New Zealand

Days 1-6: Auckland & The Coromandel

• Arrive in Auckland. Climb the Sky Tower for panoramic views, stroll along Viaduct Harbour, and perhaps visit Kelly Tarlton's SEA LIFE Aquarium. Stock up on initial supplies for your road trip.
• The best way to explore both islands in New Zealand is by campervan. You can purchase one (extremely easy in NZ) or rent one for the duration of your stay.
• Drive to the Coromandel Peninsula (approx. 2-3 hours). Settle into a campsite and begin exploring the stunning coastline.
• Spend several days discovering the Coromandel: dig your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach (check tide times!), hike to the iconic Cathedral Cove, relax on the golden sands of Hahei, and explore charming towns like Whitianga and Pauanui. Consider a scenic drive along the winding coastal roads and short hikes in the Coromandel Forest Park.

Days 7-11: Bay of Islands & Maori Culture

• Drive north to the Bay of Islands (approx. 3-4 hours). Choose a base like Paihia or Russell.
• Embark on a scenic cruise through the bay's numerous islands. Consider options that include dolphin watching or swimming.
• Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a significant site in New Zealand's history. Allow several hours to explore the museum and grounds.
• Enjoy kayaking or sailing in the sheltered waters, explore secluded beaches, and perhaps try some fishing. Consider a day trip to Cape Reinga, the northernmost point of the North Island (allow a full day).

Days 12-15: Rotorua's Geothermal Wonders

• Drive south to Rotorua (approx. 3-4 hours), known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Be prepared for the sulfurous scent!
• Immerse yourselves in Maori traditions with a cultural performance and a hangi feast. Several villages offer authentic experiences.
• Explore the various geothermal parks: Te Puia (geysers, mud pools), Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (colorful pools, geyser eruption), and Hell's Gate (mud baths, hot pools).
• Visit the Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village to see how the community lives amongst the geothermal landscape. Consider a walk in the Redwood Forest.

Days 16-18: Taupo's Activities & Relaxation

• Drive to Lake Taupo (approx. 1 hour), New Zealand's largest lake. Visit the powerful Huka Falls.
• Relax by the lake, perhaps try some water sports like jet boating or kayaking. Consider a scenic boat cruise or a fishing trip.
• Visit the Craters of the Moon geothermal park for a different perspective on geothermal activity. Enjoy a walk or bike ride along the lakefront.

Days 19-22: Tongariro National Park - Volcanic Wonders

• Journey south to Tongariro National Park (approx. 1.5-2 hours). Choose a campsite or accommodation near the park entrance.
• Depending on your fitness and the weather, consider hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (allow a full day and book transfers).
• Explore shorter walks within the park, such as the Taranaki Falls walk or the Tama Lakes track, to witness the unique volcanic landscapes and alpine scenery. Visit the park's visitor centre.
• Consider a scenic flight over the volcanoes for a different perspective (weather permitting).

Days 23-26: Taranaki - Volcanic Beauty & Coastal Views

• Drive west towards the Taranaki region (approx. 3-4 hours). Base yourself in New Plymouth or a nearby town.
• Explore Egmont National Park, dominated by the majestic Mount Taranaki. Enjoy hiking trails for various fitness levels, offering stunning views of the symmetrical volcano.
• Visit the Pouakai Tarns for iconic reflections of Mount Taranaki (allow time for the walk). Discover the lush rainforest and waterfalls within the park.
• Stroll along the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, offering scenic views of the Tasman Sea and the iconic Len Lye Wind Wand. Explore the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery / Len Lye Centre.

Days 27-29: Napier & Hawke's Bay - Art Deco & Wine

• Drive to Napier (approx. 4-5 hours). Take a guided walking tour to admire the unique Art Deco architecture, rebuilt after the 1931 earthquake.
• Explore the Hawke's Bay wine region, enjoying wine tastings and scenic vineyard drives. Consider a cycling tour of the vineyards.
• Visit the National Aquarium of New Zealand or enjoy a leisurely walk along Marine Parade.

