New Zealand in 2 Weeks: 2 Recommended 2-week Itineraries to New Zealand

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New Zealand 2-week Itinerary Options
Stuck with ideas? Check out our New Zealand 2-week itinerary suggestions below for more ideas and inspiration.
Itinerary #1: Unveil The Captivating Wilderness of New Zealand

Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Auckland, enjoy a private transfer to your hotel. Spend the day at leisure exploring the city or relaxing. | Arrival and exploration |
Day 2 | Fly to Queenstown, visit the lakeside town of Te Anau, and explore the Te Anau Glowworm Caves. | Cave exploration |
Day 3 | Enjoy helicopter ride over Milford Sound & see seals and penguins at Martins Bay | Helicopter ride |
Day 4 | Catch a flight to Stewart Island | Transfer |
Day 5 | Visit Ulva Island for birdwatching and see native species. Explore Ackers Point Lighthouse. | Exploration |
Day 6 | Visit Port William for birdlife and stroll the Rakiura Great Walk. | Walking tour |
Day 7 | Fly to Invercargill & discover the history of Dunedin | Historical exploration |
Day 8 | Transfer to Otago Peninsula to watch fur seals and sea lions | Wildlife spotting |
Day 9 | Catch a flight to Christchurch & drive to Kaikoura | Transfer |
Day 10 | Join helicopter safari in Kaikoura | Helicopter safari |
Day 11 | Continue to Nelson, explore Abel Tasman National Park and local art galleries. | Exploration |
Day 12 | Take a guided tour of Farewell Spit Nature Reserve and visit the lighthouse. | Exploration |
Day 13 | Day trip to Marlborough vineyards, enjoy wine tastings and a leisurely lunch. | Wine tasting |
Day 14 | Say goodbye to New Zealand | Departure |
This 13-day wildlife and birdwatching tour takes you through a variety of exquisite landscapes all across New Zealand. Start from Auckland and drive to Te Anau, home to the country’s largest national park, Fiordland. Fly over Milford Sound and encounter a seal colony in Martins Bay. Up next on the itinerary is Stewart Island, from where you will transfer to Ulva Island. Encounter a variety of colorful avian species on Ulva Island. Then head out to Dunedin to learn more about its rich Scottish heritage. Catch a glimpse of the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony on the Otago Peninsula. Spot whales and dolphins while flying over Kaikoura. Bid farewell to New Zealand after having discovered Farewell Spit Nature Reserve, one of the country’s most famous wetland parks and bird sanctuary. See all New Zealand tours.
Itinerary #2: Lord of the Rings Inspired Tour in New Zealand


Overview | Activity | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Auckland & enjoy a harbor cruise | Arrival and cruise tour |
Day 2 | Enjoy panoramic views from Auckland Sky City Tower | Exploration |
Day 3 | Travel to Matamata and be part of Hobbiton Movie Set tour | Exploration |
Day 4 | Venture into Tongariro National Park & discover Waitomo | National park exploration |
Day 5 | Drive to the beautiful Kapiti Coast | Boat tour |
Day 6 | Arrive in Wellington & enjoy a half-day tour to Middle Earth film locations | Exploration |
Day 7 | Take a ferry to Picton & kayak down the Pelorus River | Ferry ride |
Day 8 | Drive through Marlborough range to Kaikoura & go on gondola ride in Christchurch | Scenic journey |
Day 9 | Discover the setting of Edoras from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ | Exploration |
Day 10 | Cross the plains of Canterbury and visit Mount Cook village | Village visits |
Day 11 | Discover Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital | Sightseeing |
Day 12 | Go on an off-road adventure in the Wakatipu Basin | Road adventure |
Day 13 | Enjoy a jet boat safari in Mount Aspiring National Park | Boat tour |
Day 14 | Drive to Queenstown for your flight home | Departure |
Starting in Auckland, this two-week tour takes you on an epic quest through some of the most beautiful destinations in New Zealand. Discover many locations where movies like 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit’ were shot, and visit places like Matamata, Picton, and Mount Potts. Learn more about New Zealand’s military history in the town of Waiouru before heading for the bustling Wellington. Drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch, soaking up incredible views of charming coastlines. Embrace the serenity of Mount Cook National Park before continuing to the lively Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital. Enjoy a nomad safari in the Wakatipu Basin, which forms a vital backdrop of the Hobbit trilogy. Do not miss out on a Dart River wilderness tour and a gondola ride in Christchurch before it is time to head home.
Need help in planning your 2-week itinerary to New Zealand?
Two weeks in New Zealand is the perfect amount of time to immerse yourself in its diverse landscapes, from the South Island's snow-capped peaks to the North Island's geothermal wonders. Whether hiking through stunning national parks, experiencing the local culture, or just soaking in the natural beauty, New Zealand offers endless opportunities for adventure. While two weeks might not allow you to see everything, it’s enough to create unforgettable memories and leave you wanting to return for more.
If you are looking for more New Zealand 2-week itinerary options, contact our travel experts for a customized trip to New Zealand. For more duration-related article, check out our guide on how many days to spend in New Zealand. For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit New Zealand.
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