You can visit both islands, but selected spots only. If you really want to vist Rotorua and Waitomo, I'd suggest cutting Blenheim from your itinerary. You are driving almost the length of the South Island to get there. If you are interested in wine, visit vineyards around Queenstown. I would then look at flying from Queenstown to Rotorua, so that you only have to go one way between Auckland and Rotorua. This would free up a bit of time.

Right, you could do Queenstown/Milford/helihiking- tho I would consider Mt Cook instead of Franz Joseph for 4.5 days, and then fly to Rotorua for 4 days there, as Waitomo is near enough.

Blenheim makes it impossible.

You also could see glowworms at Te Anau, but it is more Glowworm and less caving....

After driving for 7-8 hours from FJG to Blenheim you won't have time to visit any wineries and yet you want to leave immediately! Why drive all that way? Much more sensible to drive to Chch or even stop at Hokitika and fly directly to Rotorua to save backtracking.

Thanks all, Unfortunately #2 on my wish list is to visit wine country, specifically for the Sauvignon Blanc. My intent was to spend at least 1.5 days there and one or two nights. Will have to relook at visiting the North Island.

Stephanie

Yes, if you want 1-2 days in Marlborough you will have to skip Rotorua. Here is my suggestion for a less hectic schedule, assuming you have already booked the Milford Cruise:

Day 5. Drive to Wanaka

Day 6. Drive to FJG- 2N

Day 7. helihike

Day 8. Drive to Punakaiki

Day 9. Drive to Blenheim

Day 10. Wine tour; fly to AKL late

Day 11. Fly home

OR

Day 6. Drive to Mt Cook (2N)

Day 7. Glacier explorers or heliflight

Day 8. Drive to Christchurch

Day 9. Drive to Blenheim ...