New Zealand 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day New Zealand Itinerary (Auckland to Queenstown)

Day 1: Auckland

Places to Go

  1. Sky Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of Auckland city and waitrom its revolving restaurant, Orbit 360 Dining & Bar.
  2. Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter: Famous for its yachts, restaurants, and bars. Don’t miss the weekly Fish Market on Thursdays.
  3. Auckland Zoo or Auckland War Memorial Museum: Depending on your interest in wildlife or local culture and history.

Activities

  1. Harbour Cruise: Explore Auckland’s beautiful harbours, see volcanic islands, and spot dolphins.
  2. Bike Ride around the City: Use Auckland’s extensive bike lanes to explore the city at your own pace.

Things to Know

  • Auckland is known as ‘City of Sails’. It has more boats per capita than any other city in the world.
  • Maori and English are official languages in New Zealand.

Visa Requirements

Day 2: Rotorua

Places to Go

  1. Te Puia: Witness the geysers, mud pools, and Maori cultural performances.
  2. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Visit New Zealand’s most colorful and dynamic geothermal attraction.
  3. Lake Rotorua and Government Gardens: Enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride around these beautiful spots.

Activities

  1. Zorbing: Roll down a hill inside an inflatable ball at Ogo Rotorua.
  2. Maori Cultural Experience: Join a traditional hangi feast and performance at night.

Day 3: Hamilton - Waitomo Caves

Places to Go

  1. Waitomo Glowworm Caves: See the famous glowworms lighting up the cave ceilings on a boat tour.
  2. Ruakuri Cave: Another stunning cave system with unique formations and glowworms.

Activities

  1. Black Water Rafting: Experience rafting in an underground river at Waitomo.
  2. Limbberloo Wildlife Park: Get up close with native New Zealand animals.

Day 4: Taupo - National Park

Places to Go

  1. Huka Falls: Marvel at the powerful waterfalls in Taupo.
  2. Crater of the Moon: Walk through an otherworldly landscape in Tongariro National Park.
  3. Tongariro Alpine Crossing: If time allows, hike one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.

Activities

  1. White Water Rafting: Ride the rapids on the Tongariro River.
  2. Dual World Heritage Site Tour: Learn about Maori culture and the unique volcanic landscape in Tongariro National Park.

Day 5: Wellington - Queenstown

Transportation

Fly from Wellington Airport to Queenstown Airport (Flight duration is approximately 1 hour).

Places to Go

  1. Te Papa Museum: New Zealand’s national museum in Wellington.
  2. Mount Victoria Lookout: Enjoy stunning views over Wellington city and harbour.
  3. Queenstown Town Centre: Explore the vibrant town, visit Fergburger for a famous burger, and enjoy the nightlife.

Activities

  1. Bungee Jumping: Originally made famous by AJ Hackett at Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown.
  2. Milford Sound Day Trip: If time allows, take a scenic day trip to see the breathtaking Fiordland National Park and Milford Sound.