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Two Week New Zealand Itineraries
5.00
18 Tours
14 - 32 Max Group Size
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Two Weeks in New Zealand: Both Islands, End to End
Geothermal wonders, alpine lakes and fiords, with time to relax in key stops
11-14 day New Zealand itineraries are an excellent way to cover the country’s headline scenery, characterful towns and signature nature spots without the constant feeling of racing the clock. Many trips connect the North and South Islands, blending time in places such as Auckland and Rotorua with alpine lakes, fiords and glacier country further south. Days are typically shaped around must-see sights and shared meals, while still leaving genuine downtime in hubs like Queenstown. With guided tours and group trips, you travel with a clear plan and helpful local insight, yet still get space to enjoy New Zealand’s wide horizons and crisp, clean air.
Best 11-14 day itineraries
North Island Explorer
From Auckland, discover the delights of New Zealand’s scenic North Island over 11 days on this escorted group tour. Learn about Maori culture and heritage in Rotorua and explore the beautiful Bay of Islands in New Zealand's far north. Spot rare birdlife at the Coromandel Peninsula, opt to explore the Hobbiton movie set from 'Lord of the Rings', and marvel at stunning Lake Taupo. Sample local wines in Napier and end your journey in the Kiwi capital of Wellington.
Tour Highlights
Auckland – Explore the city on a guided tour and visit the fascinating Auckland Museum, plus free time to sightsee at leisure
Reed Memorial Park – Walk along an elevated canopy to see ancient kauri forests, and visit pretty Whangarei Falls
Bay of Islands – Discover the pretty town of Russell and then choose between a trip to New Zealand's far north or a cruise through the 'Hole in the Rock'
Waitangi Treaty Grounds – Enter the meeting house and see the war canoe where the 1840 treaty was signed
Coromandel Peninsula – Ride the Driving Creek Railway for panoramic views and enjoy a free day to explore the scenic area
Rotorua – Visit the Te Puia geothermal site, visit a Kiwi conservation project and opt to visit Waimangu Volcanic Valley or Hobbiton, plus experience a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening
Napier – Discover the town on foot and indulge in an evening of wine and dinner at the Mission Estate Winery
Wellington – Ride the cable car over New Zealand's capital city and visit the country's national museum - Te Papa
South Island Christmas Journey
Discover New Zealand’s South Island at Christmas with this 11-day journey starting and ending in Christchurch. You’ll combine iconic rail travel on the TranzAlpine with spectacular alpine scenery, glacier country and lakeside stays in Queenstown and Te Anau. Highlights include a Christmas Day cruise aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw, a gourmet lunch at Walter Peak Station, and a breathtaking Milford Sound cruise through Fiordland. Along the way, explore historic Arrowtown and Dunedin, visit Larnach Castle, admire Aoraki/Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo, and soak up the region’s dramatic landscapes, wildlife and heritage. It’s a wonderfully scenic tour with a festive twist.
Tour Highlights
Christchurch - Experience the International Antarctic Centre, from a polar storm simulation and Hagglund ride to little blue penguins and a 4D theatre
Franz Josef - Ride the TranzAlpine through river valleys, gorges and alpine scenery before continuing to this glacier-side township via Hokitika
Queenstown - Spend Christmas Day aboard the vintage TSS Earnslaw for a cruise across Lake Wakatipu, with a gourmet Christmas lunch at Walter Peak Station
Arrowtown - Step into Otago’s gold rush past at the Lakes District Museum in this historic village of preserved heritage buildings
Milford Sound - Sail through this spectacular fiord, passing Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls as sheer cliffs rise above the water
Dunedin - Admire grand Victorian and Edwardian architecture before touring Larnach Castle and enjoying Devonshire Tea in its acclaimed gardens
Lake Tekapo - Take in vivid turquoise waters and visit the Church of the Good Shepherd and Sheep Dog Statue in the Mackenzie region
South Island Christmas Journey (Superior)
Discover the best of New Zealand’s South Island on this 11-day journey, starting and ending in Christchurch. You’ll explore vibrant Christchurch, admire the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo and views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, then head south through Dunedin and Te Anau. Highlights include Larnach Castle, an unforgettable overnight cruise through Doubtful Sound, Christmas in Queenstown, and a memorable cruise aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak Station for a gourmet dinner. Continue through Arrowtown, the West Coast and Franz Josef, before boarding the spectacular TranzAlpine train back to Christchurch.
