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15-Day New Zealand Journey: Auckland to Christchurch with Milford Sound Adventure

Viewed by 75 travelers

Day 0.5: Arrival Auckland Afternoon

Auckland, New Zealand on December 17, 2024

1:00pm

Arrive in Auckland and Check-In

Settle into your accommodation and freshen up after your flight.
Varies, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Auckland Domain

Enjoy a leisurely walk around Auckland’s oldest park featuring gardens and duck ponds; a gentle introduction to the city.
Free, 1.5h

4:30pm

Visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Discover New Zealand and international art collections in this centrally located gallery, open until 5pm.
NZD20, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar

Experience fresh seafood and casual dining in downtown Auckland, popular for oysters and vibrant atmosphere.
NZD50, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 1: Auckland to Waitomo

Auckland & Waitomo Caves, New Zealand on December 18, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy a New York-style breakfast known for delicious combos and excellent coffee.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Visit Sky Tower

Explore Auckland’s iconic tower for panoramic views; open 9am–10pm. Perfect for a morning visit before departure.
NZD32, 1.5h

11:00am

Depart Auckland for Waitomo Caves

Drive approximately 2.5 hours (194 km) south to Waitomo Caves, home of the famous glowworms.
Fuel NZD30, 2.5h

2:00pm

Check-in at Waitomo Accommodation and Lunch

Relax and have a casual lunch nearby to prepare for afternoon cave exploration.
NZD30, 1h

3:30pm

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Enjoy the iconic guided boat tour among thousands of glowworms, tours available until late afternoon.
NZD55, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Huhu Café

Simple, delicious local cuisine near Waitomo with cozy ambiance.
NZD40, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Auckland & Waitomo Caves

Day 2: Waitomo to Rotorua

Waitomo & Rotorua, New Zealand on December 19, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at Huhu Café

Enjoy an early breakfast to fuel your day of travel.
NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Black Water Rafting or Ruakuri Cave Tour

Experience thrilling black water rafting through glowworm-lit caves or opt for a scenic walking cave tour; morning tours start around 8am.
NZD120, 3h

12:30pm

Depart Waitomo for Rotorua

Drive approx. 2 hours (142 km) to Rotorua, famous for geothermal activity and Maori culture.
Fuel NZD25, 2h

2:30pm

Lunch at Capers Epicurean

Wholesome, healthy dishes with great coffee in Rotorua’s town centre.
NZD30, 1h

4:00pm

Polynesian Spa

Relax in thermal mineral pools and spa treatments with views of Lake Rotorua; open until 10pm.
NZD40, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Inventive New Zealand cuisine served in a cosy and casual setting.
NZD45, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Waitomo & Rotorua

Day 3: Rotorua Geothermal and Culture

Rotorua, New Zealand on December 20, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at Olive Tree Cafe

Enjoy freshly made breakfast items and excellent coffee in Rotorua.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore vibrant geothermal features including the Champagne Pool; open 8am–5pm.
NZD32, 2h

11:30am

Te Puia Māori Cultural Centre

Discover Māori culture, see the Pohutu Geyser, and visit kiwi birds; open 8:30am–5pm.
NZD60, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Eat Streat

Diverse selection of casual dining venues offering local and international dishes.
NZD30, 1h

3:00pm

Redwoods Treewalk

Walk amongst towering redwood trees via elevated suspension bridges; open 9am–9pm.
NZD40, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fat Dog Cafe & Bar

Relaxed dining with hearty dishes made from local ingredients.
NZD40, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 4: Rotorua to Wellington

Rotorua & Wellington, New Zealand on December 21, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at Olive Tree Cafe

A final hearty breakfast in Rotorua before departure.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive Rotorua to Wellington

Long drive approx. 6 hours (440 km) south to Wellington with scenic and rest stops recommended.
Fuel NZD60, 6h

3:30pm

Check-in and Rest in Wellington

Relax and prepare for next day’s ferry crossing.
Varies, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Logan Brown

Upscale dining experience with a focus on New Zealand ingredients.
NZD70, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Rotorua & Wellington

Day 5: Ferry to South Island - Picton

Wellington & Picton, New Zealand on December 22, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at Fidel’s Cafe

Start with diverse breakfast dishes before boarding the ferry.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Ferry Wellington to Picton

Enjoy the scenic 3.5-hour ferry crossing through Marlborough Sounds.
NZD65, 3.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Gusto Food & Wine

Waterfront dining in Picton with fresh, seasonal dishes.
NZD30, 1h

2:00pm

Drive Picton to Kaikoura

Approximately 2.5-hour coastal drive to Kaikoura for marine wildlife experiences.
Fuel NZD25, 2.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Pier Hotel Restaurant

Sample freshly caught seafood with ocean views.
NZD45, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Wellington & Picton

Day 6: Kaikoura Wildlife

Kaikoura, New Zealand on December 23, 2024

7:00am

Breakfast at The Little Bistro

Begin early with light breakfast to prepare for your marine tour.
NZD18, 1h

8:30am

Whale Watching Tour

3-hour boat tour to encounter sperm whales, dolphins, and seals; tours from 8am onward.
NZD150, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Hank's Fishmarket Bar & Grill

Enjoy local seafood dishes just off the wharf.
NZD40, 1h

2:00pm

Seal Colony Walk

Short walk to view playful fur seals in their natural habitat; free and easily accessible.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at No. 5 Church Lane

Quality pizzas and other dishes in a relaxed setting.
NZD40, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Kaikoura

Day 7: Kaikoura to Christchurch

Kaikoura & Christchurch, New Zealand on December 24, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at The Little Bistro

Bite to eat before heading to Christchurch.
NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Drive Kaikoura to Christchurch

