Ultimate New Zealand North Island Road Trip

Day 1: City Exploration

Auckland, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at this popular spot in Auckland with a New York-style vibe.
Federal Delicatessen is located in the central business district. It's a 5-minute walk from most hotels in the area.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Auckland Museum

Explore the rich history and culture of New Zealand at the Auckland Museum, located in the beautiful Auckland Domain.
From Federal Delicatessen, take a 15-minute drive to the museum.
$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar

Enjoy fresh seafood and local produce at this renowned eatery in Auckland.
Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar is a short walk from the museum.
$$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Explore Waiheke Island

Take a ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island for stunning beaches, vineyards, and art galleries.
Head to the Auckland ferry terminal for a 40-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island.
$$, 4 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Sugar Club

Indulge in a fine dining experience with panoramic views of Auckland at The Sugar Club.
Return to Auckland and head to the Sky Tower for the restaurant.
$$$, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Bay of Islands Exploration

Paihia, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Paihia

Embark on a scenic drive from Auckland to Paihia in the Bay of Islands, known for its beautiful beaches and marine life.
It's a 3.5-hour drive from Auckland to Paihia.
Car rental cost, 4 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Charlotte's Kitchen

Enjoy a casual waterfront dining experience at Charlotte's Kitchen in Paihia.
The restaurant is located in the town center.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Learn about the history of New Zealand at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the founding document of the nation was signed.
The grounds are a short drive from Paihia.
$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Alongside

Savor fresh seafood and local specialties with waterfront views at Alongside.
Head back to Paihia for dinner at the restaurant.
$$$, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Geothermal Wonders

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Drive to Rotorua

Hit the road for a drive to Rotorua, known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture.
It's a 3-hour drive from Paihia to Rotorua.
Car rental cost, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Capers Epicurean

Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Capers Epicurean, a popular cafe in Rotorua.
The cafe is located in the city center.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Te Puia Geothermal Valley

Explore the geysers, mud pools, and Maori culture at Te Puia Geothermal Valley.
Te Puia is a short drive from the city center.
$$$, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Unwind in geothermal hot springs at the Polynesian Spa, offering a range of spa treatments.
Head to the spa located in Rotorua.
$$$, 2 hours

8:00PM

Dinner at Mokoia Restaurant

Enjoy a delightful dinner featuring local ingredients and Maori flavors at Mokoia Restaurant.
Head to the restaurant in Rotorua for dinner.
$$$, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Adventure in Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Taupo

Journey to Taupo, known for its stunning lake and outdoor activities, including skydiving and bungy jumping.
It's a 1.5-hour drive from Rotorua to Taupo.
Car rental cost, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Huka Falls

Witness the power of nature at Huka Falls, a mesmerizing waterfall along the Waikato River.
Huka Falls is just a short drive from Taupo.
$, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at The Brantry

Enjoy a gourmet lunch with lake views at The Brantry in Taupo.
The restaurant is located near the lakefront.
$$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Skydiving or Bungy Jumping

Experience an adrenaline rush with skydiving or bungy jumping in Taupo, offering breathtaking aerial views.
Head to the respective activity locations for your adventure.
$$$, 3 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Bistro Lago

Indulge in a lakeside dining experience with delicious New Zealand cuisine at Bistro Lago.
Head to the restaurant for a relaxing dinner by the lake.
$$$, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Art Deco & Wine

Napier, New Zealand

8:00AM

Drive to Napier

Embark on a scenic drive to Napier, famous for its Art Deco architecture and vineyards.
It's a 2.5-hour drive from Taupo to Napier.
Car rental cost, 2.5 hours

11:00AM

Art Deco Walking Tour

Explore the unique Art Deco buildings on a guided walking tour of Napier, learning about the city's history.
Join a tour starting from the city center.
$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Mission Estate Winery

Dine at New Zealand's oldest winery, Mission Estate, for a gourmet lunch paired with award-winning wines.
The winery is a short drive from Napier.
$$$, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Wine Tasting at Elephant Hill

Indulge in wine tasting at Elephant Hill, a renowned winery with panoramic views of the coast.
Drive to Elephant Hill for an afternoon of wine tasting.
$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Mister D Dining

Enjoy a casual dining experience with a creative menu at Mister D Dining in Napier.
Head to the restaurant for dinner.
$$, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Capital City Adventure

Wellington, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Wellington

Embark on a picturesque drive to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene.
It's a 4.5-hour drive from Napier to Wellington.
Car rental cost, 4.5 hours

2:00PM

Te Papa Museum

Immerse yourself in New Zealand's history and art at Te Papa, the national museum of the country.
Visit the museum located in the heart of Wellington.
$, 2 hours

4:00PM

Cable Car Ride

Take a scenic ride on the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views of the city and harbor.
Head to the Cable Car station for a memorable journey.
$, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Logan Brown

Indulge in a fine dining experience at Logan Brown, known for its innovative New Zealand cuisine.
Head to the restaurant in Wellington for dinner.
$$$, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Return to Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand

9:00AM

Drive to Auckland

Embark on the final leg of your journey back to Auckland, enjoying the scenic drive through the North Island landscapes.
It's a 8-hour drive from Wellington to Auckland, so plan for stops along the way.
Car rental cost, 8 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Amano

Conclude your road trip with a memorable dinner at Amano, a popular Italian restaurant in Auckland.
Head to Amano in the central business district for dinner.
$$$, 2 hours
View Hotel Availability