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14-Day Nature Adventure on a Shoestring Budget in New Zealand

Viewed by 84 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

10:00 AM

Explore Auckland City

Start your adventure by wandering around Auckland's waterfront and enjoying the views from the Sky Tower.
Walk to the Waterfront from your accommodation.
NZD0, 2 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Depot

Enjoy a delicious and budget-friendly lunch at Depot, known for its fresh and local ingredients.
Take a 10-minute walk.
NZD20, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Visit Auckland Domain

Explore the beautiful Auckland Domain and check out the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
15-minute bus ride from Depot.
NZD10 (Museum entry), 2 hours

6:00 PM

Dinner at Parnell Rise

Head to Parnell Rise for a vibrant dinner scene where you can find affordable eateries.
20-minute walk from the Museum.
NZD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 2: Travel to Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shop

Fuel up with some great coffee and muffins at this local café.
Walk to The Coffee Shop from your accommodation.
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Rotorua

Take a scenic bus ride to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity.
Take a bus from Auckland Central.
NZD35, 3 hours

12:30 PM

Lunch at Fat Dog Café

Enjoy a hearty lunch at the very popular Fat Dog Café, renowned for its portions.
Walking distance from the bus station.
NZD15, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Visit Whakarewarewa - The Living Māori Village

Immerse yourself in Māori culture and experience traditional geysers and mud pools.
Short bus ride from the café.
NZD35, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The White Rabbit

Relax after a long day with a casual dinner at this quirky pub.
Take a bus or walk back to town.
NZD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 3: More of Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Have a light breakfast and prepare for a day of adventure.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore stunning geothermal parks with vibrant hot springs and bubbling mud pools.
Bus from Rotorua center.
NZD32, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Cafe Te Punanga

Grab a quick lunch with a variety of options at this café inside the park.
Onsite.
NZD15, 1 hour

2:30 PM

Visit Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

Explore the beautiful forest with its towering trees and scenic walking trails.
Bus back to Rotorua and then a short walk.
NZD0, 2.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Kowhai Cafe

End the day with a lovely dinner featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Walk back to the center.
NZD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 4: Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast and prepare for some hiking.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Bus to Tongariro National Park

Travel to Tongariro National Park, famous for its stunning landscapes.
Take a bus from Rotorua.
NZD30, 2 hours

10:30 AM

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

One of the best day hikes in New Zealand with breathtaking views.
Begin the hike at the starting point.
NZD0, 5-7 hours

6:30 PM

Dinner at the Chateau Tongariro

End your day with a nice meal at the historic Chateau located nearby.
Travel from the finish of the hike.
NZD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tongariro National Park

Day 5: Wellington - Capital City

Wellington, New Zealand

9:00 AM

Breakfast at The Good Place

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast at this popular café.
N/A
NZD15, 1 hour

10:00 AM

Bus to Wellington

Travel to the capital through scenic landscapes.
Board the bus near your accommodation.
NZD50, 5 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at Chuck's Restaurant

Grab a casual lunch featuring local meat and seasonal veggies.
Walking distance from the bus station.
NZD20, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Explore Te Papa Museum

Discover New Zealand's national museum with interactive exhibits and art.
15-minute walk.
NZD0, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at the Wellington Waterfront

Enjoy a scenic dinner at one of the many food trucks offering a variety of cuisines.
5 minutes walk from the museum.
NZD25, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Wellington

Day 6: Arrival in Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a comfortable breakfast before your journey.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Christchurch

Travel to Christchurch, known for its gardens and architecture.
Depart from Wellington bus station.
NZD30, 5 hours

3:00 PM

Lunch at Fiddlesticks

Savor a delicious meal at this cozy café in the heart of Christchurch.
Walking distance from the bus station.
NZD20, 1 hour

4:30 PM

Visit the Botanic Gardens

Stroll through stunning gardens and relax by the Avon River.
Short walk from the café.
NZD0, 2 hours

7:00 PM

Dinner at The Bicycle Thief

End your day with a hearty meal at this favorite Italian restaurant.
5 minutes walk from the gardens.
NZD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 7: Cross to Picton

Picton, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy some toast and coffee before the journey.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Ferry to Picton

Take the ferry crossing to the picturesque town of Picton.
Board the ferry from Wellington.
NZD65, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Picton Village Bakkerij

Enjoy freshly baked goods and delicious coffee at this bakery.
Short walk from the ferry terminal.
NZD15, 1 hour

1:30 PM

Explore the Queen Charlotte Sound

Take a walk all around the waterfront and take in the beautiful scenery.
N/A
NZD0, 2 hours

4:00 PM

Dinner at Seabreeze Café

Enjoy a relaxed dining experience with a great view of the harbor.
5-minute walk from the waterfront.
NZD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Picton

