An epic two week road trip itinerary for the North and South Islands
Ready for adventure? Here’s how to spend 14 days in New Zealand
There are two major challenges of planning a trip around New Zealand.
Our country is actually pretty big — about the same size as the state of Oregon, and a bit larger than the United Kingdom.
Everything is spread out, across two main islands, no less. Which means you’re probably going to need to move a lot. Almost every day, if you want to see the full breadth of what the country has to offer.
If you’re planning on using two precious weeks of holiday time in New Zealand, fantastic! I’m an annoyingly proud New Zealander and I’m always so excited when people choose to come here.
But also — yikes. You have your work cut out planning a trip that covers all the things you want to see.
Hopefully I can help you out.
You could equally dedicate the whole 2 weeks to just one island (the North Island if you love beaches, surfing, and Maori culture, or the South Island for epic landscapes and adventure) but if you’re comfortable with a few long driving days, you can cover a lot in 2 weeks.
A lot of locals will tell you to slow down and focus on spending more time in one region. In principle I agree with the slow travel approach.
But – if this is your once in a lifetime trip to New Zealand, strap in for an epic road trip and you can see most of the top sights across the country.
I’ve had the luxury of spending much more than just 14 days exploring the country. If I had to pack it all into 2 weeks though, these are the stops I would make along the way.
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14 days in New Zealand
Because New Zealand is so large, and attractions are so spread out, you’ll probably move almost every day and spend most nights in a new location.
You can expect to drive around 3 hours most days.
This is why New Zealand is such a road trip destination — hopping from one place to the next is the best way to see the country.
You’ll need a rental car or a campervan. For cars, I recommend checking prices on DiscoverCars, and make sure you pick a company which allows you to drop off your vehicle in Rotorua, if you take the internal flight.
This is a day by day breakdown of two weeks in New Zealand. I’ll go into (a lot) more detail for each day below.
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Waiheke Island
Day 3-4: Rotorua
Day 5: Fly to Christchurch
Day 6: Drive (or train) to Hokitika via Arthur’s Pass
Day 7: The West Coast & Franz Josef
Day 8: Wanaka
Day 9: Queenstown
Day 10: Milford Sound
Day 11: Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook
Day 12: Aoraki Mount Cook
Day 13: Lake Tekapo to Christchurch
Day 14: Fly out of Christchurch
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This is just one variation of a two-week New Zealand road trip.
If this itinerary doesn’t look quite right for you, get in touch with me to ask about my custom itinerary planning service. We can arrange a call to talk through a trip perfectly tailored to your tastes.
2 week New Zealand road trip itinerary
This itinerary covers both islands, with an internal flight to make the most of your time in New Zealand.
You can also do this trip in reverse, starting in Christchurch and flying up to Rotorua.
Day 1: Arrive into Auckland
After a long flight, and sometimes long Customs queues — we take biosecurity seriously — it’s nice to be able to spend a night in Auckland.
I generally wouldn’t recommend driving on your first day. After a lengthy flight, you’ll want a shower and a bed. It’s also safer to rest before driving, as fatigue after a long flight has caused some tragic road accidents in New Zealand.
The airport is at least 30 minutes from the centre of the city (more in rush hour traffic) but even so, I wouldn’t try to stay close to the airport.
There aren’t many options in terms of accommodation, and dining options are even more bleak. If you head into the city centre, you’ll be able to have a meal at one of the city’s fantastic restaurants and perhaps head for a drink to toast your arrival.
While Queen Street and much of the CBD is grey and uninspiring, Auckland has some highlights. I love wandering down Karangahape Road for the shops and character, and Ponsonby Road for the buzz in the evening.
Both streets have many great places to eat.
ITINERARY NOTES
Most international flights land in Auckland Airport, with a handful heading straight to Christchurch or Wellington.
If you want to cover both islands, it’s most likely easiest to start from Auckland and fly back from Christchurch or Queenstown.
This gives you a chance to get your bearings and recover (slightly) from the jet lag. Having to jump straight onto a domestic flight to the South Island is possible, but after a long trip it can be quite stressful.
Plus, you don’t know how long it will take to get through Customs and Immigration (the biosecurity line can take a while). The last time I arrived into New Zealand, people were anxiously trying to cut ahead of everyone in the line to make their domestic flight.
