10 Days in Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, and Franz Josef, New Zealand

Ascend Auckland's iconic Sky Tower for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the city skyline, the sparkling Hauraki Gulf, and surrounding volcanic landscape. Explore the viewing platforms and enjoy the city from above.

"The Sky Tower ☁️ is an iconic building located in Auckland, North Island, New Zealand, and is the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. 🏗️ This impressive landmark was completed in 1997 and has become one of Auckland's symbols. . The Sky Tower stands at 328 meters (1,076 feet), making it the tallest building in New Zealand. ☁️ From the top, you can enjoy stunning views of Auckland and the surrounding area. 🌈 . At the top of the Sky Tower, there is a spacious observation deck offering 360-degree panoramic views of Auckland, including the city skyline, harbor, bay, and distant mountains. ⛰️ . Every evening, the Sky Tower is illuminated, creating a dazzling light show that adds a mesmerizing touch to Auckland's nightlife."— Hope Newnorth

Take a leisurely walk along Auckland's vibrant Viaduct Harbour and the modern Wynyard Quarter. Admire the superyachts, waterfront dining, and marine activity, enjoying the natural beauty of the harbor.

"If you are in Auckland CBD, Go for a walk. There are a number of restaurants, bars and a playground."— riri

Explore one of New Zealand's most important museums, featuring extensive M āori and Pacific cultural artifacts, natural history, and war memorials. With extended hours on Tuesdays, you'll have ample time to discover its diverse collections.

"Visiting Auckland Museum for the first time was an absolute blast. We didn't have time for the special Sharks exhibition or the haka performance, but we did make it through all of their regular exhibits. I was surprised at the variety of displays for a "War Memorial Museum." There certainly is a war memorial element, but this is so much more than a war museum. It combines New Zealand's Māori and colonial history, world history, natural history, natural disasters, social commentary, and more. There are a lot of Māori artifacts and social commentary/discussions, which I love. There have a small but mighty display of global antiquities including pottery from ancient Greece, Mayan sculptures, and even an Egyptian mummy. There are multiple hands-on children's sections throughout as well, including a mildly terrifying mock house where you watch a volcano erupt outside the window and destroy everything in its path. The natural history section was my favorite. They have two dinosaurs, a pterosaur, and mosasaurus replicas displayed, along with ichthyosaurus, and plesiosaurus skull replicas. There was a decent number of authentic prehistoric fossils as well. The staff was super friendly and the gift shop was top notch. Next time, I hope to check out their special exhibitions and haka performance."— Harrison

Stroll through the beautiful Victorian-style glasshouses and the fernery within the expansive Auckland Domain, a perfect natural escape adjacent to the museum.

"A visit to the Auckland Wintergardens is a truly lovely way to spend an afternoon. It’s a fantastic spot for taking photos, whether you’re a serious photographer or just someone trying to make their social media look impressively cultured. The gardens are filled with the most beautiful colours of nature vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and plants that appear to be living their absolute best lives. It’s wonderfully peaceful, immaculately kept, and perfect for strolling about while admiring the scenery and pretending you know the names of exotic plants. All in all, it’s a charming place to enjoy nature’s finest colours, snap some stunning pictures, and feel delightfully refined while doing so."— Can Akcali

Dive into the underwater world at SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium, home to New Zealand's only sub-Antarctic penguin colony and a spectacular walk-through tunnel with sharks and stingrays. A shuttle service is often available from downtown.

"A really wonderful place. Each one of my family loved it. The fish are beautiful. The sharks are ominous. The Stingrays are graceful. The sea turtles are majestic. The lobsters are creepy and awesome at the same time. And the octopus are one of a kind. The talk at the tank was informative and a great presentation. The antarctic penguins were so fun to watch. Much bigger than I thought they were. The museum was filled well preserved items and photos of the Scott expedition. Kelly Tarlton would be proud of today's operation."— Bryan G

Hike to the summit of Maungawhau / Mount Eden, Auckland's highest natural point, offering panoramic 360-degree views of the city, its harbors, and other volcanic cones. This site is culturally significant to M āori.

"I highly recommend going here if you’re visiting Auckland. It was one of my highlights of my time in the city. You get 360 degree views of the entire city of Auckland and surrounding area, including the CBD. It’s super cool walking around the volcano, it’s a giant grassy bowl in the middle that’s huge. The walkways up top are easy to navigate, and you can walk all the way around and enjoy unobstructed views on all sides. It’s also not difficult to get up from the main parking area. If you don’t go here during your time in Auckland, you’re missing out!"— Jared Bayley

Explore the extensive collection of native and exotic plants, themed gardens, and walking trails in this beautiful botanical park, a refreshing start to the day.

"Gorgeous place. Sprawling gardens covered with all sorts of greenery. Local and exotic fauna with informative placards, easily walkable paths, and so many birds, bees, and butterflies! Lots to see here and some areas dedicated for children's learning too. Also an area for dogs to run around off leash. More towards the back of the gardens is a connection to a larger park with forested walking trails and some small streams. I really enjoyed my time here and would highly recommend. Best of all, it's free!"— Muneeb Khan

Witness the vibrant geothermal activity including the famous Champagne Pool, Artist's Palette, and bubbling mud pools. Experience the Lady Knox Geyser eruption (daily at 10:15 AM).

