A 15-Day Nature Lover's Itinerary for New Zealand

  • Day 1: Auckland
    Estimated travel time from Auckland Airport: 30 minutes (23 km)

    Welcome to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. Spend your day exploring the city's many parks, including the Auckland Domain and Cornwall Park. Don't miss the stunning views of the city skyline from the Mount Eden summit.

  • Day 2-3: Rotorua
    Estimated travel time from Auckland: 3 hours (237 km)

    Experience New Zealand's geothermal wonders in Rotorua. Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to see the famous Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser. Take a dip in the naturally heated pool at Polynesian Spa and explore the Maori village at Te Puia.

  • Day 4-6: Tongariro National Park
    Estimated travel time from Rotorua: 3.5 hours (217 km)

    Immerse in New Zealand's natural beauty at Tongariro National Park. Hike the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a 19.4 km trek to see Mount Ngauruhoe, Emerald Lakes, and other breathtaking sights. Alternatively, the Taranaki Falls and Mount Tauhara trails offer a shorter hike with equally stunning views.

  • Day 7-9: Wellington
    Estimated travel time from Tongariro National Park: 4.5 hours (352 km)

    Explore New Zealand's vibrant capital city, Wellington. Take a cable car up to Wellington Botanic Garden and enjoy the panoramic views. Visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa to learn about the country's history and culture. End your day with a stroll along the waterfront and indulge in some foodie delights at the Wellington Night Market.

  • Day 10-12: Queenstown
    Estimated travel time from Wellington: 1 hour 50 minutes (954 km) flight

    Get ready for an adventure in Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand. Go bungee jumping, skydiving or white water rafting, or take a scenic gondola ride to view the stunning Remarkables. Take a day trip to Milford Sound, one of the most picturesque fiords in the country.

  • Day 13-15: Fiordland National Park
    Estimated travel time from Queenstown: 1.5 hours (118 km)

    End your trip with nature at its best - Fiordland National Park. Take a scenic cruise or kayak through the breathtaking Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. Hike the Routeburn Track, one of New Zealand's Great Walks, and be rewarded with pristine waterfalls and majestic mountains.

Time and Costs estimates

  • Auckland Domain (2 hours, free)
  • Cornwall Park (2 hours, free)
  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (3 hours, NZD $35)
  • Polynesian Spa (3 hours, NZD $25-50)
  • Te Puia (2 hours, NZD $60)
  • Tongariro Alpine Crossing (7-9 hours, NZD $40 transport)
  • Taranaki Falls (2-3 hours, free)
  • Mount Tauhara (2-3 hours, free)
  • Wellington Botanic Garden (2 hours, free)
  • Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (3 hours, free)
  • Wellington Night Market (2 hours, cost varies)
  • Gondola ride (1-2 hours, NZD $44)
  • Milford Sound day trip (8-9 hours, NZD $150-200)
  • Scenic cruise or kayak in Fiordland (4-6 hours, NZD $100-200)
  • Routeburn Track (6-7 hours, NZD $100 transport)
  • Total Estimated Costs (excluding flights and accommodations): NZD $700-900

Transportation

Most of the destinations in the itinerary can be reached by car, and rental car services are available at all major airports. However, domestic flights may be necessary for longer distances, such as from Wellington to Queenstown. It is advisable to book intercity buses and domestic flights in advance to secure the best prices. Alternatively, hop-on-hop-off buses are available for flexible and budget-friendly travel.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider visiting Abel Tasman National Park or Franz Josef Glacier for more outdoor adventures. If you have less time, consider skipping Wellington and direct flights from Rotorua to Queenstown are available.

Airports

New Zealand's main international airport is Auckland Airport (AKL), located 21 km south of the city center. It has several transport options such as buses, shuttles, and taxis. Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is the main airport in the South Island and is conveniently located just 15 minutes from the city center. Domestic flights are also available from Rotorua International Airport (ROT) and Wellington International Airport (WLG).

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