22 days in Auckland, Queenstown & Christchurch 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 16th (Mon) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. The adventure continues: enjoy breathtaking views from Sky Tower, explore the world behind art at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, get to know the resident critters at Auckland Zoo, and step off the mainland to explore Hauraki Gulf.

To see photos, reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the Auckland trip planner.

Hyderabad, India to Auckland is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. Traveling from Hyderabad to Auckland, you'll lose 6.5 hours due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Hyderabad in January, plan for colder days in Auckland, with highs around 22°C, while nights are about the same with lows around 22°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Wed) to allow enough time to fly 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 find plenty of places to visit near Queenstown: Cheeki Cherries the home of Dam Good Fruit. (in Cromwell), Chard Farm Winery (in Gibbston) and Te Anau (Kepler Track, Te Anau Glowworm Caves, &more). There's much more to do: have some family-friendly fun at Skyline Queenstown, learn the secrets of beer at a beer tour and tasting, get interesting insight from Tours, and get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, you can read our Queenstown driving holiday planner.

Traveling by flight from Auckland to Queenstown takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry. Cap off your sightseeing on the 25th (Wed) 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.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Christchurch: Akaroa (Coronation Library, Dolphin & Whale Watching, &more). And it doesn't end there: take in nature's colorful creations at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, get engrossed in the history at Canterbury Museum, let the kids burn off some steam at Margaret Mahy Family Playground, and examine the collection at International Antarctic Centre.

To find traveler tips, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, you can read our Christchurch day trip planning tool.

Fly from Queenstown to Christchurch in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In January, daily temperatures in Christchurch can reach 26°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 30th (Mon) early enough to catch the flight back home.