This itinerary focuses on the main cities of Auckland, Queenstown, and Christchurch. It allows plenty of time to explore the highlights in each area.
Auckland has temperate weather year-round with average highs around 20°C in summer and 13°C in winter. Wear layers. Main attractions include Auckland Sky Tower, harbour sights, and boutique dining.
Queenstown has an Alpine climate - expect cooler weather and potential rain/snow even in summer. Highlights are stunning lake and mountain scenery. Be sure to book an activity like the gondola or luge ride in advance.
Christchurch is warm in summer/cool in winter with average highs 16°C/9°C respectively. It's rebuilt nicely post-earthquakes, with gardens, cathedrals, and punting as top things to do.
In general, public transport is easy to use. Walking is a great option too since the cities are compact and scenic.
Travel between the destinations involves short domestic flights and comfortable coaches.
Hotel:
Flight: Check Here
Day 1: Auckland Adventures Begin
Itinerary Summary:
Attractions: Auckland Sky Tower, New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Fish Market
Dining: Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill, Grove Restaurant, Angus Steak House
Transport Times:Airport to hotel: About 1 hour
Between attractions: Approximately 15 to 30 minutes on foot
Morning:
Landed in Auckland and headed straight to Copthorne Hotel Auckland City. After dropping off our luggage, we went to Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill (map) for lunch. The food was amazing, and we spent around NZD 30-40 each. Walking there took about 15 minutes, but hey, who’s counting when you're hungry?
Recommended: Legendary fish and chips.
Afternoon:
Next stop, the Auckland Sky Tower (map) This place is a must-visit. We tried the Sky Jump and Sky Walk—my heart is still racing from the adrenaline. Entry cost us around NZD 18-90. (BuyTicket: Here)
Recommended: Sky Jump, Sky Walk, SkySlide
After a 3-minute walk, we dined at the fancy Grove Restaurant. (map)
Dinner there was a bit pricey at NZD 60-80 per person, but totally worth it.
Recommended: Tasting Menu, Lamb Dishes, Seafood, Wine Pairing.
Finally, we strolled back to the hotel in about 17 minutes.
Day 2: Dive into Auckland’s Maritime History
Itinerary Summary:
Attractions: New Zealand Maritime Museum, Auckland Fish Market, Auckland War Memorial Museum, Parnell
Dining: Angus Steak House
Transport Times:
Between attractions: Approximately 15 to 30 minutes on foot
Morning:
Started our day with a visit to the New Zealand Maritime Museum. (map)
We even booked a sailing experience in advance. Tickets cost us around NZD 15-149. (BuyTicket: Here)
Recommended: Participate in harbour sailings, Visit the historic Auckland waterfront.
After an 18-minute walk, we hit Auckland Fish Market (map)
for lunch. Lobster anyone? Spent about NZD 20-50 each.
Recommended: Fresh oysters, Mussel hotpots, Chowders, Sushi and sashimi, Lobster rolls.
Afternoon:
Post-lunch, we took a 30-minute walk to the Auckland War Memorial Museum. (map) Entry was NZD 14-28. (BuyTicket: Here)
Recommended: Experience Maori cultural shows, Explore the Maori and Pacific collections, Visit the Scars on the Heart exhibition, See the Holocaust Gallery, Attend the Colours Gallery.
Then we wandered through Parnell (map) enjoying handicrafts and cafes. Budgeted around NZD 30-60. Dinner at Angus Steak House (map)
came to about NZD 50-70 per person. Walked back to the hotel in 13 minutes.
Recommended: Eye Fillet, Sirloin, Ribeye
Day 3: Retail Therapy and Scenic Views
Itinerary Summary:
Attractions: Queen Street, Mt. Eden
Dining: Cafe Hanoi, Depot Eatery
Transport Times:Between attractions: Approximately 15 to 30 minutes on foot
Morning:
Left the hotel for a shopping spree on Queen Street (map)
Spent around NZD 30-50. Then, lunched at Cafe Hanoi Vietnamese Cuisine (map)—delicious Vietnamese cuisine for NZD 25-35 each.
Recommended: Bun Cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles), Mien Xao Luon (Noodles and Fried Eel), Nem Cua Be (Crab Spring Rolls), Banh Tom (Fried Shrimp Cake)
Afternoon:
Recommended: Summit Walk - From the summit, you can see the Auckland skyline, the Waitematā Harbour, and the Hauraki Gulf. Explore the Crater - The crater is 50 meters deep and provides a unique geological feature to admire. Eden Garden - It's a great spot for a peaceful stroll or a picnic.
