12hr

Amberley & Waipara

Excellent coffee, excellent wine, and excellent food abound in North Canterbury's Amberley and Waipara. Add breathtaking views, easy driving, and friendly people to the mix and 12 hours in this region will fly by.

12hr

Auckland

Tāmaki Makaurau: an isthmus dwarfed by two almighty harbours, Manukau to the south and Waitematā to the north. It’s no surprise, Auckland is nicknamed the “City of Sails”, with its abundance of boats (and ocean) seen in every direction. There are many reasons why 1.5 million people call this place home. With a diverse culture, bustling food and drink scene, beaches, and 48 dormant volcanoes to keep things interesting, Auckland is as cosmopolitan as they come. Here’s how to spend the day in the biggest city in Aotearoa.

12hr

Central Otago

Dramatic landscapes and enchanting seasons abound in Central Otago. Enjoy a slice of it in 12 hours. 

12hr

Christchurch

Christchurch is home to top of the line retail, quality eating and drinking establishments, and plenty of activities to nourish body and soul. So whether you’re treating yourself, exploring the rebuilding city, or simply after a fresh take of the city, Christchurch is forever full of surprises. 

12hr

Dunedin

Dunedin, which is Celtic for Edinburgh, is the fifth largest city in the world in terms of geographical size. Home to the University of Otago, the only breeding colony of Northern Royal Albatross, the steepest street in the world, the only authentic Chinese garden in the Southern Hemisphere, the first public art gallery in the country, and more, ‘Dunners’ is a spectacular city. With friendly people and food and drink that showcases the very best of what the bountiful region has to offer, you'll find yourself wishing you had more time. 

12hr

Gisborne

Fill your day getting amongst the finest places to eat, drink, and shop in Tairāwhiti Gisborne.

12hr

Hamilton

Lovers of sport, great food, and wine make up the population of people who have a palpable sense of loyalty to their city, Hamilton.

12hr

Hastings

If you have an appetite for rich culture and relish sampling local food and wine, Hastings and the Hawke's Bay district are bursting with flavour in all aspects.

12hr

Havelock North

A quaint township in Hastings, Havelock North punches well above its weight when it comes to eating, drinking, and shopping. Looking for things to do in Havelock North? We have you covered with this 12-hour guide.

12hr

In Parnell

Offering a striking contrast between historic architecture and New York-inspired warehouses, Parnell really does have it all. And let’s not forget the sprawling outdoor spaces ready to discover on foot, like the Rose Gardens, Judges Bay and Auckland Domain. From delicious eateries through to art galleries and local boutiques, here’s how to spend the perfect day in this dreamy suburb. 

12hr

In Timaru

Make the most of your flying visit to Timaru with our 12 hour guide, which will have you sipping the best coffee, nipping into intriguing boutiques and galleries, learning about the ancient practice of Māori rock art and filling up on the best food in town.  The locals refer to their petite town as the Riviera of the South, and while it’s all a bit of tongue-in-cheek fun, there is definitely something to this statement. The stunning Caroline Bay and harbour and the easy walking township filled with historical buildings and plenty to pique your interest, make this underdog of the east coast a place well worth visiting.  Whether you make Timaru your main destination or stop en-route North or South, make sure you take some time to get to know this gem of a town. 

12hr

Invercargill

Make the most of your time in Invercargill, one of the southernmost cities in the world. Known for top notch hospitality, cheese rolls and rolling green hills, Invercargill features the very best of Southland cuisine, culture, fashion, design, art and entertainment. You’ll need to use your time wisely to get a sampling of it all.

12hr

Kaikōura

Think you can't experience a taste of Kaikōura in 12 hours? We can prove you wrong. We’ve gathered a neat package of activities, delicious food, scenic spots, and great entertainment that can all be squeezed within a day trip to this seaside town. 

12hr

Marlborough

If you've got a day trip to Marlborough planned, we've got you covered with our 12-hour guide. From eating and drinking to shopping and exploring, our guide will make sure you get the best out of your trip.

12hr

Napier

Experience the unique city centre of Napier, reminiscent of a 1930s movie set with its Art Deco elements, for a day trip. Take a stroll down the streets bursting with fashion, art, and eateries.

12hr

New Plymouth

The best of art and food collide in coastal New Plymouth. Enjoy world-class art, culture, and cuisine in a seaside setting, with a backdrop of mountain views, all in our 12-hour day trip guide to New Plymouth. 

12hr

Ōamaru

Ōamaru is more than meets the eye. While Steampunk is this Waitaki town’s usual calling card there’s also a host of local food and drink to try, native wildlife to discover, inventive art to enjoy and friendly locals to meet. We've rounded up a day trip guide for when you have 12 hours or less, but we suggest you come back with more time. 

12hr

Palmerston North

Toss any preconceptions you might have, there is A LOT to do in Palmerston North. If you like food, drink, art, shopping, and friendly people, you’ve come to the right place. While you won’t be able to fit all the great places into just one day, this guide will lead you to some of the very best bits. Each spot offers something different, but they all have one thing in common - the owners, proprietors, chefs, artists, curators, shopkeepers, and staff take pride in their work and are excellent ambassadors for Palmerston North.

12hr

Porirua

If you're visiting Porirua for a day trip, we have the best things to see, eat and do in 12 hours in this Wellington suburb.  

12hr

Raglan

Casual beachy vibes, good people, good food are what make Raglan what it is. A township with a penchant for zero waste and keeping New Zealand beautiful, follow our guide to make the most of your day trip. 

12hr

Rotorua

If you haven’t got long in this beautiful geothermal town, then it pays to plan your visit so you know exactly what hot spots to head to first.

12hr

Tauranga

When you only have 12 hours somewhere you want to hit the best places first, right? Here’s our guide to the coolest spots in Tauranga.

12hr

Wānaka

A place where every house in town seems to have a million-dollar view, you'll find endless activities to fill 12 hours in Wānaka.

12hr

Wellington

Wellington is well-known for its quirky, colourful streets, its love of fashion and events, and its bustling hospitality scene. Here's how to spend 12 hours in the capital city.