Chasing Horizons: A Journey Through New Zealand’s Wonders, From Glowing Caves to Majestic Peaks

12/18/2024: Departure

• Drive from San Diego to Los Angeles
• Leave San Diego in the afternoon to avoid traffic.
• Park at LAX Hilton (book parking in advance for a smooth experience).

• Flight:

American Airlines 83

Departs Wed, Dec 18, 11:25pm

Los Angeles, CA, United States (LAX-Los Angeles Intl.)

Terminal O 13h 40m duration

Arrives Fri, Dec 20, 10:05am 

Auckland, New Zealand (AKL-Auckland Intl.)

Terminal I

12/20/2024: Arrival in Auckland

• Arrive at AKL at 10:30 AM
• Go through customs and immigration (estimate 1-1.5 hours).
• Pick up car rental from Hertz: Intermediate SUV (Mitsubishi Outlander).
• Snack Stop: Head to a local supermarket like Countdown or New World for hiking snacks.
• Check-in at Hilton Auckland.
• Rest and explore SkyCity, Auckland Waterfront in the evening, perhaps dine at a local restaurant like Ahi.

12/21/2024: Waitomo Caves & Tongariro National Park

• Morning: Depart Auckland by 9:30 AM for Waitomo.
• Drive time: ~2.5 hours.
• Waitomo Glowworm Cave Tour (1:40 PM, duration: 2 hours 45 minutes).

• After the tour, grab a quick bite before heading to Tongariro.
• Drive to Tongariro: ~2 hours.
• Stay: Plateau Lodge, Tongariro.
• Relax and prepare for the hike the next day.

12/22/2024: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (6-8 hours).

• Start early for the best experience (7-8 AM).
• Bring plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen.
• After the hike, rest at Plateau Lodge and perhaps enjoy a soothing soak in their hot tub.

12/23/2024: Hobbiton & Rotorua

• Drive to Hobbiton: Depart by 9:00 AM for a leisurely drive (~2.5 hours).

• Tour at 1:40 PM (booked via GetYourGuide).
• Drive to Rotorua: ~45 minutes.
• Check-in at Pullman Rotorua.
• Relax and perhaps explore local cafes or a geothermal park.

12/24/2024: Rotorua Activities

• Morning: Choose between Hells Gate Mud Spa or Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland.
• Evening: Mitai Māori Cultural Experience & buffet dinner (6:30 PM).
• Enjoy a traditional Māori show and feast.

12/25/2024: Rotorua to Auckland

• Morning: Walk around Kuirau Park or Government Gardens in Rotorua.
• Drive to Auckland: ~3 hours.
• Laundry at the hotel or a nearby laundromat.
• Stay: The Grand by SkyCity.

12/26/2024: Christchurch

• Flight to Christchurch: Air New Zealand at 9:00 AM, arrive at 11:00 AM.
• Pick up rental car from Hertz.
• Grocery Stop: Stock up on essentials for the time in Mt. Cook.
• Lunch at Old Street Malaysian Restaurant.
• Drive to Mt. Cook: ~4 hours.
• Stay: The Hermitage Hotel, Mt. Cook.
• Enjoy the stunning night sky at Mt. Cook.

12/27/2024: Explore Mt. Cook

• Visit the Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre.
• Optional activities: Glacier Explorers boat tour or stargazing at the observatory.

12/28/2024: Hooker Valley Track

• Hike Hooker Valley Track (3-4 hours, easy to moderate hike).

• Enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Cook, glaciers, and lakes.
• Afternoon free for relaxation or additional short walks.

12/29/2024: Drive to Te Anau

• Drive to Te Anau: ~5 hours.
• Consider stopping in Queenstown for a break.
• Stay: Distinction Luxmore Hotel, Te Anau.
• Evening: Relax and prepare for Milford Sound.

12/30/2024: Milford Sound Cruise

• Drive to Milford Sound: 2 hours.
• Cruise at 1:30 PM (booked via GetYourGuide).

• Return to Te Anau by late afternoon.
• Optional evening activity: Explore Te Anau Glowworm Caves.

12/31/2024: Queenstown - New Year’s Eve

• Drive to Queenstown: ~2.5 hours.
• Explore the town in the afternoon.
• New Year’s Eve dinner at Skyline Queenstown: Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar.
• Stay: Villa Del Lago.

01/01/2025: Jet Boat Tour

• Jet Boat Tour at 12:00 noon (booked via GetYourGuide).
• Enjoy a thrilling ride on the Shotover River.

• Afternoon free for exploring Queenstown’s lakeside or other activities.

01/02/2025: Biking & Canyoning

• Bike Tour to Gibbston Winery (book with Better By Bike).

• Explore vineyards and enjoy wine tasting.
• Optional: Gibbston Canyoning for an adventurous afternoon.

01/03/2025: Queenstown to Auckland

• Airport Return car rental at Queenstown Airport (10:30 AM).
• Flight to Auckland: Jetstar at 12:45 PM, arrive at 2:35 PM.

• Stay: The Grand by SkyCity.
• Evening: Relax and enjoy Auckland’s vibrant dining scene.

01/04/2025: Departure

• Flight to LAX: Qantas Airways, departs at 3:50 PM.
• Arrive early at the airport to check in.