Two Week New Zealand Itineraries - The Best 14 Day Itineraries

Immerse yourself in NZ's history and culture

So you know about New Zealand's knockout scenery and its relaxed, friendly vibe. But what makes New Zealand so... New Zealandy? 

To get a real feel for what gives New Zealand so much heart, go a bit deeper and discover some special places that tell a story. 

Itinerary 1: New Zealand's Culture and Heritage Self Drive Itinerary

North and South Islands 

Duration: 14 days 

Start Location: Auckland 

Finish Location: Queenstown

New Zealand’s Culture and Heritage Self Drive Itinerary Overview

Where will you go?

Auckland > Bay of Islands > Rotorua > Napier > Wellington > Akaroa > Oamaru > Dunedin > Queenstown

What's great about this itinerary?

Where do we start? You'll visit:

• The Waitangi Treaty Grounds where New Zealand's historic treaty between Maori and Europeans was signed (Bay of Islands)

• Russell, a charming old harbourside village once dubbed "the Hellhole of the Pacific"

• A Marae (Maori village) in Rotorua

• Napier, a unique Art Deco city built from the ruins of a 1931 earthquake 

• Wellington: New Zealand's culture (and actual) capital

• Arrowtown, an old mountain mining town where you can still pan for gold.

• Centuries-old Maori rock carvings created by moa-hunters. (South Canterbury)

• Larnach Castle, New Zealand's one and only castle (Dunedin)

• A vintage steamship cruise across Lake Wakatipu, with stunning mountain views (Queenstown)

The best part? You won't miss out on any of New Zealand's gorgeous scenery while you’re checking out its history and culture. Gems like the Bay of Islands,  the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, picturesque Hawkes Bay, and the lakes & mountain peaks of Queenstown are all part of this journey.

Tweak this itinerary...

For adrenalin junkies: instead of a steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, why not skydive over the lake instead? 

For wildlife lovers: trade some historical activities for wildlife excursions: swim with dolphins while in Akaroa instead of sightseeing, or visit the world's largest mainland gannet colony in Hawkes Bay.

For golfers: this itinerary takes you close to at least three of New Zealand's most scenic courses: Kauri Cliffs (Bay of Islands), Cape Kidnappers (Napier), and Queenstown Golf Club. Simply swap whichever activity suits you best.

Read the full New Zealand’s Culture & Heritage itinerary for in-depth descriptions, plus driving times & distances, and other practical information.

Travel In The Lap of Luxury

Of course, New Zealand’s famously top‑class scenery is on display to everyone who travels here. But if you’re looking for something a little more curated, exclusive, and effortlessly stylish, this North Island journey delivers a refined escape filled with character, comfort, and unforgettable landscapes.

Itinerary 2: Luxury New Zealand Self Drive Tour

North & South Islands

Duration: 14 days 

Start Location: Auckland 

Finish Location: Christchurch

Luxury New Zealand Self Drive Overview

Where will you go?

Auckland > Waiheke Island > Rotorua > Napier > Wellington > Kaikōura > Christchurch > Greymouth > Hokitika > Franz Josef > Queenstown > Twizel > Aoraki / Mount Cook > Christchurch

What's great about this itinerary?

This elevated journey blends culture, cuisine, wildlife, and spectacular scenery with boutique and luxury accommodation across New Zealand’s most celebrated regions.

• Refined city style sets the tone in Auckland, where a chic retreat just steps from the harbour eases you into the journey.
• Boutique vineyards and coastal calm define Waiheke Island, offering a relaxed interlude of wine, scenery, and island charm.
• Geothermal landscapes and cultural depth unfold in Rotorua, complemented by the serenity of a luxury lodge immersed in nature.
• Art Deco charm and world‑class wine define Napier, enhanced by a boutique stay that reflects the region’s timeless elegance.
• Cultural vibrancy and artisan flavours come alive in Wellington, with a stylish, well‑positioned stay placing the capital’s lively heart within easy reach.
• Dramatic coastline and unforgettable wildlife encounters shape Kaikōura, balanced by an eco‑luxury retreat framed by ocean and alpine vistas.
• Refined urban calm awaits in Christchurch, where a contemporary central stay offers a graceful pause before the alpine landscapes ahead.
• Rugged coastal scenery introduces the West Coast around Greymouth, setting the tone for the dramatic landscapes ahead.
• Glacier‑carved valleys and lush rainforest scenery shape Franz Josef, where a contemporary luxury stay offers comfort amid dramatic West Coast landscapes.
• Majestic peaks and a vibrant lakeside atmosphere shape Queenstown, where an elegant setting encourages you to slow down, indulge, and enjoy the region’s exceptional food, wine, and outdoor experiences.
• Vast skies and luminous lakes surround Twizel, complemented by a peaceful accommodation experience that showcases the expansive beauty of the Mackenzie Basin.
• The grandeur of Aoraki/Mt Cook unfolds in sweeping alpine views and glacier‑fed landscapes, delivering one of the journey’s most dramatic scenic moments.
• A graceful finale awaits in Christchurch, where urban elegance and a contemporary central stay bring the adventure to a stylish close.

