Journey Through New Zealand's North Island: Auckland to Wellington (7-day or 14-day Tour)
For an unforgettable adventure through New Zealand's South Island, follow this expertly curated 14-day itinerary that combines scenic drives, iconic highlights, and immersive experiences.
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**Overview**
Your journey begins in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, before taking the Interislander Ferry across the picturesque Cook Strait to Picton on the South Island. From there, embark on a comprehensive road trip exploring the South Island’s major attractions over 14 days.
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**Suggested 14-Day South Island Itinerary from Wellington**
| Day | Destination / Activity | Notes | |------|-------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | **Wellington to Picton (South Island)** | Catch the Interislander Ferry crossing Cook Strait early morning. | | 2 | **Picton to Nelson** | Explore Picton harbor in the morning, then drive to Nelson (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy Nelson’s artsy vibe and relaxed atmosphere. | | 3 | **Abel Tasman National Park** | Take a boat cruise and do a self-guided walk in Abel Tasman, famous for golden beaches and coastal tracks. | | 4 | **Nelson to West Coast (Upper West Coast)** | Drive south through Buller Gorge towards West Coast (approx. 3-4 hours). Stay near Hokitika or nearby for West Coast experiences. | | 5 | **Franz Josef Glacier** | Visit Franz Josef Glacier; optional heli-hike or glacial walk. Relax in Franz Josef Hot Pools in the evening. | | 6 | **Franz Josef to Wanaka** | Scenic drive through Haast Pass to Wanaka. Stop at Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka viewpoints. | | 7 | **Wanaka to Queenstown** | Explore Wanaka in the morning, then drive to Queenstown (about 1 hour). Adventure sports or lake activities in Queenstown. | | 8 | **Queenstown** | Full day in Queenstown: activities like jet boating, bungee jumping, or relaxing in town. | | 9 | **Milford Sound day trip** | Early start for Milford Sound cruise – one of New Zealand’s top natural wonders. Return to Queenstown. | | 10 | **Queenstown to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park** | Drive to Mount Cook (4-5 hours). Explore scenic walking trails like Hooker Valley. | | 11 | **Mount Cook to Lake Tekapo to Christchurch** | Drive to Christchurch with stops at Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo; visit Church of the Good Shepherd. Overnight in Christchurch. | | 12 | **Christchurch to Kaikoura** | Drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura (approx. 2.5 hours). Whale watching or coastal walks. | | 13 | **Kaikoura to Blenheim, then ferry back to Wellington**| Explore Blenheim wineries or relax before taking the ferry back to Wellington from Picton. | | 14 | **Wellington / Departure** | Depending on arrival time, explore Wellington or prepare for onward travel. |
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**Key Highlights**
- The Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton sets the start for your South Island adventure, crossing the scenic Cook Strait. - Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park offer relaxed coastal walks and stunning beaches. - The West Coast glaciers (Franz Josef and Fox) deliver dramatic glacier landscapes, with options for heli-hikes and hot pools. - Wanaka and Queenstown are adventure hubs with lakeside scenery and outdoor activities, including Milford Sound day tours. - Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park features breathtaking alpine scenery and hiking trails. - Christchurch offers urban culture with museums and the Avon River; nearby Lake Tekapo is ideal for iconic photography spots. - Kaikoura is famous for marine wildlife, particularly whale watching opportunities.
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**Travel Tips**
- Break the driving into manageable segments (3-5 hours max) to fully enjoy stops. - Book Milford Sound cruises and glacier activities in advance. - Accommodation options range from camping to lodges; plan according to your preferences. - Weather can be variable, especially in alpine and coastal regions — pack accordingly.
The South Island adventure itinerary, commencing in Wellington, incorporates a travel day to the picturesque town of Nelson, where one can immerse oneself in the artsy vibe and relaxing atmosphere. Throughout this journey, one will encounter various highlighted destinations, such as Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches and coastal tracks, and Queenstown, an adventure hub offering various lakeside activities and outdoor pursuits.
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