Epic 14-Day New Zealand Road Trip from Queenstown to Auckland

Day 1: Queenstown Arrival

Queenstown, New Zealand on April 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe

Start your day with excellent coffee and breakfast options such as avocado toast or eggs benedict in this popular local café, open 7:30am to 4pm.
NZD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Queenstown Gardens

Stroll through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens to enjoy lakeside views and native plants. A calm start to your adventure, open year-round and free entry.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Skyline Queenstown Gondola

Ride the gondola for panoramic views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu; enjoy optional luge rides and photo opportunities. Open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
NZD44, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Fergburger

Taste world-renowned gourmet burgers in Queenstown’s famous burger joint, open 11:00am to late.
NZD25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Lake Wakatipu Waterfront Walk

Leisurely walk along the lakefront trails, admire the stunning alpine views and relax before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Rata

Dine at Rata, a fine dining restaurant offering contemporary New Zealand cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Open 6:00pm to 9:30pm.
NZD70, 1h30m
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Day 2: Queenstown to Wanaka

Queenstown to Wanaka, New Zealand on April 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen, Queenstown

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with options like granola bowls and eggs, open 7:00am to 3:00pm.
NZD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Wanaka

Scenic 1 hour drive from Queenstown to Wanaka along State Highway 6 with spectacular views.
Fuel cost approx NZD20, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Puzzling World Wanaka

Explore the illusion rooms, maze and eccentric funhouse offering quirky photo opportunities. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
NZD28, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Relishes Cafe

Relax over fresh, locally inspired lunches like gourmet sandwiches and salads. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
NZD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Walk along Lake Wanaka and visit the Wanaka Tree

Walk lakeside to see the famous solitary Wanaka Tree, ideal for photos and peaceful nature views.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Mount Iron Track

Short 2-3 hour walk for panoramic views of Wanaka and surrounding mountains.
Free, 2h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Cow

Enjoy rustic Italian pizzas and hearty meals in a cozy, mountain lodge atmosphere. Open 5:00pm to 9:30pm.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Wanaka to Franz Josef

Wanaka to Franz Josef, New Zealand on April 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Big Fig Wanaka

Quick and tasty breakfast focusing on fresh, natural ingredients, open 8:00am to 3:00pm.
NZD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Franz Josef Glacier

Scenic 4.5-hour drive via Haast Pass with stunning mountain and rainforest views.
Fuel cost approx NZD50, 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch break in Haast at Blue Kanu Cafe

Enjoy quality Polynesian and Asian fusion food to recharge before continuing the drive, open 11:00am to 3:00pm.
NZD25, 1h0m

5:30pm

Check-in and relax at Franz Josef

Arrive and settle into your accommodation with rest and rejuvenation after the drive.
Varies, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Landing

Contemporary Kiwi dining including fresh seafood, open 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
NZD45, 1h30m
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Day 4: Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef, New Zealand on April 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local cafes like King Tiger Eastern Eating House

Fuel up with Asian-inspired breakfast options, open 7:00am to 11:00am.
NZD20, 1h0m

8:00am

Franz Josef Glacier Guided Walk

Take the guided glacier walk or heli-hike for a thrilling close-up of the glacier with expert guides. Book ahead, tours generally available 8:00am to 4:00pm.
NZD290, 4h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Alice May Restaurant

Popular spot for casual lunch with hearty New Zealand fare, open 12:00pm to 2:30pm.
NZD30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax at Glacier Hot Pools

Enjoy a soothing soak in natural thermal pools nestled in native forest, open 9:00am to 9:00pm.
NZD34, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Snakebite Brewery

Taste local craft beers paired with pizza and succulent mains in a relaxed atmosphere, open 5:00pm to 9:30pm.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 5: Franz Josef to Punakaiki

Franz Josef to Punakaiki, New Zealand on May 1, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Grezzo

Enjoy fresh baked goods and coffee, open from 7:30am.
NZD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Punakaiki

2.5-hour scenic drive north along West Coast to Punakaiki, famous for Pancake Rocks and blowholes.
Fuel cost approx NZD25, 2h30m

