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14 Inspirational New Zealand Travel Blogs

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, … or what we consider the best new zealand bloggers.

It is hard to describe how much of an impact a trip to New Zealand will have on your life. From a life-changing gap year to an eye-opening road trip , you will leave New Zealand changed forever. Some keep those souvenirs locked in their brain, others write daily in their travel diary , but many log all their adventures and travel tips in their blog. We have compiled 10 awesome blogs from travellers who came to New Zealand for you to check out. Be inspired by their stories, learn from their tips, or copy their itinerary . There is a lot to learn from reading other travellers stories.

To better introduce those travellers, we’ve asked them: What was your best New Zealand experience? Check out their answers below along with a link to the New Zealand section of their blog. Plus, don’t miss the bonus entry at the bottom of this article.

First Thing’s First…

Travel video blogs don’t come more epic than “New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year” where Robin and Laura from our very own NZPocketGuide.com hit the road for 365 days doing 365 activities in New Zealand! Subscribe to their adventures on YouTube and watch the trailer below!

1. Petra – The Global Couple

New Zealand = home. We are lucky enough to have been born and bred in this beautiful country and have spent many years exploring it by campervan, car, and on foot. One of the best things about New Zealand is that because it is such a small country, it’s so easy to get into the outdoors and embrace the amazing landscapes – from snowy peaks and primaeval forests in the South Island to desert volcanoes and white sand beaches in the North Island. Our favourite New Zealand travel experience (and we’ve had a lot of them!) was one summer when we bought an old campervan, did her up, and travelled around the South Island – camping in some of the most stunning spots you can imagine, cooking dinner beside sublime lakes and beaches, breathing in the fresh air, spotting the Milky Way at night, getting eaten alive by sandflies, having curious native birds come within half a metre, and falling even more in love with our magnificent home.

Petra has 49 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at theglobalcouple.com

2. Lina – Divergent Travelers

It’s simple; New Zealand stole our hearts. The diversity of the country brought us to our knees and ignited a lifelong love affair with the country. When someone asks us what our favourite country is we don’t hesitate to include New Zealand in our top 5. We spent 5 weeks travelling around both the North and South Islands and quickly realized it wasn’t enough time to really enjoy all the beauty and adventure on offer in this dynamic country. Despite everything on offer, it was the Tongariro Crossing that sealed the deal with us and a return to New Zealand is always at the top of our minds.

Lina has 35 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at divergenttravelers.com

3. Hannah – Getting Stamped

New Zealand in one word: Epic! We spent 2 weeks driving a camper van around the entire South Island of New Zealand, and every corner we turned was another epic photograph waiting to be taken. We made the mistake of only spending 2 weeks in New Zealand. Next time we return it’ll be at least 3 months so that we can explore both the South & North Islands. New Zealand is the most beautiful country in the world: we had heard this from travellers and we didn’t believe them until we witnessed it for ourselves. After travelling to 65 countries New Zealand is one of a kind and should be on every traveller’s bucket list. There are so many things to do in New Zealand from hiking, bungy jumping, sky diving, skiing, kayaking, you won’t be bored in New Zealand.

Hannah has 26 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at gettingstamped.com .

4. Emma – The Travel Natural

My experience in New Zealand is a personal one. I grew up in Taranaki (West Coast of the North Island), a destination that’s only beginning to see increased international visitors, despite holding all the usual New Zealand power icons; an impressive mountain and stretches of silky black sand beaches. Taranaki is a place I keep returning to again and again, it’s a place to slow down as well as get active. An old school farming region at heart, a little bit out of the way for most tourists and my favourite place in New Zealand. Am I being biased? Come see for yourself.

Emma has 22 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at thetravelnatural.com

5. Lotte – Phenomenal Globe

New Zealand is without a doubt the most beautiful country I have ever been to! It just amazing, the country has it all. Mountains. Volcanos. Lakes (there are so many beautiful lakes in New Zealand!). Sea. Forest. Waterfalls. Beaches. Hills. Cliffs. You name it and its there.

Besides the incredible scenery, the people of New Zealand are so very welcoming and friendly. If you are having a coffee, they’ll have a chat with you and proudly tell you about their amazing country and awesome places you should visit. Which usually are the kind of places you won’t find in the Lonely Planet, so it’s worth keeping your ears open. If you are lost or so much appear to need anything, they’ll help you out.

Yes, New Zealand is my favourite country in the whole wide world! I loved the tiny towns we drove through in our campervan, realising there was a town after we had already passed through. I love how there are quirky flightless native birds (some of which are on the brink of extinction because of possums). And I absolutely loved driving around in our campervan, staying on the most beautiful campsites without anyone else around and waking up with breathtaking views of a beautiful lake or the sea. Oh New Zealand, it’s been 2 years since I’ve seen you and I miss you deeply. I hope to see you soon

Lotte has 17 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at phenomenalglobe.com

6. Anita – Anita Hendrieka

The Wairarapa is such an underrated region in New Zealand. Nestled only an hour away from Wellington is home to the only white kiwi in New Zealand, breathtaking hikes and untouched beaches. By far one of the best hikes for all fitness types is Rocky Lookout, which is located in Mount Holdsworth. Once you reach the top you will be rewarded with a pretty spectacular view which will really make you feel like you’re in Middle-earth. While walking up you will get the real kiwi nature experience with tui whistling away and many other beautiful animals greeting you. On a summer’s day, this hike is a local favourite so shhhhh, don’t tell anyone!

Anita has 17 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at anitahendrieka.com

7. Jub – Tiki Touring Kiwi

Chatting to my dad on the phone last week summed up New Zealand for me. It’s where I grew up before leaving to explore the world a few years ago. We got talking about the friendliness of Kiwis to strangers which I still experience on my brief returns.When you’re walking down the street you acknowledge most people you walk past. That may mean a verbal hello, a small wave, smile, a simple head nod or a combination of them all.This is a habit that has carried on with people regularly saying it’s cool that I’m always saying hello to randoms in the street (it’s interesting how different cultures react to this around the world).The reason it came up in a phone call? Dad was saying how he feels like Waikanae’s culture is shifting as more city slickers move to Waikanae (they work in Wellington City 50 minutes away) with a new motorway opening in 2017. By nature, they tend to not acknowledge everyone they pass on the street. Keep smiling!

Jub has 15 posts about New Zealand. Find more about his trip in New Zealand at tikitouringkiwi.com

8. Jeremy – Travel Freak

“With stunning landscapes, amazing food, delicious wine, and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, New Zealand holds a very special place in my heart. I spent fifteen months living, working, and travelling around New Zealand. In fact, those days are some of the fondest of my six total years of full-time travel. My journey started in Queenstown, where I spent 6 months working at a luxury hotel and partying until 5 or 6 am most weekday nights. My journey ended in Auckland, where I worked in one of the most exclusive whiskey bars in the city. The true gem of New Zealand, though, is Wellington, a place I call my second home. It’s known as The Coolest Little Capital in the World, and boy, are they right. Its windy as hell, but the people and the nightlife are some of the best you’ll find anywhere in the world.”

Jeremy has 15 posts about New Zealand. Find more about his trip in New Zealand at travelfreak.net

9. Cory – You Could Travel

I loved New Zealand so very much, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to any other fellow traveller. I enjoyed how incredible, clean and pristine New Zealand was. I spent a month driving around New Zealand’s South Island and that was enough to fall in love with this beautiful, safe and well-organised country. The best parts were trailing the Abel Tasman Coastal Track and cruising through Milford Sound. Never in my life, I enjoyed a more stunning landscape with such postcard-perfect views. The roads in New Zealand are some of the best in the world, perfectly tailored for road trip lovers and driving enthusiasts. For nature photographers, New Zealand is definitely a dream come true, with magnificent topography ranging from snowy mountains, through icy glaciers, to golden beaches. Whenever I think of a natural paradise, New Zealand comes to mind, no question about it.

Cory has 14 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at youcouldtravel.com

10. Brittany – The Sweet Wanderlust

Before moving to New Zealand, I knew nothing about this country. I booked a flight to Queenstown and planned to spend a couple of months in the Adventure Capital of the World before moving north as winter set in. Two months turned to seven, though, as I filled my days with bungy jumps, luging, snowboarding and a ride on the TSS Earnslaw.

