Plantrip
Sign In
Home
Tools
Create Itinerary
Step-by-Step Builder
Packing List
Travel Expert
Trip Cost Estimator
Weather Expert
Deals
Guides
Pricing
About
About Plantrip
News
Partner Dispatches
Help
Travel Glossary
Sign In
Home
Ultimate New Zealand Rail Adventure
Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Get new itinerary
Initializing...
0%
Cancel
Step 1 Outline Preview:
PDF
Share
Post
Copy URL
Email this itinerary to someone...
Send Email
Ultimate New Zealand Rail Adventure
Viewed by 102 travelers
Save This Itinerary
Share
Day 1: City Exploration
Auckland, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen
Start your day with a delicious breakfast of bagels and coffee at this trendy eatery in the heart of Auckland.
Head to Federal Street in the central business district.
NZD 20, 1 hour
10:00AM
Explore Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Immerse yourself in New Zealand's art and culture with a visit to this renowned gallery showcasing both historic and contemporary works.
Walk to Wellesley Street East.
NZD 25, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar
Indulge in fresh seafood and shared plates at this popular eatery, known for its relaxed atmosphere and fantastic food.
Located on Federal Street.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Visit Sky Tower
Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower observation deck. Don't miss the thrilling SkyWalk or SkyJump experiences!
Take a short walk to Victoria Street West.
NZD 33, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at The Grove
Treat yourself to a fine dining experience at this award-winning restaurant, offering a seasonal menu with a focus on local ingredients.
Located on Wyndham Street.
NZD 80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland
Day 2: Geothermal Wonders
Rotorua, New Zealand
9:00AM
Breakfast at Ciabatta Bakery
Start your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee at this charming bakery in the heart of Rotorua.
Located on Tutanekai Street.
NZD 15, 1 hour
10:00AM
Explore Te Puia Geothermal Valley
Discover bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and cultural performances at this geothermal wonderland showcasing Maori culture.
Take a short drive to Hemo Road.
NZD 50, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Pig & Whistle
Enjoy traditional New Zealand cuisine with a modern twist at this cosy restaurant known for its hearty meals and craft beers.
Located on Whakaue Street.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Marvel at the vibrant colours and unique geothermal features of this surreal landscape, including the famous Champagne Pool.
Take a scenic drive to Waiotapu Loop Road.
NZD 32, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Mokoia Restaurant
Savour contemporary Maori cuisine with a fusion of international flavours at this elegant restaurant overlooking Lake Rotorua.
Located on Fenton Street.
NZD 70, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua
Day 3: Cultural Capital
Wellington, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Fidel's Cafe
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this Cuban-inspired cafe in the vibrant Cuba Street precinct.
Located on Cuba Street.
NZD 18, 1 hour
10:00AM
Explore Te Papa Tongarewa Museum
Immerse yourself in New Zealand's history, art, and culture at the national museum, featuring interactive exhibits and fascinating collections.
Walk to Cable Street.
Free admission (donation appreciated), 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Logan Brown
Dine in style at this iconic restaurant housed in a heritage building, offering innovative cuisine using the best local produce.
Located on Cuba Street.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Ride the Wellington Cable Car
Enjoy a scenic ride up to the Botanic Garden and take in panoramic views of the city and harbour from the lookout point.
Walk to Lambton Quay for the cable car entrance.
NZD 7, 1 hour
6:00PM
Dinner at Ortega Fish Shack
Feast on fresh seafood and oysters at this popular eatery known for its sustainable seafood practices and relaxed atmosphere.
Located on Majoribanks Street.
NZD 60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wellington
Day 4: Garden City
Christchurch, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at C1 Espresso
Enjoy a quirky breakfast experience at this retro-chic cafe known for its pneumatic food delivery system and delicious coffee.
Located on High Street.
NZD 20, 1 hour
10:00AM
Botanic Gardens & Canterbury Museum
Stroll through the lush botanical gardens and explore the fascinating exhibits at the museum, showcasing natural history and Maori artefacts.
Located near Rolleston Avenue.
Free admission (donation appreciated), 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Twenty-Seven Steps
Indulge in a farm-to-table dining experience at this cosy restaurant, offering seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
Located on New Regent Street.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Punting on the Avon River
Relax on a traditional punt cruise along the tranquil Avon River, admiring the picturesque scenery and charming bridges of Christchurch.
Meet at Worcester Street Bridge.
NZD 30, 1 hour
6:00PM
Dinner at Roots Restaurant
Experience innovative cuisine at this renowned restaurant, focusing on seasonal and foraged ingredients to create a unique dining experience.
Located on Lyttelton.
NZD 90, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch
Day 5: Adventure Capital
Queenstown, New Zealand
9:00AM
Breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder
Start your day with exceptional coffee and gourmet breakfast options at this bustling cafe in the heart of Queenstown.
