9 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.

On the 2nd (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate the waterfront views at Devonport, see the interesting displays at Auckland War Memorial Museum, and then take in panoramic vistas at Sky Tower.

Quickly create a custom-made itinerary for Auckland using our trip planner.

Bengaluru, India to Auckland is an approximately 20-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 6 hours traveling from Bengaluru to Auckland. While traveling from Bengaluru, expect slightly colder days and about the same nights in Auckland, ranging from highs of 20°C to lows of 20°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Mon) so you can go by car 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.

Venture out of the city with trips to Taupo (Huka Honey Hive, Huka Falls Walkway, & more) and Hobbiton Movie Set (in Hinuera). There's still lots to do: take in the natural beauty of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, make a trip to Te Puia, and learn about winemaking at Volcanic Hills Winery.

To find photos, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Rotorua trip itinerary planner.

You can drive from Auckland to Rotorua in 3 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or fly. When traveling from Auckland in December, plan for somewhat warmer days in Rotorua, with highs around 25°C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Queenstown.

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

On the 6th (Fri), appreciate the history behind William Gilbert Rees Statue, then race across the water with a speed boat tour, then do a tasting at Peregrine Wines, and finally get your game on at Skyline Queenstown. Here are some ideas for day two: kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and then make a trip to Fallen Soldiers Memorial.

For more things to do, reviews, photos, and tourist information, read our Queenstown itinerary planner.

Fly from Rotorua to Queenstown in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of car and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Sun) early enough to travel back home.