New Zealand is one of those countries where everyone wants to visit, and yet when it comes to planning for travelers on a budget, the information is surprisingly limited.
For one, New Zealand is an expensive country, and it can be a huge turn-off for most backpackers. The fact that New Zealand's towns are so remote also creates a perception that you would need to rent a campervan or a car to travel around.
That is not entirely true. Some remote areas require you to rent a car, yes, but you can also opt in for organized tours when you can, which will handle all the logistics for you.
You can also rent a car temporarily and rely on buses for long-distance travel to save costs. There are several ways you can save money when traveling in New Zealand, and I am here to help you plan your trip here.
I have spent 5 weeks traveling around New Zealand without renting a car, and I got to see some of the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen in my life. It truly is one of the best trips you can make in your life.
Within this article, you will find all the information you need to plan a great trip to New Zealand on a budget, including all the places to see, where to stay, how to get around in New Zealand, and so much more. Without further ado, let's take a look at our one-month New Zealand itinerary on a map.
- New Zealand One Month Itinerary Map
- One Month New Zealand Backpacking Itinerary
- New Zealand Travel Video
- When to Visit New Zealand?
- How to Get to New Zealand?
- How to Get Around New Zealand?
- New Zealand Budget Tips
- How Much Does It Cost to Travel One Month in New Zealand?
- Which tourist SIM card is best for New Zealand?
- What to Pack for New Zealand?
- Further Reading for Backpacking in New Zealand
New Zealand One Month Itinerary Map
| ☀️ Day 1: | Auckland |
| ☀️ Day 2-3: | Rotorua |
| ☀️ Day 4-6: | Lake Taupo |
| ☀️ Day 7: | Wellington |
| ☀️ Day 8: | Picton |
| ☀️ Day 9-10: | Nelson |
| ☀️ Day 11-12: | Motueka and the Abel Tasman |
| ☀️ Day 13-14: | Westport |
| ☀️ Day 15-17: | Franz Josef |
| ☀️ Day 18-19: | Wanaka |
| ☀️ Day 20-22: | Queenstown |
| ☀️ Day 23-24: | Te Anau and the Milford Sound |
| ☀️ Day 25-26: | Routeburn Track |
| ☀️ Day 27: | Queenstown |
| ☀️ Day 28: | Lake Tekapo |
| ☀️ Day 29: | Mt Cook |
| ☀️ Day 30: | Christchurch |
| ☀️ Day 31-33: | Dunedin |
One Month New Zealand Backpacking Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland (1 night)
Our journey begins in Auckland, the most populous city in New Zealand. However, we won't be staying here long, as the true beauty of New Zealand lies within the remote places and countrysides where all the beautiful lakes and mountains are.
That doesn't mean you can't enjoy a bit of sightseeing in Auckland. Depending on what time you arrive in Auckland, you will likely have to spend one night here, which will give you some time to get used to your new surroundings, exchange your money, get a SIM card, and explore a bit of Auckland.
You can go on a hike to the top of Mt Eden to get a stunning view of Auckland for free or go up the Sky Tower for an even better view if you don't mind paying, or just stroll around the city center to get used to the culture here as you will be spending the next month traveling from North to South.
- Amplified NZ Tour (16 days)
- Highlights of New Zealand (15 days)
- Trekking in New Zealand (19 days)
Get some rest and before you sleep, be sure to book a bus ticket from Auckland to Rotorua, home to stunning thermal parks, which are our next destination.
Getting from Auckland to Rotorua
Intercity Bus has 6 buses per day running between Auckland and Rotorua, starting at 8:30 AM and ending at 7 PM. To take the bus, you will need to book the ticket in advance and go to Auckland's Intercity Bus Terminal.
The Intercity bus from Auckland to Rotorua will cost you about 35 NZD per person and take you about 4 hours, and it will drop you off at Rotorua's Bus Station in the city center. You can book your Intercity Bus tickets here.
Day 2 - 3: Rotorua (2 nights)
Rotorua is home to one of the most active geothermal areas in New Zealand and is a great place for you to dive deep into Maori culture and explore their traditions, while also keeping an eye out for explosive geysers and beautiful champagne lakes.
With a full day (2 nights) here, you can spend the first half of the day exploring the beautiful thermal wonderland that is Waiotapu with a morning tour that includes a visit to the Lady Knox Geyser, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and a walk around the Waiotapu thermal wonderland.
In the afternoon, go and check out the Government Gardens and the stunning Rotorua Museum building. You can also walk further and do parts of the Rotorua Walkway which will take you along Rotorua Lake, Sulfer Point, and more.
In the evening, you can go and hike Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as Redwoods, a 6-hectare grove of majestic redwoods with many trails and walking paths for you to hike around in nature. Spend around an hour or two and simply explore the stunning nature in Redwoods before you end your day in Rotorua.
