New Zealand on a Shoestring Budget: 7-Day Itinerary for August 2023

1. Day 1: Auckland
   30 minutes (21.4 km) from Auckland Airport

   Start your trip in Auckland with a visit to the Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city. In the afternoon, explore the Auckland Domain, a large park with several museums. Finish the day with a stroll along the waterfront in the Viaduct Harbour.

2. Day 2: Rotorua
   2 hours 48 minutes (230 km) from Auckland

   Experience Maori culture at Te Puia, where you can watch traditional performances and see geothermal activity. In the afternoon, visit the Redwoods Treewalk, a suspended walkway among the trees. Relax in the evening at the Polynesian Spa and soak in natural hot springs.

3. Day 3: Taupo
   1 hour 4 minutes (81.5 km) from Rotorua

   Take a scenic drive to Taupo and admire the views of Lake Taupo and Huka Falls. Visit the Taupo Museum & Art Gallery to learn about the area's history and art. End the day with a walk along the lakefront and watch the sunset.

4. Day 4: Wellington
   4 hours 6 minutes (378 km) from Taupo

   Explore New Zealand's capital city with a visit to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the Wellington Botanic Garden. In the evening, catch a movie at the Embassy Theatre, a historic cinema with a luxurious interior.

5. Day 5: Abel Tasman National Park
   6 hours 42 minutes (625 km) from Wellington

   Embark on a scenic drive to Abel Tasman National Park and take a hike through the park's lush forests and golden beaches. Relax in the afternoon with a kayak tour or a swim in the cool waters of Torrent Bay. Spend the night in nearby Nelson.

6. Day 6: Franz Josef Glacier
   5 hours 59 minutes (433 km) from Nelson

   Drive to Franz Josef Glacier and take a guided hike on the glacier or enjoy the scenic helicopter tour. In the evening, relax at Glacier Hot Pools and soak in the natural mineral pools surrounded by lush rainforest.

7. Day 7: Queenstown
   5 hours 15 minutes (353 km) from Franz Josef Glacier

   Spend the day in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Take a gondola ride to the top of Bob's Peak for stunning views, then go bungy jumping or zip lining. In the evening, take a stroll along the lakefront and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in town.

Recommendations

Consider taking a side trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown for a scenic boat tour. If you're interested in Lord of the Rings, visit Hobbiton near Rotorua. To save money, stay in hostels or Airbnb accommodations and cook your own meals. Don't forget to pack comfortable shoes and warm clothing for outdoor activities.

Find hotels and flights for your trip at https://trip.tp.st/5u0O2Vxp.