How long should I visit New Zealand for?

Last Updated: 4 Nov 2025
Publish Date: 18 Jan 2018

Tanya

Before you visit NZ, Featured, NZ Travel Info, NZ Travel Tips, Popular

This is our handy guide to help travellers answer the question “How long should I spend in New Zealand?”, plus our recommended 14 and 21 day itineraries and some useful travel tips.

Are you planning your dream trip to New Zealand? Whether you have a week or a month, one of the first things you need to decide is how long to stay.

Scroll down for the full article or if you’d like to jump to the main sections click the following links:

How long do I need to see New Zealand?

For most people, we recommend a stay of at least 14 days to see the main highlights like Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Mt Cook, Milford Sound and Abel Tasman. If you want to experience both the North and South Islands at a more relaxed pace we recommend spending 21 days in New Zealand.

There’s a lot to see and do in New Zealand and if you’re coming all the way from the USA or Europe, it’s worth taking the time for a proper look around. Travellers on our tours always tell us they’re glad they took the time to travel slowly and would’ve stayed longer if they could.

How to decide how long you need to visit New Zealand for

Think about the following when deciding how long to make your trip:

What activities, sights & experiences you’re interested in
How much time you have to travel
Your budget
Your preferred style of travel – guided tours or independent travel
The pace you like to travel at
How long you like to spend in each place

Remember to factor in the travel time to your journey. If you’re visiting New Zealand from the USA or Europe, don’t forget the 12-24 hours of travel time.

New Zealand Travel Tips from Michael & Julia

Michael & Julia are from Seattle, they recently travelled to New Zealand and joined on of our small group tours. They chatted with Andrew and talked all about their favourite memories and shared some handy tips, including how they researched their trip and how long they wanted to stay for.

Watch the video interview with Michael & Julia here

What can I see in New Zealand in 14 days?

On a two-week trip to New Zealand you can see all the highlights like Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown and Milford Sound, but you’ll be moving at a fast pace, so it’s not something we generally recommend.

If you only have two weeks and don’t want to feel like you’re in a hurry every day, consider visiting just the South Island. There’s so much to see there and you’ll appreciate the opportunity to have a few 2 or 3 night stays.

Flying is the fastest way to get around New Zealand, but be sure to factor in time for airport procedures and transfers. You’ll also need to consider how you’ll get around once you arrive at each location. Flying is convenient, but it does mean missing out on one of New Zealand’s greatest highlights, its stunning countryside and some of the most scenic drives in the world.

Recommended New Zealand 14-day Itinerary

Most New Zealand 14-day itineraries try to cover both the North and South Islands, but this often means a rushed, surface-level experience.

If you’ve only got two weeks in New Zealand, our advice is to stay in the South Island.

Its dramatic landscapes, iconic destinations like Queenstown, Aoraki Mt Cook and Milford Sound, and opportunities for 2-3 night stays, make for a more relaxed, well-rounded trip, perfect for enjoying the highlights and making the most of your time in New Zealand.

