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1. New Zealand Explorer: 19 days in New Zealand
| Day 1 | Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, and check in to your hotel. |
| Day 2 | Admire the Hobbiton ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie set at Matamata. |
| Day 3 | Be welcomed into a Maori home and enjoy a hangi lunch near Whakatane. |
| Day 4 | Hike near the river at the stunning Waioeka Gorge. |
| Day 5 | Tour a vineyard at Hawke’s Bay in Napier and taste some fine wine. |
| Day 6 | Stroll through Wellington’s streets and visit the Te Papa National Museum. |
| Day 7 | Ride the cable car, visit the zoo, and walk along the harbor during a tour of Wellington. |
| Day 8 | Enjoy the pleasant vibes of Nelson, a town popular with hikers and beachgoers. |
| Day 9 | Walk through a lush forest and discover Abel Tasman National Park. |
| Day 10 | Head down the Great Coast Road, one of the most delightful drives in New Zealand. |
| Day 11 | Explore the fascinating landscape around Franz Josef Glacier. |
| Day 12 | See the scenic Lake Matheson and walk along an ancient glacial valley. |
| Day 13 | Take an exciting jet boat ride or a wilderness walk in and around Wanaka. |
| Day 14 | Enjoy the visual spectacle of glowworms in caves beside Lake Te Anau. |
| Day 15 | See dolphins and penguins at Deep Cove in Fiordland National Park. |
| Day 16 | See the nesting place of albatrosses, one of the few such sites in the world. |
| Day 17 | Visit the steampunk museum and quaint vintage stores in Oamaru. |
| Day 18 | Admire Mount Cook’s glaciers. |
| Day 19 | Your tour ends in Christchurch. |
During these 19 days in New Zealand, explore the remarkable Doubtful Sound, the deepest and second-longest fjord of the South Island, known for its waterfalls, fur seals and penguins. Stroll on the golden beaches and famous coastal track of Abel Tasman National Park and admire the looming granite cliffs. Take a boat across Lake Te Anau and follow the twists and turns of the underwater caves to a magical grotto lit by thousands of glowworms. Admire the art deco buildings of Napier and taste some of New Zealand’s finest wines in the vineyards nearby. See all our 19-day tours in New Zealand.
2. Trekking in New Zealand: 19 days in New Zealand
| Day 1 | Tour begins in Auckland. Climb the volcanic cone of Mount Eden for city views. |
| Day 2 | Walk around Lake Tarawera in Rotorua and find a good swimming spot. |
| Day 3 | Hike past 1000-year-old trees and rare birds in Whirinaki Forest Park. |
| Day 4 | Trek through the forest near Mount Pihanga in Tongariro National Park. |
| Day 5 | Do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trek, past ash fields and lava flows. |
| Day 6 | Relaxed day. Walk the streets of Wellington and soak in the lively vibes. |
| Day 7 | Walk on the lovely coastal track from Onetahuti Beach in Abel Tasman Park. |
| Day 8 | Take a dip in Cleopatra’s Pool, shaped by sloping rocks carved out by a river. |
| Day 9 | Visit a seal colony at Cape Foulwind and look out for adorable young pups. |
| Day 10 | Admire the Pancake Rocks, limestone rocks formed 30 million years ago. |
| Day 11 | See the spectacular Franz Josef glacier from a vantage viewpoint. |
| Day 12 | Cross a suspension bridge and trek through Beech Forest towards Rob Roy Glacier. |
| Day 13 | Free Day to tour Queenstown. Enjoy day walks or views from Lake Wakatipu. |
| Day 14 | Hike around the lake and climb up the forest in Fiordland National Park. |
| Day 15 | See crested penguins and fur seals in Milford Sound. |
| Day 16 | Taste locally-grown fruit and stroll in the historical parts of Cromwell. |
| Day 17 | Hike up the Mueller Ridge for great views of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. |
| Day 18 | Explore Lake Tekapo and admire its brilliant aqua-blue waters. |
| Day 19 | The tour ends in Christchurch. |
Trekking and hiking are excellent ways to discover New Zealand in 19 days, a country famous for its mountainous regions and green cover. Discover the geological wonderland Waiotapu Thermal Reserve, which is full of geysers, bubbling mud, and steaming craters. Take the lovely volcanic route to Tongariro National Park to the sacred Lake Rotopounamu, ringed by native forests. Trek through coastal forests, cross the Falls River and take a splashy detour into Cleopatra’s Pool, a series of rock pools at the end of the Torrent River. Enjoy beautiful views of Murchison and Kepler mountains after climbing through the forests on the Kepler Track. Describe your ideal 19-day holiday for a customized trip to New Zealand.
