Affordable 12-Day New Zealand Adventure and Cultural Experience

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

Arrival in Auckland

After landing in Auckland, pick up your rental car and settle into your budget accommodation.
Driving from Auckland Airport to the city center.
AUD100, 3 hours

12:00PM

Visit Auckland Sky Tower

Experience stunning panoramic views of the city from the iconic Sky Tower.
A 15-minute drive from your accommodation.
NZD32, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy casual fare at this New York-style deli, famous for its reuben and bagels.
A short walk from Sky Tower.
NZD25, 1 hour

3:30PM

Wander Viaduct Harbour

Take a leisurely walk along the vibrant waterfront and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
15-minute stroll from lunch spot.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Big J's Takeaways

Grab some fish and chips at this local favorite for dinner.
Drive back to accommodation.
NZD15, 30 minutes
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Day 2: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Best Ugly Bagels

Start your day with fresh bagels and coffee in a cozy atmosphere.
15-minute drive from accommodation.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Auckland Museum

Discover the rich history and culture of New Zealand with Maori artifacts and natural history exhibits.
Drive 10 minutes to the museum.
NZD25, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at La Cigale French Market

Enjoy fresh local produce and French delicacies at this bustling market.
15-minute drive from museum.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Surf at Piha Beach

Experience the rugged beauty of Piha Beach with waves perfect for beginners.
40-minute drive from lunch spot.
Free, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Glasshouse

Dine on modern New Zealand cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Drive back to Auckland City Center.
NZD45, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Hobbiton and Rotorua

Hobbiton and Rotorua, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before hitting the road.
Self-prepared
NZD10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Hobbiton

Travel to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set for a magical tour.
1.5-hour drive from Auckland.
NZD75, 2 hours

10:00AM

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Explore the charming set where ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ were filmed.
Tour is guided and provided by Hobbiton.
NZD79, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Hobbiton Cafe

Enjoy a Hobbit-themed lunch overlooking the picturesque landscape.
On-site dining at Hobbiton.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:30PM

Drive to Rotorua

Continue your journey to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity.
1-hour drive from Hobbiton.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Visit Te Puia

Explore the geothermal wonders and learn about Maori culture.
10-minute drive from accommodation.
NZD60, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Eat Streat

End your day indulging in local cuisine on this vibrant street filled with eateries.
Walking distance from Te Puia.
NZD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Relax in Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Accommodation

Enjoy a self-prepared breakfast to start your day right.
Self-prepared
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Discover stunning geothermal features including bubbling mud pools and colorful hot springs.
30-minute drive from accommodation.
NZD32, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at the Info Centre Cafe

Grab a bite with a view at the café located at Wai-O-Tapu.
On-site at Wai-O-Tapu.
NZD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Unwind in natural thermal pools located by Lake Rotorua; a perfect place for rejuvenation.
Drive back to Rotorua City.
NZD55, 2 hours

5:00PM

Visit Rotorua Lakefront

Take a peaceful stroll along the waterfront of Rotorua.
10-minute drive from Polynesian Spa.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Tudor Rose

Experience casual dining with a focus on local flavors in the heart of Rotorua.
Drive back to accommodation.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Adventure at Waitomo

Waitomo, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Fuel up with breakfast at your accommodation before leaving.
Self-prepared
NZD10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Waitomo Caves

Head to the famous Waitomo caves to witness glowworms and beautiful limestone formations.
1.5-hour drive from Rotorua.
Free, 1.5 hours

9:30AM

Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour

Join a guided tour to experience the enchanting glowworms and stunning cave passes.
Tour is guided and provided by Waitomo Caves.
NZD55, 1 hour

11:00AM

Black Water Rafting

For the thrill-seekers, experience black water rafting through the caves with stunning rock formations.
Guided experience by Waitomo Adventures.
NZD125, 3 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Waitomo Homestead Cafe

Refuel with a hearty lunch at the on-site café.
On-site dining at Waitomo caves.
NZD25, 1 hour

3:30PM

Drive back to Auckland

Return to Auckland to catch your flight to Queenstown.
2-hour drive from Waitomo.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Flight to Queenstown

Catch your domestic flight to Queenstown for your South Island adventure.
Airport drop-off and check-in.
AUD150, 1 hour

8:00PM

Dinner at Fergburger

Savor the legendary burgers from one of the best burger joints in New Zealand.
Short walk from your accommodation.
NZD20, 1 hour
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Day 6: Discover Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Kahawai Cafe

Start with a delicious breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients.
Walking distance from accommodation.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Skyline Gondola Ride

Take the gondola to Bob's Peak for breathtaking views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu.
15-minute walk to the gondola station.
NZD40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Dine with a view while enjoying a delicious meal at Stratosfare.
On-site dining at the gondola station.
NZD50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Enjoy a relaxing stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens.
15-minute walk from the restaurant.
Free, 1 hour

3:30PM

Jet Boating on the Shotover River

Experience the adrenaline rush of jet boating skimming through stunning river canyons.
10-minute drive from gardens.
NZD130, 1 hour

5:00PM

Relax at Lake Wakatipu

Find a spot by the lakeside to unwind and take in the scenery.
Directly at the lakefront.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Cow Restaurant

