10 Easy Itineraries for Your Next New Zealand Adventure

Auckland > Pākiri Beach > Te Ārai > Mangawhai > Waipu > Whangārei > Tutukākā > Matapouri > Whananaki > Paroa Bay
Suggested time: 6 days

Head 90 minutes north of Auckland to Pākiri Beach, a quiet stretch of pristine white sand, and book a horseback ride to experience every inch of this 14-kilometre-long beauty. 
The two-bedroom oceanfront cottages of Te Arai Links – a 30-minute drive away – are worth a pit stop, even if you don’t play golf (there are two 18-hole courses at this stay). Conclude the day by the outdoor fire pit as the South Pacific laps at the nearby shore.
In the morning, take the 20-minute journey to Mangawhai for French-inspired pastries at Bennetts Bakery before tackling the famous namesake cliff walk, which should take between two to three hours to complete (return). Along the way, there are spectacular ocean views that extend to the offshore Hen and Chicken and Mokohīnau islands, as well the green rolling hills of the Great Barrier (Aotea) and Little Barrier islands (Te Hauturu-o-Toi) – and whales and dolphins, too, if you’re lucky.
About 20 minutes further up the coast is McLeod’s Pizza Barn in Waipu Cove, where the Fush & Chips – cooked in the brewery’s Longboarder Lager beer batter – is practically mandatory. From here, it’s a 70-minute drive to the Whangārei Heads peninsula. Check in to The Guesthouse at Taiharuru Farms Lodge, a 50-hectare private retreat where seclusion is the drawcard.

Back up the previous day’s activity with a leisurely morning of browsing  the waterfront cafés and artisan studios at the Whangārei Town Basin marina, about 35 minutes away. Then it’s a half-hour drive north through rolling countryside to Tutukākā and the renowned Poor Knights Islands, located just off the coast. The marine reserve’s underwater caves and diverse sea life is unmissable for snorkellers and divers. 
Accommodation isn’t plentiful here so do as the Kiwis do and opt for a “bach” – you can’t go wrong with a holiday home near Matapouri or Sandy Bay.
From the Sandy Bay area, it’s a 45-minute drive to Whananaki, where you can cross the Southern Hemisphere's longest footbridge (395 metres) to reach unspoiled beaches. Another 1.5 hours on the meandering roads brings you to Paroa Bay for lunch at Sage Restaurant, which offers vineyard vistas and local produce such as crayfish and yellowfin tuna. Spend the night in one of its Off-Grid Cabins – a bottle of Paroa Bay wine and an outdoor bathtub await. (Need to drop the car back in Auckland? It’s an easy 3.5-hour drive south.)

Auckland > Thames > Coromandel Town > Port Jackson > Kūaotunu > Hahei 
Suggested time: 5 days 

Locals know the Coromandel region for its abundance of beautiful beaches. Begin the journey in historic Thames (90 minutes south-east of Auckland), where Victorian architecture recalls the gold-rush days, then wind your way along the peninsula’s spectacular west coast for an hour to Coromandel Town. Overnight at Karamana Homestead, a restored 1870s villa and a great base for exploring nearby galleries and the iconic Driving Creek Railway. 
The next morning, pick up supplies (Well Stocked Deli has everything from oysters to local cheeses) and journey north for 90 minutes to remote Port Jackson. This route features magical coastal views but it can be narrow and winding in parts and is best tackled by confident drivers. Here, at the northern tip of the Coromandel, you’ll find one of the country’s most picturesque campsites, right at the edge of the beach.

Wellington > Whanganui > Hāwera > New Plymouth > Mōkau > Waitomo > Kawhia > Raglan 
Suggested time: 6 days 

New Zealand’s diminutive capital, Wellington, has something for everyone and, with its small city centre, all easily accessible. There’s a bright-red cable car for the kids, a Wētā Workshop (the special effects studio behind the emblematic Lord of the Rings) for film buffs and, for those interested in history and culture Te Papa Tongarewa – NZ’s national museum. 
In Whanganui on the west coast, 2.5 hours north by car, you’ll find cute cafés (this gem, in a sunshine-yellow weatherboard house, deserves a pit stop) and boutique galleries along the historic riverfront. A must-see? The impressive Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery, which recently underwent a landmark restoration to expand its exhibition space and add a café. Bunk in one of two rooms at the adorable Browns Boutique Bed & Breakfast – they make a mean French crêpe.

