New Zealand 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in New Zealand

Day 1: Auckland Exploration

Places to Go

  1. Sky Tower: Standing at 328 meters tall, it offers panoramic views of Auckland city and its surroundings. (Website)

  2. Auckland Zoo: Home to over 135 species, including Kiwis. (Website)

  3. Waiheke Island: Famous for its vineyards and olive groves. (Travel Information)

Activities

  1. Sailing Experience: Auckland is known as the “City of Sails”. Take a sailing tour around the beautiful Waitemata Harbour. (Tour Companies)

  2. Bike Ride at Mission Bay: A leisurely bike ride along the beachfront is a great way to enjoy the sun and sea. (Cycling Map)

Things to Know

  1. Auckland has a subtropical maritime climate, so pack clothes for all weather conditions.
  2. The official currency is New Zealand Dollars (NZD).
  3. Maori and English are the official languages. Common phrases can be helpful.
  4. The local time zone is New Zealand Time (NZT), 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT +12).

Visa Requirements

Check the New Zealand Immigration website for the latest information on visa requirements based on your nationality.

Transportation

Auckland’s public transport system includes buses, trains, and ferries operated by Auckland Transport (AT). AT Journey Planner can help you plan your travel.

Day 2: Rotorua Adventure

Places to Go

  1. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Explore New Zealand’s most colourful and dynamic geothermal valley. (Website)
  2. Lake Rotorua: Enjoy a boat ride or kayaking on this beautiful lake. (Boat Tours)

Activities

  1. Maori Cultural Experience: Learn about Maori culture and traditions in a haka performance, dinner, and storytelling event. (Tour Companies)
  2. Zorbing: Roll down a hill inside a giant inflatable ball at OGO Rotorua. (Website)

Day 3: Hobbiton & Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Places to Go

  1. Hobbiton Movie Set: Visit the real-life film set of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. (Website)
  2. Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Explore this underground wonderland and see thousands of glowworms lighting up the cave ceiling. (Website)

Activities

  1. Black Water Rafting: Adventure through the Waitomo caves on a guided rafting tour. (Tour Companies)
  2. Stargazing: New Zealand’s dark skies offer some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. Don’t forget your telescope!

Day 4: Christchurch Discovery

Places to Go

  1. Canterbury Museum: Explore New Zealand’s history and culture, with a focus on the Canterbury region. (Website)
  2. International Antarctic Centre: Learn about Antarctica through interactive exhibits and experiences. (Website)

Activities

  1. Punting on the Avon: Enjoy a relaxing punt ride along the Avon River. (Tour Companies)
  2. Gondola Ride & Kiwi Encounter: Take the Christchurch Gondola to the summit of Mount Cavendish and visit the kiwi enclosure at the Kiwi Encounter. (Website)