Self-Launched 19-Day New Zealand North & South Island Journey (Auckland to Christchurch)

Arrive into Auckland Airport and take the SkyBus into the city centre (~£15). Check into a central hostel or budget hotel in the CBD. Spend the afternoon exploring the Viaduct Harbour, grabbing coffee in the Britomart precinct, and browsing Commercial Bay. No pre-arranged activities needed — Auckland is easy to explore solo.

🚌SkyBus from airport to city: ~£15 one-way

🛏Base Backpackers Auckland or YHA Auckland City (~£25-35/night dorm; ~£55-70 private)

• →Take SkyBus from Auckland Airport to city centre (~£15)
• →Walk around Viaduct Harbour and Britomart
• →Browse Commercial Bay shopping precinct
• →Self-guided waterfront stroll

Catch an InterCity coach from Auckland to Waitomo (~£20, ~2.5hrs). Visit the famous Waitomo Glowworm Caves — book a glowworm boat tour directly with Waitomo Caves (~£40) or go adventurous with a black-water rafting experience (~£80). After, take an InterCity connection to Rotorua (~£20, ~2.5hrs). Check into your hostel.

🚌InterCity coaches: Auckland–Waitomo ~£20, Waitomo–Rotorua ~£20

🛏Base Backpackers Rotorua or YHA Rotorua (~£22-30/night dorm; ~£55-65 private)

• →InterCity coach Auckland to Waitomo (~£20)
• →Waitomo Glowworm Caves boat tour — book direct at waitomo.com (~£40)
• →Optional: Black water rafting or cave abseiling via Waitomo Adventures (~£80-120)
• →InterCity coach Waitomo to Rotorua (~£20)

Full day in Rotorua. Take a water taxi to Hot Water Beach at Te Rata Bay on Lake Tarawera — bookable directly with operators at the lake landing (~£20 return). Visit Kuirau Park (free geothermal park), soak in a geothermal spa at Polynesian Spa (~£20-30), or tackle the Tarawera Trail (15km hike, free). Optional white water rafting on the Kaituna River via operators like Kaituna Cascades (~£65) or eco-ziplining.

🚌Local taxi/rideshare to lake (~£10 each way)

🛏Base Backpackers Rotorua or YHA Rotorua (~£22-30/night dorm; ~£55-65 private)

• →Water taxi to Hot Water Beach, Te Rata Bay, Lake Tarawera (~£20 return)
• →Free visit to Kuirau Park geothermal area
• →Optional: Polynesian Spa soak (~£25)
• →Optional: Tarawera Trail hike 15km (free, bring food and water)
• →Optional: White water rafting on Kaituna River via Kaituna Cascades (~£65)
• →Optional: Zorbing at Ogo Rotorua (~£40)

This is the highlight cultural day. Book directly with Kohutapu Lodge (kohutapu.co.nz) for an immersive Māori cultural stay near Murupara. The package includes a guided tour to sacred rock carvings, a weaving lesson, Mau Rakau (Māori stick games), a haka lesson, traditional hāngī dinner, and storytelling around the fire. Transport from Rotorua is best by rental car or shared shuttle (~1.5hrs).

🚌Rental car share or shuttle from Rotorua to Murupara (~£15-20pp)

🛏Kohutapu Lodge — book direct for cultural immersion package (~£80-100/person including dinner and activities)

• →Drive or shuttle from Rotorua to Murupara (~1.5hrs, ~£15 shuttle or rental car share)
• →Guided tour to sacred Māori rock carvings at Lake Aniwhenua
• →Weaving and Mau Rakau (stick games) lessons
• →Haka lesson
• →Traditional hāngī buffet dinner and dessert
• →Storytelling around the fire pit

Drive or take a shuttle via Lake Taupo — stop to see the impressive Huka Falls (free, short walk from the carpark). Lake Taupo is Australasia's largest lake and worth a wander. Continue to Blue Duck Station in Whanganui National Park — a working farm and conservation retreat. Book a stay and 4WD eco-tour directly at blueduck.co.nz. Optional: skydiving in Taupo (~£180) or bungy jumping (~£100).