Tour Highlights
Christchurch - Meet fellow travellers before visiting the International Antarctic Centre and touring the city, including a ride on the historic tram
Lake Tekapo - Admire turquoise waters, the Church of the Good Shepherd and Sheep Dog Statue set against striking alpine scenery
Mount Cook - Witness views of Aoraki Mount Cook and surrounding Southern Alps from this dramatic high-country setting
Dunedin - Explore the city’s heritage on a guided tour after passing Oamaru’s distinctive limestone buildings
Larnach Castle - Tour New Zealand’s only castle and enjoy High Tea while exploring its award-winning gardens
Te Anau - Reach the gateway to Fiordland National Park, surrounded by lakes and mountains
Doubtful Sound - Cruise through remote fjords on an overnight voyage with onboard naturalist insights and wildlife spotting
Queenstown - Relax in this lakeside resort town set on Lake Wakatipu with alpine scenery in every direction
Walter Peak Station - Enjoy a steamship crossing followed by a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm experience
Franz Josef - Experience views of glaciers and the Southern Alps along the rugged West Coast
Hokitika - Learn about traditional Māori greenstone carving at a local factory before crossing the Alps on the TranzAlpine train
Solo South Island Escape
Discover New Zealand’s spectacular South Island on this 11-day journey starting and ending in Christchurch, designed for like-minded solo travellers. Travel in comfort through ever-changing landscapes, from the Southern Alps aboard the TranzAlpine to the dramatic beauty of Milford Sound on a scenic cruise. You’ll explore vibrant Queenstown, charming Arrowtown and historic Dunedin, with highlights including a vintage steamship cruise on Lake Wakatipu and a visit to Larnach Castle. With 4-star stays, guided sightseeing and plenty of social moments, this tour blends iconic sights, relaxed pacing and great company throughout.
Tour Highlights
Christchurch - Discover the International Antarctic Centre, city highlights and a scenic Christchurch Tram ride
Arthur’s Pass - Travel on the TranzAlpine through river valleys, viaducts and alpine scenery to the heart of the Southern Alps
Franz Josef - Marvel at glacier landscapes and surrounding rainforest with time to take an optional scenic flight over the ice fields
Queenstown - Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm experience
Milford Sound - Sail past Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls on a fiord cruise with lunch surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls
Dunedin - Explore Larnach Castle on a guided tour and enjoy Devonshire Tea after a city and Otago Peninsula sightseeing drive
Mount Cook - Admire New Zealand’s highest peak and alpine scenery while travelling via the Waitaki River and Lake Benmore
Solo South Island Escape (Superior)
Discover New Zealand’s South Island over 11 unforgettable days, starting and finishing in Christchurch, alongside like-minded solo travellers. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury small-group coach as you explore dramatic alpine scenery, coastlines and charming towns. Highlights include the iconic TranzAlpine Rail Journey, a Milford Sound cruise with lunch, and a nostalgic voyage on the TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown. You’ll also visit Mt Cook, Dunedin, and Franz Josef, with plenty of time to soak up local culture and scenery. With premium accommodation and a guaranteed single room, this journey blends comfort, connection and spectacular landscapes perfectly.
