Oceania · Volcanoes, Hobbiton, fjords & the Southern Alps
Geysers and Māori culture in Rotorua, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a scenic train to Wellington, Milford Sound and the lakes and peaks around Queenstown.
Overview
New Zealand is about as far from Geneva as you can go, and its landscapes are worth the journey: volcanoes, geysers and glow-worm caves in the North Island, fjords, glaciers and alpine lakes in the South. It's a paradise for walkers and adventure lovers, with Māori culture, excellent wine and some of the friendliest people anywhere. Most visitors rent a campervan, but you can travel without a car. InterCity coaches, the scenic trains (Northern Explorer, TranzAlpine), cheap domestic flights and excellent day tours cover everything on this route. The big trade-off is time: with 25–30 h of travel each way and a 10–12-hour jet lag, three weeks or more is much better. In 10–14 days, pick the relaxed version with two bases.
Scorecard
Tap a criterion to see why it got that score.
Average of 20 criteria
Great lamb, seafood, pies and flat whites, and excellent wine; not a big food culture.
Māori culture, Hobbiton and Te Papa; towns are young and small.
Volcanoes, fjords, glaciers, lakes and forests: world-class and varied.
Beautiful beaches (Waiheke, Coromandel), but the sea is cool.
Glow-worms, dolphins, fur seals, kea parrots, penguins and whales.
The world's adventure capital: great walks, bungee, jet boats, rafting, biking.
Lively in Queenstown and Wellington; quiet elsewhere.
Many travel days; the relaxed version helps.
Geothermal fields, volcanoes, cities, fjords and alpine lakes.
25–30 h with one or two stops: the longest trip on this list.
Coaches, scenic trains, flights and tours work well, but schedules are sparse.
English-speaking, very organised; NZeTA and visitor levy online.
+10 to +12 h: day and night completely flipped.
Deserves 3–4 weeks; in 10–14 days, focus on two regions.
Expensive: hotels, tours and domestic flights; food prices close to Switzerland.
Mild summers (20–25°C), but very changeable: four seasons in a day.
Very safe; the risks are weather in the mountains and driving on the left (not your problem!).
No health risks; excellent care.
Motels, lodges and B&Bs of good quality, but pricey and booked out in summer.
Busy in Queenstown and at Milford in summer; lots of empty space otherwise.
When to go
Go from December to March for the best weather (February and March are ideal), or October–November and April for fewer crowds.
Getting there
Fly to Auckland (AKL) via Dubai (Emirates flies Dubai–Auckland non-stop) or Singapore, 25–30 h in total. Fly home from Queenstown or Christchurch via Sydney, Auckland or Singapore.
| Routing | Airline | Stops | Travel time | Return, economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GVA → DXB → AKL | Emirates | 1 | 25h–28h | CHF 1500–2500 |
| GVA → ZRH → SIN → AKL | SWISS + Singapore Airlines | 2 | 26h–30h | CHF 1500–2600 |
| GVA → DOH → AKL | Qatar Airways | 1 | 26h–29h | CHF 1500–2500 |
| ZQN → SYD → DXB → GVA (return) One-way price home from Queenstown. | Qantas / Air NZ + Emirates | 2 | 28h–32h | CHF 800–1400 |
Itinerary
Pick a trip length. Day 1 is arrival day and the last day is departure day; the overnight flights are extra. Each transfer lists every option, with the recommended one first.
Hobbiton, geysers, the Tongariro Crossing, the Northern Explorer train, then Milford Sound.
🧭 Explorer 5 bases · 4 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
South along Lake Taupō to the foot of Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).
Break the journey at the falls.
A 2-h loop to a waterfall below Ruapehu.
19.4 km across a volcanic landscape: the Red Crater, the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake, with Mount Ngauruhoe beside you.
7–8 h, one way, 800 m of climbing; only in good weather.
A scenic train over viaducts and the famous Raurimu Spiral, down to the capital.
Wellington's bohemian heart.
A spectacular flight over the Southern Alps to Queenstown, and a gondola ride at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
The famous burger (expect a queue).
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
A last lakeside breakfast, then fly via Auckland or Sydney.
Coffee with a view of the Remarkables.
Two bases, one flight between them: geothermal North, alpine South.
🌴 Relaxed 3 bases · 2 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
The Waitomo caves lit by thousands of glow-worms, by boat or on a black-water rafting trip.
A silent boat under a sky of blue glow-worms.
Float through the caves on an inner tube.
Mountain biking in the Redwoods, a soak in Kerosene Creek, or the Polynesian Spa.
A natural hot stream and waterfall in the bush.