🚌Rental car or shuttle Murupara to Taupo to Blue Duck Station (~£20-30pp)

🛏Blue Duck Station Lodge — book direct at blueduck.co.nz (~£90-110/person including dinner and eco-tour)

• →Shuttle or drive from Murupara to Taupo (~1.5hrs)
• →Free visit to Huka Falls — short walk from carpark
• →Walk along the shores of Lake Taupo (free)
• →Optional: Skydiving with Taupo Tandem Skydiving (~£180)
• →Optional: Taupo Bungy with Taupo Bungy (~£100)
• →4WD eco-tour and farm experience at Blue Duck Station (included in lodge rate)

A full day based at Blue Duck Station. Join the morning 4WD farm eco-tour (included in lodge rate) to learn about conservation of the rare whio (blue duck). Hike to Kaiwhakauka waterfall through native bush, and in the evening head out for a guided glowworm viewing experience. Meals are home-cooked at the lodge.

🚌No transport needed — full day at lodge

🛏Blue Duck Station Lodge (second night — usually cheaper when booking 2+ nights)

• →Morning 4WD farm eco-tour (included with lodge stay)
• →Hike to Kaiwhakauka waterfall through native bush (free, guided by lodge staff)
• →Learn about whio (blue duck) conservation programme
• →Evening glowworm viewing walk (guided by lodge)

One of New Zealand's greatest day hikes. Drive or take a shuttle to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead (19.4km, ~7-8hrs). Shuttle transfers from nearby Whakapapa Village or National Park township are ~£25 return and bookable via Tongariro Expeditions. Stay overnight near the park. Note: hire specialist winter gear if hiking in snow/ice conditions (~£40).

🚌Tongariro Expeditions shuttle to/from trailhead: ~£25-30pp

🛏Plateau Lodge or Discovery Lodge, National Park (~£25-35 dorm; ~£70 private)

• →Shuttle from Blue Duck Station area to Tongariro Crossing trailhead (~£25-30 return via Tongariro Expeditions)
• →Tongariro Alpine Crossing — 19.4km, one-way traverse (~7-8hrs, free to hike)
• →Optional: Hire winter gear/crampons if in snowy conditions (~£40)
• →Views of Mt Ngauruhoe, Emerald Lakes, Red Crater, and Mt Ruapehu

Take an InterCity coach or the Northern Explorer train from National Park to Wellington (~£25-40, ~4hrs). Wellington is New Zealand's vibrant compact capital — visit Te Papa National Museum (free entry), hike up Mt Victoria for panoramic views, and stroll Oriental Parade. The craft beer and coffee scene here is excellent.

🚌InterCity coach National Park to Wellington: ~£25-35

🛏YHA Wellington or Nomads Capital Backpackers (~£25-35 dorm; ~£65-80 private)

• →InterCity coach from National Park to Wellington (~£25-35, 4hrs)
• →Free visit to Te Papa National Museum (free entry)
• →Hike up Mt Victoria for panoramic city and harbour views (free)
• →Stroll Oriental Parade waterfront (free)
• →Explore Wellington's famous café and craft beer scene

Book the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton (~£35-50, 3.5hrs) — a stunning crossing through the Marlborough Sounds. From Picton, take an InterCity bus or Atomic Shuttles south through the Marlborough wine region to Marahau, gateway to Abel Tasman National Park (~£30-40, ~3hrs). Optional wine tasting en route at Marlborough cellar doors.

🚌Interislander Ferry ~£35-50; shuttle Picton to Marahau ~£30-40

🛏The Barn Backpackers, Marahau — budget cabin or camp (~£25-40/person)

• →Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton (~£35-50, book in advance at greatjourneysofnz.co.nz)
• →Optional: Wine tasting at Marlborough cellar doors en route (~£10-20)
• →Shuttle or bus Picton to Marahau via Nelson (~£30-40)

Full day exploring Abel Tasman — one of New Zealand's most beautiful national parks. Walk sections of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track for free, or book a water taxi into the park to access remote beaches like Anchorage Bay and Cleopatra's Pools (~£30-40 return). Sea kayaking is a highlight — book with Abel Tasman Kayaks (~£60-80 half day). Canyoning and sailing also available locally.

🚌Water taxi within park: ~£30-40 return

🛏The Barn Backpackers, Marahau (second night)

• →Walk sections of the Abel Tasman Coastal Track (free)
• →Water taxi into the national park to Anchorage Bay (~£30-40 return, book with Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles)
• →Visit Cleopatra's Pools (free once in the park)
• →Optional: Half-day sea kayaking with Abel Tasman Kayaks (~£60-80)
• →Optional: Sailing trip with Abel Tasman Sailing Adventures (~£70-100)

Take a shuttle from Marahau via Nelson over the Lewis Pass to Hokitika on the wild West Coast (~£50-60, ~5hrs with connections). Stop en route at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and Blowholes (free entry). Arrive in Hokitika — explore the famous Glowworm Dell (free, a short evening walk from town), Hokitika Beach, and the Tambo shipwreck on the beach.

