21-Day New Zealand Travel Itinerary | Best of North & South Islands!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Grab your copy of my NZ itinerary here: bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand Hit the 👍🏽 - Let’s 5,000 likes on this video! Feel free to ask any questions you have in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer them! Thanks for watching!

[@carolynclitheroe3588]

3 weeks is still too short..3 years better

[@littlepearlsofrandomness]

I live in Wanaka and would recommend hiring a bike and doing the Hawea river track. It’s about a 45min - 1 hour ride each way (depending how often you stop for photos). Easy to ride and you can get some yummy fish and chips or a sammy as a reward to eat looking out at the lake views. There’s lot of riding tracks in Wanaka, but to me, this one is special.

[@michellebahar5173]

I want to do that, sounds fun. Are there recommendations for places to get the fish n chips? And are they at the destination or once you’ve completed the round trip ride 🚲?

[@littlepearlsofrandomness]

@@michellebahar5173 The Hawea Store at the halfway point (you go back the way you’ve come) has a cafe that you can order food and drink including fish and chips

[@charlotteaakerman7711]

Thank you! We will be travelling around by intercity busses, as we don’t feel comfortable driving in the other side of the road - and as such buy half day/1 day trips when we get into places. Biking however is something a Dane can do!

[@frankzito8653]

I love Wanaka! Been twice and could easily live there permanently.

[@VelleyIndustrial]

Alexander, This was the BEST travel guide to NZ I found on you tube. Well done! I spent ~80 hours planning this trip. 6 flights, 10 different stays, 4 boat rides, 2 islands, and 21 days. This was a trip of a lifetime. I'm well traveled, Europe 8x, Australia 2x, and this was the best of them all. Overall notes: 1. Going directly to Queenstown to start the trip is key. I went in January and it wasn't a hot as the north island. Also, renting a car from Wellington to Aukland cost $200 - really cheap. Car rental (hire) companies are always needing cars in Aukland. 2. Request a car with build in navigation. 3. There are a lot of 3-4 hour drives. bring some music on a USB stick or your phone. 4. Take a few short trips on your first day or two. I drove to Glenorchy and back from Queenstown an that prepped me for the extremely narrow and winding roads of NZ. You will likely be driving slower than the locals. There are plenty of left side turn offs. Just let them pass. By day 3 I was the one passing the slow caravans but to be honest every gets to the next town within a minute or two. 5. There are numerous one lane bridges in NZ. There are some good guides on driving in NZ - watch these. South Island: 6. Queenstown is very popular. Get a hotel with guaranteed parking. Parking in Queenstown is challenging to say the least 7. Te Anau is really nice. I would have traded a day in Queenstown for another in Te Anau. 8. The Milford Road (Milford Sound Highway) is very windy and steep. The Homer tunnel is one way and about 1 1/2k long. Get to Milford Sound early for less traffic and parking which fills up at noon. For a cruise I suggest Cruise Milford over REAL NZ. 9. Wanaka is great. I suggest taking the water taxi to Mou Waho and hike to the summit (~700ft) and go for a swim at the summit in Arethusa pool. Mt. Iron gives a great view of the lake. 10. Tekapo is breath taking. Do not skip the Hooker Valley Track. This is 3k in and 3k out and a total elevation of ~500feet. Go early as you can. Parking fills up and the trails get crowded in places. There are three swinging bridges and the view of the glacier at Hooker lake is sweet. the eater is icy cold - take your shoes off and cool down your feet in the icy glacier water. North Island: 11. Wellington is a lovely city. The cable car and a quick hike up Mt. Victoria is recommended. I drove to the Putangirua Pinnacles which took abbot 2 hours each way. It was really hot and the only water of food is what you can bring. I missed the Weta Cave, Remutaka Cycle Trail, and numerous beaches around Wellington. 12. The longest drive is from Wellington to Tongariro National Park. I only had time to hike Taranaki Falls (~500 ft vertical) and Gollums pool. I will plan on more time for the full Alpine Track across Tongariro National Park and spend less time in Wellington. 13. Toupu is awesome. Kayaking to the Mauri carvings and Huka falls are really fun. I would have added a day to this stay and subtracted from Wellington or Rotorua. 14. Rotorua is a larger town. The sulfur smells are not much at all. The tour of Hobbiton is touristy but really good. I missed the rail cruising. This looked really interesting and a great way to see the countryside. Go to 'Eat Street' outdoor mall. I had some really awesome meals here - the best of my entire trip. 15. Whitianga: This is the hidden gem of the Coromandel peninsula. Definitely take the ferry, by foot, across to Flaxmill Bay and go for a sail with BOOM sailing. They will take you to Cathedral cove (currently accessible by boat only). You can swim in the warm ocean and have a snack. The Lost Spring is a very popular spa but not really that special. Simpson's beach has great views. Again I would add a third day here. 16. The last day was in Aukland and I was able to return the car a day early since I was only paying to park it overnight (very expensive and advised by the hotel not safe). Closing thoughts: Ask directions when you need to and always get fuel when you can. I did a lot of grocery shopping so I could pack a lunch or snack, which I did almost every day. Plan your stays with one or two in the middle with laundry facilities. Hotels will have coin operated machines and Air B&B may offer them for free. 2 days minimum at each location is not excessive. I stayed 3 days in Tekapo and Wellington. I stayed one night in Queenstown on the return leg from Milford sound. I should have pressed on and make the Wanaka stay 3 days. Questions and comments are welcome. This was the trip of a lifetime. I was gone for 3 weeks but it felt like 6 months. I was so used to driving on the left I had to relearn to drive on the right when I returned to New Hampshire.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you for sharing your experiences!