Day 1: Rest Day Spend a day getting over your jetlag and resting up after your flight.
Day 2: Christchurch to Aoraki Mt Cook Begin with a hosted lunch at Akaunui homestead, enjoying fresh local produce. Continue through Mackenzie Country, visiting Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki, before arriving at Aoraki Mt Cook for a welcome dinner.
Day 3: Aoraki Mt Cook to Queenstown Explore Aoraki Mt Cook National Park with short walks or a Tasman Glacier flight. After lunch, travel over Lindis Pass to Queenstown for a three-night stay.
Day 4: Milford Sound Excursion Journey through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound for a scenic cruise. Return to Queenstown via a spectacular scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
Day 5: Queenstown Exploration Spend the day in Queenstown, choose from various activities such as lakeside walks, galleries, bike tours, or adventure activities like jet boating and bungy jumping.
Day 6: Queenstown to Wanaka Visit historic Arrowtown, then travel over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Explore the town and enjoy lakefront walks or choose from the many activities available.
Day 7: Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier Travel the World Heritage Highway over the Haast Pass into Westland National Park, arriving at Franz Josef. Enjoy a scenic helicopter flight or a guided walk on the glacier itself with a heli-hike.
Day 8: Franz Josef to Punakaiki Travel along the West Coast to Hokitika and on to Punakaiki, famous for its Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Enjoy a two-night stay amidst the coastal scenery.
Day 9: Punakaiki Exploration Spend the day exploring Paparoa National Park with options for rainforest walks, beachcombing, or kayaking on the Pororari River.
Day 10: Punakaiki to Nelson Head north through the Buller Gorge to Nelson, known for its arts scene and sunny climate. Settle in for a two-night stay.
Day 11: Abel Tasman National Park Cruise along the Abel Tasman coastline, followed by a day walk through native bush and golden beaches. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the park’s natural beauty and return to Nelson.
Day 12: Nelson to Kaikoura Travel to Marlborough for a vineyard lunch and wine tasting. Continue down the coast to Kaikoura, renowned for marine wildlife.
Day 13: Kaikoura to Christchurch Enjoy a coastal walk or whale-watching excursion. Travel down the Pacific Coast to Christchurch.
Day 14: Explore Christchurch Stay a final night in Christchurch or take a domestic flight to Auckland and return home.

If you have two weeks for your trip to New Zealand you’ll want to spend a day adjusting to the time difference, then about 12 days travelling, which is a perfect fit for the Kiwi, our 12 day South Island tour.

The tour includes the highlights of Aoraki Mt Cook, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Glacier Country and Abel Tasman National Park and offers you two 2-night stays and one 3-night stay on route, so you won’t be packing and unpacking every day.

See more about our Kiwi 12-day South Island tour here.

What can I see in New Zealand in 21 days?

An extra week gives you the luxury of more time to explore and allows you to enjoy more 2 or 3 night stays in the same spot.

You’ll be able to spend more time visiting some of the off the beaten track places like Northland and the West Coast of the South Island, as well as the famous destinations you’ve heard of like Queenstown, Rotorua, Wellington, Milford Sound, Aoraki Mt Cook and Abel Tasman National Park.

