14 day itinerary for New Zealand

Itinerary

New Zealand is a stunning country with breathtaking landscapes, fantastic outdoor activities, and some of the best wineries in the world. Here’s a 14-day itinerary that starts in the North Island and ends in the South Island, focusing on outdoor hikes and wineries. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

• Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Settle into your accommodation.
• Afternoon: Explore the Auckland Domain and the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens.
• Evening: Head to the Viaduct Harbour for dinner. Try some local seafood!

## Day 2: Auckland to Waiheke Island

• Morning: Take a ferry to Waiheke Island (about 40 minutes).
• Afternoon: Visit a couple of wineries like Mudbrick Vineyard and Cable Bay Vineyards. Enjoy a wine tasting and lunch with a view.
• Evening: Return to Auckland and relax. Maybe check out a local bar or café.

## Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua

• Morning: Drive to Rotorua (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the geothermal wonders at Wai-O-Tapu or Te Puia. Don’t miss the geysers!
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance.

## Day 4: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

• Morning: Head to Tongariro National Park (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (19.4 km, 7-8 hours). This is one of the best day hikes in the world!
• Evening: Relax in a hot spring at the nearby Tokaanu Thermal Pools.

## Day 5: Tongariro National Park to Wellington

• Morning: Drive to Wellington (about 4.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the Wellington waterfront and visit the Te Papa Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many great restaurants in the city. Try some local craft beer!

## Day 6: Wellington to Marlborough (via ferry)

• Morning: Take the ferry to Picton (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Drive to Marlborough (about 30 minutes). Visit some wineries like Cloudy Bay and Brancott Estate for tastings.
• Evening: Enjoy a lovely dinner in Blenheim, perhaps at a winery restaurant.

## Day 7: Marlborough to Nelson

• Morning: Drive to Nelson (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the Abel Tasman National Park. You can do a short hike or take a kayak tour.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner in Nelson, known for its vibrant arts scene and local cuisine.

## Day 8: Nelson to Punakaiki

• Morning: Drive to Punakaiki (about 3 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit the famous Pancake Rocks and Blowholes. Take a short hike along the coastal track.
• Evening: Stay in a cozy lodge and enjoy the sound of the ocean.

## Day 9: Punakaiki to Franz Josef

• Morning: Drive to Franz Josef (about 2.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Take a guided glacier hike or a scenic helicopter flight over the Franz Josef Glacier.
• Evening: Relax in the Glacier Hot Pools.

## Day 10: Franz Josef to Wanaka

• Morning: Drive to Wanaka (about 3.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Hike to the famous Roy’s Peak for stunning views (or a shorter hike if you prefer).
• Evening: Enjoy dinner by the lake and soak in the beautiful sunset.

## Day 11: Wanaka to Queenstown

• Morning: Drive to Queenstown (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Take the Skyline Gondola for panoramic views and maybe try the luge!
• Evening: Explore Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 12: Queenstown - Milford Sound Day Trip

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Milford Sound (about 4 hours each way). Enjoy a scenic cruise through the fjord and take in the stunning waterfalls and mountains.
• Evening: Return to Queenstown and relax after a long day.

## Day 13: Queenstown to Central Otago

• Morning: Drive to Central Otago (about 1 hour).
• Afternoon: Visit wineries in the region, such as Felton Road and Mt. Difficulty. Enjoy tastings and lunch.
• Evening: Stay in a charming vineyard accommodation.

## Day 14: Departure from Queenstown

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll around Queenstown.
• Afternoon: Depart from Queenstown Airport.

And there you have it! A perfect blend of outdoor adventures and delightful winery experiences across New Zealand. Make sure to pack your hiking boots, a good camera, and an adventurous spirit! Enjoy your trip! 🌏🍷🥾