18 Days in New Zealand (Dec/Jan) – Looking for Wildlife & Hiking Advice
Kia ora!
My husband and I are visiting New Zealand for 18 days over the holiday period (late December–early January). We’re coming from the U.S. and this trip originally started because we wanted to attend Le Currents in Taupō. My husband is also a huge Lord of the Rings fan, which is how Hobbiton made its way onto the itinerary.
We enjoy hiking, wildlife, scenic drives, and exploring on our own rather than doing lots of expensive guided tours. We generally prefer hikes under 10 miles (16 km).
Our biggest goals are:
See penguins and kiwi (preferably in the wild)
Do some great day hikes
Experience as much of New Zealand’s natural beauty as possible
Visit a few LOTR-related locations
Avoid feeling rushed while still making the most of the trip
We already have flights, rental cars, and accommodations booked, but we’re still flexible if there’s something we’re overlooking.
North Island (7 days)
Day 1: Arrive Auckland, drive to Taupō
Days 2–3: Le Currents music festival in Taupō
Day 4: Waitomo Black Labyrinth black-water rafting, then overnight near Pirongia
Day 5: Hobbiton evening tour, overnight near Maungatautari
Day 6: Explore Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari and spend a quiet New Year’s Eve there
Day 7: Drive to Auckland and fly to Queenstown
South Island (11 days)
Days 7–9: Queenstown (mostly relaxing, exploring town, short hikes)
Day 10: Drive to Te Anau
Day 11: Milford Sound day trip
Day 12: Kepler Track day hike or Lake Marian, then drive to Curio Bay/Catlins
Day 13: Full Catlins day (Curio Bay, sea lions, waterfalls, Slope Point, etc.)
Day 14: Nugget Point area in the morning, then Dunedin/Otago Peninsula
Day 15: Otago Peninsula and Blue Penguins Pukekura evening tour
Day 16: Drive to Cardrona, explore Wānaka
Day 17: Rob Roy Glacier Track or another Wānaka hike
Day 18: Return to Queenstown
Day 19: Fly home
Questions
Are there any major “don’t miss” stops along this route?
Is this itinerary reasonably paced, or are we trying to squeeze in too much?
For wildlife, are we maximizing our chances of seeing penguins and other native species, or would you recommend different locations?
Curio Bay vs Nugget Point for penguins—if you had to prioritize one, which would it be?
Any Catlins wildlife tips (best locations, best times of day, things visitors often miss)?
Any recommendations for lesser-known hikes under 10 miles/16 km near Te Anau, Wānaka, Queenstown, or the Catlins?
For Milford Sound, is there a best time of day to visit that helps avoid the biggest crowds?
Are there any worthwhile LOTR filming locations that fit naturally into this route?
Appreciate any advice. We’re incredibly excited for our first trip to New Zealand!