Getting from Rotorua to Lake Taupo
Intercity Bus has 5 buses per day running between Rotorua and Lake Taupo starting from 8:50 AM to 10:35 PM. The buses leave from Rotorua's Bus Station and will drop you off at Taupo's Intercity Bus Stop.
The bus will cost you about 40 NZD per person and take you about 1 hour. You can book your Intercity Bus tickets here.
Day 4 - 6: Lake Taupo (3 nights)
The only reason why we are visiting Lake Taupo is to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best hikes you can do in New Zealand. The trail will take you to some of the most diverse landscapes you will see on the North Island of New Zealand.
When you arrive in Lake Taupo, the first thing you do is book a Tongariro Crossing shuttle service to take you to the trailhead and back the next day, where you will be spending 8 hours on the trail.
The Tongariro Crossing trail is a 20-km long one-way trail that will take you from the volcanic landscape of Mt. Ngauruhoe or Mt. Doom, for those Lord of the Ring fans out there, to the beautiful glistening Emerald Lakes, all compressed into an 8-hour day hike.
All those hiking photos from New Zealand that you see on the internet are probably from the Tongariro Crossing trail. The hike's difficulty is moderate unless you want to tackle the side trips as well, which are extremely difficult given that you have to be at the other end on time for the shuttle to pick you up and take you back to Lake Taupo.
There is no food or drinkable water along the way, so be sure to prepare all of that, including layers and raincoats, in case the weather turns south on the trail. The entire hike should take around 8 hours, from 8 AM to 4:00 PM, and you should be back in Lake Taupo by 6 PM.
Rest up and spend the next day just relaxing around Lake Taupo and checking out the Huka Falls, etc. The next day, we will continue our journey to our next destination, Wellington, where we will be crossing to the South Island.
Getting from Lake Taupo to Wellington
Intercity Bus has 5 buses per day running between Lake Taupo and Wellington, starting from 12:10 AM to 2:30 PM, leaving from Taupo's Intercity Bus Stop, and the bus will drop you off at Wellington Central Bus Stop.
The bus will cost you about 60 NZD per person and takes about 7 hours. You can book your Intercity Bus tickets here.
Day 7: Wellington (1 night)
Today is the day we are going to cross the Cook Strait with a ferry from the North Island to the South Island. Since the bus from Lake Taupo takes around 7 hours, you won't have much time in Wellington unless you spend more than 1 night.
If you do, you can spend some time exploring the windiest city in New Zealand with a little history lesson at Te Papa Museum, then go hiking or take the cable car to the top of Mount Victoria Lookout for a stunning view of Wellington from above, or simply indulge in the local cuisine at Hannah's Laneway.
Before you end your day in Wellington, make sure you book the ferry across from Wellington to Picton before you go to bed. I recommend you take the Interisland Ferry across the Strait for a nice enjoyable time along the Queen Charlotte Sound.
Getting from Wellington to Picton
As previously mentioned, you will have to cross from the North Island to the South Island with a ferry, and you can do it via the Interislander Ferry.
Depending on when you book your ticket, make sure you are at the Interislander Terminal 30 minutes before the scheduled time. You can catch the free shuttle bus from Platform 9 at the Wellington Railway Station to reach the terminal without any charge. The shuttle bus departs 50 minutes before each daytime sailing (8 AM - 6 PM), so make sure to be there on time.
The ferry will cost you about 65 NZD per person and take you about 3.5 hours before you arrive in Picton. You can book your Interislander Ferry here.
Day 8: Picton (1 night)
Picton is a small city located on the northern tip of the South Island, and it will be your first city in the South Island on this itinerary. There are quite a few things you can squeeze into your one-night stay in Picton.
You can go hiking along the Snout Track to check out the Queen Charlotte Sound, or you can just relax by the Marina until the bus leaves from Picton to Nelson, our next destination.
Getting from Picton to Nelson
Intercity Bus has one bus running between Picton and Nelson at 1 PM on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, leaving from Picton's Intercity Bus Stop. The bus will drop you off at Nelson's Bus Stop.
The bus will cost you about 35 NZD per person and take you about 1.5 hours. You can book your Intercity Bus tickets here.
Day 9 - 10: Nelson (2 nights)
Nelson, a coastal city on the northeastern tip of the South Island, is famous for its laid-back vibe, beautiful sunshine, and long golden beaches. It is one of the best towns to visit in New Zealand if you are looking for a nice, relaxing time away from all the other tourist hotspots.
Since you will have one full day here, you can spend the morning hiking up to the Center of New Zealand Monument for a stunning view of Nelson and its coastline.
Spend the afternoon cafe-hopping, checking out the Christ Church Cathedral or visiting the Nelson Provincial Museum to learn a bit more about this old city.
In the late afternoon, you can go and stroll along the stunningly wide white sand beach of Tahunanui Beach before you enjoy a nice pint of beer at Sprig and Fern Bar for only 9 NZD.
Now that you have been out for an entire day, it's time to rest up and plan our next adventure, which involves hiking part of one of the 10 famous Great Walks of New Zealand: the Abel Tasman National Park in Motueka.
