New Zealand in 2 Weeks (14 Days): Road Trip Itinerary© Tourism New Zealand
New Zealand in 2 Weeks (14 Days): Road Trip Itinerary

New Zealand in 2 Weeks (14 Days): Road Trip Itinerary

© Tourism New Zealand

The Ultimate 2-Week New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary (Both Islands!)

You’ve probably heard enough times that two weeks is not enough time to see New Zealand but we’ll spare you the lecture. Two weeks is the time you have in New Zealand so let’s make the most of it! While seeing a lot of New Zealand in 14 days is doable, it does involve a lot of driving. Consider looking at how to spend two weeks on the North Island or two weeks on the South Island as alternatives. Nevertheless, if you want to hit both islands and see some major highlights, continue on down to the “New Zealand in two weeks” itinerary below including both islands!

Our two-week New Zealand itinerary incorporates a bit of everything you’d dream of for a New Zealand trip: volcanic landscapes, mountains, beaches, rugged coastal areas, wildlife and cultural experiences. We’ll also throw in a few tips on how to get around New Zealand in two weeks.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary for 2 Weeks (14 Days): Overview

  • Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei (Coromandel)
  • Day 2 – Hahei to Waitomo (via Karangahake Gorge)
  • Day 3 – Waitomo to Rotorua (via Hobbiton)
  • Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo or Tongaririo National Park
  • Day 5 – Explore Taupo or Tongariro National Park
  • Day 6 – Taupo or Tongariro National Park to Wellington
  • Day 7 – Wellington to Picton
  • Day 8 – Picton to Nelson
  • Day 9 – Explore Nelson or Abel Tasman Day Trip
  • Day 10 – Nelson to Punakaiki (via Nelson Lakes)
  • Day 11 – Punakaiki to Franz Josef
  • Day 12 – Franz Josef to Wanaka
  • Day 13 – Wanaka to Queenstown
  • Day 14 – Explore Queenstown or Milford Sound Day Trip

New Zealand in Two Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary© NZPocketGuide.com

How to Get Around New Zealand in 2 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 almost every day for two weeks does not quite sound like the trip you were imagining, then consider travelling around New Zealand by bus. Here are your options when it comes to travelling around New Zealand in two weeks.

Car or Campervan Rental

The itinerary below begins in Auckland and ends in Queenstown meaning that you should look for car rental companies with small or no “one-way” fees. 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 Coach

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 Tours

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 with itineraries for around 14 days, which you can discover for yourself in Hop-On Hop-Off Buses in New Zealand: Complete Guide + How Do They Work.

Escorted Bus Tours

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 10-12-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 10 Best 10-12-Day Tours of New Zealand.

New Zealand in Two Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary© Tourism New Zealand

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei

Drive time: 2 hrs 15 mins

Landed in Auckland Airport, check! Rental vehicle picked up, check! Now it’s time to hit the road to Hahei in the Coromandel. We are guessing you are in New Zealand to see the natural landscapes rather than the cities, so leave Auckland behind and head to some of the most stunning beaches on the North Island.

Things to Do in Hahei

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

  • 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:

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

Mid-range:

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

Tourism NZ© Tourism NZ

Day 2 – 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 morning, but if you just can’t wait, here are some options:

Things to Do in Waitomo

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

Accommodation in Waitomo

Budget:

Learn more in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Waitomo.

Mid-range:

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

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 3 – 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.

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

Accommodation in Rotorua

Budget:

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

Mid-range:

See more stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua.

Luxury:

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

New Zealand in 2 Weeks (14 Days): Road Trip Itinerary© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 4 – 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

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:

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

Mid-range:

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

Luxury:

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:

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

Mid-range:

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 5 – 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

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

Things to Do in Taupo

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

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 6 – Taupo or Tongariro National Park to Wellington

Drive time: 4 hours from National Park; 5 hours from Taupo

Your final destination today is the capital city of New Zealand! However, there’s plenty to do along the way to break up the 4-hour drive.

Things to Do on the Road to Wellington

  • Stop by Ohakune for its walking and biking trails. Hire a bike and do the 2-hour Old Coach Road or hike in the Mangawhero Forest (1 hour)
  • Visit the National Army Museum in Waiouru
  • Stop by Taihape, see the giant gumboot and do the short walk to the Mt Stewart Reserve lookout
  • Do a quick detour to Palmerston North to check out the Wildbase Recovery Centre, the National Rugby Museum and Te Manawa Museum
  • Check out the quirky town of Bulls and spot all the bull-related puns of the town
  • Along the Kapiti Coast, stop by one of the beaches like Peka Peka Beach or Queen Elizabeth Park. Or take a tour to Kapiti Island to check out the native bird sanctuary.

Accommodation in Wellington

Budget:

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

Mid-range:

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

Luxury:

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

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 7 – 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

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

Things to Do in Picton

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:

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

Mid-range:

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

Luxury:

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

New Zealand in 2 Weeks (14 Days): Road Trip Itinerary© www.nelsontasman.nz

Day 8 – 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:

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

Mid-range:

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

Luxury:

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

NZPocketGuide.com© NZPocketGuide.com

Day 9 – 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

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

New Zealand in Two Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary© Unsplash

Day 10 – 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

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

Accommodation in Punakaiki

Budget:

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

Mid-range:

Luxury:

Tourism NZ© Tourism NZ

Day 11 – 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

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

Accommodation in Franz Josef

Budget:

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

Mid-range:

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

Luxury:

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

New Zealand in Two Weeks: Road Trip Itinerary© Miles Holden - Tourism New Zealand

Day 12 – 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

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

Accommodation in Wanaka

Budget:

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

Mid-range:

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

Luxury:

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

Tourism NZ© Tourism NZ Aj Hackett

Day 13 – Wanaka to Queenstown

Drive time: 1 hour

Time to hit the “Adrenaline Capital of the World”! Take the Crown Range 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

The possibilities are endless, as described in the 45 Best Things to Do in Queenstown.

Accommodation in Queenstown

Budget:

Choose from more affordable stays in the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Queenstown.

Mid-range:

Browse all of the top stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Queenstown.

Luxury:

Tourism NZ© Tourism NZ

Day 14 – Explore Queenstown (or Milford Sound Day Trip)

Depending on what time your flight is, you can squeeze in some short activities in Queenstown from the list above. However, if you have one more full day to spare then this is your chance to visit Milford Sound. We get it, Milford Sound is on almost everybody’s New Zealand bucket list, so this is a way to squeeze the experience into a two-week itinerary for New Zealand. Although you can drive there (8 hours return), we recommend taking a break from driving and taking one of the bus trips to and from Milford Sound with a cruise included.

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.

Depart from Queenstown

When your trip in New Zealand is all wrapped up, return your rental vehicle to the Queenstown depot then head onto your next adventure! Queenstown Airport is well-connected domestically to the rest of New Zealand, as well as internationally to Australia.

More New Zealand Itineraries for 2 Weeks / 14 Days

That’s the end of our New Zealand road trip itinerary for 2 weeks / 14 days on both islands. If this itinerary didn’t take you fancy, see our alternative two-week itineraries:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand.

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.

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