🚌West Coast shuttle services Marahau/Nelson to Hokitika: ~£50-60

🛏Stumpers Backpackers Hokitika or Tara Motel (~£25-40 dorm or budget room)

• →Shuttle from Marahau/Nelson to Hokitika via West Coast (~£50-60)
• →Stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks & Blowholes (free entry, ~30min stop)
• →Evening visit to Hokitika Glowworm Dell (free, 10min walk from town centre)
• →Walk to Hokitika Beach and photograph the Tambo shipwreck
• →Explore Hokitika's greenstone (pounamu) craft shops

Take a shuttle south from Hokitika to Franz Josef (~£25-35, 2hrs) — services run with West Coast Shuttle or Atomic Travel. Walk the public glacier track to the viewpoint (free, stunning views even from the valley floor). Splurge on a heli-hike to the glacier with Fox & Franz Josef Heliservices (~£220-280) for a truly unforgettable experience on the ice.

🚌West Coast Shuttle Hokitika to Franz Josef: ~£25-35

🛏Rainforest Retreat or Chateau Franz Backpackers (~£25-40 dorm; ~£65-80 private)

• →West Coast Shuttle Hokitika to Franz Josef (~£25-35)
• →Walk the public Franz Josef Glacier valley track to viewpoint (free)
• →Optional: Heli-hike onto Franz Josef Glacier with Franz Josef Glacier Guides (~£220-280, book at franzjosefglacier.com)
• →Optional: Glacier hot pools at Glacier Hot Pools (~£20-25)

Long but scenic travel day south. Take an Intercity or Atomic shuttle from Franz Josef, stopping at Lake Matheson (30-min walk around the mirror lake, free) and passing through Wanaka. Stop to photograph the famous Wanaka Tree in the lake, stroll the waterfront, and grab lunch. Continue to Queenstown by afternoon (~£40-55 total for coaches).

🚌Shuttles Franz Josef–Wanaka–Queenstown: ~£45-60 total

🛏Base Backpackers Queenstown or Nomads Queenstown (~£28-40 dorm; ~£80-100 private)

• →Shuttle Franz Josef towards Wanaka (~£30-40)
• →Stop at Lake Matheson — 30-min reflection lake walk (free, or £2 carpark fee)
• →Walk Wanaka lakefront and photograph the famous lone Wanaka Tree (free)
• →Grab lunch in Wanaka (great café scene, ~£10-15)
• →Bus or shuttle Wanaka to Queenstown (~£15-20, ~1.5hrs)

Full free day to explore Queenstown on your own terms. The adventure activity menu is enormous — book bungy jumping with AJ Hackett (~£120), jet boating with Shotover Jet (~£80), skydiving with NZONE (~£190), or ziplining with Ziptrek (~£90). Wine lovers can take a shuttle to nearby Gibbston Valley for wine tasting (~£20-30). For free thrills, hike up Queenstown Hill or take the Gondola up Bob's Peak (~£30) for incredible lake views.

🚌Local — walk or use Orbus local bus (~£2-3)

🛏Base Backpackers Queenstown or Nomads Queenstown (second night)

• →Optional: Kawarau Bridge Bungy with AJ Hackett (~£120, book at bungy.co.nz)
• →Optional: Shotover Jet boat ride (~£80)
• →Optional: Skydiving with NZONE Skydive (~£190)
• →Optional: Ziptrek Ecotours (~£90)
• →Optional: Queenstown Gondola & Luge (~£30-50)
• →Optional: Gibbston Valley wine tasting shuttle (~£20-30)
• →Free: Hike Queenstown Hill for panoramic views (1.5hrs return)

Take an InterCity coach or Tracknet shuttle from Queenstown to Te Anau (~£20-25, 2hrs). Settle in, then catch the Ata Whenua Shadowland film at the Fiordland Cinema — a stunning cinematic introduction to Fiordland (book at fiordlandcinema.co.nz, ~£14). Take a water taxi to Brod Bay and walk part of the Kepler Track along Lake Te Anau to Coal Creek Bridge. Dinner at a local restaurant.