Getting from Nelson to Motueka
From Nelson, you will have to take a bus to Motueka. This route is operated by the Golden Bay Coachline and they have 2-3 buses leaving from Nelson Intercity Bus Stop at 7:30 AM, 9 AM, and 4:15 PM.
The bus journey from Nelson to Motueka will take around 45 minutes and cost 15 NZD per person. You can check the bus schedule here or you can book the bus here.
Day 11 - 12: Motueka and the Abel Tasman (2 nights)
The main reason why we are visiting Motueka is to do parts of the Abel Tasman Track, one of the 10 Great Walks of New Zealand, which is located in the Abel Tasman National Park not too far from Motueka.
To complete the entire 60 km length of the Abel Tasman Track, it would take you 3-5 days. However, for those of you who are short on time, you can choose sections of the Abel Tasman Track and do them as day trips.
Once you arrive in Motueka, you can start organizing your transfer to the Abel Tasman Track with AquaTaxi. AquaTaxi provides a speedboat drop-off and pick-up service, where they can drop you off and pick you up at two different points along the Abel Tasman Track. This allows you to do a day trip instead of doing the entire 60 km Abel Tasman track.
The one I did, and I highly recommend you do, is the Seals and Sand package. They will drop you off at Torrent Bay, and you can walk along the coastline for about 4 hours. They will then pick you up at Onetahuti Beach.
This section of the Abel Tasman Track is pretty easy with very few ups and downs. You should be able to do it even if you are not fit. It's like strolling along the beach for 2-4 hours. The view is stunning, though, and you will be able to see sights like the beautiful white beaches and epic coastline that you don't get to see on other New Zealand's Great Walks.
At about 4 PM, the AquaTaxi boat will come and pick you up at Onetahuti Beach and take you to Marahau. Along the way, they might stop at a few beautiful sights to check out some stunning wildlife before they continue back to Motueka, which completes our trip to the Abel Tasman National Park.
Next up, we will be heading to Westport to start our journey along the Great Coast Road of New Zealand.
Getting from Motueka to Westport
From Motueka, there is no direct way to get to Westport. What you have to do is catch the Golden Bay Coachline at 7:15 AM to go to Nelson. Spend one night in Nelson, and the next day, catch the Intercity Bus to Westport.
Once you arrive in Nelson, you can then take the bus to Westport. This route is operated by the Intercity and they have one bus leaving from Nelson Intercity Bus Stop at 7:15 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
The bus journey from Nelson to Westport will take around 3.5 hours and cost 36 NZD per person. You can book the bus to Westport here.
Day 13 - 14: Westport (2 nights)
There isn't a whole lot to do in Westport, but if you are traveling by bus, you will likely have to spend 2 nights here, as the bus only runs along the west coast on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
That said, Westport is a great place to start your journey on one of the best coastal roads in the world: the Great Coast Road of New Zealand, which we will be traveling in the next few days to Glacier Country.
There are a couple of things that will keep you occupied before the next bus takes you along the west coast. One of my favorite places in Westport is Cape Foulwind and the walkway that hugs along the coastline, taking you to see some really stunning cliffs, a lighthouse, and a seal colony.
You can bike there and spend a couple of hours walking around the beautiful walkway. You can also learn to surf at Bazil's Hostel where they will often take curious travelers out to the beach and teach them how to surf.
Otherwise, you can just rest in Westport for a day and catch the next bus out. With the Intercity bus, it will also stop at Punakaiki, home to the beautiful pancake rocks, for 30 minutes for you to take photos. Then it will continue on to our next destination, Franz Josef.
Where to Stay in Westport?
Getting from Westport to Franz Josef
Intercity Bus has one bus running between Westport and Franz Josef at 10:45 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday leaving from outside of Westport's ISITE. You will then have to transit at Greymouth onto another bus that will take you to Franz Josef.
The entire journey will cost you about 38 NZD per person and takes about 6 hours, including the transit time of around 15 minutes. You can book your Intercity Bus tickets here.
Day 15 - 17: Franz Josef (2 - 3 nights)
Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most beautiful natural wonders on the west coast of the South Island of New Zealand. With its 12 km length descending from the Southern Alps to less than 300 m above sea level, Franz Josef Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the country for travelers to see and interact with.
If you are looking to go hike Franz Josef Glacier, which you absolutely should, you can book the Franz Josef Heli Hike Tour which will take you up in a helicopter to the top of the glacier. There, you will then spend 3 hours hiking around, exploring, and observing the stunning features of the glacier.
At one point, you will be faced with a decision as to whether to squeeze yourself through this extremely narrow passage between 2 massive blocks of ice or to go around it. Of course, I went for the narrow passage, and boy, was it terrifying.
The Franz Josef Heli Hike Tour will cost you around 350 USD. It is expensive, but it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I highly recommend you go for it if you are already in Franz Josef.
