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We’ve created the PERFECT one month New Zealand road trip itinerary for adventurous travelers that want to see the incredible nature and have unforgettable experiences on both the North & South Islands.
This done-for-you itinerary is everything you need!
I'm ready to plan my trip!
89
pages
30
fully-planned days
25+
exciting locations
Completely DONE-FOR-YOU Itinerary!
CONFESSION:
I have major trip FOMO.
I hate coming home from a trip only to realize I missed an epic hike or a hidden restaurant I was just around the corner from.
Can you relate?
If so, you are in the right place because we have literally spent hundreds of hours creating this itinerary (no exaggeration) so that you don’t have to worry about missing out.
This is packed with advice (from our actual on-the-ground experience) as well as hidden gems most travelers miss.
Our itinerary style…
Explore the countryside in your campervan or rental car to get off-the-beaten path.
Visit a mix of iconic sights and hidden gems that see far fewer tourists.
Hike some of the most stunning trails with epic views throughout the country.
Immerse yourself in authentic Kiwi culture—from Māori traditions to friendly small towns.
A mix of splurge-worthy experiences and free activities that immerse you in nature.
Accommodation recommendations for a range of budgets and travel styles.
Are you in?!
If you’re ready to embark on the New Zealand trip of your dreams, grab your itinerary now & you’ll soon be on your way.
Cheers to the trip of a lifetime!
So well done!!
“I’m a very seasoned traveler and find more blogs to be lacking in enough detail and actual practical tips. [Yours was] so well done!! We actually met a few other couples there at the Glow Worm Caves who were also following your itinerary :)”
Thanks for some very valuable tips!
“I found you guys while I was searching for advice online to help plan my absolutely KILLER New Zealand trip. I’m here now and I wanted to say thanks for some very valuable tips along the way… Especially your tip to fight off the annoying sandfly issue. It works!”
Well worth the money!
“I was hesitant to pay for an itinerary however I’ve found that this Itinerary was well worth the $! It’s FAR more detailed that anything I could find free & has shaped the backbone of our trip. Thanks for all the info!”
Interactive Google Map
Be sure to grab the interactive map with all places pinned for easy access!
Getting around
We’ve provided easy driving directions, distance and timing for your road trip.
Accommodation
We’ve carefully chosen accommodation options for a range of budgets and travel styles, all of which get rave reviews.
A 30-day custom itinerary based on all of our research and experience in New Zealand would cost upwards of $1,500.
We know that is not feasible for everyone, so we decided to take our experience and turn it into a totally affordable, customizable and downloadable PDF guide!
Let us help save you SO MUCH TIME.
Road Trip Itinerary
Overview
This itinerary includes detailed plans for each of these places and activities (+ a whole lot more!) and is customizable based on your interests & travel style.
Auckland
Kick off your adventure in New Zealand’s largest city, with harbor views, vibrant neighborhoods, and incredible food.
Waiheke Island
Sip world-class wines and soak in stunning coastal scenery just a ferry ride from Auckland.
Pinnacles Hut
Hike to Pinnacles Hut and witness the sunrise over the Pinnacles in the Coromandels Range.
Coromandel Peninsula
Explore unique beaches, dig your own hot tub and kayak to Donut Island.
Hobbiton
Step into the Shire and explore the real-life movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Rotorua
Witness bubbling geothermal wonders, experience Māori culture, and soak in natural hot springs.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Trek one of New Zealand’s best day hikes, passing volcanic craters and emerald lakes.
Wellington
Discover New Zealand’s capital—a foodie’s paradise with craft beer, waterfront vibes, and quirky culture.
Kaikoura
Spot whales, swim with wild dolphins (ethically!), and indulge in fresh seafood.
Marlborough
Sip your way through New Zealand’s most famous wine region, known for its crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
Abel Tasman National Park
Explore the park by kayak and on foot via the coast trails, and catch your own salmon for lunch.
West Coast
Explore this rugged, wild stretch of coastline with unique landscapes, including a caving & glow worm rafting tour.
Franz Josef Glacier
Get up close and personal with a glacier on a scenic flight or hike, then warm up with a soak in hot pools.
Wanaka
A lakeside paradise with scenic hikes, laid-back vibes, and that famous lone tree.
Queenstown
Choose your own adventure in the adrenalin capital of New Zealand, complete with a stunning mountain backdrop.
