Auckland to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary (14 Days)

See the highlights of New Zealand on this 14-day itinerary from Auckland to Queenstown, designed for either car or campervan travel.

The drive from Auckland to Queenstown is one of the most popular road trip routes in New Zealand. 

I need to tell you, though, that many of the itineraries out there have you pack in way too much in a short timeframe.

I’ve been lucky enough to live in both Auckland and Queenstown, and have travelled this route many times. I know what’s worth seeing and what you can skip (because the truth is, you can’t see everything—and that’s okay!).

In this guide, I’m sharing a fast-paced (but realistic) itinerary, aimed to help you maximise your 2 weeks in New Zealand without spending your whole trip behind the wheel.

Along the way, you’ll see New Zealand’s top sights, hike incredible trails, and enjoy delicious local food and drinks.

Get ready for one epic whirlwind of a trip. Here’s the ultimate driving itinerary from Auckland to Queenstown!

FYI: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). I only share products & services I use, love & would recommend to a friend.

Auckland to Queenstown Road Trip Map

Where to Hire a Car or Campervan for Your Road Trip

🚙 Hiring a Car

I use Discover Cars to compare prices and vehicle models from all of the top NZ car rental companies. They do all of the homework for you so you don’t have to spend hours (and open 10+ tabs) to find the best deals.

One specific company I can recommend is Apex Rentals. They tend to have great prices, and will even pay the vehicle cost for the ferry between the North Island & South Island!

🚐 Hiring a Campervan

I use Motorhome Republic to compare prices on campervans in NZ.

A JUCY campervan would be a great option for this road trip. JUCY has depots in both Auckland & Queenstown and offers a wide range of vans.

Can’t decide between a car or campervan? Check out my guide to car vs campervan rentals in New Zealand.

Ultimate Auckland to Queenstown Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland

• Stay 1 night in Auckland

Most visitors to New Zealand aren’t here for the cities, but Auckland is a great place to spend a day while recovering from jetlag. 

Instead of picking up your car or campervan today, wait until Day 2 of this trip. You won’t need a car with one day in Auckland, and it’ll save you the hassle of finding accommodation with parking. 

I recommend spending today exploring Auckland on foot.

Things to do in Auckland

• Start the day with a wander around the Britomart precinct and High Street (which is much nicer than its neighbour, Queen Street). 

• Have breakfast and coffee at a cafe (I’m partial to Daily Bread!), and pop into the cute boutique shops. Booklovers won’t want to miss Unity Books.

• Hop in an Uber to get to the base of Mount Eden (Mangawhau). It’s about a 20-minute hike up to the summit, where you’ll get sweeping views over the city. 

• Alternatively, take the ferry to Devonport and hike up North Head Historic Reserve & Mount Victoria, two volcanic cones offering awesome views over Auckland and the harbour.
  
  
• In the evening, a stroll along the Viaduct Harbour will give you glimpses of Auckland’s waterfront and sailing culture, and there are lots of good places to stop for a pre-dinner drink & snack. Dr. Rudi’s Rooftop Bar has great views, as does Parasol & Swing.

• Have dinner at one of Auckland’s delicious restaurants. In the city centre, I can recommend Mezze Bar or Federal Delicatessen. Hello Beasty is a good spot in the Viaduct. Or Uber to Karangahape Road (K’ Road) to eat at either Gemmayze Street or Pici.

Then it’ll be time to sleep so you can get an early start tomorrow!

Where to stay in Auckland

🛌 Top choice: M Social Hotel (the views and waterfront location are just the best)

🛌 Apartment suites: The Avani Metropolis (the rooms here come complete with laundry facilities & kitchenettes)

🛌 Budget-friendly: LyLo 

➡️ Further reading: where to stay in Auckland for first-time visitors

Note: this is the only day on the itinerary where I haven’t included a campsite option, as I recommend waiting until Day 2 to pick up your campervan. While there are a lot of great campsites in the Auckland region, there aren’t any I’d recommend within the city centre itself.

Days 2 & 3: Rotorua (via Hobbiton)

• Driving distance from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbiton: 236 km (146 miles) / 3 hours
• Stay 2 nights in Rotorua with a full day to explore

Grab breakfast at an Auckland cafe this morning, then take an Uber to your car or campervan rental depot.

After picking up your car or campervan, it’s time to start your road trip!

Today, you’ll make your way to Rotorua, New Zealand’s hub of geothermal activity and Māori culture.

Stops on the drive from Auckland to Rotorua

• Hobbiton: Lord of the Rings fans should stop in Matamata to visit Hobbiton, where you can tour the movie set from the films. Just make sure to book tickets in advance, as they do sell out.

• Tirau: this wee town is hard to miss—simply look for the corrugated metal buildings! This is a good place for a lunch break. Try the Baker for a top-notch pie or sandwich and coffee.

• Putaruru Blue Springs: Walk alongside a crystal-clear river to its source at the Putaruru Blue Springs, where 70 percent of NZ’s bottled water comes from.
  
