Spend just over two weeks experiencing the incredible beauty, culture and sense of adventure that characterizes New Zealand.The Lindis Group
16 days, 10 cities, two islands – one unforgettable experience
There’s no bad way to see New Zealand, but once you’ve made it there, why not spend your time traversing some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world by car, with stops at splurge-worthy accommodations, stunning sights and some of the best restaurants in the country? Here’s how to make the most of a two-week trip around Aoteoroa (New Zealand).
Week One: North Island
Day 1-2: Auckland
Spend your first day getting the lay of the land. Heletranz Helicopters’ Coast to Coast flight takes you along the North Island’s rugged west coast, over stunning black sand beaches and dramatic volcanic cliffs, before heading over Auckland’s downtown, and then toward the east coast and Rangitoto Island. Or, join Explore Sailing for a tour of Auckland from the deck of an America’s Cup Sailing yacht. The wind in your hair will help you shake off any remaining jet lag.
On Day 2, learn about Māori culture on a private tour with Time Unlimited Tours. This day-long tour takes you from the city to rainforest while teaching you about the rich history of Māori on this land.
Dine: Pasture, Mr. Morris or The Grove, some of the country’s best restaurants
Stay: The Hotel Britomart, New Zealand’s first five-green-star hotel
Day 3-4: Rotorua
Tour the hot springs at Kuirau Park then pamper yourself at the Polynesian Spa, the country’s original geothermal bathing experience. Then, Day 4 is all about the outdoors. Foodies will love the Estate to Plate tour at Treetops, a four-wheel-drive safari on the property, exploring the garden, aviaries and encounters with local wildlife. The mission: to pick up ingredients for dinner. If you want to get active, the new Whakarewarewa Forest Loop, a 33-km cycling trail through a redwood forest, is a must.
Dine: Treetops, The Mains at Peppers
Stay: Treetops Lodge and Estate, a luxurious immersion in nature
Day 5: Napier
You can’t visit New Zealand without seeing its wine regions. Join winemaker Don Bird for a private in-depth tour of Hawke’s Bay’s wine and food offerings. You’ll visit up to six wineries and get taken to some of the best vantage points in the area during this full-day experience.
Get a taste of local delicacies when you sit down for a multi-course fine dining dinner.The Dining Room at Cape Kidnappers
Dine (and then Stay): Cape Kidnappers, a hilltop sheep and cattle farm stay that’s the height of luxury. If you’re not full from the day of tastings, indulge in the five-course tasting menu for dinner. Then, head to one of the property’s well-appointed suites, which all offer serene décor and stunning views.
Day 6: Napier - Wellington
Before hitting the road, hit the links at Cape Kidnappers. The stunning 18-hole course has just undergone a refresh (though you’ll be hard pressed to focus on your swings with the distraction of the stunning scenery). Then it’s time for the North Island’s most southern city, and the country’s capital, to explore the CBD (central business district) on foot before dinner.
Dine: Hiakai, where Michelin-star skills meet Māori cuisine
Stay: Sofitel Wellington, a central base for exploring the city
Day 7: Wellington
Head out of the city to Wharekauhau, a country estate that will make you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere – and that’s the point. The stunning estate overlooks Palliser Bay. Choose between a spa day, exploring the 3,000-acre estate by ATV or the Trust the Chef four-course lunch experience. You’ll be surprised by the menu’s creativity. Then it’s back to the city for a final night on the North Island.
Dine: Liberty, the newest spot by Steve Logan and Shaun Clouston, leaders in Wellington’s fine-dining scene
Stay: Another night at the Sofitel Wellington
A smooth and serene kayak along the water is the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s south island.Graeme Murray
Week Two: South Island
Day 8-9: Abel Tasman National Park
Cross via ferry to get to the South Island for a week of exploring New Zealand’s natural diversity. After arriving at Stonefly Lodge, spend the afternoon on a guided cycling tour of wineries and artist ateliers in the area. Then, on Day 9, head to Abel Tasman National Park for ecological exploration, paddling and walking with Wilsons Abel Tasman.
Dine: Urban Oyster Bar & Eatery or Hooked, because when you’re this close to the water, seafood is a must
Stay: Stonefly Lodge, an environmentally sensitive and sustainable luxury lodge
Day 10-11: Franz Josef/Waiau
You start with a longer driving day, but the destination is worth it: a 12-km long glacier. Upon arrival, rest at the hotel while enjoying the forest views and take advantage of the spa, because Day 11 is full of adventure. With Franz Josef Glacier Guides, you’ll spend up to two and a half hours on the glacier exploring ice towers, ice caves and more during their Heli Hike experience.
Dine: The Canopy Restaurant, Monsoon Restaurant and Bar
Stay: Te Waonui Forest Retreat, an environmentally and community sensitive property
Day 12: Lake Hawea
After yesterday’s adrenaline rush, today is about luxurious solitude at the chic villa at Mt. Isthmus. The property’s designs are inspired by the surrounding mountains, and with a spa pool and small theatre room on site, this is the perfect place to recharge before the home stretch of this trip of a lifetime.
Dine: Private chef experience at the villa
Stay: Mt. Isthmus, a design-lover’s dream
Aside from the wine itself, which is always crisp and refreshing, the best thing about New Zealand’s wine regions is that tours and tastings take place against the backdrop of absolutely stunning landscapes.Supplied
Day 13-14: Queenstown
Explore the diversity of the Queenstown area through your tastebuds. Alpine Wine Tours’ Progressive Dinner Tour is three courses in three different locations. And on Day 14, hit the powder: Soho Basin, just an hour’s drive from the city, offers backcountry skiing and snowboarding on over 1,000 acres.
Dine: Amisfield, the award-winning restaurant at Amisfield Lake Hayes Winery
Stay: Azur, a luxury lodge located just five minutes from downtown Queensland
Day 15: Lake Pukaki
During the day, relax with some forest bathing or a spa visit because the excitement here begins when the sun goes down. The lodgings are located in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the best locations in the country to take in all that dazzles in the southern sky. The hotel offers a private stargazing experience at its purpose-built wine cellar.
Dine and Stay: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat, where you’re guaranteed a garden-fresh, hyper-local meal. After dinner, head to one of the two-bedroom villas to relax. They boast super king-size beds, which can be split into two king beds as needed, and views of the Ben Ohau mountain ranges.
Day 16: Christchurch
The adventure ends here. Spend the day exploring the city on foot before a final, delicious meal. Amiki Cultural Food Tours offers a “City Meander” that incorporates Māori and multicultural storytelling into its guided exploration.
Dine: Inati, Story or Gatherings
Stay: Otahuna Lodge, a 19th-century Victorian estate located just 20 minutes from downtown
Pre-Trip Planning
Before you go, here are some need-to-knows
The Tiaki Promise is a commitment travellers are asked to make to protect New Zealand by treading lightly and leaving no trace on its natural environment. Opt for an electric vehicle for your car rental if available.
Don’t sit on tables—in Māori culture, it’s considered impolite.
Many restaurants are small and intimate, which is part of what makes them so special. Be sure to make dinner reservations ahead of time. And generally, New Zealanders do not tip. Prices on menus are adjusted accordingly.
It’s always a good time to visit New Zealand, but remember that the seasons are the opposite of those in Canada, and temperatures can vary quite a bit between Auckland and Queenstown, especially in winter.
Pack for all weather. Rain, wind, sun, you’ll see it all as weather patterns quickly pass over this island nation. Because of this, rainbows are plentiful. Locals aren’t phased by them, but that shouldn’t stop you from pausing to take in each and every one.
Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with Tourism New Zealand. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.