New Zealand is a superlative travel destination for adventure lovers, nature seekers, and culture explorers. Richly scenic, culturally vibrant, and populated by warm and friendly people. You need to make sure not to waste a minute with only 7 days in the Charm City, you need an itinerary that ensures you enjoy the best things to do in New Zealand. This complete itinerary covers 7 days, touching on both North and South Islands, ensuring you won’t miss out on what has earned New Zealand its reputation as the land of wonders.
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland – The City of Sails
⇒ Morning: Therefore, start your adventure in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand, also known as the “City of Sails.” Visit the famous Sky Tower, one of the best things to do in New Zealand which offers spectacular and the observation deck offer a stunning view of the whole city. The waters surrounding Auckland would be visible through the observation deck, which gave Auckland its nickname.
⇒ Afternoon: A popular waterfront area with many cafes, bars, and restaurants is Viaduct Harbour. Dine on the waterfront, absorbing the essence of everything and all these people walking by. Then visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum at in-Auckland Domain, which is also home to Auckland’s oldest park. Through the museum, you can learn about New Zealand’s ancient Māori culture, as well as natural history and World War war histories.
⇒ Evening: Finish off the day with a beautiful sunset walk along Mission Bay Beach. Watch the sunset over Hauraki Gulf and have some ice cream from a nearby shop.
- How to Reach: Fly into Auckland Airport (AKL).
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: YHA Auckland City
- Mid-Range: Cordis, Auckland
- Luxury: Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
- Timings:
- Sky Tower: 9 AM – 10 PM
- Auckland Museum: 10 AM – 5 PM
- Prices:
- Sky Tower: $32 NZD (adults)
- Auckland Museum: Free entry, some exhibitions may cost around $10 NZD
Day 2: Rotorua – A Geothermal Wonderland
⇒ Morning: Drive to wonderful Rotorua famous for its geothermal activity and rich Māori heritage. First stop: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where all colors of hot springs, boiling mud pools, and erupting geysers await to be seen.
⇒ Afternoon: Visit the Māori cultural center Te Puia for a traditional welcome, to watch geothermal wonders, and to see the Pōhutu geyser in action, a must-see among the best things to do in New Zealand.
⇒ Evening: Break your busy day with some relaxation at Polynesian Spa. The natural hot springs soothe away the stress and give you a real booster shot.
- How to Reach: Drive from Auckland to Rotorua (approx. 3 hours).
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Rotorua Central Backpackers
- Mid-Range: Novotel Rotorua Lakeside
- Luxury: Pullman Rotorua
- Timings:
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Te Puia: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Prices:
- Wai-O-Tapu: $32 NZD (adults)
- Te Puia: $55 NZD (adults)
Day 3: Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves – Magic and Mystery
⇒ Morning: Visit Hobbiton in Matamata, the film set for “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” Truckloads of hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and the Shire of this charming movie set.
⇒ Afternoon: Continue to Waitomo Caves where you can see famous glowworms. Go on a guided boat ride through the darkness lit up by small glimmering lights.
⇒ Evening: Spend the night in Waitomo or at a nearby hotel in Hamilton in preparation for the next leg of the journey.
- How to Reach: Drive from Rotorua to Hobbiton (approx. 1 hour), then to Waitomo Caves (approx. 1 hour).
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
- Mid-Range: Waitomo Caves Hotel
- Luxury: Woodlyn Park
- Timings:
- Hobbiton: 8:30 AM – 5 PM
- Waitomo Caves: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Prices:
- Hobbiton: $89 NZD (adults)
- Waitomo Caves: $55 NZD (adults)
Also Read: Top 10 Historical Sites in the USA You Must Visit Before You Die
Day 4: Taupo – Adventure Awaits
⇒ Morning: Drive to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. Start with an exhilarating jet boat ride towards Huka Falls, a mighty and stunning waterfall.
⇒ Afternoon: Explore the Craters of the Moon geothermal walkway where vapor vents and bubbling mud pools make for a surreal landscape, or take a scenic hike to view lakes and the mountains beyond.
⇒ Evening: Lounge by the shores of Lake Taupo and enjoy the peaceful lakeside setting and some great views over the lake in New Zealand.
- How to Reach: Drive from Waitomo to Taupo (approx. 2 hours).
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Taupo Urban Retreat
- Mid-Range: Millennium Hotel Taupo
- Luxury: Hilton Lake Taupo
- Timings:
- Huka Falls: Open all-day
- Craters of the Moon: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Prices:
- Huka Falls: Free
- Craters of the Moon: $8 NZD (adults)
Day 5: Tongariro National Park – Hiking Heaven
⇒ Morning: Early in the morning, walk towards Tongariro National Park including the multi-day trek Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered among the best day hikes in the world and a must-do and one of the best things to do in New Zealand. The rugged trek across volcanic territories will provide strikingly stunning views of crystal clear-water lakes flowing with ancient lava flows.
⇒ Afternoon: Make sure to continue the hike through the national park in awe of the distinctive landscape. Take a round of lovely pictures of Mount Ngauruhoe, what “The Lord of the Rings” refers to as “Mount Doom”.
⇒ Evening: Stay overnight at either of the above two towns, Turangi or Ohakune, for a good night’s sleep before you get down and comfortable after your travel efforts.
- How to Reach: Drive from Taupo to Tongariro National Park (approx. 1 hour).
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Tongariro National Park Holiday Park
- Mid-Range: Chateau Tongariro Hotel
- Luxury: Skotel Alpine Resort
- Timings:
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Open year-round (check weather conditions)
- Prices:
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Free (transport to the trailhead may vary, approx. $30 NZD)
Day 6: Wellington – New Zealand’s Cool Capital
⇒ Morning: Head to Wellington, the Capital City. Start with Te Papa Museum, the interactive national museum of New Zealand that brings forth exhibits on art, history, and culture.
⇒ Afternoon: Take the Wellington Cable Car to the Kelburn Lookout for amazing sights of the city and harbor. Walk down through the Botanic Garden to enjoy the lovely flora.
⇒ Evening: Walk down Cuba Street, a lively shopping, cafe, and street art hub. Have dinner at one of Wellington’s famous restaurants and taste some local seafood and wine.
- How to Reach: Drive from Tongariro National Park to Wellington (approx. 4 hours).
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Wellington Downtown Backpackers
- Mid-Range: Novotel Wellington
- Luxury: InterContinental Wellington
- Timings:
- Te Papa Museum: 10 AM – 6 PM
- Wellington Cable Car: 7 AM – 11 PM
- Prices:
- Te Papa Museum: Free
- Wellington Cable Car: $4.50 NZD (one way)
Day 7: Marlborough – Wine and Dine
⇒ Morning: Take the ferry across the Cook Strait to the South Island. During the journey, you will visit Picton a port town often regarded to be the gateway to the Marlborough wine region.
⇒ Afternoon: Experience a special vineyard tour and wine tasting at some of Marlborough’s famous wineries. This region is well-known for its Sauvignon Blanc, and you have plenty of tastings while enjoying the scenic vineyard views.
⇒ Evening: Relax and enjoy your final evening in Marlborough, readying towards that last New Zealand sunset.
- How to Reach: Take the ferry from Wellington to Picton (approx. 3 hours).
- Where to Stay:
- Budget: Picton YHA
- Mid-Range: Picton Beachcomber Inn
- Luxury: Marlborough Lodge
- Timings:
- Wine Tasting Tours: Generally 10 AM – 5 PM (check individual vineyard hours)
- Prices:
- Wine tastings: Usually $10 – $20 NZD per person, depending on the vineyard
