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12-Day Hiking & Waterfall Adventure: Auckland to Christchurch, New Zealand

Viewed by 135 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Cave Exploration

Auckland, New Zealand on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast specializing in Jewish-style deli meats and bagels to fuel your first day.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Waitomo Caves

A 2.5-hour scenic drive south-west from Auckland to Waitomo Caves, famous for their glowworms and limestone formations.
NZD0, 2h30m

12:00pm

Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour

Explore the mesmerizing glowworm-lit Waitomo caves on a 45-minute guided boat tour, witnessing nature’s magical bioluminescence.
NZD55, 1h

1:30pm

Lunch at Huhu Cafe

Enjoy casual New Zealand fare including fresh fish and local produce in Waitomo Village.
NZD25, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Ruakuri Walk

Take an easy 1.5-hour walk through limestone caves and forest trails in Waitomo before heading toward Tongariro.
NZD30, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive towards Tongariro National Park

Drive approximately 2.5 hours south to your accommodation near Tongariro.
NZD0, 2h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Station Cafe, National Park Village

A cozy spot offering hearty meals including venison and vegetarian options, perfect after a day of travel.
NZD30, 1h
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Day 2: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand on May 16, 2025

6:00am

Breakfast at The Station Cafe

Early breakfast with energy-packed meals to prepare for the full-day trek ahead.
NZD20, 30m

7:00am

Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike

Complete New Zealand's most famous one-day hike (approx. 7-8 hours). This crossing features volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and rugged alpine ridges.
NZD0, 8h

3:30pm

Return to accommodation and rest

Relax after a strenuous hike with downtime at your lodging.
NZD0, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Plateau

Enjoy gourmet dishes focusing on local ingredients and inventive flavors in a rustic atmosphere.
NZD40, 1h
Find Hotels in Tongariro National Park

Day 3: Runanga Waterfall Trekking

Runanga, New Zealand on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Simple breakfast to fuel up for travel and moderate hiking.
NZD15, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Runanga Coal Creek Falls Track

Approximately 4.5 hours from Tongariro to Runanga on the West Coast, enjoy scenic views en route.
NZD0, 4h30m

2:00pm

Runanga Coal Creek Falls Track

Explore this 2-hour walk among native forests and stunning waterfall views, ideal for peaceful nature immersion.
NZD0, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in and relax at local accommodation in Runanga

Spend the evening resting in preparation for the next day's journeys.
NZD0, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at a nearby local pub

Casual dining with traditional New Zealand pub fare and local brews.
NZD25, 1h
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Day 4: Gorge & Tunnel Walks

Hokitika & Tatare, New Zealand on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Early light breakfast to prepare for two walks today.
NZD15, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Hokitika Gorge

Short 1-hour drive from Runanga to Hokitika Gorge, known for its vivid blue water and suspension bridge.
NZD0, 1h

9:30am

Hokitika Gorge Walk

Enjoy an easy 1.5-hour walk with spectacular views of turquoise waters and native bush.
NZD0, 1h30m

11:30am

Drive to Tatare Tunnels

A 30-minute drive south to the Tatare Tunnels walk location.
NZD0, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch picnic near Tatare Tunnels

Relax with a packed lunch amidst tranquil forest surroundings before your walk.
NZD15, 1h

1:00pm

Tatare Tunnels Walk

Explore a 1.5-hour walk featuring historical mining tunnels and lush native forest.
NZD0, 1h30m

3:00pm

Drive to Franz Josef

Approximately 1 hour from Tatare Tunnels to Franz Josef Village, base for glacier walks.
NZD0, 1h

4:00pm

Check-in to accommodation in Franz Josef

Prepare for glacier and valley walking in the coming days.
NZD0, N/A

6:00pm

Dinner at The Landing Restaurant

Casual fine dining with fresh local ingredients and a cozy ambiance.
NZD40, 1h
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Day 5: Franz Josef Glacier Walk & Fox Glacier

Franz Josef & Fox Glacier, New Zealand on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local cafe - SnakeBite Brewery

Fuel up with a delicious breakfast featuring quality coffee and hearty options.
NZD20, 30m

8:00am

Franz Josef Glacier Walk

Take the 1-2 hour guided walk on glacier valleys and viewpoints offering spectacular icy scenery.
NZD120, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Fox Glacier

A 30-minute scenic drive south to Fox Glacier for afternoon exploration.
NZD0, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at The White Pub

