33 days in New Zealand Itinerary

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

Step out of the city life by going to Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and Skydiving. Eschew the tourist crowds and head to Parasailing & Paragliding and Arrow River. When in Queenstown, make a side trip to see Highlands - Experience the Exceptional in Cromwell, approximately Cromwell away. There's much more to do: trek along Queenstown Hill, skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, fly down the slopes at The Remarkables Ski Area, and don't miss a visit to Arrowtown Village.

For photos, more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Queenstown online day trip planner.

Tel Aviv, Israel to Queenstown is an approximately 30-hour flight. The time zone changes from Israel Standard Time to New Zealand Standard Time, which is usually a 10 hour difference. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can catch the bus to Wanaka.

Situated on the shores of Lake Wanaka in the Otago region, Wanaka has become a popular ski and summer resort area, owing to its extensive views of the lake and its proximity to some of the best slopes in the country.

Explore hidden gems such as Lake Wanaka and Mount Iron Track. Get in touch with nature at Roys Peak Track and Outside Sports Wanaka. Next up on the itinerary: hit the slopes at Wanaka, scramble along the landscape with a canyoning and rapelling tour, do a tasting at Rippon Vineyard, and see the interesting displays at National Transport and Toy Museum.

To find maps, reviews, more things to do, and tourist information, you can read our Wanaka trip itinerary site.

Getting from Queenstown to Wanaka by bus takes about 3 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sun) so you can travel 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.

On your second day here, Head underground at Te Anau Glowworm Caves, then contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Te Anau, and then identify plant and animal life at Te Anau Bird Sanctuary.

For maps, where to stay, and more tourist information, use the Te Anau sightseeing app.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Wanaka to Te Anau. Finish your sightseeing early on the 31st (Tue) to allow enough time to travel to Dunedin.

With its history proudly stemming from the Scottish settlers who came here during the colonial era, Dunedin's streets are lined with well-preserved examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, while a new culture of nightlife and fine dining takes hold around them.

You'll explore the less-touristy side of things at Otago Peninsula and Tunnel Beach Track. Visiting The Royal Albatross Centre and Penguin Place will get you outdoors. There's much more to do: identify plant and animal life at Orokonui Ecosanctuary, get curious at Otago Museum, indulge your thirst for a good beer at Speight’s Brewery, and see the interesting displays at Toitu Otago Settlers Museum.

To see more things to do, where to stay, and more tourist information, read Dunedin trip planner.

Use the Route module to find suitable travel options from Te Anau to Dunedin. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) to allow time to fly 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.

On the 5th (Sun), get engrossed in the history at Wellington Museum, then look for all kinds of wild species at ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary, and then kick back and relax at Oriental Bay. On the 6th (Mon), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get a sense of history and politics at New Zealand Parliament, then admire the landmark architecture of Old St Paul's, then look for all kinds of wild species at Staglands Wildlife Reserve, and finally stop by Kirkcaldie & Stains.

For where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and more tourist information, you can read our Wellington online trip itinerary maker.

Fly from Dunedin to Wellington in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. In February, daytime highs in Wellington are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 17°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 6th (Mon) early enough to fly to Waitomo Caves.

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.

Start off your visit on the 7th (Tue): trek along Ruakuri Walk, Head underground at Ruakuri Cave, and then Head underground at Caveworld. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: relax in the rural setting at Piopio Berry Orchard, identify plant and animal life at Spellbound, then admire the sheer force of Marakopa Falls, and finally explore and take pictures at Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk.

To see maps, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, use the Waitomo Caves trip planning site.

Traveling by flight from Wellington to Waitomo Caves takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Taupo.

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

On the 9th (Thu), stop by Huka Honey Hive, then get a new perspective on things with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then explore the activities along Lake Taupo, and finally take an unforgettable tour with a helicopter tour. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the natural beauty of Spa Thermal Park and Riverbank Recreational and Scenic Reserve, look for all kinds of wild species at Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave, and then take in the dramatic scenery at Huka Falls.

For maps, ratings, reviews, and more tourist information, refer to the Taupo trip itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Waitomo Caves to Taupo takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Fri) early enough to drive 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.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village and Mount Maunganui Summit Track. Get in touch with nature at Waimangu Volcanic Valley and Mt Maunganui Main Beach. Step out of Rotorua to go to Mount Maunganui and see Mount Maunganui Base Track, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. There's lots more to do: take a memorable tour with Tours, explore the activities along Lake Rotorua, take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, and identify plant and animal life at Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park.

For more things to do, traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Rotorua trip itinerary maker website.

Drive from Taupo to Rotorua in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In February, plan for daily highs up to 28°C, and evening lows to 19°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) so you can catch the flight 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.

On the 16th (Thu), identify plant and animal life at Muriwai Gannet Colony, then test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms, and then get impressive views of Rangitoto Island. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 17th (Fri): look for all kinds of wild species at Tiritiri Matangi Visitor Centre and then see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To find where to stay, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Auckland trip itinerary planner.

You can fly from Rotorua to Auckland in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Traveling from Rotorua in February, expect a bit warmer with lows of 26°C in Auckland. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly 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.

Step off the beaten path and head to Whangarei Falls and Nature & Wildlife Tours. Get outdoors at Paihia Harbour and Kawiti Caves. Explore Paihia's surroundings by going to Opononi (Tane Mahuta Walk & Koutu Boulders). The adventure continues: look for all kinds of wild species at The Parrot Place, admire the sheer force of Rainbow Falls, contemplate the long history of The Stone Store & Kemp House - Kerikeri Mission Station, and hike along Kororipo Pa Historic Walk.

To see other places to visit, ratings, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Paihia online route builder.

Traveling by flight from Auckland to Paihia takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 20th (Mon) so you can fly back home.