Epic Journey from Dubai to New Zealand: An 11-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Departure from Dubai

Dubai, UAE on December 14, 2024

6:00 AM

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Start your adventure with a delectable traditional Emirati breakfast in the picturesque surroundings of the Arabian Tea House.
Enjoy a short taxi ride to the Arabian Tea House.
AED 70, 1.5 hours

8:00 AM

Explore The Dubai Mall

Stroll through The Dubai Mall, indulging in a little last-minute shopping and sightseeing before your long flight.
Walk to The Dubai Mall, just 10 minutes from the breakfast spot.
FREE (shopping extra), 2 hours

10:30 AM

Head to Dubai International Airport

It's time to make your way to the airport for check-in and boarding for your flight to Auckland.
Take a taxi to Dubai International Airport, approximately 20 minutes.
AED 40, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Flight to Auckland

Board your flight to Auckland and settle in for the journey.
N/A
AIRLINE COST (varies), 17 hours (including layover)
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Day 2: Arrive in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on December 15, 2024

6:00 AM

Breakfast at La Voix

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at La Voix before diving into Auckland's beauty.
Taxicab from your hotel to the café.
NZD 25, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Sky Tower Visit

Marvel at breathtaking views of the city from the Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere.
15-minute walk from La Voix to Sky Tower.
NZD 32, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Auckland Art Gallery

Delve into New Zealand's art heritage at the Auckland Art Gallery, featuring impressive local and international art.
10-minute walk from Sky Tower.
FREE, 2 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Depot Eatery

Savor delicious kiwi-style street food at Depot Eatery, known for its fresh and vibrant offerings.
5-minute walk from Auckland Art Gallery.
NZD 35, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Waiheke Island Day Trip

Catch a ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island, celebrated for its vineyards and scenic views.
Walk to the ferry terminal, about 10 minutes from Depot Eatery.
NZD 42, 3 hours (including ferry ride)

5:30 PM

Wine Tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard

Enjoy a wine tasting experience with stunning views at Mudbrick Vineyard on Waiheke Island.
Transfer to Mudbrick Vineyard via taxi or shuttle (10 minutes).
NZD 48, 2 hours

7:30 PM

Dinner at The Oyster Inn

Dine at The Oyster Inn, a charming restaurant famous for its seafood and local dishes, overlooking the bay.
Return to the ferry terminal and head back to Auckland before walking to the restaurant.
NZD 55, 2 hours
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Day 3: Rotorua Adventures

Rotorua, New Zealand on December 16, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Start your day with a great breakfast at The Coffee Shop, known for its inviting atmosphere.
Uber to The Coffee Shop from your hotel.
NZD 20, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Drive to Rotorua

Hit the road for a scenic drive to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal features.
Rent a car in Auckland and drive for about 3 hours.
NZD 10 (gas), 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Savor lunch at the vibrant Eat Streat, featuring a variety of eateries with local flavors.
Take a short drive to Eat Streat in Rotorua.
NZD 40, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Te Puia Geothermal Park

Discover steaming geysers and bubbling mud in Te Puia, an outstanding thermal wonder.
5 minutes drive from Eat Streat.
NZD 50, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Maori Cultural Experience

Embrace the rich culture with an evening of traditional Māori performances and food.
Book a local tour that includes transport back to the venue.
NZD 80, 3 hours

8:30 PM

Dinner at The Pig & Whistle

Conclude your day with dinner at The Pig & Whistle, a traditional pub with a cozy ambiance.
Within walking distance from the cultural venue.
NZD 45, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Exploring Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand on December 17, 2024

7:30 AM

Breakfast at Fat Dog Café

Enjoy delicious breakfast options at Fat Dog Café, known for its large servings and relaxed vibe.
Short drive from your accommodation.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

9:00 AM

Redwood Forest Walk

Immerse in nature by exploring the picturesque Redwood Forest on foot, filled with towering trees.
10-minute drive from the café.
FREE, 2 hours

11:00 AM

Relax in Kuirau Park

Sprawl out and enjoy the geothermal hot springs at Kuirau Park, a peaceful park with scenic walking tracks.
5-minute drive from Redwood Forest.
FREE, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Flame Tree Restaurant

Relish in authentic New Zealand cuisine with a cozy setting at Flame Tree.
5-minute drive from Kuirau Park.
NZD 35, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Skyline Rotorua Gondola Ride

Experience breathtaking views of Rotorua with a gondola ride, topped with exhilarating luge rides!
Drive about 10 minutes to the Skyline area.
NZD 60, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant

Dinner with a view awaits you at the Skyline Restaurant, where a buffet of local dishes is offered.
At the top of the Skyline Gondola.
NZD 70, 2 hours
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Day 5: Travel to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand on December 18, 2024

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Scope Café

Start your morning with great coffee and fresh pastries at Scope Café before beginning your journey.
5-minute drive from your accommodation.
NZD 25, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Wellington

Hit the road for a scenic drive to Wellington, known as the capital city of New Zealand.
Drive for about 6 hours.
NZD 15 (gas), 6 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Cuba Street

Savor lunch at Cuba Street, the heart of Wellington's dining scene.
Drive from the Wellington arrival zone (20 minutes).
NZD 40, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand’s national museum, Te Papa, showcasing the country's rich history and culture.
Short drive from Cuba Street.
FREE (donation appreciated), 2 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Logan Brown

