New Zealand in 12 Days: 4 Recommended 12-day Itineraries to New Zealand
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New Zealand 12-day Itinerary Options
Our top four New Zealand 12-day itinerary suggestions below that allows you to balance adventure with relaxation for an unforgettable trip to New Zealand.
Itinerary #1: Culture and Nature of New Zealand
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Wellington and visit the wildlife sanctuary of Zealandia | Arrival |
| Day 2 | Travel to Ohakune and have dinner at the Powderhorn | Transfer |
| Day 3 | Explore the mountaintops with sweeping vistas at Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Exploration |
| Day 4 | Soak in the healing waters of natural hot springs in Taupo | Relaxation |
| Day 5 | Hike the trails at the geothermal center in Rotorua | Hiking |
| Day 6 | Visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House for a close encounter with the native birds | Wildlife spotting |
| Day 7 | Explore the coastline and meet the local penguins at Pukekura Park | Wildlife spotting |
| Day 8 | Visit Hamilton Gardens and rest easy for the night | Exploration |
| Day 9 | Travel to the Coromandel Peninsula and the beaches of Flaxmill Bay | Beach relaxation |
| Day 10 | Make your way to Auckland for a relaxing dinner along the waterfront | Exploration |
| Day 11 | Take a day trip to the wildlife sanctuary at Tiritiri Matangi Island | Wildlife spotting |
| Day 12 | Say goodbye to New Zealand with a flight home from Auckland | Departure |
This 12-day New Zealand trip focuses on the North Island's natural wonders. Begin in Wellington at Zealandia wildlife sanctuary, then head to Ohakune for mountain views. Tackle the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, soak in Taupo's hot springs, and explore Rotorua's geothermal marvels. Encounter kiwi birds at Otorohanga and blue penguins at Pukekura Park. Relax at Hamilton Gardens before experiencing the stunning beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, including Flaxmill Bay. Conclude in Auckland with a visit to Tiritiri Matangi Island sanctuary. This journey showcases the North Island's diverse ecosystems, from volcanic landscapes to pristine coastlines, offering a deep dive into New Zealand's unique flora and fauna.
Itinerary #2: Ultimate South Island Excursion
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch and take the Gondola for views of the caldera and Pegasus Bay | Arrival |
| Day 2 | Visit the natural wonders found along Marlborough Sounds | Exploration |
| Day 3 | Take the Abel Tasman Coast Track to see top-rated beaches like Kaiteriteri Beach | Beach exploration |
| Day 4 | Discover one of New Zealand’s most beloved coastlines at Tōtaranui and Wharariki Beaches, then stay the night at Motukiekie | Beach activities |
| Day 5 | Wake up to the sights of Motukiekie Beach, then take in the deep turquoise waters from the trails at Hokitika Gorge Walk | Beach exploration |
| Day 6 | Get a closer look at ancient glaciers with an overnight stay in Franz Joseph | Glacier exploration |
| Day 7 | Travel to Queenstown to unwind over dinner with a Fergberger | Transfer |
| Day 8 | Embark on a helicopter flight to Earnslaw Burn with cascading waterfall scenery | Helicopter ride |
| Day 9 | Board a cruise to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound for a unique look at the coastline from the water | Cruise tour |
| Day 10 | Take a day trip to Lake Wanaka and hike to the top of the mountain for incredible views of the surroundings | Hiking |
| Day 11 | Unwind in Queenstown’s onsens after hiking the trails | Hiking |
| Day 12 | Prepare to depart New Zealand with a flight from Queenstown | Departure |
If you’re looking for an adventure, this 12 days in New Zealand itinerary is for you. Start in Christchurch, taking in views from the Gondola. Journey through Marlborough Sounds and along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, visiting Kaiteriteri and Tōtaranui beaches. Marvel at Motukiekie Beach and Hokitika Gorge's turquoise waters. Witness the Franz Josef Glacier before reaching Queenstown. Take a helicopter to Earnslaw Burn's cascading waterfalls and cruise Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. Hike around Lake Wanaka for panoramic vistas. This itinerary showcases the South Island's diverse landscapes, from golden beaches to ancient glaciers and fjords, offering an unforgettable adventure through New Zealand's natural wonders. See all New Zealand tours.
