11 days in New Zealand Itinerary
11 days in New Zealand Itinerary
Created using Inspirock New Zealand journey planner
Start: Denver
Fly
1
Paihia
— 2 nights
Fly
2
Rotorua
— 4 nights
Fly
3
Queenstown
— 2 nights
Fly
End: Denver
Sun, Dec 15 - Wed, Dec 25
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See full calendar
Paihia
— 2 nights
©
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.Get in touch with nature at Scuba & Snorkeling and Parasailing & Paragliding. Your inner history buff will appreciate Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Pompallier Mission and Printery. Step out of Paihia to go to Russell and see Tapeka Point Track, which is approximately 36 minutes away. And it doesn't end there: fulfill a lifelong dream with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience, admire the striking features of The Stone Store & Kemp House - Kerikeri Mission Station, stroll through Paihia Harbour, and do a tasting at Byrne Northland Wines.
To find photos, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, read Paihia attractions planning tool.
Denver, USA to Paihia is an approximately 22-hour flight. The time zone difference when traveling from Denver to Paihia is 19 hours. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 19th (Thu) to allow enough time to fly to Rotorua.
Things to do in Paihia
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 16 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
Rotorua
— 4 nights
©
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.Visiting Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Te Puia will get you outdoors. Step out of Rotorua to go to Taupo and see Huka Falls Walkway, which is approximately 1h 10 min away. There's still lots to do: boost your wellbeing at a local thermal spa, do a tasting at Volcanic Hills Winery, get impressive views of Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and take in the natural beauty of Lady Knox Geyser.
For maps, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Rotorua trip planner.
Getting from Paihia to Rotorua by flight takes about 4.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. December in Rotorua sees daily highs of 71°F and lows of 59°F at night. On the 23rd (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can fly to Queenstown.
Things to do in Rotorua
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 19 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
Queenstown
— 2 nights
©
Shallow Bay
Sheltered in an inlet of Lake Wakatipu, the resort town of Queenstown enjoys a strong reputation for its adventuring and skiing opportunities.Start off your visit on the 24th (Tue): stroll through Kiwi Birdlife Park, then zoom along the surf with a waterskiing or jet-skiing adventure, and then race across the water with a speed boat tour. Here are some ideas for day two: take in the architecture and atmosphere at St Peter's Anglican Church, get the adrenaline pumping with an extreme tour, and then learn about winemaking at Peregrine Wines.
To find other places to visit, photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Queenstown trip itinerary maker app.
Fly from Rotorua to Queenstown in 5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of car and ferry; or do a combination of bus and ferry. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 25th (Wed) so you can catch the flight back home.
Things to do in Queenstown
Find places to stay Dec 23 — 25:
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.