If you do spend a night or two in Auckland before setting off, pick up your car or campervan when you plan to leave the city, rather than when you arrive.
Parking is a nightmare and you will probably end up paying for a day or two when you aren’t using the car, for example if you take the ferry across to Waiheke Island.
Don’t miss: Climb Mount Eden/Maungawhau for beautiful views of the city.
Where to eat: Some of my favourite restaurants are on Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road; try Otto, Pici, Candela, or Apero.
FEATURED STAY
Hotel Britomart
Independent, with a focus on design and sustainability.
Day 2: Day trip to Waiheke Island
The lush garden at Mudbrick, where you can sit and smell lavender on the breeze as you look out across the Hauraki Gulf
WHY GO: Waiheke Island is gorgeous, the vineyards are lovely, the beaches are beautiful, and it’s just a very accessible day trip from the centre of Auckland.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED: You can very easily visit Waiheke for just an afternoon — you could even go the same day you land.
For your first full day Waiheke Island is an excellent destination.
It’s easy to get there — just catch a 45 minute ferry from the downtown ferry terminal. I recommend taking the Island Direct ferry instead of Fullers, as it’s smaller and less hectic onboard, plus you can book a time slot.
Once on the island, the easiest way to get around is to book a wine tour — I recommend this one.
You can also catch public buses around the island, by just tapping on and off with your credit/debit card. They go past many of the more popular vineyards, like Tantalus and Te Motu, so you can visit one or two vineyards (there are several clustered together so you can easily walk between them) and stop for a lavish lunch somewhere.
If the weather is on your side, there are lovely walks and beaches to explore around Waiheke as well.
ITINERARY NOTES
If you don’t fancy wine tasting, you can very easily skip this day and head straight to Rotorua.
Or, if you land in Auckland in the morning, you can very easily catch the ferry to the Island in the afternoon. It really is quick and easy to get across.
Staying around Britomart means you will be easy walking distance to the ferry terminal.
Alternatively, you can also book a night’s accommodation on Waiheke itself, for a beautiful experience (I love staying on Waiheke!).
And one last suggestion — if you fly out of Auckland at the end of your trip, you can always arrange to spend the night before your international flight in the city and make the Waiheke afternoon trip the very last thing you do in New Zealand.
It’s a lovely, relaxing way to end a trip.
FEATURED STAY
AWAY Treehouse and Forest Spa
A peaceful and remote option on Waiheke.
Day 3-5: Drive to Rotorua (stay 2 nights)
WHY GO: Rotorua itself isn’t the most impressive town. It’s fairly touristy and like a lot of New Zealand towns doesn’t have a great deal of character.
New Zealanders sometimes call it “Roto-vegas”, which gives you a hint as to how tacky it can be.
What makes Rotorua well worth spending a few days is the impressive geothermal activity in the area. It’s one of the most unique parts of New Zealand and is also a hub of Maori culture.
HOW MUCH TIME YOU NEED IN ROTORUA: Two nights is enough to take in a geothermal park and some hot pools, with a Maori cultural performance in the evening.
From Auckland, it takes around three hours to drive to Rotorua.
If you can, try and avoid driving around 8am or 3-5pm. Auckland traffic can be a nightmare, made even worse if you’re just getting used to driving on the left side of the road.
If you plan on visiting Hobbiton, you can go via Matamata and do the movie set tour.
On your first evening, you can stroll around Kuirau Park and see your first glimpses of simmering mud pools and steam vents. It’s free to enter.
You’ll want at least one full day to experience one of the parks. I loved Wai O Tapu, which is where you can see the Champagne Pool, a large turqoise and orange pool, as well as other technicolour pools.
I also stopped at Kerosene Creek, close to Wai O Tapu, which is a popular spot for swimming in naturally heated waters (for free).
In the evening I went for a walk around the Redwoods. The Nightlights tree walk leads you along a suspended walkway through an illuminated forest of mighty trees.
ITINERARY NOTES
If you wanted to spend more time in Rotorua, you could skip Waiheke Island and spend the extra night in Rotorua instead.
