How We Craft the Perfect New Zealand Itineraries: Insider Tips for Your Trip

Written By Rachel

When it comes to planning a trip through Aotearoa (New Zealand), there’s a sweet spot between seeing all the highlights and having time to truly soak in the scenery. Over the years, we’ve helped countless travellers map out their dream journeys - some just a week long, others spanning a full month (or more!). Below, we’re sharing how we approach itinerary design, so you can snag some ideas for your own trip.

Whether you’re aiming to drive top to toe or simply focus on one island, these pointers will help you craft an itinerary that suits your travel style - and if you’d rather let us handle the details, we’re here for that too!



1. Start with Your Timeframe (and Be Realistic)

One of the first questions we ask is: “How long have you got?” If it’s just a week, you might zero in on one island, or pick a few must-see spots rather than trying to zoom everywhere. If you’ve got two or three weeks, you can be more ambitious - perhaps including both islands or adding sidetrips like the Coromandel or Abel Tasman.

  • Our Tip: It’s better to explore fewer locations at a relaxed pace than to spend most of your holiday behind the wheel. We’ve seen travellers try to tick off every major site in seven days - and come home needing another vacation!



2. Pinpoint Your Must-Do Experiences

Are you keen on cultural encounters, relaxing on beaches and soaking in geothermal hot pools, or taking on adrenaline-fuelled activities? We recommend you list your top “must-dos” first. These are the experiences that will shape the rest of your itinerary. For example:

  • Māori Culture in Rotorua: Maybe you’ve been dreaming of a traditional hāngi and kapa haka performance.

  • Coastal Retreats: If golden beaches and laid-back vibes sound heavenly, Coromandel or the Bay of Islands might top your list.

  • Glaciers & Fiords: Eager for a heli-hike on Franz Josef Glacier or an overnight cruise in Milford Sound?

  • Lord of the Rings: Want to channel your inner Hobbit? Head to the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata, or explore other real-life Middle-earth landscapes like Mount Sunday in Canterbury (aka Edoras).

Once you identify the highlights that give you that “This is why I’m going to NZ!” feeling, it becomes much easier to map out a logical route.


3. Factor in Driving Distances & Scenic Routes

New Zealand might look small on a map, but winding roads and mountain passes can stretch travel times. As a general rule, we like to keep daily driving between two to four hours where possible. This gives you time to stop at scenic lookouts, quirky cafés, or short walks en route.

  • Our Tip: Plan for an extra hour or two on alpine or coastal roads. Trust us: you’ll want to pause for photos, and sometimes you’ll hit slower traffic in rural areas.

  • Example: If you’re heading from Christchurch to Queenstown, the direct route might take 5 hours, but many travellers detour to Lake Tekapo for stargazing, extending the journey to a more leisurely full day.


4. Build in Flexibility & Rest Days

You’re on holiday, after all - so it shouldn’t feel like a military operation! We always recommend sprinkling in free days or half-days with no fixed schedule. This way, if you stumble upon a local market or decide you need more time in a favourite spot, you’re not locked into a rigid timetable.

  • Rest Day Example: Spend two nights in Wanaka instead of one, allowing a whole day to either tackle a scenic hike or lounge by the lake if the mood strikes.

  • Rain Plan: In places like the West Coast, weather can be unpredictable. Having a buffer day means you can reschedule that glacier flight if it’s rained out.


5. Choose Accommodation That Fits Your Style

Some travellers love boutique B&Bs, others prefer camping or holiday parks. We take personal preferences into account when crafting itineraries. If you’re after comfort but still want a taste of local charm, a farmstay or small lodge can be perfect. Meanwhile, if freedom camping or a campervan adventure is on your wish list, we’ll plot out the best spots to park up and wake to alpine or coastal vistas.

  • Our Tip: Book popular regions in advance - especially in peak seasons such as ski season in Queenstown between July and the end of September, or summer hotspots like the Bay of Islands or Coromandel over summer from December to February.




6. Weave in Unique or Off-the-Beaten-Track Stops

Sure, many people aim for the “big names” like Queenstown, Rotorua, or the Bay of Islands, but sometimes the little side trips become the real trip highlights. Maybe it’s a hidden waterfall in the Catlins, a small-town bakery serving the best pies in the country (seriously try Fairleigh bakery if you have the chance)!, or a thermal spa in Rotorua.

  • Our Tip: Ask about adding an extra day in lesser-known gems - like the charming French-inspired village of Akaroa near Christchurch, or the Mavora Lakes between Te Anau and Queenstown.


7. Decide If You Want a Themed Itinerary

Some travellers love picking a theme: for instance, a foodie route hitting up vineyards from Marlborough to Central Otago, or an adventure path linking bungy jumps, ski fields, and canyon swings. Themes can also be more relaxed - like focusing on family-friendly attractions with a mixture of wildlife parks, short walks, and interactive museums.

  • Food & Wine Example: You could start in Hawke’s Bay, swing down to Martinborough, cross to the South Island for Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, and finish in Queenstown’s Gibbston Valley.


8. Tie It All Together (with Tour Ideas)

Once you have your timeframe, must-dos, and big stops figured out, it’s time to pull it all together. That might mean starting in Auckland and heading south, or kicking off in Christchurch for a loop around the South Island. We often suggest looking at ready-made tours for inspiration - the following are our new tours for 2025:

Of course, if you’d rather stitch together your own unique route, we can customise any itinerary to match your bucket list.




9. Our Last Word: Be Open to Serendipity

Planning is great, but leaving room for spontaneity is even better. Some of our best Kiwi memories involve unplanned detours - like chatting with a local at a roadside café who tipped us off to a hidden swimming hole, or deciding on a whim to check out a local festival that wasn’t even on our radar.

  • Our Tip: Keep an eye out for local events - farmers’ markets, community fairs, or Māori cultural gatherings can add an unexpected layer of richness to your trip.



Ready to Craft Your Own Itinerary?

We hope these tips make planning a whole lot smoother. If you’d like us to design a personalised route - or if you just want to pick our brains about the best scenic drives or lesser-known gems, get in touch! We’ll help you figure out the pacing, must-see spots, and hidden detours that turn an ordinary trip into an unforgettable Kiwi adventure.


Still browsing? Check out our North and South Island self-drive tours for more inspiration. Each package can be tailored, so you get the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and authentic local experiences. After all, no two travellers (or itineraries) are the same!

Ngā mihi and safe travels! If you have any questions or want some local insight, flick us a message - we’re here to help you make the most of your New Zealand journey.

Rachel

Proud to call the South Island of New Zealand home, Rachel is originally from the UK. Having travelled New Zealand & Australia extensively she loves helping others to do the same.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-travel
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