Depending on the weather, your heli-hike tour might get canceled. Hence, why I put the 1-2 night parenthesis here, just in case you have to extend your stay to try the heli-hike tour again.
If you are looking to see Franz Josef Glacier from the ground for free, you can also go on a 1.5-hour hike along the Franz Josef Glacier Walk, which will take you from Franz Josef town to the Franz Josef Glacier viewing area through a rocky riverbed path and waterfalls.
Hiking the Franz Josef Glacier Walk is a great way to see and appreciate Franz Josef Glacier from the ground, without spending a dime. The walk is easy, with no ups or downs.
After spending your time at Franz Josef, we can continue on to our next destination: the beautiful lakeside town of Wanaka.
Getting from Franz Josef to Lake Wanaka
Intercity Bus has one bus running between Franz Josef and Wanaka at 8:00 AM on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, leaving from Franz Josef Bus Stop. They will drop you off at Wanaka Bus Station.
The entire journey will cost you about 55 NZD per person and take you about 6.5 hours. You can book your Intercity Bus tickets here.
Day 18 - 19: Wanaka (2 nights)
Wanaka is one of those places in New Zealand where you don't expect much from it, and then it turns out to be one of the prettiest places you have ever visited.
Located on the bank of the pristine Lake Wanaka, Wanaka City offers many great opportunities for us to enjoy the outdoors, from a stroll around Lake Wanaka to a full-on hiking adventure to one of the prettiest viewpoints in New Zealand, Roy's Peak.
If you are looking for things to do around the lake, you can go on a walk along Lake Wanaka Walkway, spot the lone tree of Wanaka, or you can rent a kayak and visit Ruby Island.
You can also hike up to Mt. Iron for a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains around Wanaka, visit the Puzzling World amusement park, and stroll around the Wanaka Lavender Field.
That should occupy you for the entire day before we move on to the capital adventure of New Zealand, Queenstown. Brace yourself; there are going to be tons of adventures from here on out!
Getting from Lake Wanaka to Queenstown
Intercity Bus has one bus running between Wanaka and Queenstown at 2:40 PM on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, leaving from Wanaka Bus Stop and they will drop you off at Queenstown Intercity Bus Stop.
The bus will cost you about 33 NZD per person and takes about 2 hours. You can book your Intercity Bus tickets here.
Day 20 - 22: Queenstown (3 nights)
Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, offering a wide range of sports and activities that can push the limits of the human body.
Located on the shore of pristine Lake Wakatipu and sandwiched between mountains on three sides, there is no way in hell you will be able to leave Queenstown without getting your adrenaline pumping.
One of the best viewpoints in Queenstown and one of the best things you can do is to hike up to the Queenstown Hill Viewpoint, where you will be able to see Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu from above, as the stunning face of Mount Aspiring looms behind.
Continue on, and you will be on your way up to the summit of Ben Lomond, which is another hike I recommend you do together with Queenstown Hill. Up there, you will be able to enjoy the stunning view of Queenstown from the Ben Lomond Saddle and the mountains surrounding the city.
Hiking Ben Lomond is a great way to get acquainted with the nature around Queenstown, and you will be able to witness just how adventure-oriented this town is as you walk through the thick forest on mountain bike trails and under all the zip lines and zip line stations.
Once you have hiked Ben Lomond, you can then drive the luge down from Queenstown Hill, which is another fun activity to do in Queenstown.
For the next day, go up 15,000 ft into the sky and get thrown out from a moving airplane with NZONE Skydive, one of the best skydiving experiences you will ever have. The view up there is indescribable.
If the weather is not looking good but you still want to throw yourself off something, bungee jumping is your friend, and there is no better place to do it than here, where the sport originated from.
As you can see, there are tons of things you can do in Queenstown, and we can spend days trying to do them all. However, since we have limited time and budget, it is time to move on to our next destination, Te Anau, where we will be traveling from there to the Milford Sound.
Getting from Queenstown to Te Anau
Intercity Bus has 3 buses running between Queenstown and Te Anau at 6:55 AM, 10:35 AM, and 4:35 PM every day leaving from Queenstown Bus Stop, and they will drop you off at Te Anau Bus Stop.
The bus journey from Queenstown to Te Anau will take around 2.5 hours and cost 49 NZD per person. You can book the bus to Te Anau here.
Day 23 - 24: Te Anau and the Milford Sound (2 nights)
One of the reasons why we are visiting Te Anau is because we will use it as a base to explore the beautiful Milford Sound, which is one of the most popular attractions in New Zealand.
Milford Sound is one of those places where if 10 years have passed, and you are trying to recall your New Zealand trip that you took 10 years ago, the mental image of your experience with Milford Sound would be the first to come rushing back.
In order to get there, you will have to book the Milford Sound Cruise Tour by GreatSight, which includes a transfer between Te Anau and Milford Sound so you don't have to worry about the logistics.
The tour also includes several stops along the scenic Milford Road like Mirror Lakes, Pop's View Point, 1855 Lookout, and more before you even arrive at Milford Sound.