Approximate 2.5-hour drive (181 km) south along the coast.
Fuel NZD25, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Little High Eatery

Varied food vendors in a contemporary setting near Christchurch’s city centre.
NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Beautiful gardens ideal for a peaceful walk; free entry.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Avon River Punting

Relax on a traditional punt boat along the Avon River for a unique city perspective.
NZD40, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at 27 Steps

Enjoy modern Kiwi cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere.
NZD50, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Kaikoura & Christchurch

Day 8: Flight to Queenstown

Christchurch & Queenstown, New Zealand on December 25, 2024

7:00am

Breakfast at Black Betty Cafe

Creative breakfast menus and excellent coffee to start the day.
NZD20, 1h

8:30am

Flight Christchurch to Queenstown

Short 1-hour flight to Queenstown, known as New Zealand’s adventure capital.
NZD120, 1h

10:30am

Skyline Gondola and Luge

Rise above Queenstown with stunning views and thrilling luge rides; open 9am–9pm.
NZD65, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fergburger

Taste world-famous gourmet burgers in a lively atmosphere.
NZD25, 1h

2:00pm

Queenstown Gardens Walk

Enjoy a peaceful stroll in lakeside gardens with spectacular mountain views.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Dinner at Rata

Indulge in fine dining with a menu focused on local ingredients and flavours.
NZD65, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Christchurch & Queenstown

Day 9: Queenstown to Te Anau

Queenstown & Te Anau, New Zealand on December 26, 2024

7:00am

Breakfast at Patina

Savour refined breakfast offerings in Queenstown before travel.
NZD25, 1h

8:00am

Drive Queenstown to Te Anau

Approximately 2-hour scenic drive to Te Anau, gateway to Fiordland National Park.
Fuel NZD25, 2h

10:30am

Lake Te Anau Walk

Enjoy serene walks along the lake shore and refreshing mountain air.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Miles Better Pies

Classic New Zealand pies with a variety of fillings to delight your palate.
NZD15, 1h

2:00pm

Te Anau Glowworm Caves

Take a fascinating guided tour including a boat ride through glowworm lit caves; runs 1pm to 4pm.
NZD80, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Redcliff Cafe

Enjoy creative dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients in a relaxed café setting.
NZD40, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Queenstown & Te Anau

Day 10: Milford Sound Day Trip

Milford Sound, New Zealand on December 27, 2024

6:00am

Early Breakfast in Te Anau

Prepare for a full day with a quick breakfast before the drive to Milford Sound.
NZD15, 0.5h

6:30am

Drive Te Anau to Milford Sound

Approx 2-hour beautiful drive with multiple scenic photo stops.
Fuel NZD25, 2h

9:00am

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Experience a 2-hour cruise amidst towering fiord cliffs and waterfalls; departures run from 8am through to late afternoon.
NZD100, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Milford Sound Lodge

Casual dining with views in the heart of Milford Sound.
NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Short Walks

Take brief scenic walks including the Milford Foreshore Walk for spectacular nature views.
Free, 1.5h

3:30pm

Return Drive to Te Anau

Leisurely drive back to Te Anau to rest after a wonderful day.
Fuel NZD25, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Fat Duck

Hearty regional NZ cuisine with local game and seafood specialties.
NZD50, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Milford Sound

Day 11: Wanaka Relaxation

Wanaka, New Zealand on December 28, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at Big Fig Wanaka

Wholesome breakfast options shared in a friendly atmosphere.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive Te Anau to Wanaka

3-hour (230 km) scenic drive to the lakeside town of Wanaka.
Fuel NZD30, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Francesca's Italian Kitchen

Authentic Italian dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
NZD35, 1h

2:00pm

Wanaka Lakefront Walk

Relaxing lakeside walk boasting stunning views and fresh air.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Kika

Modern Kiwi small plates paired with local wines in a lively setting.
NZD55, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Wanaka

Day 12: Mount Cook National Park

Mount Cook Village, New Zealand on December 29, 2024

7:00am

Breakfast at Relishes Cafe Bar

Fuel up for the day with nourishing breakfast choices in Mount Cook Village.
NZD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive Wanaka to Mount Cook Village

2.5-hour scenic drive through alpine landscapes to the National Park.
Fuel NZD25, 2.5h

11:00am

Hooker Valley Track

Walk the famous 3-hour return trail with views of glaciers and stunning peaks.
Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Old Mountaineers Cafe

Enjoy casual meals with panoramic mountain views.
NZD30, 1h

4:00pm

Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre

Explore exhibitions about mountaineering and local natural history; open until 5pm.
NZD30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hermitage Hotel's Panorama Room

Dine with superb regional cuisine complemented by majestic mountain views.
NZD65, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Mount Cook Village

Day 13: Return to Christchurch and Departure Prep

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 30, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at The Hermitage Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast amidst the alpine scenery.
NZD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive Mount Cook to Christchurch

4-hour scenic transfer returning you to Christchurch.
Fuel NZD40, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Inati

Experience a creative degustation-style lunch featuring innovative New Zealand cuisine.
NZD80, 1.5h

2:30pm

Relax or Last-Minute Shopping

Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring Christchurch or shopping for souvenirs before departure.
Varies, Rest of day

7:00pm

Farewell Dinner at Twenty Seven Steps

Conclude your New Zealand journey with exquisite modern Kiwi dishes in a warm atmosphere.
NZD50, 1.5h
Find Hotels in Christchurch

Day 14: Departure Day

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 31, 2024

Flexible

Departure

Prepare for your flight home and transfer to Christchurch Airport according to your schedule.
Varies, Flexible
Find Hotels in Christchurch
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