I left the city that captured my heart for two weeks on a whirlwind road trip from Queenstown to Auckland. Fueled by pineapple lumps and chocolate fish, I heli-hiked Fox Glacier, was amazed by the unreal blue of the Hokitika Gorge, and got goosebumps watching a Haka in Rotorua. “One does not simply walk into Mordor,” but I hiked the Tongariro Crossing, and that’s about as close as you can get. I searched for Bilbo Baggins at Hobbiton and practised speaking dolphin in Kaikoura.

New Zealand is a place where my adventure-seeking heart found a home, and I’ll forever be grateful for the time I lived in the land of kiwi birds and Kiwi people.

Brittany has 10 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at thesweetwanderlust.com

11. Jen – The Snow Chasers

As self-confessed snow addicts, Queenstown, New Zealand is the top of our list of places to go snowboarding in the Southern Hemisphere. So much so that we’ve mustered up our crew and gone there 7 times in 8 years. Aside from the sensational flight in and the ridiculously stunning scenery that is Queenstown, there is easy access to a number of epic ski resorts. The Remarkables and Coronet Peak ski resorts are around 30 minutes away. Then there’s Cardrona ski resort which is a scenic 45-minute drive from Queenstown. There’s something for everyone whether you are into groomed runs, technical terrain, hiking or a bit of park action. The facilities at all resorts are well maintained with loads of food options to choose from. For apres-ski, Cardrona Pub is a must if you are on your way back from Cardrona ski resort. Otherwise, chill out in Queenstown at one of the many awesome pubs and bars.

Jen has 8 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at thesnowchasers.com

12. Hugo – Breathe With Us

Let’s be honest, New Zealand is one of the most amazing countries out there and a personal favourite of ours. Before embarking on a month-long road trip on both the North and South Islands our expectations were high, but nothing compares to the experience of actually setting foot there for the first time and realizing how much there is to explore throughout the country. The beauty of New Zealand and its scenery is unique, and the country offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and to have a great time – and this is exactly what we did! Some of the highlights include sea kayaking at Milford Sound among massive fiords, hiking Tongariro’s volcanic landscape, glacier walking on the west coast at Fox and Franz Josef glaciers, admiring the many picture-perfect lakes, witnessing the bubbling colourful geothermal features in Rotorua, or learning about and seeing the country’s flightless birds such as the kiwi. Yet, there’s so much more. Now, we just need to go back.

Hugo has 8 posts about New Zealand. Find more about his trip in New Zealand at breathewithus.com

13. Jean – Traveling Honey Bird

Winter is a wonderful time to visit NZ. There’s a certain serene beauty about winter in the South Island of New Zealand. Not only is winter the best time of the year to spend a month celebrating my birthday it also offers the adventurer a whole new arena to play within. Most people assume that the only reason to go to New Zealand in the winter is for snow sports and post snow sport drinking. We recently discovered the pleasure of road tripping during winter.

The cool morning mist that sits across the paddocks perfectly frame the magnificent mountains. Making it the perfect backdrop to your morning coffee from the back of the campervan. The days turn into bluebird mountains of pure clarity, allowing you to see for miles in every direction as you drive to the next destination. There’s comfort food galore at any caf you stop by. So no more diet of L&P and marshmallow fish! Though these staple NZ road trip road snacks.

Road tripping in the winter months is a wonderful experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Jean has 7 posts about New Zealand. Find more about her trip in New Zealand at travelinghoneybird.com

14. Bailey & Dan – Destinationless Travel

Travelling in New Zealand was perfect for us, we love the outdoors and we love adventure – and that is what New Zealand is all about! The outdoorsy things to do in New Zealand are literally endless. There is something special about being on the top of a mountain or swimming under a waterfall that can’t be matched in any city setting. New Zealand is so diverse in terms of the landscape that one day we were in the snow and the next we were enjoying a sunset on the beach. The scenery is absolutely unimaginable until you see it with your own eyes. Some of our favourite memories of New Zealand include watching the sunset at Milford Sound, learning to snowboard, partying in Queenstown, and hiking everywhere! If you are a nature-lover like we are, then New Zealand is sure to impress.

Bailey & Dan have 23 posts about New Zealand. Find out more about their trip at destinationlesstravel.com .

15. (BONUS) Robin & Laura New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year

New Zealand blew our freaking minds! Right out of the plane we were stunned by the epic scale of the country. It did not take us long to know that this was the place for us. So we settled here and kept the adventure going for much longer than planned. This adventure turned into the very guide that you are reading right now, NZPocketGuide.com, New Zealand’s biggest guide for backpackers.

But we are not done travelling just yet, New Zealand has so much to offer that we challenged ourselves to spend another 365 days on the road to showcase 365 of the best activities that the country has to offer. We call it New Zealand’s Biggest Gap Year. Are you ready for it? With blog posts every day and stunning 360? pictures, your mind will be as blown as our was when we landed in New Zealand a few years back!

Robin & Laura have 365posts about New Zealand. Find more about our trip in New Zealand at NZPocketGuide.com/Blog .

More Inspiration for Your New Zealand Trip

Check out these articles to get you pumped about a gap year in New Zealand:

• 10 Photos That Will Make You Want to Explore New Zealand Right Now
• 10 Breathtaking Photos of New Zealand
• Why New Zealand is the Best Backpacking Country
• Interview: This Year’s Most Inspirational Hikers in New Zealand
• 20 Essential Must-Dos BEFORE Moving to New Zealand

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling verdant hills, incredibly friendly locals, and abundant world-class wine, New Zealand is as wonderful as you’ve heard. In fact, take what you’ve heard and times it by ten. Because New Zealand will simply blow your mind when you visit.

People think because it’s a small country, you can see it all in two weeks. Unfortunately, that’s not true. There’s a lot to do here. From the north island to the south island, you need a lot of time here to see the highlights. You could literally fill months with activities and still only scratch the surface. New Zealand may be small but it punches above its weight with things to do.

But what if you don’t have months? What do you do then? What route do you take? What island should you start with? Where do you go?

Or what if you do have a month to spend? Then what? Where do you begin planning your New Zealand itinerary?

Below are my suggested itineraries that can help you plan your New Zealand road trip for maximum efficiency. Whether you have two weeks, one month, or even longer, these itineraries will ensure that you see the highlights and get off the beaten path.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

New Zealand Itinerary Highlights

Choosing the right vehicle.

• Two-Week North Island Route
• Two-Week South Island Route
• One Month Itinerary
• Things to Remember

Note : Two weeks is the minimum recommended time for a New Zealand road trip. There’s so much to see and do here, yet you still don’t want to be rushed or spend all your time in the car. If you only have two weeks, focus on one island.  

• Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
• See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Visit Hobbiton
• Experience a Maori Cultural Show
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Go skydiving or bungy jumping
• Explore Fiordland National Park

Want more info on these activities (and many others)? I cover them all below!  

• Travellers Autobarn
• Wicked Campers

Prices vary a lot. Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick up the vehicle, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (in the high season, prices seem to double!).

If living out of a van for a few weeks doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, simply rent a normal car and book accommodation along the way. To book a car, check out Discover Cars , which searches rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.

If you plan to drive New Zealand, you can use this widget to get a free quote for your car rental:

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week North Island Route

Days 1–2: auckland.

Spend some time hanging out on the Auckland Domain, go snorkelling on Goat Island , and if you love wine like I do, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island .

For a list of more things to do in Auckland, check out my guide to the city!

Where to Stay : The Albion – This historic accommodation began as a “pub hotel” in the 19th century. Today there’s still a nice old tavern in the hotel. The rooms are comfortable and the place is quiet.

Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

While you’re here you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (one of the most important historical sites in the country), explore Cape Reinga (the northernmost point of New Zealand), and see wild dolphins on a boat tour .

For a list of more things to do in Bay of Islands, check out my complete guide!

Where to Stay : Haka Lodge – Located in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a lot of common spaces, a large kitchen, and great views over the harbor. Everything is super clean and the beds are comfortable. It’s a good place to meet people.

Day 5: Hobbiton

To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour that starts with a drive through the owner’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, offering epic views over the Kaimai Range. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. Tours start at 89 NZD.

Where to Stay : Cosy Country Stay B&B – This is a cute bed-and-breakfast located in Matamata just a few miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are fantastic, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil, with roaming cats and goats for added atmosphere.

Days 6–7: Rotorua

The Maori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. This is the best area to learn about Maori history and culture . Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural show while you’re here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience is the one I attended).