[@ForeignGalaxy]

Thanks for sharing. I have saved your notes for the reference. It looks like Christchurch and the east coast in general is not an interesting part of the SI to explore. Can you please comment? I see some affordable tickets to Christchurch, however if there is nothing to do there I'll focus on flights to Queenstown. Thanks!

[@thumbsuptravel1031]

Spot on list. 3 weeks not 2 is the key criteria. Also Doubtful Sound as mentioned shouldn’t be skipped. The west coast drive of South Island is also supreme. Spot on!

[@thumbsuptravel1031]

You did miss Invercargill off the list. The gateway to Stewart Island… That brings it to 4 weeks.

[@mollydahl-jochim1422]

After visiting on our honeymoon 10 years ago, my husband and I fell hard for NZ - so we are BEYOND excited that we get to come back for a second time this November. I was so inspired by your Milford Track video that it immediately went to the top of the bucketlist. And by sheer dumb luck, we managed to book two spots for our trip despite the website crashing this year 🥳🥳 Our itinerary is similar to yours, including many of the hikes, but in reverse. I think I'll cry of happiness when our plane lands in Auckland. NZ is such a special place in the world! Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your travel wisdom and experience. Your videos and cinematography are stellar, and your appreciation for nature, landscapes and culture definitely comes through. Also love the Homestead content 🐑🌷 You and Carrie are some of my fave KZbinrs! Lots of gratitude from Portland, OR 🙌

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Molly! You’re going to have such a good time on the Milford Track! I’m so stoked for you! Thank you for watching and supporting my content. If you need more help planning or want access to my secret spots, check out my itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!

[@mahmoudyousry8198]

I'm 16 years old and I live in egypt i dream of living in New Zealand one day it's my favorite country by far your video really helpful and fun make me wanna go there more thank you

[@نورعلي-ز7ك5م]

After visiting on our honeymoon 10 years ago, my husband and I fell hard for NZ - so we are BEYOND excited that we get to come back for a second time this November. I was so inspired by your Milford Track video that it immediately went to the top of the bucketlist. And by sheer dumb luck, we managed to book two spots for our trip despite the website crashing this year 🥳🥳 Our itinerary is similar to yours, including many of the hikes, but in reverse. I think I'll cry of happiness when our plane lands in Auckland. NZ is such a special place in the world!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Aww this is awesome to hear. I’m so happy for you!! You’re going to LOVE the Milford Track, it’s surreal. I’d definitely suggest you grab a copy of my itinerary even if you’ve already got yours fairly planned, lots of great secret spots, all my favorite restaurants and activities plus so much more! bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@AliciaScottxox]

I live in the lower south island. I appreciate this video as there is a couple of places I still need to visit in my own backyard so to speak. Thanks for the reminder of the beauty *note to self- must plan holiday soon!*

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Alicia! Definitely check out my itinerary to help plan. There’s so much down there to explore!

