14 Days in New Zealand, New Zealand
New Zealand

14 Days in New Zealand: A Day-by-Day Itinerary

A real plan from a traveler, day by day, with times. Follow it or make it yours.

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Here is how a real traveler spent 14 days in New Zealand. Day 1: Muriwai Beach, Piha beach. Day 2: Cathedral Cove Beach, Hot Water Beach. Day 3: Omanawa Falls, Blue Spring. The full plan below has times, ticket prices and travel time between stops.

Built from 1 real traveler itineraries on Packy AI. Last updated October 2026 by the Packy AI Travel Team.

The itinerary

14 days in New Zealand, day by day

A real plan from a traveler on Packy AI. Follow it as it is, or copy it and change anything.

Map of the route in New Zealand
New Zealand

Day 1: Muriwai Beach and Piha beach

  1. Muriwai Beach

    Muriwai Beach is famous for its stunning black sand, dramatic coastline, and unique gannet colony, making it a nature lover's paradise.

    2-4 hoursFree entry
  2. Piha beach

    Unique black sand beach surrounded by stunning cliffs, ideal for surfing and nature walks.

    3-4 hoursFree entry
  3. Kitekite Falls

    Kitekite Falls is unique for its stunning 40-meter drop and picturesque surroundings, offering a serene escape into nature.

    2 to 3 hoursFree

Day 2: Cathedral Cove Beach and Hot Water Beach

  1. Cathedral Cove Beach

    Famous for its stunning rock formations and crystal-clear waters, Cathedral Cove offers breathtaking natural beauty and great photo opportunities.

    2 to 3 hoursFree access
  2. Hot Water Beach

    Hot Water Beach is unique for its naturally heated geothermal springs, allowing visitors to dig their own hot pools on the beach during low tide.

    2 to 4 hoursFree to access; bring your own digging tools.

Day 3: Omanawa Falls and Blue Spring

  1. Omanawa Falls

    Omanawa Falls features stunning scenery, lush rainforest, and a breathtaking waterfall, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers.

    2-3 hoursFree
  2. Blue Spring

    Blue Spring is renowned for its stunningly clear blue water, sourced from underground aquifers, making it a natural wonder.

    1 to 2 hoursFree
  3. Te Pūia

    Te Pūia offers a unique experience of Māori culture, geothermal wonders, and a range of artisan crafts.

    2 to 3 hoursAdult: NZD 60, Child: NZD 30
  4. Redwoods Treewalk

    Experience the serenity of towering redwoods, connected by a series of stunning suspended walkways above the forest floor.

    1.5 to 2 hours$25 for adults, $15 for children

Day 4: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

  1. Waitomo Glowworm Caves

    The caves are illuminated by thousands of glowworms, creating a stunning natural light display unique to this location.

    2 to 3 hoursAdult: $55, Child: $30, Family: $150

Day 5: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

  1. Tongariro Alpine Crossing

    This iconic trek features stunning volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and diverse ecosystems, making it a must-do for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

    7-8 hoursNo entry fee, but transport services may charge.

Day 6: Three Sisters and the Elephant Rock and Lake Mangamahoe SCENIC LAKE AND FOREST TRACKS

  1. Three Sisters and the Elephant Rock

    The stunning coastal rock formations offer breathtaking views and unique photo opportunities.

    1-2 hoursFree
  2. Lake Mangamahoe SCENIC LAKE AND FOREST TRACKS

    Experience stunning lake views and lush forest trails, perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting.

    2-4 hoursFree
  3. Pukekura Park

    A stunning blend of botanical gardens, scenic lakes, and an array of wildlife, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

    2-3 hoursFree entry
  4. Back Beach

    Back Beach offers stunning coastal views, serene landscapes, and great opportunities for tranquil walks and beach activities.

    2-3 hoursFree

Day 7: Pouakai Circuit Reflective Tarn and Cape Egmont Lighthouse

  1. Pouakai Circuit Reflective Tarn

    This stunning tarn offers breathtaking reflections of Mt. Taranaki, making it a photographer's paradise amidst beautiful alpine scenery.

    4-6 hoursFree
  2. Cape Egmont Lighthouse

    This historic lighthouse offers breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into maritime history.

    1-2 hoursFree to visit
  3. Interislander Ferry

    Offers stunning scenic views across Cook Strait, connecting the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

    3 hoursStarting from NZD 50 for adults, NZD 25 for children

Day 8: Whale Watch Kaikoura and Christchurch

  1. Whale Watch Kaikoura

    Experience the unique opportunity to observe migrating whales in their natural habitat, set against the stunning backdrop of the Kaikoura coastline.

