At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Would like to visit some of New Zealand's greatest highlights? This trip is for you. A perfect blend of the North and South Island with a mix of nature, culture, food & wine and local gems. Featuring some of the country's most astonishing places, it's an ideal route to get better acquainted with the outdoor Kiwi lifestyle.
Quick facts about this sample itinerary
- This itinerary will be customised to suit your individual wishes
- Best travel time is October - November and March - April
- Relaxed travel pace with 2-3 nights at each location
- The average drive between each accommodation is 3 to 4.5 hours
- Stay with locals at 13 locations, away from the crowds
- Choose from a diverse mix of small-group activities with locals
- Collect your rental car in Christchurch and return in Auckland
- Ferry Crossing - Picton to Wellington
Below, you can discover our suggested locations. Feel free to adjust your comfort level, add activity packages along the route, and indicate whether you would like us to arrange your flights. The price indication is based on travel in high season, so shoulder season travel will often give you a price advantage.
Route and Impressions
![new-zealand](/img/maps/map-new-zealand-fc.png)
![Swim with Hector's dolphin](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/black_cat_cruises_dolfijnen_nieuw_zeeland_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=25d2088479e6579ddcac3f3ea7e89cec 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/black_cat_cruises_dolfijnen_nieuw_zeeland_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=daef915321f32b5e47b153f3f536c67b 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/black_cat_cruises_dolfijnen_nieuw_zeeland_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=72953f4ffd678c8507c1dc50d348c05d 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/black_cat_cruises_dolfijnen_nieuw_zeeland_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=0079aa500ca0ebc8613f419caeaebb8d 400w)
![Is there a better location for a bathroom?](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/detailed-discoverpage/nz-mt-Seftons-glaciers-mount-cook-barton-matthews20-discoverpage-detail-best-travel-time.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=9e4bbf6b6d577a0f4ac312c7ed9fd1e9 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/detailed-discoverpage/nz-mt-Seftons-glaciers-mount-cook-barton-matthews20-discoverpage-detail-best-travel-time.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=a41c178db8ad0822be3a4c287695ad8c 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/detailed-discoverpage/nz-mt-Seftons-glaciers-mount-cook-barton-matthews20-discoverpage-detail-best-travel-time.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=f035f5377db7f3ecf5e3fd958105c827 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/detailed-discoverpage/nz-mt-Seftons-glaciers-mount-cook-barton-matthews20-discoverpage-detail-best-travel-time.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d270a5174a053fae2f2adc382249c75e 400w)
![Have a close encounter with wildlife on the Otago Peninsula](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-south-sea-lion-otago-peninsula-new-zealand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=432ca558bb3fc06f10ba315c46a31755 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-south-sea-lion-otago-peninsula-new-zealand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=e03d164fd6a07dbd839e004dd3ce4237 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-south-sea-lion-otago-peninsula-new-zealand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9082ffe82a063b21d46556b51d9f696a 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-south-sea-lion-otago-peninsula-new-zealand.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=f2666885ca8b034667806f8a1d2a4a29 400w)
![Hiking enthusiasts will be in heaven in the Fiordland National Park](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-lake-marion-fiordland-national-park-2-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=6d9f2bbea3d591eaf9d77e1a367a918e 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-lake-marion-fiordland-national-park-2-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=a06f309121251fe4fbc2c84f2159c0d3 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-lake-marion-fiordland-national-park-2-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9e877c7f59d4160dba4e95e80e8de92e 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-lake-marion-fiordland-national-park-2-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d03507c0935d43d17bdb535ae2c56f5e 400w)
![Lake Wanaka is the gateway to exploring the wilderness of Mount Aspiring National Park](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=9fd2ce3449bcd5597b97ccdfeb3d9b62 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=85d9d4334349746e9376caa6d6f467f7 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=9e53139cd88aecb182df580ab6df09a7 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/see-and-do/nz-aspiring-fly-fishing-2-friends-active.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d3172d49169fd252ab2d54cb2b0f6286 400w)
