Morning: Arrive at Auckland Airport and transfer to your hotel in the city centre. After settling in, enjoy a stroll along the Viaduct Harbour for waterfront views.
Afternoon: Visit the iconic Sky Tower, where you can admire panoramic city views from the observation deck and optionally try the SkyJump.
Evening: Dine at the bustling Britomart precinct, sampling fresh seafood and New Zealand wines.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a ferry to Waiheke Island and start with a scenic walk through the Oneroa Beach area.
Afternoon: Explore the renowned Mudbrick Vineyard, enjoying a wine tasting and lunch with stunning vineyard views.
Evening: Return to Auckland for a relaxed night at the Night Market, sampling local street food.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive or take a flight to Rotor Rod, and start with a visit to the geothermal wonders of Wai-O-Tapu to see colorful pools and geysers.
Afternoon: Visit the historic Rotor Rod Museum for insight into Maori culture and regional history.
Evening: Dine at the riverfront Eat Streat while enjoying live music and local dishes.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart for the Waitomo Caves and take a guided glowworm cave tour.
Afternoon: Drive to Matamata and tour the famous Hobbiton Movie Set, exploring the Shire and the Green Dragon inn.
Evening: Return to Rotor Rod for a relaxed night at the hotel.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to Wellington, the capital city, and start with a ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car to the Botanic Garden.
Afternoon: Visit the national treasure Te Papa Museum, engaging with interactive exhibits about New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at the waterfront Harbourside with views of the harbor.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly to Nelson, then explore the vibrant local market at Nelson's Saturday Market.
Afternoon: Visit the Nelson Lakes National Park for a short hike to the scenic Lake Rotoiti.
Evening: Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant in the **Nelson** region, tasting fresh local produce.
Find HotelsMorning: Fly back to Auckland, enjoy a relaxed morning at the Auckland Domain and the Wintergardens.
Afternoon: Shop for souvenirs at Queen Street and the Auckland Art Gallery.
Evening: Farewell dinner at the **Sky Tower's** revolving restaurant, celebrating your New Zealand adventure.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider extending your stay with a day trip to the Bay of Islands for historic sites and dolphin tours, or add a glacier experience in Queenstown. For a shorter trip, combine Rotor Rod, Hobbiton, and the Wellington city tour into a 4‑day itinerary by skipping the South Island leg.