22 days in Auckland, Christchurch & Wellington Itinerary

The largest and most populous city in New Zealand, Auckland combines a rich history and thriving contemporary culture in an abundance of museums, art galleries, and performance venues.

Dedicate the 20th (Fri) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. There's much more to do: enjoy breathtaking views from Sky Tower, contemplate the geological forces at Rangitoto Island, admire the masterpieces at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, and head off the coast to Tiritiri Matangi Visitor Centre.

To see where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, use the Auckland trip website.

Hyderabad, India to Auckland is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. You'll lose 6.5 hours traveling from Hyderabad to Auckland due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Hyderabad in January, plan for much colder days in Auckland, with highs around 22°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 21st (Sat) early enough to catch the flight to Christchurch.

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

Change things up with these side-trips from Christchurch: Akaroa (Britomart Monument, Dolphin & Whale Watching, &more). Next up on the itinerary: admire the natural beauty at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, examine the collection at International Antarctic Centre, get to know the resident critters at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, and take in panoramic vistas at Christchurch Gondola.

For traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, you can read our Christchurch trip itinerary site.

Traveling by flight from Auckland to Christchurch takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of train and ferry. When traveling from Auckland in January, plan for somewhat warmer days in Christchurch, with highs around 26°C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 28th (Sat) to allow enough time to fly 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Wellington: Martinborough (Poppies Martinborough & Martinborough Wine Tours), Marlborough Sounds (in Picton) and Masterton (The Pointon Collection, Pukaha National Wildlife Centre, &more). Next up on the itinerary: examine the collection at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, get a dose of the wild on Kapiti Island Nature Tours, admire the natural beauty at Wellington Botanic Garden, and learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Wellington Zoo.

To see photos, ratings, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Wellington tour planning site.

You can fly from Christchurch to Wellington in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Plan for somewhat warmer nights when traveling from Christchurch in January since evenings lows in Wellington dip to 17°C. You'll set off for home on the 5th (Sun).