Are you looking for a sample itinerary for a 4-week road trip through New Zealand? You’ve come to the right place! New Zealand is a country with breathtaking beauty. From glaciers and fjords to volcanoes and stunning beaches, New Zealand truly has something for everyone. With this 4-week road trip, you’ll experience the highlights of this unique country. Please use this as an example. Put together your own trip exactly the way you want. There’s simply so much to do in New Zealand that you could easily make your trip longer than 4 weeks.
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4-week New Zealand road trip: the schedule at a glance
A 4-week New Zealand road trip is perfect for discovering both the North Island and the South Island. In 4 weeks you can see the biggest highlights, from the fjords in Fiordland to the glaciers on the West Coast and the geothermal wonders in Rotorua. Got more time? Then a 5-week New Zealand road trip — or even 6 weeks — is ideal if you want to see even more of this beautiful country. Have less time, for example 2 or 3 weeks? Then you can choose to limit your road trip to the South Island.
| Day | Activity | Overnight stay |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Your home country (in my case the Netherlands) -> Doha | Plane |
| 2 | Doha -> Auckland | Plane |
| 3 | Auckland | Auckland |
| 4 | Auckland -> Coromandel Peninsula -> Hahei | Hahei |
| 5 | Hahei – Coromandel Peninsula | Hahei |
| 6 | Hahei > Rotorua | Rotorua |
| 7 | Rotorua | Rotorua |
| 8 | Rotorua -> Waitomo | Waitomo |
| 9 | Waitomo -> Taupo | Taupo |
| 10 | Taupo -> Ohakune (Tongariro National Park) | Ohakune |
| 11 | Tongariro National Park | Ohakune |
| 12 | Ohakune -> Wellington -> Picton | Picton |
| 13 | Picton -> Kaiteriteri -> Abel Tasman National Park | Abel Tasman National Park |
| 14 | Abel Tasman National Park | Abel Tasman National Park |
| 15 | Abel Tasman N.P. > Kaiteriteri -> Punakaiki (Paparoa National Park) | Punakaiki |
| 16 | Punakaiki > Hokitika > Franz Josef | Franz Josef |
| 17 | Franz Josef Glacier | Franz Josef |
| 18 | Franz Josef Glacier > Wanaka | Wanaka |
| 19 | Wanaka -> Queenstown | Queenstown |
| 20 | Queenstown > Te Anau (Doubtful Sound) | Te Anau |
| 21 | Doubtful Sound – Te Anau – Milford Sound – Te Anau | Te Anau |
| 22 | Te Anau | Te Anau |
| 23 | Te Anau > Clyde (Central Otago) | Clyde |
| 24 | Clyde > Lindis Pass > Lake Tekapo > Mount Cook | Mount Cook |
| 25 | Mount Cook > Tekapo | Tekapo |
| 26 | Tekapo > Christchurch | Christchurch |
| 27 | Christchurch > Sydney > Doha | Plane |
| 28 | Sydney > Doha > Your home country | Plane |
Days 1–3: Auckland
After a long flight via Doha, you’ll land in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. The city is full of energy and offers a wide range of sights, from the Sky Tower to the Auckland Museum.
Tips:
- Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views over the city.
- Stroll through the Auckland Domain, an oasis of calm right in the middle of the city.
- Head to the Auckland Art Gallery to admire Māori art and contemporary works.
- Pick a great restaurant. These are the best restaurants in Auckland according to a local.
Days 4–5: Coromandel Peninsula
Rent a car and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula. Here you’ll find stunning beaches, swaying palm trees, and unspoiled nature.
Tips:
- Visit Cathedral Cove, an iconic natural landmark.
- Go kayaking in the blue waters of the Bay of Islands.
- Hike to the top of Mount Paku for spectacular views.
- Relax on one of the many beaches, such as Hot Water Beach, where you can soak in warm springs.
Accommodation tip: Stay overnight in Hahei at a campsite or B&B dicht near the beach.
Days 6–7: Rotorua
Rotorua is a city with rich Māori culture and geothermal wonders. Visit geysers, mud pools, and volcanic lakes.
Tips:
- Visit Te Puia, a Māori cultural centre where you can see traditional dances and wood carving.
- Go to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to admire the geothermal activity.
- Relax in one of the natural hot pools.
- Try a hāngī, a traditional Māori meal cooked in the ground.
- In the evening, walk the Redwoods Treewalk
Day 8: Waitomo Caves
The Waitomo Caves on the North Island are famous for their thousands of glow worms, which give the caves a magical atmosphere.
Tips:
- Take a boat tour through the caves to see the glow worms.
- Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, the most popular cave.
- Go abseiling in the Ruakuri Cave.
Days 9–10: Taupo
Taupo, located on the lake of the same name, is a popular destination for water sports and hikers.
