Top 5 Phenomenal Destinations to Travel During New Zealand Vacation

Day 1: Auckland

The largest city as well as the international air-travel hub of New Zealand, Auckland is one of the most amazing places to visit during your New Zealand vacation. Most of the international flights land in the country via Auckland Airport, which makes it a perfect destination to begin your New Zealand exploration. Auckland is named as one of the world’s top 10 cities and one must spend at least two days in the city before venturing further in their New Zealand journey. Make your way to one of the many amazing museums in Auckland, one such is the Auckland Art Gallery. It is the largest art institution in the country which exhibit over 15000 works of modern, historic as well as contemporary art. If the weather permits, one can wander around the 185 acre Auckland Domain park. In case you happen to visit on a Saturday, you can also make a stop at the Parnell Farmers’ Market, selling fresh produce in the morning. There are a number of restaurants and multicultural bars in Auckland that are serving all types of cuisine, so make sure to go out for a cocktail to check out the nightlife here or dine in downtown Auckland. In case you wish to feed your adventurous spirit in Auckland, then you can consider the Auckland Bridge Climb. You can also give Auckland Bridge bungee jump a try, if you are brave enough! One can also book an Auckland City Tour for a guided tour of the city. Wherever you choose to stay in Auckland, you will be nearby to something interesting. 

Day 2: Bay of Islands, North Island

Situated at about 3 hours drive north of Auckland, the gorgeous Bay of Islands is one of the most famous New Zealand vacation destinations. Over 144 islands line the dazzling bay, making it a paradise for yachting and sailing. Dolphins, penguins, marlin, and whales live in these rich waters, and the region is a famous sport-fishing spot. Tourists can also opt for sea kayaking along the coast, soak in secluded coves, hike the island trails, tour subtropical forests where Kauri trees thrive, explore the popular rock formation known as Hole in the Rock and the Cape Brett. The charming towns in the region such as Opua, Russell, Kerikeri, Paihia are wonderful bases for touring this picturesque bay. 

Day 3: Rotorua

Rotorua is situated in the central North Island and is known for its Maori culture and geothermal features. If you are short on time, then you can visit Rotorua on a day trip from Auckland, though it’s a suitable stop when traversing via the North Island. Orakei Korako, Wai-O-Tapu, or Hell’s Gate are amazing options for vibrant rock formations, boiling geysers, and bubbling mud pools, and numerous holiday parks and resorts in the region offer hot spring bathing facilities. One can learn more about this interesting Maori culture at various tourist villages like Tamaki, Mitai, and Whakarewarewa with their cultural shows of classical dancing and music, and a hangi meal prepared in an underground pit. 

Day 4: Queenstown

Nestled between the snowy peaks of the Remarkables, Queenstown and the shores of gleaming Lake Wakatipu is the adventure capital as well as one of New Zealand's top destinations for international tourists. Paragliding, bungee jumping, white water rafting, downhill skiing, mountain biking, jet boating, and rock climbing are some of the activities here that can fuel up your adrenaline, and tourists can explore the splendid alpine scenery on the wonderful network of hiking trails. Moreover, Queenstown also offers its visitors with all the creature comforts, with world-class hotels, restaurants, spas, shops, and galleries. It is also an amazing base for sightseeing tours to the Central Otago region, where tourists can explore Middle Earth scenery and gold-mining towns from the famous Lord of the Rings movies. 

Day 5: Aoraki National Park

The highest peaks of New Zealand, situated in the center of the Southern Alps soar above the alpine landscapes of Aoraki National Park, also known as Mount Cook National Park. Over 40% of the park is covered in glaciers, and New Zealand’s tallest mountain Mount Cook/Aoraki and longest glacier, the Tasman Glacier, situated within its borders, make this the best destination for mountaineering. Sir Edmund Hillary trained over here for his illustrious Mount Everest climb. The diversity of flora and fauna here will be appreciated by the nature lovers, with over 300 species of alpine plants as well as 40 species of birds. Mount Cook Village is an amazing base to explore the park and organize activities such as ski touring, scenic flights, stargazing trips, hiking, hunting, and heli-skiing.