10-Day Ultimate New Zealand Adventure: From Urban Sights to Natural Wonders

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on May 21, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Little & Friday

Start your day with excellent specialty coffee and fresh pastries at this popular café in the city. Opens at 7:00 AM.

NZD15, 1h

9:30am

Sky Tower Visit

Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower observation deck, open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.

NZD32, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Federal Delicatessen

Relish classic Jewish-style deli sandwiches and dishes in a stylish setting, open from 11:30 AM.

NZD25, 1h

1:30pm

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore New Zealand culture, history, and natural history in this museum with exhibits on Maori culture and Pacific artifacts. Open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

NZD28, 2h

4:00pm

Stroll in Albert Park

Relax with a leisurely walk in this beautifully maintained urban park near the city center, free entry.

NZD0, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Enjoy fresh seafood and local produce in a laid-back atmosphere. Dinner service starts at 5:00 PM.

NZD50, 1.5h

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Day 2: Island & Harbor

Auckland, New Zealand on May 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bestie Cafe

Famous for hearty and healthy breakfast options including vegan dishes. Opens at 7:00 AM.

NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Waiheke Island Day Trip

Take the ferry (35 min) to Waiheke Island for wine tasting, beautiful beaches, and art galleries. Ferries run from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

NZD42 (return ferry), 7h

12:30pm

Lunch at Cable Bay Vineyards

Enjoy gourmet food paired with award-winning local wines overlooking stunning vineyard views on Waiheke Island.

NZD55, 1.5h

5:30pm

Return to Auckland

Ferry back to Auckland, plan to arrive before sunset for evening activities.

Included, 0.5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Ortolana

Farm-to-table dining focusing on seasonal New Zealand produce in an elegant setting.

NZD65, 1.5h

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Day 3: Nature and Culture

Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand on May 23, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Store

Casual café known for hearty breakfasts using local ingredients. Opens 7:00 AM.

NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Rotorua

Depart Auckland and enjoy the scenic 3-hour drive southeast to Rotorua, known for geothermal wonders and Maori culture.

NZD0, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Fat Dog Café

Popular spot for fresh local food in Rotorua, offering tasty sandwiches and salads.

NZD22, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve

Explore geysers, mud pools, and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. Open 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

NZD60, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Modern New Zealand cuisine with small plates and an emphasis on fresh local ingredients.

NZD55, 1.5h

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Day 4: Rotorua Adventures

Rotorua, New Zealand on May 24, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Bakery and café with organic, locally sourced dishes and excellent coffee.

NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Redwoods Forest Walk and Treewalk

Experience towering redwood trees along walking trails and the Treewalk canopy suspension bridges. Open 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM.

NZD35, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Eat Streat

Rotorua’s vibrant dining precinct with many cafes and restaurants; try Vinnies for Italian style lunch.

NZD25, 1h

2:00pm

Polynesian Spa

Relax in historic geothermal pools with views of Lake Rotorua. Open 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

NZD40, 2h

6:30pm

Maori Cultural Evening at Tamaki Māori Village

Enjoy authentic performances and a traditional hangi feast. Tours start at 6:00 PM and last about 4 hours.

NZD120, 4h

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Day 5: Fly to Queenstown

Rotorua to Queenstown, New Zealand on May 25, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Capers Kitchen

Casual breakfast focusing on fresh smoothies and local produce. Opens 7:00 AM.

NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Flight from Rotorua to Queenstown

Fly approximately 1hr 45min; flights depart in the morning for optimal day schedule.

NZD150, 3h (including airport time)

12:00pm

Lunch at Fergburger

Famous gourmet burger spot in Queenstown, expect a tasty, hearty lunch with locally sourced ingredients.

NZD20, 1h

1:30pm

Queenstown Gardens Walk

Relax and stroll around the beautifully landscaped gardens with stunning lake views, free to the public.

NZD0, 1h

3:00pm

Skyline Gondola and Luge

Ride gondola for panoramic views, then enjoy the thrilling luge tracks. Open 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

NZD65, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Rata

Fine dining featuring innovative New Zealand cuisine by celebrity chef Josh Emett. Reservations recommended.

NZD80, 1.5h

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Day 6: Queenstown Thrills

Queenstown, New Zealand on May 26, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vudu Café

Enjoy high-quality coffee and fresh, inventive breakfast options. Open from 7:00 AM.

NZD22, 1h

9:00am

Jet Boating on Shotover River

Experience thrilling high-speed jet boat rides through narrow canyons. Tours run from early morning till late afternoon.

NZD150, 1.5h

11:00am

Bungee Jump or Skyline Luge (alternate)

Optional adrenaline jump from Kawarau Bridge or enjoy more luge rides.

NZD180 (bungee), 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Bunker

Cozy spot known for gourmet dishes and excellent cocktails open from noon.

NZD40, 1h

3:00pm

Lake Wakatipu Scenic Walk

Enjoy peaceful walking paths along the lake with stunning mountain views.

NZD0, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Botswana Butchery

Upscale restaurant specializing in premium meats and New Zealand wines. Book in advance.

NZD90, 1.5h

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Day 7: Milford Sound Day

Queenstown to Milford Sound, New Zealand on May 27, 2025

6:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Grab a quick, hearty breakfast served by your hotel before your early departure.

NZD0 (included in stay), 0.5h

7:00am

Drive to Milford Sound

Scenic 4-hour drive through Fiordland National Park, with stops at key viewpoints.

NZD0, 4h

11:30am

Milford Sound Nature Cruise

Experience majestic fiord views, waterfalls, and wildlife on a 2hr cruise. Cruises run frequent departures around 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

NZD95, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Milford Sound Lodge

Simple meals and refreshments at the lodge café after your cruise.

NZD25, 1h

3:00pm

Drive Back to Queenstown

Return journey to your Queenstown accommodation with scenic stops to rest and photograph landscapes.

NZD0, 4h

7:30pm

Dinner at Fergburger or Hotel Restaurant

Relax with a casual meal at the iconic Fergburger or within your hotel after a long day.

NZD20-50, 1h

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Day 8: To Wellington

Queenstown to Wellington, New Zealand on May 28, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen

Contemporary café serving healthy and creative breakfast dishes with excellent coffee. Opens at 7:00 AM.

NZD22, 1h

10:00am

Flight Queenstown to Wellington

Fly approximately 1h 30m; multiple daily flights available.

NZD140, 3h including airport time

1:00pm

Lunch at Fidel’s Café

Popular bohemian café near the waterfront with eclectic décor and hearty fare.

NZD30, 1h

2:30pm

Te Papa Museum

New Zealand’s national museum featuring interactive exhibitions about natural history and culture. Open 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM.

Free, 3h

6:00pm

Walk along Wellington Waterfront

Enjoy vibrant eateries, harbor views, and public art on a leisurely evening stroll.

Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Logan Brown

Upscale dining in a historic bank building serving innovative New Zealand cuisine. Reservations recommended.

NZD75, 1.5h

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Day 9: Wellington Highlights

Wellington, New Zealand on May 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café L’affare

Known as Wellington’s oldest specialty coffee roaster with excellent breakfast options.

NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Wellington Cable Car and Botanic Garden

Ride the historic cable car for city and harbor views, then explore the native and exotic plants in the botanic garden. Cable car runs 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM.

NZD12 (round trip), 2h