14 Day Iconic New Zealand Holiday Package

If you have 2 weeks in New Zealand, this 14 Day Iconic New Zealand Holiday Package hits all the highlights.

Taking advantage of a domestic flight to increase your sightseeing time, this itinerary visits Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Rotorua, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Franz Josef Glacier, and much more.

Packed with exciting activities, this fantastic itinerary for 2 weeks in New Zealand has it all.

Read on for the full details of the 14 Day Iconic New Zealand Holiday Package

14 Day Iconic New Zealand Holiday Package | 2 Weeks in New Zealand

Day 1 Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland – the “City of Sails” is New Zealand’s largest city, bordered by two stunning harbours. Collect your rental car from the airport, explore the city, then make your way to your accommodation.

This evening, if you would like to dine with a spectacular view, you might like to visit the Sky Tower. You are spoilt for choice with three restaurants and cafés up the Sky Tower, including the Orbit 360–degree dining revolving restaurant; The Sugar Club, which is superbly chic and elegant; or the Sky Café, where you can relax with a coffee, cheese board or ice cream. You will have the opportunity to view the city from 328 metres high above street level and take in the beautiful views, up to 80 kilometres in every direction. Spot the key landmarks, including a number of volcanoes and historical locations within the greater Auckland area.

Stay 1 night in Auckland City.

Day 2 Rotorua

Driving time Auckland to Matamata 159 km / 98  miles, 2 hours

Make your way to Matamata to discover the real Middle-Earth on the most picturesque private farmland. Near Matamata, visit the Hobbiton Movie Set from the Lord of the Rings films in a fascinating two-hour guided tour. The set has been completely rebuilt and will remain as it was seen in the films. There are spectacular views across to the Kaimai Ranges from the rolling green hills of the movie set, which is still a working sheep and beef farm. You can relax and soak up the unique atmosphere with a great cup of coffee or a light meal in The Shire’s Rest Café.

Driving time Matamata to Rotorua 68 km / 42 miles, 1 hour

Enjoy the scenic journey to Rotorua, distinguished by Maori culture and geothermal activity. This diverse city will put on a display as you encounter geysers, mud pools, steaming craters and 16 beautiful lakes.

Stay 2 nights in Rotorua.

Day 3 Rotorua

The Hell’s Gate Geothermal Park is Rotorua’s most active geothermal area featuring a walkway lined with unique geothermal wonders and interactive opportunities. Experience the geothermal features with a self-guided map to show you around or join a guided tour of the reserve to learn more about the history, features and uniqueness of the geothermal area.

See bubbling mud pools, steaming craters, mineral pools, learn about New Zealand’s history and culture, and even try Maori weaving and wood carving! After this, the geothermal waters of the Hell’s Gate Sulphur Spa will rejuvenate and refresh you, as you relax and take in the surreal surroundings of the wondrous geothermal landscape.

In the evening, ride the gondola up to the Skyline Complex, where you will enjoy a buffet of epic proportions. Tiered seating guarantees excellent views from every table!

Day 4 Waitomo > Hamilton

Driving time Rotorua to Waitomo Caves 139 km / 86 miles, 2 hours 

Venture to the Waitomo Caves, where you will enjoy the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Ruakuri Caves Combo! Deep underground in the heart of the Waikato are a series of unique caves that will take your breath away. At the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, thousands of tiny glowworms cling to the cave ceiling, creating a starry sky within the underground night. Nearby, the Ruakuri Cave is home to an innovative spiral entrance, echoing waterfalls, and limestone that flows into delicate shawl-like formations.

Driving time Waitomo Caves to Hamilton 71 km / 44 miles, 1 hour

After your adventure, continue to Hamilton, a vibrant town in the heart of the North Island.

Stay 1 night in Hamilton.

Day 5 Auckland

Driving time Hamilton to Auckland 125 km / 78 miles, 2 hours

Return to Auckland. In the afternoon, you have the option to discover Auckland and its surrounds with a cruise aboard an impressive purpose-built yacht.

Stay 1 night in Auckland.

Day 6 Auckland > Christchurch

Today, depart Auckland for Christchurch on a domestic flight (cost of flight not included in holiday package). Please enquire for flight options and approximate costs.

Arrive in Christchurch, collect your new rental car, and make your way to your accommodation.

Spend the afternoon and evening exploring the city. You might like to take time to explore the city by double-decker bus, vintage bicycle, gondola, tram or classic Edwardian punt – or grab your walking shoes and discover bars, eateries and an eclectic mix of boutique shops by foot.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 7 Lake Tekapo

Driving time Christchurch to Lake Tekapo 230 km / 143 miles, 3.5 hours

Depart Christchurch and travel south across the Canterbury Plains before making your way inland towards the Southern Alps to reach Lake Tekapo, an amazing turquoise lake. Tekapo presents many world–class attractions, from the famous Church of the Good Shepherd to scenic flights exploring New Zealand’s highest mountains and largest glaciers (including Mount Cook, Tasman Glacier, and Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers).

Stay 1 night in Lake Tekapo.