3. The Big Tiki: 21 days in New Zealand
| Day 1 | Take a guided tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty grounds at the Bay of Islands. |
| Day 2 | Enjoy parasailing and boat rides in the beautiful town of Paihia. |
| Day 3 | Free time in Auckland. Options include bungee jumping and sky jumping. |
| Day 4 | Visit New Zealand’s largest kiwi conservation project on the way to Rotorua. |
| Day 5 | Free day to tour Rotorua. Dip into a hot spring, hike up a volcano or go ziplining. |
| Day 6 | See volcanic peak views and try trout fishing at Lake Taupo. |
| Day 7 | Go mountain biking along the scenic track known as the Old Coach Road. |
| Day 8 | Soak in the sights and sounds of New Zealand’s capital Wellington. |
| Day 9 | See wildlife like kakariki and tuatara in Zealandia, an eco-sanctuary in Wellington. |
| Day 10 | Look out for whales, seals and dolphins in the coastal town of Kaikoura. |
| Day 11 | Free day in Kaikoura. Options include whale watching and kayaking. |
| Day 12 | Enjoy a tour of Christchurch, including such wonders as the Cardboard Cathedral. |
| Day 13 | Learn about green stones and their Maori connection in the town of Hokitika. |
| Day 14 | Take a helicopter ride over the Franz Josef Glacier. |
| Day 15 | Admire the scenery around Haast Pass, including glaciers and waterfalls. |
| Day 16 | Set your pulse racing as you jump off Queenstown’s Kawarau Bungy Bridge. |
| Day 17 | Explore the wine regions and wine cellars of Queenstown. |
| Day 18 | Free day to enjoy adventure sports in Queenstown or just take it easy. |
| Day 19 | Enjoy the dramatic views of mountain peaks and waterfalls at Milford Sound. |
| Day 20 | Experience authentic New Zealand farm life in Kingston. |
| Day 21 | See an exhibition that promotes Maori astronomy. The tour ends in Christchurch. |
If you’re wondering what to see in New Zealand in 3 weeks, may we suggest an adventure to beat all adventures — the ultimate ‘Big Tiki’ trip! Get wild with the Hukafalls Jet ride and feel the force of nature at 80km amid 360-degree spins. Speaking of wild things, a local biologist at Kaikoura Wildlife Rescue will patiently tell you all about the local wildlife and how you can help preserve it. It’s fun and educational. Or, get creative near the grand Franz Josef Glacier, where a Maori master will teach you how to make your own traditional pendant. And take a leap of faith at Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge Bungy, one of the most famous jumps in the world. See all 3-week tours in New Zealand.
4. A Self-Guided Adventure: 3 Weeks in New Zealand
| Day 1 | Take your first step in Auckland and stroll through the city if you wish to. |
| Day 2 | Discover the famous Waiheke Island on your own. |
| Day 3 | Drive to Rotorua from Auckland via Matamata. |
| Day 4 | Take in the sights and sounds of Rotorua, located in one of the world's most active volcanic regions. |
| Day 5 | Drive past Taupo Lake and Tongariro National Park to Wellington. |
| Day 6 | Continue to the ‘windy city’ of Wellington. |
| Day 7 | Take a ferry boat ride to Picton, pausing at Red Rocks and Marlborough Sounds. |
| Day 8 | Wander through the vineyards of Marlborough to reach Kaikoura. |
| Day 9 | Swim with dolphins in Kaikoura or go whale watching before heading for Christchurch. |
| Day 10 | Enjoy a variety of adventures in Christchurch. |
| Day 11 | Take in the vastness of Canterbury Plains as you head for Mount Cook National Park. |
| Day 12 | Drive through Waitaki Valley & admire the Scottish heritage of Dunedin. |
| Day 13 | Do not miss out on discovering the wildlife of Otago Peninsula. |
| Day 14 | Drive to Te Anau and cruise to Doubtful Sound if you wish to. |
| Day 15 | Sail away into the wilderness during a tour of Milford Sound. |
| Day 16 | Explore New Zealand’s southern countryside as you drive to Queenstown. |
| Day 17 | Discover the marvels of Queenstown. |
| Day 18 | Head to the Alpine city of Wanaka, see Fox Glacier en route to Franz Josef village. |
| Day 19 | Explore Franz Josef village. |
| Day 20 | Hop on a Tranz Alpine train for a scenic ride from Greymouth to Christchurch. |
| Day 21 | Get transferred to Christchurch airport for your flight back home. |
These three weeks in New Zealand take you on a self-guided experience through a plethora of picturesque landscapes in the country’s northern and southern Islands. Discover the backdrop of the Hobbit trilogy in Matamata and travel to Rotorua, the hub of Maori culture. Do not forget to visit the zestful city of Wellington while passing Lake Taupo. Swim alongside dolphins in Kaikoura and take a soothing walk through the Marlborough vineyards. Take part in exciting land and water adventures in Christchurch before you head to the historic city of Dunedin. Sail through Lake Te Anau to reach the pristine Milford Sound. Complete your excursion with a helicopter tour over the Franz Josef Glacier and a scenic Tranz Alpine train ride. Describe your ideal 3-week holiday for a customized trip to New Zealand.
Need Help Planning a Trip to New Zealand
Whether you want to do 3 weeks in New Zealand on a budget, focus on 3 weeks in New Zealand’s Southern Island, or take a comprehensive tour of this amazing country, we’ve got the right tours for you. Speak to our travel experts who will help you prepare a customized New Zealand trip. Read our travel guide to find out more about how many days you should spend in New Zealand.
