7 Days in New Zealand: Top 5 Recommendations
For a country just a wee bit larger than the US state of Colorado, New Zealand is incredibly diverse. From white sandy beaches to snow-clad mountains and from active volcanoes to pristine fjords and glacier lakes, the country has it all. It’s a true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. If you are planning a trip to New Zealand and wondering how long to stay, we recommend that you set aside at least one week to explore some of its most iconic locations and participate in thrilling outdoor activities. Here are our recommended itineraries, ranging from five to eight days, that you should consider for your New Zealand trip. Read one to find out what 7 days in New Zealand can look like.
- Jonalyn
- From USA
1. South Island Snow Explorer: 5 days in New Zealand
| Day 1 | Start your tour in Christchurch and head to Porters Ski Area for a day full of snowy fun. |
| Day 2 | Enjoy another day of snowsports on the drive to Broken Rivers Ski Area and overnight in Springfield. |
| Day 3 | Leave for Springfield and head to Craigieburn. Head to Mount Olympus or Temple Basin for a day-long adventure in the heart of snow country. |
| Day 4 | Travel to Craigieburn Ski Area, the highlight of your skiing holiday in New Zealand. |
| Day 5 | Depart from Craigieburn Ski Area for Christchurch to end your trip. |
Be a part of this incredible 5-day trip in New Zealand and enjoy an exhilarating skiing adventure. The trip starts and ends in Christchurch, and in between you'll visit some of New Zealand’s best ski areas including Porters, Broken Rivers, Springfield, Craigieburn, Mount Olympus, and Temple Basin. Describe your ideal 5-day New Zealand tour for a customised itinerary.
2. Queenstown Southern Loop: 6 days in New Zealand
| Day 1 | Start from Queenstown and head to the lakeside town of Te Anu, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. Explore the lakes and the spectacular surrounding nature. |
| Day 2 | Set off for a memorable cruise tour on Milford Sound. Later in the day, enjoy the Mirror Lakes hike before returning to Te Anu. |
| Day 3 | Make your way to the Catlis. Visit Nugget Point and its lighthouse, and hike to McLean Falls. |
| Day 4 | Head to Stewart Island, the country’s third-largest landmass and home to the endangered brown kiwi and the flightless Stewart Island kiwi. |
| Day 5 | Enjoy a full day exploring Stewart Island. Learn about the local flora and fauna, and relax on the beach for a picnic lunch. |
| Day 6 | Head back to Queenstown, where your trip comes to an end. |
The Queenstown Southern Loop is an amazing 6-day adventure through some of New Zealand's most stunning landscapes. Starting and ending in Queenstown, this itinerary includes a memorable cruise through the majestic Milford Sound, a trip to the untouched wilderness of the Catlins and onto the serene shores of Stewart Island. Explore the diverse natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and peaceful tranquillity of Stewart Island before returning to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
3. Iconic North: 7 days in New Zealand
| Day 1 | Start your journey in Auckland with a leisurely tour of the city. |
| Day 2 | Spend a full day touring Auckland. |
| Day 3 | Head to the coastal city of Tauranga and join a country-style lunch at Waikato farm. |
| Day 4 | Leave for Rotorua to learn about Maori culture at Te P T Mori village. |
| Day 5 | Spend a full day in Rotorua. The highlights include visits to Waitomo Caves and three caves. Alternatively, you can also tour the Hobbiton village. |
| Day 6 | Take a scenic trip from Rotorua to Wellington, past Huka Falls, Lake Taupo, snow-clad mountains and alpine deserts. |
| Day 7 | Enjoy the last day of your New Zealand trip in Wellington. |
Spend 7 days in New Zealand and journey through the beautiful landscapes of the North Island. Starting in the bustling city of Auckland, the tour then moves to the coastal city of Tauranga. You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Maori culture in Rotorua and even spend a fantasy-filled day in Hobbiton. The trip concludes with a two-day exploration of Wellington, where you will discover the city's most popular landmarks and surroundings, including the famous Huka Falls. See more 7-day tours in New Zealand.
4. Best of the North Island: 7 days in New Zealand
| Day 1 | Start off in Auckland. |
| Day 2 | Make your way to the surf and arts town of Raglan, a cool coastal town famous for its black sand beach and surf break. |
| Day 3 | Head to Rotorua, with a stopover at Waitomo, where you have optional activities, including a tour of its famous caves. |
| Day 4 | Tour Rotorua for a full day. Explore the hot springs, or go on a white-water rafting excursion. |
| Day 5 | Leave for Taupo, home to New Zealand's largest lake and the world's biggest crater lake. |
| Day 6 | Set off to the country's capital city, Wellington, with enough time for sightseeing. |
| Day 7 | Enjoy the last day in Wellington. You also have the option of extending your tour of New Zealand. |
This 7-day tour in New Zealand promises a week of thrilling exploration across the North Island. This journey begins in Auckland and takes you to the artistic town of Raglan, where, on the way, you will explore the Bridal Veil Falls. Next, delve into the wonders of Rotorua and the Waitomo caves, where you will see glow worms light up the entire ceiling. Reserve a full day to enjoy Rotorua and the Maori village of Te Puia. The itinerary then calls for a visit to Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake, and the Rainbow Mountain Reserve before concluding in the country's capital, Wellington, for two days. Describe your ideal 7-day New Zealand tour for a customized itinerary.
5. New Zealand’s South Island: 8 days in New Zealand
| Day 1 | Start your journey in Christchurch, where you will meet your travel companions for the rest of your South Island trip. |
| Day 2 | Leave Franz Josef Glacier Region. En route, we will stop at historic Hokitika and visit its beach. |
| Day 3 | Set off for a trip to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand, where three days of adventure await. |
| Day 4 | Spend a day full of adventure activities in Queenstown. |
| Day 5 | Take a trip to the mesmerizing Milford Sound. Take a scenic route through Fiordland National Park before boarding a cruise on the Milford fjord. |
| Day 6 | Head into Mount Aspiring National Park on a Wilderness Jet adventure. |
| Day 7 | Make your way to Arrowtown and Lake Oahu. |
| Day 8 | Travel back to Christchurch with a stopover at Lake Tekapo. |
Experience the magic of the South Island with our 8-day tour of New Zealand. Starting in Christchurch, you'll explore the stunning landscapes of Hokitika and the Franz Josef Glacier Region. Take a unique Heli-Hike up the glacier before heading to Queenstown, a paradise for adventure lovers. Enjoy bungee jumping, jet boating, skydiving, or white water rafting. Then, continue your journey to Milford Sound and discover the tranquil beauty of Arrowtown and Lake Oahu. Your unforgettable adventure concludes in Christchurch. See more 8-day tours in New Zealand.
7 days in New Zealand is a captivating journey through a land of breathtaking landscapes, rich Maori culture, and endless adventure. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover, New Zealand's charm will leave an indelible mark on your heart, making it a must-visit destination for any wanderlust-filled soul. Check out our article on how many days to spend in New Zealand for more itinerary options.