Once you arrive, you will be ushered onto a cruise where you will then travel along the stunning fjord, visiting all kinds of beautiful waterfalls and animal colonies. The Milford Sound tour will take the entire day and cost around 126 NZD per person.
Once you get back to Te Anau, it is time to prepare for another adventure. This time, we are going to tackle one of the best Great Walks of New Zealand: the Routeburn Track in its entirety. So, spend the evening preparing your hiking gear, sleeping bags, and food for 3 days.
Getting from Te Anau to the Routeburn Track - The Divide
Tracknet Shuttle Bus runs between Te Anau and the Divide Parking Lot, where the trailhead of the Routeburn Track is located.
They have three buses from Te Anau to the Divide leaving at 7:15 AM, 9:45 AM, and 1:25 PM. You can book the Tracknet bus here.
Day 25 - 26: Routeburn Track (2 nights)
The Routeburn Track is a 3-day scenic hiking trail that will take you through some of the most stunning landscapes you will ever see in your life. It is one of the 10 Great Walks in New Zealand, and if you have the time to do only one great walk in New Zealand, make it this one.
This 33 km long hiking trail will take you around the Fjordland National Park on foot, passing through beautiful mountains and pristine lakes on a 3-day adventure. In order to do that, you will need to plan ahead with the transfer, reserve mountain huts, and prepare your gear carefully.
If you want to hike this trail, you are going to have to reserve the mountain huts in advance as they often get booked out quickly. You can reserve the mountain huts here.
Your journey will begin at the Divide, where you can follow the trail to the Key Summit for a stunning viewpoint before hiking down to Lake MacKenzie, where you will be spending your first night. Your first day should take around 5 hours.
On the second day, you will start hiking up and out of the valley onto a trail along the side of a mountain, where you will be able to appreciate the stunning Darran Mountain before you arrive at Routeburn Fall Hut in about 5 hours.
Your last day on the Routeburn Track is an easy stroll down to Routeburn Shelter, where the shuttle bus to Queenstown is waiting for you.
Getting from Routeburn Shelter to Queenstown
Tracknet Shuttle Bus also runs between the Routeburn Shelter and Queenstown, which you will need to book in advance to get back to Queenstown. They have two buses running from the Routeburn Shelter to Queenstown at 9:45 AM and 2:15 PM.
This will cost you around 45 NZD, and the trip from the Routeburn Shelter to Queenstown will take about 1 hour. You can book the shuttle bus from Routeburn Track to Queenstown here.
Queenstown (1 night)
By the time you arrive in Queenstown, it should be dark. Therefore, you will have to spend one more night here before we continue to our next destination, Lake Tekapo.
Getting from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo
From Queenstown, you can travel to Lake Tekapo by buses operated by Intercity. They have 1 bus leaving from Intercity Bus Stop in Queenstown at 8:05 AM on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
The bus journey from Queenstown to Lake Tekapo will take around 4 hours and cost 55 NZD per person. You can book the bus to Lake Tekapo here.
Day 28: Lake Tekapo (1 night)
When you think of New Zealand, the image of a pastel blue-colored lake and colorful fields of purple lupins probably comes to mind. That is Lake Tekapo, a small lakeside town by the lake with the same name located near the famous Mt. Cook National Park along the Queenstown to Christchurch main road.
With beautiful mountain vistas, a clear night sky, and its proximity to Mt. Cook, the highest mountain in New Zealand, Lake Tekapo makes for a great one-night stop before we continue our journey.
Since you will have only the evening, I recommend that you hit the ground running and go for a walk along the lake and appreciate just how colorful the place is. At night, if the sky is clear, you can go stargazing at the Church of the Good Shepherd and take some stunning Milky Way photos.
The next day, catch the Cook Connect bus to Twizel and take another bus from Twizel to Mount Cook, our next destination.
Getting from Lake Tekapo to Mt. Cook
Cook Connect Shuttle Bus runs between Mt. Cook and Lake Tekapo every day from October to May with self-transit at Twizel. The bus leaves from Lake Tekapo to Twizel at 10:30 AM, where you arrive in Twizel at 11:30 AM. From Twizel, you can then catch another Cook Connect bus to Mt. Cook at 2:30 PM, where you will arrive at 3:45 PM.
Each transit will cost you around 30 NZD per person, so you will be spending 60 NZD to travel from Lake Tekapo to Mt. Cook. As you can see, if you travel by bus, it will take you the entire day to move between the two towns, so make sure you do not plan anything else during that day. You can book Cook Connect's transfer service here.
Day 29: Mt Cook (1 night)
Along the way from Twizel to Mt. Cook, the Cook Connect shuttle bus should stop at Lake Pukaki, which is definitely worth a visit. I can never get bored of the view of the stunningly blue watered lake and the beautiful snowy mountains of New Zealand looming behind.
