10 Days 1570 km

Highlights

  • Waiheke Island wineries and beaches
  • Queenstown nightlife
  • Wellington culture and heritage

Proximity

CAR-FREE TRAVEL OPTIONS

This route includes three domestic flights

This eclectic and epic 10-day itinerary has you visiting the awesome cities of New Zealand, Auckland and Wellington in the North Island, and Christchurch and Queenstown in the South.

With an amazing variety of urban experiences, you'll find plenty to do. But, what really sets these cities apart is how close to nature, water and wildlife they are – with an abundance of outdoor activities to choose from.

Day 1 - 3: Explore the Auckland Region

Auckland
Waiheke Island, Auckland
auckland

AUCKLAND

Vibrant city style and spectacular landscapes

Highlights

  • Visit wineries on Waiheke Island
  • Designer shopping
  • Climb a volcanic cone

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES IN AUCKLAND

Discover a combination of metropolitan delights and natural landscapes.

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Welcome to New Zealand’s largest city! To get in as much Auckland shopping, cafés, restaurants and bars as you can in one place, wander along High St to the Britomart area, swing past the bars along the waterfront of the Viaduct and onto Wynyard Quarter. All of these areas are in the central city and there’s plenty to explore.

From downtown, you can catch a ferry to Waiheke Island, a great place for a relaxing day trip to excellent vineyards. Another day trip destination is Piha Beach, hidden in the Waitakere Ranges nearby. Saturday mornings you’ll find delicious food at the French Markets in Parnell and if you’re visiting in summer there are plenty of festivals and free activities to enjoy.

Day 4 - 5: Meet Wellington, the coolest little capital

Wellington
The stunning Wellington waterfront, Wellington
wellington

WELLINGTON

A mix of culture, heritage and natural scenery

Proximity

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES IN WELLINGTON

Renowned for its vibrant creative culture and beautiful natural landscapes.

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Wellington has an intimate and creative vibe, with a compact central city that’s simply bursting with amazing cafés, clothing stores, restaurants and unique bars. From Cuba St to Courtney Place, you’ll find a whole range of diverse eateries.

They say nowhere beats Wellington on a sunny day, so if the weather’s good, hire a bike and pedal along the beautiful waterfront. You’ll pass Te Papa museum, which is always full of innovative exhibits. While you’re on that vibe, take the Wētā Studios tour to see how they made the costumes, characters and landscapes of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies come alive.

Day 6 - 7: Discover innovative Christchurch

Christchurch - Canterbury
Street art, Christchurch, Christchurch - Canterbury
christchurch-canterbury

CHRISTCHURCH

Innovative, heritage and wildlife encounters

Proximity

TOP EXPERIENCES IN CHRISTCHURCH

Enjoy shopping, art, great food & wine and stunning scenery.

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Since the earthquake of 2011, the South Island's largest city Christchurch has undergone an exciting transformation. Heritage attractions mix with innovative cafes, restaurants and bars, and a range of epic outdoor experiences. Enjoy some of the city's iconic attractions such as heritage trams, punting on Avon and the timeless botanical gardens. Or spend your time browsing boutique shops and open-air markets in Christchurch's shopping precincts

If you’re after a day trip, head through the tunnel to the trendy portside suburb of Lyttelton or visit Akaroa where you can meet some of New Zealand's friendly wildlife.

Day 8 - 10: Experience Queenstown adventure

Queenstown
Queenstown, Queenstown
queenstown

QUEENSTOWN

Home of the ultimate adventure bucket list.

Proximity

TOP EXPERIENCES IN QUEENSTOWN

Explore wineries, epic film locations, adventure activities or spoil yourself with a trip to a spa.

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Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, and that’s not just because of the huge range of outdoor activities to do – the buzzing town and cranking nightlife will keep you on your toes too.

This South Island gem is simply stunning year-round, with the lake and the mountains forming a beautiful backdrop as you explore the village. When you're not enjoying the huge array of adventure activities on offer, from bungy jumping to jet boating, Queenstown also has plenty of places for relaxation and socialising. Small lanes and staircases hide amazing bars and restaurants where you can sink into a chair with a cocktail by the open fire.

View the route below

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