park to the Ruahine Ranges

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 local 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 Ranges

Budget:

• River Valley Lodge

Mid-range:

• Makoura Lodge
• Historic Shearers Quarters
• Mairenui Rural Retreat

Day 8 – Adventure in the Ruahine Ranges

It’s 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 at your farmstay to get a taste of Kiwi life.

Things to Do in the Ruahine Ranges

• Go white water rafting with River Valley
• Horse trek through the stunning landscape with River Valley Stables or Makoura Lodge
• Hike one of many Ruahine tracks listed in the 25 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North.

Day 9 – Ruahine Ranges to Wellington

Drive time: 3 hrs 20 mins

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 at Queen Elizabeth Park or relax on Pekapeka Beach. There’s plenty more to discover in the 10 Best Things to Do on the Kapiti Coast.

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

Budget:

• Microtel by Wyndham Wellington
• The Dwellington
• Trinity Hotel

Need more options? Head to the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Wellington.

Mid-range:

• Willis Village
• U Boutique Hotel
• Quest on Thorndon

Check out The 50 Best Accommodations for all of your best options.

Luxury:

• InterContinental Wellington
• Rydges Wellington
• Sofitel Wellington

See more stays in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wellington.

Day 10 – Wellington to Picton

Ferry time: 3 hrs 30 mins

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
• Do a self-guided Lord of the Rings tour or be guided by Xplor Tours
• 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…

… And more as listed in the 25 Best Things to Do in Wellington.

Things to Do in Picton

• Take the Beachcomber Cruises‘ mail boat cruise out onto the waters of the Marlborough Sounds
• Go dolphin swimming with E-Ko Tours (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Mountain bike the Link Pathway or Queen Charlotte Track
• Kayak around the harbour with Wilderness Guides
• Take a tour of the wine region and do some wine tasting with Sounds Connection.

Learn more about these activities, as well as many others, in the 20 Best Things to Do in Picton.

Accommodation in Picton

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

Budget:

• Harbour View Motel
• Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
• Tombstone Backpackers

For more ideas, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Picton.

Mid-range:

• Beachcomber Inn
• Tasman Holiday Parks Picton
• A Sea View B&B

Check out the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Picton for more details on these accommodations and others.

Luxury:

• Kippilaw House
• Escape to Picton Boutique Hotel
• Bay of Many Coves

Learn more about these stays in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Picton.

Day 11 – Picton to Nelson

Drive time: 1 hr 50 mins

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 with Pelorus Eco Adventures down the Pelorus River one of The Hobbit filming locations. For more inspiration, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in Havelock.

Then you will reach New Zealand’s sunniest city, Nelson, where you will have more opportunities 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
• See native birds at the Brook Waimarama Sanctuary
• Treat yourself to local Nelson cuisine…

… And the list continues over in the 20 Best Things to Do in Nelson.

Accommodation in Nelson

Budget:

• Delorenzo Studio Apartments
• Tahuna Beach Holiday Park
• Tasman Bay Backpackers

There’s a lot more listed in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Nelson.

Mid-range:

• The Hotel Nelson
• Harbourside Lodge
• Quest Nelson

Check out more options in the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Nelson.

Luxury:

• The Sails Nelson
• Tides Hotel
• Grand Arden Monaco Nelson

More indulgent options await in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Nelson.

Day 12 – Nelson or Abel Tasman Day Trip

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, such as Wine, Art & Wilderness. 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

• Paddle a traditional Maori canoe with Waka Abel Tasman
• Skydive over beaches with Skydive Abel Tasman (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Do some beach-hopping by kayak with Wilson’s Abel Tasman
• Cruise Abel Tasman from Kaiteriteri with Wilson’s Abel Tasman
• Take a hiking a boat cruise of Abel Tasman from Nelson with Wine, Art & Wilderness.

Learn more about these activities and more in the 20 Best Things to Do in the Abel Tasman National Park.

Day 13 – Nelson to Punakaiki (via Nelson Lakes National Park)

Drive time: 3 hrs 45 mins

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 20-minute 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!

Once you arrive in Punakaiki, you have plenty of experiences to choose from 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
• Visit the Punakaiki Cavern
• Kayak on the Pororari River with Waka Puna
• Experience Barrytown Beach by horse wagon with Golden Sands Horse and Wagon Tours
• Sample the Paparoa Track, one of the New Zealand Great Walks.

Learn about all of these activities and more in the 10 BEST Things to Do in Punakaiki.

Accommodation in Punakaiki

Budget:

• Te Nikau Retreat
• Punakaiki Beach Hostel

More details on these hostels can be found in the 5 Best Backpacker Hostels in Punakaiki.

Mid-range:

• Punakaiki Beachfront Motels
• Punakaiki Beach Camp

Luxury:

• Tasman Sea Retreat
• Scenic Hotel Punakaiki

Day 14 – Punakaiki to Franz Josef

Drive time: 3 hours

Head to the West Coast’s Glacier Country where you’ll find some of the world’s most mesmerising glacier experiences. Franz Josef is your opportunity to walk on, crawl inside, fly over, skydive over or walk up to a glacier, as described in the 7 Ways to Take on New Zealand’s Glaciers. 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 with Franz Josef Glacier Guides
• Do one of New Zealand’s highest skydives over the glacier and the Southern Alps with Skydive Franz Josef & Fox Glacier (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Hike to the Franz Josef Terminal Face
• Relax in the Waiho Hot Tubs
• Kayak on the reflective waters of Lake Mapourika with Franz Josef Wilderness Tours (on Viator and Klook).

Get much more details over in the 25 Best Things to Do in Franz Josef.

