Have you been thinking about New Zealand’s dreamy natural landscapes? Now's the time to book that trip and take this handy 3-week itinerary with you.

New Zealand should be considered one of the great world wonders. From its staggering mountain peaks on the South Island to its gorgeous sand beaches in the North Island, New Zealand seems to have it all. 

I had heard New Zealand was an incredible place to visit, but until I went, I had no idea. Not only is the country gorgeous from a landscape perspective, Kiwis (what people who live in New Zealand are called) were super nice and down to Earth. I met so many calm, cool, and collected Kiwis that I started to wonder: Am I the one that’s high strung?

After spending nearly three incredible weeks touring the North and South Islands, I have the perfect 21-day itinerary for you! But first, where the heck is New Zealand and why is it so sought after anyway?

About New Zealand

New Zealand is a small island (about 268,680 km2 or 103,740 sq mi) just off the southeastern coast of Australia. It's one of the southernmost countries in the world, but when you’re there, it feels just like a Pacific Island. In the North, the climate is mild with gorgeous sandy beaches, rolling hills filled with forests, and even active volcanic activity and mud pools. In the South, you’ve got jagged peaks, dreamy fjords, large glaciers, and ski resorts. 

The population is about 5.2 million people with about 51% living in urban centers. Speaking of that, there are some top cities in New Zealand that you must visit. There will be more on which cities I recommend staying in longer and which cities I’d limit my stay in throughout the article. But for now, let's get to know the high-level vibe of each of New Zealand's most popular cities:

• Auckland is the largest city and is home to 1.4 million people. It also has a very accessible international airport, a sky-high tower overlooking the city, and tons of incredible food and shopping.

• Wellington is the capital city and is home to the parliament and the incredible Te Papa Museum. I loved this city for its perfect combination of ocean, city, and mountains. 

• Christchurch is known as the “Garden City” and has more of a residential feel with big, spaceous homes and lots of green spaces and parks. This city was devastated by an earthquake in 2011 and has been rebuilding itself ever since.

• Queenstown is the biggest southern city on the South Island and is the jumping-off point for outdoor adventures like hiking, biking, and cruising through fjords at the famous site, Milford Sound.

• Rotorua is a geothermal hot spot on the North Island. It’s nestled between Auckland and Wellington and is home to some incredible bubbling mud pools and a spa scene that’s a must-see.

  
  

Of all of these cities, I do have a few favorites. Read on to discover what to do in each of these cities and their surrounding areas.

The cost to travel to New Zealand in 2025

As an American, I use the US dollar as my main currency. When I was traveling around New Zealand in 2025, the conversion rate from NZD to USD was $1.74 to $1. This was a really nice conversion rate for an American traveler. It meant that if I bought a $5 NZD coffee, I would pay $2.87 USD. Or if I went out to dinner and spent $40 NZD, it would come out to $23 USD. I managed to enjoy the best restaurants, activities, and shopping that New Zealand had to offer without totally breaking the bank.

Hotels can be expensive in the big cities. If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, a hostel might be a good choice as they can run for about $50 USD a night for a private room. However, if you’re traveling with 3 or more people, one hotel room can cost as low as $75 USD per night. So choose wisely!

How to get around New Zealand

If you’re like me and you’re planning to visit both the North and South Islands, I have a few recommendations for how to get around. 

If you’re traveling solo or in a pair with one other person, I recommend getting around the North Island via bus. I know, the bus can seem like a low-class option, but in New Zealand, it’s one of the easiest and breeziest ways to get around. The main bus company is called Intercity, and it’s a great option if you’re planning to visit Auckland, Rotorua, Matamata, or even Wellington. Prices can be as low as $22 for a one-way ticket to a nearby city. Buses are usually on time and super reliable. Plus, they’re big, cozy, and have free wifi on board.

If you’re planning to go from Wellington or another North Island city to South Island, you can take a cruise boat. I didn’t personally take one on my trip, but I saw many ferry and cruise boats traveling to and from the islands. There are two reputable companies you can choose from: Interislander or Bluebridge. 

For the South Island, I strongly recommend renting a car. The South Island is full of mountain trails, sunny cliffs, and other hidden gems that are best reached by car. There are many good rental car companies to choose from. I chose Sixt, and they were fine. Just make sure you bring the car back in perfect condition. Otherwise, they’re happy to send you a hefty bill.

