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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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