Days 30-33: Wellington - Capital Culture

• Continue south to Wellington (approx. 4-5 hours). Find a suitable campervan park and prepare to explore the capital on foot or using public transport.
• Spend several days in Wellington: visit Te Papa Tongarewa (Museum of New Zealand).
• Ride the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views, explore the vibrant Cuba Street, and perhaps visit the Zealandia Ecosanctuary.
• Explore the waterfront, visit the City Gallery Wellington, and if interested in film, take a tour of Weta Workshop. Consider a visit to the botanical gardens.

Day 34: Ferry to South Island & Picton Charm

• Take the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry from Wellington to Picton in the South Island (approx. 3-4 hours). Enjoy the scenic journey through the Marlborough Sounds.
• Upon arrival in Picton, settle into a campervan park and explore this charming town. Consider a short walk along the waterfront or a visit to a local cafe.

Days 35-37: Marlborough Wine Region Revisited

• Spend a few days exploring the vineyards. Take a guided wine tour or cycle along the Marlborough Wine Trail, sampling the region's famous Sauvignon Blanc and other varietals.
• Enjoy local gourmet food and the relaxed atmosphere of the region. Consider a visit to a local farmers market if available.

Days 38-42: Nelson & Abel Tasman's Golden Coast

• Drive to Nelson (approx. 1.5-2 hours), a city known for its arts and crafts scene. Explore the local galleries and the vibrant Nelson Market (if it's a Saturday).
• Journey to Abel Tasman National Park (approx. 1 hour). Choose a base like Kaiteriteri or Marahau.
• Spend several days exploring Abel Tasman: hike sections of the Abel Tasman Coast Track, kayak along the golden beaches and turquoise waters, and take a scenic water taxi to access different parts of the park. Enjoy swimming and relaxing on the beautiful beaches.

Days 43-49: The Wild West Coast - Glaciers & Rugged Beauty

• Embark on a scenic drive down the West Coast (allow ample time for stops).
• Visit the unique Pancake Rocks and Blowholes at Punakaiki. Explore the historic Shantytown heritage park.
• Continue south to the glacier region. Walk to the terminal face of Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. Consider a guided ice walk or a scenic heli-hike for a closer experience (book in advance).
• Visit Lake Matheson for its stunning mirror views of the Southern Alps on a clear day. Enjoy short rainforest walks.

Days 50-54: Wanaka's Scenic Charm

• Drive over the Haast Pass (allow extra driving time for scenic stops) to reach Wanaka (approx. 4-5 hours).
• Visit the iconic Wanaka Tree. Hike or climb Roys Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring (allow a half to full day).
• Explore Diamond Lake and Rocky Mountain for shorter scenic walks. Enjoy water activities on Lake Wanaka. Consider a visit to Puzzling World for some quirky fun.

Days 55-60: Queenstown - Adventure Hub & Stunning Scenery

• Drive to Queenstown (approx. 1 hour), the adventure capital. Choose a campervan park with good access to town.
• Embrace the adventure activities: bungy jumping, white-water rafting, canyon swinging, paragliding – the choices are endless! Book in advance, especially during peak season.
• Take a scenic gondola ride up Bob's Peak for stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range. Consider a luge ride or a hike from the top.
• Cruise on Lake Wakatipu on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship to Walter Peak High Country Farm. Explore the charming historic gold mining town of Arrowtown (day trip).

