5 days in New Zealand Itinerary

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 28th (Fri): push the limits with an extreme tour, then soothe aching muscles at some of the top local wellness centers, and then get your game on at Skyline Queenstown.

For where to stay, more things to do, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Queenstown trip planner.

Indianapolis, USA to Queenstown is an approximately 26-hour flight. You can also do a combination of flight and bus. The time zone changes from Eastern Standard Time to New Zealand Standard Time, which is usually a 17 hour difference. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 28th (Fri) early enough to travel to Rotorua.

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.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Sat): delve into the lush surroundings at Redwoods, Whakarewarewa Forest, trot along with a tour on horseback, then take in the natural beauty of Te Puia, and finally witness a stunning natural landmark at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland.

For photos, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read our Rotorua online travel planner .

Getting from Queenstown to Rotorua by flight takes about 5.5 hours. Other options: do a combination of flight and bus. In December, daytime highs in Rotorua are 71°F, while nighttime lows are 59°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) to allow enough time to drive to Auckland Central.

The largest and most populous city in New Zealand, Auckland combines a rich history and thriving contemporary culture in an abundance of museums, art galleries, and performance venues.

Start off your visit on the 30th (Sun): look for gifts at Pauanesia, see the interesting displays at Auckland Museum, and then don't miss a visit to Sky Tower.

To find ratings, more things to do, maps, and tourist information, read our Auckland Central online route builder .

Traveling by car from Rotorua to Auckland Central takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Traveling from Rotorua in December, expect nights in Auckland Central to be about the same, around 64°F, while days are little chillier, around 64°F. Finish your sightseeing early on the 30th (Sun) to allow enough time to travel back home.