The region is also known for its geothermal activity, and the dynamic landscape makes for exciting nature walks, trips to smelly sulfuric geysers, and soaks in luxury spas with water from the hot springs.

Where to Stay : Rock Solid Backpackers – This is a centrally located hostel with an expansive array of facilities, including a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.

Day 8: Waitomo

You can walk, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them. A 45-minute rafting trip is the standard visit, but if you want to go abseiling (also known as rappelling) there’s a five-hour option too. Prices start at 55 NZD for a boat tour and 195 NZD for extended tours with abseiling.

For a complete list of things to do in Waitomo, check out my guide on the town.

Where to Stay : Juno Hall – Close to the glowworm caves, Juno Hall has a swimming pool and tennis court on-site. There’s a large kitchen as well as an outdoor grill for barbecuing.

Days 9-10: Taupo

It’s also one of the best places to go skydiving in New Zealand thanks to the views and clear skies (though I didn’t do this while I was there).

I loved the small-town feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and being able to do so many hikes. I could have stayed here for weeks.

For a list of more things to do in Taupo, check out my guide!

Where to Stay : Finlay Jack’s has a huge kitchen, a big common room, a spacious patio with BBQs, fun and welcoming staff, bike rentals, and a super friendly hostel dog. Everything in the hostel is updated, with new, modern pod-style beds so you can get a great night’s sleep. In short, everything a backpacker or budget traveler would want from a hostel.

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

As you wind your way through Tongariro National Park, you’ll walk through volcanic terrain (including where Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), past high peaks and sulfur lakes, and end the day in a dense forest. It’s easy in parts (the beginning and end) and steep in others (especially the portion after “Mount Doom”), so you’ll get a good mix of difficulty levels.

Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, toilet paper, and a sweater or jacket (the weather can change rapidly). Expect to pay around 50 NZD per person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the trail or 325 NZD for a full-day guided hike .

Where to Stay : National Park Alpine Lodge – Located in National Park Village (the best place to stay if doing the trek), this lodge features budget-friendly private rooms, a communal kitchen and common area (with a cozy fireplace for cold nights!), and a helpful staff.

Otherwise, you can stay in Taupo, which is where people usually base themselves when they do this trek.

Days 12–14: Wellington

For a list of more things to do in Wellington, check out my detailed guide to the city.

Where to Stay : The Marion – This boutique hostel is just blocks away from everything you’ll want to see. It’s cozy, with comfy beds and large bathrooms, and the staff really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It’s a clean, social spot to relax and meet other travelers.

If you’ve only got two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you can fly out of the airport here to wherever you need to go next. If you have more time, you’ll take the car ferry (around 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to continue your trip (in which case, follow the following two-week South Island itinerary, but in reverse).  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week South Island Route

If you choose the South Island for your two-week road trip, start in Queenstown. Even if your international flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you can easily get a cheap flight to Queenstown. Queenstown also has direct flights to many major cities in Australia if your trip to New Zealand is part of a larger adventure in Oceania.

Days 1-3: Queenstown

Known as “the adventure capital of New Zealand” (it’s the launching pad for every sort of adventure activity you can think of), Queenstown lives up to the hype. Even though it has become hugely popular, I cannot express my love of Queenstown enough. I love sitting by the lake, watching the sunset with a bottle of wine, and hiking the nearby trails.

Explore nearby vineyards, enjoy the waters of Lake Wakatipu, or go bungy jumping, ziplining, rafting, or skydiving . There’s a lot to do here.

For a list of more things to do in Queenstown, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms have balconies, the showers have excellent water pressure, and the pillows are thick. There are activities every night and a free dinner and quiz night on Sunday. Overall, this is a great place to stay.

Days 4-6: Fiordland

Milford Sound is an amazing fjord that’s best known for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You can walk the wooded trail along the sandy shore for perfect views of the peak, or take the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to get close to powerful waterfalls.

The fjord itself is home to seal and penguin colonies. You can often see pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters too. Explore by boat and check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see rare black coral and other underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the only company doing cruises that include the Underwater Observatory. Cruises start from 165 NZD .

While less well-known than Milford, Doubtful Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord in the country. You can only get to Doubtful via boat. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound costs 299 NZD.

Where to Stay : Milford Sound Lodge – This is quite literally the only place to stay within about 50 kilometers (31 miles). It’s not cheap, but the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is delicious, and the contemporary rooms are cozy yet modern. Otherwise, if you have a car, you can stay in the closest town, Te Anau where you’ll find cheaper accommodation.

Days 7-8: Wanaka

For a list of more things to do in Wanaka, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Mountain View Backpackers – This hostel has a huge outdoor space with a grill, space to lie in the sun, and a big table to congregate around (there were many enjoyable nights spent drinking wine outdoors).

Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

Hiking the glaciers here is an unforgettable experience. Sadly, because they have receded and are melting quickly due to climate change, the caves and walks have been shut down. Now, the only way to trek on the glaciers is via heli-hike ( an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience ). These are expensive (500 NZD), but the helicopter ride, trekking, and experience as a whole are worth the price in my opinion.

Conversely, you can just hike to the glacier face and take photos from a distance. There are tons of viewing points (and you’ll see photos of just how far the glaciers have receded over the years).

Where to Stay : Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Just a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging offers free homemade soup every night, free breakfast (homemade waffles and pancakes!), two communal kitchens, and a hot tub.

Days 10–11: Abel Tasman National Park

The best way to see the park is by kayak, so you can explore the little coves and beaches that really make the area special. Full-day rentals start at around 110 NZD, or you can join a guided kayaking tour starting at 190 NZD. You can also take a scenic cruise around the park for 95 NZD.

Where to Stay : Marahau Beach Camp – Offers both dormitories and small private cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are also tent and campervan sites if you want to save money.

From here, pick your last stop: either drive onwards to Christchurch and end there or take the ferry over to Wellington (an adventure in and of itself!) and end there. Either way, you’ll be able to catch a cheap and quick flight back to Auckland for your international flight home.

If you’re heading to Christchurch, keep reading. If you’d like to visit Wellington, scroll back up and follow the tips in the North Island itinerary section.

Days 12-14: Christchurch

While there’s not a lot “to do” per se, the vibe here is really relaxed, and it’s worth not rushing through if you aren’t short on time. Be sure to ride the gondola , visit the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake City (a unique and interactive museum that recounts personal stories from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For a list of more things to do in Christchurch, check out my city guide.

Where to Stay : Urbanz – This is an awesome hostel located in downtown Christchurch with friendly staff and a huge kitchen. There’s also a hostel bar, a pool table, fast Wi-Fi, laundry, movies, and comfy couches, as well as a parking lot.

If you need to get back to Queenstown, it’s a 6 hour drive from here. Alternatively, you can fly to Auckland. The flight is just over an hour and tickets can be found for as low as 65 NZD if you book in advance.  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month

Again, these are just recommended itineraries — I encourage you to adapt as needed!  

Things to Remember When Road-Tripping New Zealand

To help you make the most of your road trip, please remember the following rules:

• Traffic flows on the left here (not the right, like in the US or Canada).
• You must always park your car in the direction that traffic is going (or risk a fine).
• There are plenty of pull-off points for taking photos — use them instead of stopping at a random spot along the side of the road, which can be quite dangerous given how tight the roads are here.
• Roads here are winding, so remember that it might take longer than you expect to cover a particular distance.
• As long as your current and valid driver’s license is in English, you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit.
• If you’re traveling by campervan, use the CamperMate app to find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable country, loaded with epic landscapes, friendly Kiwis, and a rich culture. Due to its remote location, visiting is usually a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most travelers. Taking a road trip is the best way to make the most of your time here, tailoring your itinerary to your own preferences and New Zealand bucket list.

Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for specific places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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Blessed with a landscape that does not even begin to be described by the grossly inadequate word ‘beautiful’, New Zealand is possibly the most fascinating country I’ve traveled to. I’ve often said that my heart is in the mountains and on the trail and New Zealand has plenty of those places.

Traversing the length of the country from the North Island to the South Island, you get to experience everything that makes for an unforgettable New Zealand road trip; vibrant culture, friendly people, delicious food, and a never ending treasure of natural wonders unlike anywhere else. And it’s THE most tourist-friendly country I’ve been to- everything is easy in New Zealand even if you’re not from around.

