Ultimate 10-Day New Zealand Winter Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on June 1, 2025

9:00AM

Breakfast at Daily Bread

Start your day at Daily Bread known for its organic bread and delicious pastries. Try their famous poached eggs on toast.
NZD25, 1 hour

10:30AM

Auckland Sky Tower

Visit the iconic Sky Tower for incredible panoramic views of the city and surrounding areas.
NZD32, 1-2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Orbit 360°

Enjoy a unique dining experience at Orbit 360°, located at the top of Sky Tower, with rotating views of the city.
NZD50, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Hobbiton

Travel approximately 2 hours (160 km) south to Hobbiton for a guided tour of the movie set from 'The Lord of the Rings'.
NZD85, 2 hours
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Day 2: Explore Hobbiton

Hobbiton, New Zealand on June 2, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hobbiton Cafe

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Hobbiton Cafe, perfect to fuel you before a day of exploration.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Take the iconic Hobbiton movie set tour that lasts approximately 2 hours and see the picturesque Hobbit holes.
NZD85, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at The Green Dragon Inn

Lunch here features traditional ales and hearty meals crafted for hungry adventurers.
NZD40, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Drive to Rotorua

Travel approximately 1 hour (70 km) to Rotorua. Enjoy beautiful landscapes along the way.
NZD0, 1 hour
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Day 3: Discover Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand on June 3, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Caffe L'affare

Savour a warm breakfast at this popular local cafe known for its great coffee.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Te Puia

Explore geothermal wonders and the infamous Pohutu Geyser at Te Puia, a must-see attraction.
NZD50, 2-3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Enjoy local cuisine at one of the many restaurants lining this vibrant food strip.
NZD25, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Rotorua Museum

Learn about the rich Māori culture and the history of Rotorua at the Rotorua Museum.
NZD30, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Unwind in the therapeutic natural hot mineral pools at the Polynesian Spa, the perfect way to end the day.
NZD45, 2 hours
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Day 4: Travel to Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand on June 4, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee of New Zealand

Fuel up with excellent coffee and a delightful breakfast at this popular café.
NZD30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Drive to Wellington

Take a scenic 3-hour (230 km) drive to New Zealand's capital.
NZD0, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Logan Brown

This award-winning restaurant offers a fine dining experience in a beautifully renovated bank.
NZD70, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Weta Workshop Tour

Explore the famous Weta Workshop where many movie magic props are created, a must for film enthusiasts.
NZD40, 2 hours

5:00PM

Ride the Cable Car to Kelburn

Enjoy stunning views of the city and harbour while riding the historic Wellington Cable Car.
NZD8, 1 hour
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Day 5: Explore Kapiti Island

Kapiti Island, New Zealand on June 5, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Cafes in Wellington

Grab a quick breakfast at one of Wellington’s famous cafes before heading to the islands.
NZD25, 1 hour

8:30AM

Ferry to Kapiti Island

Catch a ferry from Paraparaumu to Kapiti Island, famous for its native birds and stunning nature.
NZD50, 2-3 hours including transportation

11:30AM

Guided Nature Walk

Explore the island with a guided walk focusing on birdwatching and native flora.
NZD40, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch on Kapiti Island

Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy a packed meal provided on the tour.
NZD0, 1 hour

2:30PM

Ferry back to Wellington

Return on the afternoon ferry to continue your adventure.
NZD50, 2 hours including transport
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Day 6: Adventuring to Queenstown

Queenstown, New Zealand on June 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fidel's Cafe

Delight in delicious brunch options at this atmospheric café before your journey.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to Queenstown

Hit the road early for a 7-hour (480 km) drive to Queenstown, renowned for adventure sports.
NZD0, 7 hours with stops

4:00PM

Check-in at your accommodation

Settle into your hotel or lodge in Queenstown; consider the Luxury Rees Hotel.
NZD200, 1 hour

5:30PM

Dinner at Skyline Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with breathtaking views at Skyline, reachable by gondola.
NZD70, 2 hours
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Day 7: A Day in Milford Sound

Milford Sound, New Zealand on June 7, 2025

6:30AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Start the day early with breakfast at your accommodation before heading to Milford.
NZD0, 1 hour

7:30AM

Drive to Milford Sound

Take a scenic drive (1.5-2 hours) to Milford Sound, taking in the stunning scenery.
NZD0, 2 hours

10:00AM

Milford Sound Boat Cruise

Embark on a 2-hour boat cruise to discover the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound.
NZD85, 2 hours

12:30PM

Lunch on-board

Enjoy a packed lunch while cruising to soak in the spectacular vistas.
NZD0, 1 hour

2:00PM

Return Drive to Queenstown

Drive back to Queenstown, reflecting on a day well spent.
NZD0, 2 hours
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Day 8: Visit The Sisters and Elephant Rock

Waitaki Valley, New Zealand on June 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before setting off to see unique geological formations.
NZD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Drive to The Sisters and Elephant Rock

Travel around 3.5 hours (300 km) to see these incredible rock formations.
NZD0, 4 hours with stops

1:00PM

Lunch at a local café

Find a quaint local café near the rock formations to refuel.
NZD30, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore The Sisters and Elephant Rock

Take time to explore and capture photos of these stunning natural formations.
NZD0, 2 hours

5:30PM

Drive back to Oamaru

Head back for an overnight stop in Oamaru to experience its Victorian charm.
NZD0, 2.5 hours
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Day 9: Explore Oamaru and Drive to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on June 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Oamaru's Foyle's

Visit Foyle's for a delicious breakfast to brace yourself for a few scenic drives ahead.
NZD25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit the Oamaru Blue Penguin Colony

Witness the adorable little blue penguins in their natural habitat.
NZD40, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at a local café

Stop for lunch at one of the local cafes in Oamaru.
NZD30, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Drive to Christchurch

Travel about 2.5 hours (120 km) to Christchurch, with beautiful rural scenery on route.
NZD0, 2.5 hours

4:00PM

Check-in at accommodation

Settle into your accommodation in Christchurch, perhaps a historic hotel.
NZD150, 1 hour
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Day 10: Departure from Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on June 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before departure.
NZD0, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit the Botanic Gardens

Take a stroll through the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens to soak in the sights one last time.
NZD0, 1-2 hours

11:00AM

Depart for Christchurch Airport

Make your way to the airport for your flight home.
NZD0, 1 hour
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