14 day itinerary
New Zealand
Personalized with:Outdoor hikes and sitesWineriesStart in the north and end in the south
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 and the . Take a leisurely walk through the gardens.
- Evening: Head to the for dinner. Try some local seafood!
Day 2: Auckland to
- Morning: Take a ferry to (about 40 minutes).
- Afternoon: Visit a couple of wineries like and . 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 or . Don’t miss the geysers!
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance.
Day 4: Rotorua to
- Morning: Head to (about 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Hike the (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 .
Day 5: to Wellington
- Morning: Drive to Wellington (about 4.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the and visit the .
- 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 and 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 . 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 and . 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 .
- Evening: Relax in the .
Day 10: Franz Josef to Wanaka
- Morning: Drive to Wanaka (about 3.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Hike to the famous 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 for panoramic views and maybe try the luge!
- Evening: Explore Queenstown’s vibrant nightlife and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12: Queenstown - Day Trip
- All Day: Take a day trip to (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 and . 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 .
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! 🌏🍷🥾