Volcanoes, fjords, glaciers, beaches and lakes: New Zealand packs an amazing variety of scenery. This three-week itinerary covers both islands by car or campervan.
Itinerary: the North Island, then the South Island
- Days 1 and 2: Auckland and around
- Days 3 and 4: Rotorua, its geothermal sites and Māori culture
- Day 5: Tongariro National Park
- Days 6 and 7: Wellington, then the ferry to the South Island
- Days 8 to 10: Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park
- Days 11 and 12: The West Coast and the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers
- Days 13 to 16: Wanaka and Queenstown
- Day 17: Milford Sound, as a day trip
- Days 18 to 21: Mount Cook (Aoraki), Lake Tekapo, then Christchurch
When to go
The southern summer, from December to February, is the warmest and busiest season. Spring and autumn (November, March–April) are quieter, with more changeable weather. Winter is for skiing and careful mountain driving.
Getting around
Driving is on the left. A car or a campervan are the best options. The ferry between Wellington and Picton links the two islands; book it ahead in summer. A one-way rental saves returning to your starting point.
Our tips
- Roads are often winding: journeys take longer than expected
- In a campervan, book campsites and follow the freedom camping rules
- Check entry requirements for your nationality
- Pack for every season, even in summer
Plan this trip with Voyage : mon guide
Add each stop with its number of nights: the app creates the days and puts the whole route on an Apple Maps map. Keep hikes, viewpoints and beaches in the ideas box, log flights, trains and rentals on the right day, then prepare the trip for offline use before leaving. Once there, Guide mode shows the current day and tonight’s hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Are three weeks necessary?
They are ideal for both islands. With two weeks, focus on the South Island.
Car or campervan?
A campervan gives more freedom and lets you sleep near the sights; a car and motels are more comfortable in bad weather.
Plan this itinerary with Voyage : mon guide.
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