33 days in Auckland, Wellington & 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.

Appreciate the collections at Auckland Museum and Howick Historical Village. Popular historic sites such as St. Patrick's Cathedral and Stockade Hill are in your itinerary. Venture out of the city with trips to Karioitahi Beach (in Waiuku), Sculptureum (in Matakana) and Mangawhai Beach (in Mangawhai). Next up on the itinerary: kick back and relax at Orewa Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at Cheltenham Beach, explore the world behind art at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, and enjoy breathtaking views from Sky Tower.

For other places to visit, where to stay, traveler tips, and more tourist information, read Auckland trip planner.

Hyderabad, India to Auckland is an approximately 18.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from India Standard Time to New Zealand Standard Time is 6.5 hours. Traveling from Hyderabad in January, expect nights in Auckland to be about the same, around 22°C, while days are colder, around 22°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Sun) early enough to catch the flight 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.

Do some cultural sightseeing at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and Wellington Museum. Your inner history buff will appreciate Wellington Cable Car and Katherine Mansfield House and Garden. Get out of town with these interesting Wellington side-trips: Marlborough Sounds (in Picton), Peka Peka Beach (in Waikanae) and Staglands Wildlife Reserve (in Upper Hutt). There's still lots to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Oriental Bay, tour the pleasant surroundings at Lyall Bay, contemplate the waterfront views at Kau Bay, and look for all kinds of wild species at ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary.

For ratings, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, go to the Wellington journey planning tool.

Fly from Auckland to Wellington in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. Expect slightly colder evenings in Wellington when traveling from Auckland in January, with lows around 17°C. 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.

Step out of the city life by going to Dolphin & Whale Watching and Sumner Beach (Cave Rock). Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Canterbury Museum and The Giants House. Get out of town with these interesting Christchurch side-trips: Little River Gallery (in Little River), Leithfield Beach (in Leithfield) and Akaroa (Coronation Library & Saint Peter's Anglican Church). There's still lots to do: enjoy the sand and surf at Waikuku Beach, tour the pleasant surroundings at New Brighton Beach, admire the natural beauty at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and examine the collection at International Antarctic Centre.

For maps, ratings, and tourist information, read our Christchurch vacation builder app.

Traveling by flight from Wellington to Christchurch takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Expect slightly colder evenings in Christchurch when traveling from Wellington in January, with lows around 13°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 5th (Sun) so you can fly back home.