33 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.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Auckland trip app.

Ljubljana, Slovenia to Auckland is an approximately 32-hour combination of shuttle and flight. You can also fly. Traveling from Ljubljana to Auckland, you'll lose 11 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect much hotter temperatures when traveling from Ljubljana in December; daily highs in Auckland reach 20°C and lows reach 20°C. On the 4th (Wed), you're off to Whangarei.

Whangarei is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. On the 4th (Wed), see the interesting displays at Whangarei Art Museum and then examine the collection at Packard Motor Museum.

For other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Whangarei travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Auckland to Whangarei takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Wed) so you can go by car to Paihia.

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.

Kick off your visit on the 4th (Wed): glide through the air with a parasailing or paragliding tour. On the next day, hike along Puketi Nature Trail, delve into the lush surroundings at Manginangina Kauri Walk, then pause for some serene contemplation at St James Anglican Church, then find something for the whole family at Action World, and finally admire the striking features of St Paul's Anglican Church.

For reviews, ratings, photos, and tourist information, refer to the Paihia trip builder tool.

Traveling by car from Whangarei to Paihia takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) to allow enough time 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.

On the 7th (Sat), explore the fascinating underground world of Footwhistle Glowworm Cave.

To see traveler tips, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Waitomo Caves trip planner.

You can drive from Paihia to Waitomo Caves in 5.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and flight; or drive; or do a combination of flight and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) so you can go by car to New Plymouth.

Where other cities run, New Plymouth prefers to stroll.

Kick off your visit on the 8th (Sun): kick back and relax at Oakura Beach, take in nature's colorful creations at Pukeiti, and then don't miss a visit to Port Taranaki Walkway.

Use Inspirock's suggestions to plan your New Plymouth trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

Traveling by car from Waitomo Caves to New Plymouth takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and flight. Cap off your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) 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 9th (Mon): delve into the lush surroundings at Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden, then kick back and relax at Lyall Bay, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Scorching Bay.

To see maps, reviews, ratings, and tourist information, read Wellington online route planner.

You can drive from New Plymouth to Wellington in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a bus. In December in Wellington, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) so you can ride a ferry to Picton.

Take photo after stunning photo in Picton, the gateway to South Island.

To find maps, photos, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Picton tour builder.

You can ride a ferry from Wellington to Picton in 3.5 hours. Another option is to ride a ferry. December in Picton sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C at night. You'll set off for Abel Tasman National Park on the 10th (Tue).

Pristine blue water, immaculate white sand, and a thick, temperate rainforest make Abel Tasman National Park a natural jewel on the northern coast of Tasmania's South Island.

On the 10th (Tue), explore the galleries of Sculpture705 Lollokiki and then stroll through Tata Beach.

To find ratings, where to stay, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Abel Tasman National Park trip itinerary planning site.

Drive from Picton to Abel Tasman National Park in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) to allow time to take a bus to Punakaiki.

Punakaiki is a small community on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, between Westport and Greymouth. Kick off your visit on the 12th (Thu): don't miss a visit to Mitchells Gully Gold Mine, explore the fascinating underground world of Punakaiki Cavern, and then trek along Pororari River Track. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: see the interesting displays at Coaltown Museum, then indulge your thirst for a good beer at West Coast Brewery, and then get great views at Tauranga Bay Seal Colony.

For where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Punakaiki trip builder website.

Traveling by car from Abel Tasman National Park to Punakaiki takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Fri) early enough to drive to Franz Josef.

Located in the World Heritage Site that is home to its eponymous glacier, the town of Franz Josef provides a comfortable and welcoming rest spot for adventurers after a long day out on the ice.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Sat): have fun at Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting, tour the pleasant surroundings at Peters Pool Walk, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Sentinel Rock Walk, then go for a walk through Tatare Tunnels Walk, and finally hike along Fox Glacier South Side Walk.

For where to stay, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, read Franz Josef road trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Punakaiki to Franz Josef takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 14th (Sat) early enough to catch the bus to Wanaka.

Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the Otago region, Wanaka has become a popular ski and summer resort area, owing to its extensive views of the lake and its proximity to some of the best slopes in the country.

Kick off your visit on the 15th (Sun): relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, learn about winemaking at Aitken's Folly Vineyard, then examine the collection at The World of Deer Museum & Speciality Shop, and finally push the limits with Oxbow Adventure Co.

To see ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Wanaka trip planner.

Traveling by car from Franz Josef to Wanaka takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Sun) so you can 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.

On the 16th (Mon), tour the pleasant surroundings at Lake Hayes Walkway, learn about winemaking at Mt Rosa Wines, then do a tasting at Mt Difficulty Wines Cellar Door, then do a tasting at Wooing Tree Vineyard, and finally experience rural life at Cheeki Cherries. On the 17th (Tue), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: tour the pleasant surroundings at Tobins Track, then explore and take pictures at Crown Range Road, then do a tasting at Chard Farm Winery, and finally see what you can catch with a fishing tour.

To see reviews, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, you can read our Queenstown road trip site.

You can drive from Wanaka to Queenstown in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can take a bus 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.

