Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
After your flight lands in Auckland, take it easy. Drop your bags at your accommodation and head to explore the city. Walk around the Viaduct Harbour. You can grab coffee at one of the many waterfront cafés.
In the afternoon, visit the Auckland Domain. It’s one of the oldest parks in the city, and home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. If you want some quick history on New Zealand (Aotearoa), this is a good start.
End the day with a sunset view from the Sky Tower. It’s the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere, and the view is incredible.
Day 2: Explore Auckland
Spend your morning walking around Ponsonby, one of Auckland’s coolest suburbs. It has colorful street art, quirky shops, and great eateries. Stop at Instagram-worthy spots, or just enjoy the cool vibe.
In the afternoon, take a ferry to Waiheke Island. This island is filled with vineyards and beaches. Spend a few hours sipping wine at a vineyard like Mudbrick or Soljans. Relax on the beach to cap things off.
Head back to the city and enjoy some of Auckland’s nightlife. Check out bars in Britomart or enjoy a casual night in one of Ponsonby’s cool spots.
Day 3: Drive to Rotorua
Pick up your rental car and begin your drive south. Rotorua is about three hours from Auckland. When you arrive, you’ll notice the sulfur smell because of all the geothermal activity here—it’s part of the charm!
First stop: Kuirau Park. You can wander around bubbling mud pools and hot springs, and best of all, it’s free. For something more premium, go to the Polynesian Spa. It’s a relaxing experience with soaking pools that overlook a lake.
In the evening, go to a traditional Māori experience. You’ll get to enjoy a hāngi dinner (cooked in underground pits), and watch a cultural performance.
Day 4: Rotorua Adventures
Rotorua is full of outdoor activities. Start your morning with the Redwoods Treewalk. It’s an easy walkway built into towering redwoods and offers great views from up high. It’s peaceful and stunning.
Later on, visit Te Puia. It’s an iconic geothermal reserve that offers more bubbling mud pools and geysers. You can also learn more about Māori culture here.
Use the afternoon to relax. There are plenty of lakes around Rotorua that are great for swimming or picnicking. I recommend Lake Tarawera—it’s beautiful and much less crowded.
Day 5: Explore Tongariro National Park
It’s time to head towards Tongariro. The drive to Tongariro National Park is about 2 hours from Rotorua. Once there, if you’re up for it, do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This is a full-day hike (about 7-8 hours), but the views are epic. You’ll walk past volcanic craters, emerald lakes, and open mountain landscapes.
If that’s too intense, there are shorter walks in the area. The Taranaki Falls Walk takes less time and still offers excellent views.
Finish the day relaxing with New Zealand’s famous pies or fish and chips.
Day 6: Wander Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is full of culture. It’s a 4-hour drive from Tongariro, so leave early. Once you’ve arrived, grab coffee in the quirky neighborhood of Cuba Street. Wellington’s café scene is world-class.
Then head to Te Papa Museum. Entrance is free, and it’s one of the best museums in the world. You can learn about New Zealand’s history, geography, and the Māori people here.
In the late afternoon, take the cable car up to the Botanic Gardens. The view overlooking Wellington is perfect as the sun sets behind the hills.
Day 7: Ferry to South Island – Marlborough Sounds
Catch the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton. The 3-hour journey through the Cook Strait is extremely scenic, so have your camera ready.
Once in Picton, explore the Marlborough Sounds. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for a kayak trip through some of the sheltered bays. There are tons of hidden coves and beaches to discover.
Tonight, unwind with some local wines from the Marlborough region. You’re in New Zealand’s major wine country now, so take advantage!
Day 8: Travel to Abel Tasman National Park
Start the day driving west towards Abel Tasman National Park. It’s about 3 hours from Marlborough, and trust me, it’s worth the trip. Abel Tasman is one of the sunniest spots in New Zealand and known for its beaches and coastal tracks.
When you arrive, take a walk along the coast. The tracks weave in and out of the forest, making you feel like you’re in your own little tropical paradise. If you prefer a day of rest, the beaches nearby in Kaiteriteri are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
End the day with fresh seafood at a local restaurant—plenty of it comes from these waters.
Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier
The next leg of your journey takes you further south to Franz Josef Glacier. It’s around 5-6 hours by car, but the drive along the west coast is incredibly scenic with rainforests meeting the ocean.
When you reach Franz Josef, take a walk to the glacier viewpoint, which is a simple hike that gives you great views of the glacier face. If you’re more adventurous, there are options for helicopter tours or guided glacier hikes.
In the evening, relax at the Glacier Hot Pools. After a full day of travel and exploring, a soak in the hot water is exactly what you’ll need.
Day 10: Queenstown
End your trip in Queenstown, the “Adventure Capital of the World”. It’s about a 4-hour drive from Franz Josef, so leave early to make the most of your time.
Once in Queenstown, take the Skyline Gondola up for breathtaking views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. If you want some action, try bungee jumping or a jet boat ride. Queenstown is the place for adrenaline sports!
Wrap up your adventure with Fergburger, a famous local burger joint. The lines are long, but believe me, it’s worth the wait.
Take in your last sunset by the lake and reflect on an amazing 10 days exploring what just might be the most beautiful country in the world.
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