New Zealand - 12 Nights / 13 Days

Trip Itinerary

Itineraries

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Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Pick up your rental car and check into your hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the Sky Tower Observation Deck for panoramic views of Auckland.

Evening: Leisure time by the waterfront or visit a local restaurant for dinner.

Overnight: Auckland.

The Sky Tower is the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, offering 360-degree views of Auckland's skyline.

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Day 2: Auckland

Morning: Take a ferry (40 minutes) to Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards and beautiful beaches.

Afternoon: Enjoy wine tasting at some of the island’s boutique wineries or relax on the beach.

Evening: Return to Auckland and visit Kelly Tarlton's Sea Life Aquarium for an Antarctic encounter and underwater tunnels.

Overnight: Auckland.

Waiheke Island is a favorite day-trip destination for both locals and tourists. Kelly Tarlton's is home to New Zealand's only colony of Antarctic penguins.

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Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua (Drive: 3 hrs)

Morning: Drive to Rotorua. Stop at the Waitomo Caves for a tour of the glowworm caves (optional detour).

Afternoon: Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set for a guided tour of the iconic sets from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

Evening: Arrive in Rotorua, check into your hotel, and enjoy a leisurely evening.

Overnight: Rotorua.

The Waitomo Caves feature thousands of glowworms, creating a magical atmosphere. Hobbiton offers an immersive experience into Tolkien's fantasy world.

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Day 4: Rotorua

Morning: Start the day with the Te Ra Experience at Te Puia, exploring geothermal wonders and Maori culture.

Afternoon: Visit Agrodome for a farm tour and then explore Rainbow Springs to see native wildlife, including the kiwi bird.

Evening: Participate in an Authentic Maori Hangi Feast and Concert for a traditional Maori cultural evening.

Overnight: Rotorua.

Te Puia is home to the famous Pohutu Geyser, and the Hangi Feast is a must-do for experiencing Maori traditions and cuisine.

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Day 5: Rotorua to Christchurch (Flight: 1.5 hrs)

Morning: Fly from Rotorua to Christchurch.

Afternoon: Go punting on the Avon River, a relaxing way to explore the heart of Christchurch.

Evening: Visit the Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park for a peaceful stroll.

Overnight: Christchurch.

Christchurch is known for its English heritage and gardens. Punting on the Avon is a quintessential Christchurch experience, offering views of the city from the water.

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Day 6: Christchurch

Morning: Drive to Greymouth to board the TranzAlpine Train (or take a bus), one of the world's most scenic train rides, crossing the Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps.

Afternoon: Visit Lake Tekapo and enjoy the stunning turquoise lake views, and stop at the Church of the Good Shepherd.

Evening: Return to Christchurch, with leisure time or visit Mona Vale House and Gardens.

Overnight: Christchurch.

The TranzAlpine Train offers unparalleled views of the Southern Alps. Lake Tekapo is renowned for its striking color and clear night skies, perfect for stargazing.

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Day 7: Christchurch

Morning: Visit the International Antarctic Centre to experience Antarctic conditions, including a snow storm room and penguin encounters.

Afternoon: Take a day trip to Mt. Cook, New Zealand’s tallest mountain, with breathtaking alpine scenery.

Evening: Return to Christchurch for dinner and a relaxing evening.

Overnight: Christchurch.

The Antarctic Centre offers a simulated Antarctic environment and is fun for all ages. Mt. Cook is a must-see, and the drive offers incredible views of the Southern Alps.

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Day 8: Christchurch to Franz Josef (Drive: 5 hrs)

Morning: Drive from Christchurch to Franz Josef via Arthur’s Pass, a stunning mountainous route.

Afternoon: Arrive in Franz Josef and take a dip in the Glacier Hot Pools.

Evening: Leisure time in the glacier town, with options for dinner at local restaurants.

Overnight: Franz Josef.

The drive through Arthur’s Pass offers incredible scenery, including rugged mountains and waterfalls. The Glacier Hot Pools are perfect for relaxing after a long drive.

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Day 9: Franz Josef

Morning: Take a Helicopter Ride to the glacier, with an optional snow landing.

Afternoon: Go on a guided Glacier Hike or explore the rugged terrain via Quad Biking.

Evening: Leisure time to explore the Franz Josef village or enjoy the local cuisine.

Overnight: Franz Josef.

Helicopter rides offer stunning aerial views of the glacier, and the glacier hike is an unforgettable experience of walking on ice formations.

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Day 10: Franz Josef to Queenstown (Drive: 5 hrs)

Morning: Drive to Queenstown via Haast Pass, with scenic stops at waterfalls and lakes along the way.

Afternoon: Arrive in Queenstown and take a walk by Lake Wakatipu.

Evening: Explore Queenstown’s vibrant dining scene or relax in the town.

Overnight: Queenstown.

Queenstown is famous for its adventure sports and natural beauty. Lake Wakatipu offers stunning views, especially at sunset.

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Day 11: Queenstown

Morning: Visit Lake Wanaka (1-hour drive) and see the famous Wanaka Tree.

Afternoon: Return to Queenstown for an adrenaline-packed Jet Boat Ride on the Shotover River and a thrilling Zipline Adventure.

Evening: Enjoy leisure time by the lake or visit local pubs.