Accommodation in Franz Josef

Budget:

• Franz Josef Montrose
• Rainforest Retreat
• Glow Worm Accommodation

Discover more affordable stays in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Mid-range:

• Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier
• Punga Grove
• Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef

Head to the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Franz Josef for more recommendations.

Luxury:

• Te Waonui Forest Retreat
• Westwood Lodge
• Kahere Retreat

For more details, check out the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Franz Josef.

Day 15 – Franz Josef to Wanaka

Drive time: 3 hrs 40 mins

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

• Hike up Roy’s Peak
• Climb a waterfall with Wild Wire Wanaka
• Visit Puzzling World and get lost in their giant maze
• Skydive over beautiful Lake Wanaka with Skydive Wanaka
• Cruise to a sanctuary island on Lake Wanka with Eco Wanaka Adventures.

Head to the 25 Best Things to Do in Wanaka for more ideas.

Accommodation in Wanaka

Budget:

• Altamont Lodge
• Wanaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Mountain View Backpackers

More cheap stays can be found in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Wanaka.

Mid-range:

• Club Wyndham Wanaka, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
• Archway Motels & Chalets
• The Moorings Motel and Apartments

Check out the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Wanaka for more ideas.

Luxury:

• Wanaka Luxury Apartments
• Lime Tree Lodge
• Edgewater Hotel

More recommendations can be found in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wanaka.

Day 16 – Wanaka to Queenstown

Day 17 – Queenstown or Milford Sound

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 and 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 the 10 Best Milford Sound Tours from Queenstown & Te Anau.

If a 13-hour bus and cruise trip doesn’t appeal, see the 6 Best Scenic Flights to Milford Sound from Queenstown instead.

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 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown.

Day 18 – 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 is a pleasant river walk in Twizel.

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

Accommodation in Mt Cook

Budget:

• Mt Cook Lodge & Motels
• Glentanner Park Centre

You know the drill; check out 5 Best Budget Accommodations in Mt Cook.

Mid-range:

• Aoraki Court Motel
• Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge
• Aoraki Alpine Chalet

See the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Mt Cook for your top options.

Luxury:

• The Hermitage Hotel Mt Cook
• Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat
• Lakestone Lodge

Go high-end with the 5 Best Luxury Accommodations in Mt Cook.

Day 19 – Explore Mt Cook

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

• Walk the Hooker Valley Track
• Land on the Tasman Glacier in a ski plane (more details on Viator or Klook)
• Do a heli-hike on New Zealand’s longest glacier with Mt Cook Glacier Guiding
• Go boating on the Tasman Lake with Glacier Explorers
• Stargaze in the Aoraki Mt Cook International Dark Sky Reserve.

That’s right, you can learn more about these experiences, as well as many others in the 20 Best Things to Do in Aoraki Mt Cook.

Day 20 – Mt Cook to Geraldine (via Lake Tekapo)

Drive time: 2 hrs 15 mins

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. We have a list of experiences for you in the 10 Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo.

Stop by the Fairlie Bakehouse 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 with Hidden Valleys
• Go canyoning in the Kaumira Canyon with Big Rock Adventures
• Walk in the Talbot Forest Scenic Reserve
• Explore the Orari Gorge Track
• Visit all of the town’s vintage museums, including the Geraldine Vintage Car & Machinery Museum, Route 79 Museum, Roger Mahan Heritage Centre and Geraldine Museum.

All of these and more are listed in the 10 Best Things to Do in Geraldine.

Accommodation in Geraldine

Budget:

• Geraldine Top 10 Holiday Park
• Waikonini Homestead
• The Empty Nest

Mid-range:

• Geraldine Motels
• ASURE Scenic Route Motor Lodge
• Four Peaks Motel

Luxury:

• The Vicarage
• Ngā Whare Mānatu

Day 21 – Geraldine to Christchurch Airport

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 Island’s biggest hub before catching your flight and moving on to your next adventure.

Things to Do in Christchurch

• Wander around the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• Visit the Canterbury Museum
• Take to the skies in a unique way with Adventure Balloons NZ
• Take a hop-on hop-off tram tour of the city (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Feel the freeze at the International Antarctic Centre
• Try some Kiwi cuisine in Christchurch.

Get more details in the 15 Best Things to Do in Christchurch.

Departure from Christchurch Airport

Then, it’s time to head to Christchurch Airport for the next step of life’s adventure. You can return your vehicle at your vehicle rental company’s Christchurch Airport depot and then the company will likely provide a free shuttle to your requested terminal.

If you’re taking an international flight, remember to arrive at the airport two hours before departure. For domestic flights, such as those to Auckland Airport, get advice from The Guide to Domestic Flights in New Zealand.

Plan This Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this New Zealand road trip itinerary for three weeks but don’t like the hassle of planning everything yourself, then there’s a way to lighten the load. First Light Travel is an online travel agent specialising in road trip itineraries in New Zealand. Plus, using their service is super simple:

• First, send First Light Travel an enquiry by completing their online form
• Then, you’ll receive your customised self-drive itinerary
• Review your itinerary and work with your First Light Travel agent on perfecting it
• Finally, First Light Travel will organise the rest including the bookings.

First Light Travel has access to more than 20,000 travel products, including almost all the tours and accommodations featured on this list (and more). With that and their local expertise here in New Zealand, they will create a well-catered itinerary to meet your needs while also suggesting some dream travel experiences that you may have never heard of. They only work with companies where their past clients have had positive experiences, so you know you’re in good hands.

What’s more, all of the bookings are arranged by First Light Travel, so instead of having to contact each individual accommodation and operator should your travel plans change, any amendments can be done through your FLT agent – easy! Did we mention the service is at no extra cost to you?!

For more information on planning your own New Zealand itinerary, see How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary. Or better yet, jump on firstlighttravel.com and start making your own itinerary there.