Recommended New Zealand 21-day itinerary

Day 1: Auckland to Bay of Islands Begin your journey by visiting the Kauri Museum in Matakohe. Continue north to the Bay of Islands, stopping at the Whangarei Native Bird Recovery Centre to meet Sparky the Kiwi.
Day 2: Bay of Islands Exploration Explore the Kawiti Glowworm Caves in the Waiomio Valley. In the afternoon, visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds for a guided tour and cultural performance.
Day 3: Bay of Islands Cruise and Russell Enjoy a morning cruise around the Bay of Islands, with opportunities for swimming and snorkelling. Disembark in Russell, New Zealand’s first capital, to explore its historic waterfront before returning to Paihia.
Day 4: Bay of Islands to Auckland Visit the stunning Hokianga Harbour, get out on the water on a cruise. Visit the Waipoua Forest to witness Tane Mahuta, the largest known Kauri tree, before returning to Auckland.
Day 5: Auckland to Rotorua Travel through the Waikato region, stopping in the gold-mining town of Waihi for lunch. Visit a working kiwifruit orchard near Te Puke, then enjoy a private cruise on Lake Rotoiti with a soak in secluded hot pools before arriving in Rotorua.
Day 6: Rotorua Exploration Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland for its amazing geothermal activity. Experience a private lunch hosted by a local family at Lake Tarawera, followed by a visit to Rotorua’s sites or activities like zip-lining or a walk in the Redwood forest.
Day 7: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park Depart Rotorua for Tongariro National Park, stopping at Huka Falls enroute. In the afternoon, explore the park with options for short walks or simply enjoy the stunning volcanic scenery.
Day 8: Tongariro National Park to Wellington Travel south through the Kapiti Coast to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital. Spend the afternoon exploring Te Papa Museum or take a cable car ride for panoramic city views.
Day 9: Explore Wellington Our capital city is very compact and a great walking city, perfect for a day exploring before you hit the South Island. The waterfront, our National Museum and countless cafe’s and restaurants are an easy walk. Other popular day trips are the Zelandia wildlife sanctuary and Weta Workshop.
Day 10: Wellington to Nelson Board the Interislander Ferry for a scenic crossing to the South Island. Arrive in Picton and continuine on to Nelson, known for its arts scene and sunny climate.
Day 11: Abel Tasman National Park Cruise along the Abel Tasman coastline, followed by a guided walk through native bush and golden beaches. Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the park’s natural beauty.
Day 12: Nelson to Kaikoura Journey through Marlborough, stopping for a vineyard lunch and wine tasting. Continue along the picturesque coastline to Kaikoura, renowned for its marine wildlife.
Day 13: Kaikoura to Aoraki Mt Cook Optional morning whale-watching excursion. Travel inland through the Canterbury Plains, arriving at Aoraki Mt Cook National Park for an overnight stay.
Day 14: Aoraki Mt Cook to Queenstown Explore the national park with options for short walks or a scenic flight over the Southern Alps. After lunch, travel over the Lindis Pass to Queenstown for a three-night stay.
Day 15: Milford Sound Excursion Travel through Fiordland National Park to Milford Sound for a scenic cruise. Return to Queenstown via a spectacular scenic flight over the Southern Alps.
Day 16: Leisure Day in Queenstown Enjoy a free day to choose from various activities such as lakeside walks, galleries, bike tours, or adventure activities like jet boating and bungy jumping.
Day 17: Queenstown to Wanaka Visit historic Arrowtown, then travel over the Crown Range to Wanaka. Explore the town and enjoy lakefront walks or optional activities.
Day 18: Wanaka to Franz Josef Glacier Drive through Mt Aspiring National Park, over the Haast Pass into Westland National Park, arriving at Franz Josef. Discover the glacier with a scenic helicopter flight or take a guided walk on the glacier itself with a heli-hike.
Day 19: Franz Josef to Punakaiki Travel along the West Coast to Punakaiki, famous for its Pancake Rocks and blowholes. Enjoy a two-night stay amidst the coastal scenery.
Day 20: Punakaiki Exploration Spend the day exploring Paparoa National Park with options for rainforest walks, beachcombing, or kayaking on the Pororari River.
Day 21: Punakaiki to Christchurch Journey across the Southern Alps at Arthur’s Pass National Park, with opportunities for short walks and bird watching. Arrive in Christchurch in time for an evening flight, or stay on a few more days to explore the city.

Travelling around New Zealand in 21 days really gives you time to see and do more, including the world-famous places you’ve heard of as well as visiting some undiscovered gems which you’ll love. It also really lets you slow down and experience New Zealand in depth. Our recommended itinerary above offers five 2-night stays and two 3 nights stays, so you won’t be packing and unpacking every day.

Our Kakapo 21-day New Zealand tour is our most popular trip and especially designed for travellers to New Zealand aged 50+. We have six multi night stays enroute, explore eight national parks and include 20 activities. Our small friendly groups have a maximum size of 18 travellers on board and are led by one of our expert Kiwi Guides.

See more about the Kakapo, our 21-day New Zealand tour here.

How long does it take to get to New Zealand?

Getting to New Zealand from the USA & Canada

You can make it in 14 hours from the West Coast airports of Los Angeles and San Francisco but it will take longer from the East Coast, the flight from New York to Auckland is 18-19 hours.

Most visitors start their New Zealand experience in Auckland and this is the international gateway, but if you’re travelling straight to somewhere else like Queenstown or Christchurch this will take additional time.

Getting to New Zealand from the UK & Europe

You’ll spend at least 24 hours travelling. There are two 12-hour (or more) flights plus stopovers and airport waiting time to factor in.

So, make sure to get a day’s rest and acclimatisation after your flight and before starting any trip (especially if it’s a self-drive trip). This is a good opportunity to check out the ultra-cool city of Auckland. You’ll love it.