Savor delicious pizzas and hearty meals in a charming alpine ambiance.
Walk back to the restaurant.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Trip to Te Anau

Te Anau, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your accommodation before you head to Te Anau.
Self-prepared
NZD10, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Te Anau

Set out on a scenic drive to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.
2-hour drive from Queenstown.
Free, 2 hours

10:30AM

Visit Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Take a boat trip across Lake Te Anau to see the stunning glowworm caves.
Boat tour provided by Te Anau Tours.
NZD85, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Landing Restaurant

Dine on contemporary New Zealand cuisine while enjoying lake views.
10-minute walk from the boat terminal.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Te Anau Lakefront

Take a leisurely walk along the lakefront and soak in the picturesque environment.
Directly accessible from The Landing.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Check-in at Accommodation

Relax a bit before your next adventure.
Drive back to accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Elvins Restaurant

Enjoy fresh local fare in a friendly atmosphere just off the main strip.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Exploring Milford Sound

Milford Sound, New Zealand

6:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Make sure to have a quick breakfast before departing early for Milford Sound.
Self-prepared
NZD10, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Embark on a spectacular early morning drive to one of the most famous fjords in the world.
1-hour drive from Te Anau.
Free, 1 hour

8:30AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Join a scenic cruise and marvel at the stunning landscapes of waterfalls and towering cliffs.
Cruise provided by Real Journeys.
NZD89, 2 hours

11:00AM

Kayaking Adventure

Get up close with nature through a kayaking experience in the serene waters of the fjord.
Kayaking tour organized by local providers.
NZD150, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch on the Cruise

Enjoy a packed lunch with picturesque views during your cruise.
On-board meal.
NZD30, 1 hour

2:00PM

Free Time in Milford Sound

Explore the area, take photos, and soak up the beauty of Milford Sound.
Directly at Milford Sound.
Free, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return Drive to Te Anau

Head back to Te Anau to relax and recover after the day’s adventures.
Return to vehicle.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at The Fat Duck

Savor delightful meals made from local produce at this highly-rated restaurant.
Drive back to Te Anau.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 9: Wander Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Fuel up again with breakfast at your accommodation.
Self-prepared
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Enjoy a morning drive to the charming town of Wanaka, known for its beautiful lake and mountains.
1-hour drive from Te Anau.
Free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit the Wanaka Tree

Snap a famous picture by the iconic tree that stands in the lake.
Drive to the lakefront area.
Free, 30 minutes

11:00AM

Explore Rippon Vineyard

Sample delicious local wines amid stunning views over Lake Wanaka.
Drive a short distance to the vineyard.
NZD20, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Francesca's Italian Kitchen

Indulge in a hearty Italian meal with fresh local ingredients.
Drive back to Wanaka township.
NZD35, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk the Wanaka Lakefront Track

Take a gentle walk on the picturesque lakeside track, great for absorbing the local scenery.
Start at the lakefront area.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Visit Puzzling World

Engage your mind at this quirky attraction filled with puzzles and optical illusions.
Drive to Puzzling World.
NZD25, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Spice Room

Enjoy authentic Indian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
Drive back to Wanaka township.
NZD30, 1.5 hours
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Day 10: Lake Tekapo Awaits

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Make breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for the day.
Self-prepared
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Set off for the incredibly scenic Lake Tekapo, famous for its vivid turquoise waters.
1.5-hour drive from Wanaka.
Free, 1.5 hours

10:30AM

Visit Church of the Good Shepherd

Admire the stunning architecture of the iconic church overlooking the lake.
10-minute drive from the lake.
Free, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Lake Tekapo Tavern

Delight in seasonal dishes prepared with local produce.
10-minute drive from the church.
NZD30, 1 hour

1:30PM

Stargazing at Lake Tekapo

Join a stargazing tour to witness the incredible night sky at this International Dark Sky Reserve.
Sign up with a local tour operator.
NZD50, 2 hours

4:00PM

Relax by the Lake

Spend time enjoying the stunning lakeside and surrounding mountains.
Directly accessible from your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at The Blue Lake Eatery

Savor dishes made from locally sourced ingredients for dinner.
Drive back to accommodation.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 11: Explore Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Prepare breakfast before checking out.
Self-prepared
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Christchurch

Set off early to experiencing the vibrant city of Christchurch.
3-hour drive from Lake Tekapo.
Free, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Christchurch Food Market

Enjoy a variety of delicious street food from local vendors.
Central location in Christchurch.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Christchurch Botanical Gardens

Wander through beautiful gardens and scenic landscapes.
Drive to the botanical gardens.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Christchurch Art Gallery

Visit the contemporary gallery showcasing local New Zealand art.
Short drive from the gardens.
Free, 1.5 hours

5:30PM

Dinner at The Craft Embassy

Dine on shared plates and regional brews, immersing into the local culinary scene.
Walk from the art gallery.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 12: Departure from Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Accommodation

Enjoy a final breakfast before departing to the airport.
Self-prepared
NZD10, 1 hour

9:00AM

Check out and drive to Airport

Finish packing and head to Christchurch Airport for your flight back to Brisbane.
30-minute drive from accommodation.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Flight from Christchurch to Brisbane

Bid farewell to beautiful New Zealand as you fly back home.
Check-in and security.
AUD200, Duration of flight is 3 hours
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