Three weeks in New Zealand: the North Island

Begin your journey in Auckland. I recommend landing at Auckland International Airport (AKL) because of its high volume of flights and the vast array of destinations it can serve. Essentially, if your home country offers flights to New Zealand, they probably land at Auckland International Airport for a fair price. 

Explore Auckland’s city, wine, and beaches for 3 days

When you land, I recommend choosing an accommodation that’s away from Downtown. The reason is that downtown Auckland can feel a bit grimy and not so safe – particularly at night. When I walked down there around dusk, I just couldn’t quite relax. It wasn’t the cleanest downtown, and unfortunately, there are many people experiencing housing, drug, and mental health issues. While the city and country are doing what they can to support the look and feel of downtown Auckland, I don’t recommend resting your head there. Instead, I would recommend staying closer to Ponsby, a nice area with easy access to dining, bars, parks, and restaurants. 

Even though I don't recommend sleeping downtown, you don’t have to avoid the area altogether. In fact, I do recommend paying a visit to the Sky Tower to get the best view of the city from above and checking out some of the high-end restaurants and bars the downtown area can offer. After a day or so, it's time to see a beautiful island just off the coast of Auckland.

Spend one day getting out of town and take a ferry to Waiheke Island. This small island is about a 45-minute ferry ride from Auckland with the company Sealink and costs about $60 NZD or $35 USD roundtrip. This stunning island has some of New Zealand's best wineries and beaches. Spend a day there sipping wine, lounging on the beach, and relaxing. If you’re planning to explore Waiheke Island, I recommend renting a scooter or bicycle. There are a few companies to choose from, but I chose Pop, and they were wonderful. No reservation is needed!

Make a pitstop in Matamata for 2 days to see Hobbiton

I’m a huge Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit fan, so y’all know I had to go to Hobbiton. Located in the center of Matamata, about 2.5 hours south by bus or car from Auckland, this was one of a few actual sites where both movies were filmed. It has all of the charming elements of The Hobbit, like real hobbit-sized homes that you can tour and even hobbit food and beer brewed onsite. But it was the tour guides and the storytelling that made Hobbiton special. It’s a rare experience and definitely one that I recommend for any first-time visitors to New Zealand.

Even if you’re not familiar with the movies or aren’t into that movie genre, Hobbiton is still a fun place to visit with kids or for the young-spirited visitor. The cost to visit Hobbiton is about $120 NZD or $68.97 USD for adults and $60 NZD or $35 USD for children. Babies are free.

Now, where to stay in Matamata. Honestly, the town is so small, there are very few places you can stay. I don’t recommend staying where I did, which was a small motel. It was very outdated and not super comfortable, so I won't even mention it. However, if you have a bit of dough, I’d recommend booking a two-day stay somewhere in a B-n-B or a small chain hotel.

Two days is enough to settle in, get a good rest, tour Hobbiton, and check out the next day.

Get muddy and relax in Rotorua for 4 days

If having a relaxing spa day in the middle of a trip or checking out incredible geothermal activity is what you enjoy, then Rotorua is the next amazing stop on your journey. I love a relaxing day getting a facial and massage, but I also love exploring all the cool things Mother Nature has to offer. Rotorua is the place where you can enjoy both. Perfect for a group or couple with competing interests that want to go their separate ways for a day or two. 

Rotorua is a hotbed (literally) of geothermal activity with lots of steaming, sulfuric mud pools sprinkled throughout. I recommend getting tickets to one of the most amazing geothermal sites, Te Puia. This indigenous owned and operated site gives you a look into the history, geology, and power of mud pools and how local indigenous tribes have used them for defense, beauty, relaxation, and everything in between. I recommend getting the Te Rā + Haka Combo ticket that allows you to do a full tour of the mud pools with a guide but also get treated to a cultural performance. It’s a must-see, in my opinion. Tickets range from $130 NZD for adults to $70 NZD for children or $75-40 USD.

After you’ve gotten your fill there, take a stroll through the Government Gardens, where you’ll find the Polynesian Spa. There, you can get into full-on spa mode in an elegant and traditional setting. Prices range from $29 NZD or $16 USD for a slot in the family pools to as high as $100s of NZD for special spa treatments. But look around, there are other spas in the area that offer mud-inspired treatments at a fairer price. 

