45 days in New Zealand Itinerary

Greymouth is the largest town in the West Coast region in the South Island of New Zealand, and the seat of the Grey District Council. Start off your visit on the 6th (Mon): contemplate the long history of Shantytown Heritage Park and then snap pictures at Taramakau Road-Rail Bridge.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Greymouth online tour itinerary planner.

Westport to Greymouth is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Mon) so you can go by car to Hokitika.

Hokitika is a township in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island, 40km south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. On the 6th (Mon), enjoy the sand and surf at Hokitika Beach.

For more things to do, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Hokitika trip itinerary planner.

Drive from Greymouth to Hokitika in an hour. You'll have a few hours on the 7th (Tue) to wrap things up before traveling to Fox Glacier.

A trip to Fox Glacier brings you close to one of New Zealand's most easily accessible natural wonders.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Tue): stroll through Peters Pool Walk, trek along Sentinel Rock Walk, and then take in the dramatic natural features at Franz Josef Glacier. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 8th (Wed): identify plant and animal life at Tatare Tunnels Walk, identify plant and animal life at West Coast Wildlife Centre, then go for a walk through Lake Matheson Walk, and finally trek along Minnehaha Walk.

To see reviews, maps, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Fox Glacier vacation planner.

Traveling by car from Hokitika to Fox Glacier takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. On the 9th (Thu), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can take a bus to Wanaka.

Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the Otago region, Wanaka has become a popular ski and summer resort area, owing to its extensive views of the lake and its proximity to some of the best slopes in the country.

On the 9th (Thu), take in the dramatic scenery at Thunder Creek Falls and then join in the after-dark buzz at Lalaland Wanaka.

Ask Klarna Trips to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Wanaka fast, fun, and easy.

You can take a bus from Fox Glacier to Wanaka in 5.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 10th (Fri) to allow time for the bus ride to Queenstown.

Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.

Explore hidden gems such as Arrowtown Chinese Settlement and Thrillzone. There's still lots to do: get your game on at Skyline Queenstown, get a taste of local nightlife at Rhino's Ski Shack, take an in-depth tour of Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery, and explore the landscape on two wheels at Lake Hayes Walkway.

For other places to visit, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Queenstown trip itinerary builder.

You can take a bus from Wanaka to Queenstown in 3 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 13th (Mon) to allow enough time to take a bus to Te Anau.

Set among the picturesque peaks and glacially carved fiords of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau offers those wishing to explore the park a great place to stay and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a small town in an enviable location.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Doubtful Sound and Te Anau Glowworm Caves. Get out of town with these interesting Te Anau side-trips: Manapouri Lake (in Manapouri) and Milford Sound (Milford sound Hwy & Eglinton Valley). There's still lots to do: contemplate the waterfront views at Milford Sound, hike along Lake Marian Track, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Mirror Lakes Walk.

To see ratings, other places to visit, reviews, and more tourist information, go to the Te Anau trip planner.

You can take a bus from Queenstown to Te Anau in 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Invercargill.

Invercargill is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. Use Klarna Trips's suggestions to plan your Invercargill trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

Explore your travel options from Te Anau to Invercargill with the Route module. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) so you can travel to Stewart Island.

For other places to visit, photos, reviews, and other tourist information, refer to the Stewart Island route planning tool.

Explore your travel options from Invercargill to Stewart Island with the Route module. You will have some time to spend on the 19th (Sun) before leaving for Bluff.

Bluff, previously known as Campbelltown, is a town and seaport in the Southland region, on the southern coast of the South Island of New Zealand. For ratings, where to stay, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Bluff road trip tool.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Stewart Island to Bluff. On the 19th (Sun), you'll travel to Dunedin.

With its history proudly stemming from the Scottish settlers who came here during the colonial era, Dunedin's streets are lined with well-preserved examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, while a new culture of nightlife and fine dining takes hold around them.

Start off your visit on the 19th (Sun): enjoy the sand and surf at Surat Bay, visit a coastal fixture at Nugget Point Lighthouse, then enjoy the sea views from Nugget Point/Tokata Walks, and finally test your problem-solving skills at Escape Dunedin Prison.

For maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, you can read our Dunedin trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Bluff to Dunedin in 3 hours. You will have some time to spend on the 21st (Tue) before leaving for Christchurch.

Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.

To see reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Christchurch itinerary maker.

Getting from Dunedin to Christchurch by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. In November, daily temperatures in Christchurch can reach 22°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. On the 21st (Tue), you're off to Kaikoura.

Head to the small town of Kaikoura, a humble setting from which to witness some of nature's grandest designs.

On the 21st (Tue), make a trip to Ohau Point Seal Colony.

For maps, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, you can read our Kaikoura tour planner.

You can drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. You will have some time to spend on the 22nd (Wed) before leaving for Blenheim.

Enjoy a heady holiday in Blenheim, the most populous town in the wine-growing region of Marlborough.

Start off your visit on the 22nd (Wed): stop by Makana Confections.

To find reviews, photos, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Blenheim trip maker app.

Traveling by car from Kaikoura to Blenheim takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. In November, plan for daily highs up to 20°C, and evening lows to 13°C. On the 22nd (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Picton.

Take photo after stunning photo in Picton, the gateway to South Island.

On the 22nd (Wed), look for all kinds of wild species at Kaipupu Sanctuary, then see the interesting displays at The National Whale Centre, and then take in the waterfront activity at Picton Sound.

For other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Picton trip website.

Picton is very close to Blenheim. In November, plan for daily highs up to 20°C, and evening lows to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Wed) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Wellington.

Wellington, the world's southernmost capital city and New Zealand's second most populous urban area, combines the nation's rugged history and nature with its modern and cosmopolitan present.

For where to stay, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Wellington trip itinerary maker app.

Traveling by ferry from Picton to Wellington takes 4 hours. November in Wellington sees daily highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C at night. You'll have a few hours on the 24th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Napier.

Enjoy the atmosphere and architecture of 1930s design in Napier, one of the best-preserved Art Deco cities in the world.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Fri): identify plant and animal life at Pekapeka Wetlands, identify plant and animal life at Cape Kidnappers, look for all kinds of wild species at Gannet Colony, then do a tasting at Elephant Hill, and finally steep yourself in history at Otatara Pa Historic Reserve Walk.

For ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Napier trip planner.

Getting from Wellington to Napier by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. On the 25th (Sat), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Gisborne.

A holiday in Gisborne incorporates both leisure and culture.

To see ratings, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read Gisborne online sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Napier to Gisborne in 3 hours. You will leave for Taupo on the 27th (Mon).

The resort town of Taupo lies on the banks of Lake Taupo, the largest body of water in the whole of Australasia.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Mon): admire the sheer force of Huka Falls.

To find more things to do, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, read our Taupo road trip planning tool.

Getting from Gisborne to Taupo by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. You'll have a few hours on the 29th (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling to Rotorua.

Surrounded by lakes and featuring impressive areas of geothermal landscape, the city of Rotorua offers an otherwordly landscape and a welcoming, peaceful environment, with the culture of the native Maori people very much in the foreground.

You'll get in some beach time at Pilot Bay and Papamoa Beach. Visit Te Puia and The Elms for their historical value. Step out of Rotorua to go to Mount Maunganui and see Mount Maunganui Base Track, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. And it doesn't end there: wander the streets of Eat Street, get a dose of the wild on Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua, take in the natural beauty of Waiotapu Boardwalk/ Mud Pool, and do a tasting at Volcanic Hills Winery.

For traveler tips, maps, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Rotorua travel route planner.

Drive from Taupo to Rotorua in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. November in Rotorua sees daily highs of 23°C and lows of 15°C at night. On the 2nd (Sat), you'll travel to Coromandel.

Coromandel is a town on the Coromandel Harbour, on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula, which is on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Explore hidden gems such as Hot Water Beach and New Chums Beach. Visit Hahei Beach Walk and Lonely Bay for some beach relaxation. Venture out of the city with trips to Whitianga (Mercury Bay Museum & Simpsons Beach), Shakespeare Cliff Scenic and Historic Reserve (in Cooks Beach) and Otama Beach (in Kuaotunu). Next up on the itinerary: enjoy the sand and surf at Matarangi Beach, stop by The Coromandel Smoking Co., contemplate the waterfront views at Mercury Bay, and don't miss a visit to The 309 Road.

