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

1.1

09:00 - 11:00

Auckland Arrival

Arrive at Auckland International Airport and pick up your rental car.

1.2

14:00 - 16:00

Viaduct Harbour

Waterfront lunch.

Volcanoes & Hikes

2.1

09:00 - 11:00

Mount Eden Hike

Panoramic city views.

2.2

16:00 - 18:00

Behemoth Brewing

Craft beer tasting.

Waiheke Wine Day

3.1

10:00 - 15:00

Wine Tour

Boutique vineyard tour.

Arrival in Christchurch

4.1

10:00 - 11:30

Flight to Christchurch

Domestic flight to the South Island.

TranzAlpine Journey

5.1

08:15 - 13:00

TranzAlpine Train

Scenic rail through Southern Alps.

5.2

13:00 - 15:00

Monteith's Brewery

Lunch and brewery tour.

Coastal Hikes

6.1

09:00 - 12:30

Godley Head Hike

Coastal clifftop hiking.

Banks Peninsula

7.1

10:00 - 14:00

Akaroa Nature Cruise

Spot dolphins and penguins.

Drive to Tekapo

8.1

09:00 - 12:00

Drive South

Drive to alpine lakes.

Tekapo Stargazing

9.1

09:00 - 12:00

Mt John Summit

Summit hiking.

9.2

21:00 - 23:00

Stargazing Tour

Astronomy experience.

Drive to Dunedin

10.1

09:00 - 12:30

Road Trip

Drive via coast.

Otago Peninsula Wildlife

11.1

10:00 - 13:00

Albatross Colony

Wildlife viewing.

Dunedin Brewery & Culture

12.1

14:00 - 16:00

Speight's Tour

Historic beer tour.

Drive to Queenstown

13.1

10:00 - 14:00

Scenic Drive

Through Central Otago.

Milford Sound

14.1

08:00 - 15:00

Fly-Cruise-Fly

Scenic sound tour.

Central Otago Wine

15.1

11:00 - 15:00

Wine Tasting

Pinot Noir cellar doors.

Alpine Views

16.1

09:00 - 12:00

Queenstown Hill

Local hike.

Departure

17.1

10:00 - 12:00

Final Brunch

Relaxed breakfast before fly-out.