Whether it’s looking up in stupefied astonishment at the starlit ceiling of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves , watching seals sunbathe as you kayak through the Abel Tasman National Park , jumping off a cliff to paraglide in Queenstown or learning how to dance with the indigenous Maori , the country does not run out of experiences that truly amaze you, regardless of how well-traveled you may be. It is a great country to hire a campervan, take a long road trip, and chance upon gorgeous unknown spots that you may well have all to yourself. The local greeting ‘Kia Ora’ translates to ‘Be well’ and by the time you get to the end of your NZ trip, you’ll be so much more.

What To Pack

For the outdoors: In New Zealand, you will be spending most of your time outdoors, how can you not? You’ll hike, kayak, swim, ski, paraglide, zipline, bungee… you get the idea. So good adventure wear, waterproof hiking shoes and other gear is a must. If you plan to camp a few nights, then carry camping gear or buy it in the country (where it can be expensive).

If you’re visiting in winter, thick warm jackets, beanies, thermals, layers, scarves, gloves, socks etc need to be carried. Don’t count on ‘getting it there if you need it’ because stores shut early during winter in most towns, and this stuff is expensive in the country.

Other than the obvious things like clothes and shoes for the city (stress on comfort over style), here are a few things to pack for NZ.

Must Haves for New Zealand

• Hiking shoes
• Activewear t-shirts
• Hiking pants or activewear tights
• Swimwear to wear to hot springs and thermal pools
• CamelBak Water Bottle to carry on hiking trips or day tours
• Dry bag to put your valuables in for when you go kayaking
• Fast-drying Microfiber Travel towel
• A good camera

Winter Essentials

• Good, warm hiking shoes
• Warm jacket if you’re visiting in winter
• Warm hiking pant
• Warm buff or scarf
• Thermal underwear- bottoms and tops
• Merino wool socks

For the cities: People are dressed simply and casually- it’s all very laid-back and I did not see an excessive or any obsession with big brands or such.

Languages Spoken

The official languages in New Zealand are English, Māori, and NZ Sign Language. Everyone speaks English and it’s a breeze to communicate everywhere in the country.

Need To Know

The best way to travel across the country is to rent your own vehicle and do a New Zealand road trip, whether it’s a car or a campervan you decide to get, shop around there are plenty of options across a range of budgets.

On road trips allow plenty of time for delays and unexpected stops- you will find spots that are so beautiful that you’ll want to stay longer, take photos etc. To truly enjoy everything NZ has to offer, do not rush. In NZ especially, it’s all about the journey.

If you’re traveling in NZ during or around winter and on a tight schedule, be prepared for some disappointment- adventure activities like skydiving, rafting or glacier walks are often cancelled due to unfavourable weather.

If you really have to do everything you planned, allow extra days to reschedule activities.

Travel Insurance

Your travels in New Zealand will take you to many exciting adventures and you need to ensure that you’re properly insured. Trust me, sound travel insurance saves your ass when you least expect it and can salvage a travel situation gone bad.

You can buy and claim online, even after you’ve left home.

Where To Stay in New Zealand

I’ve picked out some cool accommodations to stay around the country, very similar to the ones I stayed at and some that are the same. While I chose budget and mid-range accommodations for the most part, the odd splurge for luxury hotels did happen in bigger cities. You can check prices for these hotels below:

Book your hotel in Auckland or consider one of these options:

Luxury Stays

Mid-range Stays

Budget Stays

Book your hotel in Rotorua or choose one of these:

Book your hotel in Nelson or consider one of these options I picked out:

Christchurch

Book your hotel in Christchurch or consider one of these options:

Book your hotel in Greymouth or consider one of these:

Hostel Stays

Fox glacier.

Book your hotel or B&B in Fox Glacier village or consider one of these options:

Book your hotel or B&B in Queenstown or consider one of these options:

Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park

Tours in New Zealand

Why might you be interested in a tour? The fact is that New Zealand isn’t a small country, driving times are long, and if you don’t travel across the country and instead choose to base yourself in one part, you don’t see everything that’s worth seeing.

If you’re short on time, don’t want to drive everywhere yourself, or want to skip the pains of organization, a tour might actually be more practical.

Alternatively, you could drive between bases, like we did, and then take day trips to see some places that are hard to get to or need an entire day of driving.

Either way, I’ve listed both day tours and trips in New Zealand, similar to the ones we took, all departing from major cities, and also ten to three week organized tours that take you to the best spots on the North and South Island. Whatever your style, I’ve done the groundwork, so I hope this helps you.

Day Trips and Tours from Major Cities

Auckland City Hop on Hop off Bus

Half Day City Tour with a visit to the Sky Tower

Auckland Zipline Adventure

Skydiving in Auckland

Whale and Dolphin Ecotour

Hobbiton Tour

Wine and Picnic Tour

Tour of Wineries including Lunch and a visit to a Volcanic Black Sand Beach

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Black Water Rafting Tour

Cave and Kiwi House Tour

Tour of Maori Village, Cultural Performance and Traditional Meal

Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park Cruise and Trekking tour

One Hour Double Decker Bus Tour

Christchurch Gondola Ride

Four-Course Dinner on a Tramway Restaurant

Jet Boating and Underwater Observatory in Queenstown

Scenic Heli-Flight over Queenstown

Half-day Wine Tour from Queenstown

Visit Middle Earth from Queenstown

Milford Sound

Milford Sound Coach, Cruise and Walk from Te Anau

Guided Half-day Hike on Milford Track

Milford Sound Cruise and Kayak tour

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The Top 7 New Zealand Travel Bloggers To Follow Right Now!

Last Updated on September 2, 2023

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One thing we Kiwis enjoy is to explore, so it’s only natural that there are a healthy number of New Zealand travel bloggers in the world. And they’re doing really well!

New Zealand is such a teeny tiny country, so when someone from our nation is making it big in the world it makes us all so proud that we want to shout it from the rooftops.

We may be a small country, but do not lack support for our fellow Kiwis!

To show my support, and hopefully introduce you to some new popular travel blogs to read, I’ve compiled this list of New Zealand blogs that all feature amazing content made by great people.

Here are the top 7 New Zealand Travel Bloggers that are taking over the world as we know it and that you need to follow right now!

🧳 MUST-HAVE: Before you head out on your trip, make sure you have travel insurance. My #1 recommendation is SafetyWing !

Table of Contents

The Top 7 New Zealand Travel Bloggers You Need to Follow!

1. Jub from Tiki Touring Kiwi

I got the pleasure of meeting Jub in April on a family trip to Indonesia. He’s a kind vegan Kiwi bloke with a long beard and has travelled to over 45 countries.

He’s explored some pretty amazing parts of the world including Mongolia, Russia and Belarus, and he has a great Kiwi blog covering places both popular and off the beaten path!

Jub is a man with no plan and taking each day as it comes. Be sure to check him out on Snapchat (jubunator), he’s quite a laugh!

You can follow his adventures on Facebook and Instagram too.

2. Kyle from Bare Kiwi

Kyle is a New Zealand Instagram king with a travel blog and YouTube channel . With over 64,000 followers, he is a Kiwi travel influencer to follow closely.

He takes some of the most beautiful pictures of New Zealand which he features on his Instagram account ! He’s passionate about showing travellers the beauty of NZ.

Taking the road less travelled Bare Kiwi is a guy you should follow if you want to see the true Aotearoa (New Zealand).

🎒 MUST HAVE: Whether you’re going to a tropical location or going camping, take this small portable hammock with you. You won’t regret it!

3. Sonja from Migrating Miss

Sonja is an inspiration!

She’s lived in a lot of corners around the world such as the United States, Australia, Canada and Spain, where she is currently.

She loves to promote the expat lifestyle as a Kiwi living her dream and sharing her passion of travelling the world.

Sonja left her cosy house at the tender age of 16 to move to the United States for a year, and has claimed it was her first best decision.

Follow her adventures on her blog , Instagram and Facebook – she has one of the best travel blogs in New Zealand, and her photos are beautiful!

4. Phil from Broken Limitz

Phil was bored of the 9-5 work life as a carpenter so he decided to chase the big money in the Australian mines like a lot of Kiwis do.

It took 4 months for him to realise that money cannot buy you happiness so he booked a one way ticket to Europe via Thailand to pursue his dream of travelling the world.

Now you can see him on his laptop writing about his adventures on his website Broken Limitz.

