9 days in New Zealand Itinerary
Created using Inspirock New Zealand itinerary planner
Start: Canberra
Fly
1
Rotorua
— 3 nights
Drive
2
Taupo
— 1 night
Drive
3
Waitomo Caves
— 2 nights
Fly
4
Queenstown
— 2 nights
Fly
End: Canberra
Wed, Mar 22 - Thu, Mar 30
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Rotorua — 3 nights
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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.Explore hidden gems such as Mt Maunganui Main Beach and Waiotapu Boardwalk/ Mud Pool. Get in touch with nature at Mount Maunganui Base Track and Waimangu Volcanic Valley. When in Rotorua, make a side trip to see Mount Maunganui Summit Track in Mount Maunganui, approximately Mount Maunganui away. There's lots more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park, whizz through the canopy at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, trot along with a tour on horseback, and take in the natural beauty of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.
For ratings, reviews, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Rotorua trip maker.
Canberra, Australia to Rotorua is an approximately 10-hour flight. The time zone changes from Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) to New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), which is usually a 2 hour difference. When traveling from Canberra in March, plan for a bit cooler days in Rotorua, with highs around 26°C, while nights are somewhat warmer with lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sat) to allow time to drive to Taupo.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Mar 22 — 25:
Highlights from your trip
Taupo — 1 night
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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.Start off your visit on the 26th (Sun): witness a stunning natural landmark at Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave, take in the natural beauty of Wairakei Natural Thermal Valley, then add some fun to your beach time Water Sports, and finally admire the sheer force of Huka Falls Walkway.
For ratings, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, go to the Taupo holiday website.
You can drive from Rotorua to Taupo in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 26th (Sun) so you can drive to Waitomo Caves.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Mar 25 — 26:
Highlights from your trip
Waitomo Caves — 2 nights
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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 27th (Mon): Head underground at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, then surround yourself with nature on Spellbound, and then relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 28th (Tue): hike along Ruakuri Walk, explore the fascinating underground world of Ruakuri Cave, then admire the sheer force of Marakopa Falls, then snap pictures at Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk, and finally trek along Mangakara Nature Walk.
To see reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the Waitomo Caves holiday planner.
Drive from Taupo to Waitomo Caves in 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 28th (Tue) so you can catch the flight to Queenstown.
Side Trips
Find places to stay Mar 26 — 28:
Highlights from your trip
Queenstown — 2 nights
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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 29th (Wed): take a memorable drive along Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and then surround yourself with nature on a nature and wildlife tour. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 30th (Thu): hike along Ben Lomond Track, fly like a bird with a parasailing or paragliding tour, and then trek along Queenstown Hill.
To find ratings, photos, traveler tips, and other tourist information, you can read our Queenstown trip planning app.
Traveling by flight from Waitomo Caves to Queenstown takes 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Thu) so you can fly back home.
Side Trip
Find places to stay Mar 28 — 30:
Highlights from your trip
New Zealand travel guide
Land of the Long White Cloud
Far-flung New Zealand has become known for its astounding topography, singular biodiversity, varied climate, and for marrying native Maori and post-colonial European cultures on its two main islands and the multitude of smaller landmasses dotted around them. Free-spirited New Zealanders cultivate a love of sports, sustainability, and the outdoors. Far from other landmasses, the islands existed for millions of years before being inhabited by humans, so an abundance of species have come to thrive in the thick, wild rainforest, vast and rugged backland, and extensive surrounding marine areas. While much of New Zealand tourism centers around adventures through this spectacular scenery, take time to explore the nation's rich cultural heritage as well. The traditions and history of the Maoris, and the industry and internationalism of the descendents of the first European settlers endure in fascinating attractions, ranging from museums, to farms, to places of worship.
