One Epic Week in New Zealand: My 7-Day Itinerary Full of Adventure and Scenery
Matt - March 30, 2025
New Zealand had always been on my bucket list and this year I finally made it happen. While many travelers opt for a 2-3 week journey through both the North and South Islands, I only had 7 days to spare. But trust me—one week is enough for an unforgettable Kiwi adventure. Here's how I made the most of my short trip and how you can too.
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Day 1: Arrival in Queenstown — Burgers, Gardens, and Lake Views
My flight landed in Queenstown in the early afternoon. I checked into Earnslaw Lodge and made my way into town to stroll through the Queenstown Gardens and along Lake Wakatipu to unwind. Later, I grabbed dinner at the famous Fergburger.
Highlights:
- Queenstown Gardens – A peaceful escape in the heart of the city with tree-lined walking paths, rose gardens, and frisbee golf.
- Lake Wakatipu Walk – A scenic lakeside trail with mountain views and plenty of photo ops.
- Fergburger – An iconic burger joint known for its massive, gourmet burgers and long lines. A must-visit for foodies.
Day 2: LOTR Tour, Bungee Jump, and Drive to Wanaka
The day started with a guided Lord of the Rings filming locations tour, showcasing dramatic landscapes used in the movies. After lunch, I picked up a rental car and drove out to the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, where I took the ultimate plunge with a bungee jump—right where AJ Hackett launched commercial bungee in 1988.
I ended the day with a beautiful drive to Wanaka and checked into The Brownston.
Highlights:
- Queenstown LOTR Tour – Visit real filming locations like Isengard and Lothlórien with commentary about New Zealand’s cinematic scenery.
- Kawarau Bridge Bungee Jump – A 43-meter free fall over the turquoise Kawarau River. Pure adrenaline!
- Scenic Drive to Wanaka – Rolling hills, lakes, and alpine peaks line the route for a dreamy road trip experience.
Day 3: Roy’s Peak Hike, Burritos, and the Most Photographed Tree in NZ
I woke early for the iconic Roy’s Peak Hike. The climb was demanding—10 miles round trip with a 4.2k elevation gain—but the panoramic views from the top made every step worth it.
Highlights:
- Roy’s Peak Track – Known for its dramatic viewpoint overlooking Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps. One of the most photographed hikes in NZ.
- Burrito Craft – A local food truck favorite offering hearty burritos and Mexican eats—perfect post-hike fuel.
- #ThatWanakaTree – A lone willow growing out of Lake Wanaka, this iconic tree draws photographers from all over the world. Visit at sunset for the most dramatic shots.
- The Brownston Hostel – A cozy, affordable stay in Wanaka with easy access to cafes and trailheads. This hostel has a great kitchen for cooking some of your meals and is right across the lot from a great grocery store.
Day 4: Lake Pukaki, Salmon, and Scenic Stops in Mount Cook
After checking out, I drove toward Lake Pukaki, stopping at High Country Salmon for a fresh and tasty meal. From there, I explored Peter’s Lookout before hiking Hooker Lake and Kea Point in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Highlights:
- High Country Salmon – A floating salmon farm offering fresh sashimi and views of the canals.
- Lake Pukaki – Famous for its glacier-fed turquoise waters and postcard-perfect backdrop of Aoraki/Mount Cook.
- Peter’s Lookout – A roadside stop with sweeping views of Mount Cook and Lake Pukaki.
- Hooker Lake Hike – A 7-mile return track through swing bridges and valleys leading to a glacier lake filled with floating icebergs.
- Kea Point Hike – A short 2-mile walk to a viewpoint with stunning vistas of Mount Sefton and Mueller Glacier.
- Glentanner Park Centre – A peaceful, remote lodge surrounded by alpine scenery, great for stargazing. A good (but busy) kitchen for cooking some meals.
Day 5: Sealy Tarns, Tasman Glacier View & Drive to Te Anau
I started the day with a hike up to Sealy Tarns—a steep 3-mile climb with 1.8k elevation gain. For the more daring, there’s a continuation to the Mueller Hut. Later, I took in the peaceful Tasman Glacier View and drove to Te Anau, where I stayed at Te Anau Barnyard Backpackers.
Highlights:
- Sealy Tarns Hike – Nicknamed the "Stairway to Heaven," this hike offers 2,000+ stairs and rewarding panoramic views.
- Tasman Glacier View Track – An easy, mostly flat trail that leads to the edge of New Zealand’s longest glacier.
- Drive to Te Anau – A scenic 5-hour journey through rolling plains and forests.
- FishTail Restaurant & Bar – A flavorful dinner stop in Twizel serving fantastic Indian cuisine. Much needed after a long day of hiking.
Day 6: Milford Sound Cruise & Key Summit Trail
I made the two-hour drive to Milford Sound for a morning cruise. The towering peaks and cascading waterfalls were straight out of a dream. On the way back, I stopped for a short but scenic hike on the Key Summit Trail.
Highlights:
- Milford Sound Cruise – A serene fjord cruise surrounded by sheer cliffs, waterfalls, and seals. Don’t forget your rain jacket and layers. There is a free parking lot just a 15min walk away, otherwise there are paid lots to park in.
- Key Summit Trail – A moderate 5-mile hike through alpine beech forest leading to a lookout with 360° mountain views.
- Return to Te Anau Barnyard Backpackers – A rustic and quiet retreat just outside the town center, also with a nice kitchen to cook some meals. Enjoy the peaceful views and beautiful sunset from your cabin porch while the cows sing to you.
Day 7: Return to Queenstown, Devil's Staircase & Departure
On my final day, I drove back to Queenstown, making a scenic stop at the Devil's Staircase along the way. The twisting cliffside road offered stunning views over Lake Wakatipu and dramatic mountainscapes—one last chance to soak in New Zealand’s natural beauty. I wrapped up the trip with a final treat from Fergbaker before heading to the airport.
Highlights:
- Devil’s Staircase Scenic Stop – A winding stretch of highway with elevated roadside viewpoints overlooking Lake Wakatipu. It’s a great spot for photos and to reflect on your South Island adventure.
- Fergbaker – A local favorite for savory pies, pastries, and fluffy donuts. Perfect pre-flight snack.
- Final mountain views – Farewell vistas of Queenstown and The Remarkables.
- Departure from Queenstown – Easy airport access with unforgettable memories.
Optional Add-Ons: More Activities To Consider
If you have a bit more time or want to squeeze in some extra experiences, here are a few great options to consider:
- Jet Boating in Queenstown – Adrenaline-packed rides zipping through narrow river canyons.
- Franz Josef Glacier – Take a heli-hike or walk to the terminal face of one of NZ’s most accessible glaciers.
- Hot Pools – Great for soaking sore muscles after long hikes; found in places like Queenstown and Tekapo.
- Arrowtown – A preserved gold rush village with charming shops, cafes, and trails.
Each of these activities is worth exploring if your schedule allows!
Essential Packing List for New Zealand (7 Days)
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Power adapter (NZ uses Type I plugs)
- Layers — the weather changes quickly
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Final Thoughts
New Zealand packs a punch. Whether you’re into adrenaline rushes, alpine hikes, or lakeside serenity, this 7-day itinerary proves you don’t need weeks to fall in love with the Land of the Long White Cloud. Plan smart, pack well, and get ready for a trip you'll never forget.
If you're planning your own New Zealand escape, feel free to copy this itinerary and tailor it to your style. Trust me—you won't regret it.
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