By the end of this luxury self‑drive adventure, you’ll have experienced New Zealand’s most remarkable regions — from vibrant cities and geothermal landscapes to wildlife‑rich coastlines, glacier‑carved valleys, and soaring alpine scenery, all complemented by indulgent stays that enrich every step of the journey.

This is luxury travel as it should be: unhurried, immersive, and unforgettable. 

Tweak this itinerary:

Luxury for less: if these lavish five-star lodges are out of your price range, you can travel the same route and stay at slightly less expensive lodgings: you can still enjoy wine touring, island-hopping, trout fishing or country walks without breaking the bank! Get in touch with our Travel Specialists with your budget and they'll give you some suggestions.

Check out the full collection of New Zealand Luxury Itineraries for in-depth descriptions, plus driving times & distances, and other practical information.

New Zealand's most scenic drives… all in one road trip.

With dramatic mountain passes, windswept coastlines mesmerizing scenery and hairpin bends, New Zealand is the perfect place for those who love a road trip. Embrace your inner Kerouac and get on the road...

Itinerary 3: Naturally New Zealand Self Drive tour

North and South Islands 

Duration: 13 days 

Start Location: Queenstown 

Finish Location: Auckland

Naturally New Zealand itinerary overview

Where will you go?

Queenstown > Franz Josef > Punakaiki > Wellington > Taupo > Rotorua > Auckland

What's great about this itinerary?

We love this itinerary because the journey is just as incredible as the destinations are. Just check out some of the highlights:

The famous Milford Road: Mirror Lakes, waterfalls and misty peaks line your route through Fiordland National Park the incomparably beautiful Milford Sound.

The Crown Range Road from Queenstown to Wanaka: admire the snowy peaks along New Zealand's highest main road.

The Haast Pass: cross the Southern Alps to Glacier Country via crystal clear waterfalls and silver beech forests of Mt Aspiring National Park.

Stunning ocean and rainforest views along the rugged West Coast road to Punakaiki.

Follow State highway 25 as it hugs the Coromandel coastline, twisting and turning and offering views to die for.

Drive the North Island's desolate Desert Road, stopping en route for photos of "Mt Doom".

Each of these classic Kiwi driving routes offers umpteen places to stop for a spontaneous picnic or photo stop along the route: there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from gorgeous blue pools to West Coast seal colonies. You never know what's around the next bend. 

Of course, you're not driving the whole time! And you will be enjoying the major attractions of Queenstown, Franz Josef, Wellington, Rotorua, The Coromandel and Auckland.

Read the full Naturally New Zealand self-drive itinerary for in-depth descriptions, plus driving times & distances, and other practical information.

Tweak this itinerary

For the ultimate road trip, why not campervan it! Take your creature comforts with you and never have to unpack. Chat to our travel specialists if you'd like them to price a campervan version of this itinerary for you.

Fancy a few more mountains? Switch up the South Island part of the itinerary by swapping coasts. Driving from Queenstown towards the East Coast, you'll snake over the Lindis Pass with gorgeous Mt Cook and Southern Alps views. Later, the drive from Kaikoura to Blenheim along State Highway 1 will take your breath away: with the mountains to your left and the rugged coastline to the right, it doesn't get much better. Drive this leg at sunset for maximum wow factor.

A South Island walking & wildlife itinerary

Both Kiwis and international visitors love to make the most of New Zealand's vast, well-maintained network of hiking trails. And who wouldn't?

Outdoor-lovers, this is the one for you. 

Itinerary 4: The Kiwi Classic

South Island 

Duration: 13 days 

Start Location: Christchurch 

Finish Location: Queenstown

Where will you go?

Queenstown> Mt Cook >Christchurch >Kaikoura > Abel Tasman> Paparoa > Franz Josef>Queenstown

Read the full itinerary

What's great about this itinerary?

The incredible walking trails on this South Island itinerary will have you weaving through ancient forests, crossing swing bridges, walking alongside glaciers and through alpine meadows, including:

• Four days walking the entire length of the Routeburn Track, with a knowledgeable guide by your side.