[@pectusin]

This is the video I was looking for! With an exact understanding what NZ visitors need when they are planning their trip with a limited time budget. Thank you!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Great! Grab a copy of the itinerary. bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@AngelaHardiman]

I have been booking our trip for almost a year now. We are lucky enough to spend a total of 3 months in NZ this coming summer. New Zealand has been at the top of our bucket list for 20 years, and we didn't want to miss a thing. Thank you for all your videos; they have really helped.

[@AlexanderAyling]

This is awesome to hear Angela! Sounds like you’ve been planning for a while, it must feel great to finally be making it happen. Congratulations 🎊

[@Tom_McMurtry]

Check out northland especially around summer too! They haven't yet been and so didn't include it. It's a very different landscape than further south. Enjoy!

[@AngelaHardiman]

Thanks, we are going to be in Northland. I have about 4 days planned up in that area. @@Tom_McMurtry

[@kiara6946]

@@AngelaHardimanI Would love to hear about your trip. We’re planning three months, tentatively in January/February/March 2025 with a camper van.

[@maylynbayani]

I reside here in Wellington,NZ. If you are on a tour, just fly to Auckland, stay in Rotorua and then drive from there to do all activities, go back to Auckland and fly to queenstown or christchurch and rent a car to travel the surrounding areas. Also, I find that the Cave Cruzer in Corromandel is beyond superior than the jet boat ride. Same price. Both relatively near Auckland but the jet last only a few minutes while the cave cruzer is for 3 hrs and you can snorkle. I have been both to Queenstown and Rotorua and hands down Rotorua is more cost effective.

[@alisonryan-landon9768]

That’s what I’m talking about!!!! Bravo!!!!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Alison!

[@stopshopnz]

"This is such an informative video! Thanks for sharing this 21-day New Zealand itinerary-covering the best of both the North and South Islands. Can’t wait to start planning my own trip!"

[@clemenced8453]

Hey Alex, great video like always. Just spent 9 months in this amazing country and your video brings back so many memories! Thank you👌

[@AlexanderAyling]

Awesome! Where was your favorite part of the country?

[@clemenced8453]

I would also say the whole MacKenzie region. Absolutely loved Lake Wanaka and Lake Matheson as well. And in the North Island, watching sunrise at Mount Taranaki. A lot of stunning places!

[@jezavan]

Great video, well thought out & appreciated especially after we'd ploughed thru a heap of research. & we're going for 21 days.

[@Star-u3t1l]

Jet boat looks amazing!

[@FromtheWindowSeat]

Great itinerary. Thankful I was able to see many of these places when I visited last year. 😍 I’d suggest one alternative mode of transport that’s highly worthwhile … train. New Zealand’s three scenic trains (the Northern Explorer on the North Island and the Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine on the South Island) feature stunning scenery and allow you to relax while taking it all in (instead of driving). Yes, you’ll still need to hire cars but you can divide this up … I hired a car in Hamilton to visit Rotorua and Lake Taupo before catching the Northern Explorer south to Wellington and taking the ferry to Picton. I hired a car in Picton to visit Marlborough and Nelson before catching the Coastal Pacific down to Christchurch and then the TranzAlpine across to Greymouth. I hired a one-way rental from Greymouth to see the West Coast, glaciers, Wanaka and Mount Cook before dropping it off in Queenstown. Was an awesome trip. 👌

[@renatamortazavi2450]

The guide is absolutley amazing. We love that yu can add destination. Great job Alex.👍

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you!!

