3-Week New Zealand Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-week New Zealand tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffNew Zealand travel expert at TourRadar

• 21 Day New Zealand Itinerary, incl. Auckland and Queenstown

  A 21-day route spans 12 cities across both islands. Surf the waves in Raglan, walk through Te Puia geothermal valley, trek Abel Tasman National Park, float on Milford Sound, and cycle Lake Tekapo's canals. Package includes 20 breakfasts and accommodation.

  

  View itineraryCompare 21 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Auckland & Raglan

    Plan to arrive in Auckland in the afternoon to avoid heavy morning traffic. Take your first day to get over jet lag. On day 2 drive to Raglan (3 hours) and stop at Bridal Veil Falls along the way. "The black sand beaches and surf culture make Raglan feel like stepping into a different world."

    
  • Days 3-5

    Rotorua & Taupo Region

    Start with a morning surf lesson in Raglan before heading to Waitomo Caves. Get there early to beat the crowds. Visit Te Puia geothermal valley in Rotorua at night when the geysers look their best. "The evening light makes the geysers even more spectacular." Make your way to Lake Taupo and stop at Huka Falls. "Bring a waterproof camera for the falls - the spray reaches further than you'd expect!"

    
  • Days 6-7

    Wellington & Ferry Crossing

    Drive to Wellington (5-6 hours) and visit Te Papa Museum when you arrive. Take the Interislander ferry to South Island the next morning. "Stand outside during the Marlborough Sounds portion - the views are incredible, but bring a warm layer."

    
  • Days 8-10

    Abel Tasman & West Coast

    Check out Abel Tasman National Park's beautiful beaches. Drive south along the West Coast to Franz Josef and stop at Cape Foulwind to see the seals. "The coastal road between Westport and Franz Josef is one of NZ's most scenic drives - plan extra time for photo stops."

    
  • Days 11-15

    Franz Josef & Queenstown Region

    Book a heli-hike at Franz Josef Glacier early since spots fill up fast. Take the scenic drive to Queenstown through Haast Pass (8-9 hours). Spend 3-4 days using Queenstown as your base and take a day trip to Milford Sound. "The Milford Road is just as impressive as the sound itself - leave early to beat tour buses."

    
  • Days 16-18

    Lake Tekapo & Christchurch

    Visit Lake Tekapo and go stargazing at Mt John Observatory. "Book the night sky tour in advance and check moon phases - new moons offer the best viewing." Continue on to explore Christchurch.

    
  • Days 19-21

    Kaikoura & Return to Wellington

    Head to Kaikoura for morning whale watching when the sea is calmest. Take the ferry back to Wellington to wrap up your trip. "The whale watching in Kaikoura is incredible, but bring motion sickness pills - the waters can get rough."

    

  View itinerary

• 21 Days in New Zealand, incl. Auckland and Queenstown

  The 21-day route connects 14 major destinations from Auckland to Christchurch. Visit iconic sites like Hobbiton, Abel Tasman National Park, and Franz Josef Glacier. Package includes internal flight, shared accommodation, and 3 group dinners for around $3,100 total.

  

  View itineraryCompare 21 days itineraries
  • Days 1-2

    Coromandel Peninsula

    Start in Auckland then head to Coromandel. Check out Cathedral Cove early in the morning to beat the crowds and relax in the natural hot pools at Hot Water Beach during low tide. Pack water shoes since the sand gets very hot near the thermal springs.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Rotorua & Taupo

    Discover Rotorua's geothermal areas and Maori culture. Visit Hobbiton Movie Set in the morning for the best photos and continue to Lake Taupo. If the weather looks good try the Tongariro Crossing. Start by 7:30 AM for the best conditions.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Waitomo & Raglan

    See the famous glowworm caves in Waitomo. Wear shoes with good grip since the cave floors can be slippery. Next stop is Raglan's surf beaches. One traveler noted: "The morning surf lesson on Raglan's infamous left-hand break was unforgettable - even for complete beginners."

    
  • Days 7-9

    South Island Start & West Coast

    Take a flight from Auckland to Christchurch. Drive through Arthur's Pass to see Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks. Visit during high tide to watch the blowholes in action. Look out for seal colonies along the west coast drive.

    
  • Days 10-12

    Abel Tasman

    Take time to explore this beautiful national park. Go kayaking in the morning when the water is calmer. Try hiking the coastal track or canyoning. Visit Golden Bay's Wharariki Beach at sunset for great photos.

    
  • Days 13-14

    Marlborough & Kaikoura

    Stop by Marlborough's wineries to taste their Sauvignon Blanc. Head to Kaikoura for whale watching. Book morning tours when the sea is usually smoother with better visibility.

    
  • Days 15-16

    Lake Tekapo & Queenstown

    See Lake Tekapo's bright blue waters and go stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve. Check the moon calendar for the best viewing nights. Continue to Queenstown for adventure activities.

    
  • Days 17-18

    Milford Sound & Queenstown Activities

    Take a morning cruise to Milford Sound when the weather is typically better. Back in Queenstown try bungy jumping or skydiving. A visitor suggests: "Plan your big-ticket activities early in your Queenstown stay in case weather causes postponements."

    
  • Days 19-21

    Franz Josef & Return

    Visit Franz Josef Glacier. Book heli-hikes well in advance if traveling during peak season. Return to Christchurch via Arthur's Pass with a stop at Hokitika Gorge to see its bright blue water.

    

  View itinerary

• Funky Chicken - Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass

  This extensive 21-day tour visits 13 major destinations across both islands. Multi-night stays in Queenstown, Franz Josef, and Taupo offer flexibility to extend any stop. Valid for 12 months with unlimited travel and flexible departure dates.

  

  View itineraryCompare 21 days itineraries

  • Auckland New Zealand

    41 mi

  • Coromandel New Zealand

    105 mi

  • Waitomo New Zealand

    62 mi

  • Rotorua New Zealand

    39 mi

  • Taupo New Zealand

    192 mi

  • Wellington New Zealand

    97 mi

  • Abel Tasman National Park New Zealand

    91 mi
  • Show 4 more

  • Westport New Zealand

    132 mi

  • Franz Josef New Zealand

    137 mi

  • Queenstown New Zealand

    114 mi

  • Lake Tekapo New Zealand

    113 mi

  • Christchurch New Zealand

    93 mi

  • Kaikoura New Zealand

    95 mi

  • Wellington New Zealand

    192 mi

  • Taupo New Zealand

    145 mi

  • Auckland New Zealand

  • 
  • 
  • 
  • 

  View itinerary