What should you do, see on a 7-day New Zealand trip? Follow this suggested New Zealand itinerary 7 days (New Zealand itinerary 1 week): Auckland – Queenstown for a detailed itinerary, costs, and helpful tips on how to spend 7 days in New Zealand perfectly!
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I was planning a trip to New Zealand, thinking it would simply be exploring a few cities, sightseeing, and then returning. But only after arriving did I understand why this country is always on the dream travel list for so many people. From the vibrant life of Auckland to the adventurous atmosphere of the South in Queenstown, everything blends together into a journey that is both unique and familiar.
Therefore, I want to share the seven-day itinerary that I found most suitable for those visiting New Zealand for the first time, combining urban exploration, nature, and unique culture. Now, let’s dive into the details of the trip.
New Zealand itinerary 7 days — Day 1: Auckland – Sky Tower, Viaduct Harbour
I’ve always been drawn to the unspoiled and multifaceted beauty of New Zealand, from movies and travel magazines to stories from friends who’ve been there before. This country not only boasts magnificent natural landscapes but also a friendly culture and a very pleasant urban lifestyle. Therefore, I decided to spend seven days exploring from Auckland to Queenstown.
I flew from Vietnam and had to make a connecting flight as there are currently no direct flights to Auckland. Round-trip tickets from Ho Chi Minh City to Auckland usually cost around VND 35,000,000 or more. The flight, including the layover, is usually over 18 hours. When booking tickets, I advise you to pay attention to the airline, the transit airport, and the waiting time to avoid fatigue after a long flight.
Upon arriving in Auckland, I went to a central hotel to rest and recharge. I chose a hotel near the city center for convenience, with an average room rate of around NZD138 per night, equivalent to approximately 2,065,000 VND. After checking in, I spent some time resting before starting my city tour.
SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium Ticket in Auckland
After getting ready, I visited the SkyTower to admire the panoramic view of Auckland from above. The Auckland SkyTower ticket was around NZD51, equivalent to 760,000 VND, a worthwhile experience to get acquainted with the city. In the afternoon, I strolled around Viaduct Harbour, a bustling harbor area with many cafes and restaurants along the waterfront, perfect for taking some Instagram-worthy photos and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
As the sun set, I walked along Queen Street to enjoy local cuisine, fish & chips and seafood for around NZD20-30 per person, equivalent to 299,000-449,000 VND. Since it was my first day in New Zealand, I took the opportunity to relax and rest early to prepare for the following days with plenty of energy.
Day 2: Auckland – Mount Eden Volcano, Waiheke Island, Oneroa Village
The second day of my Auckland trip started with great enthusiasm. I had a light breakfast at the hotel and prepared for my first sightseeing trip of the day: Mount Eden, also known as Maungawhau, a volcano right in the heart of the city. From the city center, I took a taxi for about 10-15 minutes, costing around NZD10 (150,000 VND). Entry to this area is free, so be sure to arrive early to enjoy the view and take photos!
After exploring Mount Eden, I went to the port to take a ferry to Waiheke Island. Round-trip ferry tickets are around NZD74 (1,107,000 VND), and you can combine it with a hop-on hop-off bus tour around the island. Waiheke is famous for its beautiful vineyards and beaches, so I spent the afternoon visiting the village of Oneroa.
Here, I strolled around the small boutique shops, enjoyed wine tastings at the vineyards, and relaxed on the beach. A full wine tasting tour costs from NZD275, equivalent to VND4,114,000 per person, including wine tastings at three vineyards and a light lunch. At the end of the day, I returned to Auckland and had dinner at Viaduct Harbour, or you can also go to Ponsonby Street, two bustling areas with many dining options. You should make reservations in advance if you go in the evening as the restaurants get very crowded.
The Essence of Waiheke Wine Tour
New Zealand itinerary 1 week — Day 3: Rotorua – Te Puia, Hot Springs, Maori Culture
The third day of our trip began in Rotorua, one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations with its volcanic nature and unique Maori culture. I left Auckland early in the morning and drove for about three hours to reach Rotorua. You can also choose to take the bus if you want to save money.
As soon as I arrived in Rotorua, I visited Te Puia, a place that combines geothermal springs, hot springs, and Māori cultural activities. Admission for adults is around NZD100, equivalent to 1,496,000 VND. Here, I had the opportunity to see Pōhutu Geyser – the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere – and learn about Māori traditions and crafts. I think you should spend at least two hours walking around, taking photos, and enjoying the natural scenery.
After sightseeing, I experienced a mineral mud bath and a nearby natural spa. These services typically cost from NZD45, equivalent to VND 670,000, providing a wonderfully relaxing feeling after a long journey. In the afternoon, I attended a Māori cultural performance at Te Puia, watched the traditional haka dance, and enjoyed hangi cooked underground. The package including the performance and dinner costs around NZD279, equivalent to VND 4,155,000.
Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve & Mud Spa Experiences
Day 4: Wellington – Te Papa Museum, Oriental Bay, Cuba Street
I started day four of my trip by traveling to Wellington, the beautiful yet vibrant capital of New Zealand. We left Rotorua early in the morning and chose a flight of about an hour to save time. If you enjoy scenic views along the way, a six to seven-hour drive is also a fun option, combining sightseeing with a road trip experience.
Upon arriving in Wellington, my first stop was Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum famous for its exhibits on Māori history, nature, and culture. Tickets for international visitors aged 16 and over cost around NZD35, equivalent to 524,000 VND per person. It’s recommended to book tickets online in advance to avoid long waits. Here, I spent about two hours exploring the main exhibits, learning about Aotearoa culture, and taking some souvenir photos.
After visiting the museum, I strolled along Oriental Bay. This is a beachfront area right in the city center, perfect for relaxing, sightseeing, and taking pictures. You can rent a bike or sit at a seaside café to enjoy a drink. Next, I visited Cuba Street, an art street with many small cafés and restaurants. There are quite a few brunch spots here with local food, priced around NZD18-25, or VND 270,000-375,000 per person.
At night, we enjoyed dinner at the waterfront to enjoy the nighttime atmosphere. We stayed overnight in Wellington, and I think you should choose a hotel near the city center or the coast for convenient travel the next morning.
Day 5: Christchurch – Botanic Gardens, Avon River, Art Centre
Today we traveled to Christchurch, a city with both pleasant nature and rich art and culture. We arrived in the morning and started exploring the city from the center to make the most of our time. From here, you have options such as flying from Wellington or driving for about six to seven hours if you want to enjoy the scenery along the way to Christchurch.
Our first stop was Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The botanical garden, spanning approximately 21 hectares, is located right in the center, so it’s easily accessible on foot. The open space and free admission allowed me to leisurely stroll along the paved paths and admire the gently winding River Avon beside it. I found one or two hours to be just enough time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, and experience the tranquility.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour
Next, I visited the Canterbury Museum, located right next to the botanical garden. The museum features exhibits on nature, history, and local culture. Admission is also free, so I took advantage of the opportunity to spend about an hour exploring the exhibits and taking some pictures.
In the afternoon, I spent time walking along the River Avon before visiting the Christchurch Arts Centre. It’s a charming little arts center with many craft shops, cute cafes, and colorful murals. A coffee or light snack typically costs around NZD 18 to 25, equivalent to approximately VND 270,000 to VND 375,000 per person. This space is perfect for sitting down and feeling the slow pace of life in Christchurch.
Day 6: Queenstown – Skyline Gondola, Lake Wakatipu, Adventure Experience
Today we spent the whole day in Queenstown, the city known as the adventure capital of New Zealand. We arrived in the morning and traveled from the airport to the city center by taxi or rental car to save time.
Our first stop was the Skyline Gondola, which offered panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables mountain range. The gondola ticket for adults is around NZD66, equivalent to VND988,000. Going early in the morning is ideal because it’s not too crowded and the light is beautiful for taking photos.
Next came the part I was most looking forward to: challenging myself with adventure activities. Queenstown has plenty of exciting activities from bungee jumping and jet boating to trekking around the lake. I chose a jet boat tour, priced at around NZD 179, equivalent to 2,666,000 VND for adults. The experience was fantastic, but if you participate, remember to wear comfortable clothes and bring a waterproof jacket as it’s extremely easy to get splashed. If you prefer something more relaxing, walking around the lake is also very enjoyable and the scenery is breathtaking.
Shotover Jet Boat Ride in Queenstown
As evening fell, I wandered around the city center. I visited a few small shops, had coffee, and tried some local dishes. A meal costing around NZD 25, or about 375,000 VND per person, was enough for a light but delicious meal. Staying at a hotel near the center was very convenient; I could take more walks in the evening and easily start my itinerary the next morning.
Day 7: Fiord Bay Sightseeing, Waterfalls and Rocks
My final day in New Zealand was dedicated to Milford Sound. I departed quite early from Queenstown and chose a combined bus and boat tour for convenience, as the journey takes about four hours each way. This allowed me time to rest on the bus and enjoy the scenery before arriving at the bay.
As the boat began gliding gently across the water, I felt like I was stepping into another world. Towering cliffs appeared before my eyes, and waterfalls cascaded down continuously like a white curtain of water. If the weather was nice, the sunlight made everything even more enchanting. The price for a day tour from Queenstown was around NZD 248 (3,693,000 VND) per person, and this cost was completely worth it for such a complete experience.