[@KyleMacBean]

Brilliant! That didn't take you long. Well done.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Haha felt like it did. Thanks for tuning in

[@kathyjones3681]

We've been to NZ 5 times since 2013 & have never yet made it off North Island (our original purpose was to visit an uncle near Wellington). We have covered a lot of North Island over those trips, spending a total of around 20 weeks & we still haven't seen everything we'd like to. Our uncle passed in 2021 but there are still many places we'd love to revisit...it feels like our second home. Our next (any maybe last) trip to NZ will be 3-4 weeks just in South Island. We're very excited to go back but see new places this time. It sort of breaks my heart to think of trying to both North and South Islands in 3 weeks. You could say you've been to New Zealand but you definitely would not have "seen" NZ! Thanks for the South Island highlights! p.s. We are campervan people & truly love that experience. Campgrounds there are fantastic 💗

[@nikkilogan7726]

Hey Alex! Thank you for this amazing video of New Zealand! I am dreaming to be in New Zealand one day & making it happen sooner or later. New Zealand is definitely on my bucket list! Love NZ! Thanks Alex 😎🥰💖💙🗻

[@katharinehurst7469]

Fabulous video! Thank you!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Glad you enjoyed it! Make sure you grab a copy of my itinerary too. bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@sabah1828]

Love this- NZ is on my bucket list so saving this for the (near?) future hopefully! And really looking forward to the vid on campervan - ive been trying to find a good video on campervan for beginners. Some areas that it would be great if you could cover include: the different types of campervan, the functions of a campervan (how to use the gas, dispose of water etc), general driving experience esp when you get to the towns, is it heavy to drive etc. Thanks so much!

[@robbaskerville253]

Good video, but I'd do a few things differently. Miford I would do as day trip from Te Anau. Visit Manapouri power station while there and/or do a return walk to Luxmore hut. Also, I'd stay at Mt Cook village rather than Tekapo. Hooker Valley walk should be compulsory for everyone. Glacier Explorers boat trip should also be compulsory, especially in spring. I love the South Island west coast glaciers too, and Arthurs Pass, but may take too long if you can't fly direct to Christchurch.

[@antigravitybug]

Loved your video.

[@Frank-rx8ch]

You're a great ambassador to America &NZ Alex. Am sure you will be recognised for promoting the the country and conservation towards native wildlife

[@amandasandford4513]

Can’t wait to see your two week north island itinerary!

[@stargazer5073]

Truly outstanding 👏 👌

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Hope you can make it down here soon.

[@stargazer5073]

@@AlexanderAyling yes!!!! I've been waiting forever!

[@mintubhaikavlogs]

I visited hot water beach last week and really it is one of best beach to enjoy ❤

[@arronbryan5314]

Superb itinerary Alex! As a former travel consultant I used to plan NZ trips all the time, but this 3 week trip sounds fantastic - top marks mate! From my experience there’s a few things to consider when booking transport. Most travellers head north to south due to many international flights arriving in Auckland. Because of this there’s a lot of heavy rental traffic heading south, resulting in some pretty hefty one-way drop-off fees. The beauty of your itinerary is that because it goes in the opposite direction, there’s the possibility of making some big savings with the rental companies. I believe this may be true of motorhome rentals as well, so starting in Christchurch could be very beneficial (highly recommend Britz / Maui). Speaking of motorhome rentals, in recent years these have shot up in cost, so they don’t really offer all that much of a saving when compared with booked accommodation. Regarding flights, I always advised my clients to book the domestics in conjunction with the internationals. Air NZ are Star Alliance, so if your international carrier is Singapore Airlines or United, there’s an opportunity to make some big savings here as well, especially with baggage as that’s generally included by default. Qantas may have an arrangement with NZ (it comes and goes), so that’s also worth looking in. Complex flight itineraries can be quite tricky to book online, so it’s worth using an agent if it’s getting complicated. NZ’s Tiki Tour is a great option for those doing round the world itineraries, not to mention factoring in a Cook Islands stopover enroute from NZ to LA. Question for you Alex, as a UK based teacher my only option for visiting NZ is late July / August. How bad’s the winter weather, especially in the South Island? Keen to get some hikes in, especially Routeburn and Tongariro, and chance permitting, the Milford Track.