Rotorua also has a charming downtown area where you can find plenty of restaurants, shopping, and cultural delights. I spent three days here and wish I had spent four. Trust me, you’ll love hanging out in this city for a few days.

Enjoy the beach, city, and mountains for 5 days in Wellington 

Of all of the places I went in New Zealand, Wellington took the cake. Maybe it’s its super cute and cozy beaches, its vibrant city life, or its easy-to-access mountain trail system. Whatever it was, I fell in love with Wellington. 

As for where to stay, there are so many great options. Unlike Auckland, I recommend staying closer to the city center. There’s so much to do, see, and enjoy that staying too far away can cause you to miss out. I stayed in the Haka House Hostel in the center, which was fantastic for a solo traveler or a duo. But if you’re traveling with 3 or more people or like a more sophisticated accommodation, there are plenty of options you can explore on Booking.com or another booking site. 

As for what to do, and why I suggested five days. Well, the short answer is: just do it. There’s so much to do in Wellington that you can do it all in three days, but why do that when you can explore new areas of the same places two or three times over the course of five days? That’s what I did and I enjoyed building a mini-routine in the city.

Before going anywhere, check out the waterfront. There’s always something to see. Whether it be a runner, people swimming or canoeing, or a street entertainer, the waterfront is a great place to take a stroll, people watch, or read a book.

Don’t forget that Wellington is the capital of New Zealand so it’s always a good idea to visit the famous Parliament building and walk around the government buildings in the city center. But I recommend hopping on the very short and sweet cable car from downtown Wellington to the top of a mountain. The cable car drops you off conveniently at the gorgeous botanic gardens, which I cannot recommend enough. It’s serene and full of local and international plants and flowers that deliver a serene and sensory experience. Plus, I was in the botanic garden when they were hosting a free concert series so I got to enjoy a live show on a blanket with a picnic amongst local kiwis. It was a good vibe all around. 

Around day two or three, I recommend going to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. It’s a good museum to understand the history of New Zealand, get to know the roots and beliefs of the Maori people, and generally get a download of the city.

If you’re hungry or looking for great bars and restaurants, anywhere downtown will do, but I also recommend Cuba Street. This historic street has an indie vibe, but for some reason, it's the go-to spot to encounter interesting people, fantastic dining, and cool vintage clothing shops.

Finally, on your last or second-to-last day, find your way to Zealandia. It’s a bit out of the way but worth a visit. This wildlife sanctuary serves as a place to explore what New Zealand would have looked like if the original inhabitants hadn’t introduced invasive species of plants and animals to the island. It seeks to conserve New Zealand’s original habitat before the British arrived and has created a haven for local bird species to thrive. It’s a very relaxing and refreshing place to visit. I recommend getting an Uber or hopping on a rideshare bike or scooter to get there. Trust me, after five days, you’ll wish you had stayed longer in Wellington, like I did.

Three weeks in New Zealand: the South Island

Now that you’ve made it through some of New Zealand’s best North Island spots, it’s time to hit the South Island. The South Island is a whole other beast. Its rugged landscape makes it difficult to hop around cities like the North Island. So, for this portion of the trip, I kept it focused on two main cities: Christchurch and Queenstown.

Tap into Christchurch’s gardens, graffiti, and history for 3 days

Christchurch is one of the cutest cities I saw in New Zealand. By cute, I mean it was giving a suburban vibe with lots of families and children around. It definitely felt like the most family-friendly city in New Zealand to me. But there was so much more to Christchurch than families. 

In 2011, a catastrophic earthquake hit Christchurch, and the city is still trying to rebuild and recover. That’s why when you come to visit, you’ll see a lot of gorgeous murals and graffiti art on buildings. Those buildings were likely damaged in the earthquake and have yet to be repaired. In the meantime, the local government has allowed artists to create beautiful artwork all around the city. A sign of resilience for such a small yet mighty community. When you’re there, take your time to walk through different streets in and around the downtown area to see some of the amazing artwork sprinkled around.

