59 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.

Howick Historical Village and Parnell will appeal to history buffs. Do some cultural sightseeing at Auckland Museum and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki. Get out of town with these interesting Auckland side-trips: Whitianga (Combat & Fun Zone Adventure & Family Park & Mercury Bay Museum), The Waterworks (in Coromandel) and Orewa Beach (in Orewa). And it doesn't end there: step off the mainland to explore Tiritiri Matangi Visitor Centre, don't miss a visit to Sky Tower, contemplate the geological forces at Rangitoto Island, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Matarangi Beach.

To find maps, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Auckland trip planner.

Singapore, Singapore to Auckland is an approximately 14-hour flight. The time zone changes from Singapore Standard Time (SGT) to New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), which is usually a 4 hour difference. When traveling from Singapore in April, plan for colder days and little chillier nights in Auckland: temperatures range from 22°C by day to 22°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 7th (Sun) to allow enough time to fly to Queenstown.

Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.

Kick off your visit on the 7th (Sun): get to know the fascinating history of Arrowtown Chinese Settlement, then identify plant and animal life at Kiwi Park, then explore the different monuments and memorials at Queenstown Cemetery, and finally get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour. Keep things going the next day: do a tasting at Gibbston Valley Winery, then explore the activities along Arrow River, and then take an in-depth tour of Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery.

To see more things to do, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Queenstown trip planner.

Getting from Auckland to Queenstown by flight takes about 3.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of car and ferry. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Tue) so you can catch 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.

Start off your visit on the 9th (Tue): trek along The Chasm Walk and then explore the activities along Milford Sound. Keep things going the next day: contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Te Anau and then explore the activities along Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

To find maps, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Te Anau travel route planning site.

You can take a bus from Queenstown to Te Anau in 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 11th (Thu) early enough to 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.

Kick off your visit on the 11th (Thu): enjoy the sand and surf at Aramoana Beach, then take in the exciting artwork at Dunedin Public Art Gallery, then examine the collection at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum, and finally step into the grandiose world of Larnach Castle & Gardens. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: experience rural life at Natures Wonders Naturally, see the interesting displays at Port Chalmers Maritime Museum, then look for all kinds of wild species at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at First Church of Otago.

Plan my trip to Dunedin with suggested itineraries provided by Inspirock.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Te Anau to Dunedin. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 13th (Sat) early enough to drive to Kaikoura.

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

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Sat): contemplate the long history of Fyffe House, make a trip to Ohau Point Seal Colony, and then look for gifts at Southern Paua Shop & Factory. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 14th (Sun): identify plant and animal life at Peninsula Seal Colony and then view the masterpieces at Art & Design Gallery.

To see photos, reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, you can read our Kaikoura travel route builder.

Traveling by car from Dunedin to Kaikoura takes 7 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of flight and bus; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Mon) early enough 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 15th (Mon), examine the collection at Southward Car Museum and then explore the different monuments and memorials at Bolton Street Cemetery. Here are some ideas for day two: enjoy the sand and surf at Scorching Bay, pick up some new knowledge with Weta Workshop, and then examine the collection at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

For photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, use the Wellington trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by combination of train and flight from Kaikoura to Wellington takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Expect a daytime high around 18°C in May, and nighttime lows around 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly to Christchurch.

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

Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Air Force Museum of New Zealand and Canterbury Museum. Explore hidden gems such as International Antarctic Centre and Pohatu penguins/Plunge NZ Ltd. Explore Christchurch's surroundings by going to Akaroa (Hinewai Reserve, Kayaking & Canoeing, &more), Little River Gallery (in Little River) and Cave Stream Scenic Reserve (in Castle Hill). On the 21st (Sun), dedicate a day to the elevated beauty of Mt Hutt Ski Area. And it doesn't end there: explore the striking landscape at Sumner Beach (Cave Rock), brush up on your military savvy at Ashburton Aviation Museum, go from sight to sight with Christchurch Gondola, and go for a walk through Banks Peninsula.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, refer to the Christchurch trip planner.

You can fly from Wellington to Christchurch in 2.5 hours. Other options are to do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Traveling from Wellington in May, plan for a bit cooler nights in Christchurch, with lows around 5°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Tue) to allow time to fly 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 6th (Tue): view the masterpieces at L'Arte and then admire the sheer force of Huka Falls Walkway. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: identify plant and animal life at Tongariro National Trout Centre and then relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour.

To see ratings, traveler tips, maps, and tourist information, read Taupo trip planner.

You can fly from Christchurch to Taupo in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 8th (Thu) to allow enough time to drive 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 8th (Thu): take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Faith's Anglican Church. On your second day here, get interesting insight from Tours, then witness a stunning natural landmark at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and then gain a rich perspective with Te Pa Tu.

For traveler tips, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, refer to the Rotorua trip planner.

Getting from Taupo to Rotorua by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. In June, daily temperatures in Rotorua can reach 18°C, while at night they dip to 9°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) early enough to drive 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 11th (Sun): explore the fascinating underground world of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, head off the coast to Kapiti Island, and then get great views at Cape Reinga Lighthouse. On the next day, let the river carry you with a rafting and tubing tour, then relax in the rural setting at Waitomo Big Bird & Miniature Animal Petting Farm, and then get curious at Te Awamutu Space Centre.

For photos, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Waitomo Caves attractions planner.

Getting from Rotorua to Waitomo Caves by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: take a bus. On the 13th (Tue), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel back home.