23-Day Self-Launched New Zealand North & South Island Loop (Auckland Start)

Fly into Auckland Airport and take the SkyBus into the city centre (~£18 one-way). Check into a central Auckland hostel — Base Backpackers or YHA Auckland City are solid options at around £18–22/night for a dorm. Spend the afternoon exploring the Auckland Waterfront, Viaduct Harbour and Queen Street. Grab dinner on the waterfront — loads of affordable spots around the harbour.

🚌SkyBus from Auckland Airport to CBD (~£18)

🛏YHA Auckland City or Base Backpackers (~£20/night dorm)

• →Explore Auckland Waterfront and Viaduct Harbour
• →Walk Queen Street and the CBD
• →Self-orientation walk around the city

Take an InterCity coach or hire a car (splitting with fellow travellers is great value) to the Coromandel Peninsula (~3.5 hrs). Stop at Hot Water Beach around low tide — grab a spade from the beach shop (£3) and dig your own natural hot pool right on the sand. Continue to Hahei and check into Hahei Beach Resort or Cathedral Cove Retreat (~£20/night dorm). Pick up BBQ supplies from the local store and cook a classic Kiwi BBQ at the hostel.

🚌InterCity coach Auckland to Thames then connecting service to Hahei (~£25), or shared car hire (~£20pp)

🛏Hahei Beach Resort or Cathedral Cove Retreat (~£20/night dorm)

• →Dig a natural hot pool at Hot Water Beach (free, spade hire ~£3)
• →Classic Kiwi BBQ dinner at accommodation
• →Explore Hahei village

Walk the stunning Cathedral Cove track (free, ~2 hrs return) or take the water taxi from Hahei Beach (~£15 return) to arrive by sea. The cave and arch are jaw-dropping. Spend the afternoon kayaking around the cove — book through Hahei Explorer or Cathedral Cove Kayaks (~£55–65 for a half-day guided kayak). Alternatively, take a Hahei Explorer boat tour (~£40). Relax on the beach in the afternoon.

🚌Walking or water taxi from Hahei (~£15 return)

🛏Hahei Beach Resort or Cathedral Cove Retreat (~£20/night dorm)

• →Walk to Cathedral Cove (free trail, ~2 hrs return)
• →Sea kayaking around Cathedral Cove via Hahei Explorer or Cathedral Cove Kayaks (~£55)
• →Swim and relax at Hahei Beach

Head south towards Rotorua. Book the Hobbiton Movie Set tour directly at hobbitontours.com (~£75pp) — it's worth every penny and runs multiple times daily. Book in advance as it sells out. Pass through the Karangahake Gorge for a quick photo stop if driving. Arrive in Rotorua — check into Haka House Rotorua (the same hostel the tour uses, bookable directly at hakahouse.co.nz) or Base Rotorua (~£18–22/night). Walk through Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest — free and magical at dusk.

🚌InterCity coach Hahei/Thames to Rotorua (~£20), or shared car hire (~£15pp)

🛏Haka House Rotorua or Base Rotorua (~£20/night dorm)

• →Hobbiton Movie Set tour (book direct at hobbitontours.com, ~£75)
• →Walk Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest (free)
• →Explore Kuirau Park geothermal area (free)

This is one of the most culturally rich days of the trip. Book a Māori cultural experience in Rotorua before departure — Te Puia (~£50) or Mitai Māori Village (~£65) offer haka performances, flax weaving, and a traditional hangi meal bundled together. Then head east to Kohutapu Lodge at Lake Aniwhenua — book directly (kohutapulodge.co.nz), which offers guided tours to sacred Māori rock carvings and an authentic hangi dinner in a stunning bush setting. This is a highlight not to miss.

