New Zealand—Aotearoa in te reo Māori—packs more drama per kilometer than almost any place on earth. Volcanoes rise behind glassy harbors, rainforest gives way to alpine peaks, and every bend in the road reveals another postcard view. Polynesian navigators arrived around the 13th century, European settlers in the 19th; their entwined stories shaped a nation where conservation, creativity, and manaakitanga (hospitality) still lead the way.

This 30-day itinerary balances big-name icons—Milford Sound, Hobbiton, Waitomo Glowworm Caves—with locally loved stops, coastal hikes, and time to exhale in wine country. You’ll base in three hubs (Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown) for efficient routing, using day trips to reach islands, glowworm caverns, and high-country valleys.

Practical notes: drive on the left, keep an eye on DOC track alerts, and pack for “four seasons in a day.” Sandflies love Fiordland—bring repellent. Eat your way through seafood shacks, farmers markets, and contemporary Kiwi kitchens; sip Central Otago pinot and Waiheke syrah. You’ll leave with camera rolls—and a plan to come back.

Auckland

New Zealand’s largest city sprawls between two harbors, punctuated by volcanic cones and boats, boats, boats. It’s a perfect launchpad for island hopping to Waiheke wineries, summiting Rangitoto, and day-tripping to Hobbiton or Waitomo. Neighborhoods like Ponsonby, K’ Road, and Britomart add design-forward dining and indie culture to the mix.

Where to stay (city-center & harborside):

• The Hotel Britomart (eco-chic, design-led rooms steps from the waterfront and Commercial Bay): Check availability
• Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour (spa, marina views, walkable to ferries): See rooms
• The Sebel Auckland Viaduct Harbour (apartment-style suites with kitchenettes): View options
• Novotel Auckland Ellerslie (quiet, good value with easy rail/bus access): Book now
• Browse more stays: VRBO Auckland | Hotels.com Auckland

Getting to Auckland: Fly into AKL (Auckland International). Typical one-stop flights from the U.S. West Coast run ~13–15 hours; from the U.S. East Coast ~20–24 hours; from Asia ~11–12 hours; from Australia ~3–4 hours. Compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com.

Days 1–3: Waterfront, volcano views, and neighborhoods

• Harbor & museums: Stroll the Viaduct Basin and Wynyard Quarter boardwalks, then visit Auckland War Memorial Museum (Māori taonga and Pacific galleries) in the Auckland Domain. Climb Mount Eden for crater views and a city panorama.
• Cafés & bites: Coffee at Espresso Workshop Britomart; pastries at Amano Bakery (sourdough, bomboloni). Lunch at Depot Eatery (oysters, tuatua clams, sliders) or Auckland Fish Market (poke, crayfish rolls, and fresh sashimi stalls).
• Evening flavors: Book Ahi (modern NZ with native ingredients), Cassia (contemporary Indian at SkyCity), or Prego on Ponsonby Road (Italian institution). Nightcap at Caretaker (speakeasy-style cocktails) or Sardine (standing-room gin bar).

Days 4–6: Islands—Waiheke wine, Rangitoto lava, Devonport villas

• Waiheke Island day: Ferries depart downtown; spend the day tasting at Mudbrick, Cable Bay, and Tantalus. Lunch on vineyard decks with gulf views; finish with a golden-hour swim at Oneroa or Onetangi.
• Rangitoto hike: A ferry hop to Auckland’s youngest volcano. Walk the 2-hour summit track through lava fields and pōhutukawa forest—360° views of the Hauraki Gulf.
• Devonport afternoon: Victorian villas, North Head tunnels, and hand-churned scoops at Devonport Chocolates. Dinner back in town at Homeland (Peter Gordon’s test kitchen and restaurant).

Days 7–8: Northland taste—Bay of Islands overnight

• Drive to Paihia (3 hours) or fly to Kerikeri (45 minutes), then cruise to “Hole in the Rock,” swim off island beaches, or paddleboard secluded coves. Look for common dolphins and little blue penguins.
• Recommended tour: Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour - with two island stopovers

  

• Eat & drink: In Paihia, get fish and chips from Charlotte’s Kitchen (harborside) or Terra for seasonal tasting menus; in Russell, sip at The Duke of Marlborough, which held New Zealand’s first liquor license.