One of the best things you should do when you arrive in Mt. Cook National Park is to hike the Hooker Valley Track, a 10 km return track that goes through the grassland in Mt. Cook National Park, passing alpine streams and glaciers while Mt. Cook towers over you.
The Hooker Valley Track is very easy, with few ups and downs, and it takes about 3 hours to complete the round trip from Mt. Cook Village to the end of the trail.
You can also take to the sky and fly over Mt. Cook with a Scenic Helicopter Ride Tour that you can book for around $450 USD. When you are done, you can warm yourself up at The Hermitage Hotel with a nice glass of wine before ending our day.
Getting from Mt. Cook to Christchurch
From Mt. Cook, you will have to take the Cook Connect shuttle at 10:15 AM to Twizel, where you will arrive at 11 AM in time to catch the Intercity bus from Twizel to Christchurch at 11:15 AM on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from Twizel Bus Stop.
The bus journey from Twizel to Christchurch will take around 5.5 hours and cost 47 NZD per person. For the entire trip from Mt. Cook to Christchurch, it will cost you 77 NZD. You can book the bus to Christchurch here.
Day 30: Christchurch (1 night)
Christchurch doesn't have the beauty it used to have after the earthquake, and even though it's been a few years, the main parts of the city are still under construction.
Unfortunately, it is unavoidable because you will arrive in Christchurch late in the evening, and you won't be able to take the bus out. So, just stay one night here and head to Dunedin the next day.
Getting from Christchurch to Dunedin
From Christchurch, you can also take the bus operated by Intercity. They have four buses running between 8 AM and 2:25 PM every day, leaving from the Intercity Bus Stop in Christchurch and will drop you off at the Intercity Bus Stop in Dunedin.
The bus journey from Christchurch to Dunedin will take around 6 hours and cost 47 NZD per person. You can book the bus to Dunedin here.
Day 31 - 33: Dunedin (3 nights)
Last but not least, we have arrived at our last destination, Dunedin. If Auckland and Wellington are considered the two main centers of the North Island, then Christchurch and Dunedin are the two main centers of the South Island of New Zealand.
Due to its historical, cultural, and geographical significance, Dunedin is a place where you will find an abundance of beautiful beaches and hills and interesting culture, unlike any other city you have been to in New Zealand.
You can spend your first day visiting all the cool places in Dunedin's city center such as the Railway Station, the Royal Botanic Garden, the Otago Museum, or go up Signal Hill for a stunning view of the city and its coastline.
You can also spend a day exploring all the beautiful beaches along the coastline of Dunedin, such as St. Clair Beach, Aramoana Beach, and the breathtaking Tunnel Beach.
On your second day, you can also take a day trip and explore the Otago Peninsula, visit the Royal Albatross Centre to learn more about the world's largest birds, or visit the one and only castle in New Zealand, Larnach Castle.
After spending 2 days in Dunedin and an entire month in New Zealand, it is time for us to fly back to Auckland and head home. Congratulations, you have finally completed the one-month North-to-South trip in New Zealand.
When to Visit New Zealand?
The best time to visit New Zealand is during the shoulder seasons between September and November, and March and May. There will be considerably fewer travelers during this time, while most accommodation will offer discounted prices, making your trip way more cost-effective than the peak season (November to March).
The Great Walks of New Zealand are also opening up during this time, which should allow you to experience one of the best hikes in the world. Just make sure you plan ahead and book everything beforehand, as they get booked out extremely fast.
How to Get to New Zealand?
New Zealand has several international airports, but for this itinerary, we will be flying in and out of Auckland, so that is where our journey will begin.
From the US, there are no direct flights to Auckland, so you will have to rely on transit flights from airlines like Qantas, which often transit in Fiji and take about 19 hours.
From Europe, you can fly from the most popular European hubs like London, Paris, or Frankfurt via Lufthansa, Qatar, Emirates, or Singapore Airlines. You will then have to transit through their headquarters to get to Auckland before continuing on to Dunedin. The flight will take over 24 hours, so gear up and prepare for a long ride.
From Asia, there are several airlines offering various routes from many hub cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Hong Kong that will fly you to Auckland. Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand, and Singapore Airlines are excellent choices for traveling this route, with the fastest flight time being 9 hours.
To find a cheap flight to New Zealand, I would recommend that you use Skyscanner or Expedia to look for the cheapest route and schedule, so you can compare and pick the best one.
How to Get Around New Zealand?
By Bus: One of the cheapest ways to get around New Zealand is to use its rather good public transportation. For long distances, the Intercity bus is the mode of transportation that we will mainly use in this itinerary.
If you wish to travel by Intercity Bus, I recommend you get the Flexipass, where you buy hours and can travel any route in the country, depending on the length of the bus ride. It is a great way to hop around the country without having to spend a lot of money.
For more information about Flexipass, please visit the official Intercity Flexipass page here.
By Air: New Zealand is quite remote. If you plan to travel between major cities such as Christchurch, Queenstown, Dunedin, Wellington, and Auckland to reach remote areas, I recommend flying instead. It is faster and often cheaper than taking the bus.