Glenorchy
A hidden gem at the end of a scenic drive, with stunning Lord of the Rings landscapes.
Milford Sound
Cruise through towering fiords, spot waterfalls, and experience New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery.
Aoraki / Mount Cook
Hike among snow-capped peaks and see the country’s tallest mountain up close.
Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
Two of the most surreal blue lakes you’ll ever see, with panoramic views of Mount Cook.
Christchurch
Your journey comes to a close in this unique and artsy city.
“We’ve packed this with insider tips that’ll make the difference between a great trip & the most unforgettable trip of your life!”
– Katie & Ben Zweber
Why trust our New Zealand advice?
We spent 5 unforgettable weeks road-tripping New Zealand in a campervan—hiking epic trails, chasing waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, and experiencing both islands in all their glory.
During that time, we hit all the major highlights and discovered plenty of hidden gems.
After hearing from so many readers looking for a 1-month itinerary, we condensed our 5-week route into 30 well-paced days—with tips to customize it to your travel style.
This itinerary is packed with everything we wish we knew before our trip, plus our favorite spots, time-saving tips, and budget-friendly ideas to help you plan the ultimate New Zealand road trip—without the stress.
We can’t wait to help make your dream New Zealand adventure a reality!
-Katie & Ben Zweber
Your dream trip awaits…
Let’s turn your dream New Zealand trip into reality!
We’ve done all the hard work for you. This itinerary will truly save you SO MUCH time and headache. All you’ve got to do is pack your bags and you’ll be off on the trip of a lifetime!
Grab your itinerary!
IF THIS YOUR VIBE, THIS ITINERARY IS FOR YOU…
Epic hikes + waterfalls & wild coastlines + scenic drives through jaw-dropping landscapes + off-the-beaten-path adventures + once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
Get ready to make core memories!
FAQs
Who is this itinerary for?
This route is perfect for travelers who want to experience the best of both the North and South Islands—without spending hours piecing everything together.
This itinerary is for you if you:
- love scenic road trips and a sense of freedom
- want a mix of bucket list spots and off-the-beaten-path gems
- enjoy hiking, outdoor adventures, and jaw-dropping landscapes
- prefer traveling independently (not on a tour)
- like having flexibility, but also appreciate a well-thought-out plan
- want to make the most of your time in New Zealand without feeling rushed
What is the budget?
The accommodation, experiences, and activities recommended are for those with a mid-range budget.
While New Zealand can get quite expensive, we’ve done our best to keep costs reasonable.
We’ve included a handful of (optional) worthy splurges, but have mostly stuck with mid-range prices.
Do I need a car to follow this itinerary?
Not necessarily. This itinerary was created as a road trip, and therefore you will need your own vehicle.
However, we have included accommodation options in this itinerary for both those traveling in a campervan and those with rental cars.
Our advice: Ultimately, the best decision is what you are most comfortable with. You can adjust your itinerary accordingly. If driving or spending the night in a campervan isn’t your cup of tea, opt for a rental car and stay in hotels along the way. If you’re up for a bigger adventure and more freedom, we highly recommend renting a campervan.
How much physical activity does this itinerary require?
Being such a nature-centric destination, we think it’s best explored by getting out of your campervan (or car) and hitting the trails!
The itinerary includes various easy to moderately challenging hikes, but nothing that requires expert knowledge or extra gear.
Most people with average mobility and fitness should be able to enjoy the hiking and physical activity in this itinerary. Plus you can always adjust and skip activities that aren’t as appealing to you.
What time of year can I follow this itinerary?
This itinerary is designed with lots of hiking and outdoor activities in mind, so spring, summer and fall would be the best seasons.
We traveled to New Zealand during the springtime in the southern hemisphere (November-December) and had great weather for hiking, albeit unpredictable.
What if I have less time?
We have suggestions for how to alter this itinerary whether you have more or less time.
What is your return policy?
Since this is a digital download and we cannot revoke access to it, we have a no refund policy.
For this reason, we have made it incredibly affordable.
We stand by this product 100% and have put countless hours into putting it together for you. We are confident that this will be extremely helpful in planning your trip.
The itinerary includes various easy to moderate level hikes, but nothing too demanding or requiring extra gear.
Still have questions?
If you still have questions, feel free to reach out and ask away!
Get in touch!