10 Days of Skiing, Hiking, and Aurora Adventure Itinerary

Begin your second day with an early start as you head out on the From Auckland: Hobbiton Movie Set Full-Day Small-Group Trip. This magical journey will take you to the famous Hobbiton movie set where you can explore the lush pastures of The Shire from 'The Lord of the Rings' films. Breakfast will be provided as part of this tour.

Return to Auckland in the afternoon and catch a ferry to Waiheke Island for an unforgettable experience on the Waiheke Island Gourmet Food and Wine Tour with Platter Lunch. You'll visit several boutique wineries, sample local wines, and enjoy a delicious platter lunch amidst stunning vineyard views. It's an excellent way to unwind after your morning adventure.

After returning from Waiheke Island, spend your evening exploring Ponsonby Road, one of Auckland's trendiest neighborhoods known for its vibrant nightlife. Have dinner at Ponsonby Road Bistro, which offers a variety of delectable dishes in a chic setting. Conclude your night at Coco's Cantina, where you can enjoy some late-night drinks in a cozy atmosphere.

Kick off your third day with an invigorating hike at Waitakere Ranges. Begin at the visitor center before embarking on one of many trails that offer stunning views of native forest and waterfalls. Don't forget to visit the iconic Arataki Visitor Centre during your hike for some insightful information about local flora and fauna. For breakfast beforehand or brunch afterward, stop by The Piha Café near Piha Beach.

After exploring Waitakere Ranges, head towards Piha Beach itself - one of New Zealand’s most famous surf beaches known for its black sand and rugged beauty (Piha Beach). Spend some time relaxing on the beach or take another short hike up Lion Rock for panoramic views over Piha. For lunch, enjoy fresh seafood at nearby restaurant The Piha RSA which offers great ocean views.

In the evening, return to central Auckland where you can wind down at Silo Park (Silo Park). This urban space often hosts outdoor movies or events depending on what’s scheduled during your visit - check ahead! Have dinner at nearby restaurant Baduzzi, renowned for its Italian cuisine especially meatballs! Finish off with drinks at rooftop bar Seven, providing spectacular cityscape views.

Start your day with a thrilling adventure on the Queenstown Pilot's Choice Helicopter Tour & Alpine Landing. This tour offers breathtaking aerial views of Queenstown and its surrounding landscapes, including majestic mountains and serene lakes. The helicopter will land on a remote alpine location, giving you the chance to take in the pristine beauty up close. For breakfast before your flight, visit Vudu Café & Larder, known for its delicious breakfast options and great coffee.

After your morning adventure, head to Skyline Queenstown for an afternoon of fun and stunning views. Take the gondola ride up to Bob's Peak where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. Once at the top, indulge in a buffet lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, which offers a wide variety of dishes with spectacular views. After lunch, try out the luge rides or simply relax and take in the scenery.

In the evening, explore Queenstown's vibrant nightlife starting with a visit to Queenstown Gardens. Take a leisurely stroll through these beautiful gardens located by the lakefront. For dinner, dine at Fergburger, famous for its gourmet burgers that are loved by locals and tourists alike. End your night with drinks at The Bunker, a cozy bar offering an extensive cocktail menu and a warm atmosphere.

Begin your last day with a serene and picturesque experience on the Queenstown TSS Earnslaw Cruise of Lake Whakatipu. This historic steamship cruise offers incredible views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Before your cruise, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Vudu Café & Larder, known for its delicious breakfast options and great coffee.

In the afternoon, take part in the Queenstown Wine Tasting Tour. This guided tour will take you through some of the most beautiful vineyards in the region, where you can sample local wines and learn about the winemaking process. For lunch afterward, visit Amisfield Bistro, which offers a variety of tasty dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

As night falls, prepare for an unforgettable dining experience at Rātā, renowned for its contemporary New Zealand cuisine and beautiful setting. After dinner, head to Skyline Queenstown for a gondola ride up to Bob's Peak where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu under the starry sky. End your night with drinks at The Bunker, a cozy bar offering an extensive cocktail menu and a warm atmosphere.

Wanaka Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight is the perfect way to start your day in Wanaka. Experience breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka, Mount Aspiring National Park, and surrounding areas from high above as you float gently over this stunning landscape. After landing, enjoy a champagne breakfast provided as part of this unique experience.

