6 weeks was an ideal length of time to explore the North and South Island of New Zealand, hiking amongst beautiful scenery and making the most of outdoor activities. Below is our itinerary, including a suggested number of days to spend in each place and the key things to do. However, you could easily adjust it to match the amount of time you have. 

Do I need a car to travel around New Zealand?

No! We spent 6 weeks travelling around New Zealand using only public transport (Intercity bus, public buses and a ferry). There are also plenty of organised day tours for where public transport is not available. For a first visit to New Zealand, we did not feel limited by lack of a car and we were able to discover a range of beautiful places. This also saved a lot of money as car hire can be expensive.

Which bus pass should I buy in New Zealand?

We recommend the Intercity bus pass. For the below itinerary we bought 60 hours. The Kiwi Experience is another popular option, offering a hop on hop off option alongside their guided tours. We found this to be more expensive and aimed at a younger audience so opted for Intercity which we found to be reliable.

How can I save money on accommodation in New Zealand?

Sites such as Workaway, HelpX, Worldpackers and WWOOF are great because they allow you to stay with locals and help out with tasks such as gardening and housework in exchange for accommodation and food. This allows you to really get to know the area where you are based and get a sense of local life as opposed to tourist life.

We did a total of 5 Workaways whilst travelling (including 2 in New Zealand) and enjoyed all of them! Make sure you read the host profile carefully to ensure you are happy with the location and what is expected of you. Check the reviews as well, and you can find some really good opportunities.

6 Week New Zealand Itinerary

The Route:

North Island (17 Nights) + South Island (26 nights)

Auckland – Paihia – Whangārei – Rotorua – Taupo – Napier – Wellington – Picton – Motueka – Nelson – Greymouth – Franz Josef – Wānaka – Queenstown – Tekapo – Christchurch – Timaru – Dunedin

We planned the above route to fit in key places to visit on both islands, and found this to work best with the bus journeys. However, you could easily adapt it based on your priorities!

Auckland (2 Nights)

Key Things to Do in Auckland:

• Explore the city centre: visit the Art Gallery, Auckland War Memorial Museum and lots of shops.
• Auckland Sky Tower: view the city from 186 meters above street level, there is also the option to walk around the outside, or bungee jump!
• Devonport (15 min ferry): wander around the small town and head up Mount Victoria for great views of Auckland.
• Rangitoto Island (25 min ferry): hike to the summit of this dormant volcano.
• See the Marina (Wynyard Quarter): take in the great view of Auckland Harbour Bridge.

PRO TIP: Bring a rain jacket, Auckland is known for a high amount of rainfall. 

Paihia, Bay of Islands (4 Nights)

Journey from Auckland: Bus (4 hours)

Key Things to Do in Paihia:

• Hire kayaks from Moana Kayaks: it is also possible to hire bikes here, however a lot of the trails are now for walkers only so you’ll have to stick to the road or within the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park.
• Russell (15 min ferry): wander around the town, visit the museum and climb up Flagstaff Hill, with the option to continue walking to Tapeka viewpoint.
• Museum of Waitangi: learn about the Waitangi treaty which declared New Zealand as an independent country.
• Haruru Falls: a 5km trail each way to a stunning waterfall.
• Urupukapuka Island (1 hour ferry): a stunning place where you can hire a kayak and walk to lots of lovely beaches (the cafe does good food at an affordable price).
• Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach group tour: journey to the northern most point of New Zealand and off-road drive along the beach!

PRO TIP: There is a free shuttle from Paihia to the Museum of Waitangi which is near the start of the Haruru Falls track, so you could look into getting this to/from Paihia town. 

Whangārei (1 Night)

Journey from Paihia: Bus (1 hour)

Key Things to Do in Whangārei:

• Whangārei Falls: take the public bus there and back, or enjoy a scenic 6k walk back along the river into town.

PRO TIP: Stay at The Cell Block backpackers for a unique type of accommodation!

Rotorua (3 Nights)

Journey from Whangārei: Bus (7 hours total, change at Auckland)

Key Things to Do in Rotorua:

• Kuirau Geothermal Park: a free park in the town centre where you can see geothermic activity such as mud pools and boiling lakes!
• Whakarewarewa Māori Village guided tour (get the public bus): this Māori village is owned by the local Māori population as opposed to Te Puia which is government-owned.
• Redwoods Forest: discover many hiking trails and the Redwoods Treewalk experience (a canopy walk).
• White water rafting at Kaituna Falls: raft down a 7ft waterfall! We booked our experience with Kaitiaki Adventures.
• Hot Water Pools at Polynesian Spa: relax after a day of walking.
• Luge: choose from multiple luge tracks for an exhilarating downhill ride.
• Hobbiton day trip: visit the original Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy and The Hobbit films – a highlight for many while in New Zealand.

