My incredible 10-day New Zealand trip

I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip to NZ, where I explored both islands over 10 days. If you’ve got a short time frame like this and a real appetite for adventure, you’ll be amazed at what you can pack into your itinerary.

Arriving in Auckland 

I flew into Auckland, the main airport in the North Island. As I arrived late at night, I booked a stay at the Novotel Auckland Airport, located right outside the terminal exit. It was the perfect place to rest and recharge my batteries after the long journey. I can’t tell you how comfy the bed felt after travelling for 24 hours!

Connecting to Christchurch 

The next morning, I was up early to take a small regional flight to Christchurch. Catching a regional flight in New Zealand is super quick and simple. Once you’ve checked your luggage in, you make your way to your departure gate. There’s no security, so the whole thing is seamless. Before I knew it, I was on the South Island, and it wasn’t even lunchtime!

My take on Christchurch 

Christchurch is a compact city that is sometimes overlooked by international tourists. However, I think it’s a great place to spend a few days (if you have time on your side). We stayed at the Novotel Christchurch, which is a great option thanks to its central location. 

Christchurch is also a brilliant spot for families. The adventure park is a perfect place to spend the afternoon with kids, with some hair-raising bike trails and ziplines to get the blood pumping! For something more relaxed, you can take the ski lift to the viewpoint and soak up the panoramic views.

Exploring Christchurch 

It was a beautiful sunny day in Christchurch, and we headed straight to Tussock Hill for lunch. This is a family-owned boutique vineyard with amazing views, tasty food, and delicious local wine. 

Afterwards, we headed to the Christchurch Gondola. Taking a smooth ride to the top, we were greeted with panoramic views out across the city to those iconic New Zealand mountains in the distance. The scenery is jaw-dropping.

Taking a foodie safari 

The next day, we joined a city food safari with Amiki Tours. This was my absolute highlight of Christchurch. Our Māori guide was incredibly knowledgeable about Christchurch. As we explored, he taught us about the history of the city and its redevelopment following the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. We also learned about Māori culture and traditions, sampling yummy food from local small businesses on the way.

River punting and tram touring 

We spent the rest of the afternoon punting along the Avon River and tasting street food at the riverside markets, before finishing the day with the Tram Dining Experience, where we were served a delicious 3-course meal as we did a circuit of the city.

A sunrise soak at Te Puna Taimoana Pools 

The next morning, we were up before dawn for a sunrise soak at Te Puna Taimoana Pools. Perched on the shore of Brighton Beach, you get to sit back and soak up the scenery as the sun rises over the ocean. Make sure you book ahead for this, as it’s popular with tourists and locals alike - for good reason!

The journey to Lake Tekapo 

From Christchurch, we set off for Lake Tekapo and the Aoraki/Mount Cook area by road. When you start to drive out of Christchurch towards the mountains, the views are something else. Think dramatic snow-tipped mountains and brilliant turquoise blue lakes. This is the New Zealand I had always pictured in my mind's eye.

Staying at the Hermitage Hotel 

We arrived at The Hermitage Hotel early afternoon, situated right in front of Mount Cook with impressive views of the mountain. If you’re considering staying here, I’d really recommend a night or two to catch your breath and lap up the landscape. Book a room with a view, pour a glass of wine, and spend some beautiful quiet time on your balcony.

The Glacier Explorers Tasman Lake Tour 

From The Hermitage, we took the Glacier Explorers Tasman Lake Tour. Just a short coach ride and a 10-minute walk through what feels like Middle Earth, you come to the icy blue Tasman Lake. Surrounded by mountains and walled by the Tasman Glacier, this place is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. 

We hopped on a boat and headed out to the lake, passing chunks of fallen icebergs and learning all about the formations. You can’t get too close to the glacier (for safety reasons), but the views alone from the lake are exceptional! The whole thing gave me goosebumps – it was just extraordinary.

Stargazing on the South Island 

This part of South Island sits within the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. With very little light pollution, the stargazing here is world-famous. The best months for this are winter (June to August), but it’s something you can do on a year-round basis. 

We did the Pukaki Wine Cellar and Observatory ‘Billion Stars’ dining experience. Wrapped up in blankets, with a little tipple and a few canapés, we peered into their rooftop telescope while our guide talked us through the night sky.

Taking a scenic glacier flight 

The next day we took a scenic flight from Lake Tekapo into the mountains, which was a real ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ moment for me. I’d say that if you’re on a tight timeframe and you can’t get all the way to Franz Joseph or the Fox Glacier, this scenic flight is a brilliant alternative. The views were out of this world.

Flying over Mount Doom 

After our time exploring the mountains and lakes, it was time to say goodbye to South Island and take a flight from Christchurch to Rotorua. This flight was also incredibly impressive, flying over Tongariro National Park with its rugged volcanic peaks and pools. If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan like me, this is very exciting. You’ll quickly recognise Mount Ngauruhoe as the location of Mount Doom.

Going geothermal in Rotorua 

Touching down in Rotorua, you’ll instantly know you’ve arrived in a city known for its geothermal activity. Let’s just say that it has a very distinct aroma! While you’re here, I’d highly recommend visiting Te Puia to see the geysers, spending a few hours at one of Rotorua’s geothermal spas, or booking a hot tub at Secret Spots (a hidden gem popular with locals).

Learning about local Māori culture 

For me, the highlight of Rotorua was the rich Māori culture. We dipped into one of the jade (pounamu) jewellery and carving workshops, where you can see how they carve Jade into statues and meaningful pieces of jewellery. 

We spent the evening at Te Pa Tu, an immersive Māori experience, learning about the culture and traditions. Seeing the haka in person is surreal, and it felt like a true honour. If you’re feeling confident, you can even join in with some of the performances, or – like me - you can sit in the crowd and enjoy the traditional Māori dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients.

Visit the National Kiwi Hatchery 

While you’re in Rotorua, pop into The National Kiwi Hatchery, which has spent the last 30 years trying to save this native species. Hatching season is from September to March, when you’ll see lots of baby chicks. However, you can visit all year round to learn all about the conservation efforts and see the kiwis in their nocturnal house. It’s a very heartwarming place!

Exploring Hobbiton 

It was almost time for my New Zealand experience to end, but not before visiting one of the most iconic attractions in the country - Hobbiton! This has been on my bucket list for a very long time, and it did not disappoint! Even if you’re not a big Lord of the Rings fan, you can still enjoy the tour and appreciate the incredible detail that has gone into bringing the story to life.

If Hobbiton is on your ‘must-do’ list, I highly recommend booking in advance, as it’s normally fully booked in high season. After exploring the Hobbit holes and grabbing a drink at the Green Dragon, we finished off with a buffet lunch in Bilbo’s party tent. The general tour is over before you know it, so adding this little extra is a nice way to keep the experience going a little longer.

My thoughts about a 10-day New Zealand trip 

New Zealand is a place you can visit over and over again and still discover something new. No matter how long your trip is, you’ll always leave wanting more! Over just ten magical days, I travelled from mountains, glaciers and lakes to thriving cities, geothermal hotspots, and even Middle Earth! Along the way, I tried all kinds of exciting activities, tasted amazing food and wine, learnt about Māori culture, and strolled through Hobbiton. 

I wouldn’t hesitate to visit New Zealand on a shorter time frame. By prioritising your wish list and choosing your main highlights, it’s all very achievable, as long as you arrive with a sense of adventure. If you’re ready to take a fast-paced approach and make the most of regional flights, you can cover a huge amount of ground. It’s always great to leave a little stone unturned anyway, as it gives you the perfect excuse to go back!

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