Start off your visit on the 18th (Wed): identify plant and animal life at Milford sound Hwy, then hike along Gertrude Saddle, and then stroll through Lake Marian Track. On the 19th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: add some adventure to your tour with a kayaking and canoeing tour, look for all kinds of wild species at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary, and then go for a walk through Punanga Manu o Te Anau.

To find traveler tips, more things to do, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Te Anau day trip planning tool.

You can drive from Queenstown to Te Anau in 3.5 hours. Another option is to take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) to allow time to take a bus 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.

On the 20th (Fri), appreciate the history behind Robert Burns Statue and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Paul's Cathedral.

You can plan Dunedin trip in no time by asking Inspirock to help create your itinerary.

Drive from Te Anau to Dunedin in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to travel to Christchurch.

Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.

On the 21st (Sat), steep yourself in history at Riccarton House & Bush and then let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour. Keep things going the next day: appreciate the extensive heritage of Port Hills, hike along Taylors Mistake - Awaroa / Godley Head Walk, and then take in the dramatic natural features at Sumner Beach (Cave Rock).

For maps, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Christchurch online vacation planner.

Traveling by flight from Dunedin to Christchurch takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In December in Christchurch, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 12°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 22nd (Sun) to allow enough time to drive 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.

Kick off your visit on the 23rd (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of Catholic St. Patrick's Akaroa, then look for gifts at Fire & Ice - Gemstone Jewellery Specialists, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saint Peter's Anglican Church, and finally get engrossed in the history at Akaroa Museum.

To see ratings, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Akaroa trip planner.

Drive from Christchurch to Akaroa in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Akaroa can reach 24°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 23rd (Mon) so you can drive to Kaikoura.

Head to the small town of Kaikoura, a humble setting from which to witness some of nature's grandest designs.

To see photos, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Kaikoura day trip planner.

Getting from Akaroa to Kaikoura by car takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. On the 24th (Tue), you'll travel to Picton.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Tue): get outside with Tirohanga Track.

To find traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Picton day trip planning tool.

You can drive from Kaikoura to Picton in 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus; or take a train. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 24th (Tue) to allow enough time to ride a ferry to Wellington.

On the 24th (Tue), stroll the grounds of Bolton Street Cemetery.

For traveler tips, where to stay, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Wellington trip builder.

Traveling by ferry from Picton to Wellington takes 4 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Taupo.

The resort town of Taupo lies on the banks of Lake Taupo, the largest body of water in the whole of Australasia.

On the 25th (Wed), look for gifts at Souvenir Outlet & Mountain Bike Hire, then take in the dramatic scenery at Huka Falls, then enjoy the sand and surf at Kinloch Beach, and finally explore the landscape on two wheels at Great Lake Trail.

To find maps, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, go to the Taupo trip itinerary maker tool.

Traveling by car from Wellington to Taupo takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) early enough to travel to Murupara.

Murupara is a town located in the North Island of New Zealand. Start off your visit on the 26th (Thu): grab your bike and head to Whirinaki Forest Mountain Bike Track.

To find other places to visit, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, go to the Murupara day trip app.

You can drive from Taupo to Murupara in 1.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) to allow time to 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.

Start off your visit on the 27th (Fri): get impressive views of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, learn about winemaking at Volcanic Hills Winery, then explore and take pictures at Government Gardens, and finally hike along Blue Lake Track.

To see more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Rotorua vacation planning site.

Traveling by car from Murupara to Rotorua takes an hour. Expect a daytime high around 25°C in December, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Matamata.

Matamata is a town in the Waikato Region of New Zealand's North Island. Start off your visit on the 28th (Sat): stroll through Wairere Falls Track.

To find reviews, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read Matamata trip builder website.

Traveling by car from Rotorua to Matamata takes an hour. Expect a daytime high around 25°C in December, and nighttime lows around 17°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) so you can travel to Coromandel.

Coromandel is a town on the Coromandel Harbour, on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula, which is on the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand. Start off your visit on the 29th (Sun): tour the pleasant surroundings at Coromandel Coastal Walkway and then tee off at The Dunes Golf Resort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Mon): contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Waikawau Beach, then trek along Square Kauri Tree, and finally appreciate the extensive heritage of Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk.

For maps, reviews, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Coromandel online trip maker.

You can drive from Matamata to Coromandel in 2.5 hours. In December in Coromandel, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 17°C at night. You will have some time to spend on the 31st (Tue) before leaving for Auckland.

On the 31st (Tue), have some family-friendly fun at Blastacars West Auckland and then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Holy Trinity Cathedral. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 1st (Wed): let little ones run wild at Takapuna Beach Playground, then wander the streets of Wynyard Quarter, then get to know the fascinating history of Coast-to-Coast Walkway, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at St Matthew-in-the-City Church.

To find more things to do, reviews, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Auckland journey planning app.

Getting from Coromandel to Auckland by car takes about 2.5 hours. Other options: drive. Traveling from Coromandel in December, expect nights in Auckland to be about the same, around 20°C, while days are slightly colder, around 20°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Thu) so you can travel back home.