Ultimate 13-Day New Zealand Adventure from Auckland to Christchurch via Milford Sound

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on April 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy a New York-style breakfast in this popular Auckland eatery known for its delicious breakfast combos and excellent coffee.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sky Tower

Explore Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower for panoramic city views and a chance to try the thrilling SkyJump or SkyWalk activities.
NZD32, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Breeze Inn

Savour Pacific Rim inspired dishes in this vibrant restaurant known for its fresh seafood and innovative all-day dining.
NZD35, 1h

1:30pm

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Discover New Zealand’s natural history and Māori culture in this well-curated museum, open from 10am to 5pm.
NZD25, 2h

4:00pm

Walk around Viaduct Harbour

Relax and enjoy the bustling waterfront atmosphere, filled with cafes, bars and beautiful views of the marina.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Orbit 360° Dining

Dine at Auckland’s only revolving restaurant atop the Sky Tower, enjoying spectacular night vistas of the city.
NZD60, 1.5h
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Day 2: Rotorua Geothermal

Rotorua, New Zealand on April 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Start your day with wholesome breakfasts and artisan coffee at this local favourite bakery and cafe.
NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Rotorua from Auckland

Travel approximately 3 hours (230 km) south to Rotorua, famous for geothermal activity and Māori culture.
Fuel NZD35, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Eat Streat

Sample local and international cuisines in this lively dining precinct lined with eateries and bars.
NZD30, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore stunning geothermal features including colourful hot springs and bubbling mud pools; open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
NZD32, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Enjoy inventive New Zealand cuisine in a cosy atmosphere well-loved for seasonal menus and craft cocktails.
NZD45, 1.5h
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Day 3: Taupo and Huka Falls

Taupo, New Zealand on April 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kai Cafe

Delight in locally sourced ingredients with modern dishes and great coffee in central Taupo.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Taupo from Rotorua

Enjoy a scenic 1 hour drive (81 km) south to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake.
Fuel NZD15, 1h

10:30am

Visit Huka Falls

Experience the power of water cascading over massive rocks at this spectacular waterfall just north of Taupo.
Free, 1h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Brantry

Enjoy hearty and flavourful meals from a menu focusing on local produce with a modern twist.
NZD35, 1h

1:30pm

Relax at Lake Taupo lakeside

Take a leisurely walk or simply soak up the views along Taupo’s beautiful lakefront.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Drive to Wellington

Begin the approximately 5 hour drive south to New Zealand’s capital city. Consider stops along the way to break up the journey.
Fuel NZD50, 5h

9:30pm

Dinner at Logan Brown (Wellington)

Finish the day with fine dining in this elegant restaurant offering contemporary New Zealand cuisine; open till late.
NZD70, 1.5h
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Day 4: Wellington Culture

Wellington, New Zealand on April 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fidel’s Cafe

Kickstart your Wellington day with a laid-back vibe and international flavours in a popular café on Cuba Street.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Te Papa Museum

Explore New Zealand’s national museum with engaging exhibits on natural history, Māori culture, and art; open 10am–6pm.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Shed 5

Enjoy fresh seafood and harbour views at this stylish waterfront eatery in Wellington's harbour precinct.
NZD40, 1h

2:30pm

Cable Car to Kelburn Lookout

Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car and admire stunning cityscapes from Kelburn Lookout.
NZD9, 1h

4:00pm

Walk along Oriental Bay

Enjoy the seaside promenade and beaches, perfect for a peaceful stroll as the day ends.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Logan Brown

Savour contemporary cuisine in an award-winning restaurant emphasizing New Zealand’s best ingredients.
NZD70, 1.5h
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Day 5: South Island Arrival

Picton, New Zealand on April 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Supreme Coffee

Enjoy excellent coffee and breakfast options in Wellington before boarding the ferry.
NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Ferry from Wellington to Picton

Experience the scenic 3.5-hour ferry crossing through the Cook Strait and Marlborough Sounds.
NZD65, 3.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Gusto Food & Wine

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced lunches in Picton with a relaxed setting near the waterfront.
NZD30, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Kaikoura

Travel approx 2.5 hours south from Picton to Kaikoura, known for whale watching and marine life.
Fuel NZD25, 2.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Pier Hotel Restaurant

Discover Kaikoura’s best seafood, with stunning ocean views in this cosy restaurant.
NZD45, 1.5h
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Day 6: Marine Wonders

Kaikoura, New Zealand on April 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Little Bistro

Start early with light breakfast options and excellent coffee near the town centre.
NZD18, 1h

8:30am

Whale Watching Tour

Join a renowned tour (operating from 8am) to see sperm whales, dolphins, and seals in their natural habitat.
NZD150, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hank's Fishmarket Bar & Grill

Savour freshly caught seafood right on the foreshore, perfect after a morning on the water.
NZD40, 1h

2:00pm

Seal Colony Walk

Take a scenic stroll to visit the Kaikoura seal colony, just a short drive and walk from town.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at No. 5 Church Lane

Relax with artisanal pizzas and local wines in a charming setting near the waterfront.
NZD40, 1.5h
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Day 7: Christchurch City Tour

Christchurch, New Zealand on April 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Black Betty Cafe

Enjoy inventive breakfast dishes and excellent coffee to fuel exploration of Christchurch.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Stroll through one of NZ’s finest botanical gardens, perfect for relaxation and photos.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Sample diverse cuisine from various vendors in this modern food hall near the city centre.
NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Re:Start Mall and Street Art

