Antisocial Tourist

Dreaming of breathtaking landscapes, cultural adventures, and unforgettable bucket list experiences? Then New Zealand is the place for you!

Planning a trip to New Zealand can feel daunting though. Many of the country’s hidden gems and iconic attractions are in remote locations, often spaced far apart. To complicate matters, New Zealand is split into two main islands with no bridge connecting them, adding an extra logistical challenge. From figuring out the best time to visit to deciding how to get around and where to stay, there’s a lot to think about.

But after planning our own 10-day adventure in New Zealand, we’ve learned how to tackle these challenges with ease. This guide will take you step-by-step through the process, so you can create a seamless and unforgettable journey to this magical country, just like we did.

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Planning a Trip to New Zealand: A Step-by-Step Guide

Planning a trip to New Zealand might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s easier than you think — and absolutely worth it. Let’s dive right into planning a trip to New Zealand with this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Understand the Geography

New Zealand consists of two main islands: the North Island and the South Island. To travel between the islands, you’ll either need to fly or take a ferry.

The Ferry: The scenic option, taking about 3.5 hours, but it’s prone to cancellations during rough seas, which can sometimes last for days.
Flying: A more reliable option, with flights taking 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on your destination. A better option if you’re on a tight schedule.

Ideally, you’ll have time to visit both islands during your visit; otherwise, you’ll find yourself picking between the two, which can be a very difficult decision! Each island offers unique experiences, so deciding how to split your time — or which island to prioritize — is essential. Just keep in mind that New Zealand is larger than it seems, and unless you have a full month (at least), you won’t see it all. Focus on the things that matter most to you.

For our trip, we had bucket list goals on both islands, so we split our time: four days on the North Island and six days on the South Island. We flew roundtrip from home to Auckland (the North Island’s main airport), then booked a domestic roundtrip flight from Auckland to Queenstown (on the South Island) for the last six days of our trip.

Comparing the Islands:

People often prioritize the South Island of New Zealand over the North Island for its dramatic landscapes and world-renowned natural attractions. However, this doesn’t mean the North Island isn’t worth visiting! They’re both a completely different set of experiences.

North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui):
- Geothermal wonders
- Hobbiton (Lord of the Rings Movie Tour)
- Waitomo Glowworm Caves
- Rolling green hills and lush forest walks
- Māori culture
- Vibrant cities
- Beaches
South Island (Te Waipounamu):
- Dramatic landscapes and fjords
- Snow-capped mountains
- Milford Sound
- Doubtful Sound
- Breathtaking multi-day hikes
- Seals and penguins
- Blue penguins
- Helicopter rides
- Adrenaline activities

Step 2: Choose Where to Fly In

New Zealand has four main airports, but Auckland is by far the most common entry point for international travelers. Nearly all flights into New Zealand land in Auckland, making it the gateway to the country. From Auckland, travelers continuing to other cities typically fly with Air New Zealand or Jetstar to reach their destinations.

This setup makes it easy to explore both islands during your visit. Since most itineraries begin in Auckland, it’s a great opportunity to spend a few days exploring the North Island before heading south.

Main Airports in New Zealand:

Auckland (AKL): The largest city on the North Island and the primary hub for international travelers.
Wellington (WLG): The capital city, located at the southern tip of the North Island, and home to the ferry terminal connecting to the South Island.
Christchurch (CHC): The largest city on the South Island, ideal for those wanting to explore the island’s central and eastern regions.
Queenstown (ZQN): A smaller airport on the South Island, perfect for accessing the fjords and southernmost areas.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — If you plan to drive from the North Island to the South Island via the ferry, consider dropping off your rental car in Christchurch or Queenstown and taking a one-way flight back to Auckland to catch your international flight home. This saves time and eliminates the need for backtracking.}

Step 3: Choose How to Get Around

One of the biggest decisions when planning your New Zealand adventure is figuring out how to get around. New Zealand’s charm lies in its remote landscapes, winding roads, and hidden gems that are often only accessible by car. For most travelers, self-driving is the preferred mode of transportation, but there are other options depending on what you’re comfortable with.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are the most popular choice for travelers who want flexibility and comfort. They’re ideal for couples, small groups, or solo adventurers who like to move at their own pace. Driving in New Zealand is straightforward, but you’ll need to remember to drive on the left side of the road. Most major cities and airports have car rental services, and the roads are well-marked, making navigation easy.

We found car rental prices to be very reasonable when we visited. We rented a mid-size SUV on both the North and South Islands, allowing us to explore freely. On average, we drove between 2 and 5 hours each day and stayed at pre-booked hotels along our route each night. For us, this was the perfect balance of freedom and comfort.

