Auckland, New Zealand - 17 Days Itinerary
Auckland, New Zealand - 17 Days Itinerary
Experience the best of New Zealand on this 17-day adventure, balancing Auckland’s urban charm with the breathtaking landscapes of the South Island. Designed with a moderate budget and minimal hotel hopping, this itinerary features scenic TranzAlpine rail journeys, short-but-stunning hikes, and curated stops for local wildlife, craft beer, and world-class wine.
Arrival in Auckland
Auckland Arrival
Arrive at Auckland International Airport and pick up your rental car.
Use the airport rental car center to pick up your pre-booked vehicle.
Viaduct Harbour
Explore the vibrant waterfront and enjoy a light lunch near the marina.
Volcanic Hikes & Craft Beer
Mount Eden Hike
A short, easy hike to the summit of Auckland's highest natural volcanic peak for panoramic city views.
Behemoth Brewing
Visit one of Auckland's most acclaimed craft breweries for a tasting flight.
Waiheke Wine Escape
Waiheke Ferry
Scenic ferry ride to Waiheke Island.
Waiheke Wine Tour
Boutique wine tour exploring the island's famous Syrah and Bordeaux blends.
Coastal Adventure
Browns Island Kayak
Paddle to Motukorea (Browns Island) and hike to the volcanic summit.
Auckland Culture & Departure Prep
Auckland History Walk
A small-group guided tour covering Maori legends and colonial history.
Arrival in Christchurch
City Orientation
Walk through the Botanic Gardens and the Riverside Market.
Local Brew Tour
Visit Pomeroy's Old Brewery Inn for a selection of local craft ales.
TranzAlpine Scenic Journey
TranzAlpine Train
Scenic rail journey through the Southern Alps to Greymouth.
Book early; this is a world-renowned scenic route.
Monteith's Brewery
Lunch and a historical tour at the famous West Coast brewery.
Coastal Exploration
Godley Head Hike
Spectacular 3-hour coastal track with views over the Pacific and historic military bunkers.
Sumner Beach Lunch
Relax at a beachside cafe after the hike.
Banks Peninsula Exploration
Scenic Drive
Drive through the volcanic landscape to the historic French settlement of Akaroa.
Harbour Cruise
Nature cruise to spot dolphins and penguins.
Christchurch Leisure
Christchurch Art Gallery
Visit one of the finest public art galleries in New Zealand.
Craft Beer Evening
Enjoy tasting local craft beers at Punky Brewster.
Christchurch to Lake Tekapo
Drive to Tekapo
Scenic drive through the Canterbury Plains to the alpine village of Lake Tekapo.
Church visit
Visit the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd on the lakefront.
Stargazing tour
Guided stargazing session in the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve.
Tekapo Alpine Adventure
Mount John Summit
Steady hike to the summit for panoramic views of the Mackenzie Basin.
Relax in Springs
Soak in the hot pools overlooking Lake Tekapo.
Drive to Dunedin
Drive south
Scenic road trip via Oamaru and the Moeraki Boulders.
Brewery Tour
Tour the historic Speight's Brewery and enjoy a local tasting.
Otago Peninsula Wildlife
Royal Albatross Centre
Guided tour of the only mainland breeding colony of Royal Albatross.
Coastal Hike
Walk to Sandfly Bay for a chance to spot yellow-eyed penguins.
Dunedin Heritage & Culture
Larnach Castle
Explore New Zealand's only castle and its expansive Victorian gardens.
Craft Beer Experience
Sample award-winning craft ales in an industrial-modern setting.
Queenstown Alpine Heights
Queenstown Hill Hike
A steady 2-3 hour climb through pine forest to the 'Basket of Dreams' viewpoint for iconic lake and mountain vistas.
Gibbston Valley Wine
Visit the renowned 'Valley of the Vines' for a tasting session of world-class Central Otago Pinot Noir.
Departure Preparations
Lakeside Breakfast
Enjoy a final coffee and brunch overlooking Lake Wakatipu before departure.
Airport Transfer
Private luxury transfer from city center to Queenstown Airport.
This 17-day itinerary for Auckland, New Zealand can be customized using our AI travel planner. Chat with our AI assistant to modify activities, adjust timings, add personal preferences, and get recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and transportation.