Couple from the US coming late Feb 2027, 65 but in great shape, love sites, wildlife and scenery, great food, but not crowds. Appreciate all the great advice here - booked the flights, getting the rental car next, and finally stays/activities (bookabach looks great). Also worried Roy’s Peak may be too much for us in Wanaka. Thanks again!
Flying through Fiji – cheaper and gives us time to adjust there
Day 1: Arrive Auckland – get Apex rental car, get supplies including a “chilly bin”, stay the night
Day 2: Ferry to Wiaheke – ebikes, beach, wineries
Day 3: Drive to Piha beach AM, Whitianga PM
Day 4: Kayak to Cathedral Cove AM, Beach PM
Day 5: Beach AM, drive to Rotoura PM
Day 6: Glow worms AM, Mitai dinner PM stay in Rotoura
Day 7: drive to Tongariro – some of the Alpine hike stay in Ohanke
Day 8: drive to Wellington and spend the night
Day 9: ferry to Picton – drive to Abel Tasman
Day 10: Hike and kayak Abel Tasman
Day 11: drive Abel Tasman to Franz Josef glaciers
Day 12: helicopter and hike glaciers AM / PM drive to Wanaka
Day 13: Stay Wanaka – hikes
Day 14: Drive to Te Anau
Day 15: Milford Sound drive and boat / stay Te Anau
Day 16: Doubtful sound overnight boat
Day 17: Doubtful Sound to Invercargill
Day 18: Stewart Island am / long drive to Lake Tenaka
Day 19 Hooker Valley Track and tooling around / Stay Lake Tenaka
Day 20 Lake Tenaka (or Arthurs Pass) Drive to Christchurch
Day 12 Depart Christchurch