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), head off the coast to Tiritiri Matangi Visitor Centre. Here are some ideas for day two: get engrossed in the history at Auckland Museum, don't miss a visit to Sky Tower, and then stop by Pauanesia.

For traveler tips, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Auckland trip itinerary builder website.

Adelaide, Australia to Auckland is an approximately 7.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2.5 hours traveling from Adelaide to Auckland. Traveling from Adelaide in March, expect nights in Auckland to be somewhat warmer, around 22°C, while days are slightly colder, around 22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 19th (Tue) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Rotorua: Taupo (Adrenaline & Extreme Tours & Huka Falls Walkway) and Hobbiton Movie Set (in Hinuera). There's much more to do: take in the natural beauty of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, kick your exploration up a notch at Redwoods Treewalk, and make a trip to Te Puia.

To find maps, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Rotorua tour itinerary maker.

Getting from Auckland to Rotorua by flight takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Auckland in March, you will find days in Rotorua are a bit warmer (26°C), and nights are little chillier (18°C). Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Fri) early enough to fly 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.

Start off your visit on the 23rd (Sat): go from sight to sight with Wellington Cable Car, then take in nature's colorful creations at Wellington Botanic Garden, and then examine the collection at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Discover how to plan a Wellington trip in just a few steps with Inspirock's itinerary builder.

Traveling by flight from Rotorua to Wellington takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. While traveling from Rotorua, expect little chillier days and about the same nights in Wellington, ranging from highs of 22°C to lows of 16°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.

Step out of Te Anau to go to Milford Sound and see Bowen Falls, which is approximately 1 hour away. On the 25th (Mon), hike the day away at Routeburn Track. There's much more to do: explore the activities along Doubtful Sound, explore the fascinating underground world of Te Anau Glowworm Caves, and hike along The Chasm Walk.

To find more things to do, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Te Anau day trip planning website.

Traveling by combination of flight and bus from Wellington to Te Anau takes 6 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or do a combination of ferry, train, and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Tue) to allow enough 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, wildlife, and adventure. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: get your game on at Skyline Queenstown, identify plant and animal life at Kiwi Park, view the masterpieces at Silver Fern Gallery, and learn about winemaking at Peregrine Wines.

To find ratings, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Queenstown trip planning tool.

You can take a bus from Te Anau to Queenstown in 4 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly back home.