3 Week New Zealand Itinerary
This three-week journey across New Zealand combines fine dining, cultural depth, and outdoor discovery, allowing you to experience the country’s extraordinary diversity at an unhurried pace.
New Zealand: North to South
Beginning in the lively harbours of the north and ending among the snow-capped peaks and majestic fiords of the south. You will discover a country of striking contrasts where every region tells its own story. The north offers warmth and vitality, from Auckland’s sophisticated waterfront and the vineyard-covered slopes of Waiheke Island to the volcanic heartlands of Rotorua and Taupō, where geothermal valleys and Māori traditions intertwine.
Crossing to the South Island, the pace softens as you move through the Marlborough Sounds and golden shores of Abel Tasman. Further south, Kaikōura’s rugged coastlines bring encounters with whales and seals before the landscape opens to the broad alpine plains and glacier-fed lakes of Aoraki / Mount Cook.
In the final week, this journey takes you through the best of the deep south, combining the serenity of Wanaka and Queenstown with the natural wonder of the Milford Sounds. Each experience has been thoughtfully selected to blend comfort with authenticity, fine dining with discovery, and luxury with a sense of place.
Arrival in Auckland & Waiheke Island
The City of Sails welcomes you to New Zealand
Begin your journey in Auckland, New Zealand's vibrant "City of Sails." When you arrive, your Bespoke Kiwi guide will greet you at the airport for a private transfer to Hotel Britomart, your luxury waterfront accommodation. The hotel is the country’s first Five-Green-Star rated building, offering a blend of sustainability and contemporary design. Take the afternoon to unwind before exploring the lively Viaduct Harbour. To finish your first day, ascend the Sky Tower for breathtaking sunset views over the city.
The next morning will start with a short scenic ferry crossing to Waiheke Island, a tranquil haven celebrated for its world-class vineyards and stunning coastal scenery. Over two luxurious days, you’ll embrace the island’s slow rhythm from Marino Ridge Luxury Lodge. Your experience will include a private intimate tasting tour at Tantalus Estate, known for its exceptional vintages. A lunch, at the renowned Mudbrick Vineyard, where panoramic sea views provide a magnificent backdrop extending all the way back to Auckland. Spend your afternoons walking scenic coastal trails, relaxing with a glass of local wine, or enjoying the golden hour as the sun sets. Conclude your last evening at Waiheke with an unforgettable dinner at Ki Māha.
Highlights: Viaduct Harbour, Sky Tower (sunset views), Britomart dining and galleries. Wine tasting at Tantalus Estate, Mudbrick Vineyard dining, coastal walks, and dinner at Ki Maha
Your Accomodation: Hotel Britomart & Marino Ridge Luxury Lodge
Coromandel Peninsula, Rotorua & Taupō
Pristine coastlines, unique thermal spas, and the heart of Māori heritage.
This chapter begins with a coastal scenic drive to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, known for its golden sand beaches and lush native forest. You will settle into 970 Lonely Bay Lodge, an exclusive retreat offering stunning views across Lonely Bay. Your exploration includes a 90-minute return walk to the iconic natural rock archway of Cathedral Cove and followed by a deeper exploration of coast on small aboard the Hahei explorer, where you’ll discover the incredible coastline and sea caves of the Coromandel.
Continuing south, you will arrive in the geothermal heartland of Rotorua, where you’ll wander through steaming valleys of bubbling mud pools and towering geysers at Waimangu Volcanic Valley. In the evening, immerse yourself in rich Māori culture at Te Pā Tū with an authentic experience that features a kapa haka performance, and a lavish three-course family-share hākari (feast) that has been recognized globally for its excellence. The chapter culminates at Lake Taupō, where you will stay at the iconic Huka Lodge, renowned for its elegant riverside setting and world-class service, before taking a cruise to view the magnificent, 10-meter-high Māori rock carvings etched into the cliffs of Mine Bay, accessible only by boat.
Highlights: Cathedral Cove, Hahei Explorer trip, Te Pā Tū cultural evening, Rotorua geothermal valleys, Lake Taupō cruise to the Māori rock carvings.
Your Accomodation: 970 Lonely Bay Lodge & Huka Lodge
Pipinui Point
Rejuvenating coastal retreat
Escape to Pipinui Point near Wellington for two days of unparalleled luxury and quiet solitude. This private retreat is perched on a cliff 250m above the Tasman Sea on 1,600 acres of coastal farmland and offers some of the most spectacular coastal views in New Zealand. Onsite, guests can enjoy the outdoor hot tub, book a massage, and indulge in chef-prepared local cuisine. The property gives access to private nature walks and stargazing across its vast coastal farmland. The perfect combination of absolute seclusion, and five-star amenities is why the Bespoke Kiwi team rate Pipinui Point highly as an unforgettable escape.
Highlights: Pipinui Point coastal retreat, Boomrock chef-prepared local farm cuisine, private clifftops nature walk, stargazing
Your Accomodation: Pipinui Point
Abel Tasman & Kaikōura
Coastal kayaking and wildlife viewing where mountains meet the sea.
