59 days in Oceania 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.

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Auckland: Waiheke Island (Sacred Blessing Sanctuary Garden & Connells Bay Sculpture Park), Obsidian Vineyard (in Onetangi) and Orewa Lookout (in Orewa). Dedicate the 4th (Sat) to wine at some of the top wineries in the area. Pack the 9th (Thu) with family-friendly diversions at Rainbow's End Theme Park. There's still lots to do: don't miss a visit to Sky Tower, get up close and personal with brilliant marine life at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, examine the collection at New Zealand Maritime Museum, and head off the coast to Tiritiri Matangi Visitor Centre.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read Auckland online route planner.

Muscat, Oman to Auckland is an approximately 21.5-hour flight. Traveling from Muscat to Auckland, you'll lose 8 hours due to the time zone difference. When traveling from Muscat in February, plan for a bit cooler days and somewhat warmer nights in Auckland: temperatures range from 26°C by day to 26°C at night. On the 20th (Mon), you'll travel to Hamilton.

On the banks of the Waikato River lies Hamilton, a pretty, active city on North Island.

Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Hamilton: Waitomo Caves (Caveworld, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, &more), Ed Hillary Walkway (in Otorohanga) and Hobbiton Movie Set (in Hinuera). Next up on the itinerary: witness a stunning natural landmark at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, get impressive views of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, take a pleasant ride with a tour on horseback, and admire nature's wide array of creatures at Hamilton Zoo.

For other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Hamilton trip planner.

You can drive from Auckland to Hamilton in 1.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or take a train. Cap off your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) 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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Wellington: Featherston ANZAC War Memorial (in Featherston), Marlborough Sounds (in Picton) and Masterton (Queen Elizabeth Park Boats, Pukaha National Wildlife Centre, &more). The adventure continues: examine the collection at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, admire the natural beauty at Wellington Botanic Garden, identify plant and animal life at ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary, and awaken your taste buds at Martinborough Wine Tours.

To find traveler tips, maps, ratings, and other tourist information, you can read our Wellington trip maker website.

Traveling by flight from Hamilton to Wellington takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a train. In March in Wellington, expect temperatures between 22°C during the day and 16°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 17th (Fri) to allow enough time to fly to Christchurch.

Recovering from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 was no easy task, but Christchurch has faced the challenges with aplomb.

Get out of town with these interesting Christchurch side-trips: Waipara (Georges Road Wines & Torlesse Wines), Akaroa (The Giants House, Dolphin & Whale Watching, &more) and Charles Upham VC Statue (in Amberley). There's much more to do: take in nature's colorful creations at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, learn about winemaking at Pegasus Bay Winery and Deli, steep yourself in history at Ferrymead Heritage Park, and take a memorable ride with Christchurch Gondola.

To see reviews, photos, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Christchurch day trip tool.

Fly from Wellington to Christchurch in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of ferry and car; or do a combination of ferry and bus. Traveling from Wellington in March, expect a bit cooler with lows of 11°C in Christchurch. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 30th (Thu) early enough to fly back home.