🚌Self-drive or shuttle from Rotorua to Lake Aniwhenua (~1.5 hrs, ~£15pp shared)

🛏Kohutapu Lodge, Lake Aniwhenua (book direct, ~£30–40/night)

• →Learn the Haka and Māori flax weaving (Te Puia or Mitai ~£50–65)
• →Guided tour to sacred Māori rock carvings at Lake Aniwhenua (via Kohutapu Lodge)
• →Traditional hangi buffet dinner at Kohutapu Lodge

Drive or coach south to Taupo on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake. Stop at Kerosene Creek (free natural hot spring on the way — bring a towel!) and Huka Falls — both free and incredible. Check into YHA Taupo or All Seasons Holiday Park (~£18–22/night). Taupo is the skydiving capital of New Zealand — book tandem skydive via Skydive Taupo (~£150–180) or the AJ Hackett bungy at Taupo Bungy (~£100). Both can be booked online in advance.

🚌InterCity coach Lake Aniwhenua area to Taupo (~£15–20), or shared car

🛏YHA Taupo or Haka House Taupo (~£20/night dorm)

• →Soak at Kerosene Creek natural hot spring (free)
• →Walk to Huka Falls viewpoint (free)
• →Optional: Tandem skydive over Lake Taupo via Skydive Taupo (~£150)
• →Optional: Taupo Bungy (~£100)

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the world's great one-day hikes — 19.4 km across volcanic terrain with emerald crater lakes, lava fields and sweeping views (free to walk, but you must book the mandatory shuttle). Book your shuttle from Taupo or from the National Park village via Tongariro Expeditions or similar (book at tongariroexpeditions.com, ~£25–30 return). Check weather before going — the crossing is spectacular in good conditions but should not be attempted in snow or ice without a guide. Stay at Alpine Chalets in National Park village (~£20/night dorm) or Plateau Lodge.

🚌Mandatory shuttle from Taupo or National Park village to trailhead via Tongariro Expeditions (~£28 return)

🛏Alpine Chalets or Plateau Lodge, National Park Village (~£20/night dorm)

• →Tongariro Alpine Crossing full-day hike (trail free, shuttle ~£28 return)
• →Visit Taranaki Falls and Tawhai Falls (Gollum's Pool) — short detours from the main trail
• →Optional: Hire a guide for winter/icy conditions (~£80–120 via local operators)

Take an InterCity coach from National Park village to Wellington (~4 hrs, ~£25). Arrive in the capital and check into YHA Wellington City or Base Wellington, both centrally located (~£20–25/night dorm). Wellington is compact and walkable. Stroll along the Oriental Parade waterfront, ride the historic Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Garden (£5 return), and explore Cuba Street's vibrant café and arts scene. Te Papa National Museum is free and world-class — don't skip it.

🚌InterCity coach National Park to Wellington (~£25)

🛏YHA Wellington City or Base Wellington (~£22/night dorm)

• →Wellington Cable Car to Botanic Garden (£5 return)
• →Explore Cuba Street and Courtenay Place
• →Visit Te Papa National Museum (free)
• →Walk Oriental Parade waterfront

Full day to dive deeper into Wellington. Hike up Mt Victoria for panoramic city and harbour views (free, ~30 min walk from CBD). Book the Weta Workshop Unleashed experience online via wetaworkshop.com (~£30) — the team behind the Lord of the Rings and Avatar props; it's genuinely mind-blowing. Visit Parliament House (free tours available). Sample Wellington's famous coffee scene and hit the waterfront craft beer bars in the evening.

🚌Walking / city bus (day pass ~£5)

🛏YHA Wellington City or Base Wellington (~£22/night dorm)

• →Hike Mt Victoria for city views (free)
• →Weta Workshop Unleashed tour (~£30, book direct at wetaworkshop.com)
• →Free guided tour of Parliament House (Beehive)
• →Explore Wellington's café and bar scene

Take the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton across Cook Strait (~3.5 hrs, book in advance at greatjourneysofnz.co.nz, ~£35–45). The views through the Marlborough Sounds are stunning — stay on deck. From Picton, take an InterCity coach to Marahau (~2 hrs, ~£20). Check into The Barn Backpackers in Marahau (~£18–22/night). Grab a group dinner at the local pub or BBQ at the hostel — great spot to meet other travellers.