There are plenty more activities you could check out while you’re there:
One thing you have to do in Rotorua is bathe in thermal waters. Try Secret Spot for a fun experience, Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools for lakeside pools, or for a free hot lake swim check out the Tarawera Trail.
WHERE TO EAT IN ROTORUA
ANI’s Gin Bar & Tapas serves uniquely New Zealand food.
WHERE TO STAY IN ROTORUA
A little outside of Rotorua is Oakridge Glamping, if you want something rustic and close to nature.
If you’re in a campervan, Orakei Korako offers camping in their carpark for free, if you pay to visit the park. You can park here overnight and visit the park first thing in the morning.
At the Waikite Valley Hot Pools, a similar deal applies — there is a fee for camping, but this includes entry to the hot pools and you even get access to the hot pools before they are open to the general public.
Day 5: Fly from Rotorua to Christchurch, stay the night
WHY GO: Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island. You’ll probably pass through at some point, and it’s a good place to stop for a night and enjoy the parks, restaurants, and lively city centre.
HOW MUCH TIME YOU NEED IN CHRISTCHURCH: If you’re visiting New Zealand for the natural beauty, one afternoon and evening in Christchurch is enough.
You could even skip Christchurch altogether, picking up your vehicle at the airport and heading out of town immediately.
You could make it to Arthur’s Pass for the night, and have more time to spend on the West Coast.
Go for a stroll around the city centre, and check out the pastel buildings of New Regent Street. Christchurch has some great street art and a cool urban vibe.
To hit the highlights quickly, explore Christchurch on the hop on hop off heritage tram
You can also visit the Botanic Gardens — Cuningham House is beautiful — or go punting on the Avon
ITINERARY NOTES
The most time efficient way to see both islands is to fly from Rotorua to Christchurch.
Obviously, this doesn’t work if you have a campervan. In that case, you should drive down to Wellington and get the ferry to the South Island.
One internal flight can save you hours of driving though, and with the cost of petrol and the ferry between the islands, you will end up spending the same amount or less on a flight.
If you are campervan curious, one option could be to pick up a campervan in Christchurch and make the South Island part of your trip more of a van life road trip.
That way, you get a mix of both styles of travel in the North and South islands.
WHERE TO EAT IN CHRISTCHURCH
Twenty Seven Steps — an awesome restaurant
Rollickin’ Gelato — make a late night dessert stop here
Grizzly Baked Goods — pick up road trip snacks, or just coffee and pastries for your morning stroll
WHERE TO STAY IN CHRISTCHURCH
Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square is right in the middle of town, on the edge of Cathedral Square. I’ve stayed here before and loved being so central. The only thing to note is parking is a nightmare in the middle of the city. I picked up my rental car after leaving this hotel, so I didn’t have to manage parking, but it did mean going back out to the airport.
Last time I was in Christchurch, I stayed at The Bealey Quarter which was perfectly fine — nothing fancy but everything I needed. I also really liked that I could park for free here and walk into the centre, which was around 15 minutes.
FEATURED HOTEL
The Observatory Hotel
Located in Christchurch’s Art Centre, The Observatory has a bespoke, vibrant design.
Day 6: Drive (or train) from Christchurch to Hokitika
3 hour 15 minute drive
There is also the option of taking the TranzAlpine train to Greymouth, then picking up a rental car and continuing to Hokitika from there
Stop in Arthur’s pass for short walks and kea
From Christchurch, one option you can add to your trip is the Tranz Alpine train journey to Greymouth.
If you enjoy train journeys, this is the best scenic rail trip to take in New Zealand. It’s hard to beat the epic alpine scenery, and it makes a nice break from driving.
You can pick up another rental car at the Greymouth train station, and then carry on to Hokitika from there.
If you choose to drive across from Christchurch, a lot of people like to stop at Castle Hill, which is a good spot to stretch your legs. But, if you only want to stop in one spot for a walk, I prefer Arthur’s Pass.
Devil’s Punchbowl waterfall in Arthur’s Pass
Arthur’s Pass is a lush, green, often wet stop with keas calling from the low mists. I loved the small former tunneller’s cottages that line the road through the pass.
There’s a nice short walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl waterfalls.
The drive down to the West Coast is incredible and throws into sharp relief the differences in climate between both coasts of the South Island. Leaving the golden, arid plains behind you’ll find yourself in the thick forests of the West Coast.
