How Long to Tour New Zealand
Whether you’re a traveler with a limited budget, or you’re a high roller who can afford to tour the country in style, there are plenty of ways to maximize your time. Here are a few ways to plan a tour of New Zealand that is both fun and affordable.
Auckland
Located on the north island, Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand. With its cosmopolitan flair, it’s no wonder Auckland ranks among the top student cities in the world.
There are dozens of places to see and do in and around Auckland. You can try sky diving, bungee jumping, and jet boating. You can also hike or take a boat cruise to see the countryside.
Auckland is also home to the world’s tallest freestanding structure, the Skytower. This tower is not only the tallest building in New Zealand, it is also the tallest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Auckland is also home to the world’s largest Polynesian population. The All Blacks perform a traditional Maori war dance at the start of every international match.
Aside from its impressive stats, Auckland is also home to many art galleries, music concerts, and shopping districts. The city is also home to some of the world’s best beaches. If you’re looking for a beach to die for, try Hot Water Beach, or Cathedral Cove.
A trip to Auckland would not be complete without taking in some of the country’s best food and wine. If you’re into food, check out the Britomart precinct, which is a buzzy neighborhood of designer boutiques and cool bars.
Queenstown
Whether you’re planning a trip to Queenstown or just passing through, you’ll need to know how long. There’s a lot to see and do, and you want to make sure you have enough time to get around.
You can fly to Queenstown, or rent a car. Queenstown is a small town with a variety of activities. It’s easy to walk around downtown. There are also local bus services.
You can take a scenic gondola ride on Bob’s Peak, which is located in Queenstown. This is a fun way to see the town and enjoy some of the best views in New Zealand. You can take a ride on a gondola for about a dollar and a half. If you’re feeling active, you can also try sled luge.
Queenstown also has a surprisingly sophisticated dining scene. You can dine at fancy restaurants like the Grille at Eichardt’s, or at Botswana Butchery. You can also eat for less at places like Fat Badgers and Carbe Latin Kitchen.
You can also enjoy wine tasting in the area. You’ll find a variety of world-class commercial estates, as well as family-owned boutique vineyards. If you’re looking for sweet treats, check out Patagonia Chocolates.
Rotorua
Located in the central North Island of New Zealand, Rotorua is a cultural and natural treasure trove. The region is known for its geothermal activity, bubbling mud pools and Maori culture. Rotorua has numerous natural hot springs, which are peppered throughout the landscape.
Rotorua is surrounded by beautiful lakes, rivers and native forests. It is also home to several geothermal parks and spas. For example, the Polynesian Spa is located in a unique environment with hot springs sourced from two natural springs in Rotorua.
Rotorua is also home to several outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, mountain biking and trout fishing. For the adventurous, there are several guided hikes, which take visitors up the crater edge of Mt. Tarawera, a 1.111-meter high mountain. There are also helicopter landings, which allow you to enjoy unique hikes and the awe-inspiring view of the surrounding area.
One of the most popular attractions in Rotorua is the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The park is home to mud pools, geysers and other geothermal features. The park also features displays of weaponry and Maori arts.
There is also the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, which is located in the Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve. The institute offers courses in traditional Maori carving and weaving techniques. The area is also home to the Redwoods Treewalk, which is a walking track through the trees. This walkway is illuminated at night and is a great way to view the forest.
Lake Taupo
Located in the center of the North Island, Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. It is also home to a small airport. A trip to Lake Taupo is about four and a half hours from Auckland or Wellington.
It is also home to many attractions. Located near the town of Taupo is a geothermal park that has bubbling vents, mud pools, and geysers. The park is also accessible by ferry across Lake Ohakuri.
If you want to experience a little bit of the Maori culture, you can visit Te Puia or Tamaki Maori Village. There are also several nature trails to explore in Rotorua.
For a more adventurous trip, you can take a ride on the Sky Waka, which travels through rugged terrain and past waterfalls. You can also ride a luge or take a mountain bike ride.
You can also visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, which are considered to be one of the most famous sights in New Zealand. There is also a great boardwalk between bubbling steam vents.
Lake Taupo is also a great place to take a lake cruise. You can also rent a kayak to paddle around the lake.
Coromandel Peninsula
Located on New Zealand’s North Island, the Coromandel Peninsula is one of the most visited regions in the country. With golden beaches and misty rainforests, it’s no wonder this is one of New Zealand’s best spots to explore.
If you’re looking for a fun road trip, there are plenty of things to see on Coromandel. You can choose to drive a small portion of the 420 kilometres of coastline or you can take a longer route around the entire peninsula. For a shorter drive, you can get to Coromandel from Auckland in about 1.5 hours. The route takes you through several coastal towns, including Whitianga and Waihi Beach.
One of the most scenic drives in Coromandel is the Thames to Coromandel town drive. The road winds through coastal towns, tunnels made from trees, and offers spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf. You’ll also want to check out Waiau falls, which offers a plunge pool.
While there are plenty of beaches to see, the best Coromandel beaches are found along the east coast. The west coast tends to have pebbly tidal beaches. If you’re looking to take a dip, you’ll want to visit the Hot Water Beach, which is located near an underground volcanic thermal spring.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Probably one of the most popular day hikes in New Zealand is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This hike is often referred to as the greatest day hike in the world. This hike is very popular and there are thousands of people who hike it each year.
Depending on your pace, this hike can take anywhere from six to nine hours. The hike takes you through Tongariro National Park and combines three volcanic peaks. The trail starts at Mangatepopo valley and ascends to a saddle between Mount Tongariro and Mount Ngauruhoe. The hike then descends through Red Crater to the Emerald Lakes.
If you’re looking for the easiest way to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, you should start early in the morning. Most people who complete the hike finish it in six to nine hours, but you’ll need to be prepared for some tricky terrain. This hike is not a circuit trail and requires a good level of fitness. You also need to be prepared for alpine environments. This includes warm clothing, crampons, and ice picks.
If you’re planning to do the Tongariro Alpine Trail during the winter, you’ll need to bring winter gear. There is a risk of avalanche and snowfall, so you’ll need to carry a full pack.
South Island
Depending on your location, it can take up to 14 hours to tour the South Island of New Zealand. This is a minimum amount of time needed to cover the most important sights. However, if you are planning to visit a number of interesting turn-offs, you’ll need more time.
The best way to travel New Zealand is to travel by land. You will get to see the country’s amazing scenery.
You can start your touring visit in Wellington. This is the most populous city on the South Island. There are plenty of options for visitors to experience Maori culture. You can visit a Maori village, sample local wines, and go zip lining through the Adventure Park.
The Coromandel Peninsula is a short 2.5 hour drive from Auckland. The peninsula is known for its beaches and native forests. It also has a number of geothermal areas. You can add the peninsula to your Rotorua tour.
You can fly to Christchurch from Auckland or Wellington. The flight takes approximately 50 minutes. You can then rent a car for the duration of your stay. You’ll find that you can get a good deal on a rental car in New Zealand.