Dedicated to the South Island's stunning northern coastline and abundant wildlife, this chapter begins with a full day exploring Abel Tasman National Park. You will explore the coastline by both guided sea kayak and on foot, landing on golden sand beaches like Anchorage and Bark Bay, and swimming in the clear, turquoise waters. Your kayak guide will share local knowledge of the area's rich history and diverse marine life, including fur seals basking on the rocks.
The adventure continues on a scenic drive along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway to Kaikōura. Here, you will stay at the Ata Rangi Mountain View Chalet, featuring a hot tub and sauna with uninterrupted views of the imposing Seaward Kaikōura Ranges and the Pacific Ocean. On your final day in Kaikoura, you will be guided through a special whale watching excursion to see the colossal Giant Sperm Whales that reside in the Kaikoura region year-round.
Highlights: Abel Tasman kayaking, coastal track walk, Whale watching, Kaikōura Peninsula Walkway, local seafood dining
Your Accomodation: Drift Off Grid & Ata Rangi Mountain View Chalet
Mount Cook & Wanaka
New Zealand's highest mountains, glacial lakes, and pristine dark skies.
Journey into the heart of the South Island's high country, on a scenic alpine route. Soak in the views of the surreal, turquoise Lake Pukaki, whose colour is caused by finely ground glacial rock flour, before arriving at Aoraki / Mount Cook Village. Here, you will tackle the famous, 10-kilometer return, Hooker Valley Track, crossing three swing bridges to a terminal lake with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook, the country's highest peak, and floating icebergs. Followed by a thrilling scenic flight (with a snow landing option) over the immense Tasman Glacier and the surrounding Southern Alps.
As night falls, immerse yourself in the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve, one of only 11 in the world, for a world-class stargazing tour guided by professional astronomers. You will then cross the beautiful Lindis Pass into the tranquil lakeside town of Wanaka, where you will stay at the exclusive, hosted Mahu Whenua luxury lodge. Situated on a 55,000-hectare high-country station, your all-inclusive stay means all meals are prepared by a private chef, and you can enjoy on-site horseback riding, hiking, and exploring the best local wine tasting experiences of the Central Otago region.
Highlights: Lake Pukaki, Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Glacier flight, Dark Sky Reserve stargazing, Lindis Pass, Wine Tasting central otago vineyards
Your Accomodation: Mt Cook Lakeside Retreat & Mahu Whenua
Queenstown
New Zealand's highest mountains, glacial lakes, and pristine dark skies.
Settle into Queenstown, the undisputed adventure capital, at Eichardt's Private Hotel, a heritage hotel on the shores of Lake Wakatipu known for its chic interiors, personalized five-star service, and direct access to the vibrant town centre. The adrenaline highlight is the full-day Dart River Funyak adventure, a unique excursion that starts with an exhilarating jet boat ride up the braided channels of the Dart River before you paddle inflatable canoes (Funyaks) into the tranquil, hidden side channels and lagoons, deep within the Mount Aspiring National Park.
You will return to town for a classic Queenstown experience: a cruise on the historic coal-fired steamship TSS Earnslaw across the deep blue Lake Wakatipu to Walter Peak Farm for a gourmet high-country dinner at the Colonel's Homestead. Your stay concludes with a final evening of fine dining at Eichardt's acclaimed lakeside restaurant, The Grille, known for its premium Central Otago produce and wine list.
Highlights: Dart River Funyak adventure in Mount Aspiring National Park, TSS Earnslaw cruise, Walter Peak Farm high-country gourmet dinner, lakeside dining at Eichardt's The Grille
Your Accomodation: Eichardt's Private Hotel
Fiordland Wilderness & Departure
Fiords, waterfalls, and a stunning scenic flight farewell.
The final chapter ventures into the dramatic wilderness of Fiordland National Park. Discover the Milford Sounds on a cruise beneath the iconic Mitre Peak, getting up close to thundering waterfalls like Bowen Falls and Stirling Falls, and spotting local marine wildlife, including seals and possibly the rare Fiordland Crested Penguin. Your accommodation for the night is in the very heart of Fiordland at the Milford Sound Lodge, set beside the Cleddau River with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private outdoor bath for alpine immersion.
After a restful nights sleep, your guide will take you on one of the best day hikes in the country up the rewarding Lake Marian Track. A relatively short walk through native rainforest to a spectacular alpine lake in a hanging valley. To conclude your trip of a lifetime, you will take an incredible scenic flight back to Queenstown, offering a final, sweeping view of the glaciers, deep blue fiords, and remote valleys of Fiordland. Enjoy your final meal in New Zealand at Arybrun’s woolshed restaurant before taking the Skyline Gondola for one last panoramic view of Queenstown.
Highlights: Milford Sound cruise and Mitre Peak, Lake Marian Track hike, Fiordland scenic flight seeing, Skyline Gondola, lunch at Arybrun’s woolshed restaurant
Your Accomodation: Milford Sound Lodge - Riverside Chalet
%20copy-2.jpg)
Need more travel inspiration?
Let these example itineraries spark your imagination. Every trip we create is custom made to suit you perfectly.
