New Zealand itinerary
SampleNew Zealand in 28 days
Sample copy. A 28-day route through Both islands in full, from the Bay of Islands to Milford Sound and the Catlins, paced relaxed and planned so every travel day is worth it.
Overview
Sample copy. This 28-day itinerary links Both islands in full, from the Bay of Islands to Milford Sound and the Catlins. 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, recover and take the Waiheke ferry for a vineyard day.
Stay Hotel in Auckland
Travel Arrival day
Days 4-6
Bay of Islands
Three nights for the islands, the dolphins and Cape Reinga at the top of the country.
Stay Lodge at Paihia
Travel Drive, about 3 hours 30 minutes
Days 7-8
Rotorua
Thermal valleys, redwoods and a cultural evening.
Stay Lodge in Rotorua
Travel Drive, about 5 hours
Days 9-10
Taupo and Tongariro
The alpine crossing for the keen, or the lake cruise for the rest of us.
Stay Lodge at Taupo
Travel Drive, about 1 hour
Days 11-12
Wellington
Te Papa, the cable car and the Cuba Street quarter.
Stay Hotel in Wellington
Travel Drive, about 4 hours 30 minutes
Days 13-14
Marlborough
Ferry south, then two days among the vines.
Stay Lodge in Blenheim
Travel Ferry, about 3 hours 30 minutes
Day 15
Kaikoura
Whales and crayfish on the coast road.
Stay Lodge in Kaikoura
Travel Drive, about 2 hours
Days 16-17
Christchurch
Gardens, galleries and the rebuilt centre.
Stay Hotel in Christchurch
Travel Drive, about 2 hours 30 minutes
Days 18-19
Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook
The dark-sky reserve and the hooker valley walk beneath Aoraki.
Stay Lodge at Lake Tekapo
Travel Drive, about 3 hours
Days 20-21
Wanaka
Lakeside walking and the local wineries.
Stay Lodge in Wanaka
Travel Drive, about 2 hours 30 minutes
Days 22-24
Queenstown and Te Anau
The lake, the gondola and an overnight cruise on Milford Sound.
Stay The Remarkables Lodge, Queenstown
Travel Drive, about 1 hour
Days 25-26
The Catlins
Waterfalls, petrified forest and sea lions on the wild south coast.
Stay Lodge in the Catlins
Travel Drive, about 3 hours 30 minutes
Days 27-28
Dunedin and home
The albatross colony on the Otago peninsula, then the flight home via Auckland.
Stay Hotel in Dunedin
Travel Drive, about 2 hours
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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