16 days in New Zealand Itinerary

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.

Escape the urban bustle at River Rafting & Tubing and Agrodome. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Buried Village of Te Wairoa and Government Gardens. Take a break from Rotorua with a short trip to Mt Maunganui Main Beach in Mount Maunganui, about 1h 15 min away. And it doesn't end there: contemplate the geological forces at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, identify plant and animal life at Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park, trek along Blue Lake Track, and witness a stunning natural landmark at Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park.

To find ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Rotorua online vacation planner .

London, UK to Rotorua is an approximately 30-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus. Traveling from London to Rotorua, you'll lose 12 hours due to the time zone difference. Traveling from London in November, things will get a bit warmer in Rotorua: highs are around 23°C and lows about 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Fri) so you can travel to Kaitaia.

Kaitaia is a town in the Far North District of New Zealand, at the base of the Aupouri Peninsula, about 160 km northwest of Whangarei. Start off your visit on the 24th (Sat): stroll through Rarawa Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at Ninety Mile Beach, and then kick back and relax at Tapotupotu Beach. Keep things going the next day: hike along Mangonui Heritage Trail, kick back and relax at Coopers Beach, and then kick back and relax at Taipa Beach.

For more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, refer to the Kaitaia online journey planner .

You can drive from Rotorua to Kaitaia in 7 hours. Another option is to fly. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Sun) so you can travel to Russell.

Russell, formerly known as Kororāreka, was the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand. Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): hike along Kororipo Pa Historic Walk, then identify plant and animal life at Paihia Harbour, and then get close to the beloved marine mammals with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: pause for some serene contemplation at Christ Church, contemplate the long history of Pompallier Mission and Printery, then kick back and relax at The Strand Beach, and finally steep yourself in history at Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve.

For traveler tips and other tourist information, read Russell trip maker app .

Traveling by car from Kaitaia to Russell takes 2.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) so you can travel to Akaroa.

The French heritage and colonial architecture of Akaroa has broad appeal to anthropologists, historians, architects--and just about anyone with an eye for beautiful, historical buildings and a palate for fine dining.

Start off your visit on the 28th (Wed): take in the spiritual surroundings of Catholic St. Patrick's Akaroa, then get close to the beloved marine mammals with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience, then stop by Fire & Ice - Gemstone Jewellery Specialists, and finally see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour. On the 29th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: make a trip to Orion Powerhouse Gallery, don't miss a visit to The Giant's House, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saint Peter's Anglican Church, and finally get interesting insight from Tours.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and tourist information, use the Akaroa online trip planner .

Explore your travel options from Russell to Akaroa with the Route module. Expect a daytime high around 21°C in November, and nighttime lows around 8°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Dunedin.

With its history proudly stemming from the Scottish settlers who came here during the colonial era, Dunedin's streets are lined with well-preserved examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, while a new culture of nightlife and fine dining takes hold around them.

Explore hidden gems such as Nature & Wildlife Tours and Penguin Place. Deepen your sense of the past at sights like Olveston Historic Home and Waikouaiti Beach. There's still lots to do: get a new perspective on nature at Otago Museum, tour in style with a train tour, take an in-depth tour of Fletcher House, and trek along Tunnel Beach Track.

For other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read our Dunedin vacation maker site .

You can drive from Akaroa to Dunedin in 5.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of taxi, bus, and train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.