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7-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of New Zealand's North and South Islands

Viewed by 94 travelers

Day 1: Auckland Introduction

Auckland, New Zealand on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy a classic New York-style breakfast with a Kiwi twist at this popular Auckland café, known for its quality coffee and hearty dishes.
NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Sky Tower Auckland

Visit the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views of the city and its harbours. Open from 9am to 10pm, it offers excellent photo opportunities.
NZD32, 1h30m

11:15am

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore New Zealand's history, culture, and natural environment in this comprehensive museum located in Auckland Domain, open 10am to 5pm.
NZD25, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Grounds

Dine on fresh, local produce in a relaxed setting near the Museum, perfect for a light and delicious lunch.
NZD30, 1h

3:00pm

Waiheke Island Ferry

Take the ferry (approx 35 mins) to Waiheke Island for vineyard tours and stunning beaches, ferry departs until late evening.
NZD42 return, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining with spectacular views of the vineyard and Hauraki Gulf on Waiheke Island, serving local wines and food.
NZD70, 2h
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Day 2: Rotorua Hot Springs

Rotorua, New Zealand on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Start your day with fresh bakery treats and excellent coffee at this popular Rotorua café open from 7am.
NZD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive Auckland to Rotorua

Travel 230 km south to Rotorua, about a 3-hour drive through scenic countryside and small towns.
NZD0 (self-drive), 3h

11:00am

Te Puia Geothermal Reserve and Maori Arts Centre

Explore bubbling mud pools, geysers, and traditional Maori carving and weaving, open 8am to 5pm daily.
NZD55, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Terrace Kitchen

Enjoy contemporary New Zealand cuisine using fresh local ingredients in a relaxed atmosphere.
NZD35, 1h

3:00pm

Polynesian Spa

Relax in hot mineral pools with views over Lake Rotorua. Open until 10pm, perfect for late afternoon unwind.
NZD35, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Experience a delightful dinner with wood-fired dishes and excellent local wines in a cosy setting.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 3: Wellington Culture

Wellington, New Zealand on May 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Fidel’s Café

Popular spot known for hearty breakfasts and a bohemian vibe, opens at 7am in the heart of Wellington.
NZD20, 1h

7:45am

Drive Rotorua to Wellington

Journey approximately 6 hours (460 km) south to Wellington, with a potential brief stop in Taupo or Lake Taupo for a stretch.
NZD0 (self-drive), 6h

2:00pm

Te Papa Tongarewa Museum

Explore New Zealand’s national museum, which offers free entry and showcases Maori culture, natural history and art. Open daily 10am-6pm.
Free, 2h

4:30pm

Cable Car to Kelburn Lookout

Ride the historic Wellington Cable Car for great views and a stroll around the Botanic Gardens.
NZD9 return, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Logan Brown

Dine in a historic bank building offering fine New Zealand cuisine, reservations recommended.
NZD70, 2h
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Day 4: Picton and Marlborough

Picton, New Zealand on May 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fidel’s Café Wellington

Enjoy a light early breakfast before your ferry ride, with excellent coffee and pastries.
NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Ferry Wellington to Picton

Ferry trip across Cook Strait takes about 3 hours, offering stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.
NZD65, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch in Picton at Gusto

Modern café with great seafood options in the heart of Picton, open midday onwards.
NZD30, 1h

2:00pm

Queen Charlotte Track Short Walk

Take a scenic short walk along the Queen Charlotte Track to enjoy views over Queen Charlotte Sound, walk duration about 2 hours.
NZD0, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Edwin Fox Maritime Museum

Discover the world’s oldest surviving merchant sailing ship, open 10am-4:30pm, check last entry times.
NZD10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sherwood

Relax in a fine dining setting with a focus on local ingredients and wines from the Marlborough region.
NZD60, 2h
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Day 5: Kaikoura Wildlife

Kaikoura, New Zealand on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Picton’s Little Chef Café

Enjoy a nourishing breakfast with locally sourced food to prepare for your drive south.
NZD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive Picton to Kaikoura

Travel around 2.5 hours (156 km) south along the scenic coastline, watch for seals on the way.
NZD0 (self-drive), 2h30m

11:00am

Whale Watching Tour

Join a boat tour to observe sperm whales and other marine wildlife, tours operate 9am-4pm and last approx 3 hours.
NZD160, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at The Pier Hotel

Enjoy fresh seafood with sea views, open daily from 11am, famous for crayfish and fish dishes.
NZD45, 1h

4:00pm

Seal Colony Walk

Take a relaxing walk along the Kaikoura Peninsula to view the resident seals in their natural habitat. Open access anytime.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Nin’s Bin

A casual dining option specialising in Asian-fusion seafood dishes, open dinner from 5pm.
NZD40, 1h30m
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Day 6: Christchurch Urban Tour

Christchurch, New Zealand on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at C1 Espresso Kaikoura

Known for unique dishes and excellent coffee, a fantastic way to start the day before heading to Christchurch.
NZD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive Kaikoura to Christchurch

Travel 181 km south to Christchurch along State Highway 1, approximately 2.5-hour drive.
NZD0 (self-drive), 2h30m

11:30am

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Visit the expansive and beautifully maintained Botanic Gardens, open 7am to dusk, free entry.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Little High Eatery

A trendy food court offering a variety of local artisanal food stalls - perfect for sampling different tastes.
NZD30, 1h

2:30pm

Canterbury Museum

Explore natural history and Antarctic exhibitions in the city centre, open 9am to 5pm with free entry.
Free, 1h30m

4:30pm

Punting on the Avon River

Enjoy a relaxing punting boat ride through the city’s scenic river, tours run until sunset.
NZD50, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Curator’s House

Quaint restaurant offering seasonal New Zealand dishes in a cosy atmosphere, reservations advised.
NZD60, 2h
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Day 7: Queenstown Adventure

Queenstown, New Zealand on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Vudu Café & Larder

Famous for specialty coffee and innovative breakfasts, open from 7am to catch an early start.
NZD20, 1h

8:00am

Flight Christchurch to Queenstown

Take a morning flight (~1 hour) to Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of New Zealand.
NZD100, 1h

10:00am

Skyline Gondola and Luge

Ride the gondola for spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu and Queenstown, then try the thrilling luge track. Open 9am to late.
NZD60, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fergburger

Famous world-class burgers with local ingredients, be prepared for a queue but it’s worth the wait.
NZD25, 1h

2:00pm

Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Experience an exhilarating jet boat ride on the Shotover River, open daily with multiple departures.
NZD130, 1h

4:00pm

Relax by Lake Wakatipu

Walk along the lakefront to unwind after the thrill rides, admire the Remarkables mountain range views.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rata

Enjoy upscale modern New Zealand dining by a renowned local chef, perfect for your last evening.
NZD80, 2h
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