14 day itinerary for New Zeland

Itinerary

New Zealand is a stunning destination with breathtaking landscapes, lush parks, and vibrant green spaces. Here’s a 14-day itinerary that will take you through some of the best parks and natural wonders the country has to offer. 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. Stroll through the gardens and visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant in the Viaduct Harbour.

## Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

• Morning: Drive to Rotorua (approx. 3 hours). Stop at Hobbiton in Matamata for a tour of the movie set.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Rotorua and visit Kuirau Park, where you can see geothermal activity and enjoy the walking trails.
• Evening: Relax in the Polynesian Spa for a soak in the hot mineral pools.

## Day 3: Rotorua

• Morning: Explore Redwoods Treewalk in the Whakarewarewa Forest. Walk among the towering trees on suspended bridges.
• Afternoon: Visit Te Puia to see geysers and learn about Māori culture.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Māori hangi dinner and cultural performance.

## Day 4: Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

• Morning: Depart for Tongariro National Park (approx. 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Hike the Tama Lakes Track for stunning views of the lakes and mountains.
• Evening: Settle into your accommodation and enjoy a cozy dinner.

## Day 5: Tongariro National Park

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

## Day 6: Tongariro to Wellington

• Morning: Drive to Wellington (approx. 4.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Mount Victoria for panoramic views of the city and harbor. Enjoy a picnic in the park.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant Cuba Street for dinner and local shops.

## Day 7: Wellington

• Morning: Visit Wellington Botanic Garden. Take the cable car up and walk down through the beautiful gardens.
• Afternoon: Explore Zealandia, a wildlife sanctuary dedicated to New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna.
• Evening: Enjoy a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants.

## Day 8: Wellington to Nelson

• Morning: Take the ferry to Picton (approx. 3 hours) and then drive to Nelson (approx. 1.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Queen’s Gardens in Nelson for a leisurely stroll.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local eatery and explore the artsy vibe of the city.

## Day 9: Abel Tasman National Park

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Abel Tasman National Park. Go kayaking or hiking along the stunning coastline. Don’t miss the golden beaches and lush forests!
• Evening: Return to Nelson for a relaxing evening.

## Day 10: Nelson to Franz Josef

• Morning: Drive to Franz Josef (approx. 6 hours). Enjoy the scenic route through the West Coast.
• Afternoon: Arrive and take a short walk to the Franz Josef Glacier viewpoint.
• Evening: Relax in the hot pools at the Glacier Hot Pools.

## Day 11: Franz Josef to Queenstown

• Morning: Depart for Queenstown (approx. 4.5 hours).
• Afternoon: Stop at Lake Matheson for a stunning reflection of Mount Cook on the water.
• Evening: Arrive in Queenstown and enjoy dinner with a view of the lake.

## Day 12: Queenstown

• All ## Day: Explore Queenstown Gardens. Rent a bike or take a leisurely walk around the gardens and along the lakefront.
• Afternoon: Optional adventure activities like bungee jumping or a scenic cruise on Lake Wakatipu.
• Evening: Enjoy a gondola ride up to Bob’s Peak for dinner with a view.

## Day 13: Queenstown to Fiordland National Park

• Morning: Drive to Te Anau (approx. 2 hours).
• Afternoon: Visit Fiordland National Park and take a cruise on Milford Sound. Marvel at the stunning fjords and waterfalls.
• Evening: Return to Te Anau for the night.

## Day 14: Te Anau to Queenstown and Departure

• Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast in Te Anau. If time allows, take a short walk in the area.
• Afternoon: Drive back to Queenstown (approx. 2 hours) for your departure flight. If you have extra time, explore more of Queenstown or do some last-minute shopping.

Tips:

• Make sure to check the weather and trail conditions, especially for hikes.
• Book accommodations and activities in advance, especially in popular areas.
• Don’t forget your camera; New Zealand is incredibly photogenic!

I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your 14 days in New Zealand! Enjoy the lush parks and stunning landscapes! 🌿✈️