Essential New Zealand - 9 Days
Explore the best New Zealand has to offer.
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From Auckland, visit the glow-worms caves of Waitomo. Then head to Rotorua, New Zealand's culture capital, to experience a range of Maori and geothermal activities. Afterwards, fly south to spectacular Queenstown for adventure, stunning scenery and Milford and Doubtful Sound.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA for New Zealand
The great thing is that most flights depart the West Coast of America in the evening, meaning you can spend the day at home getting ready for your Kiwi adventure or still go to work and maximise your valuable time off by actually spending it in New Zealand.
Day 2: In flight
You cross the international date line on your flight to New Zealand so you skip a whole day on the journey down. For example, if you left Los Angeles on Sunday evening, you will arrive in Auckland on Tuesday morning, even though you have only been flying for 12 hours.
But don't worry - you get a day back when you return home, for example if you leave New Zealand on Sunday evening, you will arrive back in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.
Day 3: Auckland
Welcome to Auckland, often referred to as the 'City of Sails' because one out of every three residents has a boat! For incredible city views, head up to the Sky Tower, the Southern hemisphere's tallest building - you can even jump off!
Day 4: Auckland
Today you could head out to the wild black sand beaches of the West Coast, including Karekare beach where scenes from the award-winning movie The Piano were filmed. Or, stay in downtown Auckland and hit the stores of High Street and Chancery Lane where you'll find boutiques featuring many New Zealand designers.
Day 5: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
Travel to Rotorua via Waitomo, the limestone region that features a series of vast cave systems home to the famous glow-worms. If you're feeling adventurous, explore the caves via black water rafting or guided abseiling, for the more adventurous. In the geo-thermal city of Rotorua, discover volcanic phenomena and learn about New Zealand's Maori culture.
Day 6: Rotorua
Rotorua is also home to some zany activities, If you're feeling adventurous try the luge or go zorbing. Also head to the Agrodome and Rainbow Springs, two of Rotorua's great attractions. Unwind at the end of the day with a visit to the hot springs at The Polynesian Spa.
Day 7: Rotorua - Queenstown
There is something for everyone in the 'Adventure Capital of New Zealand': bungy jumping, jetboat rides, snowboarding and hangliding to name a few. Or if you're looking for relaxation, head to the surrounding wineries for a tasting and a delicious lunch. To watch the sunset, take a gondola ride up the mountain for some of the most spectacular views of the region.
Day 8: Milford/Doubtful Sound
Take a boat ride to witness the spectacular beauty of the fiords. When it rains in Milford Sound, 'temporary waterfalls' cascade down the cliffs, dozens as high as 3280 feet. Doubtful Sound is sometimes called the 'sound of silence'. It's a powerful place - serene, mysterious and untouched by the modern world.
Day 9: Queenstown - Auckland - USA
Return home and because you will cross back over the International Time Zone you will 'gain' a day. For example, if you leave New Zealand on Sunday night, you will arrive in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.