31 days in New Zealand Itinerary

Head deep beneath the surface of the earth at Waitomo Caves, a village and cave system that draws both extreme sports enthusiasts and those wanting something a little more relaxed.

On the 3rd (Sun), Head underground at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, surround yourself with nature on Spellbound Glowworm & Cave Tours, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Ruakuri Walk, and finally get outside with Waitomo Clay Birds. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: snap pictures at Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk, take in the dramatic scenery at Marakopa Falls, then explore the fascinating underground world of Aranui Cave, and finally take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

For traveler tips, reviews, photos, and more tourist information, go to the Waitomo Caves travel route planner.

Cleveland, USA to Waitomo Caves is an approximately 25-hour combination of flight and bus. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time (EST) to New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), which is usually a 17 hour difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Mon) so you can go by car 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 out of Rotorua to go to Hinuera and see Hobbiton Movie Set, which is approximately 1h 20 min away. There's lots more to do: take a memorable tour with Tours, learn about winemaking at Volcanic Hills Winery, witness a stunning natural landmark at Waikite Valley Thermal Pools, and delve into the lush surroundings at Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest.

To find ratings, reviews, more things to do, and other tourist information, read our Rotorua day trip website.

Traveling by car from Waitomo Caves to Rotorua takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. July in Rotorua sees daily highs of 58°F and lows of 43°F at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 8th (Fri) early enough to go by car to Taupo.

The resort town of Taupo lies on the banks of Lake Taupo, the largest body of water in the whole of Australasia.

Taupo is known for nature, adventure, and theme parks. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in the dramatic scenery at Huka Falls Walkway, take in the exciting artwork at L'Arte, make a splash at Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort, and get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour.

To find reviews, photos, where to stay, and other tourist information, you can read our Taupo day trip tool.

You can drive from Rotorua to Taupo in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Tue) early enough to drive to Tongariro National Park.

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

categoryPhrases.sentence.On_the_day_spend_an_exhilarating_day_on_the_slopes_at. categoryPhrases.sentence.On_the_day_spend_an_exhilarating_day_on_the_slopes_at. The adventure continues: get impressive views of Mount Ruapehu, go for a walk through Mead's Wall, hike along Whakapapa Nature Walk, and take in the dramatic scenery at Tawhai Falls.

To find more things to do, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, refer to the Tongariro National Park online sightseeing planner.

Traveling by car from Taupo to Tongariro National Park takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a shuttle; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Fri) to allow enough time to 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 16th (Sat): meet the residents at Wellington Zoo, take an in-depth tour of The Great War Exhibition, and then see the interesting displays at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

For ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Wellington trip itinerary maker app.

Traveling by flight from Tongariro National Park to Wellington takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and train. In July, plan for daily highs up to 54°F, and evening lows to 45°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu).

Explore Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu)'s surroundings by going to Franz Josef (Sentinel Rock Walk & Franz Josef Clay Target Shooting) and Fox Glacier (Moraine Walk, Lake Matheson Walk, &more).

To see photos, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) trip itinerary website.

You can fly from Wellington to Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) in 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can ride a ferry; or do a combination of ferry, train, and bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 19th (Tue) so you can catch the bus 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.

Change things up with a short trip to Boat Tours & Water Sports in Milford Sound (about 1 hour away). On the 22nd (Fri), do a day of sightseeing from above with a helicopter tour. And it doesn't end there: explore the activities along Milford Sound, relax and rejuvenate at Fiordland Massage Clinic, trek along The Chasm Walk, and take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mitre Peak.

Plan my day in Te Anau using traveler tips and tourist information provided by Inspirock.

You can take a bus from Aoraki Mount Cook National Park (Te Wahipounamu) to Te Anau in 7 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Sat) to allow time to take a 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.

On the 24th (Sun), dedicate a day to the elevated beauty of The Remarkables Ski Area. On the 27th (Wed), dedicate a day to the elevated beauty of Coronet Peak. The adventure continues: have some family-friendly fun at Skyline Queenstown, sample some tasty brews at a beer tour and tasting, identify plant and animal life at Kiwi Birdlife Park, and enjoy some diversion at Break One.

To see maps, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, read our Queenstown trip planner.

Getting from Te Anau to Queenstown by bus takes about 4 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Paihia.

The main tourist town in the Bay of Islands area, Paihia gives visitors a good range of accommodations, a convenient town center, long sandy beaches, and interesting architecture.

On the 29th (Fri), steep yourself in history at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, play a few rounds at Waitangi Golf Club, and then do a tasting at Byrne Northland Wines. On the next day, take some stellar pictures from Opua Forest Lookout Track, then pause for some serene contemplation at St Paul's Anglican Church, then stop by Paihia Bookshop, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas.

To see reviews, photos, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Paihia trip maker website.

Traveling by flight from Queenstown to Paihia takes 5.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Auckland.

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.

Kick off your visit on the 31st (Sun): brush up on your military savvy at Auckland Museum, then stop by Pauanesia, and then enjoy breathtaking views from SkyTower.

For ratings, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, read Auckland visit planning website.

You can drive from Paihia to Auckland in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Expect a daytime high around 53°F in July, and nighttime lows around 53°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Sun) to allow time to travel back home.