8 Day North Island Itinerary
Auckland - Bay of Islands - Hokianga - Auckland - Tauranga - Rotorua - Napier - Wellington
Day 1
Auckland - Paihia
Begin in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, situated between two enormous harbour's, enjoy marine adventures, wine trails and forest walks.
Some Auckland Highlights
- Sky Tower and Sky Jump
- Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounters & Underwater World
- Auckland's Harbour Bridge Climb
- Auckland Zoo
- Auckland Art Gallery
- Auckland Botanical Gardens
Places to stay:
Before you go you must also experience some of Auckland's food and wine, locally grown produce, seafood caught daily and taste some of the areas Award winning wines Travel on 3.2 hours to Paihia, Bay of Islands.
Day 2
Paihia
Spend the day exploring all that the Bay of Islands have to offer, this picturesque town has a blend of history, culture, amazing scenery, adventure and the gateway to 144 other islands close by.
Some Paihia Highlights
- Boat Cruises
- Big Game Fishing
- Vibrant cafes & restaurants
- Swim with the Dolphins
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Places to stay:
Paihia is the perfect base to explore further north, Cape Reinga, the stunning 90 Mile Beach and the creative craft shops of Kerikeri. Travel just under 2 hours to Hokianga.
Day 3
Paihia - Hokianga
Known as the undiscovered jewel of the North Island's west coast, discover the lush forests, calm harbours and the sand dunes that seem to go on forever.
Some Hokianga Highlights
- Quaint historical villages
- Native bush walks with rich bird life
- Arts & Craft shops
- Boat & Fishing trips
Places to stay:
Experience the great food at the many cates & restaurants or just take it easy in this wonderful relaxed atmosphere.
Day 4
Hokianga - Auckland
Travel 3 hours back to Auckland to spend the day exploring the "City of Sails"
Some Auckland Highlights
- Sky Tower and Sky Jump
- Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounters & Underwater World
- Auckland's Harbour Bridge Climb
- Auckland Zoo
- Auckland Art Gallery
- Auckland Botanical Gardens
Places to stay:
Day 5
Auckland - Tauranga
The charming town of Tauranga is located on the north-east coast of New Zealand, right in the heart of the Bay of Plenty. Tauranga has an excellent range of restaurants and cafes. Bay of Plenty offers the ultimate marine encounter, the opportunity to swim with, or just observe, dolphins in their natural environment.
Some Tauranga Highlights
- Boat Cruises
- Air Adventures - Sky diving, Flight Seeing, Parasailing
- Native Bush Walks, Horse Trekking, Fishing, Mountain Biking
- Fernland Spa
Places to stay:
- Hotel Armitage
Travel just over 1 hour on to Rotorua
Day 6
Tauranga - Rotorua
Just over 1 hours drive from Tauranga, is the city of Rotorua. Best known for its traditional Maori Culture and geothermal activity, this holiday destination is vibrant all year round.
Some Rotorua Highlights
- Hells Gate Thermal Reserve
- Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park
- Skyline Skyrides
- Hiking, Jet Boating, Sky Diving, Rafting
Places to stay:
Rotorua is a great place to base yourself for day trip around the central North Island, before you go make sure you experience some Maori culture with an evening at the Mitai, this will give you an authentic insight to our Maori culture.
Day 7
Rotorua - Napier
Napier is one of New Zealand's most attractive cities, known as the Art Deco City, Napier has a great collection of inner-city art deco buildings in the world. Located at the south of the Hawkes Bay area, Napier is also home to some of New Zealand's oldest wineries.
Some Napier Highlights
- Scenic Wine Tours
- National Aquarium of New Zealand
- Art Deco Tours
Places to stay:
Marine Parade is lined with Palm trees and runs along the shoreline of Napier, there are various parks, gardens and memorials give the water's edge its character and brings it to life. Travel on 4.5 hours to Wellington.
Day 8
Napier - Wellington
Wellington, New Zealand's capital city is nestled between the harbour and surrounded by rolling hills. Cultured and full of character, a Wellington must see is their Dance, Theatre or Musical performances.
Some Wellington Highlights
- Te Papa Museum
- Wellington Cable Car
- Karori Sanctury Trust
- Wellington Zoo
- City Gallery Wellington
Places to stay:
Continue on your journey south to encounter more of what New Zealand has to offer.