He’s travelled to over 40 countries and has had some amazing experiences you must read about! Phil also takes some epic pictures that are featured on his Instagram .

As one of the most popular New Zealand Instagram influencers, he has over 30,000 people following him on there and his Facebook too!

🗺 TOUR RECOMMENDATION : Looking to do a tour to discover the best of New Zealand? Join a Haka tour and see some of the most beautiful spots NZ has to offer!

5. Katie from The World on my Necklace

Katie has been travelling the world and living abroad for over 18 years now visiting beautiful places such as Belize, Fiji and Peru.

She has a quite impressive list of destinations she has visited so far.

Katie decided to start a blog so she could document a 13 month trip she was doing through the Americas so she could keep her family and friends in the loop.

These days she blogs with an audience from around the world and is considered one of New Zealand’s top travel bloggers!

Make sure you follow her adventures on Instagram and Facebook too, it will make you want to book a one way ticket!

6. Jon from Jon is Travelling

Jon didn’t want to get a ‘real’ job so he left New Zealand after he finished university in 2010 which is why he pursued teaching in Taiwan and later in Singapore to save some money.

Since 2014, he took the leap of a lifetime as a nomad living out of his suitcase as a full-time traveller.

He has a wicked Kiwi sense of humour so be sure to read his stories that he publishes on his New Zealand blog.

Make sure to check out his epic trip around India and read about his other adventures on Instagram and Facebook – he’s one of the best bloggers to follow!

7. Anita from Anita Hendrieka

I can’t make this list and not promote myself in any way shape or form because I would love to connect with you!

I am a Kiwi travel blogger who’s passionate about exploring the world and inspiring others to get off their couch and go see something new.

Leaving home at 19 I bought a one-way ticket to London not knowing a single soul or what I was going to do but I knew I was doing the right thing.

It was a crazy 2 years living and working in the UK as I fell in love with the world and in love with a man.

Nowadays you can find me in New Zealand, London or anywhere in between! You can follow my adventures on my blog , Instagram or Facebook .

🎟 Get access to thousands of airport lounges with ONE discounted pass. Grab your Priority pass today .

Frequently Asked Questions

People from New Zealand are commonly referred to as Kiwis. We’re named after the Kiwi – the national bird of New Zealand. So if you’re traveling to New Zealand for a visit, you can call us Kiwis!

Yes we are! Kiwis are friendly, welcoming and outgoing, whether in our native land or when we’re out exploring, and New Zealand travel bloggers are no different!

Let me know which travel blogger you love to follow! If you know somebody that should be nominated then comment below!

Other articles you might love:

• Amazing Hidden Gems Of New Zealand
• Visit the Most Beautiful New Zealand Beaches
• Travelling New Zealand: Your Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide

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The Comments

A great list of Kiwi bloggers, some of which I already follow, and a few more that I will need to check out. And thanks for the shout out!

Anita Hendrieka

Thanks Katie! Keep being awesome 🙂

Great list – I’ve worked for a Kiwi/Aussie business before and have encountered some of these bloggers. The pictures they take and the stories they tell really inspires me to travel.

Yay! I’m glad you already follow a few of them already 🙂

Work Hard and Travel Harder

Didnt make the list goddammit!

PhiL Wilson

Woo made the cut! Thanks for the feature Anita, you’re a legend! Keep up the amazing travels

No problem! 🙂

Martin & Debs

We’ve been following you on Instagram for some time as well as @Barekiwi. Some of our other favourite follows include @backpackingmatt, @thekiwifrog and @youngadventuress.

Arvinder Singh

Great List, thanks for sharing.

thanks for sharing this list

Great work. These blogs inspired me

Marta Kulesza

Maybe in 2018 I’ll make the cut 😉 There’s some truly inspirational people on this list.

Stacey Kuyf

Great list! I’m enjoying visiting home right now and travel bloggers covering NZ make me realise how much I’ve missed it!

I know, I miss NZ every day!

Great list!

Ryan Biddulph

Jub and Sonja rock! As do you Anita 😉 Kiwis rock. I love your country after a 3 month visit from earlier this year. Magical land it is.

Woohoo! Glad my country has left a good impression 🙂

Fantastic work is done.Thanks for the list.

Ooooh there’s some new ones on there for me to check on

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19 of the best travel bloggers in new zealand to follow in 2019.

Date Modefied: November 5, 2018

Here at GO Rentals, we’re passionate about travel. That’s why we set up our amazing GO Explore travel blog which has gone on to include our trip planner tool, city guides, hidden gems and Spotify playlists.

We try to share as many amazing tips as we can about travelling in New Zealand. We are super-passionate about all things New Zealand and want to make sure that people who are visiting our shores, or even those who have lived here all their lives, get the best possible information when it comes to places to go, things to see and do and how to get there.

We’re not the only ones who are passionate about New Zealand though. There are so many amazing bloggers out there who are exploring this beautiful country and beyond. We follow as many of them as we can so we can keep on discovering new and amazing places to visit and recommend and we wanted to share with you some of our favourites.

Here is our list of the top 19 bloggers from right here in New Zealand that you really need to be following as we move into 2019:

1.      Flashpacker Family

The Flashpacker Family are one of the coolest families we have ever read about! These guys are living the dream. Travelling the world together as a family and trying to visit 100 countries before they turn 40 (should be pretty easy for their 5 year old and 16 month old!).  They describe ‘Flashpacking’ as a style of travel, ‘Think of it as the evolution of a backpacker. More money, more comfort but same adventurous spirit.’

All we know is that they write some pretty awesome blogs with some amazing travel tips.

2.      Blogger at Large

Megan Singleton is all about ‘travel inspiration made easy’…something we definitely agree with! She has been travelling the world since 2000 and blogging about it since 2006 and during that time has written over 900 blog posts on Blogger at Large – pretty epic! Megan travels far and wide in search of travel inspiration, however if you’re looking for the best travel tips for New Zealand, she has a whole section of her blog dedicated to her beautiful home country.

Megan has won countless awards for her blog and we love to follow her adventures. Make sure you check out her top New Zealand travel posts and keep tabs on her travels through Facebook and Instagram.

3.      Four Jandals

One of the most Kiwi sounding blogs on our list, Four Jandals was started by Cole and his then girlfriend (now wife) Adela back in 2009. Like many Kiwis, he packed up his bags and headed off for his big OE, starting in Canada. After 10 months and a stint in hospital, Cole and Adela were not ready to give up on their travels and managed to squeeze in 45 countries in the next four years. After returning to New Zealand, they didn’t want their travel blog to stop so instead, they started providing awesome travel tips and advice for adventurous couples, helped by Moss and Rebecca who have taken over the blogging exploits.

For top travel tips, some thought-provoking posts and a fair amount of wit and humour, follow Four Jandals and step outside of your comfort zone.

4.      Migrating Miss

Sonja is a full time travel blogger and author of the amazing Migrating Miss travel blog. She started travelling the world when she was 16 and has not stopped since. Sonja is, by her own admission, someone who can’t sit still. Having lived in several countries including New Zealand, Australia, the USA and Canada, she finally settled in Scotland – about as far away from her native New Zealand as you get!

So far Sonja has ticked off over 40 countries on her travels and as well as being an awesome travel blogger, is also a qualified lawyer right here in New Zealand. Be sure to follow her travels and keep up to date on social media.

5.      What’s Dave Doing?

We love people with an adventurous spirit. In 2011, Dave Dean quit his job, sold everything he owned and set off to live and work around the world – no return ticket. Dave is one of life’s true explorers and after deciding to pick travel over a career, he has been living the freelance lifestyle whilst traveling to all four corners of the globe. His awesome travel blog – What’s Dave Doing? – includes some awesome travel blogs, but also includes some pretty insightful musings including a recent post about rediscovering his love of travel.

Dave’s blog posts are a mix great destination posts and super-helpful travel tips. He has written some awesome posts all about travelling in New Zealand so make sure you check them out.

6.      Man Vs World

Simon Petersen is another of our best exports when it comes to travel blogging. Another one who started young, Simon set off with his then girlfriend (now wife and expecting their first child) back in 2008 headed for Europe. This was quite possibly one of the worst years to set off on an OE as the world went into a financial meltdown, however despite the obvious issues, Simon loved it and has been blogging on Man vs World ever since.

