New Zealand Fun: Social Adrenaline and Queenstown Parties
Eight days of fun and socializing in New Zealand — from Auckland's bars and the hangi party of Rotorua to the extreme sports and after-parties of Queenstown — with the most adventurous vibe on the planet.
Description
This itinerary travels New Zealand over eight days of pure fun, combining adventure with socializing and nightlife. Auckland, the City of Sails, has the country's most vibrant bar scene in Viaduct Harbour and Britomart, with rooftop venues like The Sugar Club designed by artist Michael Parekowhai and the Ponsonby quarter for alternative nights. Rotorua combines the Pohutu geyser with a traditional Maori hangi that turns into a party with haka and kapa haka. Wellington, the cultural capital, has the southern hemisphere's highest concentration of bars per capita in Cuba Street and Te Aro. The South Island is the star: the ferry across the Cook Strait is a social event, and Queenstown is the world's adventure capital with parties to match. The bungee at Kawarau Bridge, the Shotover jet and the Skyline luge combine with nights at Fergburger, the wharf's bars and World Bar, where the international crowd of backpackers and thrill-seekers creates the most fun vibe in the southern hemisphere.
Health & safety
- New Zealand has no dangerous animals
- The risks are the extreme activities: declare heart and back conditions before bungee, skydive and jetboat
- Drink water between beers: dehydration at Queenstown's altitude is real
- The drink-driving limit is 0.05% for drivers over 20 (zero for under-20s)
- 0.05%; use Uber or a designated driver
- The ACC covers even visitors in case of accident during paid activities
Day-by-day itinerary
Auckland: Viaduct and Ponsonby
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland: Viaduct and Ponsonby
Rooftop with harbor views and a night in Ponsonby
The Sugar Club rooftop bar
Entertainment2hNight on Ponsonby Road
Entertainment4hAuckland: Waiheke and beach vibes
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
Auckland: Waiheke and beach vibes
Ferry to the wine island with a beach party
Waiheke Island wine and beach
Entertainment5hNight in Britomart and the Viaduct
Entertainment3hRotorua: Maori culture and party
Rotorua, New Zealand
Rotorua: Maori culture and party
Geysers, hangi feast and a Maori night with haka
Te Puia: geyser and Maori experience
Culture3hHangi feast and party
Entertainment4hWellington: Cuba Street and craft beer
Wellington, New Zealand
Wellington: Cuba Street and craft beer
Cultural capital with more bars per capita than the southern hemisphere anywhere
Cuba Street bar hopping
Entertainment4hCraft beer tour in Te Aro
Entertainment3hFerry to the South Island and Nelson
Nelson, New Zealand
Ferry to the South Island and Nelson
Epic ferry and craft beer in Nelson
Interislander ferry: floating party
Entertainment3.5hNelson: crafts and beer
Entertainment3hQueenstown: bungee and Fergburger
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown: bungee and Fergburger
Daytime adrenaline and nighttime party
Kawarau Bridge bungee and Shotover Jet
Sports3hFergburger and World Bar
Entertainment4hQueenstown: skydive and luge party
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown: skydive and luge party
Skydive over the Alps and sunset at the wharf
Nzone Skydive (12,000 ft)
Sports0.5hSkyline luge and gondola sunset drinks
Entertainment3hNight at Steamer Wharf
Entertainment4hQueenstown: epic farewell
Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown: epic farewell
Last thrills and farewell party
Paragliding off Bob's Peak
Sports1hOnsen hot pools by the river
Rest2hFarewell party at Lucha Lagos
Entertainment4hNew destinations and itineraries, by email
Subscribe to receive newly published destinations and itineraries, plus seasonal travel ideas. One email, only when there is news.