11 days in New Zealand & Australia Itinerary

Created using Klarna Trips South Pacific trip planner
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1
Rotorua, New Zealand
— 3 nights
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2
Queenstown, New Zealand
— 2 nights
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3
Sydney, Australia
— 4 nights
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Rotorua, New Zealand — 3 nights

Sulphur City

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.
Explore Rotorua's surroundings by going to Taupo (Souvenir Outlet & Mountain Bike Hire, Huka Falls Walkway, &more). There's lots more to do: kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, take a peaceful walk through Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest, get interesting insight from Tours, and steep yourself in history at Te Puia.

For more things to do, maps, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Rotorua day trip planner.

Orlando, USA to Rotorua is an approximately 24-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Orlando to Rotorua is 17 hours. Traveling from Orlando in December, expect nights in Rotorua to be about the same, around 59°F, while days are a bit cooler, around 71°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Wed) to allow time to fly to Queenstown.
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Outdoors · Nature · Parks · Tours
Side Trip
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Queenstown, New Zealand — 2 nights

Shallow Bay

Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.
Kick off your visit on the 28th (Thu): get interesting insight from Tours, then indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and then get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take in nature's colorful creations at Queenstown Gardens, do a tasting at Peregrine Wines, then look for all kinds of wild species at Kiwi Park, and finally have some family-friendly fun at Skyline Queenstown.

To find other places to visit, reviews, traveler tips, and tourist information, go to the Queenstown road trip site.

You can fly from Rotorua to Queenstown in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Fri) so you can fly to Sydney.
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Tours · Outdoors · Fun & Games · Parks
Side Trip
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Sydney, Australia — 4 nights

The Harbour City

Lent iconic status as a result of its famous bridge and opera house, Sydney has a down-to-earth charm that enhances its spectacular setting and functional efficiency.
Sydney is known for nightlife, sightseeing, and beaches. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: listen to music at Sydney Opera House, hike along Bondi to Coogee Walk, enjoy the sand and surf at Bondi Beach, and snap pictures at Sydney Harbour Bridge.

For ratings, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Sydney trip planner.

Fly from Queenstown to Sydney in 6 hours. The time zone difference moving from New Zealand Standard Time to Australian Eastern Standard Time is minus 2 hours. In December, daily temperatures in Sydney can reach 81°F, while at night they dip to 65°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 2nd (Tue) early enough to catch the flight back home.
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Parks · Outdoors · Neighborhoods · Zoos & Aquariums
Side Trip
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New Zealand travel guide

4.5
Land of the Long White Cloud
Far-flung New Zealand has become known for its astounding topography, singular biodiversity, varied climate, and for marrying native Maori and post-colonial European cultures on its two main islands and the multitude of smaller landmasses dotted around them. Free-spirited New Zealanders cultivate a love of sports, sustainability, and the outdoors. Far from other landmasses, the islands existed for millions of years before being inhabited by humans, so an abundance of species have come to thrive in the thick, wild rainforest, vast and rugged backland, and extensive surrounding marine areas. While much of New Zealand tourism centers around adventures through this spectacular scenery, take time to explore the nation's rich cultural heritage as well. The traditions and history of the Maoris, and the industry and internationalism of the descendents of the first European settlers endure in fascinating attractions, ranging from museums, to farms, to places of worship.
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Australia travel guide

4.5
Beaches · Wildlife Areas · Gardens
Australia is a country of breathtaking beauty and unforgettable adventure. From coast to coast you’ll find ancient rainforests, towering cities, stunning outback landscapes and white sand beaches. It’s not only the scenery that varies here, but also the lifestyle. Lay back and relax within a coastal paradise, explore the bustling laneways of a lively metropolis, or feed your sense of adventure in the most remote and remarkable pockets of the country. Whether you’re connecting with Aboriginal culture, tasting seafood straight from the ocean, or diving with gentle whale sharks, you’ll discover why there’s nothing like Australia.
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