[@sandrah5405]

Hi there, as a South Islander myself I can tell you that July/August are the coldest months, usually have daily highs of between 10-15 degrees with overnight lows reaching zero or sometimes below. But the days are usually glorious with clear sunny skies and little rain. But of course, sometimes the weather can be just miserable!!! Regarding the tracks, you will need to check when they are open, often they are closed over winter or only open to very experienced trampers (hikers) as they may have snow and very freezing temperatures. If you want to do a track that is open in winter (and no snow) then check out the Abel Tasman track in the Nelson region. It is an easy walking track, lots of fabulous golden sand beaches and you can get dropped off and picked up by water taxis at various points along the track. Good luck!

[@michellebahar5173]

We have 18 days coming up in March. Is it ridiculous to think we can drive (visit) both islands with a return car trip back to Auckland in that time frame? 🙂

[@mariatomlinson2551]

Beautiful video❤

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Maria 👍🏽👍🏽

[@pauls3852]

Great vid. So hard to fit everything in.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Cheers Paul! There’s so much to see and do down here

[@exploreearth6275]

Useful itinerary video New Zealand is really worth visit

[@mhollick63]

I went to New Zealand in 2018. We were in Auckland then Rotoroa on the North Island. Our flight to the south island got cancelled and they couldn't rebook us so we never made it to the south island. We stayed on the north island for a week and then started a cruise. I would love to go back and see the South Island.

[@paulalaurie7935]

The Cathedral Cove access by the walking track is closed due to major storm damage and land slips in numerous areas. The Department of Conservation have said they will not reinstate the current walking routes to the beach this summer.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Bummer!

[@maylynbayani]

Just went to cathedral cove 2 weeks ago.

[@TravelingDan20]

Amazing work my guy👌🏻👌🏻

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thanks Dan!

[@diyanaroslan8240]

OMG New Zealand is very beautiful amazing stunning.

[@robthetraveler1099]

Hi Alex, I did (no coincidence) a 22-day trip to both islands in May. I saw most of the same things you mentioned, but in reverse (went from Auckland south through the North Island, across the strait to the South Island, and ended up in Christchurch). I actually saw a few more things than you included (like the Bay of Islands and Waitangi Treaty Ground in the Northland of the North Island), and the West Coast of the South Island, but to be honest I think you might have the better idea. Both the Northland and West Coast are beautiful, but they're isolated and take a long time to get to and from. I do wish I had had a bit more time to explore the MacKenzie Country of the South Island (Lakes Tekapo and Pukaki). A couple of details: you mentioned spending three nights in Milford Sound. As far as I could tell from my research for the trip, staying at Milford Sound proper is VERY expensive, so I spent two nights in Te Anau and took a day trip to Milford Sound. I was surprised you didn't mention any glowworm caves, either the famous Waitomo one in the North Island or the lesser-known one at Te Anau. Finally, is Cathedral Cove open again? It was closed when I was there and I was bummed.

[@maylynbayani]

Only one hotel in milford and it cost and arm and a leg.

[@DJ-hf3qq]

Very helpful thanks

[@Tom_McMurtry]

You need to update it when you get to Northland in summer or autumn :p Otherwise this all sounds a treat and is very well done :)) I love living here!

[@aRVeesBlog]

wow very helpful content friend

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed. Check out my full itinerary, I've got so much more helpful information in it. bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@aRVeesBlog]

you're welcome and thanks for the itinerary, safe travels@@AlexanderAyling

[@danielmorson]

Hey Alex ! Great vid! Any pros and cons with starting with south island vs. north island? I'm guessing since most of the major hikes are in the south it makes for a more relaxing end to the vacation 😀

[@emilyalder975]

Love this video, so helpful! For the 3 days you suggest to spend on Milford Sound, do you suggest taking an overnight cruise for 3 days or are there places to stay nearby and then day trips on the water? I am hoping to see Milford Sound on a boat tour as well as doing the Milford Track either the full 4 days or the 1 day hike!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Emily. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. I’d highly suggest you grab a copy of my detailed itinerary. All my best recommendations, favorite spots, restaurants, hotels, activities and crucial information laid out in an easy to follow itinerary on an interactive map. Grab your copy here: bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@victorpadilla8222]