🚌Interislander Ferry Wellington–Picton (~£38), InterCity coach Picton–Marahau (~£20)

🛏The Barn Backpackers, Marahau (~£20/night dorm or cabin)

• →Interislander Ferry Wellington to Picton (book in advance at greatjourneysofnz.co.nz, ~£38)
• →Scenic cruise through Marlborough Sounds
• →Optional: Wine tasting at a Marlborough winery en route (~£15–20)

Abel Tasman is New Zealand's smallest national park but arguably its most beautiful — golden beaches, turquoise water, and native bush. Take a water taxi into Anchorage Bay (book via Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles, ~£25–35 one-way) then hike back along the coastal track. Alternatively, kayak with Abel Tasman Kayaks (half-day guided ~£55, full day ~£80). Cleopatra's Pools is a short detour — a series of natural water slides carved by the river. Optional afternoon: skydive over the park or try canyoning.

🚌Water taxi from Marahau (~£30 return)

🛏The Barn Backpackers, Marahau (~£20/night dorm or cabin)

• →Water taxi into Anchorage Bay (~£30, book via Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles)
• →Hike the Abel Tasman Coastal Track section (free)
• →Visit Cleopatra's Pools natural water slides (free)
• →Optional: Sea kayaking with Abel Tasman Kayaks (half-day ~£55)
• →Optional: Skydiving or canyoning (book via local operators)

A long but scenic travel day down the West Coast. Take an InterCity coach or join a budget shuttle from Marahau/Nelson (~£35–45) — passing through Buller Gorge and stopping at the Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes (free entry, 20-min loop walk). Continue to Hokitika for a quick wander through its famous glowworm dell (free) and pounamu (greenstone) shops. Arrive in Franz Josef and check into Rainforest Retreat (~£18–22/night dorm). Grab a group dinner at the hostel or at Alice May restaurant.

🚌InterCity coach or budget shuttle Marahau/Nelson to Franz Josef via West Coast (~£40)

🛏Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (~£20/night dorm)

• →Stop at Punakaiki Pancake Rocks and blowholes (free)
• →Quick stop in Hokitika — glowworm dell and greenstone shops (free)
• →Arrive Franz Josef — group dinner at Rainforest Retreat or local restaurant

Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. The glacier valley walk is free — take the shuttle from town to the car park (~£5 return) and hike to the glacier viewpoint. For the full experience, book a glacier heli-hike via Franz Josef Glacier Guides (~£200–250) — helicopter to the glacier surface, crampons on, explore with a guide. Or a scenic helicopter flight without landing (~£100–130). Book in advance at glacierguides.co.nz. Weather-dependent — have a backup plan (hot pools, rainforest walks).

🚌Local shuttle to glacier car park (~£5 return)

🛏Rainforest Retreat, Franz Josef (~£20/night dorm)

• →Free glacier valley walk to viewpoint (shuttle ~£5 return)
• →Optional: Glacier heli-hike (~£220, book at glacierguides.co.nz)
• →Optional: Scenic helicopter flight over glacier (~£115)
• →Relax in Franz Josef hot pools (~£20)

One of New Zealand's great road journeys. Take the InterCity coach or Naked Bus from Franz Josef to Queenstown (~5–6 hrs, ~£35–45) passing Lake Matheson (the famous mirror lake — best at dawn but stunning any time), over the Haast Pass, and along the shores of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka. The scenery is extraordinary. Arrive in Queenstown and check into Haka House Queenstown (book direct) or Base Queenstown (~£20–25/night dorm). Explore the lakefront and Steamer Wharf for your first evening.

