14 day itinerary for New Zealand

Itinerary

New Zealand is a stunning destination with breathtaking landscapes, lush parks, and vibrant green spaces. Here’s a fun and adventurous 14-day itinerary that will let you soak in the beauty of both the North and South Islands while keeping you away from religious sites. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

• Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Check into your accommodation and freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Auckland Domain, the city’s oldest park, where you can stroll through beautiful gardens and enjoy the views from the Auckland War Memorial Museum (just the gardens, no museum visit).
• Evening: Explore the waterfront at Viaduct Harbour and grab dinner at one of the many restaurants.

## Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

• Morning: Drive to Rotorua (about 3 hours). Stop at Hobbiton in Matamata on the way for a magical tour of the movie set.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Rotorua and visit Kuirau Park, where you can see bubbling mud pools and geothermal activity.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance (optional).

## Day 3: Rotorua Adventures

• Morning: Visit Redwoods Treewalk for a stunning walk among the towering trees.
• Afternoon: Head to Lake Rotorua for a leisurely kayak or paddleboard session.
• Evening: Relax at the Polynesian Spa for some rejuvenating thermal pools.

## Day 4: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

• Morning: Depart for Tongariro National Park (about 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore the Whakapapa Village area and take a short hike to Tawhai Falls.
• Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a cozy dinner.

## Day 5: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

• All ## Day: Embark on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand’s most famous day hikes. It’s a challenging trek, but the views of volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and stunning scenery are worth it!
• Evening: Rest and recover after your hike.

## Day 6: Tongariro to Wellington

• Morning: Drive to Wellington (about 4.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Wellington Botanic Garden and take the cable car for stunning views of the city.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant Cuba Street for dinner and enjoy the local atmosphere.

## Day 7: Wellington Exploration

• Morning: Visit Zealandia, a unique eco-sanctuary that showcases New Zealand’s native wildlife.
• Afternoon: Take a stroll along the waterfront and visit Oriental Bay for some beach time.
• Evening: Enjoy a movie at the historic Embassy Theatre or catch a live show.

## Day 8: Wellington to Nelson

• Morning: Take a ferry to Picton (about 3 hours) and then drive to Nelson (about 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Explore Queen’s Gardens in Nelson, a lovely spot for a picnic.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and perhaps sample some local wines.

## Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park

• All ## Day: Spend the day in Abel Tasman National Park. You can hike, kayak, or take a boat tour to explore the stunning coastline and golden beaches.
• Evening: Return to Nelson for a relaxing evening.

## Day 10: Nelson to Franz Josef

• Morning: Drive to Franz Josef (about 6 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive and take a short walk to the Franz Josef Glacier lookout.
• Evening: Relax in the hot pools at the Glacier Hot Pools.

## Day 11: Franz Josef to Queenstown

• Morning: Depart for Queenstown (about 4.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Stop at Fox Glacier for a quick visit, then continue to Queenstown.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant town and enjoy dinner by the lake.

## Day 12: Queenstown Adventures

• All ## Day: Choose your adventure! Options include bungee jumping, skydiving, or a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu. Alternatively, take a day trip to Milford Sound for breathtaking fjord views.
• Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner and perhaps a stroll along the lakefront.

## Day 13: Queenstown to Fiordland National Park

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Fiordland National Park. Explore Te Anau and take a cruise on Milford Sound or Doubtful Sound. The scenery is absolutely jaw-dropping!
• Evening: Return to Queenstown for your last night.

## Day 14: Departure from Queenstown

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final walk around Queenstown.
• Afternoon: Depart from Queenstown Airport for your onward journey.

And there you have it! A delightful 14-day adventure through New Zealand’s stunning parks and green spaces. Each day is packed with natural beauty and outdoor activities, ensuring you get the most out of your trip. Enjoy your travels! 🌿✈️