Tour Highlights
Christchurch - Discover the International Antarctic Centre, city highlights and a scenic Christchurch Tram ride
Arthur’s Pass - Travel on the TranzAlpine through river valleys, viaducts and alpine scenery to the heart of the Southern Alps
Franz Josef - Marvel at glacier landscapes and surrounding rainforest with time to take an optional scenic flight over the ice fields
Queenstown - Cruise Lake Wakatipu aboard the TSS Earnslaw to Walter Peak for a gourmet barbecue dinner and farm experience
Milford Sound - Sail past Mitre Peak and Bowen Falls on a fiord cruise with lunch surrounded by dramatic cliffs and waterfalls
Dunedin - Explore Larnach Castle on a guided tour and enjoy High Tea in the Grand Ballroom after a city and Otago Peninsula sightseeing drive
Mount Cook - Admire New Zealand’s highest peak and alpine scenery while travelling via the Waitaki River and Lake Benmore
South Island Explorer
Beginning in Auckland, this 12-day tour travels from North to South Island and takes in a diverse mix of New Zealand's natural beauty and fascinating culture. Experience a traditional Maori Te Pa Tu celebration before visiting the active geothermal site and indigenous centre of Te Puia. Ride the famous Tranz-Alpine Railway across the breadth of the picturesque South Island, and cruise the waters of Milford Sound. See mighty Mt. Cook, make traditional pavlova at Lake Tekapo and end your tour in the city of Christchurch.
Tour Highlights
Auckland - Enjoy the view from Bastion Point, visit Auckland Museum and the waterfront on a guided city tour
Rotorua - Visit the Te Puia geothermal site and a Kiwi conservation project, plus experience a Te Pa Tu Maori cultural evening
Christchurch – See the city with an included punting experience and a ride on a restored heritage tram
Tranz-Alpine Rail Journey - Cross the Southern Alps on this famous rail journey, taking in some of the South Island's fastest scenery
Redwood Forest - Cross a series of suspension bridges and elevated walkways to appreciate the towering redwood trees which are more than 100 years old
Wanaka - Choose from an ecological tour to a serene island on Lake Wanaka or a 4X4 excursion into the surrounding countryside
Milford Sound - Pass through incredible Fiordland National Park and enjoy a cruise on Milford Sound - look out for dolphins!
Lake Tekapo – See a tiny church set against a majestic backdrop, one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots
Budget Kiwi Adventure From Christchurch
BUDGET TOUR: Embark on an unforgettable 14-day road trip that showcases the highlights of New Zealand's South and North Islands, starting in Christchurch. Opt for a Milford Sound cruise, spend three nights in the adventure capital of Queenstown and hike around the stunning Franz Josef Glacier. On the North Island, discover the enchanting landscapes of Rotorua, relax at Lake Taupo and surf the waves at Raglan. Staying in dorm rooms & hostels, recommended for travellers aged 18-39.
Tour Highlights
Christchurch - Start your journey in the largest city of New Zealand's South Island
Rotorua - Stay for two nights in this land of geological and volcanic formations, with optional activities and the chance to visit Hobbiton
Taupo - See the Huka Falls and enjoy scenic hiking around Lake Taupo, with plenty of possibilities for optional sailing
Waitomo - Explore the cavernous networks of caves and tunnels with optional excursions
Raglan - Sunbathe on the beach or catch some waves at one of New Zealand's top surfing destinations
Lake Tekapo - Relax beside the stunning turquoise waters of the lake and indulge in cycling, hiking and other optional activities
Queenstown - Spend three nights in New Zealand's adventure capital, with endless possibilities
Milford Sound - Take a day trip to one of the most scenic areas in New Zealand, and opt for a memorable cruise
Franz Josef - Discover this ancient glacier with hiking or a scenic helicopter flight
Budget Kiwi Adventure From Auckland
BUDGET TOUR: Embark on an unforgettable 14-day road trip that showcases the highlights of New Zealand's North and South Islands, starting in Auckland. Discover the enchanting landscapes of Rotorua, relax at Lake Taupo and surf the waves at Raglan. On the South Island, opt for a Milford Sound cruise, spend three nights in the adventure capital of Queenstown and hike around the stunning Franz Josef Glacier. Staying in dorm rooms & hostels, recommended for travellers aged 18-39.