Tips:
- Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
- Visit the Huka Falls, the biggest waterfalls in New Zealand.
- Go sailing or fishing on Lake Taupo.
Days 11–12: Wellington & Picton
Wellington, the charming capital of New Zealand, offers a wide range of museums, theatres, and restaurants.
Tips:
- Visit Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand to learn about New Zealand’s history and culture.
- Head to the Wellington Botanic Gardens for a walk with views over the city.
- Try a flat white, New Zealand’s famous coffee.
Next, you’ll take the ferry to Picton on the South Island.
Days 13–14: Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman National Park is a paradise for hikers and kayakers. Enjoy the idyllic beaches and unspoiled nature.
Tips:
- Do the Abel Tasman Coastal Track, or a part of it by water taxi, a 53-kilometre hiking route.
- Go kayaking in Abel Tasman Bay.
- Visit Split Apple Rock, an iconic rock formation.
- Relax on one of the many beaches, such as Kaiteriteri Beach.
Days 15–16: Punakaiki & Franz Josef Glacier
Punakaiki Pancake Rocks, with their unique rock formations, and the glaciers Franz Josef and Fox Glacier are unmistakable highlights of your trip.
Tips:
- Take a boat trip to the Franz Josef Glacier.
- Go hiking in Franz Josef Glacier National Park.
- Visit the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks.
- Go swimming in the Hokitika Gorge.
Days 17–18: Wanaka & Queenstown
The idyllic Wanaka and buzzing Queenstown are perfect places to relax or do a variety of activities.
Tips:
- Take a boat trip on Lake Wanaka.
- Hike up Roys Peak for spectacular views.
- Go skiing or snowboarding at Cardrona Alpine Resort in winter.
- Try a bungee jump or a jet boat ride in Queenstown.
- Take the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views over Queenstown.
- Go skydiving in Wanaka or Queenstown.
Days 19–21: Fiordland
Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, located in Fiordland National Park, are among the most beautiful fjords in the world. Take a cruise and admire the spectacular landscapes.
Tips:
- Take a cruise through Milford Sound.
- Take a cruise through Doubtful Sound.
- Visit the Milford Sound Lookout for panoramic views.
- Hike the Milford Track, one of the most famous walking tracks in the world.
- Hike the Lake Marian Track: the most beautiful walk in Milford Sound.
Days 22–23: Te Anau & Mount Cook
On your way to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island, you really shouldn’t skip a stop at Mount Cook National Park (Aoraki). This is New Zealand’s highest mountain (3,724 m) and the heart of the Southern Alps. With its glaciers, bright blue lakes, and impressive hiking trails, this park is a highlight for many travellers.
Hikes you don’t want to miss
- Hooker Valley Track – the most famous hike in the park (11 km return). You’ll walk past rivers and glaciers, cross three swing bridges, and finish at Hooker Lake with views of Mount Cook. One of the most beautiful walks in New Zealand.
- Kea Point Track – a short and accessible route (6 km return) that takes you to a viewpoint over Mueller Lake, Mount Sefton, and Mount Cook. Perfect if you’re short on time.
- Tasman Valley & Blue Lakes – a short, steep climb to a viewpoint over the Tasman Glacier and the glacier lake with floating icebergs.
Other things to do
- Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre – a small museum and planetarium at The Hermitage.
- Tasman Lake boat tour – cruise between the icebergs and see the glacier up close (if the boats aren’t in maintenance 😉).
- Mount Cook Road photo – that iconic photo of the straight road along Lake Pukaki, with Mount Cook in the background. Just a heads-up: this is a 100 km/h road, so take your photo safely from the roadside.
Days 24–27: Christchurch & Sydney
Christchurch is a charming city with an English feel. Visit the botanic gardens, learn more about the history of the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and dive into the food scene at Riverside Market!
Tips:
- Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
- Go to Christchurch Cathedral.
- Visit the Canterbury Museum to learn about Christchurch’s history.
- Take a boat trip on the Avon River.
Next, you’ll fly from Christchurch (in our case) via Sydney to Doha and Amsterdam.
The best time to visit New Zealand for 4 weeks
New Zealand has a temperate climate. Temperatures vary by region and season, but in general, summers are warm and winters are mild.
The best time to visit New Zealand is from December through March. During these months, temperatures are pleasantly warm, averaging 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The days are long and sunny, and there’s little rain.
Winter in New Zealand runs from June through August. Temperatures then range between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. In the mountains it can freeze. The days are shorter and there’s more rain.
Just keep in mind that locals are on holiday from Christmas until the end of January. That’s when New Zealand is at its busiest. So it can be worth going in November–December, or instead from February onwards. Prices are lower and you’ll find far fewer crowds!