After brekkie, drive north through towns such as Ōakura and Ōpunake for about 1.5 hours until you arrive at Hāwera’s Tawhiti Museum, widely regarded as the country’s finest private museum (its intricate miniature displays bring local history to life). 
Continue on the Surf Highway to New Plymouth, admiring the beautiful Taranaki coastline – this leg should take an hour. On arrival, be sure to check out the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre, named after the kinetic-sculpture artist, then book a room at the Novotel New Plymouth Taranaki for the night and treat yourself to the baked toffee custard from Social Kitchen – there’s a reason it’s been a permanent fixture on the ever-changing menu for a decade. 
Take your pick of eateries along Devon Street for breakfast but don’t do lunch anywhere other than River Run Café in Mōkau, just over an hour north. Here, you’ll find what locals insist are the country’s finest whitebait fritters, simply served with lemon and slices of white bread.
Next up is Kawhia, two hours further north, and its hidden hot-water beach. If you’re staying the night at Sands of Kawhia, you have plenty of time to dig a hole in the black sand and have a deliciously warm soak in the geothermally heated water. 
From here, it’s just over an hour’s drive to legendary Raglan – your final stop. Famous for its perfect left-hand breaks at Manu Bay, which featured in the 1966 documentary OR the 1966 surf odyssey The Endless Summer, there are boho vibes aplenty amid the town’s many galleries and cafés. Spend a night (or two) relaxing at Te Whaanga Retreat & Spa, where glamping is redefined by deep soaking tubs and sunken fire pits. (From here, it’s just over two hours drive north to Auckland.)

Taupō > Napier > Cape Kidnappers > Waimārama > Masterton > Wellington
Suggested time: 4 days

Kick off your trip in Taupō – a quaint town on the edge of its namesake lake (New Zealand’s largest) – with some fly-fishing and a night at the luxuriously revamped Huka Lodge, where all meals, from hearty country breakfasts to evening canapés and gourmet dinners, are included in your room rate.
Visit the thunderous Huka Falls (less than a kilometre away) on a morning walk then hop back in the car for a two-hour drive south-east through dramatic hills, before descending into Hawke’s Bay wine country. Here, Art Deco-influenced Napier awaits. Wander its pastel-coloured streets on a guided walking tour and sample world-class chardonnay at some of the city’s best urban wineries. Vinotech, a downtown “cellar door”, offers weekend tastings and an extensive range of local wines available to purchase. 
Push on for 35 minutes to reach Rosewood Cape Kidnappers, an upscale clifftop lodge at the heart of a working farm perched 140 metres above the Pacific.

Wake to panoramic ocean views and, after a round of golf or a massage, drive 50 kilometres south to Waimārama’s golden surf beach – a favourite among locals for its consistent breaks and sheltered swimming spots. Spend your second night in the Black Barn group’s heavenly Beach House, where the water is so close that it practically laps at your doorstep. (With capacity for 21 guests, it’s the perfect option for group travel, too.) 
The next day, a three-hour drive delivers you to the rural heartland of Masterton, gateway to the boutique wineries of Wairarapa. The region features a similar climate to France’s famed Burgundy, with varietals spanning pinot noir, shiraz and sauvignon blanc – sample the best of them with an easy self-led bike tour. You can sleep amid the vines in Martinborough, too.
The reward for your last leg from Martinborough’s Poppies, just 45 minutes away, is a night (or two) at the sprawling homestead stay of Wharekauhau. Here, everything from the home-baked cookies to the pickleball courts (opposite the strawberry garden) are part of your nightly tariff.

