32 days in New Zealand Itinerary

The main tourist town in the Bay of Islands area, Paihia gives visitors a good range of accommodations, a convenient town center, long sandy beaches, and interesting architecture.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Pompallier Mission and Printery are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Step out of the city life by going to Scuba & Snorkeling and Parasailing & Paragliding. When in Paihia, make a side trip to see Tane Mahuta Walk in Opononi, approximately Opononi away. The adventure continues: get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour, take in the dramatic scenery at Haruru Falls, surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour, and look for gifts at Paihia Bookshop.

To find where to stay and other tourist information, use the Paihia trip itinerary builder tool.

Tokyo, Japan to Paihia is an approximately 17-hour flight. Traveling from Tokyo to Paihia, you'll lose 3 hours due to the time zone difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Sun) early enough to travel to Waitomo Caves.

Head deep beneath the surface of the earth at Waitomo Caves, a village and cave system that draws both extreme sports enthusiasts and those wanting something a little more relaxed.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Mon): Head underground at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, thenexplore the fascinating underground world of Ruakuri Cave, and then stroll through Ruakuri Walk. Here are some ideas for day two: snap pictures at Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk, admire the sheer force of Marakopa Falls, thenHead underground at Caveworld, and finally let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour.

To find other places to visit, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Waitomo Caves itinerary planner.

You can do a combination of taxi and flight from Paihia to Waitomo Caves in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or fly. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Tue) so you can travel to Whakapapa.

The country's largest ski resort brings winter sports enthusiasts from all over New Zealand, while a series of short volcano walks as well as numerous alpine crossings make it easy to hike on your Whakapapa trip throughout the year.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing and Ohakune Old Coach Road are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Escape the urban bustle at Taranaki Falls and Tongariro Northern Circuit. Explore Whakapapa's surroundings by going to River Rafting & Tubing (in Turangi) and Horsemtrails (in Tongariro National Park). Next up on the itinerary: trek along Rotopounamu Track, catch a ride with Tongariro Crossing Shuttles, admire the sheer force of Tawhai Falls, and explore the wealth of natural beauty at Te Porere Redoubt.

To find maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Whakapapa itinerary maker website.

Drive from Waitomo Caves to Whakapapa in 2.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 11th (Sat) so you can travel 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Te Puia and Volcanic Hills Winery. Step out of the city life by going to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Adrenaline & Extreme Tours. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Rotorua: Taupo (Fishing Charters & Tours & Huka Falls Walkway). And it doesn't end there: whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, explore the activities along Lake Rotokakahi, get impressive views of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and identify plant and animal life at Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park.

To find ratings, more things to do, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read our Rotorua trip site.

Traveling by car from Whakapapa to Rotorua takes 2.5 hours. In January in Rotorua, expect temperatures between 27°C during the day and 19°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Wed) to allow time 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 16th (Thu): identify plant and animal life at ZEALANDIA Sanctuary, identify plant and animal life at Tonga Island Marine Reserve, and then see the interesting displays at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

To find maps, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Wellington trip planner.

Traveling by flight from Rotorua to Wellington takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, daytime highs in Wellington are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) to allow enough time to travel to Fox Glacier.

A trip to Fox Glacier brings you close to one of New Zealand's most easily accessible natural wonders.

Visiting Franz Josef Glacier and Mount Fox Route will get you outdoors. There's much more to do: hike along Fox Glacier South Side Walk, tour the pleasant surroundings at Gillespies Beach, take in the exciting artwork at ReflectioNZ Gifts & Gallery, and see the world from above with a helicopter tour.

For ratings, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, read Fox Glacier trip itinerary builder.

Traveling by bus from Wellington to Fox Glacier takes 8.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and bus; or do a combination of ferry, train, and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) so you can drive to Mt. Cook Village.

Siting under towering peaks of New Zealand's highest mountain, Mt.

Visiting Sealy Tarns Track and Kea Point Track will get you outdoors. Venture out of the city with trips to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) (Hooker Valley Track & Glencoe Walk). There's still lots to do: head outdoors with Aoraki/Mt. Cook, trek along Mueller Hut Route, tour the pleasant surroundings at Blue Lakes and Tasman Glacier walks, and hit the slopes at Ski The Tasman.

To see maps, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Mt. Cook Village trip planning site.

Traveling by car from Fox Glacier to Mt. Cook Village takes 5.5 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Thu) so you can 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.

Step out of the city life by going to Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound. Go for a jaunt from Te Anau to Milford to see Milford Foreshore Walk about 1h 15 min away. There's still lots to do: trek along Hollyford Track, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Gunn, tour the pleasant surroundings at The Chasm Walk, and identify plant and animal life at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.

For reviews, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Te Anau online trip builder.

Explore your travel options from Mt. Cook Village to Te Anau with the Route module. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Mon) 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.

Get outdoors at Adrenaline & Extreme Tours and Speed Boats Tours. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Peregrine Wines and Fallen Soldiers Memorial. The adventure continues: have some family-friendly fun at Skyline Queenstown, see Off-Road Tours, hike along Ben Lomond Track, and take a memorable drive along Glenorchy-Queenstown Road.

Plan my trip to Queenstown with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

You can take a bus from Te Anau to Queenstown in 4 hours. You'll have a few hours on the 1st (Sat) to wrap things up before traveling home.