3 Day New Zealand Tour Packages

New Zealand itineraries for 3 days

Compiled by

SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Day New Zealand's Fiordland Itinerary, incl. Queenstown and Doubtful Sound

  The 3-day route winds through Queenstown, Te Anau, and Doubtful Sound, with accommodations split between a Te Anau hotel and the Fiordland Navigator vessel. Marvel at Te Anau Glowworm Caves, traverse Wilmot Pass, and cruise Doubtful Sound's secluded arms.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Queenstown to Te Anau

    Take a morning drive south from Queenstown along Lake Wakatipu. You'll pass the striking Remarkable mountain range and Kingston before entering Southland's peaceful farmland. Remember to pack warm layers for the Te Anau Glowworm Caves evening tour. The caves stay cool throughout the year. One visitor shared: "The delicate glow of thousands of tiny glowworms in complete darkness was magical, though getting in and out of the small boats requires good balance."

    
  • Day 2

    Doubtful Sound Overnight Cruise

    Your adventure starts with a 12:30 PM departure from Manapouri. Take a one-hour ferry across Lake Manapouri before boarding a coach for the trip over Wilmot Pass. If you get motion sickness on winding roads, bring some tablets. You'll spend the night on the Fiordland Navigator which offers private cabins and quad-share bunks. A recent guest noted: "The overnight cruise was incredible. Make sure to join the guided kayaking excursion – we spotted fur seals up close and the fiord feels even more immense from water level."

    
  • Day 3

    Return to Queenstown

    After breakfast on the boat you'll arrive back in Manapouri around midday. The return trip to Queenstown takes about 4 hours with stops included. Leave some flexibility in your evening plans because afternoon traffic near Queenstown can get busy in peak season. The drive through Mossburn, known as New Zealand's deer farming capital, offers excellent countryside photo spots.

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Days in New Zealand's Northland, incl. Auckland and Cape Reinga

  North Island highlights unfold over 3 days from Auckland to Paihia and Cape Reinga, covering 460km. Two nights in Paihia, tours of Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Cape Brett lighthouse, and meals including 2 breakfasts and lunch at Cape Reinga.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Auckland to Paihia & Waitangi

    Take the early coach from Auckland's Hobson Street terminal to start your northern adventure. The 4-hour journey stops at interesting places like Puhoi, New Zealand's only Bohemian settlement, and Whangarei. A recent visitor shared: "Everything ran like clockwork... the hotel was of a very good standard and the trip guides were informative and entertaining." After arriving in Paihia, visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. You can walk there along the coast in 25 minutes or take a quick 5-minute taxi. Plan to catch the afternoon cultural performance with traditional waiata and haka performances. The Bay of Islands gets cool in late afternoon, so pack a light jacket. Round off your day with a Hole in the Rock cruise. With good weather, you'll get to sail through the famous rock formation. Want to spot dolphins? Grab a spot on the outdoor viewing deck, starboard side. Keep in mind what one visitor noted: "For the previous 10 days this had been an issue with wind and rain." Have a backup plan ready.

    
  • Day 2

    Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach

    Your full-day Cape Reinga adventure starts early. The coach takes you up Ninety Mile Beach. Wear shoes you won't mind getting sandy. A recent traveler said: "The highlight of the trip was driving on the beach and seeing the tip of the North where the Tasmanian Sea meets with the Pacific Ocean." Stop at Te Paki Stream to try sandboarding on the giant dunes if you're up for it. You'll need sunscreen and water since Cape Reinga offers little shade. The tour includes lunch to break up the journey. One guest pointed out: "A lot of driving though!" so be ready for a full day on the road.

    
  • Day 3

    Waitangi & Return to Auckland

    Use your morning to revisit Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Your pass works for two days, perfect for exploring Te Kōngahu Museum and Te Rau Aroha Museum if you missed them earlier. Check out of your Paihia hotel by 10 AM for the afternoon coach to Auckland. The 4-hour return trip passes through Kawakawa, nicknamed 'train town' by locals. Try to arrive in Auckland outside rush hour to avoid heavy harbor bridge traffic.

    

  View itinerary

• 3 Days in New Zealand's South Island, incl. Queenstown and Franz Josef

  A 513km adventure spans 3 days, connecting Queenstown, Wanaka, Franz Josef, Greymouth, and Christchurch. The route features Blue Pools track, Franz Josef Glacier Valley Walk, and scenic TranzAlpine train passage.

  

  View itinerary Compare 3 days itineraries
  • Day 1

    Queenstown to Wanaka

    Pick up your rental car at Queenstown Airport and take the Crown Range Road north. At 1,121 meters it's New Zealand's highest sealed road. The drive to Wanaka usually takes an hour but set aside 90 minutes so you can stop for photos at the summit. A recent visitor advised: "The views from Crown Range Road were incredible, but take it slow on the hairpin turns, especially if you're not used to driving on the left."

    
  • Day 2

    Wanaka to Franz Josef

    This 282 km journey takes about 3.5 hours of driving time. Get an early start to make the most of your glacier visit. You'll follow Lakes Wanaka and Hawea until you reach Makarora. Stop at the Blue Pools for a one-hour return walk but try to arrive before 10 AM to beat the tour buses and get the best water clarity. You'll cross swing bridges over crystal-clear water where you can spot large trout swimming below. After passing through Haast Pass you'll reach Franz Josef. Plan to do the Glacier Valley Walk in mid-afternoon when the lighting is best for photos. You'll walk along the Waiho River bed to see the glacier's terminal face. After your walk relax in the Franz Josef hot pools which come included with your valley walk ticket. The pools stay open until 10 PM.

    
  • Day 3

    Franz Josef to Christchurch via TranzAlpine

    The 170 km drive to Greymouth takes about 2.5 hours. Stop in Hokitika to visit the greenstone carving studios. It's the best spot to buy authentic pounamu (New Zealand jade). Make sure to arrive at Greymouth station at least 30 minutes before your train departs. The 4.5-hour TranzAlpine train ride is a South Island highlight. Choose a seat on the left side heading east for the best views of the Southern Alps. There's an open-air viewing car but it gets cold so bring warm clothes. One traveler noted: "The journey through Arthur's Pass was breathtaking. Get to the viewing platform early for the best photos, but don't forget your jacket even in summer."

    

  View itinerary