The short answer
- Islands
- North, South or both
- Add ons
- Bay of Islands, Abel Tasman, West Coast, Wanaka
- Minimum
- About 7 days
- Rule we follow
- No more than one very long drive
New Zealand looks small on a map, but its roads are slow and winding, and the two islands are joined by a 3.5 hour ferry. A good route does less, better.
Choose your month, days and extras below. When you're happy, send the route to a local specialist for a free quote, or compare ready made tours.
Build your route
1. When are you going?
2. How many days do you have, including travel days?
3. Which islands?
4. Anything to add?
Your 18 day route for February. We have added 2 spare nights where they help most. About 24 hours of driving in total.
- February is summer: long days and the best weather for walks and lakes. It's also the busiest and priciest time, so book tours and campervans early.
- The longest drive on this route is about 5 hrs. New Zealand roads are winding and slow, so allow extra time or break the day.
- Book the Cook Strait ferry ahead in summer, especially with a car or campervan. Rental companies often ask you to swap cars at each terminal.
| Days | Where | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Auckland | Arrive in Auckland: the harbour, Sky Tower and a ferry to Waiheke Island |
| 2 | Waitomo and Hobbiton | Drive about 2.5 hrsGlowworm caves at Waitomo and the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata |
| 3 to 5 | Rotorua | Drive about 2 hrsGeysers, mud pools and a Maori cultural evening |
| 6 | Taupo and Tongariro | Drive about 1 hrLake Taupo, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing if the weather allows |
| 7 | Wellington | Drive about 4.5 hrsTe Papa museum and the waterfront, then the ferry across Cook Strait |
| 8 | Kaikoura | Cook Strait ferry, about 3.5 hrs, then a short driveWhale watching and seals on the coast |
| 9 | Lake Tekapo | Drive about 5 hrsThe Church of the Good Shepherd and stargazing in the dark sky reserve |
| 10 | Mount Cook | Drive about 1.5 hrsThe Hooker Valley Track to the glacier lake below Aoraki/Mount Cook |
| 11 to 12 | Wanaka | Drive about 2.5 hrsLakeside walks, the famous tree and the climb up Roys Peak |
| 13 to 16 | Queenstown | Drive about 1 hrGondola, jet boats, bungy jumps and lake cruises |
| 17 | Te Anau and Milford Sound | Drive about 2 hrsA cruise on Milford Sound, on New Zealand's most scenic road |
| 18 | Queenstown | Back to Queenstown (2 hrs) for your flight home |
Rough cost per person
NZ$5,900 to 8,600 on a small group tour
About NZ$5,600 driving yourself, for two sharing
Without international flights. Compare every option in our cost calculator.
Want this route as a tour?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for your dates.
Or compare ready made tours: New Zealand tours →
How the planner decides
- Direction: Both island trips run north to south, from Auckland to Queenstown or Christchurch, so you don't drive back the way you came.
- The season: It warns about winter roads, the Great Walks season, lupins and autumn colours. See the best time to visit.
- Long drives: It flags any leg of 5 hours or more.
- Spare days: Extra days go to Queenstown first, then Rotorua, Wanaka and Abel Tasman.
- Costs: A rough small group tour price and a self drive estimate. Compare in detail in the cost calculator.
Rather have a trip to New Zealand made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the cost?
It's a rough guide per person without international flights. Your dates, accommodation and activities make a big difference.
Can I change the route?
Yes. Send it with the quote button and a specialist will adapt it to your dates and budget.
New Zealand month by month
More New Zealand guides
Best time to visit New Zealand: seasons, weather and what to do by month
December to March is the best time for most of New Zealand: long days, warm weather and the Great Walks open. March and April are the sweet spot, still warm but quieter. June to September is for skiing and the southern lights.
Updated 17 October 2026
New Zealand: guided tour or self drive? An honest comparison
Self drive is usually cheaper for two or more people and gives total freedom, but you plan everything and drive long, winding roads on the left. A tour costs more per person, but removes the driving, planning and booking, and suits solo travellers, first timers and anyone who'd rather look at the scenery.
Updated 17 October 2026
How much does a New Zealand tour cost? Prices by tour type and a calculator
Expect about NZ$330 to 480 per person per day on a small group tour, NZ$380 to 560 on a classic coach tour and NZ$750 or more on a premium tour. Driving yourself costs about NZ$250 to 330 a day each for two sharing, including activities. Add NZ$117 for the NZeTA and visitor levy unless you're Australian.
Updated 17 October 2026
New Zealand itineraries: 7, 10, 14 and 21 days
With a week, stay in the South Island. Ten days adds Milford Sound and Mount Cook at a better pace; two weeks covers the highlights of both islands; three weeks adds the West Coast glaciers and Abel Tasman.
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