  
• Over the Moon Dairy: If you like cheese, you should stop here to pick up some road trip goodies. Their handcrafted cheeses are so good.

Things to do in Rotorua

You’ll be spoilt for choice with activities in Rotorua. Its geothermal surroundings make it totally unique and well worth visiting the area.

• Kuirau Park: For a free activity in Rotorua, take a stroll through Kuirau Park to see geothermal action.

• Whakarewarewa Redwoods: walking through these native Californian redwoods is free unless you do a treetops walk. If you visit the redwoods after dark, the nightlights treetop walk is quite special. 

• Adventure activities: for adrenaline-seeking souls, there are options for ziplining canopy tours, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and kayaking to glow worms or hot pools. 

• Te Puia: this is a good choice for a geothermal park close to town. It’s home to the Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts over 15 times every day. (You’ll also have the opportunity to visit a geothermal park on your drive out of Rotorua on Day 4).

• Hot springs: A trip to Rotorua wouldn’t be complete without a soak in a hot pool. The natural mineral pools at the Polynesian Spa are a real treat, or for the ultimate splurge, head to the Wai Ariki spa. 

• Where to eat: There is an excellent food scene in Rotorua. Atticus Finch has delicious sharing plates, as does the Fainting Goat. Or go to Sabroso for some of the best Mexican food in New Zealand. For breakfast sandwiches, head to Ciabatta Cafe.

Where to stay in Rotorua

🛌 Top Choice Motel: Aura Accommodation (the staff are so friendly, and the onsite hot pools are awesome)

🛌 Serviced Apartments: Kings on Peace Apartments

⛺️ Camping: Tasman Holiday Park Rotorua (1km from the town centre, with onsite mineral pools!) OR the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park (located a 10-minute drive from town, but in a peaceful and beautiful spot—one of my top campsites on the North Island).

Day 4: Tongariro National Park

• Driving distance from Rotorua to Ohakune via Taupo: 216 km (134 miles) / 2 hours 50 minutes
• Stay 1 night in Tongariro National Park

After breakfast in Rotorua, start your drive towards Tongariro National Park via Taupo.

The road between Rotorua and Taupo is only 80 km, but it’s packed with epic geothermal sights.

Taupo makes a good stop for a lunch break before heading south towards Tongariro National Park.

Stops on the drive from Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

• Wai-o-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland:  see one of New Zealand’s most impressive geothermal attractions. Try to be there by 9:45 am to see the Lady Knox geyser erupt at 10:15 am.

• Mud pool: near Wai-o-Tapu, you’ll find one of Rotorua’s best free attractions: Mud Pool, a pit of hot bubbling mud that is quite entertaining to watch for a bit.

• Hot springs: There are also lots of free hot pools between Rotorua and Taupo, the most famous being Kerosene Creek. My favourite is “hot & cold pool.” However, please keep your valuables with you if you choose to go for a soak, as car break-ins are known to happen at the hot pools in this area.

• Huka Falls: Just before you get to Taupo, stop at Huka Falls. It’s only a 5-minute walk from the carpark to the lookout area for the falls, which are a super blue colour when the sun is out.

• Taupo: Once you reach Taupo, it’ll be time for a lunch break! Have lunch at Replete Cafe and stroll along the lovely lakefront path for a leg stretch.

Things to do in Tongariro National Park

In this itinerary, you’ll really only have a late afternoon/evening in Tongariro National Park.

Make the most of it by going for a short hike!

• Taranaki Falls Walk: this 2-hour return walk is suitable for most levels of hikers. You’ll get mountain views, beech forest and tussock landscapes, and a close-up view of a beautiful waterfall. It’s one of my favourite short hikes in the North Island.

• Tawhai Falls: This is a short (10 minutes one-way) walk to a beautiful waterfall that served as a filming location in the Lord of the Rings movies (it was Gollum’s pool).

Note: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is the most famous hike in Tongariro National Park, but I haven’t included it in this itinerary because it requires you to be lucky with weather, and it’s also a serious hike I wouldn’t just recommend to everyone. 

That being said, it’s an epic hike and if you are a keen hiker, you could adjust this itinerary to include it (take a night off Rotorua and add another night to Tongariro NP).

Where to stay in Tongariro National Park

A good town to stay in near Tongariro National Park is Ohakune, and I recommend staying there for a night unless you’re camping.

🛌 Best Accommodation: Powderhorn Chateau (make sure to soak in the “lagoon!”)

🛌 Budget stay (also a camping option): Ohakune Top 10 Holiday Park

⛺️ Camping: Mangahuia DOC Campsite or the Whakapapa Holiday Park

Tip: if you alter this itinerary to fit in the Tongariro Crossing, camp or stay at the Discovery Lodge. They provide the earliest shuttle to the crossing, allowing you to beat the crowds.

Day 5: Wellington

• Driving distance from Ohakune to Wellington: 288 km (179 miles) / 3.5 hours
• Stay 1 night in Wellington

Wellington is New Zealand’s charming capital city, known for its creative culture, coffee and craft beer scene, and often-windy weather.