Days 61-64: Fiordland National Park - Majestic Sounds

• Drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland (approx. 2 hours). Stock up on supplies.
• Embark on a day cruise through the majestic Milford Sound or, if your budget allows and you have more time, consider an overnight cruise in Doubtful Sound for a more immersive experience. Book cruises in advance.
• Enjoy scenic drives along the Milford Road, stopping at viewpoints and for short walks. Consider a visit to the Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

Days 65-69: Aoraki Mount Cook & Mackenzie Basin

• Trek through some of the many hikes in the national park. For the more challenging trails in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park, try the Hooker Valley Track or the Sealy Tarns Track.
• Take a scenic flight over the Southern Alps for breathtaking views of glaciers and Aoraki Mount Cook. Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre to learn about the region's history.
• Spend evenings stargazing in the Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve. Consider a visit to the Mount John Observatory near Lake Tekapo. Explore the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Days 70-73: Dunedin

• Explore Dunedin's Victorian and Edwardian architecture on a walking tour. Visit Larnach Castle and its gardens.
• Discover more of the Otago Peninsula's wildlife: visit the Royal Albatross Centre, see penguins at Pilots Beach, or observe seals and sea lions along the coast. Enjoy scenic drives along Highcliff and Portobello Roads.
• Immerse yourself in Dunedin's arts and culture: visit the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, explore the Otago Museum, or catch a performance at the Regent Theatre.

Days 74-78: The Catlins

• Seek out more hidden beaches like Purakaunui Bay or Cannibal Bay. Explore more waterfalls such as McLean Falls or Purakaunui Falls. Take longer hikes in the Catlins Forest Park.
• Spend time observing yellow-eyed penguins at Curio Bay or Roaring Bay (hide in the viewing hides). Look for Hector's dolphins at Porpoise Bay and seals at Nugget Point.
• Enjoy the rugged coastal scenery at Slope Point (the South Island's southernmost point) and explore the charming small towns like Owaka and Waikawa.

Days 79-82: Invercargill & Southland

• Consider a ferry trip to Stewart Island for hiking (e.g., Rakiura Track), birdwatching (kiwi spotting opportunities), and exploring Oban. Book ferry and accommodation in advance.
• Explore Invercargill's other attractions like Queens Park or the Southland Museum and Art Gallery. Visit the Dig This Invercargill heavy machinery playground for a unique experience.
• Take scenic drives along the Southern Scenic Route, exploring towns like Riverton and Bluff (visit Stirling Point). Consider a visit to the Waituna Wetlands.

Days 83-86: Central Otago

• Cycle sections of the Otago Central Rail Trail, perhaps exploring different towns along the way like Clyde or Alexandra. You can hire bikes locally.
• Visit wineries in the Gibbston Valley, Bannockburn, and Alexandra sub-regions. Enjoy cellar door tastings and vineyard tours. Explore historic gold mining settlements like St Bathans or Ophir.
• If visiting in autumn, seek out locations known for their vibrant fall foliage. Enjoy the crisp air and scenic drives.

Days 87-90: Arthur's Pass & Inland Scenic Route

• Stop for more of the shorter hikes in Arthur's Pass National Park, such as the Devil's Punchbowl Falls walk or the Bridal Veil Falls track. Enjoy the alpine scenery.
• Explore more of the Inland Scenic Route 72, visiting towns like Geraldine or Peel Forest. Consider a hike in the Peel Forest Park Scenic Reserve.

Days 91-93: Hanmer Springs

• Indulge in the various thermal pools and spa treatments at the Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa.
• Explore more of the walking and mountain biking trails in the Hanmer Forest Park. Consider a visit to the Hanmer Animal Park or try bungy jumping or white-water rafting.

Days 94-97: Kaikoura

• Consider multiple wildlife tours: whale watching to see sperm whales, dolphin swimming or watching tours, and seal colony viewing at Ohau Point (seasonal).
• Hike more sections of the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway for different perspectives of the coastline and wildlife. Enjoy fresh crayfish or other seafood at local restaurants.

Days 98-101: Christchurch

• Visit Christchurch's museums like the Canterbury Museum or the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Explore art galleries like the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu.
• Take a guided tour of the developing city centre to understand the earthquake recovery progress. Visit the Quake City exhibition. Explore the Cardboard Cathedral.
• Relax in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Consider a punting tour on the Avon River or a bike ride along the city's cycleways.
• Sell your van, or return your travel companion to its rental owners.