7 day itinerary for New Zealand

Itinerary

Absolutely, I'd love to help you plan your ideal 7-day itinerary in New Zealand with a focus on stargazing! Here's a chatty breakdown of your trip:

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

• Arrive in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand
• Check into your accommodation and relax after your journey
• Head to the Auckland Stardome Observatory for an introduction to stargazing

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

• Drive or take a scenic bus ride to Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders
• Visit the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland during the day
• In the evening, head to the Redwoods Treewalk for a unique stargazing experience among the treetops

Day 3: Rotorua to Lake Taupo

• Travel to Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake
• Visit the Craters of the Moon geothermal park during the day
• At night, head to the Great Lake Star Gazing experience for a guided stargazing tour by the lake

Day 4: Lake Taupo to Wellington

• Travel to Wellington, the vibrant capital city of New Zealand
• Explore the city's attractions during the day, such as Te Papa Museum
• In the evening, head to the Carter Observatory for a stargazing session with expert astronomers

Day 5: Wellington to Christchurch

• Fly or take a scenic ferry ride to Christchurch on the South Island
• Explore the city's botanical gardens and vibrant arts scene during the day
• In the evening, head to the Canterbury Astronomical Society for a stargazing event

Day 6: Christchurch to Lake Tekapo

• Drive to Lake Tekapo, known for its stunning night skies
• Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd during the day
• At night, head to the Mount John Observatory for a guided stargazing tour in one of the world's best stargazing locations

Day 7: Lake Tekapo to Queenstown

• Travel to Queenstown, the adventure capital of New Zealand
• Explore the town's adrenaline-pumping activities during the day
• In the evening, take a stargazing tour at the Skyline Queenstown for panoramic views of the night sky

I hope this itinerary gives you a good balance of exploring New Zealand's natural beauty and indulging in your love for stargazing. Enjoy your trip under the Southern Hemisphere stars!