PRO TIP: You can walk to Redwoods Forest from Whakarewarewa Māori Village and then get the bus back into town.

Taupo (3 Nights)

Journey from Rotorua: Bus (1 hour)

Key Things to Do in Taupo:

• Tongariro Crossing: one of New Zealand’s Great Walks (19km). Book the shuttle bus in advance and be warned the track may not be open if the weather is unsuitable.
• Attempt the Hole in One Lake Golf Challenge: divers regularly pick up the golf balls so they are not left in the lake.
• Hot Water Beach: enjoy creating your own natural hot pool by the lake.
• Acacia Bay: hire bikes and cycle to this beautiful part of the lakefront where you can hire kayaks and paddleboards (there are some hills involved to get here so consider an ebike!)
• Huka Falls: one of New Zealand’s most spectacular and most visited natural attractions – you can walk here through Spa Thermal Park.

PRO TIP: For the Tongariro Crossing, make sure to wear good shoes and bring layers as it is very cold!

Napier (1 Night)

Journey from Taupo: Bus (2 hours)

• OPTION: We stopped here to break up the journey and experience another town in the North Island but you could continue straight to Wellington. 

Key Things to Do in Napier:

• Walk or cycle along the 3km coastal promenade: featuring gardens, art deco sculptures, and a bustling farmers market.
• Napier Museum: includes an interesting exhibition on the 1930 earthquake that destroyed the town, resulting in rebuilding of the city in art deco style.
• Admire the art deco streets: Hastings Street, Tennyson Street, and Emerson Street all have some beautiful buildings.
• Centennial Gardens waterfall: a quiet park and a good spot for lunch.
• Climb Te Mata Peak in Hastings: you can get to and from Hastings on the Intercity bus.

PRO TIP: Stop off at Cuteneys Cakes for an incredible selection of sweet treats!

Wellington (3 Nights)

Journey from Napier: Bus (6 hours)

Key Things to Do in Wellington:

• Walk along Cuba Street and see the Harbour front.
• Te Papa Museum: there are lots of free exhibitions (we found the WWI and migration exhibits particularly interesting).
• Wellington cable car and botanic gardens: a funicular railway taking you up to a viewpoint and beautiful gardens – you can walk back to the city centre from here.
• Zealandia: explore many trails among lots of native birds – there is a free shuttle from the town centre or top of the cable car.
• Mount Victoria: take the public bus to the top and see great views of Wellington then walk or get the bus back to the main city.
• Take the ferry to Matiu/ Somes Island (25 mins) or Day’s Bay (25 mins)

PRO TIP: If it’s raining, watch a film at the Lighthouse Cinema – seats are very comfortable and the ticket price is affordable.

Picton (1 Night)

Journey from Wellington: Ferry (3 hours)

Key Things to Do in Picton:

• Coastal walk from Shelley beach to Bob’s Bay: take in great views across Queen Charlotte Sound. If you have time, continue further along the Snout Track (3-4 hours return from Picton).
• Tirohanga Track: gain extensive views over Picton and the Marlborough Sounds (45 minutes one way).
• Hire a kayak: explore the calm waters of Picton Harbour and Queen Charlotte Sound.
• The Mail Boat Cruise: join the daily postal delivery! This is a great tour experience with scenic views, wildlife encounters, and insightful commentary.
• Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum: learn more about local history and the whaling industry.

PRO TIP: Book the Interislander ferry a few days in advance as it often sells out, especially in summer.

Motueka (3 Nights)

Journey from Picton: 2 hour Intercity bus to Nelson + 1.5 hour public e-bus to Motueka (on weekdays) or Better Bus shuttle service (on weekends)

Key Things to Do in Motueka:

• Abel Tasman track: there are many different walks you can do, some of which also have the option to kayak part of the way. We took the shuttle bus from Motueka to Kaiteriteri, then the Aquataxi to Anchorage. From here, we walked back to Marahau (18km) and got the shuttle bus back to Motueka.
• Canyoning: a more adventurous way to see the Abel Tasman. We were close to booking a tour with Abel Tasman Canyons but a knee injury unfortunately got in the way!
• Pethybridge Rose Garden: appreciate the beauty of 300+ rose varieties.
• Hire bikes: cycle along a bike trail to the Sandspit and Motueka Wharf.

PRO TIP: Stay at Motueka Top 10 Holiday Park – affordable accommodation, including use of the swimming pool.

