15-Day New Zealand Expedition: Auckland to Christchurch with Milford Sound and South Island from Midday on Day 5

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
View Hotel Availability

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
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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 Māori 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
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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
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Day 4: Rotorua Morning & Transfer to Wellington

Rotorua & Wellington, New Zealand on December 21, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at Olive Tree Cafe

A nourishing breakfast before departure on this travel day.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Optional Visit to Government Gardens

A brief morning walk through beautiful gardens near town before departure; open to the public at all times.
Free, 1h

10:30am

Depart Rotorua for Wellington

Drive approximately 6 hours (440 km) to Wellington with recommended rest stops.
Fuel NZD60, 6h

4:30pm

Arrive Wellington and Check-in

Rest briefly before the evening ferry crossing.
Varies, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Logan Brown

Enjoy an upscale meal focusing on New Zealand ingredients in Wellington’s CBD.
NZD70, 1.5h

8:00pm

Ferry Wellington to Picton

Take the evening Interislander ferry (approx 3.5 hours) through scenic Marlborough Sounds; ferry departs around 8pm.
NZD65, 3.5h
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Day 5: Arrive South Island & Kaikoura

Picton & Kaikoura, New Zealand on December 22, 2024

11:30pm (previous night)

Arrive Picton Ferry Terminal

Disembark late evening, transfer to accommodation in Picton or start drive south if preferred.
Varies, 0.5h

8:00am

Breakfast in Picton at Gusto Food & Wine

Waterfront dining with fresh, seasonal dishes at a relaxed morning setting.
NZD30, 1h

9:30am

Drive Picton to Kaikoura

Enjoy the roughly 2.5-hour coastal drive to Kaikoura, renowned for marine wildlife.
Fuel NZD25, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Pier Hotel Restaurant

Sample freshly caught seafood with ocean views in Kaikoura.
NZD45, 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

Enjoy quality pizzas and other dishes in a relaxed setting.
NZD40, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Kaikoura Whale Watching

Kaikoura, New Zealand on December 23, 2024

7:00am

Breakfast at The Little Bistro

Early 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

Explore Kaikoura Township

Relax and explore local shops, galleries and cafés.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Greenflash Restaurant

Contemporary dining with a focus on fresh, local produce.
NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 7: Kaikoura to Christchurch

Kaikoura & Christchurch, New Zealand on December 24, 2024

7:30am

Breakfast at The Little Bistro

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your drive.
NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Drive Kaikoura to Christchurch

Approximate 2.5-hour coastal drive (181 km).
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
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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, New Zealand’s adventure capital.
NZD120, 1h

10:30am

Skyline Gondola and Luge

Rise above Queenstown for 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 focus on local ingredients and flavours.
NZD65, 1.5h
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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; tours run 1pm to 4pm.
NZD80, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Redcliff Cafe

Creative dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients in a relaxed setting.
NZD40, 1.5h
View Hotel Availability

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

Enjoy 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
View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Wanaka Leisure Day

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
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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
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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
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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
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