I lived in Wellington for over 4 years and love this city so much. There are so many great things to do in Wellington, and nature is never far away—Wellington is located right by the sea, and is surrounded by a green belt laced with walking trails and filled with native birds.

Once you arrive in the city, park up your car or campervan and explore this compact city on foot.

Stops on the drive from Tongariro National Park to Wellington

There aren’t many stops I’d recommend on today’s drive—try to get to Wellington in good time so you have the afternoon to explore the city.

• Mooma is a good cafe for a coffee and cake break, or stop at Viv’s Kitchen for one of their famous cream horns.

• Waikanae Beach is another nice stop for a leg stretch and treat at the excellent Olde Beach Bakery.

Things to do in Wellington

By the time you reach Wellington today, it’ll likely be the afternoon. Here are some ideas for how to spend a half day in Welly.

• Experience Wellington’s cafe scene: Grab some lunch and coffee at one of Wellington’s fantastic cafes to bolster your afternoon. Prefab, Fidel’s Cafe, and Beach Babylon are a few of my favourites.

• Te Papa Museum: New Zealand’s national museum is well worth a visit, even if you’re not normally a museum person. I love the natural history section, and the poignant Gallipoli exhibition (which features huge human sculptures made by Weta Workshop).

• Oriental Bay Parade: After Te Papa, walk along the Oriental Bay Parade, past the colourful and photogenic boat sheds, to the start of the Mount Victoria lookout walk.

• Mount Victoria Lookout: Hike up to the Mount Vic lookout—it’ll take about 30-45 minutes to get to the top—for an incredible view over the city. I like starting this walk from Grass Street and then connecting to the Southern Walkway (pink signs) to the Lookout Walkway (purple signs).

• Wellington breweries: After hiking back down from the Mount Vic summit, it’s time to hit up a Wellington brewery. I love Garage Project, Fortune Favours, Parrotdog, Heyday, and Fork & Tap—take your pick!

• Dinner in Wellington: Have dinner at Little Penang, where you’ll find some of the best Malaysian food in the country. Or get great pub food at the Ram on Cuba Street. Ortega Fish Shack is a fantastic spot if you love seafood.

• To end the night, walk off dinner with a stroll down Cuba Street and get an ice cream at Duck Island. For a relaxing evening activity, watch a movie at the charming Lighthouse Cinema.  

Tip: have more time to spend in Wellington? If you have another day here, take the Cable Car to the Botanic Gardens, visit Zealandia, or book a tour of Wētā Workshop. My one day in Wellington guide will help you plan your visit!

Where to stay in Wellington

🛌 Best views: Copthorne Hotel—this is where I always stay in Wellington!. They have parking available for an extra fee (parking was $30 last time I stayed here).

🛌 Boutique stays: Ohtel or the Intrepid Hotel (neither have onsite parking, though, so you’ll need to park on the street or in a paid parking lot).

🛌 Budget-friendly: The Marion Hostel (again, no parking onsite here, so you’ll need to park on the street or in a paid lot nearby).

⛺️ Camping: self-contained campervans can camp at the Evans Bay Marina freedom campsite, but make sure you arrive early to secure a spot. Also see my guide to the best campsites in the Wellington Region.

If you’re in a non-self-contained campervan, I actually recommend booking a hostel or hotel for your night in Wellington, as there aren’t any proper campgrounds within the city centre.

Day 6: Kaikoura

• Ferry from Wellington to Picton: 3.5 hours
• Driving distance from Picton to Kaikoura: 156 km (97 miles) / 2 hours
• Stay 1 night in Kaikoura

Today, you’ll board the vehicle ferry and travel across the Cook Strait to the South Island, where you’ll land in Picton to begin the next leg of your road trip.

I recommend booking an early morning ferry trip so you have time to enjoy Kaikoura in the afternoon and evening. Interislander & Bluebridge are the two main ferry providers.

The Cook Strait ferry ride takes about 3.5 hours and showcases some seriously stunning scenery in the Marlborough Sounds.

After disembarking from the Picton ferry terminal, it’ll then be a 2-hour drive to Kaikoura, which is best known for its abundance of marine life including seals, dolphins, and whales.

Stops on the Drive from Picton to Kaikoura

• Picton Village Bakery: pick up a sandwich and sweet treat before hitting the road.

• Kekerengu Store: If you need a mid-drive pick-me-up, stop here for a coffee.

• Ohau Point: View the seal colony here before reaching Kaikōura. It’s one of the best places to see New Zealand fur seals in droves.

Things to do in Kaikoura

• Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway: Hike along this trail for gorgeous views and the chance to see NZ fur seals.

• Sample the local food: Kaikoura is known for its abundant kai moana (seafood), so be sure to try some! Have dinner at the Pier Hotel or go to Cooper’s Catch for takeaway fish & chips to have at the beach. If you don’t like seafood, go to Slam Club for a locally-sourced meal and craft beer.