My girlfriend and I will be visiting NZ in November 2024 for the Coldplay concert in Eden Park! The concert is on the 13th. The other must do activity for me is visiting Akaroa to stay a night on the blue penguin preserve! I'm wondering if this itinerary could be done almost backwards. And just looking to see which option sounds more efficient. Perhaps start in Auckland for the concert, get a car, end in Wellington, and then grab a flight to Akaroa for the night, and then another quick flight to Queenstown to explore the rest by car. Then of course flying from Queenstown to Auckland then back home to the U.S. Or with the need to do Akaroa, would you suggest landing in Auckland, taking a flight to Christchurch,(for Akaroa), then one more flight to Queenstown. Getting the rental car, see the South Island, then fly to Wellington, grab a car, and end the trip with the concert in Auckland. Sorry for the long read! Thank you!

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Victor, sounds fun. Yes you can do the itinerary backwards for sure! Grab yourself a copy here: bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@escapetheaches]

I Love this! Can you do one for a 5 week NZ trip? And Kid friendly... I'm talking young like 4/5 yrs to 12/13 yrs in age.

[@georginawheller7758]

Coming along really well with pronunciation alex. Love to see the time and effort taken to learn the native names of our home ❤ . Pronunciation is all very personal of course to individual accents so for the words containing the letter 'O' or ō, i reccomend for accents similar to yours it might be easier thinking of the letter 'O' as an 'ORH' with a softer R rather than an 'Aw / Ah' sound. you're doing a great job and i Loved the video. Love and light ❤. The vowel sounds of te reo maori are very unique if youre not too sure what i mean but there are great videos. The vowel sounds are best place to start th❤

[@rajoosamy201]

Thank you !!

[@AlexanderAyling]

You're welcome! Make sure you grab your copy of my detailed custom itinerary. All my favorite restaurants, hotels, attractions, and secret spots in one asy to follow interactive map. Check it out here: bit.ly/14DaysInNewZealand

[@PedroBernardo-q9q]

Hello Alexander, I really liked your video and information about New Zealand. I'm thinking about going on vacation for 3 weeks in March or April 2024. I have two questions: - On New Zealand national holidays, what types of shops or activities are closed? - Is the weather stable in April? Which month would you prefer to go? I appreciate your help. Thanks

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Pedro, Thank you. I think March is a much better call as you’re in the tail end of summer vs autumn. The national holidays won’t really affect you as a traveler. I highly suggest you grab a copy of my 21 day itinerary to assist in your vacation planning and get all my best tips and advice. Pick one up here: bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@StevenJankowski-e4e]

Thoughts on Egmont national park/mt Taranaki? It always seems to be bypassed in itineraries

[@stineramsing]

Love this! I have a quick question, how is it to visit in July? ❄ Is it too cold for example to live in a campervan?

[@adarshiitm]

@AlexanderAyling wonderful content. I will be visiting NZ for 2.5 weeks. Was trying to understand a little bit more about permits for flying drones. So would like to ask if you have any recommendations for the places where i could fly the drone and also how to get the permission for the same?

[@denisea.9033]

This was wonderful, thank you!! Do you know if you need an international driver’s license to rent a car there?

[@AlexanderAyling]

I don’t believe it’s required by the rental car company but if you get pulled over you may get ticketed. Worth getting one if you can before you come. Also I highly recommend getting my New Zealand itinerary to make planning your trip effortless. Shop it here: bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@denisea.9033]

@@AlexanderAyling ok, thanks again! I just might if we decide to go, though we’d be traveling with kids and teens so maybe a little different.

[@kiara6946]

We’re thinking of going to NZ for three months. Is that too long? Our focus will be hiking and landscape photography.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Not at all. You’ll have plenty of time to see the whole county and enjoy all the little hidden corners. I highly recommend grabbing my NZ itinerary to get started planning, it will give you a great starting point to explore! bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@petricefrost1874]

Tau PO - Taupo - no paws involved!!

[@Ashtongaw]

Hello Alex～love your video and im planning my trip to New Zealand in December. Do you have any recommendations for surfing and diving in NZ? (Except Manu Bay) Again Thankyou for your excellent video!