🚌InterCity or Naked Bus Franz Josef to Queenstown (~£40)

🛏Haka House Queenstown or Base Queenstown (~£22/night dorm)

• →Stop at Lake Matheson mirror lake (free)
• →Scenic drive/coach through Haast Pass
• →Views of Lake Hawea and Lake Wanaka
• →Explore Queenstown lakefront and Steamer Wharf

Queenstown is the adrenaline capital of the world — your budget here depends on how much you want to spend on optional activities. The classic free activity is the Queenstown Hill Summit Walk (2–3 hrs return, great views). Bob's Peak gondola (~£28 return) gives panoramic lake and mountain views. AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge Bungy (~£130) is the world's first commercial bungy jump. Jet boating on the Shotover River via Shotover Jet (~£85). Mountain biking, ziplining, horse riding and more are all bookable via GetYourGuide or directly.

🚌Walking / local bus (~£3)

🛏Haka House Queenstown or Base Queenstown (~£22/night dorm)

• →Queenstown Hill Summit Walk (free, ~2 hrs return)
• →Gondola to Bob's Peak (~£28 return)
• →Optional: AJ Hackett Kawarau Bungy (~£130)
• →Optional: Shotover Jet boat (~£85)
• →Optional: Ziplining or mountain biking

Use your second day in Queenstown for any remaining bucket-list activities. Skydiving over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range via NZONE Skydive (~£170–200) is one of the most spectacular drops on earth. Alternatively, explore the Gibbston Valley wineries by bike (~£40 bike hire) or take a day trip to Arrowtown — a beautifully preserved gold-rush village (free to walk around, local bus ~£5 return). In the evening, the Queenstown waterfront is perfect for a sundowner.

🚌Local bus or walking

🛏Haka House Queenstown or Base Queenstown (~£22/night dorm)

• →Optional: Tandem skydive over Queenstown via NZONE (~£185)
• →Optional: Gibbston Valley wine trail by bike (~£40 hire)
• →Day trip to Arrowtown gold-rush village (bus ~£5 return, free entry)
• →Lakefront stroll and evening in Queenstown

Milford Sound is Rudyard Kipling's 'eighth wonder of the world' — and it lives up to the hype. Book a Milford Sound day tour from Queenstown via RealNZ or Jucy Cruise (includes coach transfer and 2-hr cruise, ~£80–100 total, book at realnz.com). The coach journey through Fiordland and the Homer Tunnel is itself spectacular. The cruise takes you past Mitre Peak, waterfalls and resident dolphin and seal colonies. Return to Queenstown in the evening.

🚌Day tour coach from Queenstown return (~£30–35 coach transfer, or ~£85 combined day tour)

🛏Haka House Queenstown or Base Queenstown (~£22/night dorm)

• →Milford Sound scenic cruise (2 hrs, book via RealNZ or similar, ~£45 cruise alone)
• →Coach transfer through Fiordland and Homer Tunnel (included in day tour packages)
• →Spot dolphins, seals and waterfalls from the boat

Take an InterCity or Naked Bus to Lake Tekapo (~3 hrs, ~£25). The drive through the Mackenzie Basin is breathtaking. Check into YHA Lake Tekapo or Tailor Made Tekapo Backpackers (~£20–25/night). Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd by the lake (free). Book the Dark Sky Experience at the Mount John Observatory via Earth & Sky (earthandsky.co.nz, ~£45–55pp) — Lake Tekapo is in one of the world's darkest sky reserves and the stargazing is phenomenal. Optional: Tekapo Hot Springs (~£20) for a soak under the stars.

🚌InterCity or Naked Bus Queenstown to Lake Tekapo (~£25)

🛏YHA Lake Tekapo or Tailor Made Tekapo Backpackers (~£22/night dorm)

• →Visit Church of the Good Shepherd at Lake Tekapo (free)
• →Dark Sky Experience at Mount John Observatory (~£50, book at earthandsky.co.nz)
• →Optional: Tekapo Hot Springs soak (~£20)
• →Optional: Ice skating or snow tubing (winter only)

Take an InterCity coach to Christchurch (~3.5 hrs, ~£20). Christchurch is New Zealand's most rapidly reinventing city — the post-earthquake rebuild has produced an extraordinary arts, container-mall and pop-up culture scene. Walk the Avon River Punting (punting ~£20pp, or just stroll the banks for free), explore the Riverside Market for fresh local food, and wander through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens (free). Check into Drifter Christchurch (the same hostel as the tour, bookable direct) or YHA Christchurch (~£20–25/night).

