Day 1-2 Travel
Yes, it really takes 2 days to get here from most of the United States!
Fly to Queenstown (Direct from Auckland)
Day 3 and 4 – Queenstown
Rent a car (one way rental from Queenstown to Christchurch) and start with a visit to Queenstown. Here, you can do things like boat cruises, paragliding, off-roading, and food and wine tours.
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, so you can find a range of activities here like zip lining, skydiving, jet boating, and more. Take a ride on the Skyline Gondola for amazing views. There are also many hot pools here that you can enjoy a relaxing soak in. Take a trip up to Arrowtown, a gold-mining town where you can pan for gold.
Day 4 and 5- Milford Sound and Lake Tekapo
Drive to Milford Sound, located in Fiordland National Park on the South Island of New Zealand, is a breathtakingly beautiful destination known for its rugged fiords, towering waterfalls, and stunning landscapes.
Things you can do here include: taking a boat cruise on the sound to see marine life and waterfalls. Hike the Milford Track (one of the most famous hikes in the world), go kayaking or paddleboarding, go diving or snorkeling.
Drive to Lake Tekapo is a stunning alpine lake located in the Mackenzie Basin of New Zealand’s South Island. With its turquoise blue waters, scenic surroundings, and clear night skies. Here, you can do some of the best stargazing in the world, take a soak in the hot springs, and take some of the most beautiful hikes in the world.
Day 6 and 7- Christchurch and Rotorua
In Christchurch (a 6 hour drive from Queenstown and 2.5 hours from Lake Tekapo), you can explore the beautiful botanical gardens, the Canterbury Museum, and the International Antarctic Center (the departure point for many Antarctic adventures). If you have time, don’t forget to visit Akaroa, a French colonial village inside a volcanic crater, and take a boat tour to see penguins, dolphins, and seals!
In Rotorua, be sure to take a tour to see Hobbitton (the set of the Hobbit), and learn about Maori culture. There are also many options for rafting, hiking, zip lining, and boat tours, as well as spas that feature mud baths! See all these options by checking out Rotorua tours here.
Leave your car in Christchurch and fly back to Auckland.
Day 8 and 9- Auckland
There is so much to do in and around Auckland, you can see a list of tours and sights here.
You can spend a day on the hop-on hop-off bus tour, then take a dinner cruise along the coast.
Spend the day taking in the city, or take a wine or food tour. Check out the Sky Tower, from which you can take in panoramic views of the area and also do bungee jumping or skywalking if you’re brave! Walk through the Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park. Visit the Auckland Museum for New Zealand and Maori history. Then take in the food scene at one of the city’s markets: Auckland Fish Market or the Otara Market.
Day 10- Waiheke Island
A quick 35-minute ferry ride from Auckland, this could be done any day you are in Auckland. Waiheke Island, located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, is a stunning paradise known for its pristine beaches, rolling vineyards, and lush native forests. With its breathtaking natural beauty and relaxed, bohemian vibe, Waiheke Island has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
The island is dotted with charming villages, art galleries, and boutique shops, offering a unique blend of nature, culture, and relaxation. Visitors can indulge in a plethora of outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the surrounding ocean. Waiheke Island is also famous for its world-class wineries, where visitors can savor award-winning wines amidst the picturesque vineyards. The island’s sense of community and sustainability ethos are evident in its farm-to-table culinary scene, with many restaurants showcasing locally sourced, organic ingredients.
