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10-Day Scenic and Cultural Tour of New Zealand

Viewed by 119 travelers

Day 1: Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on June 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with a delicious breakfast featuring New York-style deli sandwiches and excellent coffee at this vintage-themed café.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore New Zealand's natural history, Māori culture, and military history in this iconic museum located within Auckland Domain park.
NZD25, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Food Truck Garage

Enjoy casual dining with a range of food trucks serving international and local dishes in a relaxed setting.
NZD15, 1h

1:30pm

Sky Tower Visit

Experience panoramic views of Auckland from the Sky Tower’s observation deck, an iconic skyline feature.
NZD32, 1h

3:00pm

Walk along Viaduct Harbour

Stroll along Auckland’s vibrant waterfront area full of bars, eateries, and picturesque marina views.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Orbit 360° Dining

Dine at Sky Tower’s rotating restaurant, offering modern New Zealand cuisine with spectacular city views.
NZD70, 2h
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Day 2: Auckland Nature & Culture

Auckland, New Zealand on June 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Little & Friday

Enjoy locally roasted coffee and freshly baked goods in a cozy café setting.
NZD18, 1h

9:30am

Day trip to Waiheke Island

Take a 40-minute ferry to Waiheke Island to explore vineyards, beaches, and art galleries.
NZD42 ferry return, 7h

12:30pm

Lunch at Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant

Savour gourmet dishes paired with award-winning wines overlooking stunning island views.
NZD40, 1.5h

5:30pm

Return ferry to Auckland

Relax on the ferry ride back to Auckland as the sun begins to set.
Included in ferry ticket, 40m

7:30pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Enjoy fresh seafood and small plates in a lively downtown Auckland restaurant.
NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua

Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand on June 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Have a hearty breakfast to prepare for the day’s travel and sightseeing.
NZD20, 1h

8:00am

Drive from Auckland to Rotorua

Travel approximately 3 hours to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.
Car rental approx NZD70/day, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Third Place Café

Enjoy fresh, wholesome meals in a cozy café known for its friendly vibe.
NZD20, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve and Maori Cultural Centre

See bubbling mud pools, geysers, and enjoy a performance of traditional Maori songs and dances.
NZD60, 3h

5:00pm

Check-in to your Rotorua hotel

Settle into your accommodation and relax after the day’s travel and exploration.
Varies, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Relish modern Kiwi dishes featuring local ingredients in a warm and stylish atmosphere.
NZD55, 1.5h
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Day 4: Rotorua Adventures

Rotorua, New Zealand on June 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Start with fresh pastries and great coffee in this local favourite spot.
NZD18, 1h

9:00am

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore colorful geothermal pools, hot springs, and the famous Champagne Pool in this stunning park.
NZD35, 2h

11:30am

Mud Spa at Hell’s Gate

Relax in therapeutic hot mud pools and sulphur spas to experience Rotorua’s healing geothermal waters.
NZD50, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Fat Dog Café & Bar

Grab casual yet delicious meals including local favourites near downtown Rotorua.
NZD20, 1h

3:30pm

Walk around Kuirau Park

Enjoy free access to geothermal activity within a large public park with steaming vents and bubbling pools.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant

Dine with panoramic views of Rotorua city on the Skyline Gondola mountain top.
NZD60, 2h
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Day 5: Rotorua to Taupo

Rotorua to Taupo, New Zealand on June 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at your hotel

Enjoy a good breakfast to prepare for departure to Taupo.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Taupo

A scenic 1-hour drive takes you to Taupo, famous for Lake Taupo and Huka Falls.
Car rental cost included, 1h

10:30am

Visit Huka Falls

Explore the dramatic waterfall where jet boats operate and enjoy picturesque walking trails.
Free, 1.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Brantry

Tuck into modern bistro cuisine made from local produce next to the lake.
NZD30, 1h

2:00pm

Lake Taupo Cruise

Take a scenic boat cruise on Lake Taupo, enjoying views of the volcanic landscape and Maori rock carvings.
NZD50, 2h

5:00pm

Check into a lakeside hotel

Relax with views of beautiful Lake Taupo from your accommodation.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Vine Eatery & Bar