Simon travels pretty extensively and it’s the real mix of places and experience that make his blogs so compelling. From cruising in the Caribbean to exploring the delights of New Orleans, Simon is always off gallivanting. This doesn’t mean he forgets his native New Zealand.  There’s a whole section on his blog dedicated to Australia and New Zealand with some great travel tips and suggestions for places to eat out and things to do.

7.      Anita Hendrieka

If you are looking for a different take on the world, be sure to follow Anita. Anita’s mission is to change misconceptions about travelling to certain destinations around the world. Brought up in New Zealand, Anita headed on her big OE to the UK back when she was 19. Her one way ticket kept her in the UK for two years and during that time she ventured to some pretty amazing places. She currently calls Albania home but her blog covers so many destinations around the world including Oceania, Europe, South America, North America, Africa and Antarctica.

As well as great destinations tips, you can also pick up some awesome travel tips whether your luxury travelling, backpacking or somewhere in-between. New Zealand still holds a place close to her heart so make sure you check out her latest posts on travelling in New Zealand .

8.      Bren on the Road

It’s amazing how many of our top Kiwi bloggers started off in the 9-5 life. Brendan is no different. After graduating, Bren worked the office life, training to become a Chartered Accountant. 2 months after ‘graduating’, he quit his job and took up the travel life for good. We’re glad he did! Bren writes some really awesome blog posts. For Bren, however, it’s not just about travel tips and destinations. It’s about the stories that make those destinations so special. The people he meets, the adventures he undertakes and the memories he creates. His storytelling is like a good book that’s hard to put down. Add into the mix his self-improvement posts and tips specifically for Kiwi travellers and you have all the makings of a top New Zealand blogger.

Make sure you follow Bren on the Road to keep up to date with his latest adventures but be sure to bookmark his Kiwi Travellers section and New Zealand destination page for top tips on travelling in New Zealand.

9.      Jon is Travelling

If you hadn’t guessed it, this is a blog written by Jon…who is travelling . Right now, Jon is back travelling in the South Island so make sure you hop onto his blog if you are planning a trip down there as he has been posting some awesome new blogs recently. He is also pretty passionate about Southeast Asia after working there just after graduating from University. Jon doesn’t stop there however – he has travelled widely through Asia, Europe, North and Central America, South America and Africa, ticking off a fair few countries along his way.

Jon’s posts are insightful and humorous (be sure to check out his About page for a laugh) and he provides some awesome tips for those planning a trip to New Zealand .

10. The World on my Necklace

With a passport filled by over 60 countries already, Katie is one of the most well-travelled bloggers on our list. Her excellent blog, The World On My Necklace , takes you on a journey over the past 14 years as she has travelled throughout the world. Her love of travelling comes from her parents and after been born and raised in New Zealand, she is still very passionate about a place she still calls home. You will still find lots of recent posts about New Zealand and some really awesome tips. She is passionate about New Zealand and ensuring people she meets on her travels come across and experience New Zealand at its finest.

She is a huge walking and hiking enthusiast and has a whole section dedicated to hikes and walks as well as a section for those travelling on a budget. Make sure you bookmark the New Zealand page for her latest travel tips.

11. Tiki Touring Kiwi

If you love sport and you love travel, you need to start following Tiki Touring Kiwi . The blog is expertly written and curated by Jub – a self-confessed sports nut who truly believes that sport is the way to genuinely get to know the locals. Jub has used sport as a way of breaking down barriers all around the world and uses sport of a way of telling stories – both in words and in amazing photos.

Jub’s blog does more than just talk about sport though. Jub is a proud Kiwi and as well as travelling extensively throughout the world (52 countries and counting), he writes some really awesome posts about New Zealand including some recent crackers from his expedition to the Manawatu Gorge and a day out in Wellington!

12. The Global Couple

There’s something pretty cool about couples who travel together. The blogs always seem a bit more…balanced! Petra and Shaun are two of New Zealand’s most popular travel bloggers through their The Global Couple blog. Both haul from Auckland and after 8 years together, they finally tied the knot in April 2015. Both hold down full time jobs here in New Zealand but still travel as much as they can and are working through their extensive bucket list (107 items and counting!)

They are super-passionate about New Zealand travel and have a whole section of their site dedicated to it as well as great destination and city guides. They are also in the process of building a tiny house – a movement that sees house builders stripping back to the bare minimum requirements – there house will be a total of 8.6 square metres and we look forward to watching the progress!

13. Exploring Kiwis

Another travelling couple who have recently returned to New Zealand after two and a half years away travelling in the Middle East and South America are Sarah and Nathan.  Sarah is the main blogger in the couple but is ably supported by Nathan as they pull together to create Exploring Kiwis . These guys have travelled far and wide ticking off 20 countries in Europe, 15 in the Americas, 15 in Asia, 4 in Africa and 2 right here in Oceania. Not bad going at all!

Since returning to New Zealand, they have certainly not stopped their travel blogging and have been out exploring the beautiful country they call home including a recent trip to Rotorua and a trip to explore the wild West Coast. Their blogs are really well written and Sarah brings here obvious passion for travel into all her blogs. Be sure to bookmark their New Zealand section on the site and follow them on social media below.

14. Sarah Sees the World

You guessed it – this blog is expertly written and curated by Sarah as she explores the world. Sarah is based in Wellington and started Sarah Sees the World in 2011 as an outlet for her travel frustration, stuck behind a desk working 9 to 5. In 2012, she quit her job and went travelling through the USA, UK and Europe. Sarah is a bit different from some of the other bloggers on our list. Don’t get us wrong. She is a super-passionate traveller, but where many have opted to live the life of a traveller, Sarah loves her base in Wellington and uses her employment to fund her adventures around the world.

Sarah has managed to combine working right here in New Zealand with travel throughout Europe, Asia, North America, Australia and the Pacific Islands. Her posts are refreshing and offer a different perspective to some of the other bloggers on our list as she allows herself a little bit of luxury here and there.

15. Travelgal Nicole

Nicole is an honorary Kiwi having lived here for the past 10 years. Originally from Wisconsin in the USA, Nicole has travelled extensively throughout the world and wants to visit every country (she is at 115 and counting). Over the past few years, she has used downtime from her consulting business in order to fuel her passion for travel and recent trips have included Africa, China and South America. This year she has a big trip planned to West Africa which will also include trips to Europe and South Africa – a busy year indeed! All of her travels are documented in her insightful Travelgal Nicole blog and it’s great to hear how Nicole has come to call New Zealand home.

As well as providing some awesome and inspirational posts about her travels all over the world, Nicole also has some super-handy posts for those who want to travel and gives some really great tips on using Instagram to showcase your stories.

16. Bare Kiwi

Perhaps best known for his exploits on Instagram, The Bare Kiwi (aka Kyle ‘te Kiwi’ Mulinder) also has a really awesome travel blog which we urge you all to bookmark immediately! Kyle has been inspiring people on Instagram since the very early days with his amazing photography. He has partnered with GoPro to produce some truly inspirational footage of our beautiful country and he is a man who is very passionate about New Zealand.

He uses his blog to expand on his amazing Instagram profile with amazing photo-led posts talking about his experience both here in New Zealand and across the world. He also has some super-handy posts on using GoPro equipment when you travel which is really great for the budding travel/photo journalist. Perhaps unsurprisingly, The Bare Kiwi is a brand ambassador for GoPro, Macpac, SunGod and more.

17. Broken Limitz

Phil is the founder of Broken Limitz and compared to some of the bloggers on our list, Phil was pretty late to travel. Born and raised in Gisborne, Phil worked 60 hours a week for 10 years as a carpenter. Desperate for a change, he was inspired to travel after reading the book ‘The 4 hour work week’ by Tim Ferriss. After finishing the book, he quit his job, packed his bags and set off with a one-way ticket in hand and nothing but adventures ahead. That was 3 years ago and he hasn’t stopped since!

Phil is another of the bloggers on our list who not only covers inspirational travel destinations, but also writes engaging and thought-provoking posts about starting online businesses and travelling on a budget. Phil has so far ticked off 11 countries in 3 short years so plenty left to explore. Make sure you check out his posts on New Zealand .

18. The Travel Natural

The Travel Natural is written and curated by Kiwi chef Emma. After years of dreaming of travel, it was actually reading blogs like the ones on this list that finally inspired Emma to get out and see the world. Despite a rocky start (homesickness is pretty common with most travellers) she soon grew to love life on the road. After 5 months solo travelling, she returned to New Zealand to save money and make sure her partner Jack was part of the next adventure. More travels followed but now Emma is back in New Zealand and falling in love with her home country all over again.

