Twenty-one days is the minimum to do both islands with dignity. Less than that, you sacrifice either Tongariro or Milford. Neither deserves to be left out.
Twenty-one days is the minimum to do both islands with dignity. Less than that, you sacrifice either Tongariro or Milford. Neither deserves to be left out.
Minimum viable itinerary is 21 days, with 7 on the North Island and 14 on the South, with Picton as a pivot via 3h30 Interislander ferry (NZD 60-95 on foot, NZD 220-300 with car).
Two-berth campervan costs NZD 80-200 per day in high season (Jucy, Britz, Maui, Apollo); freedom camping only with self-contained certification (CSC) under risk of NZD 400 fine.
NZeTA costs NZD 17 online and the IVL (conservation fee) costs NZD 35, totaling NZD 52 valid for two years. Official processing time: up to 72h, but do it with 5 days to spare.
Milford Sound cruise ranges from NZD 99 to 165 and needs to be booked 30-60 days in advance in high season (Dec-Feb); Routeburn Track Great Walk opens booking in May for the following season and sells out in hours.
Distances are deceptive: Christchurch to Queenstown is 485 km but 6h30 of actual driving; Te Anau to Milford is 119 km of narrow road that turns into 2h30 without tourist traffic.
Twenty-one days is the minimum to do both islands with dignity. Less than that, you sacrifice either Tongariro or Milford. Neither deserves to be left out.
