Arrive in Auckland and check into your hotel. Take some time to freshen up after your journey. Explore the Auckland Waterfront and visit the Viaduct Harbour. Enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants. Head to the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and a relaxing dinner in the nearby area.
Visit Auckland Domain and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Explore the extensive exhibits and enjoy the peaceful park surroundings.Take a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting and scenic views. Explore the island’s beaches and boutique wineries.Return to Auckland and dine in one of the city’s diverse restaurants or enjoy a night out in the Britomart area.
Check out of your hotel and drive or take a bus to Rotorua. Check into your Rotorua accommodation upon arrival.Visit Te Puia to see geysers, bubbling mud pools, and experience a Maori cultural performance. Explore the Rotorua Museum if time permits.Relax in the Polynesian Spa, enjoying a soak in the natural hot springs, and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Take a day trip to Hobbiton, the famous movie set from “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit.” Enjoy a guided tour of the picturesque set and a meal at the Green Dragon Inn. Return to Rotorua and explore the Redwood Forest for a scenic walk or bike ride among the towering trees. Enjoy a casual dinner in Rotorua and perhaps a stroll around the lakefront.
Check out of your hotel and drive or take a bus to Wellington. Check into your Wellington accommodation upon arrival. Visit the Te Papa Museum, renowned for its interactive exhibits on New Zealand’s culture and history. Explore the Wellington waterfront and enjoy a coffee at a local café. Explore Cuba Street for dinner and experience Wellington’s vibrant nightlife.
Take the Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Garden and enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens. Visit the nearby Wellington Observatory for views of the city. Explore the Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, a wildlife reserve dedicated to the conservation of New Zealand’s unique fauna. Enjoy dinner at one of Wellington’s top restaurants or try some local delicacies at the waterfront.
Take the ferry from Wellington to Picton on the South Island. Check into your Picton accommodation. Embark on a scenic boat tour of the Marlborough Sounds, taking in the stunning fjord-like landscapes and spotting wildlife. Enjoy a relaxed dinner in Picton, sampling local seafood and exploring the town’s quaint atmosphere.
Drive or take a bus from Picton to Kaikoura. Check into your Kaikoura accommodation. Go on a whale-watching tour to see sperm whales and other marine life in their natural habitat. Alternatively, explore the coastal scenery or visit the Kaikoura Peninsula. Have dinner at a local restaurant, known for its fresh seafood.
Check out of your hotel and travel to Christchurch. Check into your Christchurch accommodation upon arrival. Explore the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, and Christchurch Art Gallery. Take a leisurely walk along the Avon River. Enjoy dinner at one of Christchurch’s popular restaurants and explore the city’s revitalized central area.
Fly or drive from Christchurch to Queenstown. Check into your Queenstown hotel.Take the Queenstown Gondola to Bob’s Peak for stunning views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Enjoy a thrilling luge ride or simply take in the scenery. Explore Queenstown’s town center and have dinner at a local restaurant.
Choose an adventure activity such as bungee jumping, skydiving, or a jet boat ride on the Shotover River. Alternatively, take a day trip to Milford Sound for a breathtaking fjord cruise. If not on a Milford Sound trip, explore nearby Arrowtown or enjoy a peaceful walk around Lake Wakatipu. Relax with dinner in Queenstown and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife or a quiet evening by the lake.
Drive or take a bus from Queenstown to Franz Josef. Check into your Franz Josef accommodation. Explore the Franz Josef Glacier area. Consider taking a guided glacier hike or a scenic helicopter flight for an unforgettable view of the glacier. Have dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy the serene environment of this small town.
Check out of your hotel and drive or take a bus back to Christchurch. Check into your Christchurch accommodation.Spend your afternoon shopping for souvenirs, relaxing in the city, or visiting any sights you may have missed earlier in the trip. Enjoy a farewell dinner at a top Christchurch restaurant.
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final breakfast in Christchurch and perhaps a short stroll in a nearby park. Check out of your hotel and head to Christchurch Airport for your departure flight.