Emma has so far ticked off 15 countries on her travels and has aspirations for more! For now however she is very happy to be back in New Zealand and blogging about our beautiful country (which is great for all of us who get to read here awesome and inspiring posts!). Make sure you check out Emma’s latest posts and keep up to date with her exploits on social media.

19. Sophocles

Sophocles is an awesome travel blog written and curated by Auckland-based freelancer Sophie. She lives for adventure and experiencing destinations off the beaten track (here here!) and works with some pretty huge brands including Trivago, Expedia and Air Asia. Her blog is more about the story than the destination and Sophie does an amazing job of using some awesome photography to help tell her amazing stories.

Sophocles is a highly polished blog which has a super-professional look and feel. Once you start to delve into the various posts however you will find stories that are warming and highlighted with beautiful photography. Being based in Auckland, Sophie writes some great posts about home and has a section dedicated to these posts.

So there you have it, 19 of our favourite Kiwi bloggers you should be following if you want some pretty amazing travel tips both for New Zealand and travelling around the world. Most of these guys have an option to sign up to regular newsletters so make sure you get their top tips straight to your inbox.

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25 Epic New Zealand Road Trip Itineraries From Travel Bloggers

by Jub | Aug 7, 2017

When people are heading to New Zealand I naturally get asked where to go. It’s cool, I get it. Planning your New Zealand road trip itinerary is important to you. New Zealand is a once in a lifetime destination & you don’t want to waste any time while there.

Yet, I’ve never done a road trip in New Zealand longer than a week. So I can’t even create a New Zealand itinerary that I’ve actually done start to finish to recommend (want tips for travelling NZ? No problem ).

Luckily travel bloggers love New Zealand and quite a few have written about their New Zealand road trip itineraries. Reading these itineraries makes me so stoked that I got lucky and was born in NZ!

The following is a collection of 25 itineraries to help you plan the best road trips in New Zealand.

p.s. Happy to help you with your travel plans anyway I can, send me an email to jub (at) tikitouringkiwi.com anytime.

A few notes having (skim) read them all:

• rental car/campervan is the best way to see New Zealand. period.
• accommodation is the expense that varies the most between budget and luxury travellers
• there’s a lot of driving involved in NZ road trips (Captain Obvious) but the epic views will never make the drive too painful
• sigh, whether you’re a Hobbit/LOTR fan or not, Hobbiton seems to be worth a visit (I’ll keep resisting!) Update 2020: I’ve now been. And it is awesome!
• there is no default best route to travel New Zealand. The timeline and interests are going to determine a lot of this.

The number in the brackets indicate the year the post was published.

Itineraries For 3 – 7 Days In New Zealand

Both Islands

Shaun & Petra are kiwis and have figured out the best way to see New Zealand’s highlights for a week-long trip to New Zealand. You’ll be spending a fair amount of time travelling most days, including the flight from Auckland to Christchurch on day four. Regardless of how tired you are wrapping up the week in Queenstown will receive no complaints at all.

One week in New Zealand is all you have? Check out their suggested itinerary (2015).

Shaun & Petra recommend the views from The Hermitage Hotel on Day 5.

South Island

Courtney has a full-time job, but that didn’t stop her from making a four day trip to New Zealand. You’ll quickly gather as you look through these itineraries that regardless of how long your trip is a camper van or car will enable you to see what you want to see in NZ.

What I learned from reading her itinerary? I really need to take a helicopter ride one day.

4 days in the South Island? Let’s do it (2016)!

North Island

Chantell and Darrell have got you covered with a quick 5 day trip around the top half of the North Island. Despite their recommendation, everyone should visit Hobbiton, I’m going to continue avoiding that. For now at least.

Even though they’re from Australia you should check out their 5 day itinerary (2016).

Related Post: The ultimate list of New Zealand Travel Tips .

Itineraries For 8 – 14 Days In New Zealand

Brittany had a friend come over to spend her two weeks of annual leave in New Zealand. Crikey they covered a lot in two weeks, but with a number of Pineapple Lumps and Chocolate Fish consumed, there’s no surprise they didn’t run out of energy.

Also did you know about Heli hiking? That’s a new one for me! Bucket listed.

Check out all the details of the epic 14 day adventure over at The Sweet Wanderlust . (2016)

Brittany’s Day 11 Accommodation? An airbnb with a local family.

Krissy had two weeks in New Zealand. She managed to make an itinerary for both islands. The first few days were in a rental car before joining a tour with Haka Tours who she said were awesome.

Reading her itinerary brought back fond memories of the Shotover Jet, you get so close to the rocks while zooming about the water!

Speaking of, if you’re travelling around in a campervan, Globo Surf has reviews on 100’s of different pieces of outdoor equipment. Having hitchhiked with lots of different people in NZ, it turns out lots of people travel with a small fishing rod and reel.

If you like the sound of mixing tours and independent travel, check out this itinerary (2016).

Ross and Alyse have been travelling for a few years now, but the three months they spent in NZ has them convinced it’s the country they would like to move to if they left their homeland Canada. In their two week itinerary, they don’t ignore Auckland and Wellington which is great as they both have awesome things to offer outside of the natural wonders you’re probably here for.

Check out their two week itinerary for roaming the North Island here (2015).

Megan has been in the travel writing industry for over 10 years as well as having over 900 posts on her travel blog. New Zealand is also her homeland! This itinerary is an easy read and I like how she breaks the trip down into different regions of the island and provides alternatives as some areas appeal to some more than others. Although she does lose brownie points for not mentioning he marvelous Kapiti Coast!

Check out Megan’s New Zealand Road trip ideas here .

Samantha only had 10 days to fly from the USA and back while trying to all of New Zealand. She certainly did a good effort with a camper van. Her day four was a replica of what I also did earlier this year, walking Craters of the Moon , checking out Wai-O-Tapu and taking a dip in Kerosene Creek . You should probably do it.

Click through for Samantha’s 10 Day New Zealand holiday itinerary (2016).

If you’re a details person, you’ll appreciate Aimee’s post as she travelled down the North Island at a leisurely (& luxurious) pace. She is honest about her mistakes (not staying in Coromandel long enough) but what I really liked is she spent time in Hawke’s Bay, a region overlooked by visitors to the North Island.

Get you note pad ready and check out Aimee’s New Zealand travel itinerary (2015).

Aimee starts her trip in Auckland at The Langham (has since rebranded as Cordis) .

KJ found a lot of driving had to be done on her 9-day tour of the South Island, but that’s alright with infinite sensational picnic locations to break up the drive.

Of the three days you won’t be driving, you’ll be exploring Franz Josef Glacier, Wanaka & Mt. Cook. Can’t argue with that.

The nine day itinerary is pretty expensive, but there are ways to cut costs easy enough (2012).

KJ’s Day 4 Accommodation? Wanaka View Motel .

Annabella is a kiwi who loves to travel the back roads of New Zealand. She spent two weeks driving around the South Island playing tourist, and despite being a local, got into trouble on the road when her car stalled due to overheating enroute to Larnach Castle. Take note, driving here is likely different to your home, it’s safe, just conscious of NZ’s terrain.

Her two week itinerary can be found on her blog, New Zealand By Road . (2016)

Jen & Mick are two of the nicest Aussies you’ll meet. How do I know? They said New Zealand is their favourite part of the world!

Their two week trip through the South Island is full of highlights and seeing the photo they took of Lake Tekapo makes me want to go there. Now.

Check out their highlight reel of the South Island in two weeks . (2016)

I like the way Arienne keeps your expectations reasonably low in her itinerary. Even with expectations set you know you’ve going to blown away based on her photos. You’ll be driving a lot the first few days, but this frees up more time in the back end of the trip to enjoy the West Coast. Even in two weeks you won’t get close to the northern end of the island, but that’s totally okay!

Arienne has broken the itinerary for two weeks in the South Island into two parts, with week one starting here . (2013)

Itineraries For 15 – 30 Days In New Zealand

Martijn and Anto are adventurers. They spent six weeks exploring all over New Zealand in 2013, mostly the outdoors with several multi day hikes. Having also explored New Zealand in 2002, they were stoked to have the chance to explore Able Tasman for several days after making a ‘mistake’ on their previous trip and only giving it an afternoon.

