13 days in New Zealand Itinerary

The largest and most populous city in New Zealand, Auckland combines a rich history and thriving contemporary culture in an abundance of museums, art galleries, and performance venues.

On the 18th (Mon), contemplate the waterfront views at Devonport and then step off the mainland to explore Tiritiri Matangi Island. Here are some ideas for day two: brush up on your military savvy at Auckland Museum, don't miss a visit to Sky Tower, and then look for gifts at Pauanesia.

For reviews, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, read Auckland Central road trip planning website .

Adelaide, Australia to Auckland Central is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. Traveling from Adelaide to Auckland Central, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from Adelaide in March, expect nights in Auckland Central to be a bit warmer, around 22°C, while days are a bit cooler, around 22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Rotorua.

Surrounded by lakes and featuring impressive areas of geothermal landscape, the city of Rotorua offers an otherwordly landscape and a welcoming, peaceful environment, with the culture of the native Maori people very much in the foreground.

Venture out of the city with trips to Hobbiton Movie Set (in Hinuera) and Taupo (Adrenaline & Extreme Tours & Huka Falls tracks). There's still lots to do: take in the natural beauty of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, get your game on at OGO Rotorua, boost your wellbeing at a local thermal spa, and delve into the lush surroundings at Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest.

To see ratings, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Rotorua trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Auckland Central to Rotorua takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. When traveling from Auckland Central in March, plan for a bit warmer days and little chillier nights in Rotorua: temperatures range from 26°C by day to 18°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri) early enough to travel to Wellington.

Wellington, the world's southernmost capital city and New Zealand's second most populous urban area, combines the nation's rugged history and nature with its modern and cosmopolitan present.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Sat): take a memorable ride with Wellington Cable Car, then admire the natural beauty at Wellington Botanic Garden, then get engrossed in the history at The Great War Exhibition, and finally examine the collection at Museum of New Zealand (Te Papa Tongarewa).

To see where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, you can read our Wellington trip maker site .

Traveling by flight from Rotorua to Wellington takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or drive. Traveling from Rotorua in March, expect nights in Wellington to be about the same, around 16°C, while days are little chillier, around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Te Anau.

Set among the picturesque peaks and glacially carved fiords of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau offers those wishing to explore the park a great place to stay and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a small town in an enviable location.

Take a break from Te Anau with a short trip to Bowen Falls in Milford Sound, about 1h 05 min away. On the 25th (Mon), hike the day away at Routeburn Track. Next up on the itinerary: contemplate the waterfront views at Milford Sound, Head underground at Te Anau Glowworm Caves, look for all kinds of wild species at Doubtful Sound, and stroll through The Chasm Walk.

To see traveler tips and other tourist information, read Te Anau travel app .

You can do a combination of flight and bus from Wellington to Te Anau in 7 hours. Other options are to do a combination of flight and bus; or ride a ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Tue) to allow time to take a bus to Queenstown.

Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.

Queenstown is known for fun & games, adventure, spas, parks, and winter sports. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: get your game on at Skyline Queenstown, look for all kinds of wild species at Kiwi Birdlife Park, take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour, and relax and rejuvenate at some of the top local wellness centers.

For ratings, photos, more things to do, and other tourist information, read Queenstown trip planner.

You can take a bus from Te Anau to Queenstown in 3.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) so you can travel back home.