Detailed Itinerary New Zealand

Please See the Below Details of My Intend 17-Days of Trip Itinerary with Location and Dates.

Purpose of Visit:
Cultural and historical exploration of new Zealand . The visit will include sightseeing, visiting
museums, historical landmarks, and experiencing local culture.
Travel Dates:18 December to 03 January 2025
Duration: 17 Days
Country of Origin: United Arab Emirates

Itinerary’s a 17-day itinerary for your trip from Abu Dhabi (AUH) to Christchurch, New Zealand (CHC) from 18 December 2024
to 3 January 2025, covering major cities and key attractions across the South Island with accommodations, transport, and
activities. This plan includes diverse experiences like city tours, scenic adventures, and outdoor activities, providing a memorable
holiday in New Zealand.
Day 1-2: Travel from Abu Dhabi to Christchurch

Flight from Abu Dhabi to Christchurch

Airline: Emirates or Qatar Airways (layover in Sydney or Auckland).
Flight Duration: ~20-24 hours, including layover(s).

Arrival: Evening on 19 December.

Accommodation in Christchurch: Hotel Carlton Mill Christchurch City for easy access to central attractions.

Transportation from Airport: Taxi or pre-booked shuttle (20-30 minutes from Christchurch Airport).

Day 3-4: Explore Christchurch

Accommodation: Continue stay at The George or Sudima Christchurch City.

Activities:

Christchurch Botanic Gardens: Walk through stunning gardens along the Avon River.

Canterbury Museum: Learn about New Zealand’s natural and cultural history.

Punting on the Avon: Enjoy a guided boat ride on the Avon River for a unique city view.

Christchurch Gondola: Panoramic views of Christchurch, the Southern Alps, and Lyttelton Harbour.

Transportation: Use the local bus system, taxis, or hotel shuttle services.

Day 5-6: Lake Tekapo

Travel to Lake Tekapo: ~3-hour scenic drive from Christchurch along State Highway 8 (rental car recommended).

Accommodation: Peppers Bluewater Resort or Lake Tekapo Scenic Resort for lake views.

Activities:

Church of the Good Shepherd: Iconic landmark with stunning views of Lake Tekapo.

Tekapo Springs: Relax in hot pools overlooking the lake and mountains.

Dark Sky Project: Night stargazing tour at the Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky Reserve.
Mount John Observatory: Daytime option with scenic views over the lake.

Transportation: Use your rental car to explore the area’s natural attractions.

Day 7-9: Queenstown

Travel to Queenstown: ~3-hour drive from Lake Tekapo through scenic landscapes.

Accommodation: Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa or The Rees Hotel Queenstown for luxury lakeside accommodations.

Activities:

Skyline Queenstown Gondola: Take a gondola up Bob’s Peak for stunning views and enjoy the luge ride.

Milford Sound Day Trip: A full-day tour by bus (4 hours each way) or short scenic flight, including a fjord cruise.

Adventure Sports: Options like bungee jumping, jet boating on the Shotover River, and skydiving.

Gibbston Valley: Visit vineyards and sample award-winning wines, especially Pinot Noir.

Transportation: Rental car or join guided tours. Shuttle buses are also available within Queenstown.

Day 10-11: Wanaka

Travel to Wanaka: 1-hour drive from Queenstown.

Accommodation: Edgewater Hotel or Oakridge Resort Wanaka for a comfortable stay.

Activities:

Lake Wanaka: Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or a scenic lakefront walk.

Roy’s Peak: Famous day hike for panoramic views of Lake Wanaka and surrounding mountains (4-6 hours).

Puzzling World: Fun maze and optical illusions, great for a break after a hike.

Wanaka Lavender Farm: Relax among lavender fields and sample lavender-based products.

Transportation: Continue using your rental car.

Day 12-13: Franz Josef Glacier

Travel to Franz Josef: 3.5-hour scenic drive from Wanaka via Haast Pass, which offers numerous scenic stops.

Accommodation: Rainforest Retreat or Franz Josef Oasis for a rainforest experience near the glacier.
Activities:
Franz Josef Glacier Heli-Hike: Helicopter tour with a guided hike on the glacier (book in advance).

Glacier Hot Pools: Relax in natural hot pools surrounded by rainforest.

Tatare Tunnels Walk: Short trail with glowworms visible at night.

Transportation: Use your rental car for flexibility in this remote area.

Day 14-15: Mount Cook National Park

Travel to Mount Cook: 4-hour drive from Franz Josef, following scenic State Highway 80.
Accommodation: The Hermitage Hotel at Mount Cook Village or Aoraki Court Motel.
Activities:
Hooker Valley Track: A 3-hour return hike with views of Mount Cook and surrounding glaciers.

Tasman Glacier: Take a short boat ride to see New Zealand’s longest glacier.

Stargazing: Enjoy one of the clearest night skies in the world, ideal for stargazing.

Transportation: A rental car allows you to easily access various points of interest around Mount Cook.

Day 16-17: Return to Christchurch

Travel to Christchurch: 4-hour drive back from Mount Cook to Christchurch.

Accommodation: Consider Sudima Christchurch Airport Hotel for convenience if you’re flying out the next morning.
Activities:
Last-minute Shopping: Visit Re:START Mall or Riverside Market for unique souvenirs.

Farewell Dinner: Enjoy a dinner at one of Christchurch’s fine dining spots, such as The Monday Room or 5th Street.
Transportation: Use your rental car or book an airport transfer on the final day.
Day 17 (3 January): Return Flight to Abu Dhabi

Flight from Christchurch to Abu Dhabi

Departure: Arrive at Christchurch Airport at least 3 hours before your international flight.

Flight Duration: ~18-20 hours, including layover.

Summary of Key Accommodations & Transport

Accommodation:
Christchurch: Hotel Carlton Mill Christchurch City
Lake Tekapo: Peppers Bluewater Resort
Queenstown: Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa
Wanaka: Edgewater Hotel
Franz Josef: Rainforest Retreat

Mount Cook: The Hermitage Hotel

Transportation:
Rental Car: Pick up in Christchurch, drop off at Christchurch before departure.

Internal Flights (if needed): Optional if travel time is tight; consider flights between major stops like Christchurch-Queenstown.

This itinerary offers a balanced blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, giving you the best of New Zealand’s South
Island over 17 days. Let me know if you need any more details or adjustments!