"We took family over from overseas to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland and they absolutely loved it. It’s one of those places that really delivers on the “wow” factor — the colours, the steam, and the unique landscapes are unreal and totally different to anything they’d seen before. A couple of practical tips that made the visit even better: wear good shoes, especially if it’s been wet beforehand, as some paths can be a bit slippery. Definitely take water, as you’ll be walking around for a while, and don’t forget sunscreen — even on cooler days you’re out in the open a lot. Overall, an awesome experience for all ages and a perfect spot to take visitors from overseas."— Paul McKenzie

Observe the conservation efforts for New Zealand's national bird, the kiwi, including seeing eggs in incubators and young chicks in a nocturnal house.

"What an incredible experience! This tour was informative, exciting and cute. The hatchery is an incredible place that places a huge emphasis on conservation and protection for kiwis. We had a talk about kiwis and their status as endangered animals. We then got to see two adult kiwis in the nocturnal house, followed by some kiwi eggs in the incubation room. The final step of the tour was to see the kiwi nursery where we were lucky enough to watch a baby kiwi receiving its daily health check. Our tour guide Carole was absolutely fantastic. She really made the tour with her friendly attitude, extensive knowledge and her blatant passion for everything she was talking about. She guided and controlled the group well and ensured that everything ran smoothly. Carole- you’re the best guide we’ve had in Aotearoa. Thanks so much for an amazing tour!"— Megan Thomas

Experience the stunning Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest from a unique perspective on the Treewalk, suspended high above the ground on a series of eco-friendly bridges and platforms.

"We arrived at 11:00 p.m., and the experience was beautiful. Although it was quite dark, the lighting along the walkways was bright and well done, creating a striking atmosphere. It is important to note that once you begin the walk, there is no turning back, and the bridges move as you walk across them. As someone who is afraid of heights, I found it manageable, especially since the darkness limited visibility below. If you complete the walk quickly and still have time remaining, you are allowed to go through it again. Adjacent to the treetop walk is a glow worm cave, which was also very interesting. The staff were extremely friendly and accommodating; despite it being after 11:00 p.m. and close to closing time, they kindly agreed to show us the glow worm cave. Parking is limited, so arriving a few minutes early is recommended. The restrooms, however, were not very clean."— Serli

Take the scenic gondola up Bob's Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding mountains. Optionally, try the luge ride for some family fun.

"Our family has been huge fans of the Luge ever since it opened in our hometown, Singapore. Visiting the Luge here was one of our must-do activities in Queenstown, and it definitely did not disappoint. We even spent our Lunar New Year here! I’m quite scared of heights, but the gondola ride was incredibly smooth and steady, which made the journey up very comfortable. The views of Queenstown were absolutely magnificent, and we even spotted a few sheep on the mountains along the way. Once we reached the top, the cool temperature and the stunning scenery made the whole trip even more worthwhile. Of course, the highlight was the luge rides—we went for 6 rounds because honestly, one is never enough! The entire experience was so much fun and truly memorable for our family. Interestingly, the waiting time here felt shorter compared to Singapore because the procedures are a bit different. From the second round onwards, we could take our own luge carts, which helped reduce the waiting time. As loyal supporters of the Luge, we’ll definitely be visiting it in other countries too. Highly recommended for families visiting Queenstown!"— Ruth Tay

Enjoy a leisurely walk through the beautiful Queenstown Gardens, then continue along the picturesque waterfront of Lake Wakatipu, soaking in the mountain scenery.

"Queenstown Gardens is a beautiful and relaxing spot right near Queenstown city center and an absolute must-visit. There are photo opportunities everywhere, with colorful flowers, mature trees, and well-maintained paths throughout the gardens. Each section feels distinct, which makes walking through it feel like multiple experiences in one place. One of the highlights is the sunset views—it’s a perfect place to slow down, take photos, and watch the sun go down over Lake Wakatipu. The gardens sit on a peninsula, so you also get beach and lake access on both sides, which adds to how scenic and peaceful it feels despite being so close to town. Whether you’re looking for a quiet walk, great photos, or a scenic sunset spot, Queenstown Gardens is well worth the visit."— Vidal Jr

Experience the ultimate jet boat ride through the spectacular Shotover River canyons, with thrilling 360-degree spins and high speeds, fulfilling your adventure interest.

"If you're a thrill and adventure seeker, you absolutely must visit. These boats work in a similar way to jetskis, so they have no propeller and only need 10cm of ground clearance. The horsepower for the twin engine boats is above 400HP. Absolute pure adrenaline thrill ride. We loved it. Reservations fill up very fast so make sure you book early. Very well organized and professional outfit."— Moritz

Drive to the charming historic gold mining town of Arrowtown and explore its well-preserved main street and the evocative Chinese Settlement, offering a glimpse into its rich past.