• Go on a whale-watching boat trip or kayak to see seals and other marine life. However, most tours leave in the morning or early afternoon, so I’d wait until Day 7 to do one of these activities.

Where to stay in Kaikoura

🛌 Top Choice Hotel: Sudima Hotel

🛌 Best Apartments: Kaikōura Waterfront Apartments

⛺️ Camping: Kaikōura Top 10 Holiday Park or Peketa Campground (or see my guide to the best spots for camping in Kaikoura).

Day 7: Christchurch

• Driving distance from Kaikoura to Christchurch: 180 km (112 miles) / 2.5 hours
• Stay 1 night in Christchurch

If you’re keen on taking a whale-watching tour in Kaikoura, this morning would be the time to do it! 

Kaikoura is the best place in NZ to see whales, and a morning ocean cruise will be an amazing way to start the day.

Then make your way to Christchurch, the South Island’s largest city.

Christchurch continues to rebuild after devastating earthquakes hit the city in 2010 and 2011. The city centre is thriving again—it’s modern, walkable, and full of creative energy.

Stops on the drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch

The stretch of road just south of Kaikoura is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the country, so take your time and enjoy the views.

For lunch, you could stop at a winery in the Waipara Valley, located just an hour north of Christchurch. Waipara Springs does beautiful lunch platters.

Things to do in Christchurch

Spend the rest of your day in Christchurch by walking or taking the tram around the city centre, which is flat and easily walkable.

• Highlights in the city centre include the beautiful (and free) Botanic Gardens, Avon River, Arts Centre, Christchurch Art Gallery, and colourful shopfronts along New Regent Street.
  
  While you can easily walk to these highlights, the hop-on, hop-off tram is a fun way to see the city, too. It stops at all of the top spots.
  
  You can also book a tram & gondola combo, which includes a trip up the Christchurch Gondola to see panoramic views over Christchurch and its surrounds.

• Hikers might want to head out of the city centre to the coastal suburb of Sumner, then continue on to Taylor’s Mistake to do a stunning day hike: the Taylor’s Mistake – Godley Head Loop Track.
  
  
• Dinner in Christchurch: After exploring the city, have dinner and a drink at the Riverside Market, which has heaps of dining options and is a must-visit when in Christchurch. Or head to Little High Eatery, an upscale food court with a wide variety of choices and fun, casual vibe.

• For the perfect post-dinner treat, grab an ice cream at Rollickin Gelato or sip on a nightcap at the cosy Last Word bar.

Where to Stay in Christchurch

🛌 Top choice: West Fitzroy Apartments (I don’t stay anywhere else in Christchurch now! They have parking, kitchenettes, and laundry facilities in each room).

🛌 Budget-friendly: The Drifter

⛺️ Camping: Tasman Holiday Park (this is located out of the city centre, but you can camp here and then take an Uber or bus into the city).

Campervan tip: If you’re campervanning, you could skip Christchurch entirely and press on with the drive. I can recommend two beautiful camping spots to consider: Lake Camp at Ashburton Lakes, or the Waihi Gorge DOC Campsite near Geraldine.

Day 8: Mount Cook National Park

• Driving distance from Christchurch to Mount Cook Village: 330 km (205 miles) / 4 hours 10 minutes
• Stay 1 night in Mount Cook National Park

Fuel up with some breakfast at one of Christchurch’s cafes (I’m a huge fan of Grizzly Bakery) and then hit the road—you’re leaving city life and heading back into the wild today!

Tip: If you need to pick up any road trip snacks or other groceries, the supermarkets in Christchurch will have the best selection you’ll find over the next stretch of your trip. I do recommend stocking up, as there are no supermarkets in Mount Cook National Park and dining options are limited.

Related read: the Ultimate Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary

Stops on the drive from Christchurch to Mount Cook National Park

• Need a coffee break? Triangle Cafe in Ashburton is an excellent choice.

• Geraldine: Visit the Barker’s Foodstore to pick up some NZ-made jams & chutneys. The Geradline Cheese Company is also well worth a visit.

• Pies at Fairlie Bakery: Make sure you’ve saved some room for more food, because the Fairlie Bakery is a great spot for a pie. Their pork belly and applesauce pie is, in my opinion, the best pie in the country 🙂

• Tekapo: this town is home to Lake Tekapo, a stunning turquoise-blue lake that’s so pretty it feels unreal. Stop here for a leg stretch and lunch.  Walk along the lakefront and visit the famous Church of the Good Shepherd. Have lunch at the Greedy Cow Cafe, or get takeaways from Better Batter to enjoy by the lake.
  
  In late spring and early summer, Lake Tekapo is a hotspot for lupin-spotting on the South Island. Between the end of November to mid-December, you’ll see abundant patches of lupins all along the lakefront.
  
  
• Lake Pukaki: After Lake Tekapo, you’ll drive for about 30 minutes before reaching Lake Pukaki, another stunning turquoise lake. Pull into the Lake Pukaki Viewpoint for epic views over the Lake, and on a clear day you’ll also see Aoraki / Mount Cook in the distance.
  