Premium Milford Sound Small Group Cruise Tour
While on the boat, you should take some time to stand on the outer deck to take photos and admire the view. I even saw dolphins or seals swimming near the boat, so remember to observe carefully! On the way back to Queenstown, I took the opportunity to stop at a few scenic spots like Mirror Lakes to relax and take some more photos. In the evening, back at the hotel, I started packing my bags and preparing for my flight back to Vietnam.
New Zealand Travel Cost Estimate (7 Days 6 Nights)
After experiencing New Zealand firsthand and researching service prices, I found the following cost estimate suitable for most Vietnamese tourists traveling independently and comfortably without being overly extravagant. I’ve quickly compiled the actual expenses for a 7-day, 6-night trip to New Zealand to help you visualize and proactively prepare your budget. You can adjust it higher or lower depending on your needs for food, accommodation, or sightseeing activities.
| Category | Estimated cost (VND) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Round-trip airfare | 20.000.000 - 35.000.000 | Fly from Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City, with one layover. |
| New Zealand Visa | 2.000.000 - 3.500.000 | Submit it yourself or through a service. |
| 6-night hotel stay | 12.000.000 - 21.000.000 | 3-4 star hotels or Airbnb |
| Eating for 7 days | 3.500.000 - 7.000.000 | Approximately 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND per day |
| Domestic travel | 3.000.000 - 6.000.000 | Rent a self-drive car or take an intercity bus. |
| Entrance tickets | 4.000.000 - 8.000.000 | Milford Sound, Rotorua, Museum |
| Experiential activities | 4.000.000 - 10.000.000 | Jet boat, gondola, heli flight |
| Travel insurance | 400.000 - 900.000 | International travel package |
| Personal spending | 2.000.000 - 5.000.000 | SIM card, gifts, and additional expenses. |
| Total estimated cost | 51.900.000 - 97.400.000 | Depending on your travel style |
(*) Note: The above cost estimate is for reference only. Actual prices depend on the time of year, exchange rates, and your personal travel style.
New Zealand Independent Travel Tips
I learned a lot from my independent trip to New Zealand and found that with proper preparation, the journey is much smoother. When applying for a visa, I had to prepare quite thoroughly, from my passport and bank statements to my itinerary. The processing time usually takes two to four weeks, so it’s best to apply early to have peace of mind. The visa fee is also reasonable, and you should check it beforehand to prepare accordingly.
Regarding transportation, I found that renting a car is the most convenient option if you like flexibility. Rental costs vary, suitable for solo travelers or groups. If you want to save even more, you can try intercity buses. Many young travelers in New Zealand also share their trips to reduce fuel costs.
In addition, I found that downloading local travel apps, such as CamperMate, Air NZ, Klook, etc., is really helpful. This makes it easy to find parking or rest stops when traveling between towns. You should also exchange some cash in Vietnam to be prepared as soon as you arrive in New Zealand. These tips are quite basic but helped make my trip smoother. Hopefully, you will also find them useful when preparing for your own self-guided trip.
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to New Zealand
1. How long should I stay to explore New Zealand fully?
Tourists usually need about seven to ten days to experience the highlights of New Zealand relatively completely.
2. Can tourists visit both the North Island and the South Island in one trip?
Tourists can absolutely combine the two islands, and passengers should fly domestically or travel by ferry between Picton and Wellington to save time.
3. What is the best time to experience New Zealand?
New Zealand is usually at its most beautiful in spring, from September to November, and in early summer, from December to January.
4. Should you buy a day tour in New Zealand?
Tourists should consider buying day tours for more distant destinations like Milford Sound or Mount Cook to save time and ensure safety during travel.
I’ve always felt that New Zealand has a very natural way of making visitors remember it forever, even though everyone comes with different expectations. Traveling from Auckland to Queenstown, I found this country fascinating because each place retains its own unique character while still being connected by an indescribable sense of peace. And I believe anyone can find something that suits them when they set foot in this beautiful land.
With a 7-day New Zealand travel itinerary already planned, pack your bags and go!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Auckland you can refer to
- Taste of Waiheke Day Tour from Auckland
- Hobbiton Express Small Group Tour with Lunch from Auckland
- Karekare Waterfalls and Piha Beach Day Tour from Auckland
- Auckland Zoo Ticket
- Auckland Explorer Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Pass 24 or 48 Hour with Devonport ferry
- SkyTower Auckland Tickets
- Auckland War Memorial Museum Ticket
- SkyBus Auckland Airport (AKL) Express Transfer Ticket
- SheepWorld Admission Ticket
- Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers for Auckland
- Shared and Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers to/from Auckland CBD
- Soaring Kiwi Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass in Auckland (24 or 48 Hours)
Are you looking for more top things to do in Auckland: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.
