What better way to experience the magic of New Zealand than with a 10-day immersive adventure among the best locations on the North and South Islands? New Zealand is undoubtedly full of absolutely awe-inspiring destinations and the following itinerary is carefully planned to also provide visitors with a glimpse of what the country is really like, beyond the tourist hot spots. Filled with local insider knowledge this itinerary explores iconic landscapes, off-the-beaten-path locations, hidden gems, and unimaginable landscapes, with unique cultural experiences scattered throughout. It's a 10-day New Zealand itinerary and true adventure that checks all the boxes for a truly unforgettable trip to this amazing country!
How to spend 10 days in New Zealand:
North Island
Day 1 – Arrive in Auckland
Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, with the most international flight arrivals, and serves as the perfect starting point for a fantastic adventure. The city is known for offering the best of both urban and natural worlds with golden beaches, lush forests, nearby islands, and even dormant volcanoes, as well as a proper city spirit including a vibrant and modern downtown. We like to take advantage of every moment we have while traveling to a destination like New Zealand, so for us, the adventure begins on day one!
While traveling independently can be a fun adventure, we highly recommend using a local guide as they can add so much depth and insider knowledge to your experience. On our trips, we love the unique spirit our guides bring and can't wait for you to meet your passionate kiwi host, ready to bid you a heartfelt 'Kia Ora!' When arriving at any new city, an orienting walk is the best way to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings so we'll be sure to explore on foot right away.
Walking the streets is a great way to get a sense of the city's character, but visiting Auckland would not be complete without getting out on the water (after all, the 'City of Sails' is home to more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world!) In the afternoon we recommend setting out into the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park where you can see dolphins, whales, seals, and multitudes of unique sea birds on a one-of-a-kind marine safari. Marine life in Auckland, and all-over New Zealand, is abundant while also being sacred to its people and strongly infused into their culture. Acknowledging this strong connection, we are thrilled to be joined on our whale-watching trip by our community partner Project Jonah, who will provide a deeper look into marine life and conservation in New Zealand.
There is no better way to finish day one than with sunset drinks on the waterfront before a hearty meal and perhaps a little taste of Auckland’s nightlife before heading to a central hotel for a good night's sleep.
Day 2 – Explore the Coromandel Peninsula
Though one could easily spend several days exploring Auckland and the surrounding sites (like Waiheke Island), so many more wonders await! Heading out of Auckland, there's no better place to set your sights on than the wild and magical Coromandel Peninsula. Though just a couple-hour drive (or ferry ride) from Auckland, the Coromandel often feels like an off-the-beaten-path discovery on the North Island. This stunning peninsula is known for its hidden coves, fresh turquoise waters, lush native rainforest, and sparkling sand beaches.
Kayaking at Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula. Image by Adam Bryce
It's the perfect location to go for a relaxing swim, hike along the coastline and to forest-covered peaks, or kayak on the fresh clear waters. One of the more well-known beaches found on this peninsula is Cathedral Cove, made famous from a scene in Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. Accessible only by foot or kayak, the sweeping views of blue waters and dynamic coastline along the way make the journey truly incredible.
Another undoubtedly unique spot on the Coromandel is the aptly named 'Hot Water Beach'. Can you guess where it gets its name? If your imagining a beach where you can shovel down a few feet into the sand in order to find thermal waters hidden away, just waiting for you to create your very own natural spa pool - then you'd be correct! You can rent shovels from nearby businesses and in a few minutes, you'll be relaxing in soothing volcanic waters while looking out on the waves. It's necessary to time your visit at low tide, and if possible we like to aim for an evening or nighttime arrival in order to avoid the daytime crowds and enjoy the experience while admiring a spectacular starry night above.
After a full day under the sun and in the water, there is nothing better than settling into welcoming accommodations and looking forward to a delicious dinner. We're sure to pick a lovely boutique hotel for our trip in a great location, and bring our guests to our favorite local restaurant for an unforgettable feast! Local flavors, freshly-caught seafood, funky vibes, and colorful decor are just a few things you can expect from Coromandel's best-loved eateries.
Day 3 – Summit the Famous “Mauao”
Waking up to gorgeous views is a given on the Coromandel, so it's good to enjoy a relaxing morning to soak it up. Avid hikers might want to hit the trails early for the jaw-dropping Pinnacles Walk, surfers will have plenty of breaks to choose from, and those looking for an idyllic remote gem might venture on the trails to the incomparable New Chums beach.
Eventually, you'll have to tear yourself away from Coromandel's beauty in order to continue the adventure by heading south for a couple of hours down the east coast of the North Island towards the Bay of Plenty. There you will find the vibrant town of Mount Maunganui – proud home of the famous summit “Mauao” or simply “The Mount.” This enjoyable holiday spot offers beautiful landscapes, lovely beaches, and gorgeous views from the peak of the mountain. Be sure to trek to the top for idyllic photo ops before exploring the bustling streets or relaxing on the beach. A lively town packed with cute art galleries and boutique shops, it's the perfect place to wander and get lost. There are plenty more walking tracks to explore in the area as well, or you can opt to hit the waves, perhaps with a surf lesson!