For other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, read Coromandel trip itinerary builder tool.

Getting from Rotorua to Coromandel by car takes about 3 hours. Other options: take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus, flight, and taxi. In December, daytime highs in Coromandel are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. You'll set off for Paihia on the 5th (Tue).

The main tourist town in the Bay of Islands area, Paihia gives visitors a good range of accommodations, a convenient town center, long sandy beaches, and interesting architecture.

Kick off your visit on the 5th (Tue): identify plant and animal life at Tutukaka Headland, enjoy the sand and surf at The Strand Beach, and then explore and take pictures at Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

To see traveler tips, more things to do, maps, and other tourist information, you can read our Paihia sightseeing planning tool.

You can drive from Coromandel to Paihia in 5.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Wed) so you can drive to Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga or Te Rerenga Wairua is the northwesternmost tip of the Aupouri Peninsula, at the northern end of the North Island of New Zealand. To see other places to visit and other tourist information, use the Cape Reinga trip builder website.

You can drive from Paihia to Cape Reinga in 3 hours. On the 8th (Fri), you'll travel to Auckland.

The largest and most populous city in New Zealand, Auckland combines a rich history and thriving contemporary culture in an abundance of museums, art galleries, and performance venues.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 9th (Sat): kick back and relax at Takapuna Beach, enjoy the sea views from Manukau Heads Lighthouse, then admire the majestic nature at Tawharanui Regional Park, then stroll through St. Helier's Bay, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Orewa Beach.

For reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Auckland sightseeing planning app.

You can drive from Cape Reinga to Auckland in 6 hours. In December, daytime highs in Auckland are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Mon) to allow time to drive to Taumarunui.

Taumarunui is a small town in the King Country of the central North Island of New Zealand. Start off your visit on the 11th (Mon): stop by Nevalea Alpacas, explore the fascinating underground world of Ruakuri Cave, then Head underground at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, then explore the fascinating underground world of Caveworld, and finally explore the fascinating underground world of Footwhistle Glowworm Cave.

To see more things to do, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Taumarunui trip builder.

Traveling by car from Auckland to Taumarunui takes 3.5 hours. You'll set off for Stratford on the 12th (Tue).

Stratford is the only town in Stratford District, and the seat of the Taranaki Region, in New Zealand's North Island. On the 12th (Tue), take a memorable drive along Forgotten World Highway, kick back and relax at Opunake Beach, and then look for all kinds of wild species at The Goblin Forest.

Find out how to plan Stratford trip without stress by asking Klarna Trips to help create an itinerary.

Traveling by car from Taumarunui to Stratford takes 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 13th (Wed) to allow time for the car ride to Whanganui.

Start off your visit on the 13th (Wed): enjoy breathtaking views from War Memorial Tower.

To find reviews, traveler tips, ratings, and more tourist information, read Whanganui driving holiday planner.

Traveling by car from Stratford to Whanganui takes 2 hours. In December, daily temperatures in Whanganui can reach 19°C, while at night they dip to 19°C. On the 15th (Fri), you'll travel to Wellington.

On the 15th (Fri), kick back and relax at Makara Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 16th (Sat): take some stellar pictures from Wright's Hill, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, then enjoy the sand and surf at Lyall Bay, and finally contemplate the long history of Wellington Railway Station.

To see ratings, more things to do, maps, and more tourist information, use the Wellington sightseeing planner.

Getting from Whanganui to Wellington by car takes about 3 hours. Traveling from Whanganui in December, expect nights in Wellington to be a bit cooler, around 15°C, while days are a bit warmer, around 22°C. You'll set off for Nelson on the 17th (Sun).

Put on your shades to enjoy the sights of Nelson, one of the sunniest cities in New Zealand.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Kaiteriteri Beach and Pic's Peanut Butter World. Get out of town with these interesting Nelson side-trips: Hop Federation (in Riwaka) and Kaiteriteri Mountain Bike Park (in Kaiteriteri). There's lots more to do: steep yourself in history at Nelson Provincial Museum, take a memorable excursion with Rent A Classic, and get outside with SUPSTAR.

To see where to stay, photos, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Nelson day trip planning site.

Fly from Wellington to Nelson in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. You will leave for home on the 20th (Wed).