New Zealand 10-day itinerary
Explore the Best of New Zealand: 10-Day Scenic Travel Itinerary with Train Journeys
Discover the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and thrilling adventures of New Zealand in just 10 days! From the bustling streets of Auckland to the serene beauty of Queenstown, this itinerary combines must-see destinations with unforgettable scenic train journeys — perfect for travelers seeking an authentic Kiwi experience. Whether you’re hiking glaciers, exploring Maori culture, or cruising through alpine valleys, this guide has everything you need for a memorable trip.
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Relax and explore New Zealand’s largest city. Visit the iconic Sky Tower and enjoy the lively Viaduct Harbour.
Stay: Hotel DeBrett — approx. NZD 180/night.
Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua
Experience geothermal wonders and Maori heritage at Wai-O-Tapu and Tamaki Maori Village.
Stay: Regent of Rotorua — approx. NZD 160/night.
Day 3: Rotorua to Wellington (via Northern Explorer train)
Board the famous Northern Explorer train to Wellington, known for its cultural hotspots and waterfront charm.
Stay: Rydges Wellington — approx. NZD 170/night.
Day 4: Wellington to Nelson (via Interislander Ferry)
Enjoy a scenic ferry ride across Cook Strait and explore the artsy town of Nelson.
Stay: The Rutherford Hotel, Nelson — approx. NZD 140/night.
Day 5: Nelson to Greymouth (TranzAlpine Train)
Take the world-renowned TranzAlpine train through alpine terrain to Greymouth.
Stay: Bella Vista Motel, Greymouth — approx. NZD 130/night.
Day 6: Franz Josef Glacier
Visit the stunning Franz Josef Glacier with options for guided walks or helicopter tours.
Stay: Rainforest Retreat — approx. NZD 160/night.
Day 7: Franz Josef to Queenstown
Travel via Haast Pass and unwind by Lake Wakatipu.
Stay: Reavers Lodge — approx. NZD 180/night.
Day 8: Adventure in Queenstown
Enjoy thrilling activities like bungy jumping, jet boating, or relax with a wine tour.
Stay: Reavers Lodge.
Day 9: Queenstown to Dunedin
Explore historic Dunedin with its castles and wildlife on Otago Peninsula.
Stay: The Victoria Hotel — approx. NZD 140/night.
Day 10: Dunedin to Christchurch and Departure
Return to Christchurch for last-minute shopping or botanical garden visits before heading home.
New Zealand is a treasure trove and one of the best travel destinations in the world competing with Australia. Stunning sceneries of snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling hills, and great wines and luxury train lines. When it comes to staple food, New Zealand has three main types of staple foods: 1. Fish and chips 2. Hangi: Meat and vegetable cooked in an earth oven
3. Pavlova which is a desert.
New Zealand offers most beautiful stunning landscapes and cultural experiences for the tourists.
Here are the top nine must-visit destinations for a Solo Traveller or for a Couple:
- Milford Sound: Nestled within Fiordland National Park, this breathtaking fjord is often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world.” Take a cruise to witness towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and playful seals and dolphins. If you would like to get more information, before your travel plan, please visit the URL here.
- Queenstown: Known as the adventure capital of the world. Queenstown offers activities like bungee jumping, jet boating, and skiing. It is also a gateway to beautiful hikes and scenic vineyards. Get more details from here: here.
Queenstown’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant town centre make it a sought-after destination for outdoor enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and those looking to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty at its finest. Find out more about how to get to Queenstown here.
3. Rotorua: Famous for its geothermal activity, Rotorua boasts bubbling mud pools, geysers, and relaxing hot springs. It’s also a hub for Maori cultural experiences.
If you decide Rotorua for your kids to enjoy, please see our URL here:
4. Aoraki/Mount Cook: The highest mountain in New Zealand. The Aoraki/Mount Cook is a haven for mountaineers and stargazers. The nearby Tasman Glacier adds to its appeal. Please visit the URL given here for more information.
5. Abel Tasman National Park: With golden beaches, turquoise waters, and lush forests, this park is an ideal adventure park for kayaking, hiking, and spotting wildlife like seals and penguins. Please see the URL here:
6. Auckland: New Zealand’s largest city offers a mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty. Highlights include the Sky Tower, Waiheke Island’s vineyards, and beaches along the West Coast. Please visit our URL visiting information here
7. Wellington: The nation’s capital is known for its vibrant arts scene, Te Papa Tongarewa Museum, and its harbour add the commercial value for the destinations. The city’s compact size makes it perfect for exploring on foot. Wellington has so much to offer. Tourists and residents love this city due to it’s stunning localities.
