Arrive in Auckland and head to your friend’s home to drop bags, say hi and confirm plans for borrowing their car and meeting times for the next morning.
Head to Viaduct Harbour for a waterfront meal; recommended: Harbourside Ocean Bar Grill for seafood or Soul Bar & Bistro for casual dining — check each venue's hours on Christmas Eve and book if needed.
Finish with a short walk around the lit harbourfront or a drink at a nearby rooftop bar (e.g., a central CBD rooftop); verify closing times and any holiday hours.
Climb Mt Eden for expansive sunrise views across Auckland — a peaceful and accessible start to Christmas morning; summit access is open year-round but check any local notices.
Have breakfast at your friend's home (most cafés may be closed on Dec 25) or, if you prefer to eat out, check for outlets near Mission Bay such as Mission Bay Café — confirm they are open on Christmas Day.
Enjoy a scenic coastal drive/walk along Tamaki Drive to Mission Bay for a relaxed beach stroll, swimming or a picnic; public beaches and parks remain open but bring sun protection.
Share Christmas lunch at your friend's home or at a hotel/restaurant that advertises a Christmas menu — many places require reservations well in advance, so confirm availability now.
Return to relax at your friend's house or take a gentle walk in the Auckland Domain (public park with winter gardens and the War Memorial Museum grounds) — most park areas are open year-round.
Keep Christmas evening low-key: have a light meal at your friend's place or at a restaurant you confirmed earlier; many restaurants have limited hours so check ahead.
Collect the car you'll be using from your friend's place and set off early to maximize daylight; bring a camera, water and check fuel — approximate driving to Putaruru ~1.5–2 hours depending on traffic.
Walk the Te Waihou Walkway to the Blue Spring, famed for its clear blue water and purity — the walk is easy and usually open daily, but confirm DOC/track notices before leaving.
Stop in Putaruru township for coffee and a light bite before continuing to Tarawera — small cafés operate but holiday hours may vary, so check local listings.
Drive southeast toward the Tarawera Falls access point (allow ~1–1.5 hours depending on route); check local DOC or council sites for track access and any 4WD/parking requirements.
Explore Tarawera Falls — a scenic waterfall on the Tarawera River with excellent photography opportunities; track conditions can change after rain so check updates before setting out.
Drive into Rotorua for the evening (short drive) and check into your Rotorua accommodation; use the late afternoon to stroll Eat Streat or visit a nearby geothermal site if time permits.
Visit a commercial hot pool or spa in Rotorua for a relaxing soak (e.g., Polynesian Spa or a private thermal pool) — many operate in summer but book in advance and check opening hours.
Dine on Rotorua’s Eat Streat; recommended: Atticus Finch for shared plates or Capers for a bistro-style meal — both are popular, so check opening hours and book if possible.
Leave Rotorua early for the long drive to New Plymouth — expect ~4–5 hours driving depending on route and stops; ensure you have snacks and a full tank.
Arrive in New Plymouth for lunch; try a café on Devon Street (central hub) or a waterfront spot such as the Social Kitchen & Bar — check opening times and reserve if needed.
Visit Boulder Bay and nearby coastal rocks for scenic walking and photography; enjoy surf views, but take care on slippery rocks and check tide conditions for safety.
Stroll the lush Pukekura Park or visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre for contemporary art — check gallery opening hours (holiday hours vary).
Check into your New Plymouth accommodation and relax; watch for coastal sunset spots along the waterfront with possible views of Mount Taranaki if skies are clear.
Dine at a local restaurant specializing in seafood or modern Kiwi cuisine — choose a waterfront venue for sunset ambiance and confirm holiday hours before going.
Leave New Plymouth early for the drive back to Auckland so you can return the borrower's car to your friend and be well prepared for your early departure the following morning; expect ~4–5 hours driving.
Arrive back in Auckland and have lunch in Britomart or along Federal Street; recommended: try Amano or a busy CBD café, but check Boxing Day/holiday opening times.
Choose a short activity depending on energy — Mt Eden summit for views or a stroll along the waterfront to stretch legs; museums may have reduced holiday hours so check ahead.
Return the borrowed car to your friend’s place, freshen up and rest at their home; confirm plans for the early morning airport transfer and reconfirm keys/parking arrangements.
Have a relaxed final dinner at your friend's house or at a nearby restaurant you’ve checked is open on Dec 28; keep it low-key to prepare for early travel.
Pack luggage, reconfirm your airport plan with your friend (will you drive together or arrange a taxi?), and try to get an early night before the early-morning departure.
Be packed and ready at your friend's house; either drive together in the borrowed car, get a pre-booked taxi/ride-share to the airport, or have your friend drop you — confirm the chosen plan the night before.
Arrive at the terminal to check baggage and clear security; grab a takeaway breakfast if food outlets are open early — holiday hours vary so have a small snack handy as backup.
Depart Auckland — aim to be at the gate early for boarding; enjoy the final leg of your trip and allow extra time for any holiday processing at the airport.