38 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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Auckland Zoo as well as Piha Beach. Family-friendly places like SkyTower and St. Patrick's Cathedral will thrill your kids. Get some historical perspective at Howick Historical Village and Manukau Heads Lighthouse. And it doesn't end there: learn about all things military at Auckland Museum, appreciate the extensive heritage of Coast-to-Coast Walkway, and wander the streets of Parnell.

To find traveler tips and other tourist information, refer to the Auckland tour itinerary builder tool.

If you are flying in from Singapore, the closest major aiports are Auckland International Airport and Hamilton International Airport. In April, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Wed) early enough to travel to Waiheke Island.

Head to Waiheke Island, a place of white sandy beaches, palm trees, great wine, and relaxation, just 35 minutes off the coast of Auckland.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Thu): do a tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard, then learn about winemaking at Goldie Estate, then don't miss a visit to Perpetual Guardian Sculpture on the Gulf, and finally see the interesting displays at Whittaker's Musical Museum. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: look for all kinds of wild species at Onetangi Forest and Bird Reserve, do a tasting at Batch Winery, and then admire the masterpieces at Connells Bay Sculpture Park.

To see other places to visit, photos, maps, and other tourist information, read our Waiheke Island holiday app.

Traveling by ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island takes 2 hours. Traveling from Auckland in April, expect a bit cooler with lows of 15°C in Waiheke Island. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Fri) to allow time to travel to Kaitaia.

Kaitaia is a town in the Far North District of New Zealand, at the base of the Aupouri Peninsula, about 160 km northwest of Whangarei. Start off your visit on the 22nd (Sat): examine the collection at Butler Point Whaling Museum, tour the pleasant surroundings at Rarawa Beach, and then enjoy the sand and surf at Tapotupotu Beach. On the next day, examine the collection at Mathew's Vintage Museum and then kick back and relax at Ninety Mile Beach.

To find reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Kaitaia trip itinerary planning app.

Explore your travel options from Waiheke Island to Kaitaia with the Route module. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 23rd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel to Whangarei.

Whangarei is the northernmost city in New Zealand and the regional capital of Northland Region. Here are some ideas for day two: whizz through the canopy at Adventure Forest, then stroll through Ocean Beach, and then appreciate the history behind Waka 'n' Wave Sculpture.

For photos, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Whangarei holiday maker site.

You can drive from Kaitaia to Whangarei in 2.5 hours. Finish your sightseeing early on the 25th (Tue) so you can travel to Hot Water Beach.

Named after the geothermal springs that supply the coast with pleasantly warm water ideal for swimming and soaking, Hot Water Beach attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.

On the 26th (Wed), enjoy the sand and surf at Opoutere Surf Beach and then take in the natural beauty of Hot Water Beach. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Thu): kick back and relax at Matarangi Beach and then play a few rounds at The Dunes Golf Resort.

To see where to stay, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, use the Hot Water Beach trip planner.

You can drive from Whangarei to Hot Water Beach in 4.5 hours. In April in Hot Water Beach, expect temperatures between 24°C during the day and 15°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 28th (Fri) to allow time for 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.

Your day by day itinerary now includes Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest as well as Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Start off your visit on the 28th (Fri): take a peaceful walk through Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest. On your second day here, witness a stunning natural landmark at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, witness a stunning natural landmark at Te Puia, and then get a taste of local nightlife at Tamaki Maori Village.

To see other places to visit, maps, photos, and tourist information, go to the Rotorua trip itinerary website.

Traveling by car from Hot Water Beach to Rotorua takes 3 hours. In April, plan for daily highs up to 24°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) so you can go by car to Taupo.

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

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Mon): admire the sheer force of Huka Falls Walkway, stop by Huka Honey Hive, then view the masterpieces at L'Arte, and finally examine the collection at Taupo Museum. Here are some ideas for day two: enjoy the sand and surf at Kinloch Beach and then appreciate the extensive heritage of Opepe Scenic and Historic Reserve.

For traveler tips, maps, where to stay, and other tourist information, go to the Taupo tour planner.

