21 day itinerary
New Zealand
Itinerary
New Zealand is a stunning country with a diverse range of experiences to offer. With 21 days at your disposal, we can create an itinerary that balances food and wine, history, adrenaline, hidden gems, and nature. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
- Morning: Arrive in Auckland. Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Explore the and grab lunch at a local café. Try some fresh seafood!
- Evening: Head to the for panoramic views of the city and enjoy dinner at the Orbit Restaurant.
Day 2: Auckland - Wine Tasting in
- Morning: Take a ferry to .
- Afternoon: Visit a couple of vineyards like Mudbrick and Cable Bay for wine tastings and lunch with a view.
- Evening: Return to Auckland and enjoy a casual dinner at a local eatery.
Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua
- Morning: Drive to Rotorua (approx. 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit to see geysers and learn about Māori culture.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Māori hangi dinner and cultural performance.
Day 4: Rotorua - Adrenaline Day
- Morning: Go white-water rafting on the (the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world!).
- Afternoon: Relax in the geothermal pools at the .
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps try some local lamb.
Day 5: Rotorua to Taupo
- Morning: Drive to Taupo (approx. 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Visit and take a scenic cruise on .
- Evening: Dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 6: Taupo - Adventure Day
- Morning: Go skydiving over for an adrenaline rush!
- Afternoon: Relax and explore the town or visit the Taupo Museum.
- Evening: Enjoy a casual dinner at a local pub.
Day 7: Taupo to
- Morning: Drive to (approx. 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Hike the (a full-day hike, so pack snacks and water!).
- Evening: Stay overnight in the park area and enjoy a cozy dinner.
Day 8: Tongariro to Wellington
- Morning: Drive to Wellington (approx. 4.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit to learn about New Zealand’s history and culture.
- Evening: Dinner at a waterfront restaurant, perhaps try some local craft beer.
Day 9: Wellington - Hidden Gems
- Morning: Explore the charming streets of and visit local shops.
- Afternoon: Take a guided tour of the for a behind-the-scenes look at film-making.
- Evening: Dinner at a hidden gem restaurant, like Ortega Fish Shack.
Day 10: Wellington to Picton (via ferry)
- Morning: Take the ferry to Picton (approx. 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the beautiful .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local seafood restaurant.
Day 11: Marlborough Wine Region
- Morning: Go on a wine tour in the Marlborough region, visiting famous wineries like Cloudy Bay.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a gourmet lunch at one of the vineyards.
- Evening: Return to Picton for a relaxing evening.
Day 12: Picton to Nelson
- Morning: Drive to Nelson (approx. 1.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the local art scene and visit the (if it’s a Saturday).
- Evening: Dinner at a local bistro.
Day 13:
- Morning: Take a day trip to . Go kayaking or hiking along the stunning coastline.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach.
- Evening: Return to Nelson for dinner.
Day 14: Nelson to Franz Josef
- Morning: Drive to Franz Josef (approx. 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and relax.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 15: Franz Josef - Glacier Adventure
- Morning: Take a guided glacier hike or a helicopter tour over .
- Afternoon: Relax in the .
- Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in town.
Day 16: Franz Josef to
- Morning: Drive to (approx. 4.5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the town and take a scenic gondola ride for stunning views.
- Evening: Dinner at a restaurant with a view, like Stratosfare.
Day 17: - Adrenaline Day
- Morning: Go bungee jumping at the or try jet boating on the .
- Afternoon: Relax and explore the local shops.
- Evening: Dinner at a local steakhouse.
Day 18: to
- Morning: Take a day trip to (approx. 4 hours drive).
- Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic cruise on .
- Evening: Return to for dinner.
Day 19: to Wanaka
- Morning: Drive to Wanaka (approx. 1 hour).
- Afternoon: Visit the famous and explore the town.
- Evening: Dinner at a lakeside restaurant.
Day 20: Wanaka - Hidden Gem
- Morning: Hike to for breathtaking views (early start recommended).
- Afternoon: Relax at the lake or visit a local winery.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in Wanaka.
Day 21: Wanaka to Christchurch
- Morning: Drive to Christchurch (approx. 5 hours).
- Afternoon: Explore the city, visit the Botanic Gardens, and check out the .
- Evening: Enjoy a final dinner at a local restaurant before your departure.
Departure
- Day 22: Depart from Christchurch, taking with you unforgettable memories of New Zealand!
This itinerary offers a fantastic mix of food, wine, history, adrenaline, hidden gems, and nature. Enjoy your adventure in the Land of the Long White Cloud! If you have any specific interests or adjustments, feel free to let me know!