Campervans

Campervans are hugely popular in New Zealand because they combine transportation and accommodation, making it easy to explore. With well-maintained roads, numerous campgrounds, and freedom camping options, New Zealand is incredibly campervan-friendly.

However, van life isn’t for everyone. Unless you splurge on a luxury van, your comfort may be limited. Basic campervans lack amenities like showers or heating, and campground space can be scarce during peak season, requiring advance bookings. Before choosing this option, research thoroughly to ensure it fits your travel style. Personally, van life is not for us, but for those seeking adventure and flexibility, it can be an unforgettable way to see the country.

Guided Tours

If you’d rather leave the logistics to someone else, guided tours are a great option. New Zealand has a variety of multi-day tours and day trips that cover transportation, accommodations, and activities. Companies like Haka Tours, Stray Travel, and Viator offer itineraries ranging from cultural experiences to adrenaline-filled adventures.

Guided tours are great for meeting other travelers and learning from local guides who can enrich your experience with insider knowledge. However, they do come with less flexibility and privacy compared to self-driving. But if you’re hesitant to drive or have a tight schedule, this can be an efficient and enjoyable way to explore the country.

Public Transit

Public transit in New Zealand is available but limited. Companies like InterCity and Naked Bus provide affordable coach services that connect towns and cities. These are useful for point-to-point travel but don’t cater well to exploring rural areas or hidden gems. Local buses and trains are available in cities like Auckland and Wellington but won’t get you far beyond urban areas.

If you’re traveling without a car and prefer a budget-friendly option, a combination of public transit and guided tours may be the way to go. However, don’t expect to rely on walking once you arrive in smaller towns or attractions, as they’re often spread out.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — We saw several hitchhikers while traveling through New Zealand. Although it is an incredibly safe country, hitchhiking is not a reliable or advisable form of transport in today’s world. Please avoid it.}

Step 4: Choose When to Go

New Zealand’s seasons are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer (December to February) is peak season, with temperatures between 70°F to 85°F. Winter (June to August) caters to snow sports enthusiasts and aurora viewings. Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May) offer milder weather and fewer crowds. But all that said, it’s not uncommon to experience all four seasons in a single day, any day of the year.

The best time to visit New Zealand really depends on what you want to do, as each season offers something unique. We visited in November and we had perfect weather and low crowds.

Summer (December–February): This is New Zealand’s peak season, with warm weather perfect for beaches, hiking, and outdoor adventures. It’s also the busiest time, so book accommodations and activities well in advance.
Autumn (March–May): A quieter season with mild weather and stunning fall colors. It’s perfect for road trips, with fewer crowds and lower prices.
Winter (June–August): Best for skiing and snowboarding in destinations like Queenstown and Wanaka. The scenery is breathtaking, and popular hiking spots are less crowded.
Spring (September–November): A shoulder season with blooming flowers, baby animals, and pleasant weather. It’s an excellent time for nature lovers and photographers.

When choosing your dates, consider the activities you want to do. If you’re after skiing or the Southern Lights, winter is a no-brainer. For hiking and rafting, spring and autumn offer cooler temperatures without the summer crowds.

💣_{Antisocial Tourist Tip — New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable. No matter when you go, prepare for unexpected road closures and sudden changes in weather.}

Step 5: Create Your Itinerary

Planning your own itinerary might sound intimidating at first, but trust us, it’s easier than you think if you follow these steps. Just don’t rush the process — creating a solid itinerary can take days, weeks, or even months, depending on the scope of your trip. Take your time and enjoy the planning journey!

Start With a List. Begin by listing all the places and activities you want to experience. Use Pinterest, Google, and travel blogs to gather inspiration and pinpoint must-see spots. Be sure to separate your list into North Island and South Island locations to make the next steps easier.
Map It Out. Next, open Google Maps and start plotting out all the spots on your list. Rearrange the stops in a logical order based on proximity, and visualize your route. Group nearby attractions together to determine how many days you’ll need in each area. This step is crucial for minimizing travel time and maximizing your adventure.
Check Availability. For any tours or activities, look up availability and make a note of the dates, times, and durations on your list. Knowing how long each activity takes will help you plan realistic days.
Write It Out Like a Step-by-Step Plan. Using your list, which should now be put in a logical order based on map locations, write your itinerary down like an instruction manual, breaking each day into steps. Be as detailed as possible, including specific times for activities, meals, and travel. Here’s an example from our first day in New Zealand:
- Day 1, Arrive in Auckland at 9am, grab car rental, stop at Szimpla for breakfast once we’re out of the airport. Allow 1 hour for airport and 1 hour for breakfast, then drive 2.25 hours to hotel in Waikato. Should arrive around 2pm. Check in and freshen up. Leave for Glowworm Tour by 3:45pm. Tour starts at 4:30pm and lasts two hours. At 6:30pm when tour is over, drive 30 minutes back to hotel and stop for dinner somewhere along the way (we’ll be passing two towns with restaurant options).
Put it all together. Once your daily steps are fully written out, combine everything into a master itinerary. I like to turn it into an outline by copying and pasting all the items from my initial list under the appropriate day of the written-out itinerary. By the end, you’ll have a detailed, well-thought-out plan that’s tailored specifically to your trip.

