Originally Posted by
Kiwi Flyer
Yup - waaaay too much. Flying back and forth uses up a lot of your precious time here. I'd stick with Queenstown region for the first part of the trip (until your meeting back in Auckland). Fly down the first Saturday (you have time enough to explore Auckland area after your meeting).
I agree - I'd skip Wellington and/or Nelson, and spend more time in the Queenstown region (Otago and Southland). The ferry from Wellington to Picton will take half a day by itself.
Depending on the types of wine you like, you will encounter plenty of wineries around Queenstown and Waiheke Island. If you like the wines from Nelson and surrounds, I'd suggest skipping Wellington, spend an extra day in Queenstown, and go to Nelson from there. Then from Nelson, go straight to Auckland.
http://www.nzwine.com/regions/
Also, depending on when your departing flight from AKL is, driving from Taupo to Auckland can take 3+ hours, so making your visit to Taupo not much more than a lunch break.