🚌InterCity coach Lake Tekapo to Christchurch (~£20)

🛏Drifter Christchurch or YHA Christchurch (~£22/night dorm)

• →Avon River walk (free) or punting (~£20pp)
• →Riverside Market for lunch (budget £10–12)
• →Christchurch Botanic Gardens (free)
• →Explore Re:START container mall and street art scene (free)

Take an InterCity coach or Coastal Pacific train (scenic — book at greatjourneysofnz.co.nz, ~£35–45) north along the coast to Kaikoura, a small seaside town with extraordinary marine life. Check into Dusky Lodge Kaikoura (the same hostel as the tour, bookable direct at duskylodge.com) or Kaikoura Top 10 Holiday Park (~£18–22/night). Book whale watching via Whale Watch Kaikoura (whalewatchkaikoura.co.nz, ~£130pp) — genuine sperm whales, plus dolphin and albatross encounters. Alternatively, swim with dolphins via Encounter Kaikoura (~£120). Book well in advance.

🚌InterCity coach or Coastal Pacific train Christchurch to Kaikoura (~£40)

🛏Dusky Lodge Kaikoura (~£20/night dorm)

• →Whale watching by boat via Whale Watch Kaikoura (~£130, book in advance)
• →Optional: Swimming with dolphins via Encounter Kaikoura (~£120)
• →Optional: Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway (free, 2–3 hrs)
• →Optional: Ziplining at Kaikoura Zipline (~£75)

Take the InterCity coach from Kaikoura north to Picton (~2.5 hrs, ~£20). Board the Interislander Ferry back to Wellington across Cook Strait (~3.5 hrs, book in advance at greatjourneysofnz.co.nz, ~£38). Enjoy the views through the Marlborough Sounds from the deck. Arrive in Wellington early evening and check back into YHA Wellington or Cambridge Hotel (~£20–25/night dorm). Grab dinner on Cuba Street.

🚌InterCity coach Kaikoura to Picton (~£20), Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington (~£38)

🛏YHA Wellington City or Cambridge Hotel (~£22/night dorm)

• →Interislander Ferry Picton to Wellington (book in advance ~£38)
• →Scenic views through Marlborough Sounds
• →Evening stroll on Cuba Street

Take an InterCity coach or domestic flight from Wellington to Auckland. The coach takes ~9 hrs (~£35–45) — long but scenic. A domestic flight (Air New Zealand or Jetstar) is much faster (~1 hr) and can be found for £40–70 if booked in advance. On arrival, check back into YHA Auckland or Haka House Auckland City (~£20/night). Spend the final evening exploring Sky Tower (viewing deck ~£22, worth it at sunset), Ponsonby Road, or the Viaduct waterfront for a farewell dinner.

🚌InterCity coach Wellington to Auckland (~£40) OR domestic flight (~£55–70)

🛏YHA Auckland City or Haka House Auckland City (~£20/night dorm)

• →Travel Wellington to Auckland by coach or flight
• →Visit Sky Tower viewing deck at sunset (~£22)
• →Farewell dinner at the Viaduct Harbour or Ponsonby Road

Check out by 10am. If your flight is in the afternoon, store luggage at the hostel or at Auckland Airport (left luggage available). Use the morning for any last-minute souvenir shopping at Britomart or the Otara Flea Market (Saturday mornings). Take the SkyBus back to Auckland Airport (~£18). Safe travels — what an adventure!

🚌SkyBus Auckland CBD to Airport (~£18)

🛏Check out — no accommodation

• →Last-minute souvenir shopping at Britomart
• →SkyBus back to Auckland Airport (~£18)