  
• Other noteworthy stops between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook National Park include the Mount Cook Alpine Salmon Shop, Mount Cook Lavender Farm (summer only), and Peter’s Lookout.

After enjoying all of this incredible scenery, you’ll reach your destination: Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park!

Things to do in Mount Cook National Park

Hiking, hiking and more hiking—that’s how to spend your time in Mount Cook National Park!

Here are my favourite hikes/walks in Mount Cook National Park:

• Hooker Valley Track (11 km; moderate) – on a clear day, this is one of the best day hikes in the South Island. You’ll cross swingbridges, boardwalks, and get amazing views of Aoraki Mount Cook and the glacial Hooker Lake.
  
  
• Kea Point Track (3 km; easy) – this gentle walk leads to epic views of Mueller Lake with Mount Cook in the distance.
  
  
• Sealy Tarns Track (5.8 km; hard) – climb over 2,000 stairs along this steep track—also known as the “Stairway to Heaven”—and enjoy panoramic views over the national park.
  
  
• Tasman Glacier View Track (1.5 km; moderate) – this short but steep walk leads you to a beautiful vantage point over Tasman Lake, with distant views of the receding Tasman Glacier at the head of the lake.

After hiking, have some dinner and then head outside to stargaze for a bit—on a clear night, the stargazing is incredible!

Where to stay in Mount Cook National Park

Just a heads up : You need to book far ahead for accommodation near Mount Cook National Park, as it’s extremely limited. I’d get your Mount Cook accommodation locked in asap to avoid disappointment.

🛌 Best Motel: Aoraki Court Motel

🛌 Splurge-worthy views: The Hermitage

🛌 Budget-friendly: Haka House

⛺️ Camping: White Horse Hill DOC Campground (this is truly one of the most scenic campsites on the South Island!). Also see my guide to the best campsites near Mount Cook.

Day 9: Wanaka

• Driving distance from Mount Cook Village to Wanaka: 206 km (128 miles) / 2.5 hour
• Stay 1 night in Wanaka

Before leaving Mount Cook National Park today, try to squeeze in one more hike! 

I recommend the Kea Point Track or Tasman Glacier View Track for short but scenic hiking options. 

Then it’s time to make your way to Wanaka, a gorgeous lakeside town filled with cute cafes, local boutique shops, and plenty of nearby hikes to choose from.

Stops on the drive from Mount Cook National Park to Wanaka

• Twizel: The first stop today should be for brunch! Make your way to Twizel and have a coffee and food at Mint Folk & Co. 

• Omarama Clay Cliffs: these craggy rock formations are a worthy detour along today’s drive if you have an extra hour to spare. There’s a $5 entry fee per car, so bring cash with you.
  
  
• Lindis Pass: From Twizel, you’ll drive past some stunning high country scenery before heading up Lindis Pass, a winding mountain pass surrounded by golden tussock fields. Stop at the Lindis Pass summit lookout for a gorgeous view and photo op.

From the Lindis Pass summit, you’ll have one more hour of driving before reaching Wanaka.

Things to do in Wanaka

You could easily spend a week in Wanaka and not get bored. With just one afternoon, though, here’s what I’d do.

• Mount Iron: Hike up the Mount Iron Track to get excellent views over Lake Wanaka and town.

• Wanaka Lavender Farm: In summer, visit this gorgeous lavender farm and meander through rows and rows of lavender and stunning flower-filled gardens. There are cute farm animals onsite, plus a lovely lavender shop selling beauty products, teas, and ice cream.
  
  
• Wanaka lakefront walk: Wander along the lakefront path from Wānaka’s main beach to the famous Wanaka tree, which is overhyped (to be honest) but still worth seeing. I like walking along the path for a while past the famous tree—it’s a cruisy, lovely trail with awesome scenery.

• Craft beer: After all of that walking, it’s time for a beer! Head to B.effect brewery for a craft beer and snack.

• Dinner in Wanaka: For a casual alfresco meal or takeway, go to the Brownston Street food truck pod (Burrito Craft and Pizza Pizza are excellent). Red Star does great burgers. And for something a bit more special, Francesca’s Italian is a good choice.

• Cinema Paradiso: After dinner, see a movie at the iconic Cinema Paradiso, and make sure to get a warm chocolate chip cookie at intermission.

Have more time to spend in Wanaka? Add another day here for hiking, and tackle the Rob Roy Glacier,  Roy’s Peak, Isthmus Peak, or Rocky Mountain tracks.

Where to Stay in Wanaka

🛌 Top choice: Lakeside Apartments

🛌 Best-value motel: Clearbrook Motel Wanaka

⛺️ Camping in Wanaka: Hampshire Holiday Park Wanaka or Albert Town Campground for a budget option

Days 10 & 11: Te Anau & Milford Sound

• Driving distance from Wanaka to Te Anau: 227 km (141 miles) / 3 hours
• Stay 2 nights in Te Anau with a day trip to Milford Sound

You’ll be heading from one lakeside town to another today, and the scenery along the way will be absolutely spectacular.

