Comprehensive 15-Day New Zealand Itinerary: Auckland to Christchurch, North and South Island Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Auckland intro

Auckland, New Zealand on December 17, 2025

2:00pm

Arrival and check-in

Arrive at Auckland Airport and transfer to your accommodation to rest and freshen up after your flight.

NZD0, 1h

3:30pm

Sky Tower visit

Explore the Sky Tower offering panoramic views over Auckland and its harbours. It is open until 10pm, giving you beautiful evening cityscapes.

NZD32, 1h30m

5:30pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring New Zealand seafood and local produce at Depot Eatery, which is casual and well-loved in Auckland's central district.

NZD50, 1h30m

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Day 2: Waitomo & Rotorua

Waitomo & Rotorua, New Zealand on December 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Federal Street Coffee

Start your day with quality coffee and fresh breakfast options at Federal Street Coffee in Auckland.

NZD20, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Waitomo Caves

Travel south to Waitomo Caves, approximately a 2.5-hour drive, to explore the famous glowworm caves.

NZD0, 2h30m

11:00am

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Take a guided tour through the magical glowworm caves to view thousands of bioluminescent glowworms lighting the cavern.

NZD55, 1h

12:15pm

Lunch at Waitomo Caves Cafe

Enjoy casual lunch with local fare conveniently located near the caves.

NZD25, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Rotorua

Head to Rotorua, about 1.5 hours away, to experience Maori culture and geothermal wonders.

NZD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Te Puia Geothermal Park

Visit Te Puia to see geysers, mud pools, and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Open until 5pm.

NZD60, 1h30m

5:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Dine at this modern eatery offering innovative New Zealand dishes using local ingredients in Rotorua town centre.

NZD50, 1h30m

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Day 3: Rotorua to Wellington

Rotorua & Wellington, New Zealand on December 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Enjoy excellent freshly baked bread and strong coffee in Rotorua.

NZD20, 45m

8:00am

Visit Whakarewarewa Forest

Walk or bike through the Redwood forests famous for towering trees; great for morning fresh air. The visitor centre opens at 8am.

NZD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Drive to Wellington

Drive approximately 6 hours south to Wellington to take the flight to Queenstown. Optionally, stop for breaks at Taupo or scenic points.

NZD0, 6h

4:30pm

Flight from Wellington to Queenstown

Catch an afternoon flight from Wellington to Queenstown, about 1.5 hours in duration. Flights typically run until around 7pm. Check flight availability.

NZD150, 1h30m

6:30pm

Check-in and dinner in Queenstown

Settle into your accommodation, then enjoy dinner at Fergburger, renowned for New Zealand’s best burgers.

NZD30, 1h

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Day 4: Queenstown & Milford Sound

Queenstown & Milford Sound, New Zealand on December 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Have a hearty breakfast with excellent coffee at Vudu Cafe & Larder, highly praised in Queenstown.

NZD25, 45m

8:00am

Milford Sound day tour

Depart early with a guided coach or flight tour to Milford Sound; explore the fjord including a scenic cruise. Tours generally last 10-12 hours and operate daily.

NZD250, 10h

7:00pm

Return to Queenstown

Arrive back in Queenstown after an incredible day admiring waterfalls, wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes.

NZD0, 1h

8:00pm

Dinner at Public Kitchen and Bar

Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring contemporary New Zealand cuisine close to the waterfront in Queenstown.

NZD55, 1h30m

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Day 5: Queenstown Highlights

Queenstown, New Zealand on December 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Joe's Garage

Start your day with breakfast at this cosy spot known for hearty meals and good coffee.

NZD25, 45m

9:00am

Skyline Gondola & Luge

Ride the gondola for panoramic views of Queenstown and try the thrilling luge tracks. Open 9am to 9pm in summer.

NZD65, 2h

11:30am

Lake Wakatipu walk

Take a leisurely walk or boat ride along the scenic shores of Lake Wakatipu, enjoying mountains and clear waters.

NZD0, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Fergbaker

Light lunch at Fergbaker, famous for fresh baked goods and pies.