Do I need a visa to visit New Zealand? How long can I stay?

A very important question for anyone with plans to visit our little corner of the world concerns visa requirements.

New Zealand welcomes visitors from all over the world and tourism is a huge part of the economy. For most people, it’s a very easy process to enter the country and visas are waived for most western countries.

MoaTrek Travel Tip: NZ visa requirements for US, Canadian, UK & Australian passport holders

If you’re on a US or Canadian passport, you can stay for 3 months without a visa. Perfect for your holiday!
If you’re from the UK, congratulations! You can stay for 6 months without a visa.
Australian passport holders don’t need a visa at all and you can stay for as long as you like!
Passport holders of most other countries will get a 3-month visa waiver on arrival. The visa waiver allows visitors to travel in the country.

See more information about passports and visas for visiting New Zealand here.

Common Questions and Travel Tips

How long does it take to travel from the North Island to the South Island?

Flights from Auckland to Queenstown, for example, take less than 2 hours. You can fly from Wellington to Nelson in 40 minutes. The flight from Wellington (on the southern tip of the North Island) to Christchurch (the South’s biggest city) takes just 50 minutes.

Travelling overland is the best way to see the amazing scenery New Zealand has to offer and just because there are two main islands, it won’t hinder your progress.

In fact, ‘driving’ your car across on an inter-island ferry is a fantastic way of travelling. The beautiful sights of Marlborough Sounds are waiting for you on the journey from Wellington to Picton.

The ferry is comfortable and convenient, and the bonus is you won’t have to change vehicles. Travel time is 3.5 hours, which might seem like a lot, compared to flying but trust us, it’s an amazing experience in itself.

How big is New Zealand?

New Zealand is much longer than it is wide. There are two main islands, plus Stewart Island (much smaller) and if you were to stick them all together top to toe, the country would be 1600 km or 990 miles long. For comparison, the widest part of the country is 400 km or 250 miles across.

New Zealand’s area (268,000km2) is slightly larger than the United Kingdom (240,000km2) but smaller than Japan (377,915km2) and California (423,970km2).

If you look at the map it might appear that the South Island is longer but in fact, the North is the winner here. The long sliver of land called Northland sneakily adds length to the boxy-looking North Island’s landmass.

Read our handy travel guide on how to travel around New Zealand.

How long do you need to visit New Zealand? A summary

To get the most out of your trip to New Zealand we recommend 3 weeks to see the North and South Islands.

If you’ve only got two weeks to visit New Zealand we recommend not trying to do too much and staying in the South Island.

These time frames are ideal for a “best of the best” tour or a “once in a lifetime” trip for people who have always dreamed of visiting New Zealand and prefer to travel with a bit of comfort.

When you’re planning your trip make sure you include a day or two for travel to New Zealand and a couple of days in your first destination to allow you to adjust to the new time zone and get over any jet lag.

If you’re ready to explore New Zealand and want to leave all the organising and driving to someone else, why not join one of our New Zealand small group tours and enjoy your vacation in MoaTrek style – relaxed, personal and expertly guided.

MoaTrek – Experts in New Zealand Senior Tours

We’re MoaTrek and we’ve been showing visitors around on our New Zealand small group tours for seniors since the 1970s.

We started off pitching tents and cooking out under the stars, but nowadays our tours are designed for travellers aged 50+, offering greater comfort, hand picked accommodation, small friendly groups, delicious food and wine, and, of course, our expert Kiwi Guides to take care of you every step of the way.

Talk to one of our friendly team now to start planning your New Zealand “Trip of a Lifetime”.

Tours You'll Love

SEE TOUR ITINERARY

Kakapo 21 Day Tour

The ultimate New Zealand small group itinerary, this is the very best of our country. Milford Sound, Queenstown, Mt Cook, Abel Tasman, Tongariro, Rotorua, the Bay of Islands and a few more surprises. Small friendly groups led by our expert Kiwi Guides.

NEW ZEALAND SMALL GROUP TOURS • FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1971