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
Edit
| S | M | T | W | T | F | S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
See full calendar
2
nights
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 Tapeka Point Track. Your inner history buff will appreciate Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Pompallier Mission and Printery. And it doesn't end there: fulfill a lifelong dream with a swim-with-the-dolphins experience, look for all kinds of wild species at Paihia Harbour, admire the striking features of The Stone Store & Kemp House - Kerikeri Mission Station, and fly like a bird with a parasailing or paragliding tour.
To find photos, other places to visit, ratings, and more tourist information, read Paihia attractions planning tool.
Denver, USA to Paihia is an approximately 22.5-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 travel to Rotorua.
Things to do in Paihia
Side Trips
Find places to stay Dec 16 — 19:
Highlights from your trip
4
nights
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. The adventure continues: test the waters at a local thermal spa, do a tasting at Volcanic Hills Winery, identify plant and animal life at Rainbow Springs Nature Park, and take a memorable tour with Tours.
To see where to stay, other places to visit, traveler tips, and other tourist information, read Rotorua online trip builder.
You can fly from Paihia to Rotorua in 5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. In December, plan for daily highs up to 71°F, and evening lows to 59°F. On the 23rd (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can travel to Queenstown.
Things to do in Rotorua
Side Trip
Find places to stay Dec 19 — 23:
Highlights from your trip
2
nights
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): look for all kinds of wild species at 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 6 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 travel back home.
Things to do in Queenstown
Find places to stay Dec 23 — 25:
Highlights from your trip
Similar trips
15 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Auckland
·
Paihia
·
Wanaka
15 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Hot Water Beach
·
Rotorua
·
Wellington
15 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Queenstown
·
Wellington
·
Tongariro National Park
14 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Rotorua
·
Hot Water Beach
·
Queenstown
15 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM JAPAN
Auckland
·
Rotorua
·
Wellington
15 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Wellington
·
Rotorua
·
Dunedin
15 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM SINGAPORE
Dunedin
·
Te Anau
·
Queenstown
12 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Wellington
·
Kaikoura
·
Rotorua
15 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM INDIA
Queenstown
·
Te Anau
·
Wellington
13 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM AUSTRALIA
Queenstown
·
Te Anau
·
Dunedin
15 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM SPAIN
Paihia
·
Rotorua
·
Wellington
15 days in New Zealand
BY A USER FROM UNITED STATES
Whitianga
·
Rotorua
·
Paihia
See more trips
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.