World-class trails; bike hire in town.
A flight from Rotorua (via Auckland or Christchurch) to Queenstown, and the gondola at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
The road to Glenorchy along the lake ('Paradise'), or a bike ride through the Gibbston wineries.
Mountains, lake and Lord of the Rings locations.
Pinot noir tastings by e-bike.
A last lakeside breakfast, then fly via Auckland or Sydney.
Coffee with a view of the Remarkables.
Te Papa and the capital's cafés.
🧭 Explorer 5 bases · 4 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
South along Lake Taupō to the foot of Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).
Break the journey at the falls.
A 2-h loop to a waterfall below Ruapehu.
19.4 km across a volcanic landscape: the Red Crater, the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake, with Mount Ngauruhoe beside you.
7–8 h, one way, 800 m of climbing; only in good weather.
A scenic train over viaducts and the famous Raurimu Spiral, down to the capital.
Wellington's bohemian heart.
The national museum Te Papa, the cable car to the Botanic Garden, Mount Victoria lookout and the Weta Workshop.
Excellent free national museum: Māori culture, nature and the Gallipoli exhibition.
Up by cable car, down through the gardens.
Behind the scenes of The Lord of the Rings props.
A spectacular flight over the Southern Alps to Queenstown, and a gondola ride at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
The famous burger (expect a queue).
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
A last lakeside breakfast, then fly via Auckland or Sydney.
Coffee with a view of the Remarkables.
Huka Falls and the rock carvings.
🌴 Relaxed 3 bases · 2 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
The Waitomo caves lit by thousands of glow-worms, by boat or on a black-water rafting trip.
A silent boat under a sky of blue glow-worms.
Float through the caves on an inner tube.
Huka Falls, the Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō by boat, and a hot-river swim.
Turquoise rapids, and a jet boat to the foot of the falls.
Modern Māori carvings reached only by boat.
Mountain biking in the Redwoods, a soak in Kerosene Creek, or the Polynesian Spa.
A natural hot stream and waterfall in the bush.
World-class trails; bike hire in town.
A flight from Rotorua (via Auckland or Christchurch) to Queenstown, and the gondola at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
The road to Glenorchy along the lake ('Paradise'), or a bike ride through the Gibbston wineries.
Mountains, lake and Lord of the Rings locations.
Pinot noir tastings by e-bike.
A last lakeside breakfast, then fly via Auckland or Sydney.
Coffee with a view of the Remarkables.
A slower last day around Queenstown.
🧭 Explorer 5 bases · 4 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
South along Lake Taupō to the foot of Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).
Break the journey at the falls.
A 2-h loop to a waterfall below Ruapehu.
19.4 km across a volcanic landscape: the Red Crater, the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake, with Mount Ngauruhoe beside you.
7–8 h, one way, 800 m of climbing; only in good weather.
A scenic train over viaducts and the famous Raurimu Spiral, down to the capital.
Wellington's bohemian heart.
The national museum Te Papa, the cable car to the Botanic Garden, Mount Victoria lookout and the Weta Workshop.
Excellent free national museum: Māori culture, nature and the Gallipoli exhibition.
Up by cable car, down through the gardens.
Behind the scenes of The Lord of the Rings props.
A spectacular flight over the Southern Alps to Queenstown, and a gondola ride at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
The famous burger (expect a queue).
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
The road to Glenorchy along the lake ('Paradise'), or a bike ride through the Gibbston wineries.
Mountains, lake and Lord of the Rings locations.
Pinot noir tastings by e-bike.
A last lakeside breakfast, then fly via Auckland or Sydney.
Coffee with a view of the Remarkables.
A day trip over the Crown Range.
🌴 Relaxed 3 bases · 2 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
The Waitomo caves lit by thousands of glow-worms, by boat or on a black-water rafting trip.
A silent boat under a sky of blue glow-worms.
Float through the caves on an inner tube.
Huka Falls, the Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō by boat, and a hot-river swim.
Turquoise rapids, and a jet boat to the foot of the falls.
Modern Māori carvings reached only by boat.
Mountain biking in the Redwoods, a soak in Kerosene Creek, or the Polynesian Spa.
A natural hot stream and waterfall in the bush.
World-class trails; bike hire in town.
A flight from Rotorua (via Auckland or Christchurch) to Queenstown, and the gondola at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
Over the Crown Range to Wānaka: the lone lakeside tree, the Roys Peak or Rob Roy glacier track, and lake swims.
A 3–4-h walk to a hanging glacier.
The famous willow in the lake.
The road to Glenorchy along the lake ('Paradise'), or a bike ride through the Gibbston wineries.
