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10 Days Exploring the Wonders of New Zealand
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10 Days Exploring the Wonders of New Zealand
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Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
10:00AM
Arrive at Auckland Airport
After landing, you’ll go through customs and head to your accommodation to check-in and freshen up.
A short taxi or shuttle ride to your hotel in Auckland takes approximately 30 minutes.
NZD 70, 1 hour
12:00PM
Lunch at Devon on the Wharf
Enjoy fresh seafood and stunning views from this waterfront eatery, famous for its vibrant atmosphere.
A pleasant stroll along the waterfront will take you there in about 15 minutes.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours
2:00PM
Sky Tower
Visit the iconic Sky Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland and its surrounding landscapes.
The Sky Tower is a 15-minute walk from your lunch spot.
NZD 32, 1 hour
4:00PM
Auckland Domain
Explore Auckland’s oldest park, filled with beautiful gardens and the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a glimpse of Maori culture.
A 15-minute drive or 30-minute bus ride from the Sky Tower.
NZD 15, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Federal Delicatessen
Savour traditional New York-style diner dishes in a chic yet casual setting.
A 10-minute taxi ride from Auckland Domain.
NZD 25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland
Day 2: Explore Auckland
Auckland, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Piaf
Start your day with a delicious European-style breakfast at this cosy café.
A 15-minute walk from your hotel.
NZD 20, 1 hour
9:30AM
Waiheke Island Day Trip
Take a ferry ride to Waiheke Island, known for its beautiful vineyards and beaches.
A 40-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island from Auckland Ferry Terminal.
NZD 42, 5 hours
2:30PM
Wine Tasting at Tantalus Estate
Indulge in world-class wine tasting and a gourmet platter surrounded by stunning scenery.
A 15-minute taxi ride from the ferry terminal on the island.
NZD 60, 2 hours
5:00PM
Relax at Oneroa Beach
Spend a few hours relaxing or swimming at Oneroa Beach before heading back.
A 10-minute drive from Tantalus Estate.
Free, 2 hours
7:00PM
Dinner at The Glasshouse
Enjoy modern New Zealand cuisine with a focus on local ingredients in a stylish setting.
A taxi back to Auckland will take about 40 minutes.
NZD 35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Auckland
Day 3: Travel to Rotorua
Rotorua, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Café Melba
Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before your drive to Rotorua.
A short walk from your hotel.
NZD 18, 1 hour
9:30AM
Drive to Rotorua
Hit the road and enjoy the scenic drive to Rotorua (approx. 3 hours).
Drive down State Highway 1 and then Highway 5 for beautiful landscapes.
Includes fuel, 3 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Atticus Finch
Enjoy a meal at this eatery known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Located in Rotorua city centre, easy to find after your drive.
NZD 30, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Visit Te Puia
Discover geothermal wonders and Maori culture at this iconic park featuring geysers and mud pools.
A 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk from lunch.
NZD 37, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Eat Streat
This vibrant dining precinct features a variety of restaurants offering a range of cuisines.
A 10-minute drive from Te Puia.
NZD 25, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua to Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Ladyback Café
Start your day with a delicious breakfast in a warm, welcoming environment.
Local café within walking distance.
NZD 15, 1 hour
9:30AM
Drive to Wellington
Set off early for your journey to Wellington (approx. 5 hours).
Take State Highway 1 scenic route through Tongariro National Park.
Includes fuel, 5 hours
3:00PM
Check-in at Accommodation
Arrive in Wellington and check into your hotel to rest after the long drive.
Short taxi ride to your hotel from the city centre.
NZD 80, 1 hour
4:00PM
Visit Te Papa Museum
Explore New Zealand's national museum, which features fascinating exhibits about the nation’s history and culture.
A 5-minute walk from your accommodation.
Free, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at Logan Brown
Indulge in contemporary New Zealand fine dining at this award-winning restaurant.
Located a short 5-minute walk from Te Papa.
NZD 100, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wellington
Day 5: Wellington to Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Olive Café
Recharge with a fresh breakfast in this local favourite café renowned for its warm service.
A short walk from your hotel.
NZD 20, 1 hour
9:30AM
Flight to Nelson
Catch a morning flight to Nelson, enjoying the scenic aerial views of the South Island.
The airport is close to the city centre, about a 10-minute taxi ride.
NZD 100, 1 hour
11:00AM
Check-in and Explore Nelson
Arrive in Nelson, check into your accommodation, and wander the charming streets of this artistic town.
The hotel is located in the heart of the city.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at The FREE House
Enjoy a wide selection of local craft beers paired with tasty pub food.
A 10-minute walk from the city centre.
NZD 25, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Visit the World of WearableArt Museum
Explore this unique museum showcasing creativity and innovative wearable art.
A short taxi ride from the restaurant.
NZD 25, 2 hours
5:30PM
Dinner at Hopgood's Restaurant
End your day with a delightful dinner featuring fresh local seafood and seasonal produce.
A 10-minute taxi ride from the museum.
NZD 50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Nelson
Day 6: Explore Abel Tasman National Park
Abel Tasman, New Zealand
7:00AM
Breakfast at the Hotel
Start your day with a hearty breakfast in preparation for an exciting day ahead.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before setting off.
Included, 1 hour
8:30AM
Drive to Abel Tasman National Park
Travel to the stunning national park known for its golden beaches and crystal-clear waters.