Day 4 — Geothermal Wonders & an Authentic Māori Experience
The adventure continues the next morning with a journey towards Rotorua, revered as a hotspot (literally!) in New Zealand for its geothermal activity and as a cultural hub for the indigenous Māori people. Known for its 18 different lakes (boiling ones too), as well as geysers, hot springs, and all manner of geothermal wonders there's no better place to explore New Zealand's volcanic nature. It's also the perfect place to visit a Marae or Māori village and learn about the ancient customs and traditions of these proud people.
Champagne Pool at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park
For those looking for a thrilling adrenaline activity, cruising the native rainforest canopy on zip-lines and feeding wild native birds on the award-winning Canopy Tour is a must. For those who prefer to keep their feet planted on the ground, there are also fantastic trails and rope bridges that allow you to explore the ancient forests.
To get your fix for all the bubbling underground activity, be sure to visit to the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park, known as the “most surreal place on earth,” with bubbling mud pools, potent geysers, terraces of otherworldly colors, and plenty of steaming vents.
When it comes to exploring Māori traditions in Rotorua there are plenty of options though we're partial to our small group private visit to a nearby Maori village, where we spend the late afternoon and overnight in the Marae for an immersive experience. Visiting as honored guests of the village means that not only will we be able to enjoy a traditional Māori welcome, also known as Whakatane, and a greeting, known as Hongi, but we'll also experience an intimate evening learning more about the Māori culture.
Hearing Māori myths and legends, experiencing daily living traditions like hot pools and steam, and learning about native plants grown in the village are all highlights of the visit. Of course, we'll also watch and learn how they prepare their traditional Māori kai in the delicious Hangi style – a technique of cooking the food using the underground geothermal activity.
South Island
Day 5 – Christchurch Street Art & the Akaroa Peninsula
Midway through the itinerary, it's time to say goodbye to the North Island and hop on a plane heading south! A quick domestic flight from Rotorua to Christchurch in the morning means you'll be exploring the Garden City by lunchtime. Learning the history of the South Island’s premier city – rebuilt from a red-zone demolition following the major 2011 earthquake - is a fascinating endeavor. There's no better way to explore this inspiring chapter than with an "Urban Art Tour", taking in the multitudes of incredible street murals that began to proliferate throughout the city following the massive quake.
Christchurch Street Art
Driving to Akaroa
In the afternoon, after soaking up the unique urban vibe of Christchurch, it's time to once again set out for the awe-inspiring natural vistas that are always calling. A real treat awaits those that head onto the nearby Akaroa Peninsula, a rare French settlement region just south of Christchurch. Be sure to allow time for photo ops along the scenic drive to the small town of Akaroa, situated on the shores of a beautiful sparkling bay. Those curious to visit New Zealand’s largest blue penguin colony located just across the peninsula are in for a treat. This immersive nature experience is an absolute delight, full of surprises and fascinating information!
Day 6 – Rare Dolphins, Surreal Lakes, & Stars Galore!
You'll wake up in the quaint village of Akaroa with plenty of options at your fingertips for further explorations around this off-the-beaten-path gem. Take it easy with a simple stroll around the cute town, popping into bakeries and local boutiques, or splurge on a one-of-a-kind activity in the waters. Since you are in the only place in the world where you can get close to the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin species (called Hector’s dolphin), it would be silly not to, right??
Responsibly swimming with these beautiful creatures is possible thanks to a mindful operator widely recognized for their commitment to protect and respect the dolphins. And if jumping in the sea isn't for you, there are also fantastic sailing tours that can bring you around the harbor to spot the dolphins while learning more about Akaroa's intriguing history.
Once back onshore and filled with a satiating lunch it's time to bid adieu to Akaroa's French flavors and set out towards Mackenzie County. The first destination to stop and explore in the region is undoubtedly the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo, framed by the Southern Alps and Mount Cook in the distance. Once your explorations and photo ops along Tekapo's shores are achieved, it's time to settle in for the evening. We especially look forward to staying at our countryside hotel, where the rural surroundings create the perfect stargazing opportunities while we overnight in one of the few places on earth to be designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve.
Day 7 – Aoraki Hiking & Farmland Adventures
Another day in paradise begins by heeding the call of New Zealand’s tallest mountain - Aoraki /Mount Cook. Those who love to hike will find no shortage of options, with a range of trails at your disposal from the village. Shorter hikes are available but the well-trodden 3-hour Hooker Valley Track is not particularly challenging and full of rewards. We'll aim to hike the trail earlier on in the day to avoid the busiest hours, allowing for a more tranquil experience while soaking up the rocky terrain and truly impressive views of towering snow-capped peaks.