Days 9–10: West coast black-sand beaches + Hobbiton/Waitomo option

• Waitākere Ranges coast: Drive to Piha and Karekare—black iron-sand beaches backed by cliffs and waterfalls. Respect kauri dieback cleaning stations, and check track openings before you hike.
• Optional full-day (long) from Auckland—Hobbiton + Waitomo: See glowworms like constellations and the Shire’s rolling hills in one go:
  • Hobbiton & Waitomo Caves Guided Tour from Auckland with Lunch

    

Breakfast & coffee hits: Daily Bread (naturally leavened loaves, cardamom buns), Best Ugly Bagels (Montreal-style, wood-fired), and Remedy Coffee (K’ Road, cozy). For casual dinners try Tanuki’s Cave (yakitori basement bar) or Azabu (Nikkei plates in Ponsonby).

Travel to Rotorua (Day 11 morning): Drive 3–3.5 hours via SH1/SH2/SH5; by bus ~4 hours. Flights AKL–ROT take ~45–50 minutes and often price at ~$60–150 one-way. Compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Rotorua

Rotorua sits inside a geothermal cauldron—hissing vents, neon terraces, and crater lakes—while remaining one of the country’s strongest centers of Māori culture. It’s also your smartest base for Hobbiton, Waitomo glowworms, and Lake Taupō waterfalls.

Where to stay: Stay near the lakefront or Eat Streat for easy walks to restaurants, the nightly lake light show, and boat tours. Browse VRBO Rotorua and Hotels.com Rotorua.

Days 11–13: Geothermal wonders + lakes

• Geothermal parks: Wai-O-Tapu (Artists Palette, Champagne Pool) and Waimangu Volcanic Valley (world’s youngest geothermal system) are musts. Go early for steam and fewer people.
• Forest stroll: Whakarewarewa–Redwoods Forest; do the daytime Treewalk, then return at dusk for the lantern-lit Nightlights experience strung among towering Californian redwoods.
• Soak: Sunset soak at Polynesian Spa overlooking Lake Rotorua; book a private lakeview pool if you want quiet.
• Eat: Atticus Finch (share plates; great G&Ts), Terrace Kitchen (seasonal brunch/lunch), and Sabroso (Latin comfort food). Coffee at Revolver Espresso Rotorua and The Artisan Café.

Days 14–15: Māori culture, Hobbiton, and glowworms

• Māori evening feast: Drumbeat welcomes, haka, and stories among towering tawa trees—paired with contemporary seasonal kai:
  • Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū

    

• Hobbiton (Matamata, ~1 hr): Walk past 44 hobbit holes, the Party Tree, and finish with a drink at the Green Dragon:
  • Hobbiton Day Tour from Rotorua with lunch at Hobbiton

    

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves (2 hrs each way): Choose a gentle boat through glittering caverns or go full adventure with underground tubing:
  • Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour

    

Days 16–17: Lake Taupō waterfalls and volcano views

• Lake Taupō day trip (1 hr): Walk the Huka Falls Track (turquoise thunder), watch Aratiatia Rapids release times, and explore the geothermal Craters of the Moon boardwalk.
• Optional summer challenge: Tongariro Alpine Crossing (long day; start pre-dawn, check weather). Post-hike, refuel at The Bistro in Taupō; ice cream at Kōwhai Creamery scoops in town.

Travel to Queenstown (Day 18 morning): Fly ROT–ZQN typically via Auckland; total travel time ~3.5–5 hours including connection, ~$160–320 one-way depending on season. Check Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Driving would be a 2–3 day scenic road trip; save that for a future visit.

Queenstown

Queenstown is an alpine amphitheater on Lake Wakatipu, ringed by The Remarkables and schist hills draped in vines. It’s the Southern Hemisphere’s adventure capital, gateway to Fiordland and Milford Sound, and a terrific base for wine tasting, Arrowtown heritage streets, and Wanaka’s lake life.

