12-Day New Zealand Adventure: From Auckland to Christchurch Featuring Iconic Hikes and Waterfalls

Day 1: Arrival and Waitomo

Auckland to Waitomo, New Zealand on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen, Auckland

Enjoy a hearty breakfast featuring bacon and eggs or vegetarian options before your drive south.

NZD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Waitomo Caves

Travel approximately 2.5 hours south to Waitomo, known for its famous glowworm caves.

NZD0, 2h30m

12:00pm

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

Take a 45-minute guided tour through limestone caves illuminated by thousands of glowworms. Tours run from 9am to 5pm daily.

NZD55, 0h45m

1:00pm

Lunch at Huhu Café, Waitomo

Casual café dining offering sandwiches, salads, and hearty mains, perfect for recharging after the caves.

NZD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Drive to Taupo

Head about 2 hours southeast to Taupo, the gateway to Tongariro National Park.

NZD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in and Dinner at The Bistro, Taupo

Enjoy modern New Zealand cuisine featuring local trout, open from 5pm to 10pm.

NZD40, 1h30m

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Day 2: Tongariro Crossing

Taupo to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand on May 16, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at THE POWDERHORN CAFÉ

Quick breakfast with coffee and protein options to fuel the long hike ahead.

NZD15, 0h45m

7:00am

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike

Complete New Zealand's most famous alpine day hike, 19.4km traversing volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and expansive views. The crossing typically takes 6-8 hours; dress warmly and start early.

NZD0, 7h0m

2:30pm

Return to Taupo

Head back to Taupo village town after your challenging day trek for rest.

NZD0, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Mile Eatery, Taupo

Casual spot offering local dishes and craft beers, open until 9pm.

NZD35, 1h30m

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Day 3: West Coast Waterfalls

Taupo to Runanga, New Zealand on May 17, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Big River Kitchen, Taupo

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast with high-quality coffee and fresh baked goods before driving westward.

NZD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Runanga

Approximately 5-hour drive southwest to Runanga on the West Coast, best started early.

NZD0, 5h0m

1:30pm

Lunch Break in Greymouth

Stop in Greymouth for casual lunch at Speights Ale House with local brews and pub fare.

NZD30, 1h0m

2:45pm

Runanga Coal Creek Falls Track Walk

This 2-hour walking track visits beautiful waterfalls surrounded by lush native bush. Ideal for the afternoon, the track is open year-round and free.

NZD0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive to Hokitika

Short 30-minute drive to Hokitika town for overnight stay.

NZD0, 0h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Beachfront Restaurant, Hokitika

Order locally caught seafood with ocean views, open from 5pm to 9pm.

NZD45, 1h30m

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Day 4: Hokitika Gorge & Tatare Tunnels

Hokitika, New Zealand on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Silverstream Café, Hokitika

Healthy options and coffee to start your day before exploring natural wonders.

NZD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Hokitika Gorge Walk

Explore this stunning gorge with turquoise blue water and short walking tracks, open throughout the day with no fee.

NZD0, 1h30m

10:30am

Tatare Tunnels Walk

Venture on a short, atmospheric walk through historic coal mine tunnels surrounded by forest, a unique experience near Hokitika. Open daily; wear sturdy footwear.

NZD0, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch in Hokitika at Rimu Café

Light meals and fresh pastries to refuel after your morning hikes.

NZD20, 1h0m

1:30pm

Drive to Franz Josef

Approximately 2.5-hour scenic drive south toward Franz Josef Glacier village.

NZD0, 2h30m

4:00pm

Check-in and rest

Relax at your accommodation before dinner in Franz Josef.

NZD0, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Alice May Restaurant, Franz Josef

Local favorite serving hearty kiwi dishes and a cozy atmosphere, open from 5:30pm to 9pm.

NZD45, 1h30m

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Day 5: Glacier Walks

Franz Josef, New Zealand on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Landing, Franz Josef

Farm-to-table breakfast options with fresh coffee to start an active day.

NZD20, 1h0m

8:00am

Franz Josef Glacier Walk

Follow the accessible 1.5-hour Hillary Walk with views of the glacier terminal face and alpine forest. Paths open daily, no fee.

NZD0, 1h30m

10:00am

Drive to Fox Glacier

30-minute drive south to Fox Glacier village.

NZD0, 0h30m

10:30am

Fox Glacier Valley Walk

This 2-hour trail offers glacier views, lush rainforest, and river crossing points. Open year-round with clear signage.

NZD0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Last Kitchen, Fox Glacier

Enjoy fresh sandwiches, coffee, and sweet treats close to the walk's end.

NZD25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Return drive to Franz Josef

Head back for overnight stay and to prepare for travel to Queenstown the next day.

NZD0, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at King Tiger Eastern Eating House & Bar

Contemporary Asian fusion with fresh local ingredients, open until 9:30pm.

NZD45, 1h30m

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Day 6: Transfer to Queenstown

Franz Josef to Queenstown, New Zealand on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Blue Ice Café, Franz Josef

Fresh coffees and hearty breakfast to start travel day.

NZD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Queenstown via Haast Pass

Spectacular 6-hour scenic drive through mountains and rainforest, with stops possible for photos.

NZD0, 6h0m

2:30pm

Check-in and light refresh

Settle into accommodation in Queenstown.

NZD0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk Queenstown Gardens

A gentle stroll to stretch your legs beside Lake Wakatipu, open all day, no fee.

NZD0, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Fergburger, Queenstown

World-renowned gourmet burgers with a variety of options, open until late.

NZD20, 1h0m

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Day 7: Queenstown Hiking

Queenstown, New Zealand on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vudu Café

Quality coffee and fresh baked pastries to fuel the day.

NZD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Hiking in Queenstown (Ben Lomond Track - Partial)

Tackle a shorter segment (3-4 hours) of this popular hike offering spectacular mountain and lake views. Depart early as weather can change quickly.

NZD0, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Flame Bar and Grill

Modern New Zealand dishes with good outdoor seating open from 11am to 2:30pm.

NZD35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax by Lake Wakatipu or optional optional jet boating

Unwind lakeside or opt for an adventurous jet boat ride, open daily with booking recommended.

NZD120, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Rata

Upscale dining with seasonal New Zealand ingredients, reservation recommended.

NZD60, 1h30m

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Day 8: Queenstown to Mount Cook

Queenstown to Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen, Queenstown

Delicious coffee and healthy breakfast bowls start a scenic travel day.

NZD20, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Aoraki Mount Cook via Lindis Pass

Approximately 3.5-hour drive through stunning alpine scenery to Mount Cook Village.

NZD0, 3h30m

11:30am

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel, Mount Cook Village

Scenic restaurant offering New Zealand cuisine with mountain views, open 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9pm.

NZD40, 1h0m

1:00pm

Hooker Valley Track Hike

Enjoy a 3-4 hour easy to moderate walk through mountainous terrain, crosses swing bridges and ends with views of Mount Cook, open year-round and free.

NZD0, 4h0m