The Ultimate New Zealand 3 Weeks of Adventure Road Trip Itinerary - North to South

Day: 1 - Day 1–2: Auckland – City of Sails

Day: 2 - Day 1–2: Auckland – City of Sails

• Explore: Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour, Viaduct Basin, Auckland Museum
• Side trip: Waiheke Island for wineries and beaches
• Tip: Stock up on supplies before hitting the road

Day: 3 - Day 3: Coromandel Peninsula

• Highlights: Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Forest Park
• Hidden Gem: New Chums Beach—often uncrowded, pure paradise

Day: 4 - Day 4–5: Rotorua – Geothermal Heartland

• Attractions: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Polynesian Spa, Redwood Forest mountain-biking & walks
• Culture: Attend a Māori cultural dinner and performance

Day: 5 - Day 4–5: Rotorua – Geothermal Heartland

• Attractions: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, Polynesian Spa, Redwood Forest mountain-biking & walks
• Culture: Attend a Māori cultural dinner and performance

Day: 6 - Day 6: Hobbiton & Matamata

• Visit: Hobbiton Movie Set for fans of “The Lord of the Rings”
• Detour: Blue Spring at Putaruru for turquoise, crystal-clear waters

Day: 7 - Day 7: Tauranga & Mount Maunganui

• Activities: Climb Mauao (Mount Maunganui) for sunrise, relax at the Main Beach, soak in saltwater hot pools
• Cuisine: Try award-winning Patrick’s pies in Tauranga, or bar hop along the Mount main street.

Day: 8 - Day 8: Taupō & Huka Falls

• See: Powerful Huka Falls, serene Lake Taupō
• Adventure: Try jet boating or skydiving

Day: 9 - Day 9: Tongariro National Park (UNESCO Site)

• Must-Do: Tongariro Alpine Crossing—one of NZ’s best day hikes (weather dependent)

Day: 10 - Day 10: Whanganui or Forgotten World Highway

• Option 1: Canoe Whanganui River for tranquility and hidden valleys
• Option 2: Drive the mysterious Forgotten World Highway (SH43) for dramatic scenery and quirky stops

Day: 11 - Day 11: Wellington – Capital Culture

• Explore: Te Papa Museum, waterfront markets, Cuba Street cafés
• Evening: Try craft beers and local cuisine

Day: 12 - Day 12: Wellington to Picton (Ferry Crossing)

• Book ahead: Take the Bluebridge or Interislander ferry across Cook Strait—stunning Marlborough Sounds views on arrival

Day: 13 - Day 13: Marlborough & Blenheim

• Wine Tasting: Tour Sauvignon Blanc vineyards around Blenheim
• Hidden Gem: Pelorus Bridge swim & forest walks

Day: 14 - Day 14: Nelson & Abel Tasman National Park

• Do: Kayak, hike, or cruise turquoise bays and golden beaches of Abel Tasman
• Stay: Camp in Motueka or Marahau

Day: 15 - Day 15–16: West Coast Wilderness

• Drive: Scenic route via Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge’s vivid blue waters
• Discover: Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers (guided walks or heli-hike)

Day: 16 - Day 15–16: West Coast Wilderness

• Drive: Scenic route via Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge’s vivid blue waters
• Discover: Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers (guided walks or heli-hike)

Day: 17 - Day 17: Lake Wanaka & Haast Pass

• Drive: Scenic route via Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge’s vivid blue waters
• Discover: Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers (guided walks or heli-hike)

Day: 18 - Day 18–19: Queenstown – Adventure Capital

• Drive: Scenic route via Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, Hokitika Gorge’s vivid blue waters
• Discover: Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers (guided walks or heli-hike)

Day: 19 - Day 18–19: Queenstown – Adventure Capital

• Activities: Bungy jump, Skyline gondola, jet boating, or wine tasting in Gibbston Valley
• Vistas: Drive to Glenorchy for epic Lord of the Rings scenery

Day: 20 - Day 20: Fiordland National Park & Milford Sound

• Activities: Bungy jump, Skyline gondola, jet boating, or wine tasting in Gibbston Valley
• Vistas: Drive to Glenorchy for epic Lord of the Rings scenery

Day: 21 - Day 21: Southland & Return Leg

• Invercargill or Catlins: Spot rare wildlife (penguins, Hector’s dolphins), rugged bays
• Final Drive: Through Dunedin for Larnach Castle & street art; finish in Christchurch or loop back to Queenstown.