New Zealand itinerary
SampleNew Zealand in 21 days
Sample copy. A 21-day route through Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Tekapo, Wanaka and Queenstown, paced relaxed and planned so every travel day is worth it.
Overview
Sample copy. This 21-day itinerary links Auckland, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Taupo, Wellington, Marlborough, Kaikoura, Christchurch, Tekapo, 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.
Day by day
The day-by-day plan below shows where you sleep, what each day holds and how long each transfer takes.
Days 1-3
Auckland
Arrive and recover, with a day among the Waiheke vineyards.
Stay Hotel in Auckland
Travel Arrival day
Days 4-5
Bay of Islands
Dolphin watching and the Waitangi treaty grounds.
Stay Lodge at Paihia
Travel Drive, about 3 hours 30 minutes
Days 6-7
Rotorua
Thermal valleys and the redwood forest.
Stay Lodge in Rotorua
Travel Drive, about 5 hours
Day 8
Taupo
The great lake and the Huka Falls, a gentle pause on the drive south.
Stay Lodge at Taupo
Travel Drive, about 1 hour
Days 9-10
Wellington
Te Papa and the waterfront, plus the craft beer trail.
Stay Hotel in Wellington
Travel Drive, about 4 hours 30 minutes
Days 11-12
Marlborough
Ferry to the South Island, then the sauvignon blanc heartland.
Stay Lodge in Blenheim
Travel Ferry, about 3 hours 30 minutes
Day 13
Kaikoura
Whale watching where the mountains meet the sea.
Stay Lodge in Kaikoura
Travel Drive, about 2 hours
Days 14-15
Christchurch
The garden city and an evening tram dinner.
Stay Hotel in Christchurch
Travel Drive, about 2 hours 30 minutes
Days 16-17
Lake Tekapo
Stargazing in the dark-sky reserve and the lakeside church.
Stay Lodge at Lake Tekapo
Travel Drive, about 3 hours
Days 18-19
Wanaka
Roys Peak or an easier lakeside walk, and the local pinot noir.
Stay Lodge in Wanaka
Travel Drive, about 2 hours 30 minutes
Days 20-21
Queenstown
Milford Sound and a farewell dinner above the lake.
Stay The Remarkables Lodge, Queenstown
Travel Drive, 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.
Speak to a specialist
Plan it with someone who has been
Scott Dunn
Tailor-made luxury travel, designed around you
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Original Travel
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