• A guided walk on the Milford Track, New Zealand's most famous Great Walks trail.

• Walk the Hooker Valley Track to the terminal face of the Tasman Glacier

• But wait, there's more: 

• Drive to Kaikoura for a swim with the dolphins

• Hike the newest great walk at Paparoa

   

A clever mix of self-drive segments and guided walks deftly avoids the problem of your car being stuck at the wrong end of the track!

Worried about snakes, predators or poisonous plants? You won't find them when hiking in New Zealand. So if you're prepared for the weather, and you stick to the well-marked major trails, it's less dangerous - and more accessible to novices - than many other countries. There are even huts on all the major trails, with kitchens and showers and bunks to sleep in. Not bad, hey? 

Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the Kiwi Classic itinerary

Slow down and savour the small things

Strolling on white-sand beaches, crunching freshly-picked apples at a roadside stall, soaking in steamy thermal spas... is this what your New Zealand dream holiday looks like? Unhurried, footloose and fancy-free?

Here's a sample New Zealand itinerary so relaxing that you'll forget what day it is.

Itinerary 5: A Relaxing New Zealand Itinerary

North and South Islands 

Duration: 14 days 

Start Location: Auckland 

Finish Location: Queenstown

See an itinerary overview for the Relaxing New Zealand driving holiday

Where will you go?

Auckland > Bay of Islands > Matakana > Rotorua > Nelson > Queenstown

What's great about this itinerary?

• 3 nights in the enchanting Bay of Islands for sailing, sea-kayaking, and feasting on fish and chips on the tree-fringed beaches.

• 3 nights in other-worldly Rotorua for steamy geothermal landscapes and rainbow-coloured terraces - don't forget to soak your cares away in the local Polynesian spa! 

• The bohemian town of Nelson at the top of the South Island is your base for the next 3 nights while you wander the golden beaches and pristine forests of Abel Tasman National Park. 

• Finally, hop on a flight from Nelson to Queenstown, where there are endless ways to chill out: Try a scenic Lake Wakatipu steamship cruise, a Gibbston valley wine tour, a breathtaking day trip to Milford Sound, or artisan ice-creams and a glass of bubbly on the waterfront.

Maybe spending a huge amount of time on the road just doesn't appeal to you. This may be especially true if you're travelling with young kids.

The solution? Choose two or three major regions, and fly from one to the next instead of driving. Simple!

Why travel this way? Instead of driving hundreds of kilometres between destinations, you're taking shorter drives and day trips to the places you really want to see. The car becomes a convenience instead of a curse.

Hire a car in each section and drop it off at the airport, board a flight to your next "hub", pick up another hire car at your next destination. 

It will cost a little more to travel this way, but not as much as you would think: if you book a few weeks or months in advance, New Zealand domestic flights are much cheaper, and you're getting great value when you think of all the time you will save.

Tweak this itinerary

Family-friendly beaches: Switch Abel Tasman for the safe, sheltered beaches and chilled-out hippy vibes of Golden Bay, one of the favourite holiday destinations for New Zealand families.

Honeymoon hideaways: This is the perfect itinerary for a blissfully laid-back honeymoon. Simply pair this itinerary with some out-of-town, out-of-the-ordinary accommodation options if you’d like to take it up a notch. We love this private cave apartment carved into a Bay of Islands hillside, and this Rotorua woodland wilderness escape, get in touch with us for more great ideas!

Here’s a day-by-day itinerary breakdown to inspire you further

Did our top five 2-week New Zealand Itineraries Inspire You?

We hope you found elements of your own NZ dream vacation among the options above. If your tastes are a little more specialised, don’t worry - we have some more 2-week itinerary suggestions for you below!

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13 Day Wine, Food, Art and Sculpture self-drive itinerary

Family Fun

15 Day Kiwi Adventure Itinerary for families with kids aged 8-14

Golf

15 Day Golfers Dream Tour of New Zealand

Fly Fishing

13 Day South Island New Zealand Fly Fishing Itinerary

Skiing and Snowboarding

13 Day South Island Winter Adventure Circuit

First Light Travel

As New Zealanders specializing in self-­drive holidays, First Light Travel are the experts when it comes to producing a boutique itinerary just for you. If you are inspired to experience New Zealand’s top tourist attractions, give us a call so we can help to make your New Zealand bucket list vacation a reality.

To receive a free, no-obligation, personalised itinerary - just follow the link and answer a few brief questions.