Mountains, lake and Lord of the Rings locations.
Pinot noir tastings by e-bike.
A last lakeside breakfast, then fly via Auckland or Sydney.
Coffee with a view of the Remarkables.
Finish via Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo to Christchurch.
🧭 Explorer 7 bases · 6 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
South along Lake Taupō to the foot of Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).
Break the journey at the falls.
A 2-h loop to a waterfall below Ruapehu.
19.4 km across a volcanic landscape: the Red Crater, the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake, with Mount Ngauruhoe beside you.
7–8 h, one way, 800 m of climbing; only in good weather.
A scenic train over viaducts and the famous Raurimu Spiral, down to the capital.
Wellington's bohemian heart.
A spectacular flight over the Southern Alps to Queenstown, and a gondola ride at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
The famous burger (expect a queue).
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
A coach through Central Otago and the Lindis Pass to the foot of New Zealand's highest mountain.
A 40-min walk to icebergs in the glacier lake.
One of the darkest skies on Earth.
The Hooker Valley track across swing bridges to a glacier lake below Aoraki, and a boat among icebergs on the Tasman lake.
10 km return, easy, with the peak ahead of you.
Icebergs in the Tasman Glacier terminal lake (Sep–May).
A coach past the turquoise Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd, to Christchurch.
A stone chapel on the lake (lupins in Nov–Dec).
Punting on the Avon and the Botanic Gardens, then fly home via Singapore, Sydney or Auckland.
A slow boat through the Botanic Gardens.
Six nights in Queenstown.
🌴 Relaxed 3 bases · 2 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
The Waitomo caves lit by thousands of glow-worms, by boat or on a black-water rafting trip.
A silent boat under a sky of blue glow-worms.
Float through the caves on an inner tube.
Huka Falls, the Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō by boat, and a hot-river swim.
Turquoise rapids, and a jet boat to the foot of the falls.
Modern Māori carvings reached only by boat.
Mountain biking in the Redwoods, a soak in Kerosene Creek, or the Polynesian Spa.
A natural hot stream and waterfall in the bush.
World-class trails; bike hire in town.
A flight from Rotorua (via Auckland or Christchurch) to Queenstown, and the gondola at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
Over the Crown Range to Wānaka: the lone lakeside tree, the Roys Peak or Rob Roy glacier track, and lake swims.
A 3–4-h walk to a hanging glacier.
The famous willow in the lake.
The road to Glenorchy along the lake ('Paradise'), or a bike ride through the Gibbston wineries.
Mountains, lake and Lord of the Rings locations.
Pinot noir tastings by e-bike.
The road to Glenorchy along the lake ('Paradise'), or a bike ride through the Gibbston wineries.
Mountains, lake and Lord of the Rings locations.
Pinot noir tastings by e-bike.
A last lakeside breakfast, then fly via Auckland or Sydney.
Coffee with a view of the Remarkables.
Volcanoes, the capital, fjords and the Southern Alps.
🧭 Explorer 7 bases · 6 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
South along Lake Taupō to the foot of Mount Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).
Break the journey at the falls.
A 2-h loop to a waterfall below Ruapehu.
19.4 km across a volcanic landscape: the Red Crater, the Emerald Lakes and Blue Lake, with Mount Ngauruhoe beside you.
7–8 h, one way, 800 m of climbing; only in good weather.
A scenic train over viaducts and the famous Raurimu Spiral, down to the capital.
Wellington's bohemian heart.
The national museum Te Papa, the cable car to the Botanic Garden, Mount Victoria lookout and the Weta Workshop.
Excellent free national museum: Māori culture, nature and the Gallipoli exhibition.
Up by cable car, down through the gardens.
Behind the scenes of The Lord of the Rings props.
A spectacular flight over the Southern Alps to Queenstown, and a gondola ride at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
The famous burger (expect a queue).
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
A coach through Central Otago and the Lindis Pass to the foot of New Zealand's highest mountain.
A 40-min walk to icebergs in the glacier lake.
One of the darkest skies on Earth.
The Hooker Valley track across swing bridges to a glacier lake below Aoraki, and a boat among icebergs on the Tasman lake.
10 km return, easy, with the peak ahead of you.
Icebergs in the Tasman Glacier terminal lake (Sep–May).
A coach past the turquoise Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo's Church of the Good Shepherd, to Christchurch.
A stone chapel on the lake (lupins in Nov–Dec).
Punting on the Avon and the Botanic Gardens, then fly home via Singapore, Sydney or Auckland.
A slow boat through the Botanic Gardens.
Start with wine and beaches near Auckland.