Indulge in fine dining at Logan Brown, a top-rated restaurant focusing on utilizing fresh local produce.
5-minute taxi ride from Te Papa.
NZD 100, 2 hours
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Day 6: Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand on December 19, 2024

7:00 AM

Breakfast at Food for Thought

Kickstart the day with healthy breakfast options at Food for Thought.
Taxi from your hotel in Wellington to the café.
NZD 30, 1 hour

8:00 AM

Drive to Abel Tasman National Park

Embark on a journey to Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Drive for about 4 hours.
NZD 10 (gas), 4 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at The Park Café

Refuel with a meal at The Park Café, offering only the freshest local ingredients.
Located right near the entrance to the park.
NZD 35, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Kayaking in Abel Tasman

Discover the stunning coast by joining a guided kayaking tour in Abel Tasman National Park.
Meet your tour group near the café.
NZD 95, 3 hours

5:30 PM

Dinner at Kaiteriteri Beach

End your day at Kaiteriteri Beach, known for its beachside eateries and stunning sunset views.
5-minute walk from the kayaking finish point.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand on December 20, 2024

7:00 AM

Breakfast at The Landing

Start the day with a beautiful view and delicious breakfast at The Landing café.
Drive back to the main road and travel towards Franz Josef.
NZD 35, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Take a scenic drive along the West Coast to reach the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier.
Drive approximately 5 hours.
NZD 30 (gas), 5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at The Landing

Savor lunch at The Landing, offering a delightful menu that features local ingredients.
Near the parking of the glacier.
NZD 38, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Embark on a guided hike to explore the stunning ice formations of Franz Josef Glacier.
Meet at the glacier’s tour center.
NZD 150, 3 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Snowy Owl

Enjoy dinner at The Snowy Owl, a cozy spot known for warmth and comfort food after a day of adventuring.
Close to the glacier area.
NZD 60, 2 hours
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Day 8: Queenstown Adventures

Queenstown, New Zealand on December 21, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at the Remarkables Lodge

Delight in a gourmet breakfast at the Remarkables Lodge known for its cozy mountain retreat feel.
Short drive from your accommodation.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours

10:00 AM

Travel to Queenstown

Depart for the thrilling adventure capital, Queenstown, where excitement awaits at every turn.
Drive approximately 4.5 hours.
NZD 25 (gas), 4.5 hours

2:00 PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Indulge in a signature burger at Fergburger, known as New Zealand's best burger destination.
Short walk from the parking area in Queenstown.
NZD 20, 1 hour

3:30 PM

Explore Arrowtown

Take a charming stroll through Arrowtown, a picturesque gold mining town frozen in time.
Drive 25 minutes from Queenstown.
FREE, 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at The Bunker

Wrap up your day with upscale dining at The Bunker, known for its warm décor and intimate ambiance.
Return to Queenstown, about 25 minutes drive.
NZD 85, 2 hours
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Day 9: Milford Sound Day Trip

Milford Sound, New Zealand on December 22, 2024

6:00 AM

Breakfast at your Queenstown accommodation

Fuel up with breakfast at your hotel or nearby café.
On-site or short walk.
NZD 20, 1 hour

7:00 AM

Travel to Milford Sound

Begin your trip to Milford Sound, taking in stunning scenery along the way.
Drive approximately 2 hours.
NZD 10 (gas), 2 hours

9:00 AM

Milford Sound Boat Tour

Experience the majestic beauty of Milford Sound by joining a scenic boat tour through the fiord.
Meet at the wharf in Milford Sound.
NZD 90, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at Milford Sound Café

Grab a quick bite at the café before continuing your adventure.
Located near the boat wharf.
NZD 30, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Hiking and Exploring

Choose one of several scenic walks around Milford Sound to fully immerse in nature’s beauty.
Variety of walking tracks available.
FREE, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Return Drive to Queenstown

Enjoy the stunning views you may have missed on the way to Milford Sound.
Drive back to Queenstown.
NZD 10 (gas), 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The Cow

End your day with a satisfying meal at The Cow, famous for its pizza and cozy atmosphere.
Located within walking distance of your accommodation.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Christchurch Exploration

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 23, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at Caffeinated

Start your day with a cup of coffee and scrumptious pastries at Caffeinated.
Taxi from your accommodation in Queenstown to the café.
NZD 25, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Travel to Christchurch

Drive to Christchurch, known for its beautiful gardens and vibrant culture.
Drive about 5 hours.
NZD 10 (gas), 5 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at The Charge Bar

Take a break and enjoy lunch at The Charge Bar, located in the heart of Christchurch.
5-minute walk from your arrival zone.
NZD 30, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
Short drive from The Charge Bar.
FREE, 2 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at The George

Indulge in an exquisite dining experience at The George, known for its exceptional service.
5 minutes drive from the botanic gardens.
NZD 90, 2 hours
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Day 11: Departure from Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 24, 2024

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before preparing for departure.
On-site at your hotel.
INCLUDED, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Check-out and Transportation to Airport

Check-out from your hotel and arrange for transportation to the Christchurch International Airport for your departure.
Taxi or shuttle service to the airport.
NZD 50, 1 hour

11:30 AM

Flight Departure

Bid farewell to New Zealand as you board your flight back home.
N/A
FLIGHT COST (varies), N/A
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