2-Week New Zealand South Island Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 2-week New Zealand South Island tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaNew Zealand South Island travel expert at TourRadar

• 14 Day New Zealand Lord of the Rings Itinerary, incl. Auckland and Queenstown

  Middle Earth comes alive in this South Island tour featuring Mt. Sunday (Edoras), Paradise Valley, and Queenstown's film locations. The 14-day self-drive journey includes Dart River jet boating and Safari of the Scenes tours across iconic landscapes.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Auckland

    Start in Auckland to get over jet lag. Pick up your rental car on Day 2, but wait until after 10 AM to avoid morning traffic. Spend time exploring volcanic cones like Mt. Eden, which offers great harbor views.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Hobbiton & Waitomo

    It's a 2.5-hour drive south to Matamata for the Hobbiton Movie Set. Book the 9:15 AM tour to get better lighting and smaller crowds. After Hobbiton, drive to Waitomo and stop at Piopio's filming spots along the way. The next day, head to Tongariro National Park (the filming site for Mordor). The drive takes about 4 hours with photo stops.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Wellington & Weta Workshop

    Get an early start on the 3.5-hour drive to Wellington. Take the Middle Earth Film Locations tour and visit Weta Workshop. A recent visitor said: "The detail in the props at Weta Workshop was incredible - even the guides are actual prop makers who worked on the films."

    
  • Days 7-8

    South Island Beginning

    Take the morning Interislander ferry to Picton. Try the Hobbit Barrel Run kayak trip on the Pelorus River in the afternoon when the water's warmest. Then drive to Christchurch along the coast, which takes about 4 hours with stops.

    
  • Days 9-10

    Canterbury & Mount Cook

    Take the full-day Edoras tour to Mount Sunday. Bring good shoes for the steep final climb. The next day, drive to Mount Cook National Park through Mackenzie Country's filming locations. Make sure to get gas in Twizel since Mount Cook Village doesn't have any stations.

    
  • Days 11-14

    Queenstown Region

    Drive 3 hours to Queenstown through mountain passes. Take the Safari of the Scenes 4WD tour and spend time in Paradise, where they filmed many forest scenes. On your last full day, take the Dart River jet boat tour to see remote filming locations.

    

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• 14 Days in New Zealand, incl. Auckland and Christchurch

  The South Island reveals its natural beauty through Franz Josef Glacier, Queenstown's adventures, and Milford Sound's grandeur. Scenic drives along Crown Range Road and comfortable motel stays enhance this unforgettable experience.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Auckland & Coromandel Peninsula

    Begin in Auckland before picking up your rental car on day 2 for the 3-hour drive to Coromandel. One traveler shared: "Jaw dropping scenery along the Pacific Coast Highway - take the longer coastal route, it's worth every extra minute." Leave Auckland after 10 AM to skip the morning traffic rush.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Rotorua & Napier

    Drive to Rotorua via Tauranga (3.5 hours). Visit Te Puia for an evening of Māori culture and lit-up geothermal valleys. Next, travel to Napier through Taupo with a stop at Huka Falls. The Thermal Explorer Highway gets foggy early so plan to leave after 9 AM.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Wellington & Picton

    Take the 4-hour drive to Wellington followed by the Interislander ferry to Picton (3 hours). Book an afternoon crossing since morning trips often have rougher seas. Take the scenic Queen Charlotte Drive to Nelson but save time for photos along the way.

    
  • Days 7-8

    West Coast & Glaciers

    Travel down the rugged West Coast to Hokitika (4 hours) to see the greenstone carvers at work. Continue to Franz Josef for glacier walks. Book helicopter trips first thing when skies are clearest. Bring wet weather gear since this area gets lots of rain.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Queenstown & Milford Sound

    Take the scenic Haast Pass to Queenstown (4.5 hours). If conditions are good use the Crown Range Road - it's quicker but has steep sections. A recent visitor noted: "The Milford Sound coach-cruise-fly combo was perfect - you get different perspectives and avoid the long drive back."

    
  • Days 12-14

    Dunedin & Christchurch

    Drive to Dunedin (3.5 hours) and stop at the Moeraki Boulders. Head north to Christchurch (4.5 hours) through Oamaru's historic district. If you want to see penguins plan to be at the colony around sunset. Finish your two weeks in the Garden City.

    

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• 14 Day New Zealand South Island Itinerary, incl. Queenstown and Franz Josef

  A 14-day South Island odyssey visits 9 destinations from Christchurch to Kaikoura. The package includes 13 nights accommodation, daily breakfasts, Milford Sound cruises, Franz Josef glacier adventures, and Abel Tasman National Park activities.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Christchurch to Queenstown

    Start in Christchurch and make your way to Lake Tekapo. Plan to arrive in the late afternoon for optimal stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve. "The stargazing at Lake Tekapo was incredible - just make sure to bring warm layers as temperatures drop significantly after sunset." The next day takes you through Lindis Pass to Queenstown. Set aside 6 hours for the drive to account for photo stops.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Queenstown & Milford Sound

    Leave Queenstown at 7 AM for Milford Sound to beat the traffic. The 4-hour drive includes time for stops at Mirror Lakes. Schedule your cruise for early afternoon when lighting is ideal for photos. Spend a full day exploring Queenstown. Book any adrenaline activities ahead of time since they book up fast. Try to get morning bungy slots when lines are shorter.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Franz Josef Glacier

    The 5-hour drive from Queenstown will take you through Wanaka. Stop there for lunch before the crowds arrive at the lakefront cafes. A recent visitor suggests: "Book the heli-hike early in your stay. Weather changes quickly here and morning flights have the best chance of operating."

    
  • Days 7-8

    West Coast to Punakaiki

    Take Arthur's Pass to the West Coast. It's about 4 hours from Franz Josef. Check local tide schedules to see the Pancake Rocks at their most impressive during high tide.

    
  • Days 9-11

    Abel Tasman National Park

    Stay in Marahau for the best park access. A past visitor recommends: "The coastal track can get busy - start hiking by 8 AM to have the golden beaches mostly to yourself. Bring water shoes for tide crossings."

    
  • Days 12-14

    Marlborough & Kaikoura

    Visit a Marlborough winery on your way to Kaikoura. Book the first whale watching tour of the day when the sea is usually calmest. Plan about 2.5 hours for the drive back to Christchurch. If you have an evening flight, aim to arrive by 3 PM.

    

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