A scenic 1 hour drive from Nelson.
Includes fuel, 1 hour
9:30AM
Kayaking at Abel Tasman
Experience the beauty of Abel Tasman National Park by kayak, paddling along the beautiful coastline.
Join a guided tour from the park entrance.
NZD 95, 3 hours
1:00PM
Lunch at Awaroa Lodge
Relax and refuel after your kayaking adventure with lunch at this secluded lodge.
Accessible via kayaking or a short walk.
NZD 35, 1.5 hours
3:00PM
Walk the Abel Tasman Track
Spend the afternoon walking part of the famous Abel Tasman track, enjoying stunning vistas.
Start from Awaroa Lodge and follow the well-marked paths.
Free, 3 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at The Innlet
Return to Nelson and enjoy a lovely dinner at this local spot known for its warm atmosphere.
A drive back from Abel Tasman will take about an hour.
NZD 35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Abel Tasman
Day 7: Travel to Franz Josef
Franz Josef, New Zealand
7:00AM
Breakfast in Nelson
Enjoy a fantastic breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe before heading out.
At a café within walking distance.
NZD 20, 1 hour
8:30AM
Drive to Franz Josef
Drive down the West Coast, stopping to admire the rugged scenery and unique attractions along the way (approx. 6 hours).
Follow State Highway 6 with several stops along the way.
Includes fuel, 6 hours
2:30PM
Check-in at Accommodation
Arrive in Franz Josef and check into your accommodation to refresh.
Short drive from the main highway into the town.
NZD 80, 1 hour
3:30PM
Franz Josef Glacier Walk
Take a guided walk to the base of Franz Josef Glacier, witnessing its stunning beauty up close.
The tour starts close to your accommodation.
NZD 60, 2 hours
6:00PM
Dinner at The Landing
Enjoy a delightful dinner at this rustic restaurant with a menu focused on local produce.
Just a short walk from your accommodation.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Franz Josef
Day 8: Queenstown Adventure
Queenstown, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at Café 1859
Start the day right with a breakfast in a cosy café famous for its delicious offerings.
Just a short walk from your accommodation.
NZD 20, 1 hour
9:30AM
Drive to Queenstown
Journey to the adventure capital of New Zealand, Queenstown (approx. 4 hours).
Follow State Highway 6 for some of the most beautiful views in the country.
Includes fuel, 4 hours
2:00PM
Check-in at Accommodation
Settle into your Queenstown accommodation and prepare for an exhilarating afternoon.
Close to the lakeshore.
NZD 100, 1 hour
3:00PM
Gondola Ride to Skyline
Take the gondola up the mountain for breathtaking views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
A short taxi ride to the gondola base or a 10-minute walk.
NZD 40, 2 hours
5:00PM
Dinner at the Skyline Restaurant
Enjoy a meal at this restaurant offering spectacular views and delectable dishes.
Located at the top of the gondola.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 9: Milford Sound Day Trip
Milford Sound, New Zealand
6:00AM
Early Breakfast at Accommodation
Grab a quick meal at your hotel before heading out to Milford Sound.
Breakfast is ready at your hotel.
Included, 30 minutes
6:30AM
Drive to Milford Sound
Embark on an early drive through stunning landscapes on the way to Milford Sound (approx. 2.5 hours).
Drive along the scenic road from Queenstown.
Includes fuel, 2.5 hours
9:00AM
Milford Sound Boat Cruise
Experience breathtaking views of waterfalls and towering cliffs on a scenic cruise of Milford Sound.
Board your cruise at the Milford Sound terminal.
NZD 110, 2 hours
11:30AM
Lunch at Milford Sound Café
Enjoy lunch with mountain views before heading back to Queenstown.
Conveniently located at the Milford Sound terminal.
NZD 30, 1 hour
1:00PM
Return Drive to Queenstown
Head back to Queenstown, soaking in the beautiful scenery along the route.
Drive back the way you came.
Includes fuel, 2.5 hours
4:00PM
Relax at Hotel
Spend some time relaxing at your hotel after your long day out.
Back at your accommodation.
Free, 1 hour
6:00PM
Dinner at Rātā
End your trip with a memorable dinner at this celebrated restaurant by celebrity chef Josh Emett.
A short walk from your hotel.
NZD 75, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Milford Sound
Day 10: Departure from Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand
8:00AM
Breakfast at the Hotel
Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel before your journey home.
Breakfast is provided at your hotel.
Included, 1 hour
9:30AM
Flight to Christchurch
Catch a domestic flight to Christchurch for your departure.
Drive to the airport, about 30 minutes from Queenstown.
NZD 120, 1.5 hours
11:00AM
Explore Christchurch City
If time permits, explore the rejuvenated city of Christchurch with its beautiful parks and rich history.
Easily accessible by taxi or car.
Free, 2.5 hours
1:30PM
Lunch at Little Pom's
Enjoy a casual lunch at this café known for its selection of fresh, local dishes.
About a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
NZD 25, 1 hour
3:00PM
Departure from Christchurch Airport
Head to the airport for your flight home, filled with amazing memories of New Zealand.
Take a short taxi ride to the airport.
NZD 50, 30 minutes
Find Hotels in Christchurch
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Itinerary created by
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January 29, 2025
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