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14-Day New Zealand Adventure: Nature, Beaches, and Culinary Delights

Viewed by 79 travelers

Day 1: Arrive in Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand on March 4, 2025

10:00AM

Cable Car Ride

Take a scenic cable car ride to the Kelburn lookout for stunning views of Wellington and the harbour.
NZD8, 1 hour

12:00PM

Lunch at Cuba Street

Stroll along Cuba Street and stop for a bite at one of the numerous cafes like Fidel's Café, famous for its hearty menu and eclectic vibe.
NZD20, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand's national museum, showcasing the country's culture, history, and natural environment—a must-see in Wellington.
Free, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at The Bresolin

Enjoy a delicious dinner at The Bresolin, known for its local produce and friendly atmosphere.
NZD40, 2 hours
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Day 2: Explore Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand on March 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Sweet Mother's Kitchen

Start your day with a hearty brunch at Sweet Mother's Kitchen, offering a diverse menu influenced by Southern American dishes.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

10:00AM

Wellington Botanic Garden

Wander through the beautiful Botanic Garden, featuring native New Zealand plants and stunning landscapes.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Maranui Cafe

Dine at this beachfront café serving fresh seafood and a relaxing atmosphere with sea views.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Weta Workshop Tour

Take a behind-the-scenes tour of Weta Workshop, the Academy Award-winning special effects company behind the Lord of the Rings films.
NZD45, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Ortega Fish Shack

This vibrant restaurant is known for its incredible seafood dishes and fine dining atmosphere.
NZD55, 2 hours
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Day 3: Travel to Abel Tasman

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand on March 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast at your hotel before departing for Abel Tasman.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Abel Tasman National Park

Embark on a scenic 3-hour drive to Abel Tasman National Park, known for its stunning coastline and clear waters.
NZD60 (car rental), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Park Café

Stop for lunch at The Park Café, serving a variety of healthy options and homemade cakes.
NZD25, 1 hour

2:00PM

Kayaking in Abel Tasman

Join a guided kayaking tour through the pristine waters and observe the abundant wildlife along the coast.
NZD90, 3 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Fat Tui

Enjoy gourmet burgers at this popular local spot, known for using fresh, local ingredients.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Abel Tasman National Park

Day 4: Abel Tasman National Park Activities

Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand on March 7, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at the lodge

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast at your lodge before a day full of adventure.
NZD20, 1 hour

8:30AM

Hiking the Abel Tasman Coast Track

Trek a portion of the famous Coast Track, experiencing breathtaking views and lush forests along the way.
Free, 4 hours

1:00PM

Picnic Lunch on the Beach

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on one of the stunning beaches within the park; fresh sandwiches with local ingredients are perfect.
NZD20, 1 hour

2:00PM

Relax at Bark Bay

Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beautiful Bark Bay, swimming and soaking up the sun.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Return to lodge

Head back to your lodge and unwind before dinner.
Free, 1 hour

6:30PM

Dinner at the lodge

Enjoy a cozy dinner at your lodge, typically featuring locally sourced ingredients and creative dishes.
NZD40, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Abel Tasman National Park

Day 5: Explore Golden Bay

Golden Bay, New Zealand on March 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Courthouse Café

Start your day at The Courthouse Café with delicious coffee and fresh baked goods.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Farewell Spit

Explore Farewell Spit, a stunning natural formation and a bird sanctuary perfect for spotting unique bird species.
NZD30 (guided tour), 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Mussel Inn

Stop for lunch at The Mussel Inn, famous for its fresh mussels and local brews.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Explore the beaches

Spend the afternoon exploring the golden beaches and tranquil waters of Golden Bay.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Anathoth Cottage

Savour a rustic dinner at Anathoth Cottage, known for its homemade jams and farm-fresh meals.
NZD35, 2 hours
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Day 6: Travel to Franz Josef

Franz Josef, New Zealand on March 9, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at the lodge

Enjoy breakfast before departing for the next adventure.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Franz Josef

Take a scenic 4-hour drive to Franz Josef, known for its stunning glacier.
NZD70 (car rental), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Landing

Stop for lunch at The Landing, offering local cuisine with a casual atmosphere.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Franz Josef Glacier Hike

Join a guided hike to experience the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier up close.
NZD200, 4 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Full Circle Cafe

Savour hearty meals at Full Circle Café after a thrilling day of exploration.
NZD40, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Franz Josef Exploration

Franz Josef, New Zealand on March 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Café

Enjoy breakfast at The Café, known for its delicious coffee and pastries.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:00AM

Helicopter Tour of Franz Josef Glacier

Soar above the glacier on a helicopter tour, take in the stunning aerial views and land on the ice.
NZD400, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Landing

Head back for a light lunch at The Landing, where you can reflect on your glacier experience.
NZD25, 1 hour

