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 see ratings, more things to do, reviews, and other tourist information, read our Auckland road trip tool .

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 toWhangarei.

Whangarei is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. Kick off your visit on the 4th (Wed): get to know the fascinating history of Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve Walk, then examine the collection at Whangarei Art Museum, and then see the interesting displays at Packard Motor Museum.

To find where to stay, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Whangarei route maker site .

Drive from Auckland to Whangarei in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or fly. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Wed) early enough to drive 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.

On the 4th (Wed), fly like a bird with a parasailing or paragliding tour. On the 5th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: hike along Puketi Nature Trail, take a peaceful walk through Manginangina Kauri Walk, pause for some serene contemplation at St James Anglican Church, then get in on the family fun at Action World, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at St Paul's Anglican Church.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Paihia day trip planning website .

You can drive from Whangarei to Paihia in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) so you can 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.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Sat): surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour and then Head underground at Footwhistle Glowworm Cave.

For where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, refer to the Waitomo Caves day trip website .

Traveling by combination of taxi and flight from Paihia to Waitomo Caves takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of flight and bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to New Plymouth.

Where other cities run, New Plymouth prefers to stroll.

Start off your visit on the 8th (Sun): tour the pleasant surroundings at Oakura Beach, then admire the natural beauty at Pukeiti, and then get to know the fascinating history of Port Taranaki Walkway.

To see more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and more tourist information, read New Plymouth travel planner.

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. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Mon) 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.

On the 9th (Mon), take a peaceful walk through Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden, enjoy the sand and surf at Lyall Bay, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Scorching Bay.

For photos, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, refer to the Wellington online travel planner .

Traveling by flight from New Plymouth to Wellington takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. December in Wellington sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Picton.

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

For reviews, maps, ratings, and tourist information, read Picton trip itinerary maker website .

Getting from Wellington to Picton by car takes about 3.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 22°C in December, and nighttime lows around 15°C. You will leave 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.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Tue): view the masterpieces at Lollokiki and then kick back and relax at Tata Beach.

To find other places to visit, reviews, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Abel Tasman National Park trip maker website .

You can take a bus from Picton to Abel Tasman National Park in 5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Thu) early enough to catcht the bus to Punakaiki.

Punakaiki is a small community on the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand, between Westport and Greymouth. Start off your visit on the 12th (Thu): make a trip to Mitchells Gully Gold Mine, then explore the fascinating underground world of Punakaiki Cavern, and then hike along Pororari River Track. On your second day here, see the interesting displays at Coaltown Museum, indulge your thirst for a good beer at Westcoast Brewing, and then take in the pleasant sights at Tauranga Bay Seal Colony.

To see ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Punakaiki driving holiday planning app .

Getting from Abel Tasman National Park to Punakaiki by bus takes about 5.5 hours. 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): admire the landmark architecture of Church of St. James, enjoy some diversion at Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting, tour the pleasant surroundings at Peters Pool Walk, then trek along Sentinel Rock Walk, then go for a walk through Tatare Tunnels Walk, and finally trek along Fox Glacier Te Moeka o Tuawe Valley Walk.

To find reviews, more things to do, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Franz Josef travel route planner .

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 catcht 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.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Sun): indulge in some personalized pampering 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 head outdoors with Oxbow The Adventure Co..

To see photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Wanaka trip builder tool .

Traveling by bus from Franz Josef to Wanaka takes 5.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) early enough 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.

Start off your visit on the 16th (Mon): grab your bike and head to Lake Hayes Walkway, learn about winemaking at Mt Rosa Wines, learn about winemaking at Mt Difficulty Wines Cellar Door, then do a tasting at Wooing Tree Vineyard, and finally relax in the rural setting at Cheeki Cherries. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Tue): steep yourself in history at Fallen Soldiers Memorial, stroll through Tobins Track, then cruise along Crown Range Road, then do a tasting at Chard Farm Winery, and finally get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

To find where to stay, maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Queenstown vacation planner .

Getting from Wanaka to Queenstown by bus takes about 2.5 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 17th (Tue) so you can catcht the 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.

On the 18th (Wed), identify plant and animal life at Milford sound Hwy, trek along Gertrude Saddle, and then trek along Lake Marian Track. Here are some ideas for day two: 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 where to stay, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Te Anau journey planner .

