2 Week New Zealand Tour Packages

New Zealand itineraries for 2 weeks

Compiled by

SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Days in New Zealand, incl. Auckland and Queenstown

  The diverse route covers 11 major destinations across both islands. Key stops include 2 days in Queenstown, overnight in Franz Josef, and Rotorua's geothermal wonders. Includes domestic flight connection and visits to Milford Sound.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Auckland & Coromandel

    Drive 3 hours from Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula. Visit Hot Water Beach at low tide to create your own natural hot pool. Check tide tables before you go. A traveler shares: "Hot Water Beach was incredible, but bring water shoes - the sand gets scalding hot!" Take a morning kayak trip to Cathedral Cove before the crowds show up.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Rotorua Region

    Travel to Rotorua (3.5 hours) to see its geothermal attractions. Visit Te Puia's mud pools and walk among the Redwoods. Plan to book Hobbiton Movie Set tours at least 2 weeks in advance. A recent visitor noted: "The Redwoods night walk was magical with the suspended bridges lit up. Do this first night when you're still adjusting to jet lag."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Taupo & Tongariro

    Stay in Taupo for hiking adventures. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes 7-8 hours and needs an early start. Book shuttle services ahead of time. If you prefer something easier, try the Huka Falls walks. A traveler suggests: "Book accommodations on the lake side, the morning views are worth the slight premium."

    
  • Day 7

    Waitomo & Raglan

    Start early for Waitomo Caves (2.5 hours from Taupo). Reserve blackwater rafting ahead of time. They provide wetsuits but pack warm clothes to change into. Head to the surf town of Raglan afterward. Book morning surf lessons when the winds are calmer.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Christchurch & Lake Tekapo

    Take an evening flight to Christchurch. The next day, drive to Lake Tekapo (3 hours) for stargazing at Mt. John Observatory. Book night tours in advance since they often cancel in cloudy weather. Choose lakeside accommodation for the best photo opportunities.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Queenstown & Milford Sound

    Take the scenic Lindis Pass to Queenstown (4 hours). Plan a day trip to Milford Sound (4 hours each way). Book the earliest cruise possible. A traveler recommends: "The 7 AM cruise had way better visibility than afternoon ones. Pack motion sickness pills for the winding road."

  • Days 12-13

    Franz Josef

    Travel to Franz Josef (5 hours) for glacier activities. Book heli-hikes several months ahead during peak season. A recent visitor warns: "The weather changes fast - book heli-hike for your first morning to allow backup days if canceled."

  • Day 14

    Return to Christchurch

    Take the scenic route through Arthur's Pass (5 hours) back to Christchurch. Stop in Hokitika to shop for greenstone. Book evening flights out to make the most of your final day.

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• 14 Days in New Zealand South Island, incl. Queenstown and Franz Josef

  A spectacular route covers 9 key destinations across South Island, from Lake Tekapo's stargazing to Milford Sound's cruises. Includes 13 nights accommodation, daily breakfasts, and activities from glacier hiking to wine tasting, approx. $150 per day with luxury transport between locations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

    Take a 3-hour drive to Lake Tekapo's turquoise waters. Book an evening hot spring session for stargazing in the world's largest Dark Sky Reserve. The temperatures drop significantly after sunset, so pack warm layers.

    
  • Days 2-4

    Queenstown Region

    Drive through the scenic Lindis Pass to reach Queenstown. Plan your Milford Sound trip for your first full day. Start early at 7 AM for the 4-hour drive to see the stunning Mirror Lakes. Book your adventure activities like bungy jumping early. "Weather definitely plays a big role in your activities - be flexible with your schedule," a recent visitor shared.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Franz Josef

    Take the scenic 5-hour drive along the West Coast to Franz Josef. Book glacier heli-hikes ($469) in advance but have backup days planned. Alternative activities include quad biking or relaxing in glacier hot pools if the weather doesn't cooperate.

    
  • Day 7

    Return to Christchurch

    Travel through Arthur's Pass back to Christchurch. Allow 6-7 hours for the drive with photo stops. The road gets quite winding, so consider motion sickness pills if needed. Spend your afternoon exploring Christchurch's rebuilt city center.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Punakaiki Coast

    Drive north to see the dramatic West Coast. Visit the Pancake Rocks during high tide for the best blowholes. "Don't miss the coastal forest walks - the limestone formations are incredible," recommended one traveler.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Spend three days exploring this stunning coastal park. Book kayaking trips in the early morning when the water is calmest. Visit Te Waikoropupū Springs for incredibly clear waters. "The Abel Tasman kayak and walk experience ($150) gives you the best of both worlds," shared a visitor.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Marlborough & Kaikoura

    Taste wines in Marlborough's famous Sauvignon Blanc vineyards. Book whale watching trips ($150) in Kaikoura for early morning when seas are calmest. Return to Christchurch by 3 PM on your final day. Book evening flights after 5 PM domestic or 7 PM international to allow buffer time.

    

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• 14 Days in New Zealand, incl. Queenstown and Auckland

  A magnificent tour visiting 7 major destinations from Queenstown to Auckland. Highlights include overnight Milford Sound cruise, 2 nights at Franz Josef Glacier, TranzAlpine journey through Arthur's Pass, Coastal Pacific along Kaikoura coast, and Northern Explorer past Mt Ruapehu.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Queenstown

    Begin your journey in Queenstown, New Zealand's adventure hub. Visit the Gibbston Valley wine trail to sample excellent Pinot Noir or take a trip across Lake Wakatipu on the TSS Earnslaw steamship. Get the best views of the city by taking the gondola up early before the crowds arrive. Book popular restaurants like Rata several weeks ahead to avoid disappointment.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Milford Sound & Return

    The 5-hour drive to Milford Sound goes through Te Anau, a perfect spot to break up your journey. Stay overnight on the Milford Mariner to see the fiord at its most peaceful. You can kayak or take small boat trips while anchored in Harrison Cove. Bring warm clothes even in summer. On your way back to Queenstown, take the scenic route to see Mirror Lakes.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Franz Josef Glacier

    Drive over Crown Range to Franz Josef on New Zealand's highest sealed road. Stop at the Blue Pools walk, an easy 1-hour round trip through beautiful beech forest. Plan two nights here to explore the 12km glacier. Book helicopter tours early as weather often affects schedules.

    
  • Day 7

    TranzAlpine Train Journey

    Head to Greymouth to catch the TranzAlpine train to Christchurch. This 4.5-hour journey is one of the world's best rail trips, taking you through Arthur's Pass National Park and across Canterbury Plains. Pick a seat on the left side for the best mountain views.

    
  • Days 8-9

    Christchurch to Wellington

    Start with a tour of Christchurch on its historic tram system. Take the Coastal Pacific train along the Kaikoura coast, then catch the Interislander ferry for a 3-hour trip to Wellington through Marlborough Sounds. The water can be rough, so bring motion sickness medication if needed.

    
  • Days 10-11

    Wellington

    Ride the cable car for great city views. A local shares: "Don't miss Te Papa museum - it's free and the Gallipoli exhibit is incredible. Allow at least 3 hours." The city has lots of hills, so pack good walking shoes.

  • Days 12-14

    Auckland

    Take the Northern Explorer train through volcanic landscapes to reach Auckland. Use the city's hop-on-hop-off bus to get around easily. Stay downtown near Viaduct Harbour and the ferry terminal. Popular spots like Sky Tower get busy, especially when cruise ships are in port, so book ahead.

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