After breakfast at a cafe in Wanaka (I love Scroggin or Curbside Bagels), make your way towards Te Anau, the “Gateway to Milford Sound.”

I recommend spending two nights in Te Anau. 

On your first day in Te Anau, spend the afternoon on a day hike or simply enjoy a wander around town.

Then on your second day in Te Anau, day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

Stops on the drive from Wanaka to Te Anau – Day 10

• Cardrona: Snap a photo of the famous Cardrona Pub, and have a coffee in their beautiful gardens.
  
  
• Crown Range Road: This twisty, steep road is the highest main road in New Zealand. It’s super scenic, but please take care when travelling along this road, particularly in the winter months. Stop at the carpark at the summit for some incredible views over Arrowtown, Queenstown, and the Remarkables Mountain Range.
  
  
  • Note: some campervan companies prohibit driving their vans over the Crown Range Road. If that applies to you, simply take the slightly longer route via Cromwell and the Kawarau Gorge.
    
    
• Arrowtown: This picturesque historic gold mining town is a nice detour on today’s drive. Walk along the Arrow River Trail and wander along Buckingham Street, where you’ll find cute boutiques and cafes. Check out the Royalburn Farm shop for local produce and gifts. Have lunch at Provisions Cafe or a coffee at Wolf Coffee Roasters before hitting the road again.
  
  
• Garston: by this point, you may be in need of another quick break from the car. There are handy public toilets in Garston, plus a great coffee cart (the Coffee Bomb) and a wonderful honey shop where you can pick up manuka honey or the local specialty: wild thyme honey.

Note: you’ll drive right through Queenstown today, but I haven’t included any stops in Queenstown on this leg of the trip, because you’ll be returning here after Te Anau and Milford Sound! 

Things to do in Te Anau

• Hiking: Do a day walk on the Kepler Track, one of New Zealand’s famous Great Walks. I love the trail sections from Rainbow Reach to Shallow Bay or from the Control Gates to Brod Bay—both are filled with beech forest and lush ferns.
  
  
• Must-see movie: See the 45-minute Ata Whenua – Shadowland film at Fiordland Cinema while enjoying a local beer or wine.
  
  
• Where to eat: Have dinner at either Redcliff Cafe or Ditto. For breakfast in Te Anau, go to Sandfly Cafe. A pie from Miles Better Pies is never a bad idea, either.
  
  
• Photo-op: Visit the Marakura Yacht Club jetty at sunset to snap a gorgeous photo of Lake Te Anau.
  
  
• More activities: the Te Anau glow worm caves are a popular paid activity. Or play disc golf in Ivon Wilson Park (BYO discs or buy from Outside Sports).
  

Things to do between Te Anau & Milford Sound – Day 11

• Driving distance from Te Anau to Milford Sound: 118 km (73 miles) / 2 hours (one way)

Spend Day 11 of your itinerary by taking a day trip from Te Anau to Milford Sound.

The drive today is arguably the best scenic drive in New Zealand, so take your time and plan for lots of stops. 

I recommend packing a picnic lunch, drinking water, and snacks with you because there aren’t many amenities in Milford Sound. Also make sure to fuel up your vehicle with petrol in Te Anau before your drive. 

• Eglinton Valley: this is a quick stop for gorgeous views over a tussock-covered valley with mountains in the backdrop.
  
  
• Mirror Lakes: take a 5-minute walk along a boardwalk to see the small Mirror Lakes, which reflect the surrounding mountains on a clear, calm day.
  
  
• Homer Tunnel: you’ll likely have to stop here to wait for oncoming traffic (the tunnel is one-way and regulated by traffic lights). While you wait, take in the scenery from your vehicle and keep your eyes peeled for kea, NZ’s cheeky alpine parrot!
  
  
• Milford Foreshore Walk: this is a gorgeous and flat, easy walk along the Milford Sound Foreshore offering some amazing views over the sound. Look for the Instagram-famous swing while you’re there!
  
  
• Milford Sound cruise or kayak trip: take a relaxing cruise along Milford Sound and soak in the epic scenery including mountains, waterfalls, and marine life. Or for something more active, book a kayak trip with Rosco’s kayaks.
  
  
• Key Summit Hike: on the return drive from Milford Sound back to Te Anau, tackle the Key Summit Hike. On a clear day, the views from the summit are some of the best in Fiordland.  
  

Parking Tip: the main carpark at Milford Sound is expensive. For free parking, park at Deepwater Basin and then walk for 20-30 minutes to reach the cruise terminal (this is what I always do). 

🛳 Book your Milford Sound cruise in advance!

Make sure to book your Milford Sound cruise well in advance if visiting during the summer months.

I love the Pure Milford cruise, and they offer a 24-hour cancellation policy for direct bookings—so there’s nothing to lose by booking ahead!

Where to Stay in Te Anau

Just a side note: I’ve stayed in several lacklustre, overpriced places in Te Anau and these are the best I’ve found!