Image by Fraser Clements
In the afternoon it's onwards to more beautiful landscapes in the iconic Otago region! And what better way to enjoy the rural beauty than with a cozy farm stay? Staying at a former sheep farm converted to one of New Zealand’s largest deer breeding and stud farms, is a unique experience where you can learn all the basics of how this sustainable farm works. Relax and enjoy being surrounded by rolling farmland as far as the eye can see, dotted with beautiful homestead cottages and offering plenty of natural creeks and walking tracks to explore.
Of course, no farm experience would be complete without a traditional farm-style dinner - and you can even join in on the cooking! Getting to experience these unique and immersive activities is one of the huge advantages of small group travel. Smaller group sizes mean less crowded experiences and allow for more authentic, one-of-a-kind interactions with locals.
Day 8 – Wanaka Town & #ThatWanakaTree
After having a peaceful night’s sleep, a hearty farm-style breakfast will start the day and fill you with the energy to fully take advantage of the quaint, nearby town of Wanaka. Located just north of New Zealand's bustling 'Adventure Capital' in Queenstown, Wanaka enjoys a more peaceful vibe while still being on the doorstep for plenty of nearby adventures. With its stunning lakefront cafe views, surrounding mountains, and friendly locals, this town is a true gem of Otago.
A scenic stroll along the lake will bring you to #thatwanakatree, an iconic and isolated willow tree that reaches up crookedly from the lake, and a symbol of hope and endurance. To immerse yourself in the town and the colorful shades of nature around you, perhaps a relaxing bike or wine tour is in order. For those eager to get their adrenaline pumping, bucket-list Via Ferrata (waterfall climbing) adventures are available.
After thoroughly enjoying the beautiful town of Wanaka, the journey continues with sights set on another beautiful lakeside town: Te Anau – the gateway to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound (the 'eighth wonder of the world' according to Rudyard Kipling.) Upon arrival, we'll settle into our boutique accommodations, and perhaps enjoy a pre-dinner wander around the tranquil town and its gorgeous lakefront, framed by mountains and the setting sun.
Day 9 – The Allure of Fiordland & Milford Sound
Though your 10-day itinerary is nearing its end, it will be with a climactic finish! On the 9th day of your adventure, you will get to explore the remote vistas of Fiordland National Park, known for its glacier-carved valleys, countless waterfalls, steep mountains, lush forests – and most importantly, Milford Sound. This natural wonder is an ancient fiord surrounded by majestic peaks, filled with deep black waters home to unique marine life, and often lined by hundreds of waterfalls when it rains (which it does often, being New Zealand's wettest inhabited locale.)
However, before arriving to Milford Sound there are a plethora of incredible stops along the way to take in the wild beauty of this vast region. Mirror Lakes, Cascade Creek, Eglington Valley, Pops View, and The Chasm are just a few of the popular options, but be sure to go with a local guide in order to visit the absolute best spots with all the insider know-how as well as a few lesser-known favorites.
Waterfall at Milford Sound. Image by Adam Bryce
When you finally arrive to Milford Sound it's time to embark on a boat cruise in order to fully appreciate and observe this natural wonder. While many boat tours are available, we prefer the intimate nature of the smallest vessels as they provide an interactive experience, guided by nature specialists eager to share their knowledge on the area, its history, geology, and unique wildlife. Another advantage of the small boats: being able to get as close as possible to the towering waterfalls! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled as you go for seals, dolphins, and penguins.
After an incredible day of unforgettable explorations, it's time to return to Te Anau and enjoy a celebratory dinner while reflecting on all your adventures. Filled with memories that will last a lifetime, this 10-day journey around New Zealand's North & South Islands winds down.
Day 10 — Until Next Time!
All good things must end, and so it is time to say HEI KONĀ MAI (goodbye for now) to Aotearoa. From Te Anau, a 2-3 hour drive will bring you to Queenstown airport for your flight back home.
If you're somehow still not convinced that New Zealand is one of the most alluring places on the planet, here are a few more reasons to book your trip to New Zealand, plus a guide to the best hiking locations and a roundup of the most jaw-dropping landscapes found in this one-of-a-kind corner of the world. Ultimately, that’s why we’ve crafted the perfect 10-day New Zealand itinerary for you! Now, while you await your trip be sure to check out this list of books that will immerse you in New Zealand history, kiwi culture, and Māori traditions before you go.
We hope you'll plan your trip to New Zealand soon!
Whether you join one of our small group tours or embark on a self-guided adventure!
Both are promised to be the ultimate New Zealand itinerary full of adventure, discovery, and culture.
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