NZD20, 45m

2:00pm

Travel to Wanaka

Drive approximately 1 hour from Queenstown to Wanaka to continue your South Island adventure.

NZD0, 1h

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Day 6: Wanaka & Glacier region

Wanaka & Franz Josef, New Zealand on December 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Relishes Cafe

Enjoy good coffee and healthy breakfast options at a local café in Wanaka.

NZD20, 45m

9:00am

Wanaka Tree and Lake Walk

Visit the famous lone Wanaka Tree and stroll along the lakefront for stunning photo opportunities.

NZD0, 1h

10:30am

Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Head west on an approximately 3.5-hour scenic drive to Franz Josef village nestled among glaciers.

NZD0, 3h30m

2:00pm

Franz Josef Glacier Walk

Take the easy glacier viewpoint walk (1 to 1.5 hours) to see the impressive ice formations and valley.

NZD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Hot pools relax

Relax in the Glacier Hot Pools, open until 8pm, to unwind amid rainforest surroundings.

NZD30, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Landing

Enjoy fresh South Island cuisine at this charming restaurant in Franz Josef Village.

NZD45, 1h30m

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Day 7: West Coast to Punakaiki

Franz Josef & Punakaiki, New Zealand on December 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at King Tiger Eastern Eating House

Try an Asian-flavoured breakfast with ocean views in Franz Josef.

NZD25, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Punakaiki

Set out on a 2.5-hour drive north along the West Coast to see the Pancake Rocks and blowholes at Punakaiki. Arrive before dusk for best views.

NZD0, 2h30m

11:30am

Punakaiki Pancake Rocks Walk

Explore short walking trails to see the unique limestone Pancake Rocks formations and impressive blowholes, open all day.

NZD0, 1h

12:45pm

Lunch at Punakaiki Tavern

Relax with a pub-style lunch at this historic tavern overlooking the coastline.

NZD30, 1h

2:00pm

Drive to Nelson

Drive about 3 hours northeast to Nelson, known for arts and beaches.

NZD0, 3h

5:15pm

Check-in & Dinner

Check-in at accommodation then dine at The Indian Cafe in Nelson for highly rated flavorful Indian fusion dishes.

NZD40, 1h30m

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Day 8: Nelson & Wine Region

Nelson & Marlborough, New Zealand on December 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Bakery Nelson

Start with coffee and fresh baked goods from a community favourite bakery.

NZD15, 45m

9:00am

Explore Nelson city and markets

Visit the Saturday morning market (open until 1pm) featuring local produce, crafts, and lively atmosphere, followed by a stroll around the city.

NZD0, 3h

12:30pm

Drive to Marlborough Wine Region

Travel about one hour to Marlborough for an afternoon of renowned winery tours and tastings.

NZD0, 1h

1:30pm

Wine tasting tour

Visit famous wineries such as Cloudy Bay and Brancott Estate. Many open from 10am to 5pm, tasting fees vary.

NZD60, 3h

5:00pm

Return to Nelson

Drive back to Nelson for dinner and overnight stay.

NZD0, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Hopgoods Restaurant

Enjoy elegant New Zealand cuisine at a local favourite reflecting fresh regional ingredients.

NZD55, 1h30m

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Day 9: Christmas in Nelson

Nelson, New Zealand on December 25, 2025

9:00am

Christmas breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely Christmas breakfast at a café such as The Boat Shed Café offering harbour views.

NZD30, 1h30m

11:00am

Tahunanui Beach

Relax or walk at Tahunanui Beach, a favourite spot for locals with pristine sand and gentle waves.

NZD0, 2h

1:30pm

Christmas lunch

Enjoy a festive Christmas lunch at The Mediterranean Café & Bar with Mediterranean-inspired dishes in the city centre.

NZD60, 2h

4:00pm

Free afternoon

Spend your afternoon at leisure exploring local shops or resting at your accommodation.

NZD0, Undetermined

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Day 10: Nelson to Kaikoura

Nelson & Kaikoura, New Zealand on December 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Sprig & Fern Brewery

Kick off with a hearty breakfast and locally brewed beers at this relaxed brewery venue in Nelson.