Dine on New Zealand-inspired dishes paired with fine local wines in an elegant setting.
NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 6: Taupo to Wellington

Taupo to Wellington, New Zealand on June 18, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at The Sugar Club

Enjoy a sophisticated breakfast with locally sourced ingredients before travel.
NZD25, 1h

8:00am

Drive Taupo to Wellington

A longer scenic 5-hour drive through New Zealand’s mountainous heartland to the capital city Wellington.
Car rental cost included, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Fidel’s Café

Casual, funky café in Cuba Street serving hearty brunch-style meals and excellent coffee.
NZD20, 1h

3:00pm

Te Papa Museum Visit

Visit New Zealand’s national museum featuring natural history, Maori culture, and art, with free general admission.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Check into Wellington accommodation

Settle in and freshen up before dinner.
Variable, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Logan Brown

Experience fine dining with innovative New Zealand cuisine in a historic bank building.
NZD80, 2h
Find Hotels in Taupo to Wellington

Day 7: Discover Wellington

Wellington, New Zealand on June 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Loretta

Enjoy a stylish breakfast known for great coffee and fresh seasonal produce.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Cable Car and Botanic Garden

Take the historic Wellington Cable Car up to the Botanic Garden for city views and lush greenery.
NZD9 return, 1.5h

11:30am

Visit Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary

Explore the eco-sanctuary protecting native NZ birds and wildlife in a predator-free environment.
NZD25, 2h

2:00pm

Lunch at Ortega Fish Shack

Try some of the best seafood with a relaxed, friendly ambiance.
NZD40, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Cuba Street

Wander through this vibrant street famous for shopping, street art, and cafés.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Charley Noble

Enjoy locally sourced steaks and seafood cooked over an open fire grill.
NZD60, 2h
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Day 8: Wellington to Queenstown

Wellington to Queenstown, New Zealand on June 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have an early breakfast before your flight to Queenstown.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Flight Wellington to Queenstown

Fly approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to Queenstown, the adventure capital of NZ.
NZD150 one way, 2h including airport time

12:00pm

Lunch at Fergburger

Try the famously delicious gourmet burgers that Queenstown is known for.
NZD20, 1h

1:30pm

Queenstown Gardens Walk

Relax with a walk in these beautiful botanical gardens by the lake.
Free, 1h

3:00pm

Skyline Gondola and Luge Ride

Take a gondola to Bob’s Peak for panoramic views, then enjoy thrilling luge rides down the slope.
NZD60, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Bunker

Cozy fine dining with a focus on modern New Zealand cuisine and excellent wines.
NZD70, 2h
Find Hotels in Wellington to Queenstown

Day 9: Queenstown Adventures

Queenstown, New Zealand on June 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Vudu Café & Larder

Enjoy freshly brewed coffee and healthy breakfast options to fuel your adventurous day.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Shotover Jet Boat Ride

Experience a thrilling high-speed boat ride through narrow canyons on the Shotover River.
NZD130, 1h

11:00am

Visit Arrowtown

Explore this charming historic gold-mining town with quaint streets and boutique shops.
Free, 2h

1:30pm

Lunch at Postmaster’s Bakery

Enjoy fresh baked goods and light lunch options in Arrowtown.
NZD20, 1h

3:00pm

Wine Tasting Tour in Central Otago

Spend the afternoon sampling fine wines from renowned vineyards in the region.
NZD100, 3h

7:30pm

Dinner at Rata

Savour an exquisite menu featuring seasonal ingredients by a Michelin-starred chef.
NZD80, 2h
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Day 10: Queenstown Departure

Queenstown, New Zealand on June 22, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen

Have a relaxing breakfast with creative dishes and great coffee in a stylish setting.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Lake Wakatipu Walk

Enjoy a leisurely lakeside walk with views of the Remarkables mountain range.
Free, 1.5h

11:30am

Last-minute shopping in Queenstown

Browse local shops and art galleries for souvenirs and gifts.
Varies, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Patagonia Chocolates

Treat yourself to artisanal chocolates and light meals before your departure.
NZD15, 1h

2:30pm

Depart Queenstown

Prepare for your onward travel or flight back home.
Varies, N/A
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