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8-Night Immersive New Zealand Experience: Auckland, Rotorua & Queenstown
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8-Night Immersive New Zealand Experience: Auckland, Rotorua & Queenstown
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Day 1: Arrival & Auckland City
Auckland, New Zealand on May 8, 2025
8:00am
Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen
Begin your New Zealand journey with a delicious breakfast at this downtown favourite, known for its gourmet bagels and eggs benedict. Opens 7:00am.
NZD30, 1h
9:30am
Sky Tower Visit
Head up the iconic Sky Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland and the harbour, a perfect introduction to the city.
NZD32, 1h30m
11:30am
Auckland War Memorial Museum
Immerse yourself in Maori culture and New Zealand history at this premier museum. Open 10:00am–5:00pm.
NZD25, 2h
2:00pm
Lunch at Depot Eatery
Sample fresh local seafood and casual Kiwi fare in a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
NZD40, 1h
3:30pm
Walk Mission Bay Beach
Relax with a leisurely walk along this popular beach and enjoy views across to Rangitoto Island.
Free, 1h
6:30pm
Dinner at The Grove
Dine on refined modern New Zealand cuisine sourced from local ingredients at this award-winning restaurant.
NZD80, 2h
Find Hotels in Auckland
Day 2: More of Auckland & Travel to Rotorua
Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand on May 9, 2025
7:30am
Breakfast at Chuffed
Enjoy an artisanal coffee and healthy breakfast options at this well-loved local café.
NZD25, 1h
9:00am
Auckland Domain and Wintergardens
Explore the city’s oldest park, including the beautiful Wintergardens glasshouses filled with exotic plants. Open 7:00am-7:00pm.
Free, 1h30m
11:00am
Travel to Rotorua - Drive or Flight
Choose to enjoy a 3-hour scenic drive or take a 1-hour flight from Auckland to Rotorua.
Flight approx. NZD150, Up to 3h (depending on option)
2:00pm
Check into Rotorua accommodation and rest
Settle in and prepare for afternoon activities immersing in Rotorua’s unique geothermal and cultural attractions.
Varies, 1h
3:30pm
Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village
Discover geothermal wonders and Maori traditions in this active village. Open 8:00am–6:00pm.
NZD55, 2h
6:30pm
Dinner at Atticus Finch
Enjoy contemporary creative dishes using local ingredients in a relaxed setting.
NZD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Auckland to Rotorua
Day 3: Rotorua Geothermal & Culture
Rotorua, New Zealand on May 10, 2025
7:30am
Breakfast at Capers Epicurean
Start with fresh, organic and locally sourced breakfast delights.
NZD25, 1h
9:00am
Te Puia Geothermal Park and Maori Arts
Marvel at the Pohutu geyser, mud pools and Maori carving and weaving institute. Opens 8:00am-5:00pm.
NZD60, 3h
12:30pm
Lunch at Third Place Café
Casual café specializing in fresh seasonally sourced food, perfect for a midday refuel.
NZD20, 1h
2:00pm
Redwoods Treewalk
Walk above the forest floor on suspension bridges in majestic redwoods with lovely forest views. Open 9:00am-5:00pm.
NZD35, 1h30m
4:00pm
Polynesian Spa
Unwind in natural hot mineral pools overlooking Lake Rotorua. Open until 10:00pm.
NZD52, 1h30m
7:00pm
Dinner at Osteria
Enjoy rustic Italian dishes with local flair and excellent wines in Rotorua’s dining scene.
NZD65, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Rotorua
Day 4: Travel to Queenstown
Rotorua to Queenstown, New Zealand on May 11, 2025
7:00am
Early Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café
Have a nutritious breakfast before your journey south to Queenstown.
Varies, 1h
8:30am
Flight to Queenstown via Auckland
Catch a morning flight from Rotorua to Auckland, then connect to Queenstown. Total travel time approximately 4 to 5 hours including layover.
Approx NZD250, 5h
2:00pm
Check into Queenstown accommodation
Relax and freshen up after your flight before exploring the town.
Varies, 1h
3:30pm
Queenstown Gardens Walk
Enjoy a scenic stroll in these beautifully landscaped gardens with lake views and mountain backdrops.
Free, 1h
6:30pm
Dinner at Fergburger
Discover iconic gourmet burgers, a must-try Queenstown specialty beloved by locals and visitors alike.
NZD20, 1h
Find Hotels in Rotorua to Queenstown
Day 5: Queenstown Adventure
Queenstown, New Zealand on May 12, 2025
7:30am
Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen
Begin with fresh, wholesome dishes in a stylish setting to fuel your adventure day.
NZD25, 1h
9:00am
Shotover Jet Boat Ride
Experience an exhilarating jet boat ride through dramatic river canyons, operating daily from early morning.
NZD135, 1h
11:00am
Skyline Gondola and Luge
Ride the gondola for stunning panoramic views, then race down the luge tracks for family fun.
NZD65 combined ticket, 2h
1:30pm
Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant
Savour a delectable meal at the top of the gondola with breathtaking mountain views.
NZD50, 1h
3:00pm
Relax by Lake Wakatipu
Unwind lakeside or enjoy shopping and cafés in Queenstown's vibrant town centre.
Free, 2h
7:00pm
Dinner at Rata
Dine in style with elevated New Zealand cuisine crafted by a renowned local chef.
NZD80, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 6: Day Trip to Milford Sound
Queenstown, New Zealand on May 13, 2025
6:30am
Early Breakfast at hotel or grab takeaway
Prepare early for a full-day scenic tour to Milford Sound.
Varies, 0.5h
7:00am
Milford Sound Coach and Cruise Tour
Travel through stunning Fiordland landscapes with a cruise on the fiord, witnessing waterfalls and wildlife, tour lasts approximately 12 hours with return.
NZD200, 12h
7:30pm
Dinner at Botswana Butchery
Celebrate your adventure with award-winning dishes featuring New Zealand meats and seafood.
NZD75, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 7: Leisure & Local Exploration
Queenstown, New Zealand on May 14, 2025
8:00am
Breakfast at Vudu Café
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in a casual café with great coffee and fresh baking.
NZD25, 1h
10:00am
Visit Arrowtown
Take a short 20-minute drive to this picturesque historic gold mining village with boutique shops and a charming vibe.
Free, 3h
1:30pm
Lunch at The Fork and Tap in Arrowtown
Sample locally inspired pub fare with a welcoming atmosphere.
NZD40, 1h
3:00pm
Return to Queenstown and free time
Rest or explore Queenstown at your leisure with plenty of cafés and viewpoints.
Free, Rest of day
6:30pm
Dinner at Blue Kanu
Experience a unique mix of Pacific and Asian cuisine in a lively, trendy venue.
NZD60, 1h30m
Find Hotels in Queenstown
Day 8: Departure Day
Queenstown, New Zealand on May 15, 2025
7:30am
Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your departure.
Varies, 1h
9:00am
Final stroll along Queenstown waterfront
Take a peaceful walk by the lake, soaking in the last views of the Remarkables mountains.
Free, 1h
11:00am
Travel to Queenstown Airport
Prepare for your onward flight with plenty of time for check-in and relaxation.
Varies, Varies
Find Hotels in Queenstown
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More About New Zealand, 8 nights
New Zealand Multi-City Trip (Oct 23 - Nov 8, 2025)
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Itinerary created by
Plantrip Team
May 7, 2025
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