Wanaka Jet Boat Ride on Clutha River awaits you in the afternoon for an exhilarating ride through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful river scenery. This high-speed adventure combines thrilling jet boat maneuvers with informative commentary about local history and geology. For lunch afterward, head to The Landing Restaurant which offers delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise is an ideal way to wind down after an action-packed day. This relaxing cruise on Lake Wanaka includes complimentary drinks while you soak up stunning sunset views over the lake and surrounding mountains. Upon returning to shore, have dinner at Francesca's Italian Kitchen, known for its authentic Italian cuisine made with fresh local produce.

Wanaka Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour is perfect for starting your day in Wanaka. Experience breathtaking views of Lake Wanaka as you travel by water taxi to Mou Waho Island where you'll embark on a nature walk exploring unique flora/fauna along with hidden lake atop island itself! Afterward enjoy morning tea provided during tour.

Wanaka Jet Boat Ride on Clutha River awaits you in afternoon for exhilarating ride through some New Zealand’s most beautiful river scenery combining thrilling jet boat maneuvers informative commentary about local history/geology! For lunch afterward head to The Landing Restaurant offering delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

Lake Wanaka Happy Hour Cruise is ideal way wind down after action-packed day; relaxing cruise on Lake Wanaka includes complimentary drinks while soaking up stunning sunset views over lake/surrounding mountains! Upon returning shore have dinner atFrancesca's Italian Kitchen known authentic Italian cuisine made fresh local produce.

Mount Cook Aoraki/Mt Cook & The Glaciers 55 Minute Flight will be one of the highlights of your trip! This scenic flight takes you over New Zealand’s highest peaks including Aoraki/Mount Cook itself along with numerous glaciers such as Tasman Glacier - providing unparalleled aerial views that are sure to leave lasting memories! Enjoy breakfast beforehand at The Old Mountaineers' Café, offering hearty meals perfect for fueling up before your adventure.

Spend your afternoon exploring some ground-level beauty by taking part in Mount Cook Glentanner High Country Heli Hike. This guided hike starts with another short helicopter ride followed by trekking through remote high country terrain featuring stunning alpine vistas - all while learning about local flora/fauna from experienced guides! For lunch afterward stop by Chamois Bar & Grill which serves tasty pub fare along with refreshing beverages.

Conclude your day under starry skies during an unforgettable stargazing session via Lake Tekapo Alpine Stargazing Experience with a Guide. Located within one world’s best stargazing spots due minimal light pollution; knowledgeable guides provide insights into constellations/astronomy making it both educational/enchanting experience! Have dinner beforehand at nearby restaurantRakinui Restaurant known fine dining options featuring seasonal/local ingredients.

Mount Cook Mountains High 40 minute Flight is an exhilarating way to start your day. This scenic flight takes you over New Zealand’s highest peaks including Aoraki/Mount Cook itself along with numerous glaciers such as Tasman Glacier - providing unparalleled aerial views that are sure to leave lasting memories! Enjoy breakfast beforehand at The Old Mountaineers' Café, offering hearty meals perfect for fueling up before your adventure.

Mount Cook Glentanner High Country Heli Hike awaits you in the afternoon. This guided hike starts with another short helicopter ride followed by trekking through remote high country terrain featuring stunning alpine vistas - all while learning about local flora/fauna from experienced guides! For lunch afterward stop by Chamois Bar & Grill which serves tasty pub fare along with refreshing beverages.

Mount Cook Alpine Explorer 35 Minute Flight is an ideal way to wind down after an action-packed day. This relaxing flight over Mount Cook includes complimentary drinks while you soak up stunning sunset views over the mountains and surrounding glaciers. Upon returning to shore, have dinner at Hermitage Hotel Panorama Room, known for its fine dining options featuring seasonal/local ingredients.

Begin your day with a serene and picturesque experience on the Lake Tekapo 50-Minute Mount Cook and Beyond Scenic Flight. This flight offers incredible aerial views of Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, and the surrounding Southern Alps. Before your flight, enjoy a hearty breakfast at Peppers Bluewater Resort, known for its delicious breakfast buffet and stunning lake views.

In the afternoon, take part in the Lake Tekapo Guided Hiking. This guided hike will take you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including alpine meadows and pristine lakeshores. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insights into the local flora and fauna. For lunch afterward, visit Reflections Café, which offers a variety of tasty dishes with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.

As night falls, prepare for an unforgettable stargazing experience with the Lake Tekapo Alpine Stargazing Experience with a Guide. Located in one of the world's best stargazing spots due to minimal light pollution, this guided tour will provide you with fascinating insights into constellations and astronomy. Have dinner beforehand at Kohan Restaurant, renowned for its Japanese cuisine and beautiful lake views.