Day 8: Explore Nelson

Nelson, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy a light breakfast before heading to Nelson.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Nelson

Travel to Nelson, known for its vibrant art scene.
Take a bus from Picton.
NZD30, 2 hours

11:30 AM

Lunch at The Free House

Savor a delicious lunch at this popular pub, known for local flavors.
Short walk from the bus station.
NZD20, 1 hour

1:00 PM

Visit Nelson Market

Explore local art, crafts, and fresh produce at the famous Saturday market.
Short walk from the pub.
NZD0, 2 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Mussel Inn

Enjoy a cozy dinner at this well-known gastro pub that specializes in seafood.
Take a short bus ride from Nelson center.
NZD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Nelson

Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

7:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Have a hearty breakfast before venturing into the park.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

8:30 AM

Travel to Abel Tasman National Park

Head out to explore pristine beaches and lush coastal trails.
Take a shuttle from Nelson.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:30 AM

Hiking in Abel Tasman

Spend the day hiking the coastal track, enjoying breathtaking views.
Follow marked trails from the drop-off point.
NZD0, 6 hours

4:30 PM

Lunch at the Park

Pack a picnic to enjoy among the nature.
N/A
NZD10 (from previous shopping), 1 hour

5:30 PM

Dinner with Local Cuisine

On returning, find a local diner for a fitting end to the day.
Head back to Nelson.
NZD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Abel Tasman National Park

Day 10: Cricket Match Day

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy your breakfast before heading to the match.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Attend Cricket Match

Enjoy a day filled with cricket and the vibrant atmosphere with locals.
Take the local transport to the stadium.
NZD30 (entry fee), 6 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at Dux Dine

End the day with a delightful dinner featuring fresh seafood and a cozy environment.
Take public transport back.
NZD35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 11: Journey to Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Grab breakfast before heading to Lake Tekapo.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Lake Tekapo

Travel to the famous stunning blue lake.
Catch the bus from Christchurch.
NZD40, 3 hours

1:00 PM

Lunch at Lake Tekapo Village

Enjoy lunch at a scenic café overlooking the lake.
Walking distance from bus stop.
NZD20, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Walk to the Church of the Good Shepherd

Visit this charming church on the lakeshore for beautiful photos.
Short walk from the café.
NZD0, 1 hour

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Last Resort

Conclude your day with a hearty meal and gorgeous lake views.
Short walk from the church.
NZD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lake Tekapo

Day 12: Arrival in Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Breakfast at your accommodation

Enjoy breakfast with views of Lake Tekapo.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Bus to Queenstown

Travel to the adventure capital of New Zealand.
Join a bus from Lake Tekapo.
NZD45, 3 hours

12:00 PM

Lunch at Fergburger

You can't miss having a world-famous burger for lunch!
Walking distance from the bus stop.
NZD20, 1 hour

2:00 PM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the beautiful gardens with incredible views.
Short walk from Fergburger.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Dinner at The Cow

Enjoy a cozy meal at this rustic Italian restaurant.
5-minute walk from the gardens.
NZD25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 13: Milford Sound Adventure

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:00 AM

Early Breakfast at your accommodation

Get an early start with a light breakfast.
N/A
NZD10, 1 hour

7:00 AM

Bus to Milford Sound

Begin your adventure towards one of New Zealand's most stunning locations.
Join a day tour bus from Queenstown.
NZD100 (includes cruise), 4 hours

11:00 AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Experience breathtaking views of fjords and waterfalls on a scenic cruise.
Join the cruise from Milford Sound.
NZD70 (included), 2 hours

1:00 PM

Packed Lunch

Enjoy a packed lunch you made earlier during your journey.
On the boat during the cruise.
NZD0, 1 hour

3:00 PM

Explore Milford Sound

Take more photos and explore the surrounding areas.
Walking nearby after disembarking from the cruise.
NZD0, 1.5 hours

5:00 PM

Return to Queenstown

Travel back and take in the stunning scenery once again.
Bus back to Queenstown.
NZD30, 4 hours

9:00 PM

Dinner at Pub On Wharf

Relax with a casual dinner and enjoy the local pub scene.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
NZD20, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Milford Sound

Day 14: Fiordland National Park Departure

Fiordland National Park, New Zealand

8:00 AM

Final Breakfast in Queenstown

Savor a last breakfast with views of the mountains.
N/A
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00 AM

Return to Queenstown Airport

Make your way to the airport for departure or onward travel.
Walk or take a bus.
NZD30, 1 hour

10:30 AM

Departure

Bid farewell to New Zealand, carrying wonderful memories.
N/A
NZD0, N/A
Find Hotels in Fiordland National Park
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