11:00am

Explore Pancake Rocks and Blowholes

Walk the boardwalks around these unique limestone formations with spectacular sea views. Open dawn to dusk, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Punakaiki Tavern

Enjoy pub-style meals with ocean views, open 11:30am to 9:00pm.
NZD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Truman Track

Short forest and beach walk (1 hour) great for spotting native birds and seals on the rocky coast.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Rest and relax

Return to accommodation to relax or stroll the beach at sunset.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Paco Restaurant

Modern New Zealand cuisine with emphasis on fresh local produce, open 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Punakaiki to Wellington

Punakaiki to Wellington, New Zealand on May 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at West Coast Cafe

Light breakfast with great coffee before a long drive, open 7:00am to 10:00am.
NZD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Wellington

Long drive of about 6.5 hours; consider breaks at scenic stops such as Arthur's Pass National Park.
Fuel cost approx NZD60, 6h30m

12:30pm

Lunch stop in Arthur's Pass Village

Quick lunch at local cafe and walk around the small village.
NZD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Arrive and check-in Wellington

Settle into your accommodation and refresh after the long journey.
Varies, 1h0m

4:30pm

Visit Te Papa Museum

Explore the national museum with interactive exhibits showcasing New Zealand’s natural history and culture. Open 10:00am to 6:00pm, closed Mondays.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Logan Brown

Fine dining experience with local and international flavors in a historic bank building. Open 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
NZD85, 1h30m
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Day 7: Wellington City Tour

Wellington, New Zealand on May 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Fidel’s Cafe

Vibrant café on Cuba Street serving hearty breakfasts, open 7:30am to 3:00pm.
NZD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Cable Car Ride and Botanic Gardens

Take the historic cable car ride up to Botanic Gardens and enjoy walking trails with city views, open 7:30am to 10:30pm.
NZD9, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Ortega Fish Shack

Fresh seafood dining at one of Wellington’s top restaurants. Open 12:00pm to 2:30pm and 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
NZD40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Zealandia Ecosanctuary

Visit this urban eco-sanctuary to see native NZ wildlife in protected habitats, tours start at 10:00am last entry 3:30pm.
NZD28, 2h0m

4:00pm

Stroll along waterfront

Enjoy the lively Wellington waterfront with shops and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Monsoon Poon

Popular spot for Asian fusion cuisine with bold flavors, open 5:00pm to 10:00pm.
NZD35, 1h30m
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Day 8: Ferry to North Island & Drive to Taupo

Wellington to Taupo, New Zealand on May 4, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel or nearby cafe

Light breakfast before ferry journey.
NZD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Interislander Ferry to Picton

3.5-hour scenic ferry crossing Cook Strait, enjoy ocean views and outdoors deck.
NZD65, 3h30m

11:30am

Drive from Picton to Taupo

Approximate 5 hour drive through scenic Marlborough and central North Island regions.
Fuel cost approx NZD55, 5h0m

4:30pm

Arrival and check-in Taupo

Relax after a long day at the beautiful lakeside town of Taupo.
Varies, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Brantry

Trendy restaurant offering modern dishes with focus on local produce, open 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
NZD45, 1h30m
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Day 9: Taupo and Huka Falls

Taupo, New Zealand on May 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Storehouse Cafe

Enjoy fresh coffee and breakfast bowls in a welcoming setting, open 7:30am to 3:00pm.
NZD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Huka Falls

Short 10-minute drive followed by easy walking tracks to witness powerful Huka Falls, open year-round, free entry.
Free, 1h30m

11:30am

Lake Taupo Cruise

Take a 1.5 hour scenic cruise on Lake Taupo exploring Maori rock carvings and lake views, tours run from 11:00am and 1:30pm.
NZD45, 1h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Bistro Lago

Lakeside dining with fresh seasonal menu, open 11:30am to 2:30pm.
NZD35, 1h0m

3:00pm

Relax and walk Taupo waterfront

Leisurely stroll with stunning lake views and small shops.
Free, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Vine Eatery & Bar

