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Destination Traveller

New Zealand itinerary

Sample

New Zealand in 14 days

Sample copy. A 14-day route through Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson, the glaciers, Wanaka and Queenstown, paced moderate and planned so every travel day is worth it.

Canoe on a calm lake beneath mountains

Overview

Sample copy. This 14-day itinerary links Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Nelson, the glaciers, Wanaka and Queenstown. It is designed for active travellers who like full days and comfortable nights, and it works as written or as a starting point for our specialists.

Map with compass and hand-drawn route notes

Day by day

The day-by-day plan below shows where you sleep, what each day holds and how long each transfer takes.

  1. Days 1-2

    Auckland

    Arrive, take the ferry to Waiheke for vineyards and adjust to the time zone gently.

    Stay Hotel in Auckland

    Travel Arrival day

  2. Days 3-4

    Rotorua

    Geysers, redwood forest walking and a Maori cultural evening.

    Stay Lodge in Rotorua

    Travel Drive, about 3 hours

  3. Days 5-6

    Wellington

    Te Papa museum, the cable car and the coffee capital of the country.

    Stay Hotel in Wellington

    Travel Drive via Taupo, about 5 hours with stops

  4. Days 7-8

    Nelson

    Cross Cook Strait by ferry, then golden beaches and the Abel Tasman coast.

    Stay Lodge near Nelson

    Travel Ferry, about 3 hours 30 minutes

  5. Days 9-10

    Franz Josef

    The West Coast drive and a heli-hike or valley walk to the glacier face.

    Stay Lodge at Franz Josef

    Travel Drive, about 5 hours 30 minutes

  6. Days 11-12

    Wanaka

    The quieter lakeside town: walks, wineries and the famous lone tree.

    Stay Lodge in Wanaka

    Travel Drive over the Haast Pass, about 4 hours

  7. Days 13-14

    Queenstown

    Milford Sound and a final dinner on the lake before flying home.

    Stay The Remarkables Lodge, Queenstown

    Travel Drive over the Crown Range, about 1 hour

Make it longer or shorter

How to book

Sample copy. Our specialists book this itinerary complete with hotels, rail or car hire and experiences. Speak to a specialist below and we will tailor it to your dates.

Questions

Can this itinerary be tailored?

Sample answer. Yes. Every itinerary is a starting point; our specialists adjust the route, the hotels and the pace to suit you.

What is included in the budget?

Sample answer. The budget covers accommodation, ground transport and the named experiences, but not international flights.

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