Highlights of New Zealand

Two weeks is barely enough time to thoroughly explore your hometown, let alone a place as fascinating as New Zealand.

For adventurers on a tight time-budget, this 15-day trip wraps up the must-dos of both islands with a nice little bow. Check out the Coromandel's gorgeous beaches, hang with the Maori in a traditional village, walk the black-sand beaches of Kaikoura and get your adrenaline fix in Queenstown. Consider this your New Zealand Starter’s Kit.

Itinerary

Day 1 Auckland
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Hahei
Depart early for the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. If the tide is right, grab a shovel and dig a natural Jacuzzi in the sand on Hot Water Beach. Take a walk to Cathedral Cove or opt to try sea kayaking.

Day 3 Tamaki Marae (Rotorua)
Visit Rotorua and opt to check out the geothermal area or go whitewater rafting. Later, enjoy a cultural overnight featuring a traditional dinner and show, and stay in a Maori village.

Day 4 National Park
Start early and enjoy the walks of National Park. Opt to walk on an active volcano.

Day 5 Wellington
Free morning before hopping the train for a scenic journey to New Zealand's capital, Wellington. Enjoy the atmosphere in this relaxed but lively city.

Day 6 Kaikoura
Take the ferry to the South Island. Travel the Coastal Railway from Picton to the seaside town of Kaikoura, known for its volcanic black-sand beaches. Opt to chow down on the national dish – fish and chips – for dinner.

Day 7 Christchurch
Enjoy a free morning in Kaikoura. Travel the coast by train to the garden city of Christchurch, a little piece of England in New Zealand still rebuilding from a devastating earthquake.

Days 8-9 Franz Josef
Travel across the Southern Alps via the stunningly scenic Arthurs Pass. Stretch your legs with a mountain or rainforest walk. Enjoy staying in the rainforest near the world's fastest moving glacier.

Days 10-11 Queenstown
Continue to Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. Opt to go bungee jumping (in its birthplace), jet boating (also born here!), skydiving, paragliding, hiking or mountain biking. Opt to take it a little slower and travel by gondola to the top of a local peak. Enjoy the great night life.

Day 12 Milford Sound
Enjoy the stunning scenery of Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound from the deck of a boat. Take in the waterfalls and wildlife or venture out by kayak before an overnight on board (seasonal).

Day 13 Twizel
Head up through the centre of the South Island to Twizel, near New Zealand's highest peak, Mt Cook.

Day 14 Christchurch
Spend the morning exploring this region surrounding Mt Cook taking in the alpine scenery with the chance to learn more about mountaineer Sir Edmond Hillary. Continue on to Christchurch for one final night together.

Day 15 Christchurch
Depart at any time.