Nelson (1 Night)

Journey from Motueka: Public e-bus (on weekdays) or Better Bus shuttle service (on weekends), 1.5 hours

Key Things to Do in Nelson:

• Maitai River: walk along a 7.2km trail with a couple of swimming holes along the way. You can take a detour to Queens Gardens for a picnic, or climb up Botanical Hill for views over the city.
• Nelson Market: held every Saturday morning (8am – 1pm).
• Grampians Walkway: hike up for great views of the city and Tasman Bay.
• Nelson Art Trail: showcasing paintings, ceramics, jewellery and more.
• Tahunanui Beach: an hour’s walk from the center of town and a popular spot for swimming and activities such as paddle boarding or kayaking.

PRO TIP: The top of Botanical Hill is known as the ‘Centre of New Zealand’, named because it was a central survey point in the 1800s. 

Greymouth (2 Nights)

Journey from Nelson: Bus (6 hours)

Note: There is not too much to do here without a car but we spent two nights due to the Intercity bus schedule. Hokitika is another town you could stay in if you want to break the journey up between Nelson and Franz Josef.

Key Things to Do in Greymouth:

• Hire bikes: cycle some of the West Coast Wilderness Trail.
• Lions Walk: a short but steady uphill climb to a viewpoint.
• Westland Recreation Centre: featuring swimming pools, hydroslides, a hot tub, sauna and gym, this is a great place for a rainy day.
• Māwhera Pā Experience: discover the region’s past through stories of Pounamu (New Zealand Jade), industry, and cultural change.

PRO TIP: From Greymouth, you can take the TranzAlpine Railway to Christchurch. We decided against it for this trip due to budget constraints, but it’s hailed as one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys which we’d love to do in the future.

Franz Josef (3 Nights)

Journey from Greymouth: Bus (3.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Franz Josef:

• Franz Josef Glacier: there are a variety of hiking tracks to choose from to view the glacier. The walk from town to the start of each hike is around 40 minutes, or you can pay for a shuttle bus. Alternatively, try hitchhiking as there is only one main road leading up to the car park.
• Robert’s Point Track: a 12km out and back trail with amazing views of the glacier, as long as it is not cloudy. Expect swing bridges, waterfalls and a fair amount of scrambling!
• Glacier Heli Hike: combine a scenic helicopter flight with a guided walk on the glacier for a truly unique experience.
• Tatare Tunnels: walk along an easy trail to an old mining tunnel home to many glow worms.

PRO TIP: Take flip flops or sandals to change into for the Tatare Tunnels Walk as your feet will get wet. 

Wānaka (2 Nights)

Journey from Franz Josef: Bus (6.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Wānaka:

• #ThatWānakaTree: stroll along the ‘waterfall creek’ track by the lakeside to see the country’s most photographed tree.
• Puzzling World: a tourist attraction featuring an illusion museum and a maze (which is harder than it looks!)
• Mount Iron: complete the 2.8 mile loop trail and enjoy great views of Wānaka.
• Climb Roy’s Peak: a challenging but rewarding 3-4 hour hike with incredible views, particularly at sunrise. The trailhead begins about 6km outside of Wanaka – consider asking around in your accommodation for a ride to the hike or book a shuttle/taxi in advance.

PRO TIP: The Food Truck Park has a great selection of food from Southeast Asia, Mexico, Italy, France and more.

Queenstown (4 Nights)

Journey from Wānaka: Bus (2 hours)

Key Things to Do in Queenstown:

• Experience the adventure capital of New Zealand: skydive, paraglide, jet boat, zipline and more.
• Take the Gondola or hike up the Tiki Trail to Bob’s Peak: experience panoramic views, eat at the restaurant or have a go on the luge ride!
• Bob Lomond Track: a tough hike up the mountain with the option to reach the saddle (3-4 hour return) or continue on to the summit (6-8 hour return in total).
• Arrowtown: accessible via public bus from Queenstown, Arrowtown is a charming historic mining town where you can pan for gold, learn about an old Chinese settlement and wander along the river.
• Disc Golf in Queenstown Gardens: you can hire discs from Small Planet Queenstown or the Queenstown Ice Arena – likely a few other places too!
• Queenstown Hill: the round trip takes approximately 2 hours.
• Milford Sound: famous for it’s dramatic scenery including waterfalls and marine life. As the bus journey is 5 hours each way, you could break up the journey by staying in Te Anau and take a day trip from here.

PRO TIP: Buy multiple luge rides rather than just the one, as you will want to go again!

Lake Tekapo (2 Nights)

Journey from Queenstown: Bus (4 hours)

Key Things to Do in Tekapo:

• Tekapo Springs: swim in hot pools or try the Aqua slide.
• Swim in the lake: being a glacial lake, this will be cold, but refreshing on a warm day.
• Church of the Good Shepherd: a very pretty little church next to the lake – we’d recommend visiting around sunset.
• Stargaze: as a dark sky reserve, Tekapo is a great place to enjoy stargazing, either yourself of as part of a group experience.
• Mt John Summit Circuit Track: admire great views of Lake Tekapo along this 15km track – it’s best to do the walk clockwise, climbing uphill to the viewpoint and dark sky observatory, then winding back down along the lakeshore.
• Dark Sky Project: learn about Māori astronomy and storytelling combined with western science.