8. Franz Josef Glacier: Experience the surreal beauty of this glacier through guided walks, Heli-hikes, or scenic flights. The nearby rainforests add to the destination’s charm panoramic view. Please get more information from here
9. Tongariro Alpine Crossing: probably the hardest or the greatest day of walk where the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape. Please get more details before you start the day’s journey from this URL here
Wellington New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing: If you are a brave person, who loves trekking and walking at tough conditions then you should think about it going there. This is one of the best places to visit where many people may come back on half way due to staggering exhaustive journey with weakening physical conditions until you reach there. But it is achievable and you should be prepared to trek for 6-8 hours with a distance of 20.2 Km. Please read here for details
Tourists enjoy the captivating weird and wonderful wildlife, including birds that don’t know how to fly. New Zealand is the home for some monster marine mammals and reptiles who survived from the dinosaur age million years ago up to date. Take a cruise trip to watch dolphins and whales in the sea and enjoy the habitat of yellow-eyed penguins.
Weather:
New Zealand’s climate varies significantly across regions due to its geography:
- Summer (December to February): Warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20-30°C. Ideal for beach activities and hiking.
- Autumn (March to May): Cooler temperatures (10-25°C) and vibrant autumn foliage in regions like Arrowtown.
- Winter (June to August): Snowy and cold in the South Island, with temperatures as low as -5°C. Perfect for skiing in Queenstown and Wanaka.
- Spring (September to November): A mix of warm and cool days (10-20°C), with blooming flowers and lush landscapes.
Food:
New Zealand’s culinary scene is influenced by its Maori heritage, European settlers, and Pacific neighbours: As mentioned above here are the details of typical foods in New Zealand.
- Seafood: Green-lipped mussels, crayfish, and whitebait fritters are local favourites.
- Lamb: Renowned globally, New Zealand lamb is often served roasted with seasonal vegetables.
- Hangi: A traditional Maori feast cooked in an earth oven, featuring meat, potatoes, and kumara (sweet potato).
- Pavlova: A meringue-based dessert topped with fresh fruit and cream.
- Wine: The Marlborough region’s Sauvignon Blanc is world-famous, alongside Pinot Noir from Central Otago.
Culture:
New Zealand’s culture is a blend of Maori traditions and European influences. Key elements include:
- Maori Heritage: The Maori language (Te Reo) and customs are integral. Visitors can experience the haka (war dance) and learn about Maori myths and legends.
- Art and Film: The country’s landscapes have been immortalized in films like The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. New Zealand also boasts a thriving art scene.
- Outdoor Lifestyle: Kiwis are passionate about nature, adventure sports, and outdoor activities.
Education:
New Zealand is home to several world-class universities and institutions:
- University of Auckland: Known for its research programmes and diverse student body.
- University of Otago: Renowned for its medical and health sciences programs.
- Victoria University of Wellington: Specializes in humanities, law, and environmental studies.
The education system emphasizes practical learning and innovation, attracting international students from around the world.
Train Services:
While train travel is limited compared to other countries, New Zealand offers scenic rail journeys:
- Northern Explorer: Connects Auckland and Wellington, showcasing the North Island’s stunning landscapes. You can get more information about train lines from here
- Coastal Pacific: Runs between Picton and Christchurch, with views of the Pacific Ocean and Kaikoura Ranges. Please see our URL here.
- TranzAlpine: One of the world’s most scenic train rides, crossing the Southern Alps between Christchurch and Greymouth. Please visit the official NZ URL here.
Best Cities to Live In:
New Zealand is known for its high quality of life. Some of the best cities include:
- Auckland: Offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle, excellent schools, and job opportunities.
- Wellington: Known for its artsy vibe, compact layout, and thriving tech industry.
- Christchurch: Combines urban amenities with access to nature, making it ideal for families.
- Dunedin: A university town with a rich Scottish heritage and affordable living.
- Tauranga: A coastal city known for its beaches and relaxed lifestyle.
Monthly Experiences:
New Zealand offers unique activities and events throughout the year:
- January: Attend music festivals like Rhythm and Vines.
- February: Explore vineyards during harvest season.
- March: Witness the spectacular autumn foliage in the South Island.
- April: Enjoy Easter festivities and outdoor adventures.
- June-August: Hit the ski slopes in Queenstown and Wanaka.
- September: Visit lambing farms during spring.
- October: Participate in the Hawke’s Bay Food and Wine Classic.
- December: Experience Christmas markets and summer festivals.
House Prices:
New Zealand’s housing market varies across regions:
- Auckland: The average house price is NZD 1.25 million, reflecting its popularity and economic opportunities.
- Wellington: Houses cost around NZD 850,000 on average.
- Christchurch: More affordable, with prices averaging NZD 700,000.
- Dunedin: Known for its lower cost of living, with houses averaging NZD 600,000.
- Rural Areas: Offer significantly lower prices, starting from NZD 400,000.
Overall, New Zealand offers a diverse range of experiences, making it an appealing destination for tourists and a desirable place to live for locals and expatriates alike. Even tourists stay there for many months since they fall in love with New Zealand’s culture, food, education, public transport, driving your own vehicle, when they visit there. Let us know when you plan to visit there.