Overnight: Queenstown.

Wanaka offers a more laid-back vibe compared to Queenstown, and the Shotover Jet Boat is one of Queenstown’s most iconic adventures.

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Day 12: Queenstown

Morning: Full-day tour to Milford Sound, either by driving (4 hours) or by scenic flight. Take a cruise through the fjords, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Afternoon: Continue the Milford Sound tour and take in the stunning scenery.

Evening: Return to Queenstown for dinner.

Overnight: Queenstown.

Milford Sound is often called the "eighth wonder of the world" and offers breathtaking fjord landscapes. A scenic flight provides amazing aerial views if time is limited.

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Day 13: Departure from Queenstown

Morning: Free time to relax or explore Queenstown before departing.

Afternoon: Transfer to Queenstown Airport for your flight home.

Recommended Hotels

Super Luxury

Auckland

  • Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group (Symonds Street)
  • Fable Auckland, MGallery (Queen Street)
  • Hilton Auckland (Princes Wharf)
  • Park Hyatt Auckland (Wynyard Quarter)
  • Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour (Viaduct Harbour)
  • SO/ Auckland (Customs Street)
  • The Hotel Britomart (Britomart Precinct)

Rotorua

  • Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel (Lake Rotorua)
  • Peppers on the Point (Lake Rotorua)
  • Regent of Rotorua (Pukaki Street)
  • Solitaire Lodge (Lake Tarawera)
  • Treetops Lodge & Estate (Horohoro)

Christchurch

  • Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton (Deans Avenue)
  • Clearview Lodge (Harewood)
  • Otahuna Lodge (Tai Tapu)
  • The Classic Villa (Worcester Boulevard)
  • The George Christchurch (Hagley Park)

Franz Josef

  • Bella Vista Motel Franz Josef Glacier (Franz Josef)
  • Franz Josef Oasis (Franz Josef)
  • Holly Homestead B&B (Franz Josef)
  • Te Waonui Forest Retreat (Franz Josef)
  • Westwood Lodge (Franz Josef)

Queenstown

  • Azur Lodge (Fernhill)
  • Eichardt's Private Hotel (Marine Parade)
  • Hulbert House (Queenstown Hill)
  • Matakauri Lodge (Lake Wakatipu)
  • The Spire Hotel (Church Lane)

Luxury

Auckland

  • Cordis, Auckland by Langham Hospitality Group (Symonds Street)
  • Grand Millennium Auckland (Queen Street)
  • Hotel DeBrett (High Street)
  • Stamford Plaza Auckland (Albert Street)
  • QT Auckland (Viaduct Harbour)

Rotorua

  • Millennium Hotel Rotorua (Hinemaru Street)
  • Novotel Rotorua Lakeside (Lake Rotorua)
  • Prince's Gate Hotel (Arawa Street)
  • Pullman Rotorua (Arawa Street)
  • Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa (Fenton Street)

Christchurch

  • Crowne Plaza Christchurch (Victoria Street)
  • Fino Hotel & Suites (Kilmore Street)
  • Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square (Cathedral Square)
  • Rydges Latimer Christchurch (Latimer Square)
  • Sudima Christchurch City (Victoria Street)

Franz Josef

  • 58 On Cron Motel (Franz Josef Village)
  • Franz Alpine Retreat (Franz Josef)
  • Glenfern Villas (Franz Josef)
  • Rainforest Retreat (Franz Josef)
  • Scenic Hotel Franz Josef Glacier (Franz Josef Village)

Queenstown

  • Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa (Kawarau Village)
  • Millbrook Resort (Arrowtown)
  • QT Queenstown (Lake Esplanade)
  • Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa (Duke Street)
  • The Rees Hotel & Luxury Apartments (Frankton Road)

Standard

Auckland

  • Auckland City Hotel (Hobson Street)
  • Best Western President Hotel Auckland (Victoria Street West)
  • Econo Lodge City Central (Wellesley Street)
  • Ibis Budget Auckland Central (Auckland Central)
  • Kiwi International Hotel (Queen Street)

Rotorua

  • Fenton Court Motel (Fenton Street)
  • Holiday Inn Rotorua (Fenton Street)
  • Ibis Rotorua (Rangiuru Street)
  • Rotorua Hideaway Lodge (State Highway 5)
  • YHA Rotorua (Rotorua Central)

Christchurch

  • All Stars Inn on Bealey (Bealey Avenue)
  • BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch (Cashel Street)
  • Hotel 115 Christchurch (Worcester Boulevard)
  • Ibis Christchurch (Hereford Street)
  • Jailhouse Accommodation (Addington)

Franz Josef

  • Alpine Glacier Motel (Franz Josef)
  • Franz Josef Montrose (Franz Josef Village)
  • Franz Josef Top 10 Holiday Park (Franz Josef)
  • Glow Worm Accommodation (Franz Josef Village)
  • YHA Franz Josef (Franz Josef Village)

Queenstown

  • Base Backpackers Queenstown (Shotover Street)
  • Haka Lodge Queenstown (Queenstown Central)
  • Nomads Queenstown Backpackers (Church Street)
  • Pinewood Lodge (Hamilton Road)
  • Sir Cedrics Tahuna Pod Hostel (Tahuna Road)

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