7-Day Scenic and Cultural Adventure Across New Zealand

Day 1: Auckland City Explorer

Auckland, New Zealand on May 18, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Federal Delicatessen renowned for their Jewish-inspired dishes and fresh coffee.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Sky Tower Visit

Visit the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views of Auckland and surrounding harbours; open 9am to 10pm.
NZD32, 1h

11:00am

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore Māori culture and New Zealand history in this museum located in the Auckland Domain park; open 10am-5pm.
NZD25, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Blue Breeze Inn

Enjoy Polynesian-inspired dishes and fresh seafood at this vibrant, highly rated downtown spot.
NZD30, 1h

2:30pm

Waiheke Island Ferry and Wine Tour

Take a ferry (35 minutes) to Waiheke Island and visit the vineyards for tastings; ferries run every hour.
NZD55, 4h

7:00pm

Dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard Restaurant

Dine on gourmet meals with spectacular views over the vineyards and Hauraki Gulf, open till 9pm.
NZD65, 1.5h
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Day 2: Rotorua Geothermal and Culture

Rotorua, New Zealand on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Rotorua

Drive or take a bus from Auckland to Rotorua, approximately 3-hour journey southwest.
NZD0, 3h

11:00am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Enjoy healthy and hearty breakfast options at this popular café known for fresh local produce.
NZD18, 1h

12:15pm

Te Puia Geothermal Park

Experience geothermal wonders including geysers, mud pools, and the Māori Arts & Crafts Institute; open 8:15am-5pm.
NZD55, 2.5h

3:00pm

Polynesian Spa

Relax in natural thermal mineral pools surrounded by beautiful lake and mountain views; open until 9pm.
NZD50, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Dine at this cozy eatery offering modern New Zealand cuisine with a great selection of local wines and craft beers.
NZD45, 1.5h
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Day 3: Taupo Natural Wonders

Taupo, New Zealand on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Travel to Taupo

Drive approximately 1 hour south from Rotorua to Taupo, known for its beautiful lake and adventure activities.
NZD0, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at The Storehouse

Enjoy a fresh and energizing breakfast in this popular spot located near the lakefront.
NZD20, 1h

10:45am

Huka Falls

Visit the spectacular Huka Falls, where you can walk along the scenic trails; open all day, free entry.
NZD0, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bistro Lago

Lakefront restaurant with beautiful views serving contemporary New Zealand cuisine using local ingredients.
NZD35, 1.5h

2:30pm

Craters of the Moon Walk

Explore the geothermal walkway featuring steaming craters and volcanic landscapes; permits are free and walk duration is around 1 hour.
NZD0, 1h

5:00pm

Lake Taupo Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a serene boat cruise on Lake Taupo during sunset, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains; book in advance.
NZD70, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at The Brantry

Experience fine dining featuring local lamb and seafood dishes, located downtown and open till 9:30pm.
NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 4: Wellington City Culture

Wellington, New Zealand on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Wellington

Fly from Taupo to Wellington (approx 1hr flight) or drive (~5 hours); flight recommended for time efficiency.
NZD100, 1h

9:00am

Breakfast at Fidel’s Café

Popular local café known for quirky ambiance and excellent coffee and breakfast dishes, near Cuba Street.
NZD20, 1h

10:30am

Te Papa Tongarewa Museum

New Zealand’s national museum with interactive exhibits on natural history, Māori culture, and more; open 10am-6pm.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Logan Brown

High-end restaurant in a historic bank building, serving seasonal New Zealand cuisine with an emphasis on fresh local produce.
NZD45, 1.5h

3:30pm

Ride Wellington Cable Car and Botanic Gardens

Take the famous cable car to the top of Kelburn Hill and explore nearby botanic gardens with scenic city views; cable car runs 7am-10pm.
NZD9, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Ortega Fish Shack

Casual dining with fresh seafood and a friendly vibe, open till 9pm.
NZD40, 1.5h
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Day 5: Nelson and Abel Tasman

Nelson, New Zealand on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Travel to Nelson

Fly from Wellington to Nelson Airport (approx 1 hour), for gateway to Abel Tasman National Park.
NZD110, 1h

9:30am

Breakfast at The Boat Shed Café

Seaside café serving fresh coffee and breakfast with views overlooking the marina.
NZD18, 1h

10:30am

Abel Tasman National Park Kayaking and Hiking

Spend the afternoon exploring golden beaches and native forests by kayak and walking trails; tours operate 9am-4pm.
NZD80, 5h

5:30pm

Return to Nelson and relax

Rest and freshen up before dinner after an active day in nature.
NZD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Hopgoods

One of Nelson’s finest restaurants, serving modern New Zealand cuisine with a great wine list; open till 9:30pm.
NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 6: West Coast Wilderness

Franz Josef, New Zealand on May 23, 2025

6:00am

Travel to Franz Josef

Drive (or coach) from Nelson to Franz Josef Glacier on the West Coast, approx 7-8 hours through spectacular scenery.
NZD0, 8h

2:00pm

Lunch at Snakebite Brewery

Casual pub near the glacier town serving craft beers and hearty meals, open from 11am to 9pm.
NZD25, 1h

3:30pm

Franz Josef Glacier Walk

Take the glacier valley walk trail for incredible views of the glacier face; open sunrise to sunset, free entry.
NZD0, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Landing

Relax with locally inspired dishes paired with wines from New Zealand’s best vineyards; open till 9pm.
NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 7: Queenstown Adventure

Queenstown, New Zealand on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Travel to Queenstown

Drive 4-5 hours from Franz Josef to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand.
NZD0, 5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fergburger

Taste famous gourmet burgers in Queenstown, a must-try open 11am to late evening.
NZD20, 1h

2:00pm

Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Experience thrilling jet boat rides through narrow canyons, operates daily 9am-5pm; book in advance.
NZD135, 1h

4:00pm

Skyline Gondola Ride

Take the gondola for panoramic views and explore the hilltop; open 8am-10pm.
NZD44, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rata

Enjoy refined seasonal New Zealand cuisine by a celebrity chef, located near the town centre; open till 9:30pm.
NZD70, 1.5h
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