Quick & Dirty Itinerary for New Zealand (With Flight Deals)
Quick & Dirty Itinerary for New Zealand (With Flight Deals)
Hello friends!!
There are some awesome flights right now across the US to fly into Auckland around or over Thanksgiving. I’ve linked all the flights, where to stay, and a list of to-dos.
Let’s dive in!
*Some links in this post are affiliate links. It doesn’t change the price, but I may earn a small commission if you purchase something I’ve recommended. I’m really grateful for your trust in my advice, and if I wouldn’t recommend it to a friend, I won’t recommend it to you.
WHAT TO DO IN NEW ZEALAND
📍 Waiheke Island:
Escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland and venture to the enchanting Waiheke Island. This island paradise is just a short ferry ride away and offers a perfect blend of stunning beaches, boutique vineyards, and picturesque landscapes.
🛥 Milford Sound Cruises:
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic fjords and towering peaks.
Here are some cruise options for you:
📍 The Onsen Hot Pools:
Treat yourself to an indulgent and relaxing experience at The Onsen Hot Pools in Queenstown. Nestled amidst the picturesque mountains, these private hot pools offer panoramic views and a sense of serenity. Soak in the soothing mineral-rich waters, basking in the tranquility of the surrounding landscapes.
⭐️ Glow Worm Caves:
Venture into the enchanting world of glow worm caves in Waitomo. Embark on a mesmerizing boat ride through dark underground caverns illuminated by the luminescent glow worms that create a celestial-like spectacle on the cave ceilings.
Here are some tour options for you:
Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest Tour Incl Natural Bridge and Glow Worm Cave
Premium Springbrook, Mt Tamborine Glow Worm, Lunch, and Skywalk
📍 Lake Tekapo for the Lupins:
Visit Lake Tekapo during the blooming season to witness a dazzling display of colorful lupins blanketing the lakeshore and November is the perfect time to see these flowers.
📍 Hobbiton:
Calling all Lord of the Rings fans! Step into the fantastical world of Hobbiton, where the beloved movie series was brought to life. Take a guided tour of the charming Hobbit holes, stroll through lush gardens, and enjoy a pint of ale at the Green Dragon Inn.
Here are some tour options for you:
Hobbiton Movie Set and Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Day Trip from Auckland (this one is Hobbiton + the glow worms)
⛰ Hike, Bike, Bungee Jump, etc.:
Embrace the spirit of adventure in New Zealand by indulging in adrenaline-pumping activities.
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW ZEALAND
Hotels in Auckland
Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Hotels in Queenstown
If you are interested in getting VIP perks at these hotels at no extra cost to you, reach out to me, and we’ll get planning!
FLIGHT DEALS TO NEW ZEALAND FOR NOV. 2023
I tried to find the:
Best deals
Layovers that aren’t god awful
Flights over Thanksgiving (so you don’t have to use as much PTO)
If the prices went up, check out Google Flights or reach out to me, and I can try to find you a new flight.
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,023
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $585 cheaper
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,158
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $585 cheaper
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Fri, Nov 24
RETURN: Tue, Dec 5
COST: $970
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $694 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $1,162
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $802 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 2 layovers both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 15
RETURN: Wed, Nov 29
COST: $987
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $878 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Mon, Nov 20
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,058
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $621 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Mon, Nov 20
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,342
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $478 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 2 layovers both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Mon, Nov 20
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,133
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $773 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Mon, Nov 20
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,763
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $981 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 12
RETURN: Wed, Nov 22
COST: $1,074
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $745 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sat, Nov 18
RETURN: Tue, Nov 28
COST: $1,798
PRICE VS AVERAGE: 🟡 Typical
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,158
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $898 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,498
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $649 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Mon, Nov 13
RETURN: Wed, Nov 22
COST: $1,087
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $649 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Fri, Dec 1
COST: $1,475
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $481 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Air Canada
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Mon, Dec 4
COST: $1,103
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $879 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Tue, Dec 5
COST: $1,165
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $766 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Thu, Nov 23
RETURN: Tue, Dec 5
COST: $998
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $415 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Mon, Dec 4
COST: $898
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $358 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Fri, Nov 24
RETURN: Tue, Dec 5
COST: $988
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $968 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Mon, Dec 4
COST: $1,473
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $848 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,047
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $786 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Tue, Dec 5
COST: $1,097
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $568 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Tue, Dec 5
COST: $1,032
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $822 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sat, Nov 25
RETURN: Thu, Dec 7
COST: $1,219
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $664 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Mon, Dec 4
COST: $1,323
PRICE VS AVERAGE: 🟡 Typical
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Tue, Nov 21
RETURN: Sun, Dec 3
COST: $1,186
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $445 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Mon, Dec 4
COST: $1,186
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $261 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Thu, Nov 23
RETURN: Tue, Dec 5
COST: $1,251
PRICE VS AVERAGE: 🟡 Typical
LAYOVER: Nonstop
AIRLINE: Air New Zealand
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Tue, Dec 5
COST: $1,103
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $590 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Wed, Nov 22
RETURN: Mon, Dec 4
COST: $1,133
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $818 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: American
LINK: Google Flights link
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DEPARTURE: Sun, Nov 19
RETURN: Thu, Nov 30
COST: $1,523
PRICE VS AVERAGE: ✅ $749 cheaper than usual
LAYOVER: 1 layover both ways
AIRLINE: Delta
LINK: Google Flights link
I hope you found this quick and dirty itinerary helpful! I’d love to help you with your trip (just with hotels or a full-on itinerary). Reach out if you want to start planning your adventure!