"Very nice exhibit to learn about the history of this unique place. The people who first settled here clearly had a lot of interesting experiences. In addition, the river and valley here are absolutely beautiful, definitely do walk along the river as long as you can."— Andrew Vandekerckhove

Embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Wakatipu aboard the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship, followed by a visit to Walter Peak High Country Farm to experience rural New Zealand life, including a farm show.

"Amazing experience! We got the TSS Earnslaw there and back. The BBQ buffet is SO YUM!! Huge selection of food and desserts, it was so good. Also got to walk up and see Dougal, the highland cow and a few other animals. The scenery on the boat and at the farm is stunning, there is also a cute gift shop. Amazing day for sure :)"— Sally Vokins

Embark on one of the world's most scenic drives, tracing the shores of Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy. Enjoy breathtaking views of dramatic mountains, pristine waters, and film locations with numerous photo stops and short walk opportunities.

"There were not many tourists using this hiking trail, so I chose a shorter walking route, which was still nearly 3km long. I walked along the leisurely flowing Rees River and its tributaries, with views of the mountains in the distance. I could feel the untouched nature."— Hiro Huzikawa

Challenge yourself with a rewarding hike up Queenstown Hill, offering spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding Remarkables mountain range.

"We had some free time on a tour, and chose to hike this trail for a view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The path leads from town, up through a wonderful rainforest, complete with fairy / cairn garden, up past an intriguing sculpture "Basket of Dreams", to an amazing view of the valley. We also enjoyed watching the paragliders take off from the gondola from the next peak, which was fun! There are benches along the way to stop and take in the scenery and atmosphere, and the trail is in great shape for most abilities levels - though it does get a bit rocky near the top. If you're in town and have time, take a walk on this trail. Watch your time, and if you're short, there is something to see for any length of hike."— Eric Enskat

Enjoy a final leisurely walk along the scenic shores of Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown, taking in the iconic mountain backdrop before departing.

"We had some free time on a tour, and chose to hike this trail for a view of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The path leads from town, up through a wonderful rainforest, complete with fairy / cairn garden, up past an intriguing sculpture "Basket of Dreams", to an amazing view of the valley. We also enjoyed watching the paragliders take off from the gondola from the next peak, which was fun! There are benches along the way to stop and take in the scenery and atmosphere, and the trail is in great shape for most abilities levels - though it does get a bit rocky near the top. If you're in town and have time, take a walk on this trail. Watch your time, and if you're short, there is something to see for any length of hike."— Eric Enskat

Visit New Zealand's largest kiwi hatching and rearing facility. Learn about the conservation efforts for the rare Rowi and Haast Tokoeka kiwi, and get a chance to see them.

"Great, when you waited for a couple of hours in the rain to see the little blue penguins a week ago and they didn't show. This is a really good way to preserve the lives of those who wouldn't have survived in the wild. Spent ages watching the rowi kiwi too. A great place to visit.🤩"— Helen v Walker

Embark on a well-maintained walk to a viewpoint of the Franz Josef Glacier terminal face, offering stunning close-up views of the ice and surrounding valley. This easy-to-moderate walk is a great way to experience the glacier.

"This is a great little walk close to the Franz Josef township. The scenic little trail starts on the highway almost opposite the school and ends near the Medical Centre. From there it's straight into town. The trail is quite good and is nice and wide with plenty of space for cycling and walking. We use it as a loop for a great little dog walk using Douglas Rd. One of the few places you can walk in dog in this part of the West Coast!"— Paul Bourke

Embark on a challenging 5-hour hike offering some of the most spectacular views of the Franz Josef Glacier terminal face and surrounding rainforest. This track involves significant elevation gain and varied terrain.

"Well marked trail, rocky with some short sections of scrambling, steep in places and some small stream crossings. Not particularly difficult in GOOD WEATHER but not advised in bad weather. Some nice reflections in a pool alongside the path and not far from the car park. A few nice suspension bridges along the route. Helicopter noise for much of the walk reduces enjoyment."— S H

Begin the journey with a scenic drive from Franz Josef to Lake Matheson near Fox Glacier, renowned for its reflective views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman.

"The Loop walk takes through beautiful path around the lake. The setting is wonderful, and despite many cars in car park, it was very quiet. You must visit Reflection Island, and if weather is kind, you will get iconic view of Mt Tasman & Mt Cook as mirror image in the lake. My first visit was not succesful, so returned early next morning when lack of wind & clouds helped me get a great photo"— Martin Trevers

Enjoy a tranquil walk around Lake Matheson, famous for its perfect reflections of New Zealand's highest peaks. This easy loop offers stunning photographic opportunities and a peaceful nature experience.

"The Loop walk takes through beautiful path around the lake. The setting is wonderful, and despite many cars in car park, it was very quiet. You must visit Reflection Island, and if weather is kind, you will get iconic view of Mt Tasman & Mt Cook as mirror image in the lake. My first visit was not succesful, so returned early next morning when lack of wind & clouds helped me get a great photo"— Martin Trevers