Contemporary New Zealand cuisine with local wines, open 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
NZD50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Taupo to Rotorua

Taupo to Rotorua, New Zealand on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cafe 8 1/2

Light healthy breakfast before departure, open 7:30am to 2:00pm.
NZD18, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Rotorua

1-hour drive from Taupo to Rotorua via State Highway 5.
Fuel cost approx NZD15, 1h0m

10:00am

Visit Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

Experience geothermal features and Maori culture with guided tours, open 8:00am to 6:00pm.
NZD55, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Capers Epicurean

Fresh gourmet meals and cakes in a relaxed setting, open 8:00am to 3:00pm.
NZD25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens

Explore the cultural history in this iconic building and surrounding gardens, museum open 10:00am to 4:30pm, closed Tuesdays.
NZD15, 1h30m

4:00pm

Polynesian Spa Relaxation

Relax in geothermal pools with lake views, open 8:30am to 10:00pm.
NZD42, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Casual dining with creative local cuisine and good wines, open 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 11: Rotorua to Hobbiton and Hamilton

Rotorua to Hamilton, New Zealand on May 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Blue Pig

Enjoy specialist coffee and breakfast dishes, open 7:00am to 3:00pm.
NZD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set

45-minute drive to Matamata for guided Hobbiton tour, open 9:00am to 5:30pm.
Fuel cost approx NZD12, 0h45m

9:30am

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Immerse yourself in the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit filming location with a magical guided tour lasting about 2 hours.
NZD89, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Shire’s Rest Cafe

Enjoy light meals in the Hobbiton cafe, open during tour hours.
NZD20, 1h0m

1:00pm

Drive to Hamilton

Approximate 1 hour drive to Hamilton.
Fuel cost approx NZD12, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hamilton Gardens visit

Tour the famous themed gardens, open 7:00am to 8:00pm, free entry.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk along Waikato River

Scenic riverside walk to relax before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Giraffe Restaurant

Award-winning restaurant with diverse menus and excellent service, open 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
NZD50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Hamilton to Auckland

Hamilton to Auckland, New Zealand on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Good George Brewing

Casual breakfast with excellent coffee and craft beer background, open from 8:00am.
NZD20, 1h0m

9:30am

Drive to Auckland

Approximate 1.5 hour drive to New Zealand’s largest city.
Fuel cost approx NZD15, 1h30m

11:00am

Sky Tower Auckland

Visit Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower for 360-degree city views, open 9:00am to 10:00pm.
NZD32, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy hearty New York deli style sandwiches and comfort food.
NZD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore historic Maori and Pacific artifacts and natural history, open 10:00am to 5:00pm.
NZD25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Stroll through Auckland Domain and Wintergardens

Beautiful gardens with tropical plants and birdlife, free entry.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Casual dining with locally sourced ingredients and excellent seafood options, open 5:30pm to 9:30pm.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 13: Auckland Highlights

Auckland, New Zealand on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Best Ugly Bagels

Grab a famous bagel with cream cheese and local coffee, open 7:30am to 3:00pm.
NZD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Waiheke Island Day Trip

Take ferry to Waiheke Island (35 minutes) for beach, vineyards and walking trails. Ferry runs from 7:00am to 7:00pm.
NZD40 ferry + vineyard tours, 7h0m

5:30pm

Return to Auckland

Relax after a full day and freshen up.
Included ferry fare, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Clooney Restaurant

Elegant fine dining experience offering New Zealand modern cuisine, open 6:00pm to 10:00pm.
NZD80, 1h30m
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Day 14: Departure and Farewell

Auckland, New Zealand on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your accommodation or local cafe

A relaxed breakfast before departure.
NZD20, 1h0m

10:00am

Last stroll in Auckland waterfront or shopping

Pick up last-minute souvenirs along Queen Street or waterfront areas.
Varies, 1h0m

12:00pm

Transfer to Auckland Airport

Head to Auckland Airport for your flight home, allow 1 hour drive plus check-in time.
Taxi approx NZD60, 2h0m
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