24 days in New Zealand & Australia Itinerary
Created using Klarna Trips South Pacific trip itinerary planner
Start: Atlanta, United States
Fly
1
Rotorua, New Zealand
— 2 nights
Drive
2
Taupo, New Zealand
— 3 nights
Fly
3
Paihia, New Zealand
— 4 nights
Fly
4
Queenstown, New Zealand
— 2 nights
Bus
5
Te Anau, New Zealand
— 4 nights
Bus to Queenstown, Fly to Melbourne
6
Melbourne, Australia
— 3 nights
Fly
7
Sydney, Australia
— 4 nights
Fly
End: Atlanta, United States
Wed, Jan 4 - Fri, Jan 27
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Rotorua, New Zealand — 2 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.On the 6th (Fri), contemplate the long history of Buried Village of Te Wairoa, get interesting insight from Tours, then take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, and finally take a peaceful walk through Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest. On the 7th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: witness a stunning natural landmark at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, take in the natural beauty of Te Puia, and then kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.
For reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and other tourist information, use the Rotorua sightseeing app.
Atlanta, USA to Rotorua is an approximately 24-hour flight. You'll lose 17 hours traveling from Atlanta to Rotorua due to the time zone difference. Plan for warmer temperatures traveling from Atlanta in January, with highs in Rotorua at 74°F and lows at 61°F. Cap off your sightseeing on the 7th (Sat) early enough to go by car to Taupo.
Find places to stay Jan 5 — 7:
Highlights from your trip
Taupo, New Zealand — 3 nights
©
Great Cloak of Tia
The resort town of Taupo lies on the banks of Lake Taupo, the largest body of water in the whole of Australasia.When in Taupo, make a side trip to see Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park, approximately Tongariro National Park away. The adventure continues: get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, take in the exciting artwork at L'Arte, get in on the family fun at Huka Prawn Park, and stop by Huka Honey Hive.
To find traveler tips, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Taupo driving holiday planning tool.
Traveling by car from Rotorua to Taupo takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) so you can catch the flight to Paihia.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jan 7 — 10:
Highlights from your trip
Paihia, New Zealand — 4 nights
©
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.Paihia is known for wildlife, historic sites, and adventure. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: admire the natural beauty at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, admire the striking features of The Stone Store & Kemp House - Kerikeri Mission Station, find something for the whole family at Action World, and get interesting insight from Tours.
To see reviews, more things to do, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Paihia trip website.
Traveling by flight from Taupo to Paihia takes 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 14th (Sat) to allow time to fly to Queenstown.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jan 10 — 14:
Highlights from your trip
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 15th (Sun): indulge in some personalized pampering at some of the best spas, race across the water with a speed boat tour, then look for all kinds of wild species at Kiwi Park, and finally have some family-friendly fun at Skyline Queenstown. Here are some ideas for day two: surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour and then whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks.
For traveler tips, maps, more things to do, and more tourist information, go to the Queenstown visit planning website.
You can fly from Paihia to Queenstown in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Mon) early enough to take a bus to Te Anau.
Find places to stay Jan 14 — 16:
Highlights from your trip
Te Anau, New Zealand — 4 nights
©
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 Bowen Falls in Milford Sound (about 1 hour away). Spend the 17th (Tue) exploring at Doubtful Sound. On the 20th (Fri), hike the day away at Kepler Track. And it doesn't end there: explore the activities along Milford Sound, look for all kinds of wild species at Ivan Wilson Park, take a memorable tour with Bushbash - Day Wilderness Expeditions, and trek along The Chasm Walk.
To find other places to visit, traveler tips, maps, and other tourist information, read Te Anau tour itinerary planner.
Getting from Queenstown to Te Anau by bus takes about 4 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 20th (Fri) early enough to travel to Melbourne.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Jan 16 — 20:
Highlights from your trip
Melbourne, Australia — 3 nights
©
Australia's Garden City
The state of Victoria crown jewel, Melbourne boasts shaded streets, leafy residential neighborhoods, vibrant street life, and a picturesque city center.Melbourne is known for sightseeing, shopping, and museums. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take in nature's colorful creations at Royal Botanic Gardens, soar above the sights with a balloon tour, admire nature's wide array of creatures at Melbourne Zoo, and steep yourself in history at Old Melbourne Gaol.
To see reviews, where to stay, other places to visit, and more tourist information, read our Melbourne route maker site.
You can do a combination of bus and flight from Te Anau to Melbourne in 8.5 hours. The time zone changes from New Zealand Standard Time (NZST) to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST), which is usually a -2 hour difference. In January, daily temperatures in Melbourne can reach 81°F, while at night they dip to 58°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 23rd (Mon) early enough to fly to Sydney.
Find places to stay Jan 20 — 23:
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: catch a live performance at Sydney Opera House, tour the pleasant surroundings at Bondi Beach, enjoy the sand and surf at Manly Beach, and visit Darling Harbour.
To see other places to visit, traveler tips, ratings, and other tourist information, use the Sydney trip itinerary builder tool.
Getting from Melbourne to Sydney by flight takes about 3 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Traveling from Melbourne in January, Sydney is a bit warmer at night with lows of 68°F. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Fri) early enough to fly back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Jan 23 — 27:
Highlights from your trip
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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.