🛌 Top choice: Fiordland Lakeview Motel & Apartments

🛌 Good value: The Tasman Holiday Park

⛺️ Camping in Te Anau: either the Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park or Tasman Holiday Park Te Anau (they are both great).

Further reading: where to stay near Milford Sound

Days 12 & 13: Queenstown & Glenorchy

• Driving distance from Te Anau to Queenstown: 171 km (106 miles) / 2 hours 10 minutes
• Stay 2 nights in Queenstown with a day trip to Glenorchy

Now it’s time for the last destination on your road trip: Queenstown!

While it’s known as the “Adventure Capital of the World,” there’s a lot more to Queenstown than adrenaline-rushing activities. 

This beautiful town is perched upon the shores of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It’s home to incredible hiking & cycling trails, a fantastic dining scene, and some seriously wonderful craft breweries and wineries.

In short, Queenstown is pretty spectacular. This is where I live, so here I’ll share some local intel with you!

Stops on the drive from Te Anau to Queenstown

You’ll already have driven this stretch of road on your drive from Wanaka to Te Anau, so I recommend just getting to Queenstown as early as you can. 

• Devil’s Staircase Lookout Point: One pitstop that’s worth making today is a quick photo-op at the lookout on the Devil’s Staircase road along Lake Wakatipu. It’ll be on the left side of the road today, which is easier to access than on the drive down when it’s on the opposite side.

• Supermarkets: Another stop you may want to make is at one of the supermarkets in Frankton, a suburb of Queenstown. If you’re planning to cook at your accommodation or campground, or if you simply want to grab some snacks and drinks, Frankton has the best supermarket selection in Queenstown (Pak n Save is my go-to).

Things to do in Queenstown – Day 12

There is so much to do in Queenstown that it’s hard to narrow it down to a short description.

Popular activities include riding the Skyline Gondola; taking a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw; and zipping along the water on a high-speed jet boat.

However, my favourite things to do in Queenstown are a little bit different. If you love being outdoors like I do, then spend the rest of the day walking or cycling!

• Queenstown Hill Walk: For a short (but steep) hike, head up Queenstown Hill for stunning views over Queenstown. This 4.8km (3 mile) trail takes around 2 hours return.
  
  
• Queenstown Gardens: Walk through the Queenstown Gardens and along Lake Wakatipu to reach the Frankton Track, where you can enjoy a flat lakeside walk. There is also a great disc golf course here (hire discs from the ice skating rink or Small Planet Sports).
  

• Or go biking! Hire a bike and cycle the Frankton Track to the sunny Frankton Arm. On your return ride, pop into Altitude Brewery for a local craft beer. Around the Basin is a good place for bike rentals.
  
  
• Book a self-drive tour up to Deer Park Heights, a Lord of the Rings filming site, animal encounter, and scenic drive all in one. Pack a picnic to enjoy up there! I love pairing this excursion with a walk on the Kelvin Peninsula afterwards.
  
  
• Dinner in Queenstown: After your afternoon in Queenstown, have dinner somewhere delicious. I have so many favourite places, but a few top spots include Tanoshi for Japanese share plates; the Cow for pizza and pasta; Ramen Ramen for…ramen; and Margos for Mexican food. Sundays in Frankton is also an excellent spot for woodfired pizzas, and the Sherwood has an incredible restaurant onsite.
  
  
• After-dinner treats: For post-dinner drinks at a cocktail bar, try Little Blackwood, Ferg Bar, Perky’s Floating Bar, or Little Mez. Or get an ice cream from Patagonia Chocolates or Ferg Gelato to enjoy by the lakefront.
  

Things to do between Queenstown and Glenorchy – Day 13

• Driving distance from Queenstown to Glenorchy: 45 km (28 miles) / 45 minutes (one way)

On your final day in Queenstown, I actually think you should leave it—just for a day trip, though!

Today, take a short road trip from Queenstown to Glenorchy, which lies a 45-minute drive away from Queenstown.

The drive from Queenstown to Glenorchy is one of the most spectacular drives in the world. The road skirts along Lake Wakatipu, with snow-capped mountains framing the backdrop—it’s the type of scenery you’ll dream about long after your trip.

You have a few options for how to spend the day, but either way, hiking should be on the cards!

• Breakfast in Queenstown: Before leaving for Glenorchy, have breakfast at one of Queenstown’s excellent cafes. Bespoke or Vudu are great for a sit-down breakfast, or get takeaway pastries and coffee from Fergbaker if you want something quick. Fergbaker is also a great place to grab a sandwich to take on the road with you.
  

• Moke Lake Track: Take a detour to peaceful Moke Lake and walk the Moke Lake Loop Track, a peaceful 2-hour walk that circles the lake.
  

• Bob’s Cove: Walk for 15 minutes through native beech forest to reach Bob’s Cove, one of Queenstown’s best beaches. For epic views over Lake Wakatipu, hike up to Picnic Point before turning back to where you started. On a warm day in summer in Queenstown, you’ll be tempted to swim here, too (it’ll be icy cold but epic!).
  

