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New Zealand boasts an impressive wealth of breathtaking landscapes, delectable food, and a friendly vibe unlike anywhere else you would find on the planet. From exploring the vibrant capital of Wellington to traveling significant sites in Auckland and the adventure land of Queenstown, this country has everything you might want in a vacation destination. Spending around two weeks in New Zealand allows you to fully appreciate all that the country has to offer. From whale watching in Kaikoura and bird watching on Ulva Island to cruising in Milford Sound and discovering the untamed wilderness of Tongariro National Park, a trip to New Zealand is never short of an adventure.

Check out our recommended two-week itineraries in New Zealand below for more ideas and inspiration. These itineraries last between thirteen to fifteen days.

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View Incredible Tours in New Zealand

1. Unveil The Captivating Wilderness of New Zealand: 13 DAYS IN NEW ZEALAND

Glowworm Cathedral illuminates a light blue hue at the end of Waipu Cave
Visit the Glowworm Cathedral to have an "illuminated" experience
Day 1 Arrive in Auckland and enjoy a private transfer to your hotel
Day 2 Fly to Queenstown and discover the charming lakeside town of Te Anau
Day 3 Enjoy helicopter ride over Milford Sound & see seals and penguins at Martins Bay
Day 4 Catch a flight to Stewart Island
Day 5 Transfer to Ulva Island for birdwatching & visit Ackers Point Lighthouse
Day 6 See Port William’s birdlife & stroll through Rakiura Great Walk
Day 7 Fly to Invercargill & discover the history of Dunedin
Day 8 Transfer to Otago Peninsula to watch fur seals and sea lions
Day 9 Catch a flight to Christchurch & drive to Kaikoura
Day 10 Join helicopter safari in Kaikoura
Day 11 Continue to explore Nelson
Day 12 Enjoy a guided tour of Farewell Spit Nature Reserve
Day 13 Say goodbye to New Zealand

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. 

2. Lord of the Rings Inspired Tour in New Zealand: 2 WEEKS IN NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand is quickly becoming a top luxury destination in 2018
Stunning reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman on the still waters of Lake Matheson
Day 1 Arrive in Auckland & enjoy a harbor cruise
Day 2 Enjoy panoramic views from Auckland Sky City Tower
Day 3 Travel to Matamata and be part of Hobbiton Movie Set tour
Day 4 Venture into Tongariro National Park & discover Waitomo
Day 5 Drive to the beautiful Kapiti Coast
Day 6 Arrive in Wellington & enjoy a half-day tour to Middle Earth film locations
Day 7 Take a ferry to Picton & kayak down the Pelorus River
Day 8 Drive through Marlborough range to Kaikoura & go on gondola ride in Christchurch
Day 9 Discover the setting of Edoras from ‘The Lord of the Rings’
Day 10 Cross the plains of Canterbury and visit Mount Cook village
Day 11 Discover Queenstown, New Zealand’s adventure capital
Day 12 Go on an off-road adventure in the Wakatipu Basin
Day 13 Enjoy a jet boat safari in Mount Aspiring National Park
Day 14 Drive to Queenstown for your flight home

Starting in Auckland, this two-week tour takes you on an epic quest through some of the most beautiful destinations in New Zealand. Discover a plethora of 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. See tours.

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Published by David Lee, updated on April 15, 2024

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Plan a trip to New ZealandWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to New Zealand.
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