8-Night New Zealand Itinerary: Auckland, Rotorua, Hobbiton, Lake Tekapo & Queenstown

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on May 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bestie Café

Start your day with fresh, vibrant breakfast options and excellent coffee in a popular downtown café, opening from 7:30am.

NZD28, 1h

9:30am

Visit Sky Tower

See panoramic views of Auckland from the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere. The Sky Tower opens at 9:00am.

NZD32, 1h30m

11:15am

Explore Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Discover New Zealand’s largest art institution exhibiting Maori and Pacific art along with international collections. Open 10:00am-5:00pm.

Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Food Truck Garage

Enjoy casual gourmet street food with local flavours in a lively setting near the city core.

NZD25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Auckland Domain and Wintergardens

Relax in Auckland’s oldest park with beautiful gardens and peaceful walking paths, open daylight hours.

Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Orbit 360° Dining

Dine in the Sky Tower’s revolving restaurant for spectacular night views paired with contemporary New Zealand cuisine.

NZD75, 2h

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Day 2: Rotorua Geothermal

Rotorua, New Zealand on May 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Sample fresh, locally sourced breakfast options in a warm, friendly setting, open from 7:00am.

NZD25, 1h

9:00am

Whakarewarewa - Living Maori Village

Witness geothermal wonders and learn about Maori culture in a stunning geothermal valley open 8:00am-6:00pm.

NZD55, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Eat Streat

Choose from multiple restaurants offering fresh, diverse and creative local cuisine options.

NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Te Puia – Maori Arts & Geysers

Explore the Pohutu Geyser and the National Maori Arts & Crafts Institute. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.

NZD60, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Unwind in soothing geothermal pools with views over Lake Rotorua, open until 10:00pm.

NZD52, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Indulge in innovative dishes made from local ingredients coupled with inventive cocktails.

NZD60, 1h30m

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Day 3: Hobbiton Movie Set

Matamata, New Zealand on May 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Rotorua Café

Enjoy a quick breakfast at a local café before traveling to Matamata.

NZD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set

Travel approximately 1 hour from Rotorua to the legendary Hobbiton Movie Set for an immersive tour.

NZD0, 1h

9:30am

Hobbiton Guided Tour

Embark on a 2-hour guided tour of the set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films, including the Green Dragon Inn. Tours typically run from 9:00am till late afternoon.

NZD89, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Green Dragon Inn

Savor a Hobbit-inspired meal or refreshing drink in the iconic inn within the set.

NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Return to Rotorua

Drive back for an afternoon of leisure or additional sightseeing.

NZD0, 1h

3:00pm

Optional Rotorua Lakes Walk

Take a relaxing walk along the shores of Lake Rotorua or visit nearby sights such as Government Gardens.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Capers

Enjoy a relaxed dinner with fresh and seasonal menu choices in Rotary’s popular eatery.

NZD50, 1h30m

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Day 4: Fly to Christchurch & Tekapo

Lake Tekapo, New Zealand on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Rotorua

Light breakfast in Rotorua before transfer to the airport.

NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Flight Rotorua to Christchurch

Fly approx. 1.5 hours to Christchurch and pick up a rental car for your journey to Lake Tekapo.

NZD150, 2h

12:00pm

Drive to Lake Tekapo

Drive about 3 hours south to scenic Lake Tekapo, arriving in early afternoon.

NZD0, 3h

3:30pm

Visit Church of the Good Shepherd

Explore this iconic stone church on the lake’s edge and enjoy spectacular mountain and lake views.

Free, 30m

4:00pm

Walk by Lake Tekapo

Enjoy the evening light on the turquoise water of Lake Tekapo with an easy lakeside stroll.

Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Mackenzie Bistro

Savour local cuisine in a friendly setting with warm, welcoming atmosphere.

NZD50, 1h30m

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Day 5: Lake Tekapo & Travel to Queenstown

Lake Tekapo to Queenstown, New Zealand on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Run 76 Café

Enjoy breakfast with lake views and freshly made coffee.

NZD25, 1h

9:00am

Mt John Observatory Visit

Drive up or take a shuttle to Mt John for stunning views and a visit to its famous observatory. Open from 8:00am.

NZD20, 2h

11:30am

Drive to Queenstown

Take a scenic 3-hour drive through Southern Alps to adventure hub Queenstown.

NZD0, 3h

3:00pm

Check-in and rest

Settle into your accommodation and relax after the scenic drive.

NZD0, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Fergburger

Try Queenstown’s famous gourmet burgers in a lively, casual environment. Open till 9:00pm.

NZD20, 1h

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Day 6: Queenstown Adventure

Queenstown, New Zealand on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vudu Café

Enjoy delicious and healthy breakfast fare in a vibrant setting downtown.

NZD25, 1h

9:00am

Shotover Jet Ride

Experience a thrilling jet boat ride through the canyon waterways. Tours start at 8:30am.

NZD135, 1h

11:00am

Skyline Gondola & Luge

Take the gondola to Bob's Peak for spectacular views and enjoy several runs on the luge track.

NZD55, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Dine with panoramic mountain views at the top of the gondola.

NZD50, 1h

3:00pm

Queenstown Gardens Walk

Relax with a peaceful walk through lush botanical gardens near town centre.

Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Rata

Enjoy elegant dining with a focus on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

NZD80, 1h30m

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Day 7: More Queenstown Leisure

Queenstown, New Zealand on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen

Start your day with fresh and creative breakfast dishes in a cosy café.

NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Milford Sound Day Trip (Optional Flight or Coach)

Take an unforgettable day trip to Milford Sound, via scenic flight or coach and cruise, experiencing spectacular fjords. Tours usually depart early morning and return late afternoon.

NZD300, 8h