    3-4 hoursAdults NZD 150, Children NZD 75
  2. Christchurch

    Christchurch is unique for its beautiful gardens, innovative architecture, and rich cultural heritage, making it a vibrant city to explore.

    2-4 hoursPrices vary by individual attractions.

Day 9: Tekapo Springs & Stargazing and Dark Sky Project

  1. Tekapo Springs & Stargazing

    Unique combination of relaxing hot springs and breathtaking stargazing in one of the darkest skies in New Zealand.

    3-4 hours$40 - $85 NZD depending on the package
  2. Dark Sky Project

    Experience one of the world's best locations for stargazing and learn about the cosmos in pristine darkness.

    2-3 hoursNZD 25 per adult, NZD 15 per child
  3. Church of good Shepherd

    This picturesque church is renowned for its stunning views of Lake Tekapo and is a symbol of the region's historical significance.

    1 to 2 hoursFree entry; donations welcomed.

Day 10: Tapataia Mahaka Peter's Lookout (Lake Pukaki Viewpoint) (Mount Cook Road) and Tasman Glacier View

  1. Tapataia Mahaka Peter's Lookout (Lake Pukaki Viewpoint) (Mount Cook Road)

    Stunning panoramic views of Lake Pukaki and the Southern Alps, perfect for photography and enjoying nature.

    1-2 hoursFree
  2. Tasman Glacier View

    Experience breathtaking views of New Zealand's largest glacier, showcasing stunning turquoise waters and majestic ice formations.

    2-3 hoursFree access; guided tours may vary in price.
  3. Hooker Valley track

    Stunning alpine scenery, diverse ecosystems, and close-up views of Mount Cook and glacial lakes make this a must-visit for nature lovers.

    3-4 hoursFree

Day 11: Roys Peak Lookout and That Wanaka tree

  1. Roys Peak Lookout

    Stunning panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and snow-capped peaks provide a magnificent backdrop for photography and adventure.

    3-4 hours for the hikeFree
  2. That Wanaka tree

    An iconic solitary tree that beautifully reflects in the lake, creating a stunning photo opportunity.

    0.5 to 1 hourFree

Day 12: Blue Pools and Fantail Falls

  1. Blue Pools

    Experience stunning turquoise waters surrounded by lush rainforests, perfect for walking and photography.

    1-2 hoursFree
  2. Fantail Falls

    Fantail Falls offers breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls surrounded by lush rainforest, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts.

    1-2 hoursFree
  3. Gates of Haast

    A stunning natural gateway with breathtaking landscapes, perfect for photography and hiking enthusiasts.

    1-2 hoursFree
  4. Thunder Creek Falls

    Thunder Creek Falls offers breathtaking views and a stunning natural waterfall experience amidst lush rainforest, making it a must-see in the West Coast Region.

    1-2 hoursFree
  5. Roaring Billy Falls

    Experience the stunning scenery and the refreshing cascade of Roaring Billy Falls, a hidden gem in Mt Aspiring National Park, perfect for nature lovers.

    2 to 3 hoursFree

Day 13: Shotover Jet Queenstown and Onsen Hot Pools and Day Spa

  1. Shotover Jet Queenstown

    Experience thrilling jet boat rides in stunning NZ scenery, with 360-degree spins on the Shotover River.

    1.5 hoursNZD 139 per adult, NZD 75 per child
  2. Onsen Hot Pools and Day Spa

    Experience stunning views while soaking in private cedar hot pools fed by natural mineral waters.

    2-3 hoursStarting from NZD 65 per person for a private pool

Day 14: Monkey Creek and Milford Sound Foreshore Walk

  1. Monkey Creek

    Monkey Creek offers breathtaking views and a unique opportunity to see playful wildlife in a pristine natural setting.

    1-2 hoursNo entry fee
  2. Milford Sound Foreshore Walk

    Experience breathtaking views of towering cliffs, vibrant rainforests, and stunning waterfalls at one of New Zealand's most iconic destinations.

    2-3 hoursFree
  3. RealNZ | Milford Sound Cruises

    Experience the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound with stunning views of cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife on a guided cruise.

    2-3 hoursFrom NZD 79 for adults, NZD 39 for children (prices may vary)

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Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about spending 14 days in New Zealand

Yes. The plan on this page fits 38 stops into 14 days, about 3 a day.

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