Fiji & New Zealand Travel Itinerary: 2 Weeks of Culture, Cuisine, and Coastal Adventure

After years of daydreaming, the adventure is officially set: two weeks exploring New Zealand’s North Island with a restorative stop in Fiji. This itinerary is a balance of everything I crave in travel—scenic landscapes, cultural immersion, and unforgettable cuisine—all designed to feel both adventurous and restorative.

So why New Zealand? The honest answer is twofold. Anthony is a devoted Metallica fan, and with the band performing in Auckland, it was the perfect excuse. But the deeper truth is that I’m a travel enthusiast at heart—always looking for new places to explore, flavors to savor, and experiences to collect. What started as a concert weekend quickly became the framework for a full journey.

Since my Lyme diagnosis in 2023, I’ve had to rethink how I travel. Gone are the whirlwind road trips and jam-packed days of sightseeing. Instead, I’m curating trips with a more intentional pace. That’s why, alongside the vibrancy of New Zealand, we’re adding a few unhurried days in Fiji—to balance exploration with pure relaxation.

New Zealand Itinerary

Wellington: Coffee, Culture & Culinary Delights

• Highlights: Ride the Wellington Cable Car, visit the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, and hike to Mount Victoria Lookout.

• Experiences: A chocolatier-for-the-day class, café hopping in New Zealand’s coffee capital, and indulging in Logan Brown and Rita’s for dinner.

• Not to Miss: Crème Brûlée donut at Arlo Eatery, craft coffee at Pour & Twist, and artisan chocolate shopping at Wellington Chocolate Factory.

Hastings & Taupo: Food & Nature

• Hastings: A hands-on cooking class at Farmhouse Kitchen sets the tone for a delicious day.

• Taupo: Soak in Spa Thermal Park, marvel at Huka Falls, and walk along the tranquil Taupo lakefront.

Rotorua: Thermal Wonders & Māori Culture

• Experiences: A restorative soak at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa, exploring bubbling landscapes at Kuirau Park, and an immersive evening at Te Pā Tū, a Māori cultural dining experience.

• Optional: A visit to the iconic Polynesian Spa.

Bay of Plenty: Dolphin Cruise in Tauranga

• A half-day excursion with Bay Explorer offers dolphin watching, marine life encounters, and a scenic perspective of the Bay of Plenty before driving north to Auckland.

Putaruru & Hobbiton: Scenic Stops

• Putaruru Blue Spring: Famous for its strikingly clear waters.

• Hobbiton Movie Set: A whimsical walk through Middle-earth.

• Ruakuri Walk & Marokopa Falls: Short hikes showcasing New Zealand’s natural beauty.

Auckland: City Vibes & Scenic Views

• City Highlights: Explore Wynyard Quarter, Viaduct Harbour, Sky Tower, and Mount Eden.

• Excursions: Take a ferry to Devonport for a Mount Victoria hike or join a guided Piha Beach tour for rugged West Coast scenery.

• Dining: Casablanca Sylvia Park for Mediterranean flavors, Amano for a refined Italian experience, The Conservatory for lunch with a view, and Alma for contemporary Spanish.

Fiji Itinerary

Marriott Momi Bay: Coastal Luxury

Base yourself at the Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay, where overwater villas and beachfront cabanas set the stage for relaxation.

Cultural Immersion

Join a four-hour Cultural Night Tour on Denarau Island for music, dance, and traditional Fijian dining.

Island Highlights

Spend the day at Malamala Beach Club or take a trip to the lush Nausori Highlands. For evenings, book a private beachside cabana dinner for an unforgettable finale.

See a Google map of our destinations here.

This two-week Fiji & New Zealand travel itinerary balances cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and high-end leisure. From sipping espresso in Wellington to soaking in Fijian sunsets, it’s a thoughtfully layered itinerary designed for both exploration and indulgence.

Stay tuned to the blog for specific places we go, the food we eat, and the adventures that make this journey unforgettable.