44 days in New Zealand Itinerary

Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.

Kick off your visit on the 20th (Sat): pause for some serene contemplation at St. Michaels and All Angels, contemplate the long history of Riccarton House & Bush, and then get interesting insight from Tours. Keep things going the next day: wander the streets of Port Hills, then hike along Taylors Mistake - Awaroa / Godley Head Walk, and then kick back and relax at Sumner Beach (Cave Rock).

To find reviews, more things to do, ratings, and other tourist information, go to the Christchurch trip planner .

Sydney, Australia to Christchurch is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 2 hours traveling from Sydney to Christchurch. Traveling from Sydney in October, expect Christchurch to be a bit cooler, temps between 20°C and 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Mon) early enough to drive to Akaroa.

The French heritage and colonial architecture of Akaroa has broad appeal to anthropologists, historians, architects--and just about anyone with an eye for beautiful, historical buildings and a palate for fine dining.

On the 22nd (Mon), enjoy the sea views from Akaroa Lighthouse, contemplate the long history of The Giant's House, and then identify plant and animal life at Hinewai Reserve. Keep things going the next day: stop by Little River Gallery, look for gifts at European Jewellers & Blue Pearl Gallery, stop by Fire & Ice - Gemstone Jewellery Specialists, take an in-depth tour of Akaroa Museum, then pause for some photo ops at Banks Peninsula War Memorial and Grounds, and finally pause for some serene contemplation at Saint Peter's Anglican Church.

To plan Akaroa vacation without wasting time, ask Inspirock to design an itinerary.

Traveling by car from Christchurch to Akaroa takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 20°C in October, and nighttime lows around 6°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 24th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Hanmer Springs.

Action and relaxation are the reasons that most people head to Hanmer Springs, where natural thermal pools bubble among dramatic alpine surroundings.

Start off your visit on the 24th (Wed): make a trip to Queen Mary Hospital, stop by The Decadent Fudge Company, and then explore and take pictures at Hanmer Springs Animal Park.

To find ratings, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Hanmer Springs holiday maker website .

Drive from Akaroa to Hanmer Springs in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. You will leave for Kaikoura on the 25th (Thu).

Head to the small town of Kaikoura, a humble setting from which to witness some of nature's grandest designs.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Thu): steep yourself in history at Fyffe House and then cast your line with a fishing tour.

To see maps, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Kaikoura trip planner.

Traveling by car from Hanmer Springs to Kaikoura takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or do a combination of bus and train. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 26th (Fri) to allow time for the train ride to Picton.

Take photo after stunning photo in Picton, the gateway to South Island.

Kick off your visit on the 26th (Fri): learn about winemaking at Bladen Wines, then explore the wealth of natural beauty at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, and then learn about winemaking at Gibson Bridge Vineyard. Here are some ideas for day two: do a tasting at Nautilus Estate, then do a tasting at No1 Family Estate, then relax in the rural setting at Hedgerows Hydroponic Strawberries, and finally do a tasting at Rock Ferry Wines.

To find maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Picton online journey planner .

You can take a train from Kaikoura to Picton in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or drive. In October, daily temperatures in Picton can reach 18°C, while at night they dip to 11°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 29th (Mon) early enough to go by car to Hokitika.

Hokitika is a township in the West Coast region of New Zealand's South Island, 40km south of Greymouth, and close to the mouth of the Hokitika River. On the 29th (Mon), admire the sheer force of Dorothy Falls, then choose your vessel at West Coast Scenic Waterways, then view the masterpieces at Bonz 'N Stonz, and finally enjoy the sand and surf at Hokitika Beach.

For other places to visit, ratings, maps, and more tourist information, read Hokitika trip itinerary maker .

Traveling by car from Picton to Hokitika takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of train, bus, and flight. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Tue) early enough to go by car to Fox Glacier.

Kick off your visit on the 30th (Tue): go for a walk through River Walk, then trek along Tatare Tunnels Walk, and then hike along Roberts Point Track.

For reviews, where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, refer to the Fox Glacier trip planner.

Getting from Hokitika to Fox Glacier by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and taxi; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Wed) early enough to travel to Mt. Cook Village.

On the 31st (Wed), experience rural life at Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon Shop, then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Ohau, then pause for some serene contemplation at Church of the Good Shepherd, and finally get a taste of the local shopping with Burkes Pass Gallery. Keep things going the next day: hike along Sealy Tarns Track, then see the sky in a new way at Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, and then tour the pleasant surroundings at Kea Point Track.

To see where to stay, maps, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Mt. Cook Village trip itinerary planner .

Getting from Fox Glacier to Mt. Cook Village by car takes about 5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 2nd (Fri) early enough to travel to Wanaka.

Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the Otago region, Wanaka has become a popular ski and summer resort area, owing to its extensive views of the lake and its proximity to some of the best slopes in the country.

Get some cultural insight at Maori Point Vineyard and Wanaka Fine Art Gallery. Step out of the city life by going to Rob Roy Glacier and Fishing Charters & Tours. There's still lots to do: get interesting insight from Tours, learn about winemaking at Rippon Vineyard, explore the world behind art at Warbirds & Wheels, and glide through the air with a parasailing or paragliding tour.

For reviews, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, go to the Wanaka travel planner.

You can drive from Mt. Cook Village to Wanaka in 2.5 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 5th (Mon) early enough to catcht the bus to Queenstown.

Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Arrowtown Chinese Settlement and Arrow River. Visiting Lake Hayes Walkway and Moke Lake will get you outdoors. There's lots more to do: have fun at Break One Clay Target Shooting, admire the masterpieces at Lakes District Museum & Art Gallery, take a memorable tour with Tours, and do a tasting at Gibbston Valley Wines.

To find out how to plan a trip to Queenstown, use our trip itinerary maker.