Air New Zealand and Jetstar often fly these routes directly and daily, with prices ranging from 35 USD to 100 USD, which is quite affordable, all things considered.
For this New Zealand itinerary, we will only be using one domestic flight from Dunedin back to Auckland on your way out of New Zealand. In all the other places, we will be traveling by land, one city at a time.
By Campervan: One of the most popular ways to get around New Zealand is to rent a campervan, which will allow you to travel anywhere you like and save a ton of money on accommodation by allowing you to sleep at campsites around the country. I recommend that you rent a campervan in Auckland and drive around the country if you have the money.
There are several well-known campervan rental companies that I have seen people driving all over the country, such as Jucy, Spaceships, and Britz, so be sure to check them out when you are in Auckland.
By Car: You can rent a car directly from Auckland International Airport for only around $25 USD per day, and you can drive around the country at your own leisure.
If you have the money and you wish to have the freedom to stop whenever you want (and trust me, you will, as New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world), I recommend you get a car. You can rent a car in Auckland here.
By Tours: For some places like Milford Sound and the Franz Josef Glacier Hike, it is better to go with organized tours instead, as the logistics of visiting these remote places are more accessible if you let the tours organize them for you. For activities, I highly recommend checking Viator.com for cheap deals that you might not get offline.
By Walking: When you arrive in cities and towns in New Zealand, you can expect to walk to most tourist attractions around the city center. New Zealand is known for its abundance of beautiful tracks and trails, and you will find beautiful nature walking trails in just about any city you visit. Plus, they are all free!
New Zealand Budget Tips
New Zealand is an expensive country, no doubt, but it doesn't have to be if you know how to save. Here are tips I used to minimize costs while not sacrificing the adventures one should do in New Zealand.
-
Cook your own food: A meal in New Zealand could cost you 15 NZD or more. By cooking your own food, it will cost you less than 10 NZD per meal.
This is a little harder as a solo traveler but it is possible. My usual go-to recipe is a salad, a canned flavored chicken, and a tortilla wrap. I got a little more creative and mixed & matched a bunch of other things such as hamburgers, spaghetti, and noodles. Or if you are not keen on cooking, go for a Subway's sub-of-the-day sandwich. It should cost you no more than 6 NZD. - Stay in Hostels: It's much more affordable for backpackers and you got to meet a lot of people in the process.
- Walk: New Zealand is a beautiful country and the government knows it. That's why they built so many great nature trails both in cities and remote areas. All are free and it makes you healthier, what more could you ask for.
- Buy a Bus Pass: You will be relying on buses most of the time so you might as well buy a bus pass before you arrive. Some bus passes are valid for a year so keep an eye out for discounts and buy them when they go on sale.
- Hitchhike: Hitchhiking is extremely common and very safe in New Zealand. It is free, exciting and you get to experience the country with the locals first hand.
How Much Does It Cost to Travel One Month in New Zealand?
With the one-month New Zealand itinerary recommended here, we can calculate approximately how much you will be spending on this trip as follows:
Accommodation: For 30 days in New Zealand, you will be spending around 712 USD on accommodation.
Food: An average meal in New Zealand costs around $10, so you will be spending around $900 on food for 30 days.
Transportation: If you buy the Intercity's Flexipass, it will cost you 437 NZD for a 55-hour pass, plus 86 NZD for the Routeburn Track transfer, 70 NZD for the Tekapo - Mt Cook roundtrip, 31 NZD for the Tongariro Crossing transfer, 75 NZD for the Abel Tasman Transfer, 57 NZD for a cruise from North to South, and 87 NZD for a flight from Dunedin to Auckland. You can expect to pay around 843 NZD (626 USD) for transportation in total.
Activities: These are all optional, but it would be a shame if you didn't do anything extreme while you are in New Zealand. For activities, you can expect to spend around 838 USD (optional), including skydiving, a Milford Sound tour, a tour in Rotorua, and other activities.
Total Budget for one month in New Zealand: 2,238 USD (3,037.49 NZD) or 3,076 USD (4,174.85 NZD) including extreme activities.
Which tourist SIM card is best for New Zealand?
Update: If your phone supports eSIM, I highly recommend checking out Airalo, a global eSIM marketplace. It allows you to stay connected affordably while traveling in New Zealand without having to switch out your physical SIM card.
Gone are the days when you needed to scramble to find a local SIM card at an airport upon arrival. You can purchase an eSIM before your arrival, and you'll be good to go. If your phone doesn't support eSIM, here is how you can get a local SIM card in New Zealand:
Don't expect much from New Zealand's WIFI. They are terribly outdated, with some cafes offering free 25 MB and 15-minute time-limited WIFI to their customers. Yes, really!
For a more reliable internet connection, I would recommend that you get yourself a local SIM card where you will be able to find a 4G connection in all the major cities around the country now.