Traveling by bus from Queenstown to Te Anau takes 3.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough 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.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Fri): pause for some photo ops at Robert Burns Statue and then take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Paul's Cathedral.

For photos, maps, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Dunedin vacation planning tool .

Traveling by bus from Te Anau to Dunedin takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 20th (Fri) so you can go by car 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 take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun): take a stroll through Port Hills, steep yourself in history at Taylors Mistake - Awaroa / Godley Head Walk, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Sumner Beach (Cave Rock).

To find maps, traveler tips, reviews, and other tourist information, use the Christchurch journey builder site .

Getting from Dunedin to Christchurch by car takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: fly; or take a bus. In December, daytime highs in Christchurch are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 12°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Sun) early enough to go by car 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 23rd (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of Catholic St. Patrick's Akaroa, look for gifts at Fire & Ice - Gemstone Jewellery Specialists, then take in the architecture and atmosphere at Saint Peter's Anglican Church, and finally take an in-depth tour of Akaroa Museum.

To see maps, ratings, traveler tips, and other tourist information, use the Akaroa sightseeing planner.

You can drive from Christchurch to Akaroa in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. December in Akaroa sees daily highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) early enough to go by car to Kaikoura.

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

For photos, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Kaikoura trip planner .

You can drive from Akaroa to Kaikoura in 3.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of taxi and train; or take a bus. On the 24th (Tue), you're off toPicton.

On the 24th (Tue), get outside with Tirohanga Track.

For photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Picton trip planner .

Take a bus from Kaikoura to Picton in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train; or drive. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 24th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Wellington.

Kick off your visit on the 24th (Tue): explore the different monuments and memorials at Bolton Street Cemetery.

For other places to visit, where to stay, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Wellington trip maker .

Traveling by car from Picton to Wellington takes 3.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Tue) to allow 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.

Start off your visit on the 25th (Wed): stop by Souvenir Outlet & Mountain Bike Hire, take in the dramatic scenery at Huka Falls, then kick back and relax at Kinloch Beach, and finally stroll through Great Lake Trail.

For other places to visit, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, read our Taupo trip itinerary app .

You can fly from Wellington to Taupo in 3 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of flight and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 26th (Thu) to allow time 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.

For more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, go to the Murupara trip itinerary tool .

Drive from Taupo to Murupara in 1.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Thu) 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.

Kick off your visit on the 27th (Fri): contemplate the geological forces at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, then do a tasting at Volcanic Hills Winery, then admire all the interesting features of Government Gardens, and finally tour the pleasant surroundings at Blue Lake Track.

To see maps, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Rotorua day trip site .

You can drive from Murupara to Rotorua in an hour. In December, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 17°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 28th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Matamata.

Matamata is a town in the Waikato Region of New Zealand's North Island. On the 28th (Sat), trek along Waiorongomai Valley Tramping Tracks and then trek along Wairere Falls Track.

To see maps and more tourist information, you can read our Matamata visit planner.

You can drive from Rotorua to Matamata in an hour. In December, plan for daily highs up to 25°C, and evening lows to 17°C. Finish 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): explore the landscape on two wheels at Coromandel Coastal Walkway and then stroll through The Dunes Golf Resort. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Mon): take in the spiritual surroundings of Mahamudra Centre for Universal Unity, then enjoy the sand and surf at Waikawau Beach, then trek along Square Kauri Tree, and finally look for all kinds of wild species at Waiomu Kauri Grove Walk.

To find ratings, maps, where to stay, and tourist information, read Coromandel day trip planning app .

You can drive from Matamata to Coromandel in 2.5 hours. In December, daytime highs in Coromandel are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. You will have some time to spend on the 31st (Tue) before leaving for Auckland.

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Tue): have some family-friendly fun at Blastacars West Auckland and then take in the spiritual surroundings of Holy Trinity Cathedral. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 1st (Wed): let the kids burn off some steam at Takapuna Beach Playground, then take a stroll through Wynyard Quarter, then appreciate the extensive heritage of Coast-to-Coast Walkway, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at St Matthew-in-the-City Church.

Make your Auckland itinerary with Inspirock to find out what to see and where to go.

You can ride a ferry from Coromandel to Auckland in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and shuttle. When traveling from Coromandel in December, plan for little chillier days and about the same nights in Auckland: temperatures range from 20°C by day to 20°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Thu) to allow time to travel back home.