North Island

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours: For the Lord of the Rings/The Hobbit series aficionado (or even casual fan) in your life. The grounds are amazing, and the tour ends with a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn. A new tour inside the Hobbit holes is currently being built as well and will be available after December 1, 2023. Bagshot Tour.

Goat Island Snorkeling Tour: Even if you don't opt for the snorkeling tour, definitely make a stop at Goat Island, where you have to see the blue water to truly believe it!

Maunganui Beach: Grab a coffee at the appropriately named Wave Cafe and start your morning at the beach. Enjoy a relaxing day at the beach. You can take a stroll directly from the beach onto Moturiki Island (Leisure Island.) It feels like you're standing in the middle of the ocean from the island!

South Island

Milford Sound Day Trip: To save yourself the drive, book a day-trip tour that leaves from your home base in Queenstown.

Visit Mou Waho: Do not skip Wanaka. This chill town ~ 1 hour north of Queenstown features an island in the middle of Lake Wanaka (on an island, i.e., South Island.) You can hike up to the top of the island in about 30 minutes, and the views are spectacular.

Hooker Valley Track: If you're visiting Mt. Cook and want to experience the gorgeous scenery without ending the day too exhausted, walk along the Hooker River and cross swing bridges on this 3-hour round trip hike. The first half of the hike ends at a glacier lake.

Tasman Glacier Tour: Get up close and personal with icebergs and see the Tasman Glacier for yourself. The guides are knowledgeable, and there is nothing like the feeling of the crisp air on the Glacier Explorers boat.

Tekapo Stargazing Experience: For the astronomer in your life, enjoy a guided stargazing experience outside and from nice, warm hot pools.

Onsen Hot Pools: Try the soak and hot stone massage, and you will not be disappointed. Definitely book ahead of time.

Day Trips

Waiheke Island: Take the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island for wine tasting, gorgeous beaches, and great dining options.

Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant: Grab a glass of wine and walk up to the top of the hill for the best panoramic view.

Tantalus Estate Vineyard: Enjoy a leisurely brunch and walk around the vineyard.

Oneroa Beach: Features soft white sand and is not far from Mudbrick Vineyard. Offers plenty of space to stretch out and take a break from exploring.

Tips

• Make a reservation at Tantalus Estate in advance.

• Bring a swimsuit! You can drive to the coast and enjoy a nice swim if you have time.

• You can purchase a ferry ticket for your vehicle so you can drive your car onto the ferry, park, and enjoy the views as you cruise to the Island. Definitely book tickets in advance.

Breakfast/Brunch

Kohi Beach Eatery & Store: Perfect coffee and snack stop before taking a long walk.

Yonder: The brunch is the best!

Lunch

The Stoaker Room Cromwell: Try the barrel smoked salmon that melts in your mouth.

Sawmill Brewery and Smoko Room: Enjoy fresh-caught fish accompanied by a cold beverage.

Dinner

Barulho: Must-try tapas stop in Auckland.

Sugo: Shareable Italian fare in Tauranga that goes great with a spritz!

Kika: A hidden upscale gem in Wanaka.

Kohan: The place for no-fuss fresh salmon sashimi in Lake Tekapo.

Little Aosta: Perfect for a post-wine tasting meal in Arrowtown. Check out Aosta (the big sister restaurant) if you can't get a reservation at Little Aosta!

Drinks

Perky's Floating Bar: The place to stop and enjoy your Fergberger in Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu.

Ferg's Bar: Sit at the bar seats by the window to people-watch and enjoy a craft cocktail in Queenstown.

Felton Road Wines: Go for the cellar door tour in Bannockburn, stay for the wine tasting!

Peregrine Wines: Book a tasting ahead of time at this Gibbston gem outside of Queenstown. The tasting experience is pretty quick, but you will very likely walk away with bottles to take home because the wine is incredible.