They have broken their (flexible) 28 day New Zealand itinerary into two parts -> Part One , Part Two (2015).

Not afraid to use a Lonely Planet, check out Lauren’s itinerary to find out her favourite stops along the Catlins . (2016)

Jamie joined her husband and a couple of friends for 20 days in New Zealand as they toured around by car staying in a variety of different accommodation types (including airbnb ). There were delays but they managed to cut things out on the fly without ruining the atmosphere of the trip. That’s the awesome part about New Zealand, the consistency of awesomeness is unreal.

Click through to read the full itinerary and find out where Jamie had the best meal of the entire trip (2015).

Kristen is an adventurer at heart and took some wicked cool photos from views you don’t usually see from the best places in New Zealand. Her three-week trip probably could have been completed quicker, but apparently getting from A to B took her longer than expected. No eight-lane highways in NZ!

Kristen’s three week itinerary starts here (2016).

Crystal took a road trip very similar to a trip I recommended to a couple from Malaysia just last week. The upper North Island has so many different types of terrain that it does take time to explore properly. I really like how she dedicated four days to the Coromandel Peninsular and while I haven’t visited Cape Reinga yet, she referred to the place as a difficult girlfriend . Genius! Check out her post and how much she spent here .

The three week itinerary for the South Island is broken up in three parts, start from the beginning here . (2015)

Anne , a part time traveller spent three weeks travelling around New Zealand by car. Her itineraries are uniquely organised and make sure you hit all the best spots. Yes, that does include Queenstown’s Fergburger .

Check out Anne’s itinerary here (2013).

Laurence (UK) and Jess (USA) spent a year living and working in New Zealand exploring the country any chance they could. Their itinerary is how they would spend four weeks travelling the country based on their adventures. They even recommend a day in Nelson just to drink coffee. Yeap, kiwi’s love their coffee (and are darn good at making it).

Check out their perfect New Zealand road trip (2012).

Liz and Josh are two awesomely fun people who love to laugh. How do I know this? I met them in Malaysia! They’ve spent weeks road tripping NZ so this 20-day South Island road trip itinerary they’ve come up with is sure to be a winner. I like the idea of taking the scenic secondary road rather than the main road they suggested on the way to Queenstown.

Check out their 20 day New Zealand itinerary blog (with expenses).

Itineraries For 30+ Days In New Zealand

Abbi and James have lived in New Zealand for a while now and came up with their best month long itinerary to explore NZ. What I like most about it is their split between the islands (12 in the North, 18 in the South) and the fact they agreed the Coromandel deserves more consideration than most give it!

Planning 30 days in the New Zealand? Hell yeah ! (2016)

Check out their itinerary, Part One – South Island & Part Two – North Island (May 2016).

Lotte & her husband detail their 43 day in itinerary for their New Zealand trip starting in Christchurch. They hired a camper van, which didn’t stop them spending time in Wellington, of which one and a half days was spent exploring the incredible Te Papa Museum .

Head over to Lotte’s New Zealand trip itinerary blog post at Phenomanal Globe for the nitty gritty (early, 2015).

Two months, 7904km, two adults, two kids, 47 nights sleeping in a tent & one camper van. It may sound like a horror story to you and Erin admits there were a few lows on the trip, but the highs more than made up for it. While the regular highlights are memorable, Erin really enjoyed the in-between moments that we know really make a road trip awesome. I think it’s fair to say you should not have any issue coming up with NZ South Island itinerary ideas having read all these.

This is the only itinerary that involves a family travelling New Zealand! Check out Erin’s itinerary on Backroad Planet . (2015)

A Few Final Thoughts

Wowser! That is 25 New Zealand road trip itineraries for you right there. Whether you have just a few days, a couple weeks or an indefinite timeline (lucky you) you surely will learn a thing or two by reading a few of these.

Book your rental with RentalCars.com today

My question to you: what do you think is the best way to see New Zealand in 2 weeks?

The best part? There’s no 100% wrong way to road trip around New Zealand! Enjoy.

Added Note: When I was last in New Zealand I had great success in terms of having reasonable freedom camping sites that were in good condition. Unfortunately, whenever I read the news, it seems like people aren’t respecting basic freedom camping etiquette. If you do take advantage of these places, don’t be a dick and clean up after yourself.

More New Zealand Resources On The Blog:

• Must have apps for travelling New Zealand
• All New Zealand related posts

24 Comments

Thanks for including our itinerary Jub! This is an awesome collection of ideas for travels around NZ. We will keep them in mind next time we’re doing a roadie! 🙂

Choice! Let us know if any of the itineraries inspire a decision 🙂

Thank you Jub for sharing my itinerary within your article, I really appreciate it and can’t wait to read the collection of adventures you’ve compiled from other travel bloggers 🙂

Thanks Annabella, the big thing I noticed is that despite the high expectations some of the places have such as Queenstown, Lake Wanaka and Hobbiton….they live up to the expectations across the board!

These itineraries all look amazing and makes me dream of the day I land in New Zealand.

Thanks Helena. In the case of New Zealand, your dream will come true!

Awesome collection! Thank you very much for including me and my itinerary. I am saving up to go back to New Zealand and will definitely check out these itineraries for more inspiration…

This is a great post! It sure does make me miss NZ…looks like there are so many places I still need to get to!

Thanks Courtney, we will never get any closer to finishing off the lists of places to go in our head no doubt 🙂

Just visited here last month. Thanks to my boss we had a car rented with NZDC and it was really amazing that we were able to visit almost all the beautiful places there. The deals here are the cheapest.

Sounds awesome Jordan, always sweet to find a wicked good deal!

That’s awesome Jordan, glad you had an epic time!

My wife and I are planning a 6-7 week visit to NZ. We plan to hire a car and stay primarily in AIRBNB type properties. We prefer to stay a week at a time, or at least several days, and then do day trips from our base. Can anyone give me some ideas on what areas we might want to stay in and for how long to see the sights and still be leisurely? We plan to start our trip in early Jan, 2018. We are 70 years old and in good health, however, strenuous hiking is not our thing. Lite hiking is more our style. Any help out there?

Hey Larry, looks like you two have a settled travel style!

I would recommend the Kapiti Coast for a week. You can find a few airbnbs in Waikane and Papaparaumu beach areas. It’s my hometown but sounds like you’d find some nice walks and the sunsets are awesome!

Another place you may like is the Martinborough area (wineries, the Rapaki Walk, Cape Palliser and the lake). The last suggestion would be Mount Maunganui…plenty of stuff and short walks to keep you busy (it gets busy in the weekends there).

Hope that helps! Shout out if you have any more questions I can help with.

These itineraries are just awesome, Jub! I am saving your post as one of the most useful ones I’ve read!

Thanks Agness, definitely liked the idea of having them all compiled for my own use…so figured it’d help others 🙂 Yay

Wow! I had never come across such a comprehensive guide to New Zealand. Bookmarked right away! Thanks for sharing these itineraries!

Thanks Reshma, was a fair amount of work. There have been some more published that need to be added to 🙂

New Zealand has always been one among my “must visit countries” list ever since my cousin came back from her trip with a bag full of photos. I don’t know, maybe that was 10 to 12 years ago. Things have changed no doubt, but I expect to find a lot of natural spectacles when I visit a year from now.

Jub, you’ve done a superb job in compiling this list. Bookmarked it right away. If I ever make it there, the sure to give you a shout out on my blog. Feel free to come visit my blog anytime you want. It’s mostly about teaching wannabe YouTube stars of tomorrow on how to record themselves better.

Thanks a lot!

Hey Sudarshan,

Thanks for reading! Definitely would have changed since your cousin visited, but not that much really 🙂 Keep up the great work on the blog…might be vlogging soon!

Will be waiting 😀

omg!! i wanna try this too!!! awesome!!

Hey Terrigal, that is a lot of exclamation marks. I sense some sarcasm almost. But you definitely should try road tripping New Zealand.

You live in paradise Jub! Rocking round up here buddy. We did a few day trips: Moeraki Boulders and Shag Point (to see seals), Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki, and Arthur’s Pass. Toss in trips into town in some chill spots, and our house sitting aka dog walking duties, and we kept quite busy in New Zealand.

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Heyya, Jub here.

I hope Tiki Touring Kiwi isn't making your day too miserable.

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