Hokitika makes a great place to stop for the night. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a sunset on the driftwood strewn beach.
ITINERARY NOTES
If there has been heavy rain in the previous day or two, you might want to skip Hokitika Gorge. The water won’t be bright blue but a raging torrent of brown if this is the case.
I went right after a few days of downpour and it wasn’t worth the detour, as the blue water is what makes it so special.
You could also choose to spend the night in Arthur’s Pass and stop by Hokitika on the drive to Franz Josef the next day.
I have spent a night at the Mountain House Hostel in Arthur’s Pass before and it was perfect, nothing fancy but right in the village and close to all the walking trails.
Arthur’s Pass has this amazing almost desolate feeling, it seems to rain there almost all the time and the cries of the kea there make it feel haunted. It’s always nice to stay overnight in a national park, so if you want a wilderness experience, it’s certainly something to think about.
Day 7: Head to Franz Josef or Fox Glacier
A guide walking on Franz Josef
WHY GO: Fox and Franz Josef are twin glacier, and both equally impressive. What makes this area so worthwhile, though is also the lush rainforest. This is one of my favourite parts of New Zealand.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD YOU SPEND IN FRANZ JOSEF: You could feasibly stop in Franz Josef for only one night, if you wanted to just do one of the walks to a lookout point, or join a heli hike.
If you have the time, though (maybe if you skip staying in Christchurch), staying for two nights is awesome. That gives you a bit more time to explore Fox as well as Franz, and even head out to Okarito.
Visit the Hokitika Gorge in the morning. The loop track is easy and not too long.
After visiting the gorge, start making your way down to glacier country.
Most people opt to stay in Franz Josef, as the town is more set up for tourists. There are more big hotels in Franz, and more options for eating.
Fox Glacier is a smaller town, which feels more like a typical New Zealand village.
No matter where you choose to base yourself, the premier activity here is taking a heli-hike on one of the glaciers.
Both Franz Josef glacier and Fox glacier are equally impressive, and you can easily see both via short walking tracks.
Near Franz:
Franz Josef viewpoint, 30 minutes return. A nice walk, but busy and you’re pretty far from the glacier.
Alex Knob Track, 8 hours return. I think this was my favourite.
Roberts Point Track, 5 hours return. This one gets you closer to the glacier and has cool swing bridges along the way.
Near Fox:
The South Side walkway, 2 hours return. This one is worth doing for the forest views alone.
Mt Fox Route, 8 hours return (but it’s a very rough track). If you want a less travelled route, this one is amazing.
Just check your expectations — there’s a good chance it will be rainy or cloudy and the glaciers will be hiding from view.
This is the wettest part of the country after all.
Even if you can’t see them, enjoy short walks in the area. The forest here is incredible, rich in undergrowth and emerald moss. It has a truly enchanted feel, as if nymphs and fairies are hiding behind every mossy log.
ITINERARY NOTES
If you have an extra day in glacier country, I recommend stopping by Okarito.
It’s one of my favourite places on the West Coast, and it’s hard to explain why. Maybe it’s the white herons that are cast like ghosts in the dark waters of the lagoon, or the sleepy nature of a tiny coastal town.
I think it has something to do with the wild feeling of the place, which is unique as it’s one of the only places where the mountains flow to the sea uninterrupted by human activity.
The Okarito walkway is a stunning walk, and if you loop back along the beach you might see Hector’s Dolphins.
If you have enough time, try kayaking on the lagoon to spot birds.
A WORTHY DETOUR
The short walk around Lake Matheson is stunning, and there’s a roadside lookout nearby where you can see Fox Glacier.
WHERE TO STAY
If you’re in a campervan, I can recommend either the Orange Sheep Campervan Park in Franz Josef, for a beautiful spot tucked into the forest, or Gillespies Beach Campground near Fox Glacier.
FEATURED HOTEL
Rainforest Retreat
A place to stay in the lush jungle.
Day 8: Drive to Wanaka through Haast Pass and Mount Aspiring National Park
The Wanaka lakefront in lake March was a beautiful explosion of autumn colour
WHY GO: Wanaka isn’t that far away from Queenstown (only one hour) but it still makes a good point to break up the drive from the West Coast.