• Bennett’s Bluff lookout: Stop here for a quick walk (5 minutes return) to a great lookout over Lake Wakatipu with Mount Aspiring National Park in the distance.
  

• Mrs Woolly’s General Store: This cute shop and cafe is a must-visit when in Glenorchy. Peruse their awesome selection of locally-made goods, and pick up a treat from the cabinet.
  

• Frank’s Corner: This lovely little boutique shop has a great assortment of NZ-made goods. Their merino wool socks are the perfect souvenir! (If you don’t make it to their Glenorchy shop, though, they also have a location in Queenstown). 
  

• Glenorchy Red Boat Shed: The iconic Glenorchy landmark makes for a great photo-op.
  

• Glenorchy Lagoon Walkway: Stroll along this peaceful, flat walking trail and look for mountain reflections in the lagoon.
  

When you return to Queenstown from Glenorchy, celebrate your successful NZ trip with a pint at a craft beer bar (Beechtree, Smith’s, or Atlas) and a burger from Fergburger, Devil Burger, or World Bar.

Hiking tip: If you’re a keen hiker, you may want to zip past all of the above and drive beyond Glenorchy to the start of the Routeburn Track. While the full Routeburn Track takes several days, you can do an awesome day walk on the trail to either Routeburn Flats or Routeburn Falls.

Where to Stay in Queenstown

🛌 Great views, good value: The Alexis Motel (free parking is included, subject to availability)

🛌 Good amenities: Holiday Inn Express Queenstown (free breakfast! a sauna! parking available for a fee)

🛌 Boutique stay: The Sherwood

⛺️ Camping: either the Driftaway (nicest spot, but 10 minutes from town) or Creeksyde Holiday Park (quirkier but right in the heart of Queenstown). Also see my guide to the best campsites in Queenstown.

Day 14: Depart

Check out of your accommodation or campground and head to the airport, which is conveniently located just 7.5 km from the Queenstown town centre.

While it doesn’t usually take very long to reach the airport, do give yourself extra time to account for traffic delays and to return your car or campervan. 

You’ll usually need to return your rental vehicle with a full fuel tank; the Z Petrol Station is a handy place to do this when you leave the town centre, although do be prepared for sticker shock when it comes to Queenstown petrol prices.

Best time of year for a road trip from Auckland to Queenstown

The best months for this road trip are October through April, which aligns with spring, summer, and autumn in Queenstown. Travelling between these months will give you the most daylight hours and less chance of snow on the roads and hiking trails.

Peak travel season in New Zealand runs from late December through February, so expect higher prices and more crowds during this time period. If you travel during these peak months, make sure you book everything well in advance.

If you’d prefer fewer crowds and better prices, visit in mid-late spring (October and November) or early-mid autumn (March and April). The weather in NZ tends to be more settled in autumn vs spring, but that isn’t always the case.

That being said, you can also do this trip in winter! You’ll want to take some precautions in winter, though, particularly in the South Island—check the weather & road conditions before heading out each day, and make sure you carry chains in your vehicle.

Also be aware that you won’t be able to do every hike in winter (the Tongariro Crossing, for example).

Some seasonal things to consider

-Want to see the lupin bloom on the South Island? Visit in late November/early December.

-Want to go swimming in NZ’s lakes and rivers? Visit in summer.

-Want to see the autumn colours in Arrowtown? Visit in mid-late April.

-Want to go skiing or snowboarding, or just see lots of snow? Visit New Zealand in winter (and check out my guides to campervanning in winter in New Zealand, & Queenstown in winter!)

Alternate Auckland to Queenstown itineraries

If you prefer coastal scenery, consider driving down the South Island’s West Coast instead of down the middle of the island. Check out my Picton to Queenstown road trip for a good route to take!

Have more than 14 days? Then add another night to Auckland (visit Waiheke Island), Tongariro National Park or Wānaka. Or include the Coromandel Peninsula in your itinerary—the Coromandel is packed with incredible beaches and campsites.

Want to do less driving? Then another option is to shorten your driving time by flying from the North Island to the South Island. From Rotorua, you could fly to Christchurch, pick up another hire car, and start your South Island road trip from there. (This only really works with a hire car, not a campervan, as there are no campervan depots in Rotorua).

Alternatively, you could follow my 7-day North Island itinerary and then fly from Auckland to the South Island to complete a 7-day South Island road trip, for a total of 14 days in NZ.

Thanks for reading!

I hope this itinerary has helped you plan a trip to remember.

As always, please leave a comment or send me an email if you have any questions about this guide. I’m always happy to try and help with your NZ trip plans.

Check out my other New Zealand itineraries here

Whether you have more or less than 2 weeks, have a peek at my other NZ road trip itineraries—you’re sure to find the right itinerary for you (and if not, just ask me and I’ll try to help!)

• Christchurch to Queenstown road trip (a reader favourite!)
• 3-week road trip from Auckland to Christchurch
• 10 day South Island itinerary
• 2-week South Island campervan itinerary
• 3-week South Island campervan itinerary