Suggested Vacation Itinerary:
17 Day New Zealand from Top to Bottom

This suggested itinerary provides you with the opportunity to explore New Zealand from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South, taking in all the main highlights in between.

Whilst this itinerary commences in Auckland and finishes in Christchurch, it can also be undertaken in reverse.

DAY 1: ARRIVE AUCKLAND
On your arrival in Auckland, pick up your National rental car and then its time to explore the many attractions that New Zealand's largest city has to offer. Perhaps a visit to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World & Antarctic Encounter, take a harbour cruise or go shopping in the inner city.

DAY 2: AUCKLAND/BAY OF ISLANDS (382 kilometres/239 miles)
Head north taking SH12 through majestic Waipoua Kauri Forest and visit the historic Kauri Museum at Matakohe. Arrive in Paihia, then perhaps view Waitangi Treaty House.

DAY 3: AT BAY OF ISLANDS
A day at leisure. Recommended is taking a day bus tour along 90 mile beach to Cape Reinga, the northern most point of New Zealand. Or else you can explore the historic town of Russell across the bay.

 
DAY 4: BAY OF ISLANDS/COROMANDEL (418 kilometres/261 miles)
Take SH1 through Whangarei to Auckland and continue to Coromandel Peninsula where lush, subtropical forest runs down to beaches and rocky headlands.
 

DAY 5: COROMANDEL/WAITOMO/ROTORUA (386 kilometres/241 miles)
At Waitomo, perhaps view the spectacular glow-worm caves, abseil into the Lost World, or try blackwater rafting. Cross the Waikato farmlands to Rotorua.

DAY 6: ROTORUA
At Rotorua, experience Maori culture and the geothermal attractions of the region. You could visit Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve, Agrodome, Paradise Valley Springs, Buried Village or take a trip to Mt Tarawera volcanic crater. Tonight, perhaps experience a Maori Hangi and Concert on a local marae.

DAY 7: ROTORUA/WELLINGTON (461 kilometres/288 miles)
En route to Wellington, perhaps visit Waiotapu thermal area, take the Huka Jet to view Huka Falls and stop at Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.

DAY 8: WELLINGTON/PICTON/NELSON (133 kilometres/83 miles)
Go shopping on Lambton Quay, or visit the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa, before taking the ferry to Picton. Enjoy the scenic drive to Nelson, renowned for its artistic community.

DAY 9: NELSON/GREYMOUTH (290 kilometres/181 miles)
Travel through the Buller Gorge to the rugged wilderness of the West Coast. Stop at the Punakaiki pancake rocks before reaching Greymouth.
 

DAY 10: GREYMOUTH/FRANZ JOSEF GLACIER (179 kilometres/112 miles)
On your departure from Greymouth, a recommended stop is Shantytown, the craftspeople at Hokitika, or the White Heron Colony. At Franz Josef, explore the glacier with a scenic flight or guided glacier walk.

DAY 11: FRANZ JOSEF/WANAKA (290 kilometres/181 miles)
Continue through South Westland World Heritage Park to Lake Wanaka.

DAY 12: WANAKA/QUEENSTOWN (76 kilometres/48 miles)
A short drive to Queenstown, New Zealand's exciting alpine resort. For a real thrill, challenge yourself to bungy jumping, rafting, jetboating or maybe a cruise on board the historic TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station.

DAY 13: QUEENSTOWN
Free day - there is so much to see and do in Queenstown. A visit to one of the many local booking centres will help you decide what activities or attractions are best for you. Choose from jetboating, a lake cruise or challenge yourself to bungy jumping.
 

DAY 14: QUEENSTOWN/MILFORD SOUND/TE ANAU (412 kilometres/258 miles)
Today is an undoubted highlight. Drive to Te Anau, gateway of Fiordland National Park. Travel on to Milford Sound where a cruise amidst spectacular waterfalls and Mitre Peak is the best way to experience this magnificent fiord. Return to Te Anau. You may like to take the Te Anau Glow-worm Caves trip in the evening.

DAY 15: TE ANAU/DUNEDIN (290 kilometres/181 miles)
Cross the farmlands of Otago to the charming city of Dunedin where you may like to take a trip on the Taieri Gorge train, visit Olveston House, Larnach Castle or the Royal Albatross Colony.

 
DAY 16: DUNEDIN/MOUNT COOK REGION (331 kilometres/207 miles)
Time for city sightseeing or shopping in Dunedin before driving north. Walk on Moeraki Beach (tides permitting) to view the unique boulders. Enter magnificent Mount Cook National Park where scenic flightseeing is recommended.
 

DAY 17: MOUNT COOK REGION/CHRISTCHURCH (331 kilometres/207 miles)
View beautiful Lake Tekapo and the Church of the Good Shepherd. Drive across the Canterbury Plains to arrive in Christchurch. Tonight you may like to visit the Casino, take a gondola ride or visit the Court Theatre.

You can drop off your National rental car on arrival or the next day, depending on your departure flight. We do though recommend you stay an extra day to explore Christchurch.