How many days do you need in Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch & Queenstown?
- Most travelers spend 11-12 days in Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, and Queenstown combined
- Visiting Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch, and Queenstown in 9 or 10 days is possible, but it will feel rushed
- With 13 or more days, most travelers choose to add more stops to their trip
- The most common extensions are Aoraki / Mount Cook, Wellington, and Franz Josef / Waiau
How Many Days to Spend in New Zealand
Recommended Itineraries for Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch & Queenstown
Recommended Itinerary for 11 Days
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Auckland, Explore | Auckland |
| Day 2 | Morning in Auckland, Visit the Waitakere Ranges | Auckland |
| Day 3 | Drive to Rotorua, Hobbiton Movie Set Tour | Rotorua |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Christchurch, Explore | Christchurch |
| Day 5 | Day Trip to High Country Station & Edoras | Christchurch |
| Day 6 | Scenic Transfer to Queenstown | Queenstown |
| Day 7-8 | Two-Day Skiing & Snowboarding Adventure | Queenstown |
| Day 9 | Milford Sound / Piopiotahi Cruise | Queenstown |
| Day 10 | Morning Helicopter Tour, Free Time in Queenstown | Queenstown |
| Day 11 | Depart Queenstown |
For adventure and nature lovers, this 11-day ski and scenery tour across New Zealand is a dream. Kicking off in vibrant Auckland, you'll explore the rainforest and coastlines of the Waitakere Ranges before heading to Rotorua. From here, fly to the South Island to visit Christchurch and spend two days skiing or snowboarding in Queenstown. End your trip with a boat ride across the peaceful Milford Sound / Piopiotahi and a helicopter tour above glaciers. Read more
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Extended Itineraries
9-Day Itinerary Including Aoraki / Mount Cook
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Auckland | Auckland |
| Day 2 | Transfer to Rotorua via the Waitomo Caves & Glowworm Grotto | Rotorua |
| Day 3 | Explore Geothermal Rotorua's Hot Springs & Geysers | Rotorua |
| Day 4 | Fly to Historic Christchurch & Stroll the Botanical Gardens | Christchurch |
| Day 5 | Drive to Aoraki / Mount Cook, Cruise Tasman Glacier Lake | Aoraki / Mount Cook |
| Day 6 | Drive to New Zealand's Adventure Capital of Queenstown | Queenstown |
| Day 7 | Take a Scenic Boat & Plane Trip Across Milford Sound / Piopiotahi | Queenstown |
| Day 8 | Sip Your Way Around Central Otago's Best Boutique Vineyards | Queenstown |
| Day 9 | Depart Queenstown |
Beginning in the vibrant capital of Auckland, this adventure-packed nine-day itinerary starts with a sail under the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Then, it's on to explore geothermal Rotorua and historic Christchurch and visit the spectacular Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park for stargazing and a glacier cruise. You'll finish with a multitude of options in Queenstown, from bungee jumping to a jet boat ride to vineyard tours. Read more
How to travel between Auckland, Rotorua, Christchurch & Queenstown
How to get from Auckland to Queenstown
Auckland, near the top of the North Island, and Queenstown, near the bottom of the South Island, are about 960 miles (1,550 km) apart. The quickest and easiest way of traveling between the two places is to fly, but there are other options for travelers who aren't in a hurry and want to take the scenic route. Read more
How to get from Auckland to Christchurch
Auckland and Christchurch are about 620 miles (1,000 km) apart. They're at opposite ends of the country—Auckland toward the top of the North Island and Christchurch about halfway down the South Island—so the quickest way to get from Auckland to Christchurch is to fly. There are other options, too, for travelers who want to make a journey out of it. Read more
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