It’s also a cool town in its own right, with a pretty location right on the lake.
The main draw to Wanaka, though, is the great hiking in the area. Roy’s Peak is the famous walk, but I also love Isthmus Peak, Rocky Mountain, and the walks in the Matukituki Valley.
HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD YOU SPEND IN WANAKA: One night is enough time to see a bit of the town and a shorter walk nearby.
From Franz Josef, it’s almost 4 hours to drive to Wanaka.
You could push on to Queenstown, but having done that drive before I don’t recommend it. It’s a long day and all I remember is arriving into Queenstown tired and miserable.
Stopping 45 minutes short in Wanaka will give you a little more time to enjoy the drive.
The road cuts through Mount Aspiring National park on the way through Haast Pass, with a number of stunning short walks and lookouts along the way,
Check out the Blue Pools, Fantail Falls, and Wilson’s Creek.
I also love the part of the road where you’re driving along the edge of Lake Wanaka, then take a left and crest a small hill to be greeted with the sight of Lake Hawea.
ITINERARY NOTES
You could skip Wanaka if you’re not big on hiking
The main things to do around Wanaka involve walks and hikes, and generally exploring the outdoors. There are also lake cruises, but you might find that these are a little more impressive in Queenstown.
If you would prefer to be in a more lively town with more activity options, skip Wanaka and spend an extra night in Queenstown.
FEATURED HOTEL
Cross Hill Lodge and Domes
A family-owned glamping stay near Lake Hawea.
Day 9: To Queenstown
The Queenstown lakefront, early morning
WHY GO: Queenstown is a major activity hub in the South Island, being close to Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Parks. The sheer number of tourist operators and accommodation providers also make Queenstown easy for visitors.
HOW MUCH TIME TO SPEND IN QUEENSTOWN: You want at the very least two nights in Queenstown, to allow for a day trip somewhere in the general area.
Milford Sound is probably the most popular day trip, but hikes around Glenorchy are also amazing. Then there’s the Central Otago wine region, Arrowtown, and places like Skipper’s Canyon.
So, three nights is better, and if you’re very interested in things like bungy jumps and jet boats, you might even want four nights in Queenstown.
The drive from Wanaka to Queenstown takes roughly one hour, and you can choose from two routes.
The first option is to go over the Crown Range Road, past Cardrona and the famous Cardrona Hotel. This is the more scenic route, but the road is smaller and often closed in winter.
The other option is to take the low road through the Kawerau River Gorge, which conveniently takes you past some great wineries in the Gibbston region.
The wine here is spectacular, but obviously if you’re tasing any of the vintages, don’t drive afterwards. The vineyards are also great for food.
Either way, you can also stop in at Arrowtown before getting to Queenstown. Arrowtown is only small, and you can wander round the village in an hour or so before going for food or coffee at a local cafe — check out Provisions of Arrowtown or the Fork and Tap.
By the time you arrive into Queenstown, it will probably be time for you to check in and then you can spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the town or one of the walks nearby.
ITINERARY NOTES
Not long ago I was in a hut on the Greenstone Caples track, and I met an older couple who remember visiting Queenstown back in the 70s.
Back then, they said, it was just a small town.
No Hiltons, no multi-million dollar mansions. Just a town on a lake that happened to have a lot of cool outdoor activities close by.
They were a little shocked at how much things have changed.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re like me, and you’re not that interested in the flashy, overly commercial activities on offer in Queenstown.
I’m thinking of things like the Ice Bar, or the Hydro Attack shark boats that do little submarine trips in Lake Wakatipu.
All of this to say that Queenstown is a lot of things, and not all of them are good.
It makes a convenient base, and it is a beautiful setting, but if you want to avoid the flashier parts of Queenstown, I recommend staying outside of the centre. Frankton works, even if it is dominated by strip malls.
FEATURED HOTEL
Stay of Queenstown
Independently owned, perfectly located, and very welcoming.
Day 10: Visit Milford Sound
WHY GO: Milford Sound is located in Fiordland, possibly New Zealand’s greatest wilderness. In terms of spectacular landscape and raw, untamed nature — this is as good as it gets.