Nelson > Kaiteriteri > Abel Tasman National Park > Tākaka > Murchison > Charleston
Suggested time: 5 days 

From sunny Nelson on the northern tip of the South Island, wind your way through the orchard-lined Motueka River valley before reaching the golden sands of Kaiteriteri, less than an hour away. This seaside town is the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, home to one of New Zealand’s Great Walks. Spend the first night at the Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve beachfront apartments so you’re ready early the next morning to take a water taxi tour into Abel Tasman’s paradise of hidden coves and native forest. Although its namesake 60-kilometre (one-way) walk is the highlight, there are shorter trails for those who have less time. The 5.8-kilometre Harwoods Hole Track, for instance, leads walkers to the country’s deepest vertical shaft and dramatic cliffside views.

From Kaiteriteri, the road pushes up and over Tākaka Hill to the bohemian Tākaka township, an hour north. Witness the wonder that is Te Waikoropupū Springs – featuring some of the clearest water ever recorded – before continuing to Wharariki Beach, with its wind-sculpted sandstone arches and seal pups playing in the rock pools. Find cosy cabin vibes at Rameka Retreat, just minutes from the town of Tākaka, nestled amid the pillowy hills and lush tōtara trees.
The next day, head inland for 2.5 hours through ancient beech forests and glacier-carved valleys to Murchison, a playground for whitewater enthusiasts. You don’t have to be an expert rafter to get up close to the rivers: adventure companies such as Ultimate Descents can cater to your experience level. Turn down the adrenaline with a stay at Eleven Owen River Lodge, a 15-minute drive north. Here, charming cottages belie the luxury of gourmet garden-to-table cooking and an onsite massage room. 
It’s a couple of hours’ drive west to windswept Charleston the following day. This is the place to try underground rafting, caving and jet-boating – there are plenty of tour operators in town that combine experiences. When you’ve had enough of the great outdoors, ensconce yourself in the old-world charm of B&B Archer House, where a roaring fireplace and bottle of complimentary wine awaits.

Kaikoura > Ward > Seddon > Blenheim
Suggested time: 3 days 

Begin your two-wheeled journey in Kaikoura, two and a half hours north of Christchurch, where you can spot sperm whales year-round along the coast. (KiwiRail, which runs a train service between Christchurch and Kaikoura, allows up to four bicycles to be brought on board). If you’re visiting during summer, you can also join a Swim With Wild Dolphins experience to snorkel alongside a pod of playful dusky dolphins. Park on the esplanade and set off on the new purpose-built Whale Trail cycleway which, upon completion, will span 210 kilometres from Kaikōura to Waitohi/Picton (check the official site for route updates). The Kaikōura to Hapuku stretch takes a leisurely 90 minutes (one way) and traces the dramatic coastline through native bush and rural roads but you’ll want to reserve some extra time to pause and watch whales drift by.

Christchurch > Hanmer Springs > Molesworth Station > Blenheim
Suggested time: 3 days

For the ultimate summer adventure, start in Christchurch, where innovative post-earthquake architecture blends with the Garden City’s English heritage, best embodied in the striking Cardboard Transitional Cathedral. From here, drive about two hours north to alpine Hanmer Springs, to find thermal waters bubbling from deep within active fault lines, which have created one of New Zealand’s most popular wellness escapes. At Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa, there are 22 hot springs available to soak in, from the steamy 40°C+ sulphur pools to the cooler 32°C+ AquaTherapy pools. Then retire to Village Lake Apartments, where spacious apartments feature gas fires, robes and soothing spa baths.

The next morning, join a Molesworth Station Tour and get ready to explore New Zealand's largest high-country farm. This 180,476-hectare working property is open to the public for tours between October and May, so timing your visit is crucial. As you traverse Molesworth's vast expanse in a 4WD bus, you'll wind through tussock-covered hills alongside crystal-clear rivers and past grazing livestock – a picnic lunch is included. 
Finish your journey in wine country at The Marlborough vineyard, where you will be wined and dined at award-winning onsite restaurant Harvest or journey further to Saint Clair Vineyard Kitchen for lunch among the vines. Another option is to sip sustainable drops at Framingham, home to the oldest riesling vines in the region.

