Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Start your trip in Auckland, the largest city in the country. Once you land, take it easy. Spend the day exploring the city center, grabbing a coffee on Queen Street, and walking along the waterfront.
If you’re up for more, head over to the Auckland Domain or explore the Auckland War Memorial Museum to get a grasp of New Zealand’s history and culture.
For dinner, head to Ponsonby for great restaurant options. Get a good night’s sleep because the adventure begins tomorrow.
Day 2: Waiheke Island
Take a ferry to Waiheke Island, known for its gorgeous vineyards and beaches. This is the perfect place to relax after your flight. Spend the day sipping on local wines at the many wineries – Mudbrick Vineyard and Cable Bay are two excellent options.
If wine isn’t your thing, there are plenty of hikes and beaches to explore. Visit Oneroa Beach or take a walk through the island’s sculpture park.
Wrap up your day with dinner at a local spot before heading back to Auckland.
Day 3: Drive to the Coromandel Peninsula
It’s time to hit the road! Rent a car and drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, an easy 2.5-hour trip. Along the way, enjoy the rolling hills and stunning views. Check into your accommodation and grab lunch.
In the afternoon, visit Cathedral Cove, where you can hike down to the beach or take a kayak tour. Don’t miss Hot Water Beach: a quirky spot where you can dig your own thermal pool in the sand during low tide.
Day 4: Explore Coromandel Peninsula
Take today to fully explore the Coromandel’s stunning natural beauty. Start with the Kauri Block Walkway, which offers panoramic views of the town and surrounding forest.
If you’re up for more adventure, check out the Pinnacles Walk: it’s a challenging hike, but the mountaintop views are worth it.
End your day by relaxing at your accommodation or dining in a local café.
Day 5: Drive to Rotorua
Depart early for Rotorua, about a 3-hour drive. As soon as you arrive, you’ll notice Rotorua’s unique geothermal activity. Check out Te Puia, home to bubbling mud pools and the famous Pohutu Geyser.
For lunch, try a local Māori hangi meal, cooked right in the ground using geothermal steam.
In the evening, relax in the Polynesian Spa, which is one of the world’s top natural spas.
Day 6: Discover Maori Culture in Rotorua
Rotorua is famous for its rich Māori culture, so dive in today. Start with a morning visit to the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest for a peaceful walk amongst towering trees.
After lunch, visit Tamaki Māori Village. You’ll learn about traditional Māori customs, enjoy a cultural performance, and feast on a delicious hangi dinner.
Day 7: Visit Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves
Today, get ready for some movie magic! Head to Matamata to visit Hobbiton, the real-life filming location for The Shire in “The Lord of the Rings” movies. Take a guided tour and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
In the afternoon, drive to the Waitomo Caves, where you can take a boat tour through glowworm-lit caves. It’s a surreal experience that you won’t forget!
Stay overnight near Waitomo or head back to Rotorua.
Day 8: Drive to Tongariro National Park
This morning, make the 2.5-hour drive to Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park. Check into your accommodation, then spend the rest of the day exploring short walks around the park.
Visit Tawhai Falls, also known as Gollum’s Pool, and admire the stunning Mount Ngauruhoe, which was used as Mount Doom in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Prepare for tomorrow’s big hike!
Day 9: Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Widely considered one of the best day hikes in the world, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is 19.4 kilometers of stunning terrain. You’ll walk through volcanic landscapes, past emerald lakes, and across craters.
The hike takes 7-8 hours, so pack snacks, enough water, and wear sturdy shoes. It’s challenging, but when you reach the top, the views are unbeatable.
Rest and recover in the evening.
Day 10: Drive to Wellington
After the epic Tongariro hike, hit the road for Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city. The drive is about 4.5 hours, so take it slow.
Once in Wellington, check into your accommodation and explore the city. Walk along the waterfront, visit Te Papa Museum, and enjoy Wellington’s vibrant coffee culture.
In the evening, grab dinner at Cuba Street, which has loads of great restaurants to choose from.
Day 11: Ferry to the South Island and Marlborough Wine Region
This morning, take the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton on the South Island. The ferry ride takes about 3.5 hours and offers stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds.
Upon arrival, drive to the nearby Marlborough wine region, known for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc. Spend the afternoon visiting wineries like Cloudy Bay or Villa Maria for tastings.
Day 12: Drive to Kaikoura
Today, drive 2 hours south to Kaikoura, a small seaside town known for its marine life. Once there, join a whale-watching tour or a swim-with-dolphins experience. Kaikoura is one of the best places in the world to see whales year-round.
If you prefer to stay on land, hike the Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, which offers beautiful coastal views.
Day 13: Head to Christchurch
After a morning in Kaikoura, drive down to Christchurch, typically a 2.5-hour drive. As the largest city in the South Island, Christchurch has rebuilt itself after the damage caused by the 2011 earthquake.
Explore the city’s art scene, grab a coffee, and check out the beautiful Botanic Gardens. In the evening, consider going for a punting ride down the Avon River for a brief but scenic experience.
Day 14: Fly Out from Christchurch
It’s your final day in New Zealand. Depending on your flight time, you might have a couple of hours to explore Christchurch even more, or to grab any last-minute souvenirs.
Drop off your rental car and catch your flight home. Your New Zealand adventure may be over, but the memories are sure to last a lifetime!
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