Milford is one of New Zealand’s most visited destinations, so there is a whole industry of boats, kayaks, helicopters, and tour buses that grant access to the sound, but it still manages to be incredible.
Milford Sound is a full day trip.
I strongly recommended doing this on a tour from Queenstown, as it’s a solid 4 hour drive each way.
You could easily spend four days exploring all of the stops along the road to Milford Sound, but if you just want to get the highlights in one day, a tour is a good way to do it.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about parking at Milford.
Here are some different options:
If you self drive, I recommend booking a tour with Cruise Milford; they are a small boat operator and the only family run cruise company in Milford.
If you like the idea of small groups, this small bus tour/cruise from Queenstown might suit you. It’s run by Cheeky Kiwi Travel but they partner with Cruise Milford. The tour includes lunch and snacks.
If the idea of sitting in a bus for eight hours in a single day doesn’t appeal, you could treat yourself to a Fly Cruise Fly option, which gets you there and back much faster.
ITINERARY NOTES
Milford Sound is a pretty spectacular place, but as always I encourage you to weigh up if it’s worth your time — you don’t need to do it just because everyone says you should.
I am a case in point. It took me years and many visits to Queenstown before I first went to Milford, and I never felt like I was missing out. There are just so many other places to spend time.
It is a very long day trip, so you may want to prioritise spending your time closer to Queenstown.
Driving to Glenorchy is spectacular and there are some great hikes around there (if you’re fit, you can get up to Harris Saddle on the Routeburn Track, if you’re less fit even getting to Routeburn Flats Hut is nice) so that can make an excellent alternative to Milford Sound.
Alternatively, you could consider driving from Wanaka to Te Anau, which means you’re only a two hour drive from Milford Sound the next day. You could then drive back to Queenstown after visiting Milford Sound.
Day 11: Queenstown to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (or Twizel)
Driving through Lindis Pass
On the morning of this day, you could take it easy and enjoy some of the coffee shops around Queenstown. In Country Lane you can get coffee and mosey around the honey shop, too.
It takes around 2.5 hours to get to Twizel, or 3.5 to get all the way to Aoraki/Mount Cook.
If you haven’t yet visited the vineyards in Gibbston, today is another chance to stop by, as you’ll most likely drive through Cromwell.
Beyond Cromwell, stop at Lindis Pass and maybe Omarama Clay Cliffs if you want to stretch your legs.
If you’re lucky enough to find a place to stay in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, you could do one of the shorter walks there in the evening.
ITINERARY NOTES
There are hotels and places to stay in Aoraki/Mount Cook Village, but rooms book out way in advance. You’ll need to book as much as a year in advance if you want to travel during the busy summer period.
The DOC campground in the park is a great option if you’re in a campervan. It’s magical staying somewhere so remote and beautiful and waking up to the bowl of mountains.
I did get a spot in the White Horse Hill campground last minute at the end of March, but even the campground will get booked up in the peak travel season.
I have also stayed in the hostel in the park — Haka House — and loved it. So, if you’re open to a dorm room, it’s a great option.
If you miss out on rooms in Mount Cook Village, you can search for accommodation in Twizel instead.
Twizel itself isn’t that special, but it’s conveniently located less than an hour from Mount Cook, and there are great places to eat (check out Mint Folk & Co), petrol stations, and supermarkets.
You can aim to arrive in Twizel in the evening, then set off to the national park first thing in the morning.
FEATURED HOTEL
Day 12: Explore Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, before making your way to Tekapo
WHY GO: Aoraki/Mount Cook is New Zealand’s highest peak, but even without the tallest mountain the park is stunning. It is quite possibly the single most beautiful place in New Zealand.
That does of course mean that it is chaotically busy — the trails are like little highways.
HOW MUCH TIME TO SPEND IN MT COOK: Visiting on a day trip is plenty of time to walk the Hooker Valley Track (undoubtedly the highlight) and maybe go on the glacial boat tour.
You can also walk the longer Sealy Tarns track comfortably in about 5 hours.
However, if you do manage to find accommodation in the park, you might want to stay two nights to make the most of it.
You’ll want to stop at Lake Pukaki too. This lake is perhaps the most scenic in the whole South Island.
It’s an impossible, icy blue and the shimmering spire of Aoraki/Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, rises into the clouds at the far end of the lake.