The key to a good itinerary is timing. Visualize each day in your head, hour by hour, to ensure everything fits. As you work through this process, you’ll likely rewrite and adjust your plan multiple times — that’s completely normal! Walking through your trip step by step helps identify any issues or gaps before you go.

Then, once you’re actually on your trip, your itinerary will be so well-planned that it won’t even feel like you’re following a schedule. It will simply feel like everything is falling into place perfectly. And yes, you can still be spontaneous! Knowing how each day looks in advance actually allows you to be more spontaneous because you’ll already have a sense of when and where you’ll have the most flexibility.

Step 6: Book It

Once your itinerary is finalized, it’s time to lock in your dates. This step is where your planning turns into reality, and getting it right is crucial for a stress-free trip. The order in which you book will depend on your flexibility. Just be sure to add all your booking details to your itinerary as you go! Include costs, addresses, and notes about whatever you’re booking. Here’s how to approach each piece of the puzzle:

Book Flights

If your travel dates are flexible, start with flights. Use tools like Google Flights to compare prices, routes, and dates, but always book directly with the airline for greater reliability and support in case of delays or cancellations.

Book Hotels or Campgrounds

If your travel dates are fixed, prioritize accommodations next. Open Google Maps and search for highly rated hotels, motels, or lodges near your planned stops. Then use platforms like Booking.com to book properties with free cancellation policies, giving you flexibility if plans change. For unique stays, consider Airbnb or smaller boutique accommodations. Just be sure to book accommodations as early as possible if you’re traveling during the peak season.

Book Car Rental or Campervan

A rental car or campervan is your ticket to freedom in New Zealand, so reserve yours early, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons or want specific vehicle types (like an SUV or self-contained camper). Use DiscoverCars to compare prices and options, but always double-check terms like mileage limits and insurance coverage.

Book Activities

Don’t wait until the last minute to book activities. Many popular experiences like Hobbiton tours, Milford Sound cruises, or Tongariro Alpine Crossing shuttles sell out months in advance. Secure your spots early, especially for seasonal or high-demand activities.

Step 7: Apply for Entry

New Zealand has strict entry and biosecurity requirements. The average traveler can visit New Zealand without any problem, but there are a few important steps you’ll need to take. Unless you have a unique situation, don’t worry about taking these steps before booking your trip. Just be sure to leave plenty of time to make corrections if there is an issue with your application or passport.

Check Your Passport: New Zealand requires passports to be valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date! If yours is cutting it close, renew it before applying for the NZeTA to avoid complications.
Apply for an NZeTA or a Visa: Most travelers visiting New Zealand will need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and pay a small IVL (International Visitor Levy). The NZeTA is an electronic visa waiver required for travelers from visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, and most of Europe. You can apply online here. It’s quick and straightforward but should be done well before your trip to avoid delays. The IVL fee is included in your application.
Biosecurity Preparation: New Zealand has some of the world’s strictest biosecurity laws to protect its unique ecosystem, so you’ll need to be prepared when passing through customs. Items like fresh food, plant seeds, honey, animal products, and outdoor gear must be declared, and hiking or camping equipment should be thoroughly cleaned to remove dirt, mud, or seeds. Biosecurity officers may inspect these items, and undeclared restricted goods can result in hefty fines. When in doubt, declare it!
Check Your Credit Cards: Most car rental companies and petrol stations in New Zealand require a PIN for credit card transactions. If your card doesn’t already have a PIN, contact your credit card company to request one well in advance. Keep in mind that it may take several weeks to receive, so don’t delay this step.

Final Thoughts: Planning a Trip to New Zealand

Planning a trip to New Zealand does sound like a big undertaking, but with a bit of preparation and the right approach, it’s entirely manageable. Whether you’re navigating the logistics of traveling between islands, deciding where to stay, or trying to choose which attractions to visit, every step above brings you closer to experiencing one of the most stunning and unique destinations in the world.

Thank you for reading our post! We hope it helps you plan the perfect trip! Check out our other guides here and follow us on Instagram (@AntisocialTourist) or on Facebook to see our latest adventures!