See innovative shipping container shopping and creative urban art revitalising Christchurch after earthquakes.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Punting on the Avon River

Take a relaxing punt ride on the Avon River, offering a unique perspective of the city’s green spaces.
NZD40, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at 27 Steps

Enjoy contemporary New Zealand cuisine in a warm atmosphere, a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 8: Queenstown Adventure

Queenstown, New Zealand on April 26, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder

Get energised with hearty breakfast options and excellent coffee in one of Queenstown’s most popular cafés.
NZD20, 1h

8:00am

Flight from Christchurch to Queenstown

Take a short 1-hour flight to Queenstown to maximise your time in the adventure capital of NZ.
NZD120, 1h

10:00am

Skyline Gondola and Luge

Ride up Bob’s Peak for breathtaking views and enjoy fun luge rides; open 9am to 9pm.
NZD65, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fergburger

Try the famed gourmet burgers and casual vibe in the heart of Queenstown.
NZD25, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Relax with a scenic walk among beautiful gardens and lakefront views.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Dinner at Rata

Experience award-winning cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients in an elegant setting.
NZD65, 1.5h
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Day 9: Te Anau Gateway

Te Anau, New Zealand on April 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Patina

Enjoy refined breakfast dishes in Queenstown before driving to Te Anau.
NZD25, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Queenstown to Te Anau

Scenic 2-hour (171 km) drive to the gateway town for Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.
Fuel NZD25, 2h

10:30am

Lake Te Anau Walks

Explore gentle lakeside walks or short hikes offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Miles Better Pies

Try a selection of artisan meat and veggie pies, a beloved Kiwi comfort food staple.
NZD15, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Take a guided boat tour inside the glowworm caves showcasing magical subterranean bioluminescence; tours run from 1pm to 4pm.
NZD80, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Redcliff Cafe

Enjoy fresh and creative dishes featuring local ingredients in a comfortable, casual setting.
NZD40, 1.5h
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Day 10: Milford Sound Cruise

Milford Sound, New Zealand on April 28, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Te Anau

Grab a quick, energising breakfast to get an early start to Milford Sound.
NZD15, 0.5h

6:30am

Drive from Te Anau to Milford Sound

Approx 2-hour drive along stunning Fiordland roads; allow time for photo stops at scenic viewpoints.
Fuel NZD25, 2h

9:00am

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Experience a 2-hour cruise marveling at towering cliffs, waterfalls, and wildlife in this world-famous fiord; cruises depart regularly 8am–5pm.
NZD100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Milford Sound Lodge

Enjoy simple yet satisfying meals in the only accommodation and dining spot at Milford Sound.
NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Optional short walks

Take brief walks in the area such as the Milford Foreshore Walk for more spectacular views.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Drive back to Te Anau

Return to Te Anau to rest after a rewarding day in Fiordland.
Fuel NZD25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Fat Duck

Relax with hearty regional cuisine in Te Anau’s well-known eatery featuring local game and fish.
NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 11: Wanaka Relaxation

Wanaka, New Zealand on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Big Fig Wanaka

Enjoy wholesome, share-style breakfasts with fresh produce to fuel your day.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive from Te Anau to Wanaka

Scenic 3-hour drive (230 km) north to Wanaka, a picturesque town by the lake.
Fuel NZD30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Francesca's Italian Kitchen

Enjoy authentic, fresh Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
NZD35, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Wanaka Lakefront and Walks

Relax with lakeside walks, enjoying stunning mountain reflections and parks.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Kika

Savour new Zealand inspired modern small plates paired with local wines in a lively setting.
NZD55, 1.5h
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Day 12: Mount Cook Experience

Mount Cook Village, New Zealand on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Relishes Cafe Bar

Start with fresh and hearty options in Mount Cook Village before exploring the national park.
NZD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Wanaka to Mount Cook Village

Approx 2.5 hour drive through spectacular alpine scenery on the way to Mount Cook National Park.
Fuel NZD25, 2.5h

11:00am

Hooker Valley Track Walk

A popular 3-hour return walk offering stunning views of Mount Cook and glaciers; suitable for most fitness levels.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Old Mountaineers Cafe

Enjoy casual meals with spectacular mountain views in a cosy cafe setting.
NZD30, 1h

4:00pm

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Explore exhibitions about mountaineering, Sir Edmund Hillary and the region’s natural history; open till 5pm.
NZD30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hermitage Hotel's Panorama Room

Dine in style with stunning views of Mount Cook paired with regional cuisine.
NZD65, 1.5h
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Day 13: Return to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Hermitage Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with views of Mount Cook to start your final travel day.
NZD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive Mount Cook to Christchurch

Approx 4-hour drive back to Christchurch, taking breaks as desired to enjoy the landscapes.
Fuel NZD40, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Inati (Christchurch)

Celebrate your final lunch in NZ with exquisite and innovative degustation style dishes in an intimate setting.
NZD80, 1.5h

2:30pm

Relax or last-minute shopping

Spend your afternoon leisurely, perhaps shopping for souvenirs or revisiting favourite spots in Christchurch.
Varies, Rest of day

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps

Enjoy one last delightful meal of modern Kiwi cuisine with a warm and inviting atmosphere.
NZD50, 1.5h
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