Tahiti and New Zealand · 17 nights
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South Pacific, then a roadtrip from Auckland to Queenstown
Things to know
Stopping in Tahiti (or somewhere in the South Pacific) is totally worth it and breaks up the trip / gets you to a place totally different than NZ
4 nights in Tahiti was right mix -> definitely get out to Moorea
7 Nights North Island is more than you need - could cut that down to 2-3 and be totally fine and get more south island time
Driving was a highlight for me -> especially the Picton to Christchurch drive
Listen to albums you haven’t listened to before while driving - will imprint the drive in your memory and associate it with that music
Queenstown was by far the best destination - unlimited activities - super fun vibe in the town
Food and wine is really good throughout
The drive from Tekapo to Hermitage Hotel is also breathtaking -doing so around sunset is a major rec!
Pull over to take pics when you feel compelled
Do
Scooter to the Three Waterfalls in Tahiti (HelloScoot app).
ATV tour on Moorea.
Auckland SkyJump, Waiheke Island by ferry.
Helicopter over Mount Cook from Lake Tekapo.
Jetboat the Shotover, bus out to Milford Sound and fly back, bungee on the way out.
Tahiti · 4 nights
Stay: at the Hilton Papeete. It was nice and good location.
Do: A dive with Eleuthera, then the ferry to Moorea for an overwater bungalow and the ATV tour..
Auckland · 2 nights
Stay: Then two nights in a retreat house at Karekare,
Do: Dinner at Soul in the Viaduct, drinks at Dr. Rudi’s, explore waterfalls, black sand, sunset yoga, doors open at night.
Auckland again · 2 nights
Stay: Stamford Hotel
Do: SkyJump at noon. Daytrip to Waiheke: Onetangi Beach, a very casual golf course on the island, lunch by the beach.
Taupo and Wellington · 2 nights
Stay: Airbnb + Wellington Hotel.
Do: Drive south via the Rotorua redwoods. Charley Noble in Wellington for a really good dinner. Free tour of Parliament, ride the cable car.
Picton to Christchurch
Stay: The George in Christchurch
Do: Dinner in Picton, then the drive of the trip: vineyards, beaches near Kaikoura, stars the rest of the way.
Lake Tekapo · 1 night
Stay: The Hermitage Lake Tekapo.
Do: The drive to Lake Tekapo is beautiful - lots of glaciers, flowers, and views. Helicopter tour is great with a stop on top of a mountain.
Queenstown · 4 nights
Stay: Novotel
Do: The Bathhouse at the end of the beach is the best spot in town for happy hour. Wine tour, gondola, Fergburger, jetboat, Milford Sound, and a morning bungee before the flight home. Lots to do.
Full planning doc →