13 day itinerary
North New Zealand
Personalized with:2 adults, like hiking, first time visit
Itinerary
North New Zealand is a stunning destination with a mix of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and plenty of hiking opportunities. Here’s a fun and adventurous 13-day itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and some of the best hikes the region has to offer. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Arrival in
- Morning: Arrive in . Check into your hotel and freshen up.
- Afternoon: Explore the vibrant waterfront area, visit the , and take a stroll through .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in the . Try some fresh seafood!
Day 2: to the
- Morning: Head to the (about 30 minutes from ). Start with the (about 1 hour return) for a refreshing swim at the base of the falls.
- Afternoon: Hike the (about 2 hours return) to see the stunning black sand beach and the gannet colony.
- Evening: Return to for dinner and rest.
Day 3: to Rotorua
- Morning: Drive to Rotorua (about 3 hours). Stop at in Matamata on the way for a guided tour of the movie set.
- Afternoon: Arrive in Rotorua and check into your accommodation. Visit the geothermal parks like to see geysers and mud pools.
- Evening: Enjoy a traditional Maori hangi dinner and cultural performance.
Day 4: Rotorua Adventures
- Morning: Hike the (about 1 hour) through the towering redwoods.
- Afternoon: Relax in the or visit the for colorful geothermal features.
- Evening: Explore the local dining scene in Rotorua.
Day 5: Rotorua to Taupo
- Morning: Drive to Taupo (about 1 hour). Stop at the on the way.
- Afternoon: Hike the (considered one of the best day hikes in the world). It’s a challenging 19.4 km trek, so be prepared!
- Evening: Relax in Taupo and enjoy dinner by the lake.
Day 6: Taupo to
- Morning: Drive to (about 1 hour). Check into your accommodation.
- Afternoon: If you’re up for it, hike the (about 2-3 hours return) for stunning views of the lakes and mountains.
- Evening: Enjoy a cozy dinner in the park area.
Day 7:
- All Day: Take on the if you didn’t do it the previous day. It’s a full-day hike, so start early! Enjoy the breathtaking volcanic landscapes.
- Evening: Return to your accommodation and relax after a long day of hiking.
Day 8: Tongariro to Wellington
- Morning: Drive to Wellington (about 4.5 hours). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
- Afternoon: Explore the and take a walk along the waterfront.
- Evening: Dinner in the lively area, known for its eclectic dining options.
Day 9: Wellington to the
- Morning: Take a morning flight or drive to the (about 3.5 hours by car).
- Afternoon: Arrive and check into your accommodation. Explore the charming town of and take a ferry to .
- Evening: Enjoy dinner with a view of the bay.
Day 10:
- All Day: Take a day trip to the and explore the beautiful islands. You can also go kayaking or hiking on one of the islands.
- Evening: Return to for dinner and relax.
Day 11: to
- Morning: Drive back to (about 3 hours).
- Afternoon: Visit the for panoramic views of the city. You can also explore the and the .
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant in .
Day 12: to the
- Morning: Drive to the (about 2 hours).
- Afternoon: Hike the (about 4-5 hours return) for stunning coastal views.
- Evening: Relax in (check the tide times) and dig your own hot pool in the sand!
Day 13: Coromandel to
- Morning: Visit for a scenic walk (about 1.5 hours return).
- Afternoon: Drive back to (about 2 hours). Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
- Evening: Depart from .
Tips:
- Make sure to check the weather and trail conditions before heading out on hikes.
- Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas like Rotorua and the .
- Pack plenty of water, snacks, and a good camera to capture the stunning landscapes!
I hope this itinerary gets you excited for your adventure in North New Zealand! Enjoy every moment of your trip! 🌏✨