PRO TIP: If you’re visiting in summer, book your accommodation in advance as there is a lack of affordable accommodation options.

Christchurch (4 Nights)

Journey from Lake Tekapo: Bus (3.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Christchurch:

• Riverside Market: an indoor farmers market combined with boutique shops and restaurants.
• Wander around Hagley Park: don’t miss the Botanic Gardens.
• Mount Cavendish: you can catch a bus to the base of the gondola and at the top, there are a range of trails.
• Have dinner at Little High Eatery: a unique place with choice from a range of local family-run businesses.
• Quake Museum: learn about the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, including the impact on the local people.
• Akaroa day trip: visit this picturesque old french whaling post and see Hector’s dolphins.

PRO TIP: Visit the Quake Museum on a weekday as it gets very busy on weekends – or be prepared to queue for a while to get in. 

Timaru (2 Nights)

Journey from Christchurch: Bus (2.5 hours)

Key Things to Do in Timaru:

• See the little blue penguins: from October to March each year, watch the smallest penguins in the world return home each evening after sunset.
• Caroline Bay Beach: a popular place for swimming and during the summer months, you will find activities such as a funfair in the nearby park.
• Walk along the coast to Dashing Rocks: look out for dolphins in the sea!

PRO TIP: The penguins don’t make an appearance until it is very dark so you don’t need to get to the beach super early.

Dunedin (2 Nights)

Journey from Timaru: Bus (3 hours)

Key Things to Do in Dunedin:

• Walk up the World’s Steepest Street: Baldwin Street, recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s steepest street, is a short way from the center of Dunedin.
• St Clair beach: great for surfing or a stroll along the sand.
• St Clair salt water pool: a heated outdoor swimming pool, open in summer.
• Tunnel Beach: a ‘secret’ beach reached through a hand dug tunnel.
• Discover Dunedin city centre: including an art gallery, art trail, the Settlers Museum and a brewery tour.
• Otago Peninsula: walk along the coast from Macandrew Bay to Portobello – there is a public bus to and from Dunedin in these two towns.

PRO TIP: Keep an eye out for sea lions on St Clair beach!

Want to continue your travels after New Zealand? Read our 2 Month Australia Itinerary.

More Travel Tips

Flights:

• Particularly for long haul flights, make sure to book in advance and use Skyscanner to research the best prices.

PRO TIP: Make use of the ‘multi-city’ search option – it’s could be cheaper to spend a night somewhere mid-way to your destination, rather than doing the journey all in one go.

Accommodation:

• Hostelworld is a popular platform among travellers, as it allows you to easily select a hostel (or hotel) appropriate to your needs – you can filter by price, rating, location and a variety of other preferences such as free wifi.
• Booking.com is another great option for finding the best rates on hotels and guesthouses.
• Alternatively, check out Homestay for the opportunity to stay with local hosts and feel more a part of the community.

PRO TIP: Make use of the platform’s loyalty schemes and promotional offers – Booking.com offers a great ‘Genius’ loyalty scheme and with Hostelworld, students receive 8% off each booking!

Activities:

• Viator is a huge travel platform, with more than 300,000 travel experiences, from tours to adrenaline filled adventures. We used Viator for a lot of our travel experiences such as the Whakarewarewa Village Guided Tour. You can read reviews from other travellers and view all the details you need for your chosen activity.
• Getyourguide is another online marketplace for all things tours, activities and adventures. It’s great because you can enter a certain activity and compare all of the available options – just look at how many options you have for adventure in Queenstown!

Saving money:

• Make sure you check out sites such as Workaway, HelpX, Worldpackers and WWOOF for the opportunity to stay with local people and help out with gardening, working in hostels or marketing in exchange for free accommodation and food.
• TrustedHousesitters is a great option for free accommodation in exchange for looking after someone else’s pet(s) while they are away! In New Zealand, also check out Kiwi House Sitters.

PRO TIP: Make sure you read the reviews from other travellers to get a sense of the place you will be staying and what is expected of you. Make sure to personalise your application for each place and state why you want to stay with them.

Stay Connected:

• If you’re lucky, and have a phone that supports the use of e-sims, be sure to check out Airlo for a reliable range of e-sims across multiple countries. We used Airlo sims in Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia and found it an effective way to avoid the hassle of finding a Sim card abroad.

Stay Safe:

It should go without saying that travel insurance is a must on any trip you take. For this trip, we chose to use Go Walkabout, a UK based travel insurance company offering specific working holiday packages. We have also previously used Safety Wing, offering a range of affordable travel insurance policies.