7-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary

• Day 1: Explore Auckland
  Estimated time and distance from the airport: 30 minutes (18 km)

  Start your trip in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. Walk around the city center and take in the sights of the Sky Tower, Auckland Harbour Bridge, and the Auckland Art Gallery. Catch the ferry to Waiheke Island and enjoy the island's beaches and vineyards.

• Day 2: Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Rotorua
  Estimated time and distance from Auckland: 2.5 hours (193 km)

  Visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and marvel at the unique glow formation. Afterwards, continue to Rotorua, known for its geothermal wonders. Visit Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland and witness the colorful springs and geysers. End the day with a relaxing soak in the Polynesian Spa.

• Day 3: Tongariro National Park
  Estimated time and distance from Rotorua: 3 hours (194 km)

  Travel to Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of this park. Hike to the top of Mount Ngauruhoe and experience breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

• Day 4: Art Deco in Napier
  Estimated time and distance from Tongariro National Park: 3 hours (225 km)

  Drive to Napier, known for its unique Art Deco architecture. Take a walking tour around the city and experience the culture and history of this charming town. End the day with a visit to Te Mata Peak and enjoy the panoramic views of the region.

• Day 5: Hawke's Bay Wine Country
  Estimated time and distance from Napier: 30 minutes (25 km)

  Spend the day exploring the Hawke's Bay wine country. Have a wine tasting at one of the many vineyards in the area and enjoy a picnic lunch at Black Barn Vineyards. In the evening, head back to Napier for a sunset dinner at Mister D Dining Room.

• Day 6: Bay of Islands
  Estimated time and distance from Napier: 5 hours (405 km)

  Drive to the Bay of Islands and spend the day cruising around the many islands in the bay. Visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds and learn about the Maori culture and history of the area. End the day with a sunset dinner at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel.

• Day 7: Auckland
  Estimated time and distance from Bay of Islands: 3.5 hours (248 km)

  Drive back to Auckland and spend the day exploring the city. Visit the famous Auckland Museum and learn about the history of New Zealand. Take a stroll at the Auckland Domain and enjoy the beautiful scenery. End the day with a farewell dinner at the Oyster and Chop.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Waitomo Glowworm Caves (2 hours, $55)
• Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland (3 hours, $32)
• Polynesian Spa (2 hours, $30)
• Te Mata Peak (2 hours, free)
• Hawke's Bay Wine Country (5 hours, $20 for tastings)
• Waitangi Treaty Grounds (4 hours, $25)
• Auckland Museum (3 hours, $25)
• Oyster and Chop (2 hours, $40)
Total Estimated Costs: $232

Transportation

Travel during the trip will be by rental car. The cost is approximately $300 for the week. Consider the distance between locations when planning the itinerary to ensure adequate travel time.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding a trip to Wellington or Mount Maunganui. If you have less time, consider cutting out the Bay of Islands or Hawke's Bay Wine Country.

Airports

The main airport in Auckland is Auckland International Airport (AKL). It is located 21 km from the city center.