![For a real “off the grid” experience, visit the small towns of Haast and Bruce Bay](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/stays/nz-bruce-bay-lodge-region-nature-friends-stays-comfortable.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=860ed61281dfda1f59b3b8a97418b430 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/stays/nz-bruce-bay-lodge-region-nature-friends-stays-comfortable.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=7e8f3d57c8c137c758bd1acdec0ed888 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/stays/nz-bruce-bay-lodge-region-nature-friends-stays-comfortable.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=12eff7d229444697db8930435409aeca 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/friends/stays/nz-bruce-bay-lodge-region-nature-friends-stays-comfortable.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=005a3bb36116ee7ae19eb892056dcd1b 400w)
![Wander through native forest to the rugged coastline of Hokitika](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-sunset-west-coast-hokitika-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=0d558fb9e67302ddd7278287f2349066 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-sunset-west-coast-hokitika-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=30dfabfbee179765c151c90e39b4fedb 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-sunset-west-coast-hokitika-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=330e016a5c55610b1600c77dccd6ce70 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-sunset-west-coast-hokitika-itinerary.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=eee61118083c68579b2a64728fd29e97 400w)
![Join a boat cruise, swim with dolphins and seals or take a scenic flight in Kaikoura](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=d25703b1198689da921c3b43e0b3fa8b 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=2cbc1cd2793c724169c82c831a202b7a 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=a32d58bb15b14e898e44a3230b73b2a2 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_35.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=90beb68a7cb3dcc9b8ac1511d5c1dd6f 400w)
![Discover the crystal waters of Abel Tasman](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=f804b4abbaac77bf03b3a4d24495ccc8 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=ecafaeaa59efdeb38d64a61c52c75b4e 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=3d8d7fcce8c2b920b9515cc805fbddf8 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/nz-south-Kajakken_in_Abel_Tasman.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=d990ed2d2c8a8a629fdcad3358d909d6 400w)
![Savour Wellington city's assortment of culinary delights](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=25a30e8fc5ce26f1febeee345bec1b86 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=5b49b512d4196029a91f52023dc4e0b4 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=2829460728ee623e291b7b5ebdc27c2f 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/General-activities/5466_Zest_Food_Tours_1587533043_MW_platter_Byrne_CR_ZEST.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=fe0b10c935bdfbdd66246c955da63a21 400w)
![Get a bird's eye view of Taupo in a float plane](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=dfe5eaec9985005552f088ce1730ed24 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=9532b9a91bbe76b3c5d50117f3129cf9 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=6e3bf8729862e12859a98661b1f63ef5 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/general/Taupo-float-plane-farms.jpeg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=16e3977e732b75cae2474866edb86c4c 400w)
![For 360 degree views of Auckland City, walk to the summit of Mount Eden](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=4d7136b93a0a9ce5add01d0349864393 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=503c12a0723e8ce6e1db7f72175e12b9 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=c8b4931c586320afd776d6ee4670ca08 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/example-itinerary/nz-north-auckland-mount-eden-viewpoint.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=a55a524ad006b5b66d9790d8d63056b9 400w)
![Experience the magic of the Bay of Islands](https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-hone-bay-of-islands-boats-water-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=750&q=80&w=1000&s=5907b7fe8a03af93fde919ccb1280396 1000w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-hone-bay-of-islands-boats-water-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=600&q=80&w=800&s=29115d02ec97416af06ec04e82d36bda 800w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-hone-bay-of-islands-boats-water-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=450&q=80&w=600&s=f8253bbc2cfdced02e25fe76ea238748 600w, https://cdn-travelessence.imgix.net/travelessence/new-zealand/discoverpage/nz-hone-bay-of-islands-boats-water-discoverpage-regions.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&crop=focalpoint&fit=crop&fp-x=0.5&fp-y=0.5&h=300&q=80&w=400&s=096ce89278e1a6f060e754d4708791bd 400w)
Price guide per person
and car change
During shoulder season you can enjoy significant price savings. Talk to a specialist now on 020 36 95 95 69
More sample itineraries
Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?
Discover a world beyond ordinary
At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.
Contact us
Questions? Speak to one of our specialists by phone Mon - Sat 0900 until 2100. You can discuss your travel plans in detail where and when it suits you, also in the evenings and on weekends on a no obligation basis.