NZD25, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kaikoura

Drive approximately 3.5 to 4 hours from Nelson to Kaikoura, known for its whale watching and marine life.

NZD0, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Wharf Kaikoura

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes with scenic views at this waterfront restaurant.

NZD40, 1h

2:00pm

Whale watching tour

Experience a whale watching tour in Kaikoura (open daily except severe weather) to spot sperm whales and other marine animals.

NZD150, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at Nin’s Bin

Dine on casual seafood and local produce at this friendly local favourite.

NZD30, 1h

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Day 11: Kaikoura to Christchurch

Kaikoura & Christchurch, New Zealand on December 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Cinnamon Cafe

Start your day with an excellent coffee and breakfast in Kaikoura's popular café.

NZD25, 45m

9:00am

Drive to Christchurch

Travel approximately 2.5 hours to Christchurch, the largest city in the South Island.

NZD0, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fiddlesticks Restaurant & Bar

Have lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients with a modern twist in a cosy Christchurch setting.

NZD50, 1h

1:30pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Visit these historic gardens for a soothing walk among native plants and floral arrangements. Gardens are open daily until sunset.

NZD0, 1h30m

3:30pm

Cardboard Cathedral

Explore this unique post-earthquake design landmark open to visitors until early evening.

NZD0, 45m

5:00pm

Dinner at Little High Eatery

Enjoy a variety of casual dining options under one roof at this trendy food court in Christchurch.

NZD40, 1h30m

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Day 12: Christchurch exploration

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 28, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at C1 Espresso

Visit this innovative café famous for pneumatic delivery of your food and excellent coffee.

NZD20, 45m

9:30am

Canterbury Museum visit

Discover natural and cultural history of Canterbury region in this centrally located museum, open 10am-5pm.

NZD0, 1h30m

11:15am

Punting on Avon River

Enjoy a guided punt tour on the Avon River through Christchurch Botanic Gardens, open 9am-5pm.

NZD35, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Dux Central

Sample gourmet pies, salads and great beers at this popular spot in central Christchurch.

NZD25, 1h

2:00pm

Street Art Walking Tour

Explore Christchurch’s vibrant street art scene including murals and installations. Self-guided, available anytime.

NZD0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relax or shopping at Re:START Container Mall

Explore shops and cafés in this container mall created after the 2011 earthquake.

NZD0, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Riverside Market

Enjoy variety of cuisines in a lively indoor food market setting to conclude your Christchurch stay.

NZD40, 1h30m

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Day 13: Day trip Akaroa

Akaroa, New Zealand on December 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a casual start with breakfast at your accommodation in Christchurch.

NZD20, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Akaroa

Travel 1.5 hours from Christchurch to Akaroa, a charming French-influenced town on Banks Peninsula.

NZD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Akaroa Harbour cruise

Take a harbour cruise to see dolphins, penguins and seals. Cruises run daily with varying durations.

NZD70, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Little Bistro

Enjoy a lovely French-inspired lunch in the heart of Akaroa.

NZD45, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Akaroa village

Walk through the historic town with boutique shops, galleries and cafes.

NZD0, 2h

4:00pm

Drive back to Christchurch

Return to Christchurch for your final overnight stay.

NZD0, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at 27 Steps

Have a farewell dinner at this elegant restaurant featuring modern New Zealand cuisine.

NZD60, 1h30m

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Day 14: Leisure day Christchurch

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 30, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Black Betty Cafe

Enjoy excellent specialty coffee and breakfast fare at one of Christchurch's trendiest cafes.

NZD20, 45m

9:00am

Day at leisure

Spend the day at your leisure exploring additional sites, shopping, or relaxing before departure.

NZD0, All day

7:00pm

Dinner at Inati

Taste an innovative multi-course dining experience showcasing local ingredients and modern techniques.

NZD85, 2h

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Day 15: Departure day

Christchurch, New Zealand on December 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxing breakfast at the hotel before your departure.

NZD20, 45m

10:00am

Check out and transfer to airport

Prepare for your flight home by checking out and taking transport to Christchurch Airport.

NZD0, 1h

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