Tour Highlights
Auckland - Start your journey in the largest city of New Zealand's North Island
Rotorua - Spend two nights in this land of geological and volcanic formations, with optional activities and the chance to visit Hobbiton
Taupo - See the Huka Falls and enjoy scenic hiking around Lake Taupo, with plenty of possibilities for optional sailing
Waitomo - Explore the cavernous networks of caves and tunnels with optional excursions
Raglan - Relax on the beach or catch some waves at one of New Zealand's top surfing destinations
Lake Tekapo - Unwind beside the stunning turquoise waters of the lake and indulge in cycling, hiking and other optional activities
Queenstown - Stay for three nights in New Zealand's adventure capital, with endless possibilities
Milford Sound - Take a day trip to one of the most scenic areas in New Zealand, and opt for a memorable cruise
Franz Josef - Discover this ancient glacier with hiking or a scenic helicopter flight
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travelers
Wellington & South Island - 14 daysDiscover the very best of New Zealand’s majestic South Island in two weeks. Setting off from the capital of Wellington, you will cross the Cook Strait and reach the pretty town of Nelson. Hike amongst the stunning scenery of Abel Tasman National Park, and explore Glacier Country. Marvel at Mt Cook, take tea with locals at Lake Tekapo, and cruise Milford Sound, all before ending in Christchurch. Worldwide Touring14The tour was wonderful, our guide/driver Peter M. did excellent job for taking care of all the details of this trip. Two outstanding sites impressed me the most were Punakaiki Pancake Beach and Mt. Cook.
EugeneWellington & South Island - 14 daysDiscover the very best of New Zealand’s majestic South Island in two weeks. Setting off from the capital of Wellington, you will cross the Cook Strait and reach the pretty town of Nelson. Hike amongst the stunning scenery of Abel Tasman National Park, and explore Glacier Country. Marvel at Mt Cook, take tea with locals at Lake Tekapo, and cruise Milford Sound, all before ending in Christchurch. Worldwide Touring14The tour was great, as was the whole South Island. The accommodation was also quite nice. The best one was in Wanaka. The worst one was in Punakaiki. We understand that there is not much to choose in Punakaiki, but the room had a strong musty/moldy smell.
New Zealand 11-14 day itineraries at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Fully guided group trips in New Zealand are led by an experienced local guide or driver/guide, with specialist local guides joining at selected highlights to add context along the way. Routes are designed to cover the key sights efficiently, and some itineraries use flights between islands to maximize time on the ground.
Accommodation
Accommodation standards vary by trip, with options including 3-4 star hotels, 4-star hotels, Hostels & dorm rooms, and Hostel & Dorm rooms. Star ratings can differ by country, and a comparable property may be used if rooms sell out, particularly during busy travel periods.
Trip pacing
Trip pacing is generally easy with a medium tempo, so you can see a lot without long, exhausting days. Expect scenic drives, guided visits and built-in free time, alongside a few earlier starts to reach popular viewpoints and keep longer travel days running smoothly.
More 11-14 day tours itineraries
Frequently asked questions
What can you see in New Zealand in 11 to 14 days?
Around 11 to 14 days suits both of New Zealand's islands. Routes link Auckland and Rotorua on the North Island with Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Milford Sound and Queenstown on the South. It covers the headline scenery of the country.
Is 11 to 14 days enough to see New Zealand?
Two weeks suits a route across both islands at a steady pace. It links the North Island's volcanoes with the South Island's mountains and fjords. A deeper trip can run longer.
Are 11 to 14 day New Zealand tours guided?
They run as fully guided trips, including budget and standard group tours. A guide travels with the group throughout. The format handles the long drives.
How active is an 11 to 14 day New Zealand tour?
The activity level is easy, with scenery, short walks and optional activities. The pace is steady. Groups are capped at around 32, with a minimum age of around 16 on some departures.
What does an 11 to 14 day New Zealand tour cover?
Routes link Auckland and Rotorua with Christchurch, Milford Sound and Queenstown. They take in both islands' highlights. Group and budget options are available.
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