Take a bus from Wanaka to Queenstown in 2.5 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 9th (Fri) early enough to drive to Invercargill.

Invercargill is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. On the 9th (Fri), examine the collection at Classic Motorcycle Mecca and then kick back and relax at Oreti Beach.

To see maps, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, refer to the Invercargill trip itinerary planning tool .

Drive from Queenstown to Invercargill in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Sat) to allow time to travel to Te Anau.

Set among the picturesque peaks and glacially carved fiords of Fiordland National Park, Te Anau offers those wishing to explore the park a great place to stay and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of a small town in an enviable location.

Start off your visit on the 10th (Sat): examine the collection at Southern Discoveries - Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory and then look for all kinds of wild species at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: cast your line with a fishing tour.

For maps, reviews, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Te Anau trip maker .

Traveling by car from Invercargill to Te Anau takes 2 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 12th (Mon) to allow time for the car ride to Oamaru.

On the 13th (Tue), get engrossed in the history at Whitestone City, look for gifts at Adventure Books, then look for gifts at Presence on Harbour, then examine the collection at North Otago Museum, and finally kick back and relax at Bushy Beach. Here are some ideas for day two: contemplate the long history of Totara Estate, see the interesting displays at The Vanished World Centre, and then ride a horse along Stoneridge Horsetreks.

To find reviews, traveler tips, where to stay, and tourist information, read our Oamaru trip planner .

Getting from Te Anau to Oamaru by car takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Thu) to allow time to take a bus to Dunedin.

With its history proudly stemming from the Scottish settlers who came here during the colonial era, Dunedin's streets are lined with well-preserved examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, while a new culture of nightlife and fine dining takes hold around them.

You'll enjoy a bit of beach vacationing at Waikouaiti Beach and Dunedin Beach. Step out of the city life by going to Aramoana Beach and Orokonui Ecosanctuary. And it doesn't end there: stroll through St Clair Beach, get great views at Signal Hill, get a taste of the local shopping with Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and admire the natural beauty at Dunedin Chinese Garden.

To find where to stay, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, you can read our Dunedin trip itinerary planning site .

Getting from Oamaru to Dunedin by bus takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sun) so you can travel to Wellington.

Wellington, the world's southernmost capital city and New Zealand's second most populous urban area, combines the nation's rugged history and nature with its modern and cosmopolitan present.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sun): explore the different monuments and memorials at Bolton Street Cemetery, kick back and relax at Scorching Bay, and then head off the coast to Matiu / Somes Island.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, photos, and more tourist information, use the Wellington day trip planning app .

Getting from Dunedin to Wellington by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of bus and ferry. In November, daily temperatures in Wellington can reach 20°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Mon) so you can drive to Tongariro National Park.

Tongariro National Park has a long history of preserving New Zealand's pristine alpine landscape.

Visit St Joseph's Church and Te Porere Redoubt for their historical value. Discover out-of-the-way places like Tongariro National Trout Centre and National Army Museum. On the 21st (Wed), spend an exhilarating day on the slopes at Whakapapa Ski Area - Mt Ruapehu. Next up on the itinerary: trek along Whakapapa Nature Walk, take in the dramatic scenery at Taranaki Falls, and tour the pleasant surroundings at Ohakune Old Coach Road.

For where to stay, ratings, reviews, and tourist information, you can read our Tongariro National Park trip planner .

Traveling by car from Wellington to Tongariro National Park takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and taxi; or do a combination of train and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 22nd (Thu) to allow time to drive to Rotorua.

Surrounded by lakes and featuring impressive areas of geothermal landscape, the city of Rotorua offers an otherwordly landscape and a welcoming, peaceful environment, with the culture of the native Maori people very much in the foreground.

Step off the beaten path and head to Waimangu Volcanic Valley and River Rafting & Tubing. Government Gardens and Buried Village of Te Wairoa are good opportunities to explore the local culture. And it doesn't end there: look for all kinds of wild species at Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park, take in the natural beauty of Kuirau Park, take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Faith's Anglican Church, and learn about winemaking at Volcanic Hills Winery.

To find photos, traveler tips, ratings, and tourist information, refer to the Rotorua trip maker website .

Traveling by car from Tongariro National Park to Rotorua takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and bus. In November, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) early enough to drive to Whitianga.

Whitianga is a town on the Coromandel Peninsula, in the Waikato Region of New Zealand's North Island. Kick off your visit on the 26th (Mon): view the masterpieces at Moko Artspace, then enjoy the sand and surf at Hahei Beach Walk, then do a tasting at Mercury Bay Estate, and finally take in the awesome beauty at Mount Paku. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 27th (Tue): relax in the rural setting at Whiti Farm Park, examine the collection at Mercury Bay Museum Whitianga, and then see some colorful creatures with a scuba or snorkeling tour.

Plan a trip to Whitianga easily and quickly by telling Inspirock to suggest an itinerary.

Traveling by car from Rotorua to Whitianga takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or take a bus. In November, plan for daily highs up to 22°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Wed) to allow time to travel to New Plymouth.

Where other cities run, New Plymouth prefers to stroll.

Get in touch with nature at Oakura Beach and Opunake Beach. Satisfy your inner culture vulture at Cape Egmont Lighthouse and Te Henui Cemetery. Explore New Plymouth's surroundings by going to Egmont National Park (Dawson Falls & Connett Loop Track). There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Oakura Beach Holiday Park, head off the coast to Sugar Loaf Islands and Paritutu Rock, tour the pleasant surroundings at Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve Walk, and make a trip to Port Taranaki Walkway.

To see other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, use the New Plymouth online vacation planner .

Getting from Whitianga to New Plymouth by combination of shuttle and flight takes about 5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 2nd (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.