Day 8 Queenstown

Driving time Lake Tekapo to Queenstown 254 km / 158 miles, 3.5 hours

Travel through the dramatic Lindis Pass, which links the Mackenzie Basin to Central Otago. Arrive in Queenstown, New Zealand’s vibrant adventure capital.

Relax and explore Queenstown this afternoon, with the option to visit the Kiwi Birdlife Park, the Underwater Observatory, ride the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak for panoramic views over the Wakatipu Basin; or simply enjoy a lakefront stroll or a bit of boutique shopping.

Stay 3 nights in Queenstown.

Day 9 Queenstown

Relax and explore Queenstown today, with the option to add on an adventure activity of your choice. Options include a ride on the thrilling Shotover Jet, a Lord of the Rings tour, a cruise on the vintage steamship TSS Earnslaw, or a Central Otago wine tour.

You might also like to take a short drive to Arrowtown. You’ll be enchanted by historic Arrowtown, a New Zealand treasure located 20 minutes from Queenstown. Arrowtown is charming and quirky – a delightful gold rush village nestled below the beautiful peaks that surround the sparkling Arrow River.

Day 10 Queenstown > Milford Sound

Enjoy a scenic coach journey through heartland New Zealand to reach Milford Sound, where you will enjoy a 2.5 hour Milford Sound Nature Cruise. As you cruise through the spectacular fiord, you won’t be able to tear your eyes from the wonders of Milford Sound! Sheer cliffs, towering snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, hanging valleys, sub-tropical rainforests, marine life… words just don’t do it justice, you have to see it for yourself! After your cruise, relax while your coach returns through stunning scenery before delivering you back to your Queenstown accommodation.

Day 11 Wanaka

Driving time Queenstown to Wanaka 70 km / 43 miles, 1 hour

Drive over the beautiful Crown Range, one of New Zealand’s highest alpine roads, and admire the fantastic views along the way. Be sure to stop at the historic Cardrona Hotel for a refreshment before your arrival into Wanaka, an alpine town boasting panoramic views, a relaxed atmosphere and myriad walking tracks.

Stay 1 night in Wanaka.

Day 12 Franz Josef

Driving time Wanaka to Franz Josef 285 km / 177 miles, 4 hours

Carry on, past Lake Hawea and the northern shores of Lake Wanaka, until you reach Haast Pass. There are many short walks and viewing points along the Haast Pass Highway, which will help break up the journey. Continue up the West Coast, with glimpses of the Tasman Sea showing beneath rugged cliffs, until you reach Franz Josef Glacier. You may also wish to visit Fox Glacier itself, which is signposted and located just south of Fox Glacier township. Franz Josef is a short thirty minute drive north of Fox Glacier.

In the afternoon, take a scenic flight which sweeps over Westland National Park before landing atop Franz Josef Glacier to enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Alps.

Stay 1 night in Franz Josef.

Day 13 Hokitika

Driving time Franz Josef to Hokitika 136 km / 85 miles, 2 hours

Enjoy your journey along the West Coast to Hokitika, famous for its arts and crafts. Watch a masterpiece being crafted from gold, molten glass, paua or bone, or carve your own creation from wood or jade (“pounamu”). Take in Hokitika’s natural beauty, enjoy its expansive beach, or venture down one of the many walking and mountain biking tracks.

Stay 1 night in Hokitika.

Day 14 Christchurch

Driving time Hokitika to Greymouth 40 km / 25 miles, 45 minutes
Train travel Greymouth to Christchurch 223 km / 138 miles, 4.5 hours

Enjoy the short drive from Hokitika to Greymouth, where you will drop off your rental car and board the TranzAlpine train.

From your carriage you’ll see lush beech rainforest, the spectacular Southern Alps, and the gorges and river valleys of the Waimakariri River. Once you leave the mountains, you will pass through the fields of the Canterbury Plains, a landscape of picturesque farmland. All carriages include both one-way seating and tabled group seating, allowing you to experience the amazing views while enjoying the company of other passengers on-board. An open air viewing carriage allows you to get even closer to the stunning scenery. The trip is 223.8 kilometres long and takes just 4.5 hours. There are 16 tunnels and 5 viaducts, the highest being the ‘Staircase’ standing at 73 metres.

Arrive in the garden city of Christchurch and make your way to your accommodation. As your 2 week in New Zealand draw to a close, raise a glass to a fantastic holiday.

Stay 1 night in Christchurch.

Day 15 Depart Christchurch

Make your way to Christchurch Airport and depart Christchurch at your leisure.

Planning an itinerary for 2 weeks in New Zealand

2 weeks in New Zealand offers the perfect amount of time to see both islands. If you have less than 2 weeks, your schedule can end up quite rushed.

This 14 Day Iconic New Zealand Holiday Package is perfect for:

• Travellers who hope to cut down on driving time
• Anyone who wants to experience the absolute must-see destinations of both islands
• First-time visitors to New Zealand

We also offer a range of other itineraries for 2 weeks in New Zealand, including New Zealand packages, North Island packages, and South Island packages.

This itinerary is completely customisable. In other words, you can change the schedule, add or swap out activities, or upgrade the accommodation.

Contact New Zealand Travel Organiser today to begin planning the holiday of a lifetime.