13-Day New Zealand Adventure: Auckland to Christchurch with Waitomo Caves & Milford Sound

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on December 18, 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
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Waitomo, New Zealand on December 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wandering Bear Café

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and great coffee at this welcoming café in Auckland before heading out.
NZD18, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Auckland to Waitomo

Travel approximately 2.5 hours (around 195 km) south to Waitomo, famous for its glowworm caves and limestone formations.
Fuel NZD30, 2.5h

11:00am

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Explore the spectacular glowworm caves on a guided boat tour through the illuminated caverns; tours operate from 8am to 6pm.
NZD55, 1.5h

12:45pm

Lunch at Huhu Cafe

Relax over casual café fare and home baking in a laidback atmosphere near the caves.
NZD25, 1h

2:00pm

Ruakuri Cave Guided Walk

Take a fascinating 45-minute guided walk highlighting geological formations and Māori cultural stories; open 8:30am to 5pm.
NZD45, 1h

4:00pm

Drive to Taupo

Travel about 2 hours (140 km) southeast to Taupo for overnight stay near New Zealand’s largest lake.
Fuel NZD25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Brantry (Taupo)

Enjoy flavourful and hearty dishes showcasing local produce in a modern setting.
NZD35, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Taupo and Huka Falls

Taupo, New Zealand on December 20, 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

Visit Huka Falls

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

11:00am

Relax at Lake Taupo lakeside

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

1:00pm

Lunch at The Acorn Cafe & Bar

Enjoy creative and healthy dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
NZD30, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Wellington

Start the roughly 5-hour drive (approx 370 km) south to New Zealand’s capital city.
Fuel NZD50, 5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Logan Brown (Wellington)

Dine in this elegant restaurant offering contemporary New Zealand cuisine; open late for a relaxed evening.
NZD70, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Wellington Culture

Wellington, New Zealand on December 21, 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
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Flight to Queenstown

Wellington to Queenstown, New Zealand on December 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Supreme Coffee

Enjoy excellent coffee and a nutritious breakfast near your accommodation before heading to the airport.
NZD18, 1h

9:30am

Flight from Wellington to Queenstown

Take a direct flight (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes) to Queenstown, crossing from North to South Island swiftly.
NZD150, 1h 45m

11:30am

Lunch at Fergburger

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

1:00pm

Skyline Gondola and Luge

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

4:00pm

Explore Queenstown Gardens

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

7:00pm

Dinner at Rata

Experience award-winning cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients in an elegant setting.
NZD65, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Te Anau Gateway

Te Anau, New Zealand on December 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder

Get energised with hearty breakfast options and excellent coffee before departing Queenstown.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

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

11:30am

Lake Te Anau Walks

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

1:30pm

Lunch at Miles Better Pies

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

3:00pm

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

6:30pm

Dinner at Redcliff Cafe

Enjoy fresh and creative dishes featuring local ingredients in a comfortable, casual setting.
NZD40, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Milford Sound Cruise

Milford Sound, New Zealand on December 24, 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
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Wanaka Relaxation

Wanaka, New Zealand on December 25, 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
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Mount Cook Experience

Mount Cook Village, New Zealand on December 26, 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
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Christchurch Arrival

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 27, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Hermitage Hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with views of Mount Cook to start your journey to Christchurch.
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 Little High Eatery

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

2:00pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

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

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
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Kaikoura Exploration

Kaikoura, New Zealand on December 28, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Black Betty Cafe

Enjoy inventive breakfast dishes and excellent coffee before heading to Kaikoura.
NZD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive Christchurch to Kaikoura

Approx 2.5 hour drive (181 km) along the coastal highway to Kaikoura, renowned for marine wildlife.
Fuel NZD25, 2.5h

11:00am

Whale Watching Tour

Join a mid-morning tour (starting around 11am) to see majestic sperm whales and other marine wildlife.
NZD150, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Hank's Fishmarket Bar & Grill

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

4:00pm

Seal Colony Walk

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

7:00pm

Dinner at No. 5 Church Lane

Relax with artisanal pizzas and local wines in a charming setting near the waterfront.
NZD40, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Return to Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kaikoura Coffee Works

Enjoy fresh coffee and hearty breakfast options to start your final travel day in Kaikoura.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive Kaikoura to Christchurch

Return 2.5 hour drive to Christchurch, taking scenic views along the Pacific coast.
Fuel NZD25, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Inati

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

2:00pm

Free afternoon for relaxation or 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
View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Departure Day

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local cafe

Have a relaxed breakfast before heading to the airport for your onward journey.
NZD20, 1h

10:00am

Christchurch Airport Transfer

Prepare for your departure from Christchurch airport with ample time for check-in and security.
Taxi approx NZD50, 1h
View Hotel Availability