[@janesimmons8001]

Hi Alex. I just subscribed to your channel. I watched your 12 essential NZ travel tips. Very well put together! My husband and I will be on a cruise ship to visit NZ in a few weeks. Could you please🎉 give me some tips on Tauranga/Rotorua visit? On the day when we dock at Tauranga, we have from 6am - 6pm to do some excursions. There are 3 things that we would like to do but can't find any tours that include them. Since you guys have been there for a few time, could you give us some suggestions on how to arrange my visit there? We would like to visit Hobbiton, a Maori village and soak in a thermal spa in a limited time frame of 6am - 6pm, but of course needs to allow time to be back at Tauranga port by 5pm latest. Is hiring a car or Uber an option and is it safe😮🎉🎉🎉🎉? Thanks in advance for any suggestions from you.😮

[@paulalaurie7935]

I live in Tauranga and can recommend a lovely walk along Pilot Bay and then a walk around the base track of Mount Maunganui and if you have time walk up Mount Maunganui as the view of the Bay of Plenty looking towards Papamoa and beyond is spectacular. There are also hot pools at the base of Mount Maunganui where you can enjoy a warm swim.

[@dianaooi5296]

Hi Alexandra, Is it possible to video chat with you on trip to North South NZ coming november-december?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Diana, it most certainly is. Book a call on using this link and we can chat whenever suits you. www.alexanderayling.com/book-an-appointment

[@Julemont]

Alex, just bought your copy... Great job... One question : We are from Belgium and we would like to spend 3 weeks visiting New Zeland. We intend to do that in February/March 2025. Could you tell me when are taking place the end of the summer school holidays for kids in order to avoid the maximum of people during that trip ? And before autumn !!! Read u soon. Philippe and Laurence

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hello Philippe, Thanks for your business. School has summer holidays from the end of December until the beginning of February

[@Julemont]

Great... A 3 weeks trip from February 20th seems then good for you ?@@AlexanderAyling

[@endlesstravel8813]

I am a teacher and have time off in June-July. Is this a good time to visit? I know it’s their winter time.

[@AlexanderAyling]

It is if you like skiing and snowboarding, if winter sports aren't your thing, then probably best to come during your winter break.

[@martinsmallwood9605]

Milford sound, Insect repellent is very important the sand flies are small yet incredibly evil.On that note sunscreen is part of needed supplies due to NZ's clear skies and strong sun. Photos can never show the majesty and scale of the vistas in Milford or any other place in NZ. The cardrona range is a stunning drive . Kaikoura for whale watching, NZ fur seals and crayfish (lobster) The pacific ocean meeting the southern alps. The west coast with its rugged landscapes, temperate rainforest , coal and gold mining remnants and glaciers meet palm trees . Able tasman national park for awesome golden sand beaches, wild bush and sea kayak adventuring. East cape to meet real down to earth maori and stunning beaches when you are the only one. North of Auckland . Any East coast beach in late spring when the pohutukawa is in blosum will stun you senseless. White sand and scarlet trees. Waipoua with the giant kauri and primeval forest. Tutukaka Coast, Some of the best scuba diving to be found anywhere in the world is at the Poor Nights marine reserve. Rikoriko Cave is epic the largest sea cave on the planet. Bay of islands the name says it all cape brett the hole in the rock tours are stunning plus the history. Cape reinga were the pacific ocean meets the tasman sea has a spiritual vibe all of its own . Three weeks will leave you with a list of things you wished you experienced. I know I have spent a lifetime here and still have things to do and see.

[@FaithBuck-x6o]

How do I find your packing list?

[@pectusin]

If you have to make a choice, what it would be: Coromandel or Russell? We are driving South from Auckland ending up in Queenstown, and trying to decide if we should go further North. There is Waipu Caves which we want to visit, Kauri forest walk and Russel. There is no way we can make to Cape Reinga, unfortunately. After watching you video, I started thinking that we should probably drop Russell and kauri forest in favor of Coromandel.

[@kariwilson5766]

If I buy your itinerary what would happen if places were closed?