Spark is a recommended carrier with the most coverage around the country. You can buy their prepaid SIM card "Data Lover" package at the airport in Auckland, which comes in 2 price points: 20 NZD for 1 GB (+1 GB for social) and 40 NZD for 4.5 GB (+1 GB for social), both valid for one month.
With Spark, you can top up your data at stores around the country, or you can simply do it online with your credit card. It is very easy and convenient.
For more information about SIM cards in New Zealand, visit: New Zealand's Prepaid Data SIM Card
Tips: To stay connected with people at home, be sure that you have a VPN, such as ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and you can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.
What to Pack for New Zealand?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to New Zealand:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Down Jacket: In freezing temperatures, a down jacket is essential. The Columbia Men's Lone Fir Hooded Jacket (for women) is my choice. They are warm, lightweight, and available in various colors.
- Wool Beanie: A wool beanie is perfect for keeping your head and ears warm.
- Wool Gloves: I always have wool gloves handy to keep my hands warm in cold weather.
- Wool Socks: Don't forget to keep your feet warm with wool socks.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Backpacking in New Zealand
I've spent 5 weeks backpacking in New Zealand, and I have written a ton more about my journey traveling throughout New Zealand, from the North Island to the South Island, that might help in your trip planning.
Here's a selection of articles about New Zealand:
- Don't have one month in New Zealand? How about spending 2 weeks visiting all the highlights of New Zealand on the South Island? Check out our 2 Week Itinerary for the South Island, New Zealand.
- Want to visit New Zealand but not sure what to pack? Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for New Zealand.
- Planning a trip to New Zealand? Here are the 12 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand.
- New Zealand has a special place in my heart. It is one of the most memorable trips I have ever done, and here are 10 things I love about New Zealand.
- If you are planning to travel from North to South in New Zealand, Rotorua is a great place to start your journey from Auckland. Here are the 7 Best Things to Do in Rotorua.
- Did you know that you can climb Mount Doom from Lord of the Rings in real life? Check out: The Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Tongariro Crossing.
- Planning to travel across Cook Strait from Wellington on the North Island to Picton on the South Island? Here's How to Get From Wellington to Picton.
- Nelson is one of the most laid-back and sunny cities in New Zealand, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the abundant sunshine. Here are the 7 Best Things to Do in Nelson.
- Did you know that you can do parts of New Zealand's Great Walks in one day? The Abel Tasman Track offers a wide range of hiking trails to choose from. Here's The Ultimate One Day Hiking Guide to the Abel Tasman Track.
- Want to do a road trip along the Great Coast Road in New Zealand? Better start in Westport. Here are the 5 Best Things to Do in Westport, New Zealand.
- Want to go hiking on a glacier in the Glacier Country of New Zealand? Here is the Ultimate Backpacking Guide to Franz Josef.
- Wanaka is a must-visit lakeside town full of incredible nature and wonderful mountains, waiting for you to explore. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Wanaka.
- Queenstown is the adventure capital of the world, and whatever extreme activities human bodies can endure, they probably have them in Queenstown. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Queenstown.
- Queenstown is also one of the best places in the world to go skydiving. Here's my experience skydiving with NZONE in Queenstown.
- The Milford Sound is one of the most popular attractions in New Zealand, and it would be a shame to miss it when you are in New Zealand. If you want to visit the Milford Sound, check out: A Day Trip from Te Anau to the Milford Sound.
- One of the best Great Walks in New Zealand is the Routeburn Track. If you have to pick one Great Walk to do, make it this one. Here's The Ultimate Hiking Guide to the Routeburn Track.
- Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook are some of the most photogenic places to visit in New Zealand, and it is best done together. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook.
- Dunedin has so much to offer nature lovers. From the sight of the world's largest birds to the beautiful cliffs of Tunnel Beach, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Dunedin.
- Not convinced by my words about New Zealand? Come follow me, and I’ll show you New Zealand in 70 photos.
- You can see all my New Zealand travel guides and related articles on my New Zealand Travel Guide page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.
51 Comments
Hi, thanks for all the tips and itinerary! If I only have 2 weeks to spare (or slightly less), which are the places you would recommend as a must go?
awesome pictures thx pete
Cheers man!
Great post! I coincidentally was using the blog you based this off of as well. Love your photos and style! What program do you use to edit your photos?
Thank you Marilyn. I use Lightroom for all my photos. :)
Pete, I think this was absolutely wonderful. I hv ALWAYS ALWAYS wanted to go to NZ and was wondering how to go abt with being a budget traveller, the accommodation, travel, et al. This is really amazing. thanx a ton
This would be a great starting point for you I hope. :)
Awesome! I'm planning on making the same trip as you did! Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Thank you Jan! Glad you like the guide!
Hi Pete! Thanks for the information above :) I am going to the south part of NZ only for 1 week. so which places would u recommend that I must go? There are a total of 7 ppl and we hv rented a car. We hv also booked for milford cruise and kawarau bridge bungy. Thanks in advanced!!