1:30PM

Visit Glacier Hot Pools

Relax in the natural hot pools surrounded by lush rainforest, perfect for unwinding.
NZD30, 2 hours

4:00PM

Evening at leisure

Spend your evening relaxing or exploring the nearby trails at your own pace.
Free, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The White Pub

Dine at The White Pub, a local favourite known for its friendly atmosphere and hearty comfort food.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
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Day 8: Travel to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand on March 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Grab breakfast at your hotel before heading out.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Queenstown

Enjoy the scenic 4-hour drive to Queenstown, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Southern Alps.
NZD70 (car rental), 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Fergburger

Indulge in a world-famous burger at Fergburger, known for its massive and tasty options.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Lake Wakatipu

Spend your afternoon exploring the shores of Lake Wakatipu or take a short cruise on the lake.
NZD50 (cruise), 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Enjoy a fine dining experience at Botswana Butchery, celebrated for its exquisite selections of local meat and wines.
NZD80, 2 hours
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Day 9: Queenstown Adventures

Queenstown, New Zealand on March 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Start your day at Vudu Cafe, a popular spot for delicious pastries and specialty coffee.
NZD20, 1 hour

9:30AM

Skyline Gondola

Ride the gondola for panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains; try the luge if you're feeling adventurous!
NZD60, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Skyline Restaurant

Enjoy lunch at the mountaintop restaurant with stunning views and a buffet spread.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Wine Tasting Tour

Join a half-day wine tasting tour through the Central Otago wine region, sampling local wines and gourmet treats.
NZD120, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Indian Café

Savour delicious Indian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
NZD35, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Queenstown

Day 10: Visit Te Anau

Te Anau, New Zealand on March 13, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before starting your journey to Te Anau.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Te Anau

Scenic drive to Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park, which takes about 2 hours.
NZD40 (car rental), 2 hours

11:00AM

Explore Te Anau

Spend the morning exploring Te Anau, the charming lakeside town, and get coffee at a local café.
NZD10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Fat Duck

Enjoy lunch at The Fat Duck, famous for its open kitchen and delectable dishes.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Visit Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Explore the magical glowworm caves, a must-see natural phenomenon in Te Anau.
NZD65, 2.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Red Cliff Café

Enjoy a casual dinner at the Red Cliff Café, known for its warm atmosphere and delicious fare.
NZD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Te Anau

Day 11: Milford Sound Trip

Milford Sound, New Zealand on March 14, 2025

6:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy an early breakfast to prepare for a day at Milford Sound.
NZD15, 1 hour

7:00AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Set out early for a scenic drive to Milford Sound, an iconic natural wonder.
NZD40 (car rental), 2 hours

9:00AM

Milford Sound Cruise

Experience breathtaking views on a scenic cruise through Milford Sound's stunning fjords.
NZD100, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the cruise

Have lunch aboard the boat, ensuring you enjoy the views while dining.
NZD30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Return drive to Te Anau

Take the scenic route back to Te Anau after a day of exploration.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Red Cliff Café

Relax and dine at the Red Cliff Café again, enjoying the local cuisine.
NZD30, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Milford Sound

Day 12: Travel to Wanaka

Wanaka, New Zealand on March 15, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Fuel up with breakfast at the hotel before your journey.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Wanaka

Take a picturesque 1-hour drive to Wanaka, known for its breathtaking scenery.
NZD20 (car rental), 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Lake Wanaka

Explore Lake Wanaka’s stunning views and perhaps try some water activities.
Free, 2.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen

Savour gourmet dishes at Wanaka Gourmet Kitchen, known for its local ingredients and relaxed vibe.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Walk the mount Iron track

Hike the nearby Mount Iron track for panoramic views of the region.
Free, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at the Cardrona Hotel

Dine at the historic Cardrona Hotel, famous for its hearty meals and rustic charm.
NZD35, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 13: Return to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand on March 16, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the Hotel

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before travelling back to Wellington.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive back to Wellington

Scenic drive back to Wellington, taking about 5 hours.
NZD70 (car rental), 5 hours

2:00PM

Lunch at the Oxford Terrace

Relax and have lunch on the terrace whilst overlooking the river at this lovely venue.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Explore Wellington Waterfront

Spend some time strolling along the waterfront, with shops, galleries, and beautiful seaside views.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Monsoon Poon

Savour Asian fare in a vibrant atmosphere at Monsoon Poon, a local favourite.
NZD35, 2 hours
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Day 14: Departure from Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand on March 17, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at the hotel

Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel and prepare for departure.
NZD15, 1 hour

9:00AM

Return rental car

Drop off your rental car at the airport and prepare for your flight.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Departure

Head to the departure lounge and catch your flight home.
Free, N/A
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