🚌Tracknet shuttle Queenstown to Te Anau: ~£20-25; water taxi ~£15

🛏Te Anau YHA or Te Anau Backpackers (~£25-35 dorm; ~£65-80 private)

• →Tracknet or InterCity shuttle Queenstown to Te Anau (~£20-25)
• →Ata Whenua — Shadowland movie at Fiordland Cinema, Te Anau (~£14, book direct)
• →Water taxi to Brod Bay (~£15 return)
• →Walk Kepler Track section from Brod Bay along Lake Te Anau to Coal Creek Bridge (free, spectacular)

One of the great drives in the world — the road from Te Anau to Milford Sound is breathtaking. Book a day-trip bus-and-cruise combo from Te Anau with Real Journeys or Go Orange (~£70-90 including cruise), departing ~8am and returning late afternoon. The scenic cruise on Milford Sound passes Mitre Peak, waterfalls, and marine wildlife. Return to Te Anau for the night.

🚌Return bus/shuttle to Milford Sound included in day-trip package: ~£70-90

🛏Te Anau YHA or Te Anau Backpackers (second night)

• →Milford Sound day trip from Te Anau — bus + scenic cruise (book with Real Journeys or Go Orange, ~£70-90)
• →Milford Sound scenic cruise past Mitre Peak and Stirling Falls (~1.75hrs on water)
• →Spot dolphins, fur seals, and penguins on the fiord
• →Optional: Te Anau Glowworm Caves boat tour on return (~£50, book with Real Journeys)

Drive or take a shuttle via the Lindis Pass through Mackenzie Country to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park (~£40-55 shuttle, ~4.5hrs). Stop at the turquoise Lake Pukaki for photos (free). Walk the Hooker Valley Track — New Zealand's most popular and accessible alpine walk, ending at a glacial lake with direct views of Aoraki/Mount Cook (3hrs return, free). Evening stargazing in one of NZ's best dark sky reserves (free). Dinner at the lodge or local café.

🚌Shuttle Te Anau to Mount Cook: ~£40-55

🛏YHA Mount Cook or Mount Cook Alpine Lodge (~£30-45 dorm; ~£80-100 private)

• →Shuttle Te Anau to Mount Cook Village via Lindis Pass (~£40-55, book with Atomic Travel or InterCity)
• →Stop at Lake Pukaki viewpoint for iconic turquoise lake photos (free)
• →Hooker Valley Track — 3hrs return walk to glacial lake with Mount Cook views (free)
• →Optional: Glacier Explorer boat tour on Tasman Lake (~£100, book at glacierexplorers.co.nz)
• →Optional: Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre visit (~£20)
• →Evening stargazing from Mount Cook Village (free — designated Dark Sky Reserve)

Take a morning shuttle from Mount Cook to Christchurch, stopping at Lake Tekapo (~£35-45). Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakeshore (free entry), and optionally soak in the Tekapo Hot Springs (~£20-30) or hike up Mt John for sweeping views. Arrive in Christchurch by afternoon. Explore the Botanic Gardens, visit the Canterbury Museum (free), and stroll Hagley Park. Celebrate with a final dinner out in the city.

🚌Atomic Travel shuttle Mount Cook to Christchurch (with Tekapo stop): ~£35-45

🛏Foley Towers or Haka House Christchurch (~£25-35 dorm; ~£70-85 private)

• →Shuttle Mount Cook to Christchurch with Lake Tekapo stop (book with Atomic Travel, ~£35-45)
• →Visit Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo (free)
• →Optional: Tekapo Hot Springs soak (~£20-30)
• →Optional: Hike to Mt John Observatory for views over Lake Tekapo (free trail, ~45min)
• →Free visit to Canterbury Museum, Christchurch
• →Walk through Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park (free)
• →Final celebratory dinner in Christchurch (budget ~£20-30)

Final morning in Christchurch before your departure flight. Stroll the Avon River Punting route, revisit the Botanic Gardens, or explore the colourful street art of the post-quake city rebuild. Head to Christchurch Airport for your onward flight. Christchurch Airport is ~20mins from the city by bus (~£4) or taxi (~£20).

🚌Metro bus to Christchurch Airport: ~£4

🛏Check-out (no accommodation needed)

• →Morning walk along the Avon River through central Christchurch (free)
• →Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park (free)
• →Explore the city's vibrant street art and Re:START container mall area (free)
• →Optional: Punting on the Avon River (~£20-25)
• →Transfer to Christchurch Airport: Metro bus ~£4, or taxi ~£20