New Zealand in 1 month
New Zealand's absolute highlights are pretty much known to everyone, unfortunately they stretch out between both the North and South Island... Rest assured, during a one month trip you will not experience one boring minute!
This popular itinerary will highlight almost every aspect New Zealand is famous for, from the beaches in the north to the alpine mountains in the south.
From highlight to highlight
This itinerary visits the most popular destinations in New Zealand.
Along the stunning coastlines of Northland and the West Coast, through geothermal areas in Rotorua and Taupo, soaking up Maori culture in Northland and Rotorua, to majestic volcanoes around Rotorua and Tongariro, along the wild remote West Coast of the South Island, to glaciers and snow-capped mountains around Wanaka and Queenstown, to crystal clear lakes near Rotorua, Taupo and the alps, and interesting cities like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
Auckland
Bay of Islands (Northland)
Coromandel
Bay of Plenty
Rotorua
Taupo
Tongariro
Wellington
Marlborough
Nelson
West Coast
Wanaka
Queenstown
Christchurch
Travel itinerary for one month
The distance of this route is at least 2,900 km.
Direct driving time Auckland - Bay of Islands - Wellington - West Coast - Queenstown - Christchurch: about 30 hours.
Alternative routes
- Take two extra days detour from Paihia (or just take a day tour) to Cape Reinga or choose an additional route via the Hokianga Harbour and Waipoua Forest.
- Make a trip to Napier (Hawke's Bay) instead of Tongariro.
- Visit Kaikoura instead of Nelson.
- From Queenstown you can reach Milford Sound in Fiordland within two or three additional days or take an organised day tour.
- Also Dunedin, Oamaru and many wildlife viewing opportunities along the east coast are within easy reach on this itinerary.
Back to our overview of New Zealand itineraries.