Where to stay:

• Eichardt's Private Hotel (boutique icon on the lakefront): See availability
• Heritage Queenstown (Alpine lodge vibe; great for families and views): Check rates
• Pinewood Lodge (cabins and chalets on the hill; excellent value): Book a room
• Budget/social: LyLo (formerly JUCY Snooze) with pod-style bunks and a rooftop bar: Check beds
• Browse more stays: VRBO Queenstown | Hotels.com Queenstown

Days 18–20: Skyline views, jet boats, and vineyard lunches

• Skyline gondola & luge: Ride to Bob’s Peak for sweeping views, then race the luge tracks. Hike the Tiki Trail down if your legs want a workout.
• Adrenaline classic: Carve canyons at 85 km/h with 360° spins on a braided river:
  • Shotover River Extreme Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown

    

• Wine & food in Gibbston: Amisfield (tasting menu lunch), Peregrine (award-winning architecture), and Kinross (multiple boutique labels). Cycle the Gibbston River Trail between cellar doors if weather’s fine.
• Eat in town: Breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen or Vudu Café. Dinner at The Bunker (intimate, firelit), Blue Kanu (Pacific/Asian “Polynasia”), or Flame Bar & Grill (ribs and steaks). Fergburger for a late-night classic; Patagonia Chocolates for gelato and lakeside hot chocolate.

Days 21–24: Milford Sound and Fiordland (choose your style)

• Small-group coach & cruise: Full-day with scenic stops, nature commentary, and a boutique cruise:
  • Small Group, Award Winning Milford Sound Day Experience & Cruise

    

• Fly-cruise-fly splurge: Save hours of driving and see glaciers, lakes, and razor-back ridgelines from the air:
  • Milford Sound Fly-Cruise-Fly Tour from Queenstown

    

• Helicopter & cruise combo (half-day): Ideal if you want the thrill and time back for a winery dinner:
  • Half-Day Milford Helicopter Flight and Cruise from Queenstown

    

• Tip: If driving, consider an overnight in Te Anau for a gentler pace and dawn light on the fiord. Bring rain gear—Milford is magic in any weather.

Days 25–27: Wanaka & Cardrona high country

• Wanaka day(s) (1 hr each way): Lake strolls, That Wanaka Tree photo ops, outlet hikes to Diamond Lake or Rocky Mountain. If you’re fit and the track is open, start early for Roys Peak’s alpine switchbacks.
• Cardrona Valley: Historic Cardrona Hotel beer garden, horse trekking, and in winter the Cardrona or Treble Cone ski fields. Year-round, detour to the Blue Pools over swing bridges in Mount Aspiring National Park.
• Eat: In Wanaka, Big Fig (slow-cooked salads/meats), Kika (seasonal small plates), and Pembroke Pâtisserie in Albert Town (almond croissants worth the drive).

Days 28–30: Arrowtown heritage, Glenorchy film country, hot pools finale

• Arrowtown: Stroll gold-rush cottages and the restored Chinese Settlement. Lunch at Aosta (Italian techniques with NZ produce) or The Fork and Tap (craft beer garden).
• Glenorchy & Paradise (45 mins): Drive the lake-edge road to ancient beech forest filmed in LOTR. Walk the Glenorchy Lagoon boardwalks; keep an eye out for black swans.
• Finish: Onsen Hot Pools (book at sunset), then Eichardt’s Bar for oysters and champagne or Boardwalk Queenstown for seafood with views.

Flying out: Queenstown to Auckland is ~2 hours; typical fares ~$80–200 one-way depending on season and baggage. Search on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Food & coffee quicklists (save for maps)

• Auckland: Breakfast—Amano, Best Ugly Bagels, Daily Bread. Lunch—Depot Eatery, Commercial Bay food court (Hawker & Roll, Better Burger). Dinner—Ahi, Cassia, Azabu. Drinks—Caretaker, The Churchill (gin tower).
• Rotorua: Breakfast—The Artisan Café, Scope. Lunch—Terrace Kitchen, Capers Café + Store. Dinner—Atticus Finch, Stratosfare (gondola-top views). Drinks—BREW Craft Beer Pub (Croucher Brewing on tap).
• Queenstown/Arrowtown: Breakfast—Bespoke Kitchen, Vudu Café. Lunch—Amisfield long lunch, Fergbaker pies. Dinner—The Bunker, Blue Kanu, Aosta (Arrowtown). Sweet—Patagonia Chocolates.

Bonus Auckland day-trip options if you have flexibility: West coast gannet colony at Muriwai (check cliff access status), Tiritiri Matangi Island sanctuary for birdsong and walking tracks.

With one month you’ll trace New Zealand’s coastline and peaks, taste wines where vines meet lakes, and share kai while learning living Māori traditions. Expect to leave with a head full of mountain air, a phone full of glowworms and waterfalls, and a promise to return for the places you couldn’t fit—this time.