Drive from Rotorua to Taupo in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Tue) so you can 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 3rd (Wed): kick back and relax at Scorching Bay, then learn something new at Weta Workshop, and then see the interesting displays at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. On the 4th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get engrossed in the history at The Great War Exhibition, brush up on your military savvy at National War Memorial, see the interesting displays at Cable Car Museum, admire the striking features of Old St Paul's, then take an in-depth tour of Wellington Museum, and finally go from sight to sight with Wellington Cable Car.

For reviews, maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Wellington day trip site.

Traveling by flight from Taupo to Wellington takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In May, daily temperatures in Wellington can reach 18°C, while at night they dip to 12°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 5th (Fri) so you can travel 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.

You've now added Otago Peninsula to your itinerary. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 6th (Sat): examine the collection at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, steep yourself in history at Larnach Castle & Gardens, then explore the striking landscape at Otago Peninsula, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at First Church of Otago.

To find reviews, ratings, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Dunedin trip planner.

Getting from Wellington to Dunedin by flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 7th (Sun) early enough to 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.

Doubtful Sound has been added to your itinerary. On the 8th (Mon), take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour and then contemplate the waterfront views at Doubtful Sound. Here are some ideas for day two: identify plant and animal life at Wildlife Areas.

Find out how to plan Te Anau trip without stress by asking Inspirock to help create an itinerary.

Getting from Dunedin to Te Anau by bus takes about 6 hours. On the 10th (Wed), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Milford Sound.

Carved by glaciers into a land of sheer cliffs, impressive waterfalls, and lush, meandering fjords, Milford Sound remains one of the most popular holiday destinations in New Zealand.

Keep things going the next day: see the interesting displays at Southern Discoveries - Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory.

To find maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, go to the Milford Sound trip maker website.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Te Anau to Milford Sound. On the 12th (Fri), you're off to Lake Tekapo.

Located in a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, Lake Tekapo offers evenings of stargazing and days of long walks.

Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 13th (Sat): look and learn at Geraldine Observatory, examine the collection at Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum, and then examine the collection at The Giant Jersey.

To see more things to do, traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Lake Tekapo itinerary planning website.

Drive from Milford Sound to Lake Tekapo in 6.5 hours. You will have some time to spend on the 15th (Mon) before leaving for Christchurch.

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

Start off your visit on the 15th (Mon): take in the architecture and atmosphere at Christchurch Cathedral. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 16th (Tue): get engrossed in the history at Canterbury Museum, contemplate the long history of Riccarton House & Bush, then see the interesting displays at International Antarctic Centre, and finally make a trip to Cardboard Cathedral.

Before you visit Christchurch, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.

Traveling by car from Lake Tekapo to Christchurch takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 17°C in May, and nighttime lows around 5°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) to allow enough time to drive to Kaikoura.

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

On the 18th (Thu), identify plant and animal life at Peninsula Seal Colony, steep yourself in history at Fyffe House, and then take in the exciting artwork at Art & Design Gallery. Keep things going the next day: stop by Southern Paua Shop & Factory and then get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To see other places to visit, where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, use the Kaikoura trip planning tool.

You can drive from Christchurch to Kaikoura in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Fri) to allow enough time 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 20th (Sat): look and learn at Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Kea Point Track. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 21st (Sun): take in the pleasant sights at Tatare Tunnels Walk, then look for all kinds of wild species at West Coast Wildlife Centre, and then take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour.

To see ratings, where to stay, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Franz Josef trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Kaikoura to Franz Josef takes 6.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and flight; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 21st (Sun) to allow time to drive to Hokitika.

Hokitika is a township in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island, 40km south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. On the 22nd (Mon), view the masterpieces at Wilderness Gallery, explore the galleries of Bonz 'N Stonz Carving Studio, then view the masterpieces at Hokitika Craft Gallery, then identify plant and animal life at Lake Kaniere, and finally steep yourself in history at Shantytown Heritage Park. Keep things going the next day: identify plant and animal life at Westcoast Treetop Walk & Cafe, look for all kinds of wild species at Hokitika Gorge Walk, then stop by Garth Wilson Jade, and finally stop by Tectonic Jade.

To find where to stay, ratings, maps, and tourist information, refer to the Hokitika trip itinerary planning site.

Getting from Franz Josef to Hokitika by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 24th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel back home.