Driving along the shore of Lake Pukaki, towards Aoraki
The drive along the edge of Lake Pukaki and into Mount Cook Village is a stunning stretch of highway.
You can walk the Hooker Valley Track in the afternoon, or if you prefer to be on the track when there are fewer people around set your alarm for early the next morning.
If you go early, you have a good chance of having the hike to yourself.
ITINERARY NOTES
One thing to note about Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is that is one of the most popular places to visit in New Zealand.
The carparks in Mount Cook are jam packed, especially the carpark at the start of the Hooker Valley Track. Just be prepared to park on the roadside, or park near the visitor centre and walk and extra 40 minutes (it’s a nice walk).
Also, you may not wish to go as far as Lake Tekapo on this day. If you found available hotel rooms in Mt Cook Village, by all means book two nights.
It’s a 4 hour drive from Mt Cook to Christchurch, so you could definitely do that on the following day, and stop over in Tekapo for several hours in the middle of the day — that is still plenty of time for Tekapo.
FEATURED TEKAPO HOTEL
Alpine Lodges
Family owned cabins with wood-lined interiors and fireplaces.
Day 13: Tekapo to Christchurch
WHY GO: Lake Tekapo makes a convenient place to stop after visiting Aoraki/Mount Cook. It’s also very pretty, with a nice lake and alpine views.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN TEKAPO: I honestly think an evening and a morning, or even a few hours, is enough for Tekapo.
The night skies there are famously clear, perfect for going on a stargazing tour, but other than that you don’t need a lot of time in Tekapo.
You only need as long as it takes you to stroll around the lakefront, with a visit to Astro Cafe and the Mount John Observatory as well.
I honestly find the Tekapo lakefront a little scruffy, and there are always a lot of people crowded around the tiny Church of the Good Shepherd.
That said, I love the drive between Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo — you’ll have the Southern Alps on your left, so on clear days the views on the drive are stunning.
In the evening, you may want to take a stargazing tour if the weather is on your side.
In the morning, you can head up to the Mount Saint John Observatory to enjoy views and coffee at Astro Cafe (just note it costs $8 to drive up to the observatory — walking up is free).
It’s a 3 hours drive from Tekapo to Christchurch, which will likely take a lot longer by the time you factor in stops.
Burke’s Pass is a curious place to stop and examine trinkets and signage from days gone by, while Fairlie is a locally famous road trip stop —you can’t leave town without stopping by the Fairlie Bakehouse for a pie, a New Zealand favourite.
If you arrive into Christchurch in the late afternoon or evening, you can drop off your hire car and enjoy a nice meal for your final evening.
Day 14: Fly out of Christchurch
Your final day will probably be a travel one, but you can spend the morning taking in one last coffee shop in Christchurch.
If you want to browse for souvenirs, I recommend checking out Hapa in The Tannery — they have lots of beautiful local designs and gifts.
An alternative would be to fly back to Auckland on the evening of day 13, and spend your final night there before catching your international flight the next day.
I do think Auckland has more splurge type restaurants and bars than Christchurch, so it depends how you want to wrap up your trip.
ITINERARY NOTES
You don’t necessarily need to fly back to Auckland (or out of the country) from Christchurch.
Lake Tekapo is roughly halfway between Queenstown and Christchurch, so you could backtrack to the Queenstown airport if there was a more convenient flight from that airport.
More New Zealand itineraries
There are many, many different combinations of destinations for a two week trip around New Zealand.
Here are a few other itineraries I have crafted, to give you a sense of alternative routes:
New Zealand essentials
FINDING PLACES TO STAY: I use Booking.com to find most places, but VRBO can be a great option for more rural areas.
SIM CARDS: I recommend getting a Skinny SIM card when you arrive
FIND WALKS AND HIKES: The DOC website is the best resource for all trails, scenic campsites, and mountain huts
BEST APPS: Campermate for finding campsites, Gaspy for saving money on petrol
LANGUAGE: English but be prepared for some local quirks
AUTHOR BIO
I’m a freelance travel writer from New Zealand with bylines in National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and more.
I’ve travelled up and down beautiful Aotearoa and I love sharing my recommendations for the best places to visit in New Zealand.
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