Christchurch >  Arthur’s Pass > Hokitika > Franz Josef  > Fox Glacier (Mt Cook) > Haast Pass > Wanaka
Suggested time: 4 days 

From Christchurch, drive north-west through beech forests and the mountain scenery of Arthur’s Pass before spending an indulgent afternoon at Maruia Hot Springs (2.5 hours from Christchurch). Here, soak in Japanese-inspired thermal pools and spend the night in a luxurious eco-suite, surrounded by pristine forests. 
The next day, head to the wild West Coast and follow the rugged coastline to Hokitika (leave two to three hours for this part of your trip). Between the Tasman Ocean and the Southern Alps, the town is famous for its pounamu (greenstone) galleries and the vivid aquamarine waters of nearby glacier-fed Hokitika Gorge, best viewed from above while walking along the suspension bridge as part of the 2.4-kilometre-long Hokitika Gorge walk. Spend your second night two hours’ drive down the road at Te Waonui Forest Retreat, which is nestled amongst ancient rainforests and is moments away from the famed Franz Josef glacier.

Allow a full day to make the four-hour drive across the dramatic Haast Pass to reach lakeside Wanaka – that way you will have plenty of time to marvel at the scenery, including New Zealand’s highest mountain, Mt Cook. Keep your eyes peeled for lookout spots including Lake Hāwea and the Blue Pools; the latter is a bracing (but refreshing!) swim spot of impossibly clear glacial waters.
Finish this epic journey at the incredible Mahu Whenua homestead, half an hour west of Wanaka and set amid 55,000 hectares of protected highland. Activities span low-key farm tours to horseriding through rivers and across the stunning farmland, or choose a heli-biking adventure through the dimpled glory of the often snow-dusted Motatapu Valley.

Queenstown > Kingston > Te Anau > Milford Sound > Queenstown
Suggested time: 4 days 

Queenstown may be known for its wide variety of thrillseeking pastimes but its location in the foothills of the Southern Alps on the edge of Lake Wakatipu means its scenery is nothing short of spectacular. Few places capitalise on these views like Rosewood Matakauri, just 10 minutes from town, with every room benefitting from its elevated position above the lake.
From Queenstown, take the two-hour trip out along the edge of Lake Wakitipu and on to Te Anau, the gateway to incredible Fiordland. The narrow winding road demands a slow pace but as there are countless beautiful places to stop and stretch your legs, you won’t mind taking your time.

Plan to break up the drive at Kingston, where Xtreme Off Road leads all-terrain vehicles through incredible countryside and, in Te Anau, Kea Cafe for an exceptional coffee. Complete your day at the stunning Fiordland Lodge, a few minutes east of town, which has an outdoor hot tub nestled right on the river bank.
Next stop is one of the country’s most beautiful attractions: Milford Sound. You’ll want to stock up on supplies before heading off on the spectacular Milford Road past the Mirror Lakes' perfect reflections and through the Homer Tunnel. Spend your next night at the Milford Sound Lodge – the only accommodation within this UNESCO wilderness. Book a cruise, kayak or take a walk to truly experience the magic of the breathtaking landscape, before returning to Queenstown.

Dunedin > Nugget Point > Owaka > Curio Bay 
Suggested time: 3 days 

Quaint Dunedin, south-east of Queenstown, is where you’ll begin this trip with a night at the cosy Fable hotel – the perfect base for a wander up the world’s steepest street (Baldwin, tilted at a quirky 19 degrees) and a turn through the city’s ornate railway station, where the booking-hall floor is crafted from 750,000 tiles of Royal Doulton porcelain. 
A 1.5-hour drive south delivers you to your next stop. The iconic Nugget Point Lighthouse – one of the country’s oldest – sits on a jagged spur jutting out over The Catlins. From this vantage point, you might spot some of the world’s rarest penguins, sea lions or even Hector’s dolphins. Spend the rest of your evening near the township of Owaka at Catlins Coastal Hideaway, a rugged (but by no means rustic) cabin for two with sweeping views of the valley and ocean beyond. Visiting in winter? There’s a wood-burning stove and an outdoor hot tub to keep you toasty.

Dedicate day three to exploring the magnificent sea-carved Cathedral Caves and tiered beauty of Pūrākaunui Falls, about 35 minutes south, before reaching Curio Bay’s 170-million-year-old petrified forest – best admired from a nearby viewing platform. Spend your final night at this Curio Bay beachfront apartment, where penguins nest in the garden.

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