To understand more about the 2011 earthquake and it's impact on Christchurch, it’s best to visit Quake City. This museum documents a 360-degree view of the earthquake’s impact and what effect it had on the city. It’s a moving, emotional museum that’s worth 2-3 hours of your time. Tickets range between $20 to 8 NZD or $12 to 5 USD.

For the ultimate garden experience in Christchurch, find your way to the botanic garden. This sprawling green space has incredible flora and fauna, like a rose garden and a local tropical forest. It’s a fantastic place to learn about the local plants in the area while relaxing on a bench and taking in the scenery. Near the botanic garden is the Antigua Boat Sheds, a classic almost Venetian boat experience conducted by a tastefully dressed guide who puts you on a small traditional boat and brings you through Christchurch’s beautiful canals. I loved this experience and would recommend it for solo travelers or large groups. Prices range from $37-15 NZD or $21-9 USD.

The best place to stay and eat is near the Riverside Market. It’s essentially a food hall that services high-end grocery food all the way to casual finger food. Take your pick of various Asian, Latin American, and even American food options. There are also classy cocktail bars and laid-back breweries to enjoy post or pre-dinner libations. No one in your group will feel hungry or disappointed after visiting the Riverside Market.  

Three days in Christchurch is enough to get a vibe, get your green fix, and move on.

Get lost in Queenstown’s mountains and fjords for 5 days

The last spot on your journey is Queenstown, and perhaps I saved the best for last. This incredibly gorgeous mountain town is home to high peaks and deep fjords. As soon as you step off the plane, the scenery will take your breath away. Five days is a conservative amount of time to spend in Queenstown. You could spend all three weeks and still feel like you haven’t seen everything the city and its surrounding areas have to offer. But for the sake of time, here are some things I recommend seeing and doing if you’re in town. 

First, go get a rental car. This is one of the only places I recommend getting a rental car because 99% of the fun of Queenstown is getting out of it and exploring the mountains, ocean, and trail adventures within 1-3 hours of the city. I rented from Sixt at the Queenstown International Airport (ZQN). I recommend them, but be careful, even one chipped windshield could cost you thousands of dollars. So I strongly recommend getting insurance from them or through your credit card. 

From there, explore Queenstown and stay somewhere near downtown. It will be expensive, but it’s worth being close to all of the action. Queenstown has some incredibly delicious restaurants, cool breweries, and a gorgeous waterfront walk. It’s worth being able to walk to your dinner spot instead of driving. Parking is a pain and very expensive, so if you can find free parking and keep your car there for hours on end, kudos to you!

After spending a day in the city, get out of town and head to Milford Sound. There are three ways you can enjoy this amazing fjord-rich area while you're staying in Queenstown. Option one, you can drive to Milford Sound, which takes about 3 to5 hours one way, explore, then drive home another 3 to 5 hours. Option two, you can drive 2 to 3 hours, stay in the nearby town of Te Anau, sleep for a night, and then do the final 1 to 2 hours to Milford Sound the next day. Finally, you can drive all the way to Mildford Sound, spend the night on a cruise ship touring the fjords, and then come home the next day. The choice is up to you. 

I chose to do the 2 to 3 hour drive, stay one night in Te Anau, wake up and do a cruise through the fjords the next day, then take the long 2-3 hour drive back home. This was a great plan for me because it gave me time to explore the completely free Fjordland National Park. There are really nice short and easy trails (3-10 miles) that you can do from Te Anau that allow you to drive to the small town, explore a bit, and then drive a relatively short distance back to your accommodation to sleep. This worked for me and allowed me to do both the fjords and national park at the same time within 48 hours. 

Speaking of cruises, don’t forget to book a cruise with realNZ. There are tons of great companies to choose from, but I had a great time with realNZ. I booked their 2-3 hour fjord tour with the all-you-can-eat buffet, and I loved every second. The fjords were breathtaking and should not be missed! That’s why you have five days in the Queenstown area, so you can make time for the cruise, hikes, and some R&R back in town. 

After five days, you’ll wish you had stayed longer, trust me! 

New Zealand was a trip worth a lifetime

After this trip, New Zealand has become one of my favorite countries in the world. The natural landscape, the incredible culinary scene, and the very nice locals made it a wonderful trip overall. I hope you find your way to New Zealand like I did and experience three solid weeks of pure bliss. If you’ve already visited, leave a comment below and let me know where you went and what you did! Enjoy!