BEST OF NEW ZEALAND
TOP SIGHTS, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES
Welcome to New Zealand
As our planet heats up environmentally and politically, its good to know New Zealand exists. This uncrowded, peaceful and accepting country is the ultimate escape for travellers seeking spectacle, adventure and excellent food and wine.
The scenic highlights of this southern superstar are the forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and fiords that make NZ one of the worlds best hiking (locals call it tramping) destinations. Tackle one of nine Great Walks youve probably heard of the Milford Track or spend a few hours wandering along a beach, paddling a canoe or mountain biking through easily accessible wilderness.
After a days adventuring, relax and recharge with time spent on NZs brilliant eating and drinking scene, enjoying local lamb, venison and seafood permeated with Pacific and Asian influences. Pick up artisan produce at farmers markets for on-the-road picnics, and be charmed by NZs stellar cool-climate wines anyone for pinot noir or sauvignon blanc? and flavourful craft beers.
A hangi (Mori feast) is another essential NZ food experience and throughout your travels other traditional Mori experiences await. Catch a cultural performance incorporating waiata (songs), dance, and the muscular haka (war dance), as performed by NZs all-conquering All Blacks rugby team, or learn about indigenous New Zealanders spiritual connection with the land and ocean while paddling a waka (war canoe) or strolling high above a surf beach.
And everyday, expect a thoroughly warm welcome from the irreverent and easygoing locals.
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Plan Your Trip Ultimate New Zealand Itinerary
This is Lonely Planets ultimate New Zealand itinerary, which ensures youll see the best of everything the country has to offer.
For other recommended paths to travel, check out our .
Hiker on the / NARUEDOM YAEMPONGSA/SHUTTERSTOCK
Week 1
Christchurch to Te Anau
Explore Christchurchs recovery after the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes.
1 hours or 1 hours
Take a day trip to Akaroa, combining French colonial history with wildlife-watching.
3 hours or 4 hours
From Christchurch, cross the Southern Alps to Greymouth and the nearby Pancake Rocks.
2 hours or 4 hours
Continue from Greymouth down the West Coast to stunning Franz Josef Glacier.
4 hours or 8 hours
Travel from Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown for adventures and views.
2 hours or 3 hours
Head to Te Anau to explore spectacular Milford Sound.
7 hours or 2 hours then 45 minutes
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ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY PLAN YOUR TRIP
Week 2
Te Anau to Wellington
From Te Anau travel back to Queenstown and from there fly or drive back to Christchurch.
2 hours or 3 hours
From Christchurch head up the east coast for whale-watching in the cool Pacific waters off Kaikoura.
3 hours or 5 hours
Head to Nelson and the Marlborough region for wine touring around Blenheim and kayaking or hiking around Abel Tasman National Park.
1 hours then 3 hours or 35 minutes
Cross by ferry from Picton to the North Island and enjoy excellent museums and a happening craft beer scene in Wellington. Flyings faster but much less spectacular.
5 hours or 10 hours
Urupukapuka Island, / MICAH WRIGHT/DESIGN PICS/GETTY IMAGES
ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY PLAN YOUR TRIP
Staying Longer
Wellington to the Bay of Islands
Head north to Taupo, stopping to hike the one-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
45 minutes or 1 hour
From Taupo, continue to Rotorua for more geothermal thrills and Mori culture.
1 hours or 2 hours
Next stop is riverside Hamilton, a convenient base the Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton.
2 hours or 4 hours
From Hamilton, continue to Hahei and Cathedral Cove.
3 hours or 4 hours
Time for Aucklands cosmopolitan Pacific vibe and Waiheke Island.
3 hours or 4 hours
Finish off with history and marine excursions around the Bay of Islands.
Plan Your Trip New Zealands Top 12
Queenstown
Adventures, stunning scenery and world-class wine
may be world-renowned as the birthplace of bungy jumping, but theres more to NZs adventure hub than leaping off a bridge attached to a giant rubber band. Against the jagged indigo profile of the Remarkables mountain range, travellers can spend days skiing, hiking or mountain biking, before dining in cosmopolitan restaurants or partying in some of NZs best bars. Next-day options include easing into your NZ holiday with sleepier detours to Arrowtown or Glenorchy.
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NEW ZEALANDS TOP 12 PLAN YOUR TRIP
Marlborough
Sunshine, water, wine and whales
After a few days sipping fine Marlborough sauvignon blanc or Nelson craft beer made with locally grown hops, nearby Abel Tasman National Park offers tramping, kayaking and swimming amid golden sandy coves and a crystal-clear sea. Kaikoura is the ultimate coastal destination to watch whales, spy NZ fur seals, and be at one with the local bird life.
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NEW ZEALANDS TOP 12 PLAN YOUR TRIP
Fiordland
Majestic mountains, fiords and lakes
Wish to see Milford Sound on a clear, sunny day, when the world-beating collage of waterfalls, cliffs and peaks, and dark cobalt waters is at its best. More likely, though, is a combination of mist and drizzle, with the iconic profile of Mitre Peak revealed slowly through rain. Approaching via the Milford Track is an iconic NZ adventure, and further south, a kayak is a superb way to explore the serried coastline of remote Doubtful Sound.