9-Day North to South New Zealand Cultural and Natural Wonders Tour with Nearby Destinations

Day 1: Auckland Exploration

Auckland, New Zealand

Morning

Arrive at Auckland Airport

Upon arrival, transfer to SkyCity Hotel Auckland. Begin your journey at the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a glimpse into New Zealand's history and culture.
Arrive at the hotel, then head to the museum.
Travel and museum entry fees, Half day

Lunch

Viaduct Harbour

Enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking Viaduct Harbour.
Short walk from the museum.
Approx. NZD 30, 1 hour

Afternoon

Waiheke Island Day Trip

Take a ferry to Waiheke Island for wine tasting and scenic beaches.
Ferry schedule to Waiheke Island.
Ferry and activity costs, Afternoon
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua with Taupo Stop

Rotorua, New Zealand

Morning

Drive to Rotorua via Taupo

Enroute to Rotorua, make a stop at Taupo to see the Huka Falls and experience the geothermal activity at Craters of the Moon.
Scenic drive with stopovers.
Gas and admission fees, Half day

Lunch

Local Café in Taupo

Have lunch in Taupo before continuing the journey to Rotorua.
Select a café on arrival.
Approx. NZD 20, 1 hour

Afternoon

Te Puia Geothermal Valley

Explore Te Puia Geothermal Valley for geysers and traditional Māori culture.
Drive from Taupo to Rotorua.
Approx. NZD 40, Afternoon
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Rotorua to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand

Morning

Morning at Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Spend the morning exploring the Redwoods Treewalk in Whakarewarewa Forest before departing for Wellington.
Short drive or shuttle service to the forest.
Entrance fees, Morning

Lunch

Lakefront Dining in Taupo

Stop at Taupo for a lakeside lunch overlooking Lake Taupo.
Select a restaurant with lake views.
Approx. NZD 25, 1 hour

Afternoon

Wellington Cable Car

Upon arrival in Wellington, take a scenic ride on the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views.
Drive or public transport to the cable car.
Approx. NZD 7, 1 hour

Evening

Craft Beer Tour

Embark on a craft beer tour in Wellington's buzzing craft brewery scene.
Tour starting point in the city.
Approx. NZD 60, Evening
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Wellington to Kaikoura

Kaikoura, New Zealand

Morning

Flight to Kaikoura

Take a morning flight to Kaikoura. Check-in at Kaikoura Boutique Hotel before heading out for whale watching or swimming with dolphins.
Flight from Wellington to Kaikoura.
Flight and activity costs, Half day

Lunch

Fresh Seafood in Kaikoura

Indulge in fresh seafood for lunch in Kaikoura, known for its marine abundance.
Select a seafood restaurant in the town.
Approx. NZD 35, 1 hour

Afternoon

Coastal Walkway or Seal Colony Visit

Take a leisurely walk along the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway or visit the nearby seal colony.
Both attractions are easily walkable from the hotel.
Free, Afternoon
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Kaikoura to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

Morning

Drive to Christchurch

Enjoy a scenic drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch. Check-in at The George Hotel before exploring the Canterbury Museum and Hagley Park.
Drive from Kaikoura to Christchurch.
Gas and hotel costs, Half day

Lunch

Quake City Café

Have lunch at Quake City Café to learn about Christchurch's earthquake history.
Located within the Christchurch CBD.
Approx. NZD 20, 1 hour

Afternoon

Punting on the Avon River

Enjoy a punting tour on the tranquil Avon River for a relaxing afternoon.
Walk or take a short drive to the punting location.
Approx. NZD 30, 1 hour

Evening

New Regent Street Dining

Dine at one of the charming eateries in the historic New Regent Street precinct.
Walking distance from central Christchurch.
Personal expenses, Evening
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Christchurch to Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

Morning

Drive to Wanaka

Embark on a scenic drive from Christchurch to Wanaka. Check-in at Edgewater Wanaka and start with a visit to Puzzling World for optical illusions and puzzles.
Drive from Christchurch to Wanaka.
Gas and accommodation costs, Half day

Afternoon

Lake Wanaka Exploration

Stroll along Lake Wanaka's shores or enjoy water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding.
Walk from the hotel to the lakefront.
Rental fees if applicable, Afternoon

Evening

Lakeside Dining

Savor a dinner with a view of Lake Wanaka at a waterfront restaurant.
Select a restaurant along the lakefront.
Approx. NZD 40, Evening
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Wanaka to Queenstown with Arrowtown Visit

Queenstown, New Zealand

Morning

Drive to Queenstown via Arrowtown

Travel to Queenstown with a stop at Arrowtown for a glimpse into the gold rush history. Check-in at Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa.
Scenic drive with a detour to Arrowtown.
Gas and hotel costs, Half day

Lunch

Arrowtown Café

Have a hearty lunch in one of the charming cafes in Arrowtown.
Explore cafes in Arrowtown.
Approx. NZD 25, 1 hour

Afternoon

Queenstown Hill Hike

Embark on a hike up Queenstown Hill for panoramic views of the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.
Drive or walk to the trailhead.
Free, 2 hours

Evening

Fergburger Dinner

Indulge in the famous Fergburger for dinner in Queenstown.
Head to Fergburger for the iconic burger experience.
Approx. NZD 15, Evening
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Queenstown to Mount Cook with Twizel Stop

Mount Cook, New Zealand

Morning

Drive to Mount Cook via Twizel

Enroute to Mount Cook, visit the charming town of Twizel known for its stunning lakes. Stop for photo opportunities before reaching The Hermitage Hotel in Mount Cook Village.
Scenic drive with a stop in Twizel.
Gas and accommodation costs, Half day

Lunch

Twizel Café

Have lunch in Twizel to taste local specialties.
Explore cafes in Twizel.
Approx. NZD 20, 1 hour

Afternoon

Tasman Glacier Exploration

Join a guided tour or hike to explore the Tasman Glacier and its stunning ice formations.
Tour or hike starting point near the hotel.
Tour fees, Afternoon

Evening

Stargazing at Aoraki / Mount Cook

Experience the breathtaking night sky at one of the best stargazing spots on Earth.
Drive to the stargazing location.
Approx. NZD 60, Evening
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Mount Cook to Christchurch Departure

Christchurch, New Zealand

Morning

Return to Christchurch

Drive back to Christchurch and check-in at your hotel. Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre before a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Drive from Mount Cook to Christchurch.
Gas and activity costs, Half day

Lunch

Botanic Gardens Café

Enjoy a relaxing lunch at the café within the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
Located within the gardens.
Approx. NZD 15, 1 hour

Afternoon

Antarctic Adventure

Delve into the wonders of the Antarctic at the International Antarctic Centre.
Visit the Centre for an immersive experience.
Approx. NZD 40, 2 hours

Evening

Farewell Dinner

Delight in a farewell dinner at a fine dining restaurant in Christchurch.
Restaurant reservation for an enjoyable evening.
Approx. NZD 80 per person, Evening
View Hotel Availability