Day by Day itinerary
Detailed expense report: Budget vs Spent (post covid!)
All Activities and Accommodations
Fully customizable excel file
Save time and download my extremely detailed excel itinerary. You will find in the file:
Tips, tricks and advices
An itinerary at a glance tab, with the day to day planning
Details of EVERY single expenses: Budget vs Spent. The detailed cost tab comes with comments and notes
List of all road side stops we made, and driving time every day
List of all the hotels, AirBnB, hostels and activities
Because it's an excel file, you can edit it, change everything and use it as your working base, would your itinerary be different from mine.
This will save you a TON of time !Travelled in 2024 - post covid. ( budget was made pre-covid ).
This itinerary is best as a second trip to New-Zealand because it focuses on a less travelled route. For the highlights and a first trip : this two weeks itinerary is packed with all the famous touristic spots.
Both itineraries can be easily combined to make a very complete 1,5 months adventure.
The Northlands part is a 10 days loop, you could make it a standalone trip.
Itinerary highlights:
Northlands Exploration:
Begin in Auckland: Kick off your journey by picking up your campervan and taking a well-deserved rest after your flight.
Mangawhai Cliffs & Uretiti Beach: Drive north of Auckland to explore the stunning Mangawhai Cliffs and unwind at the serene Uretiti Beach.
Beach Hopping & Waterfalls: Continue your adventure with visits to the Wharangei Waterfalls and Kauri Park, ending at Ocean Beach on Wharangei Heads, the starting point of a breathtaking coastal hike perfect for a day walk or an extended stay.
Diving in Tutukaka: Head to Tutukaka for two days of diving at the renowned Poor Knights Islands, one of New Zealand's top diving spots, also great for fishing enthusiasts.
Historical Paihia: Immerse yourself in New Zealand's history with a visit to Paihia, exploring Russell and the significant Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Trounson National Park: After a scenic drive with plenty of stops, cross to the other coast and take a night walk in Trounson National Park, where you might spot wild kiwis.
Day of the Kauri Tree: Dedicate a day to the majestic Kauri trees, walking among giants like Tane Mahuta and visiting the Matakohe Museum to learn about these ancient trees and early settler life.
Return to Auckland: Conclude your Northlands loop with a drive back to Auckland.
South Island Adventure:
Kaikoura Dolphins: Start by picking up your rental car and driving to Kaikoura, where you can watch dolphins in their natural habitat.
Wine Country & Scenic Bays: Continue north to Blenheim, famous for its wines, and explore the Havelock area, driving through the picturesque Bay of Many Coves.
Abel Tasman National Park: Embark on a short drive to Abel Tasman National Park for a memorable 4-day coastal Great Walk.
West Coast Wonders: Drive to the west coast of the South Island, from Westport to Punakaiki, visiting the Denniston mining ghost town, a seal colony, and the famous Pancake Rocks.
Glaciers & Mountains: Spend two days in Franz Joseph, hiking and admiring the white peaks. Consider a glacier and/or helicopter tour for a closer look.
Scenic Drive to Wanaka: Travel to Wanaka via the Haast Pass, stopping at rivers, viewpoints, and waterfalls to make the drive even more enjoyable.
Wanaka & Queenstown: Enjoy the numerous hikes and activities in Wanaka, then head to Queenstown for some rest and resupply.
Routeburn Great Walk: Prepare for the 3-day Routeburn Great Walk. Additional days can be planned to enjoy more activities or combine this itinerary with a 2-week trip for more insights and adventures in the South Island.