[@michellebahar5173]

I noticed you flew twice; would it be doable to drive both islands in 18 days returning the car back to Auckland at the end?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Unfortunately you can't take a rental car on the ferry across the Cook Straight, but you can take a rental camper van. If you want to do it in a camper van then yes, if so, check out my other itinerary designed for this route. ➡️ bit.ly/14DaysInNewZealand ✨

[@TheShahaakash95]

Hey, Cathedral Cove is shut right now, correct?

[@kelvinyschun]

Yes ... drove over to find out can't go by foot but can do kayaking to cove.

[@kimzeltsar6723]

Unfortunately due to my career, I cannot travel 3 weeks (1.5 or 2 weeks max). Would you recommend the north side or south side?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey Kim! Hard to say as they are both quite different. North Island is warmer and has more sub tropical areas, the South is a bit colder, more mountainous and wild. Both are beautiful. You can learn a lot more by grabbing a copy of my guide, then tailoring the information in it to your situation and plan your trip accordingly. Here's the link: bit.ly/21DaysinNewZealand

[@kariwilson5766]

Could you give tips and tricks for great photos from your phone and not camera

[@meghnanayak7415]

Itinerary cost is in NZD?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hey 👋🏼 all my itineraries are in USD. 👍🏽

[@grahamcook9289]

Don't waste your time in wellington. In fact bypass it if possible.

[@ChevyMoreau]

We have a six week trip booked to New Zealand in January/February 2025. Can we purchase a personalized 6 week itinerary from you?

[@manulimbu5392]

❤

[@therothschilds4986]

We visited NZ this year after years of planning. Saying it's beautiful is an understatement. We managed to film and flew our drone. Here's our video; kzbin.info/www/bejne/kHy0ZYSvd9ech7csi=qbbq7Z_S9X1CYJKu

[@Nothingstutube]

My biggest tip i would tell people is dont rely on google maps in NZ.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Hahah so true!!

[@kariz70]

J’ai payé et je n’ai toujours pas accès au guide!?

[@AlexanderAyling]

Bonjour, si vous plais, escrive a thatch, le vendor website. Je suis de sole je n’ai parle pas très bien

[@AlexanderAyling]

[e-mail]

[@kariz70]

Hi Alexander, thank you for the answer! Everything is ok! Your itinerary is awesome! I recommend it! We arrive in march for 5 weeks! Here I comes New Zealand!

[@heathersmiliekiwi8528]

That was not a kiwi!

[@60amandus1]

New Zealand is a beautiful county by nature. Lived in Wellington for 4 years. But New Zealand is a politically deep divided country. The native Māori population is mainly working in low cost jobs as waiters, cleaning and street working aids. Social injustice is evident wherever you go.

[@grahamcook9289]

Knackered? Mate, you're talking English (NZ).

[@grahamcook9289]

Definite fail mate on pronouncing Coromandel. Gave yourself away there with the stress on the first vowel.

[@KhabibandEnola]

Hi, does the itinerary including hotels? Thank you

[@AlexanderAyling]

Yes it does 👍🏽

[@captainsensiblejr.]

NOTE ON REGIONAL NAMES IN NEW ZEALAND a) in New Zealand English we precede geographic regions with the definite article "the" b) we don't really think about it, here, but most of New Zealand regional names are oriented to the compass and their geographical position c) the northern-most island is called The North Island, d) the middle (largest) island is called The South Island e) the smallest, southern-most island is Stewart Island [named for an early 19th C. whaler captain] d) the northern-most province of the North Island is Northland e) the northern-most point of land in Northland is called North Cape f) running south to north up the western coast of the entire length of the South Island, are the Southern Alps. g) the most easterly point of land of the North Island is the East Cape h) the southern-most province of the South Island ( which includes Stewart Island) is called Southland [fun fact- I was born and raised there] i) the western-most province of the South Island is called Westland g) if you want to refer to the entire coast of the island you are on, i.e. the coast nearest Australia, we refer to them both as the West Coast. Context determines the West Coast of which island. If no context is given, we mean the West Coast of the South Island.

[@AlexanderAyling]

Thank you Captain! 🧑‍✈️