🌴 Relaxed 3 bases · 2 moves
Land after 25+ h of travel, the SkyDrive bus into town (40 min), and a gentle walk up Mount Eden for the view.
A volcanic crater with views over the city and both harbours.
Seafood on the waterfront.
A 40-min ferry to the wine island: beaches, vineyards with lunch, and sculptures on the coastal walk.
Hop-on bus between wineries (Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Tantalus).
A coach south through the green Waikato, with Hobbiton on the way (book a tour with a drop-off in Rotorua).
44 hobbit holes and a drink at the Green Dragon inn.
Hot mineral pools on the lake.
The colourful Wai-O-Tapu thermal park and Lady Knox geyser, the redwood forest canopy walk, and an evening hāngī feast in a Māori village.
The Champagne Pool, Devil's Bath and boiling mud.
Suspension bridges between giant redwoods, lit with lanterns at night.
Haka, songs and food cooked in an earth oven.
The Waitomo caves lit by thousands of glow-worms, by boat or on a black-water rafting trip.
A silent boat under a sky of blue glow-worms.
Float through the caves on an inner tube.
Huka Falls, the Māori rock carvings on Lake Taupō by boat, and a hot-river swim.
Turquoise rapids, and a jet boat to the foot of the falls.
Modern Māori carvings reached only by boat.
Mountain biking in the Redwoods, a soak in Kerosene Creek, or the Polynesian Spa.
A natural hot stream and waterfall in the bush.
World-class trails; bike hire in town.
A flight from Rotorua (via Auckland or Christchurch) to Queenstown, and the gondola at sunset.
Views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.
A coach through Fiordland's valleys to Milford Sound and a cruise below Mitre Peak and waterfalls; seals and dolphins.
12–13 h return from Queenstown, with stops at the Mirror Lakes.
The original bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet boat, or the Queenstown Hill hike.
43 m over the river, where commercial bungee started.
Spins through a narrow canyon.
2–3 h return for a view over the lake.
Over the Crown Range to Wānaka: the lone lakeside tree, the Roys Peak or Rob Roy glacier track, and lake swims.
A 3–4-h walk to a hanging glacier.
The famous willow in the lake.
The road to Glenorchy along the lake ('Paradise'), or a bike ride through the Gibbston wineries.
Mountains, lake and Lord of the Rings locations.
Pinot noir tastings by e-bike.
The road to Glenorchy along the lake ('Paradise'), or a bike ride through the Gibbston wineries.
Mountains, lake and Lord of the Rings locations.
Pinot noir tastings by e-bike.
A last lakeside breakfast, then fly via Auckland or Sydney.
Coffee with a view of the Remarkables.
Skip a region, add beach days, change the pace… Suggest changes and a new version of this trip will be created.
Getting around
InterCity coaches between towns, the Northern Explorer train through the central North Island, a domestic flight between the islands, and tours and shuttles for the big sights.
InterCity coaches are comfortable and punctual but infrequent.
Scenic trains: spectacular, but only a few a week.
Air New Zealand flies everywhere; cheap if booked early.
Excellent tours with pick-up for all the major sights.
The Interislander ferry (Wellington–Picton) if you go overland to the South Island.
Where to stay & budget
Per person per day, excluding international flights, sharing a room. Adventure activities (bungee, jet boats, scenic flights) cost CHF 120–400 each.
The 'City of Sails' spread over volcanic cones between two harbours, with wine islands a ferry ride away.
Where: Viaduct Harbour / Britomart (ferries and buses).
A geothermal town of geysers, boiling mud and hot pools, and a centre of Māori culture; Hobbiton and the Waitomo glow-worm caves are within reach.
Where: Near the lakefront or Eat Streat.
A tiny village at the foot of three active volcanoes, the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often called the best day hike in New Zealand.
Where: National Park Village (train station) or Whakapapa.
A compact, windy and creative capital on a harbour: the Te Papa museum, cable car, craft beer, coffee and Weta Workshop.
Where: Te Aro / Cuba Street or the waterfront.
The adventure capital on Lake Wakatipu below the Remarkables: bungee, jet boats, hikes, wine, and the base for Milford Sound.
Where: Central Queenstown (walkable) or Frankton on the lake.
A tiny alpine village below New Zealand's highest peak, at the end of the Hooker Valley and in the Aoraki Mackenzie dark-sky reserve.
Where: Mount Cook Village.
The garden city, rebuilt with creativity after the 2011 earthquakes, and the start of the TranzAlpine railway.
Where: Central city, near the Botanic Gardens.
Practical
Information last checked: September 2026. Visa rules, prices and timetables change, so always check before booking.
Wanderlist