Dinner was at Depot Eatery (map) famous for oysters and steak, costing about NZD 40-50 per person. Walked back to the hotel in 18 minutes.
Recommended: Freshly shucked oysters, Turbot sliders, Slow-cooked crisp pork hocks, Roasted whole fish, Wood roasted chicken
Day 4: Off to Queenstown
Itinerary Summary:
Attractions: Queenstown Gondola, Queenstown Mall
Dining: Fergburger, FINZ Seafood & Grill, Rātā
Transport Times:
- Airport to hotel: About 1 hour
- Between attractions: Approximately 10 to 20 minutes on foot
Morning:
Checked out, caught a flight to Queenstown, and checked into the Ramada Queenstown Central.
Walked 10 minutes to Fergburger (map) for lunch. Those burgers were massive and cost NZD 15-30 each.
Recommended: The Ferg Deluxe, The Codfather, Little Lamby, Sweet Bambi, Cockadoodle Oink
Afternoon:
Took the Queenstown Gondola (map) for stunning views. Spent around NZD 78-600 on various activities.
Recommended: Gondola Ride - The view from the top is spectacular, especially at sunset., Skyline Luge - The luge is suitable for all ages and is a thrilling way to enjoy the scenery. Stargazing - Learn about the Southern Hemisphere's constellations and planets. Hiking Trails - The Ben Lomond Track is a popular option for those looking for a more challenging hike.
Dinner at FINZ Seafood & Grill (map) was delicious, costing us NZD 60-80 each. Walked back to the hotel in 14 minutes.
Recommended: Fresh New Zealand Oysters, Crispy Squid, Pork and Shrimp Gyoza, Tempura Soft Shell Crab, Seafood Chowder, Steamed Mussel Dumplings,
Glazed Prawns, Pan Seared Scallops, Sashimi Plate, Seafood Platter
Day 5: Exploring Queenstown
Itinerary Summary:
Hotel: Ramada Queenstown Central
Attractions: St. Peter’s Church, TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise, Queenstown Mall
Dining: Rātā
Transport Times:
- Between attractions: Approximately 5 to 10 minutes on foot
Morning:
Visited St. Peter's Church (map) —it was a peaceful start to the day. Then hopped on
the TSS Earnslaw Steamship Cruise.(map) What an experience! If you’re into local tours, this is a must. (Recommendation: Join Local Tour, BuyTicket: Here)
After disembarking, we explored Queenstown Mall.(map)
Spent about NZD 30-50 on some souvenirs and snacks.
Recommended: Specialty Shops - Specialty shops offer a range of products, from handmade jewelry to organic skincare. Discover New Zealand designers and unique souvenirs. Ice-cream and Desserts Shops - Don’t miss the chance to try New Zealand’s famous hokey pokey ice cream.
Evening:
Dinner at Rātā (map) was exceptional. We splurged a bit, with each of us spending around NZD 40-50. The walk back to the hotel was a short 9-minute stroll.
Recommended:Wellington Beef, Lamb Shoulder, Pork Belly, Bullarf Oyster
Day 6: Day Trip to Wanaka
Itinerary Summary:
Attractions: Wanaka (Lone Tree, Lavender Farm, Alpaca Feeding, Lake Wanaka & Dinosaur Park, Puzzling World, Skydiving)
Dining: Captains Restaurant
Transport Times:
- Queenstown to Wanaka: About 1 hour drive
All Day:
Joined a local tour to Wanaka (map) (Recommendation:Join a day tour for convenient transportation and activities) The itinerary included stops at the Lone Tree, Lavender Farm, and even some Alpaca Feeding. Lake Wanaka and Dinosaur Park were perfect spots for some fun photos. Puzzling World was mind-boggling—and if you’re an adrenaline junkie, try skydiving!
Evening:
Dinner at Captains Restaurant (map) in Queenstown. We spent around NZD 40-50 each. The restaurant was just a 2-minute walk from our tour drop-off point.
Recommended:Seafood Chowder, Oysters, Stewart Island Smoked Salmon, Moroccan Lamb Salad, New Zealand Lamb Rack, Reef and Beef, Seafood Platter
After an eventful day, we walked 9 minutes back to the hotel.
