Hike, Dive, Ride and Jump Across Both Islands
This New Zealand outdoor itinerary packs 14 days of diving, hiking, riding and adrenaline into one trip across both islands. New Zealand’s wide-open spaces reward you on two feet, two wheels, in the air or underwater. You can dive a marine reserve, cross volcanic landscapes, walk a Great Walk, ride a famous train, jump in Queenstown and kayak at Milford Sound. Take each challenge with one giant leap or many small steps, and expect a welcome that reflects manaakitanga, the Māori value of hospitality. Prefer a classic route? See our 2-week New Zealand itinerary.
New Zealand Outdoor Itinerary at a Glance
- Length: 14 days
- Route: Northland, Tongariro, Taranaki, the West Coast, Greymouth to Christchurch by train, Queenstown and Fiordland
- Style: diving, hiking, mountain biking, rail travel, adrenaline and kayaking
- Highlights: a dive in the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the Paparoa Great Walk, the TranzAlpine train, Queenstown’s bungy and cliff jump, and a Fiordland scenic flight or Milford Sound kayak
Your New Zealand Outdoor Itinerary, Day by Day
Here is how the 14 days unfold, from the sea caves of Northland to the cliffs of Milford Sound.
Days 1 and 2: Start Your New Zealand Outdoor Itinerary Under the Sea in Northland
New Zealand’s clear, clean waters make it a paradise for divers. Head to Tutukaka to explore the Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve. There you can swim through magical sea caves, drift past kelp forests and meet schools of brightly coloured fish. Wreck fans can also investigate sunken shipwrecks. See our Northland and Bay of Islands guide.
Days 3 to 5: Explore National Parks
In the heart of the North Island, Tongariro National Park is a volcanic wonderland. Expect steaming craters, surreal lakes and strange rock forms. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing shows off all of it. The Department of Conservation says the walk takes 7 to 8 hours and ends on the far side of the mountain, so plan a shuttle. It also recommends booking before you walk any part of the track.
Next, head west to Taranaki. Experienced hikers can explore the backcountry on the Pouakai Circuit. For an easier day, the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway is a family-friendly 13 km walk. See our Ruapehu guide, Taranaki guide and walking and hiking experiences.
Days 6 to 8: Take a Great Walk on the Wild West Coast
From Taranaki, head south across Cook Strait to the wild West Coast. The Paparoa Track is a Great Walk across the Paparoa Range. It passes alpine tops, limestone karst landscapes and thriving rainforest, with epic views along the way. Walkers usually take three days, while mountain bikers take two. All three huts on the track must be booked in advance, so reserve them early.
Then stop at Punakaiki’s pancake rocks and blowholes. Water shoots skyward from rocks that look like stacks of hotcakes. See our West Coast guide and cycling and mountain biking experiences.
Days 9 and 10: Roam by Rail on the TranzAlpine
In Greymouth, board the TranzAlpine and let the wide-open spaces come to you. This world-famous train covers 223 km (139 miles) of monumental South Island landscape. It passes through rainforest, plains and mountains on its way towards Christchurch. See how it compares in our guide to New Zealand train journeys.
Days 11 and 12: Adrenaline Adventures in Queenstown
Get airborne in the adventure capital. Take the plunge at the original commercial bungy site, or try the world’s first human catapult. You can also freefall 60 metres from the world’s highest cliff jump. If you prefer the sky, skydive over epic mountains and lakes from 15,000 feet. See our Queenstown guide and active and adventure experiences.
Days 13 and 14: Finish Your New Zealand Outdoor Itinerary in Fiordland
Explore the glacier-carved valleys of Fiordland National Park on a scenic flight with unbelievable views. Prefer to paddle? Kayak past Milford Sound’s towering cliffs and waterfalls, and look for seals, dolphins and, if the stars align, even whales. See our Fiordland guide and scenic flights.
Who This New Zealand Outdoor Itinerary Suits
This New Zealand outdoor itinerary suits travellers who would rather do than watch. It works best if you enjoy walking, cycling and being in the water. However, each stop also has a gentler option, so you can set your own pace. For example, swap the Pouakai Circuit for the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, or choose a scenic flight instead of kayaking.
Tips for Your New Zealand Outdoor Itinerary
- Reserve the Paparoa Track huts first, because all three must be booked in advance.
- Check the forecast and the latest volcanic activity before any alpine walk.
- Pick activities that match your fitness, and confirm age and health limits with each operator.
- Driving yourself? Read our guide to driving in New Zealand and check the best time to visit New Zealand.
This New Zealand outdoor itinerary rewards every level of effort, from giant leaps to small steps. For ready-made trips, browse our adventure tours and hiking tours, or read about the Great Walks.
Want even more adventure? See our 23-day New Zealand adventure itinerary. Prefer to explore through food? Try our New Zealand foodie itinerary, or ask us to plan a custom tour around your dates.