Enjoy a vibrant menu of pizzas, seafood, and craft beers in a relaxed setting.
NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Fox Glacier Valley Walk

This easy 2-3 hour walk leads to stunning glacier vistas along the valley floor and moraine.
NZD0, 3h

4:30pm

Return to Franz Josef accommodation

Rest and refresh after a full day of glacier hikes.
NZD0, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Alice May Restaurant

Popular local bistro known for fresh regional produce and friendly service.
NZD40, 1h
Find Hotels in Franz Josef & Fox Glacier

Day 6: Travel to Queenstown

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

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Start your day with a nutritious breakfast before your long travel day.
NZD15, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Queenstown

A scenic but longer drive of approximately 5.5-6 hours through beautiful mountain and lakeside scenery.
NZD0, 6h

2:30pm

Check-in and relax in Queenstown

Rest after arrival, enjoy lake views or take a gentle stroll around town.
NZD0, 2h

5:30pm

Sunset at Queenstown Gardens

Enjoy a tranquil early evening walk in the scenic gardens overlooking Lake Wakatipu.
NZD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Fergburger

Must-visit famous gourmet burger spot with creative and large portions.
NZD20, 1h
Find Hotels in Franz Josef to Queenstown

Day 7: Queenstown Exploration

Queenstown, New Zealand on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Vudu Cafe & Larder

Start with delicious coffee and fresh baked goods or wholesome breakfast bowls.
NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Explore Queenstown – Skyline Gondola & Luge

Ride the gondola for panoramic views and enjoy some fun on the alpine luge tracks, open 9am to 9pm.
NZD50, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Patagonia Chocolates

Try delicious chocolates and a light lunch by the lakefront.
NZD20, 1h

2:00pm

Adventure or chill time (optional jet boating or relax)

Experience thrill-seeking jet boating or unwind by the lakeside promenades.
NZD150, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Rata

Dine on upscale New Zealand cuisine with an emphasis on local produce in a warm setting.
NZD60, 1h30m
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Day 8: Queenstown to Mount Cook

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

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Hearty breakfast before morning departure.
NZD15, 30m

8:00am

Drive to Mount Cook Village

About 3-hour drive east with stunning alpine and lake scenery en route.
NZD0, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at The Hermitage Hotel

Enjoy stunning views of Mount Cook while dining at this iconic hotel restaurant.
NZD35, 1h

1:00pm

Hooker Valley Track

Walk this popular 3-4 hour alpine track with spectacular views of glaciers, mountain peaks, and the iconic Hooker Lake.
NZD0, 4h

5:30pm

Return to The Hermitage Hotel

Relax and enjoy the alpine surroundings at your accommodation.
NZD0, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at The Hermitage Hotel restaurant

Taste regional specialties in elegant surroundings with mountain views.
NZD45, 1h
Find Hotels in Queenstown to Aoraki/Mount Cook

Day 9: Mount Cook to Christchurch

Mount Cook Village to Christchurch, New Zealand on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Hermitage

Enjoy mountain views one last time with a relaxed breakfast.
NZD20, 30m

9:00am

Drive to Christchurch

Approximate 4-hour drive to Christchurch, passing beautiful Canterbury plains.
NZD0, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Little High Eatery, Christchurch

A casual, vibrant food court offering diverse local and international flavors.
NZD25, 1h

2:30pm

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Explore these peaceful gardens featuring a wide variety of native and exotic plants, open 7am-8pm.
NZD0, 2h

5:00pm

Check-in to accommodation in Christchurch

Settle in and prepare for final evening in the city.
NZD0, N/A

7:00pm

Dinner at Dux Central

Try modern New Zealand cuisine and craft beers in a lively atmosphere.
NZD40, 1h
Find Hotels in Mount Cook Village to Christchurch

Day 10: Departure & Leisure

Christchurch, New Zealand on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Black Betty Cafe

Enjoy artisan coffee and fresh breakfast in the city center.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Optional leisure activities

Visit Canterbury Museum, or take a punting ride on the Avon River, both open mornings.
NZD15, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at C1 Espresso

Innovative cafe serving creative lunch items and excellent coffee.
NZD25, 1h

1:30pm

Prepare for departure or continue exploration based on flight schedule

Check out or enjoy city shopping and cafes before heading to the airport.
NZD0, N/A
Find Hotels in Christchurch
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