Day 7: Fly to Christchurch
Itinerary Summary:
Hotel: Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
Attractions: Christchurch Art Gallery
Dining: Chao Zhou Restaurant
Transport Times:
- Airport to hotel: About 30 minutes
- Between attractions: Approximately 15 to 30 minutes on foot
Morning:
Checked out, caught a flight from Queenstown to Christchurch, and checked into Carnmore Hotel Christchurch. After settling in, we walked 23 minutes to Chao Zhou Restaurant (map) for lunch, spending around NZD 20-30 each. If you are interested in chinese cusine, this is a must to try!
Afternoon:
Visited the Christchurch Art Gallery.(map) Spent a good few hours mesmerized by the exhibits. Entry was free, but we did splurge on some art books and souvenirs. We then explored the nearby area before heading back to the hotel.
Recommended: New Zealand Art - Works by prominent New Zealand artists such as Colin McCahon, Rita Angus, and Ralph Hotere. Māori and Pacific Art - Traditional and contemporary works that explore the stories and traditions of these communities.
Day 8: Discovering Christchurch
Itinerary Summary:
Attractions: Botanical Gardens, Punting on the Avon, Canterbury Museum
Dining: Local cafes and restaurants
Transport Times:
- Between attractions: Approximately 10 to 20 minutes on foot
Morning:
Started the day with a stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. (map) The gardens were absolutely stunning and, best of all, free!
Recommended: Central Rose Garden, Herbaceous Border, New Zealand Gardenz, Water Garden, Curator's House Kitchen Garden, Arboretum, Cacti and Succulent Garden.
Afterward, we enjoyed a classic Punting on the Avon (map) experience. This relaxing boat ride cost us around NZD 30-42 each.
Afternoon:
Visited the Canterbury Museum (map)—perfect for history buffs. Entry was free, but donations are appreciated. We grabbed lunch at a local café nearby, spending about NZD 15-25 each.
Evening:
Dinner was at another local restaurant, where we spent around NZD 30-40 each. Walked back to the hotel and called it a night.
Day 9: Last Full Day in Christchurch
Itinerary Summary:
Attractions: Christchurch Cathedral Square and Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, Quake City, New Regent Street
Dining: Local eateries
Transport Times:
- Between attractions: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes on foot
Morning:
Our first stop was the historical Christchurch Cathedral Square (map),
the heart of the city. Take a moment to appreciate the blend of old and new architecture.
Recommended: ChristChurch Cathedral, Chalice Sculpture, Regent Theatre, Heritage Buildings.
From here, it’s just an 8-minute walk to the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral (map), also known as the “Cardboard Cathedral”. This innovative structure, made from cardboard tubes, is a symbol of the city's resilience and creativity following the 2011 earthquake
Our day begins as we depart from the hotel. It's a short 11-minute walk to our first destination, so let's get started!
Afternoon:
Lunch at Smokey T's! After some sightseeing, it's time for a hearty lunch at Smokey T's. (map) Known for its mouth-watering BBQ, this spot is a local favorite. With opening hours from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM (closed on Mondays), you can enjoy a delicious meal for around NZD 20-30. From Cathedral Square, it’s just a 7-minute walk.
Recommended: Smoked Brisket, Pork Belly, Pulled Lamb, Jerk Chicken, Ribs
Our next stop is the bustling Riverside Market (map) a vibrant hub of local food and crafts. Open from 7:30 AM, with extended hours on Thursday to Saturday until 9:00 PM, you can explore various food stalls and perhaps grab an early dinner. Don’t miss **The Butcher’s Pie**, **BLACK BURGER**, and **EMPIRE CHICKEN**. While you're here, take a short stroll to visit the **Bridge of Remembrance**, a poignant war memorial. Expect to spend around NZD 20-30 for a meal.
Recommended: Food Stalls
Evening:
After a full day of exploration and culinary delights, it's time to head back to the hotel. It’s a pleasant 16-minute walk, giving you time to reflect on the day's adventures
Day 10: Farewell New Zealand
Itinerary Summary:
Transport: Flight from Christchurch to Auckland, then back home
Transport Times:
- Hotel to airport: About 30 minutes
Morning:
Checked out, headed to Christchurch Airport, and caught our flight back to Auckland. From there, it was time to say goodbye to New Zealand and fly back home.
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