Below is a table with average temperatures in New Zealand:
| Month | Average temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| December | 22 |
| January | 23 |
| February | 22 |
| March | 20 |
| April | 18 |
| May | 15 |
| June | 12 |
| July | 10 |
| August | 11 |
| September | 13 |
| October | 15 |
| November | 17 |
Frequently asked questions about travelling around New Zealand for 4 weeks
Yes, we had these questions ourselves before we went too. So I’d better answer them for you ahead of your road trip!
How much does a 4-week road trip through New Zealand cost?
The costs for a 4-week New Zealand road trip are on average between €4,000 and €7,500 per person. Of course, this depends on your travel style: a New Zealand road trip by campervan is often cheaper than a self-drive trip with hotels. Want to travel on a budget? Choose simple campsites, cook for yourself often, and limit expensive excursions like helicopter flights or skydiving sessions. If you travel in the shoulder season, such as November or February, you’ll save a lot on prices and deal with fewer crowds.
- Return flights: €1,200 – €1,600
- Campervan rental or rental car + accommodation: €2,000 – €3,500 p.p. (depending on transport type and overnight stays)
- Food & drinks: €25 – €40 per day, strongly depending on whether you eat out or cook everything yourself
- Activities (such as a glacier tour, Milford Sound cruise, skydive, etc.): €500 – €1,000 p.p.
- Total estimate per person: €4,000 – €6,500
We personally didn’t cut back on activities like skydiving, a cruise through Doubtful Sound, and a good rental car. Because of that, we spent around €15,000 in total on this 4-week road trip through New Zealand.
How do you travel sustainably around New Zealand?
There are tips for this too, despite the long journey.
- Choose a hybrid or electric car – there are more and more charging points.
- Book eco-friendly accommodation (many campsites and lodges actively focus on this).
- Respect nature: stay on the trails, take your rubbish with you, and don’t disturb wildlife.
- Do local activities, so you support the local economy.
Is there an alternative if you don’t have 4 weeks?
Absolutely! Do you have 2 or 3 weeks?
- 2 weeks: focus on the South Island – the best highlights you won’t find anywhere else in the world are here
- 3 weeks: combine the highlights of both islands, but skip a few stops (e.g. Coromandel)
New Zealand road trip 5 or 6 weeks: how do you adjust your schedule?
Got more time? Then you can extend your 4-week New Zealand road trip to 5 or 6 weeks. In 5 weeks, for example, you can spend extra time in places like Wanaka, Queenstown and Abel Tasman, or add a few lesser-known places such as Stewart Island or The Catlins. With 6 weeks, you even have the option to do longer hikes, like the Routeburn Track or the Kepler Track, and truly experience the country at your own pace.
Campervan or rental car in New Zealand? Here’s what to consider
Camping or driving? Both are very doable in New Zealand. This mainly comes down to your personal preference. A New Zealand road trip by campervan is a fantastic way to explore the country, and a campervan can be cheaper if you don’t have very high demands for luxury. A rental car with hotels is quickly a more expensive combination. On the other hand, you get comfort and convenience in return: you can cruise through all those New Zealand bends and there’s always a made-up bed with breakfast waiting for you. With a rental car and nights in hotels, B&Bs, or Airbnbs, you’ll enjoy more comfort, such as a made-up bed and a hot shower. This is ideal if you don’t want to camp or prefer sleeping in small-scale accommodation.
Many travellers choose a campervan because it’s flexible and often works out cheaper than hotels. Just keep in mind that in high season (December–February) you should book campsites in advance, especially near popular places like Milford Sound or Abel Tasman.
Are you going camping in New Zealand with a campervan, or maybe even with a tent? Then you’ll obviously want to find your next campsite easily. Luckily, New Zealand has hundreds of camping spots. Some are free and basic, while for others it’s smart — or even necessary — to make a reservation.
Tip: In New Zealand, freedom camping is allowed in many places, but pay attention to the signs and rules!
How much time do you need for New Zealand?
On a 4-week road trip through New Zealand, you can visit both the North Island and the South Island properly. Of course, you can shorten or extend your route, but then you’ll have to make choices. We could have easily extended our trip by another 1 to 2 weeks, but unfortunately our holiday days ran out. Are you planning to go for, say, 2 weeks? Then I recommend sticking to the South Island only.
How long am I allowed to stay in New Zealand?
With a valid tourist visa for New Zealand, you can visit the country unlimited times over a period of two years. Per visit, you may stay in New Zealand for a maximum of 90 consecutive days. So within those two years, you can spend multiple visa-free periods of 90 days in New Zealand.
Exploring New Zealand for four weeks: it was a dream come true! New Zealand completely enchanted me. Hopefully it will do the same for you soon. Use this trip as inspiration and feel free to adapt it to your interests and budget. You’ll find all kinds of stories and tips on my blog, so click around and explore. Enjoy your trip to New Zealand!
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