NZ Mount Cook man on hiking trail
Discover hidden waterfalls in the Mount Aspiring National Park
Stargaze in Lake Tekapo's spectacular dark sky reserve
Mountain reflections of Kaikoura Ranges
NZ Mount Cook man on hiking trail
Discover hidden waterfalls in the Mount Aspiring National Park
Stargaze in Lake Tekapo's spectacular dark sky reserve
Mountain reflections of Kaikoura Ranges
Travelling with your partner

How long do you need in New Zealand?

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand with your partner and have started wondering how long you'll need? What you want to see and do will mostly dictate this - so let's dive into how long you will need to set aside to make your dream holiday to New Zealand a reality!

We're often asked - based on our experience, how long a trip to New Zealand should last - our answer? It depends on your schedule, what you want to experience, and what you want to get out of your holiday.

It may seem odd at first, but our approach to holiday itineraries is unique. Travelling to New Zealand the TravelEssence way means exploring the country at a relaxed pace, and spending a couple of days in each location.

Boasting many incredible regions, each with its own charm and unique character, we encourage holidays in New Zealand that enable you to uncover hidden gems and foster connections with locals - one-of-a-kind holidays that take you off the beaten path and provide you both with an experience that is as unique as you are.

So, if you'd like to find out the ideal length of time to visit this breathtaking country, read on!

Two to three weeks

Yes, that's right - you can visit New Zealand for two to three weeks and have a really good time.

Take it easy on your journey through New Zealand, as two to three weeks will give you enough time to visit one island at a relaxed pace. Or the chance to see a few of your favourite regions on both islands.

The key here is to spend less time driving and more time discovering and soaking in the best of what New Zealand has to offer.

Check out our two to three week holiday ideas

Scenic drive in Queenstown region | New Zealand holiday
New Zealand's Highlights
16 days - £5,750
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Wanaka Queenstown 02 1
Complete New Zealand
20 days - £6,450
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Dining with a view | New Zealand holiday
From Queenstown to Auckland
21 days - £4,345
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Traditional Maori canoe | New Zealand holiday
3 weeks from Otago Peninsula to Waiheke & Hauraki Gulf
22 days - £4,600
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Nz swim with seals 1 solo adventure
Discover the South Island
22 days - £4,495
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3784 Peel Forest Lodge Horse Treks 1538286199 PA311304
3 weeks from Otago Peninsula to Auckland South
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Maori Panorama
3 weeks of the North Island
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Traditional Maori canoe | New Zealand holiday
3 weeks from Otago Peninsula to Bay of Islands
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Three to five weeks

Three to five weeks is ideal, and it will give you both the opportunity to stay in each location for two and five nights, check out regions a bit further afield, and embrace the laid-back lifestyle of New Zealand.

If you both dream of visiting both islands of New Zealand and checking out places such as Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Otago, and even Marlborough - or whether you want to visit the five major winery regions and stay in the middle of nature, we can make it happen for you.

It's all about making the most out of your time in New Zealand.

Check out our three to five week holiday ideas

3784 Peel Forest Lodge Horse Treks
4 weeks of the South Island
29 days - £6,400
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Luxury accommodation on the Banks Peninsula | New Zealand holidays
4 weeks from Queenstown to Christchurch
29 days - £5,988
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Discover New Zealand's culture | New Zealand holiday
4 weeks from Wellington to the Bay of Islands
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Horse riding in Golden Bay | New Zealand active holiday
4 week route from Akaroa to the Bay of Islands
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NZ wakker couple - beach

Would you like to find out a little more?

We offer regular online presentations. Get to know New Zealand a little better. And see if you like what we offer and what we can offer you. It’s free, of course, and no obligation. You can find our next online presentations here.

Sign up for an online presentation

Five + weeks

Travelling through New Zealand for five or more weeks gives you both so much flexibility, and the options are endless - so where would you like to go?

In five weeks, you can experience the highlights of the country, check out hidden gems only we and locals know about, dive deep into Māori culture, be surrounded by incredible landscapes, and experience genuine Kiwi hospitality.

With this amount of time, it is also possible to include a visit to Australia or explore one of our incredible stopover destinations - whilst adding another touch of romance to your trip.

Get in touch with us today, and let’s chat about the possibilities and how we can help make your dream holiday a reality.

Check out our five plus week holiday ideas

Fly and dine at Waiheke Island
5 weeks from Central Otago to the Bay of Islands
38 days - £16,200
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Brown wooden lodge with mountains in the background
5 weeks from Queenstown to Auckland
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Three people in yellow kayaks in crystal clear water near a golden sand beach
5 weeks from Coromandel Peninsula to Akaroa
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Swimming with dolphins | New Zealand wildlife
6 weeks from Banks Peninsula to Coromandel
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Ready for the holiday of a lifetime?

Discover a world beyond ordinary

At TravelEssence, we specialise in crafting custom-made holidays that take you off the beaten path and create memories to last a lifetime. We believe in connecting with the heart and soul of a place, introducing you to the locals who call it home. Engage in conversations with fascinating individuals who will share their stories, traditions, and way of life, leaving an indelible mark on your journey.