Located on Beach Street.
NZD 25, 1 hour
10:00AM
Skyline Queenstown Gondola & Luge
Ride the gondola to Bob's Peak for stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and enjoy thrilling luge rides for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure.
Take a short walk to Brecon Street for the gondola entrance.
NZD 44, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Fergburger
Treat yourself to Queenstown's famous gourmet burgers at this iconic eatery, known for its generous portions and delicious flavours.
Located on Shotover Street.
NZD 20, 1 hour
3:00PM
Jet Boat Ride on Shotover River
Experience the thrill of high-speed jet boating through the narrow canyons of the Shotover River, with spins and adrenaline-pumping manoeuvres.
Meet at Shotover Street.
NZD 129, 1.5 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Rata Dining
Dine in a stylish setting at this restaurant by celebrity chef Josh Emett, offering a modern take on New Zealand cuisine with local ingredients.
Located on Ballarat Street.
NZD 75, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 6: Scenic Coastal Journey
Dunedin, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Vogel Street Kitchen
Start your day with a wholesome breakfast at this trendy cafe known for its creative dishes and excellent coffee.
Located on Vogel Street.
NZD 20, 1 hour
10:00AM
Explore Otago Peninsula
Embark on a picturesque drive along the rugged coastline of the Otago Peninsula, home to diverse wildlife including albatross and penguins.
Take a scenic drive to the peninsula.
Free, 3 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Etrusco at the Savoy
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine at this charming restaurant housed in a historic building, known for its delicious pasta dishes and warm hospitality.
Located on Moray Place.
NZD 35, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Visit Larnach Castle
Step back in time with a tour of New Zealand's only castle, set amidst stunning gardens with panoramic views over the Otago Harbour.
Take a short drive to Camp Road.
NZD 34, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Bacchus Wine Bar & Restaurant
Unwind with a glass of local wine and gourmet cuisine at this sophisticated restaurant offering a diverse selection of dishes and wines.
Located on Moray Place.
NZD 60, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Dunedin
Day 7: Return to Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
9:00AM
Breakfast at Ozone Coffee Roasters
Enjoy specialty coffee and a hearty breakfast at this popular cafe known for its quality roasts and relaxed atmosphere.
Located on Federal Street.
NZD 15, 1 hour
11:00AM
Shopping at Britomart
Browse the stylish boutiques and shops in the Britomart precinct, perfect for picking up souvenirs and unique finds.
Located in the central business district.
Varies, 2 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Amano
Indulge in artisanal breads, pastries, and Italian-inspired dishes at this chic eatery known for its quality ingredients and rustic charm.
Located on Tyler Street.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Visit Auckland War Memorial Museum
Explore New Zealand's history and heritage at this iconic museum, featuring Maori treasures, natural history exhibits, and interactive displays.
Take a short drive to The Auckland Domain.
NZD 25, 2 hours
6:00PM
Farewell Dinner at Soul Bar & Bistro
End your New Zealand adventure with a memorable dinner at this waterfront restaurant, offering modern New Zealand cuisine with stunning harbour views.
Located on Lower Hobson Street.
NZD 80, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland
0
Travel Requirements
Local Sayings
Connectivity Info
Nearby Shopping
Accepted Currency + Payment Types
Safety
Cultural Norms + Etiquette
Health + Medical Facilities
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
PDF
Share
Post
Copy URL
Email this itinerary to someone...
Send Email
More About New Zealand
Trip Packing List: New Zealand (Late February — Summer, warm days, cooler nights)
Packing List
Trip Packing List: New Zealand in Winter (June–August)
Packing List
New Zealand Weather in June: A Guide to the Kiwi Winter
Weather Guide
New Zealand Weather Guide: Year-Round Climate & Local Insights
Weather Guide
Essential Travel Guide: What to Know Before Visiting New Zealand
Travel Expert
Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
May 10, 2024
AI-assisted, human-reviewed
Plan Your New Zealand Trip
Cost Estimator
Estimate your trip budget
Packing List
Get a custom checklist
Weather Expert
Check weather & best time to go
Unlock Unlimited Trips
$2.50
/mo
Billed $30/year
Unlimited trip generations
Personalized packing lists
Extra details & local tips
Private & ad-free
Sign In to Upgrade
See all plans
Upgrade to Plus
$2.50
/mo
Billed $30/year
Unlimited trip generations
Personalized packing lists
Extra details & local tips
Private & ad-free
Sign In to Upgrade
See all plans
Sign in to save this itinerary.
Sign Up
or
Sign In
Create a Free Account
Sign up for free to keep generating itineraries!
Sign Up Free
I already have an account
Trip Locations
Share Itinerary
PDF
Share
Post
Copy URL
Email this itinerary to someone...
Send Email