Curator’s statement
Rainforests, glaciers, cityscapes and fiordlands – you’ll experience it all in this fast-paced adventure. Carefully created for travelers with one week to explore Aotearoa New Zealand, this 7-day express itinerary offers a whirlwind tour of New Zealand's highlights, from Auckland's urban charms to Queenstown's breathtaking landscapes. Chances are, you’ll soon be coming back for more!
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Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
After arriving in Auckland, settle into your accommodation and prepare for the exciting journey ahead. Spend some time enjoying Viaduct Harbour before heading to Ponsonby Road for afternoon cafe and art gallery-hopping. For dinner, head to Amano, a modern Italian restaurant in the heart of the city that offers a sensational menu inspired by New Zealand's finest produce.
Day 2: Waiheke Island wine tour
Catch a ferry to Waiheke Island, where an array of wineries and breathtaking landscapes await. Join a guided wine tour or explore the island on a self-guided bike tour. Explore Waiheke Island's wine culture with visits to renowned wineries like Mudbrick Vineyard, Cable Bay Vineyards and Te Motu, and indulge in a gourmet lunch at the picturesque Oyster Inn. For dinner back in Auckland, Cassia offers contemporary Indian dining that's a true culinary delight.
Day 3: Piha Beach and rainforest tour
Just outside Auckland, otherworldly landscapes await. Explore the rugged beauty of Piha Beach and immerse yourself in the lush Waitakere Ranges rainforest. For lunch, enjoy a picnic with locally sourced ingredients. As the day winds down, dine at Soul Bar & Bistro, known for its waterfront views and exceptional seafood.
Day 4: Full day trip to Hobbiton and Waitomo
Embark on a magical journey to Hobbiton, where you can enjoy a guided tour of the famous movie set. Continue to Waitomo to marvel at the famous glowworm caves, a sparkling natural phenomenon. For dinner, Auckland’s Gemmayze Street offers a cozy atmosphere and deliciously flavorful Lebanese dishes.
Day 5: Journey to Queenstown
Fly to Queenstown and take in the breathtaking vistas of The Remarkables mountain range. Spend the afternoon exploring the alpine-style village with serene views of Lake Wakatipu. For dinner, Rata offers a fine dining experience, serving contemporary New Zealand cuisine in an elegant setting. For something more casual, head to Fergburger and join the queue of hungry meat-lovers.
End the day with a scenic soak at Onsen Hot Pools, where you can unwind in private cedar-lined pools while soaking in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Shotover River.
Day 6: Milford sound guided tour
Experience the wonders of Milford Sound on a tour that combines overland travel, a serene cruise and an unforgettable return flight. Upon reaching Milford Sound by comfortable coach bus, step aboard a cruise vessel to explore the towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and serene rainforest of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the cruise, board a fixed-wing plane for a scenic flight that offers bird's-eye views of the magnificent landscapes below. Back in Queenstown, Botswana Butchery offers a warm ambiance and delectable cuts of meat. Here you can try premium New Zealand lamb, venison, beef and fresh local seafood.
Day 7: Central Otago wine tour and departure
Explore Central Otago's wineries, savoring exquisite wines and breathtaking views. For an unforgettable dining experience, Amisfield Winery offers a gourmet menu overlooking the vineyards. End your journey with a farewell dinner at Skyline Queenstown, where you can dine with panoramic views of the city and lake. The luge back to street-level is optional, but absolutely encouraged.
Need to know
When it comes to New Zealand travel, there is no one-size-fits-all itinerary. In fact, I have never duplicated an itinerary! As a South Island resident and New Zealand travel specialist, I have plenty of insider intel to share. (Think: secret beaches, local restaurants, and under-the-radar sightseeing).
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Rebecca Dangler
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Looking for more travel inspo? Check out my guide, A First Timer’s Guide to Sydney, Australia.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Zealand.