12 days in Queenstown & Auckland Itinerary

Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.

Visiting Te Anau Glowworm Caves and Kiwi Park will get you outdoors. Head to The Remarkable Sweetshop - Queenstown and Silver Fern Galleryfor some retail therapy. Step out of Queenstown to go to Te Anau and see Lake Te Anau, which is approximately 2 hours away. There's still lots to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, join in the after-dark buzz at Queenstown Ice Bar, have some family-friendly fun at Skyline Queenstown, and sample some tasty brews at a beer tour and tasting.

To find photos, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Queenstown online holiday planner.

Sydney, Australia to Queenstown is an approximately 6-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time to New Zealand Standard Time, which is usually a 2 hour difference. On the 23rd (Mon), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off 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.

Get some historical perspective at Eden Garden and Howick Historical Village. Head to Sculptureum and The Strand Arcadefor some retail therapy. Explore Auckland's surroundings by going to Muriwai Gannet Colony (in Muriwai Beach), Matakana War Memorial (in Matakana) and Piha Beach (in Piha). There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Browns Bay Beach, see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, and stop by Pauanesia.

For maps, photos, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Auckland trip itinerary planner.

Fly from Queenstown to Auckland in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry. In October, plan for daily highs up to 17°C, and evening lows to 16°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 27th (Fri) so you can catch the flight back home.