A road trip in New Zealand’s South and North Islands — a journey through some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. The plan is to keep drives relaxed, soak up the scenery then set up "base camp" for a week or two in each location from where we can explore.

Approximate Itinerary (12 Jan – 1 Apr 2026)

• 12–20 Jan: Canterbury & Aoraki/Mt Cook
  Start in Christchurch, explore Tekapo, Mount Cook, alpine lakes, and stargazing.
• 21 Jan – 5 Feb: Fiordland (Te Anau, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound)
  Base in Te Anau for Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound.
• 6–15 Feb: Queenstown & Wanaka
  Lakeside, short hikes, sunrise/sunset photography.
• 16–25 Feb: West Coast (Haast, Franz Josef, Fox Glacier, Punakaiki)
  Rainforest, wild coastline, Pancake Rocks.
• 26 Feb – 6 Mar: Nelson, Abel Tasman, Golden Bay
  Coastal tracks, kayaking, golden beaches, relaxed pace.
• 7–12 Mar: Marlborough & Kaikōura
  Vineyards, coastal drives, marine life viewing.
• 13–17 Mar: Wellington
  Museums, food, ferry crossing buffer.
• 18–24 Mar: Hawke’s Bay & Wairarapa
  Napier’s art deco charm, vineyards, coastal walks.
• 25–29 Mar: Central North Island (Taupō & Rotorua)
  Geothermal wonders, lakes, forest walks.
• 30 Mar – 1 Apr: Auckland & Northland
  Wrap‑up in Auckland, then head north for heritage sites, west coast sands, and Far North vistas

Highlights along the way include:

• Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound — dramatic fjords with towering cliffs and waterfalls.
• Queenstown & Wanaka — adventure hubs surrounded by lakes and mountains.
• Franz Josef Glacier and the wild West Coast.
• Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
• Abel Tasman National Park — golden beaches and coastal tracks.
• Napier & Hawke’s Bay — art deco charm and vineyards.
• Taupō & Rotorua — volcanic landscapes and geothermal wonders.

I’m inviting one fellow traveller (25+) to join me for part of the adventure. You don’t need to commit to the whole trip — even a section or two would be great. Whether it’s hiking in Fiordland, perhaps exploring glaciers, or relaxing on the beaches of Abel Tasman, there’s plenty of variety.

Accommodation style

Mostly Airbnb homes/apartments or guesthouses — comfortable, authentic, and relaxed. No shared hostels, no extravagant hotels.