The Scenic Queenstown to Auckland Tour (Part III)

Second day in Picton calls for some Queen Charlotte Sound adventure. There are series of water based activities offered by tour companies in Picton such as sea kayaking, swimming with dolphins, scuba diving and boat cruise. Looking for a mix of inland & water based activity? Take a day walk via the Queen Charlotte Track. From Picton, there are water taxis available to drop you at some points where you'll start the walk. Make sure to contact DOC or visit Visitor Centre for assistance.

Head to North Island by taking a vehicle ferry to Wellington. Enjoy the cruise as you pass by the famous Malborough Sound. Once you've settled a motorhome space in a holiday park at Wellington, proceed to Mount Victoria Lookout for the best view of the city and Cook Straight. Join the fun and wander along Wellington Waterfront at night. Watch a show in Circa, learn about New Zealand's history in Te Papa Museum or simply stroll along the area with artistic sculptures and Wellington Writers Walk.

Start your day with a historic ride via the Wellington Cable Car that will take you up to the Botanic Garden. Don't forget to miss the Cable Car Museum adjacent to the Kelburn Terminus. If you want some karori sanctuary experience, from the Cable Car Museum take the shuttle to Zealandia for some wildlife adventure. Then do a half-day Lord of  the Rings Location Tour with Wellington Rover Tours or any tour companies in Wellington. Finally, end your day by meeting the bohemian community in the Cuba Street District.

See over 5,000 rose varieties in the Victoria Esplanade Gardens or witness the beautiful cherry blossom trees during spring time. Traveling families can head over to The Owlcatraz, a wildlife park located southwest of Palmerston North. Then spend the rest of your day waking  around the city and visiting local shops or  tackle one of the many walking tracks in the Manawatu-Wanganui area.

Make your way to Wairakei Tourist Park of Taupo. Start with exploring the Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk followed by a nice view of the Huka Falls. You can follow the Huka Falls walkway that starts from the Spa Thermal Park. Then end you day at Taupo DeBretts Thermal Pools, take a dip at the mineral pool and enjoy a good massage.

Explore the great Lake Taupo on your second day, starting with a trip to the Maori Rock Carvings. The best way to view the carvings is to take a boat cruise to this 10 metre high rock work-of-art or  do a kayaking tour to view the carvings up close. You can swim in the crystal water before heading back to town. If you still have some time, join a Jet Boat ride in Hukka falls or if you're feeling adventurous, take the plunge in Taupo Bungy.

Start your day by paying homage to Hamilton's history at the Waikato Museum, followed by a morning boat cruise along the the Waikato River by the Waikato River Explorer. Next head over to Hamilton Garden and explore its different themed gardens. Kids will love the  Children's Discovery Trail that takes them to an enchanted journey of secret gardens. You can proceed to the Hamilton Zoo afterwards then end the day with a leisurely stroll along banks of Hamilton Lake. 

Second day in Hamilton calls for some Middle Earth adventure. Take a day trip to Matamata and visit the nearby Hobbiton Movie Set, The Shire. This village was featured in the movie Lord of the Ring Trilogy  and The Hobbit. Explore the many hobbit holes and then have a drink at the Green Dragon Inn, a replica of the same inn featured in the film. Continue your magical adventure as you travel south to Waitomo. Take the tour of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and watch thousands of glowworms as your boat glides gently on the water.

The best way to appreciate Auckland is to do an Auckland City Heritage Walk that highlights some of the city's historical areas. Art enthusiasts will love the Auckland Art Gallery located along the corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Street. You can then head over to Wynyard Quarter during lunch time and enjoy a good meal overlooking the North Wharf. If you're looking for some sand and surf, the nearby Piha Beach is your place to be. If you'd rather go shopping in the afternoon, a trip to Queen's Street is a must. Finally, end your day with an amazing view of the city as you dine at the Orbit in Sky Tower.