Itinerary #3: Epic North Island Nature
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Wellington and visit the wildlife sanctuary of Zealandia | Arrival and wildlife spotting |
| Day 2 | Travel to Ohakune and have dinner at the Powderhorn | Transfer |
| Day 3 | Explore the mountaintops with sweeping vistas at Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Exploration |
| Day 4 | Soak in the healing waters of natural hot springs in Taupo | Relaxation |
| Day 5 | Hike the trails at the geothermal center in Rotorua | Hiking |
| Day 6 | Visit the Otorohanga Kiwi House for a close encounter with the native birds | Wildlife spotting |
| Day 7 | Explore the coastline and meet the local penguins at Pukekura Park | Wildlife spotting |
| Day 8 | Visit Hamilton Gardens and rest easy for the night | Exploration |
| Day 9 | Travel to the Coromandel Peninsula and the beaches of Flaxmill Bay | Beach relaxation |
| Day 10 | Make your way to Auckland for a relaxing dinner along the waterfront | Relaxation |
| Day 11 | Take a day trip to the wildlife sanctuary at Tiritiri Matangi Island | Wildlife spotting |
| Day 12 | Say goodbye to New Zealand with a flight home from Auckland | Departure |
This 12-day New Zealand trip focuses on the North Island's natural wonders. Begin in Wellington at Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary, then head to Ohakune for mountain views. Tackle the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, soak in Taupo's hot springs, and explore Rotorua's geothermal marvels. Encounter kiwi birds at Otorohanga and blue penguins at Pukekura Park. Relax at Hamilton Gardens before experiencing the stunning beaches of the Coromandel Peninsula, including Flaxmill Bay. Conclude in Auckland with a visit to Tiritiri Matangi Island sanctuary. This journey showcases the North Island's diverse ecosystems, from volcanic landscapes to pristine coastlines, offering a deep dive into New Zealand's unique flora and fauna.
Itinerary #4: The Best of North and South Island
| Overview | Activity | |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Christchurch and take the Gondola for views of the caldera and Pegasus Bay | Arrival |
| Day 2 | Visit the natural wonders found along Marlborough Sounds | Exploration |
| Day 3 | Take the Abel Tasman Coast Track to see top-rated beaches like Kaiteriteri Beach | Beach exploration |
| Day 4 | Discover one of New Zealand’s most beloved coastlines at Tōtaranui and Wharariki Beaches, then stay the night at Motukiekie | Beach exploration |
| Day 5 | Wake up to the sights of Motukiekie Beach, then take in the deep turquoise waters from the trails at Hokitika Gorge Walk | Beach exploration |
| Day 6 | Get a closer look at ancient glaciers with an overnight stay in Franz Joseph | Glacier exploration |
| Day 7 | Travel to Queenstown to unwind over dinner with a Fergberger | Trabsfer |
| Day 8 | Embark on a helicopter flight to Earnslaw Burn with cascading waterfall scenery | Helicopter ride |
| Day 9 | Board a cruise to Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound for a unique look at the coastline from the water | Cruise tour |
| Day 10 | Take a day trip to Lake Wanaka and hike to the top of the mountain for incredible views of the surroundings | Exploration |
| Day 11 | Unwind in Queenstown’s onsens after hiking the trails | Hiking |
| Day 12 | Prepare to depart New Zealand with a flight from Queenstown | Departure |
If you’re looking for an adventure, this 12 days in New Zealand itinerary is for you. Start in Christchurch, taking in views from the Gondola. Journey through Marlborough Sounds and along the Abel Tasman Coast Track, visiting Kaiteriteri and Tōtaranui beaches. Marvel at Motukiekie Beach and Hokitika Gorge's turquoise waters. Witness the Franz Josef Glacier before reaching Queenstown. Take a helicopter to Earnslaw Burn's cascading waterfalls and cruise Milford Sound in Fiordland National Park. Hike around Lake Wanaka for panoramic vistas. This itinerary showcases the South Island's diverse landscapes, from golden beaches to ancient glaciers and fjords, offering an unforgettable adventure through New Zealand's natural wonders.
Need help planning your 12-day New Zealand itinerary?
With 12 days in New Zealand, you’ve glimpsed the country’s unparalleled natural beauty and experienced its diverse culture. From the stunning fjords of Milford Sound to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, this itinerary offers a well-rounded adventure that leaves a lasting impression.
If you are looking for more New Zealand 12-day itinerary options, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to New Zealand. For more information, check out our guides on how many days to spend in New Zealand and best time to visit New Zealand.
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