New Zealand 🇳🇿 2 Week Adventure

Start your adventure in New Zealand with an adrenaline rush by doing the 192-meter Auckland SkyJumpoff the Sky Tower! Then enjoy a calmer afternoon at 2 museums central to Kiwi culture: The All Blacks Experience to learn all about rugby and The National Maritime Museum to learn about New Zealand’s maritime history from ancient times to modern day.

You can book the All Blacks Experience here: https://viator.tpx.lt/J1OOPR9t

Take the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island and pick up a rental car to explore. Start by heading to the Stony Batter Historic Reserve to tour secret tunnels from WWII.

Waiheke is known for its vineyards, so it’s fitting to stop at one for lunch before heading to Wild on Waiheke for some archery.

Head back to Auckland and pick up a new rental car, making your way down to Rotorua for the night.

In New Zealand, “kiwi” refers to the 🥝 fruit, the people, and the bird. kiwiStart your day off at the National Kiwi Hatchery and get to see this illusive and endangered species for yourself. Book your tour here: https://viator.tpx.lt/5pmZzNEg

Then spend the afternoon at Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park. You can walk around the geothermal park and see the hot waterfall and mud volcano! Then finish off by bathing in the sulfur spa - it’s good for your skin but the smell is… memorable. Book your visit here: https://viator.tpx.lt/Hwa2Wf6s

Tongariro Alpine Crossing in a 14 mile hike that is considered one of the best day hikes in the world. It includes over 3,000 ft of elevation gain and takes around 6-8 hours. It’s a one-way route, so the best strategy is to park at the end of the hike and pre-book a shuttle service to take you to the start. Book the shuttle here: https://viator.tpx.lt/XThbhT2W

Afterwards, you can head back to your hotel to enjoy the hot tub, play some putt putt next door, and then enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant on-site.

It’s time to say goodbye to the North Island and fly south to Christchurch, where you’ll pick up your campervan for a road trip around the South Island! Be sure to stock up on some groceries before setting off.

The highlights of this day at stunning Lake Tekapo and the incredible (and FREE) campsite at Lake Pukaki with a beautiful view of Mt. Cook as the sun sets.

Start the morning with a drive towards Mt. Cook and then take a Tasman Lake tour with Glacier Explorers. This is a glacial lake that didn’t even exist 40 years ago! The boat will take you right alongside icebergs and you’ll learn a lot about the geography of the area. Book here: https://www.hermitage.co.nz/experience/glacier-explorers/

In the afternoon, take an easy ~6 mile hike on the Hooker Valley Track for gorgeous views and some fun bridge crossings. Then head towards your campsite for the night, stopping at the Omarama Clay Cliffs and the Lindis Pass Overlook on the way.

Drive to Wānaka and board a boat to take you to Mou Waho. This island is unique for 2 reasons: first, it features an island in a lake in an island in a lake in an island in the ocean. Second, there are buff weka birds you can spot on the island - in fact, if you’re quiet, they may come right up to you! Book here: https://viator.tpx.lt/wBXJ5385

When you get back to Wānaka, be sure to stop at Big Fig Wānaka for an incredible lunch!

In the afternoon, it’s time for another adrenaline-pumping activity: bungee jumping at the site of the first commercial bungee jump! The Kawarau Bridge Bungee has been operating since 1988. This was my first ever bungee jump and I loved that they offer the option to do a tandem jump so you don’t have to go alone! If you also did the SkyJump in Auckland, it’s the same company that runs this and you get a discount as a returning customer.

Finish this exciting day with the Queenstown Gondola and Luge track before dinner at the famous Fergburger.

Head back to Wānaka to take on the world’s tallest waterfall via ferrata at Wildwire Wānaka! This is a guided tour and was certainly a highlight of our trip.

Finish the day with a drive down to Kingston and enjoy a quiet evening along the gorgeous shores of the lake.

Drive to Te Anau and take a tour through the glow worm caves to see the cave illuminated by these bugs. No cameras are allowed as not to disturb the animals but the dazzling images will stay with you in your memories. This tour may also be cancelled if heavy rains cause the caves to floor. Book here: https://viator.tpx.lt/yUbJi269

Milford Sound is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning waterfalls. In fact, it’s probably the only time you’ll ever hope for rain on a trip. The road to Milford Sound is equally as amazing, so take your time getting there and make stops along the way.

When you get to Milford Sound, the best way to see it is via a scenic cruise that takes you around the fjord in ~2 hours. Keep your eyes out for penguins and dolphins! Book here: https://viator.tpx.lt/YJUZvce8

While you’re in the area, be sure to look for kea birds, but know they can be a bit aggressive and like to steal things, so keep your belongings close and your car secure!

On your way back from Milford Sound to Queenstown, stop back in Te Anau for a jet boat ride in Fiordlands National Park. The area is quiet and beautiful, while the jet boat ride itself is the opposite - very thrilling! Book here: https://viator.tpx.lt/fB4H7B0e

End the day with a delicious dinner at Public Kitchen & Bar in Queenstown - their oysters are especially delicious!

On your last day, make the drive back from Queenstown to Christchurch and return the van. Then make a stop at the International Antarctic Center to learn about Antarctica and see huskies and see the Little Blue Penguins that they’ve rescued. Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to New Zealand and fly home. You’ll be planning a trip back in no time!