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Epic 5-Day Road Trip Adventure in Central North Island, New Zealand

Viewed by 64 travelers

Day 1: Explore Rotorua

Rotorua, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Fat Dog Café

Kickstart your adventure with a hearty breakfast at Fat Dog Café, celebrated for its scrumptious pancakes and friendly atmosphere.
Drive approximately 3 hours from Auckland to Rotorua.
NZD 25, 1 hour

9:00AM

Visit Te Puia

Explore Te Puia to witness captivating geothermal wonders and immerse yourself in Māori culture through engaging performances.
Short drive (10 minutes) from Fat Dog Café.
NZD 50, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Raglan Roast

Savor a delicious lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients and exceptional coffee at The Raglan Roast.
Drive 10 minutes from Te Puia.
NZD 30, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Redwood Forest

Take a leisurely walk through the magnificent Redwood Forest, absorbing the tranquil beauty of nature.
15-minute drive from The Raglan Roast.
Free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Relax in Polynesian Spa

Unwind in the mineral hot pools at Polynesian Spa, a perfect way to soothe muscles after your day's exploration.
5-minute drive from Redwood Forest.
NZD 60, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Skyline Rotorua

Enjoy a scenic dinner at Skyline Rotorua, with breathtaking views over the city and Lake Rotorua to complement your meal.
15-minute drive to Skyline Rotorua.
NZD 70, 1.5 hours

8:00PM

Gondola Ride and Luge

Take a scenic gondola ride and experience thrilling luge rides before settling into your accommodation for the night.
Located at Skyline Rotorua.
NZD 50, 2 hours
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 2: Scenic Taupo

Taupo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Coffee Shack

Start your day with delicious coffee and a scrumptious breakfast at The Coffee Shack, favored for its community vibe.
Drive 1 hour and 15 minutes to Taupo.
NZD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Huka Falls

Marvel at the stunning Huka Falls, a breathtaking cascade that is a must-see for every traveler.
10-minute drive from The Coffee Shack.
Free, 1 hour

11:00AM

Boat Cruise on Lake Taupo

Experience the beauty of Lake Taupo on a scenic boat cruise while taking in the spectacular mountainous backdrop.
Drive 15 minutes to the boat tour departure point.
NZD 60, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lakebar

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Lakebar, where you can indulge in fresh, local dishes while enjoying picturesque lake views.
5-minute walk from the boat tour.
NZD 35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Craters of the Moon

Explore the fascinating geothermal area at Craters of the Moon and marvel at its unique volcanic landscape.
15-minute drive from Lakebar.
NZD 20, 2 hours

4:30PM

Wine Tasting at Taupo DeBretts

Relax and unwind with a delightful evening of wine tasting at Taupo DeBretts, experiencing the best of local vineyards.
Drive 10 minutes to Taupo DeBretts.
NZD 40, 1.5 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Storehouse

Dine at The Storehouse, a charming spot known for its fresh fare and cozy atmosphere, ideal for sharing road trip stories.
Drive 10 minutes from Taupo DeBretts.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Taupo

Day 3: Adventure Tongariro

Tongariro National Park, New Zealand

7:00AM

Breakfast at the Tongariro National Park Café

Fuel your day with a hearty breakfast at the café, known for its filling meals and welcoming service.
Drive 1 hour from Taupo to Tongariro.
NZD 30, 1 hour

8:30AM

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Embark on the epic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a challenging trek that offers stunning volcanic landscapes and panoramic views.
Start at the Tongariro Crossing trailhead.
Free, 7-8 hours

4:30PM

Return to base

After a rewarding hike, return to your starting point to relax and unwind after your adventurous day.
Walk back to the trailhead.
Free, 30 minutes

5:30PM

Relax at Tongariro National Park Accommodation

Take time to unwind at your accommodation, letting the day's experiences soak in.
Accommodation is located near the trailhead.
NZD 150, 1 hour

7:00PM

Dinner at Ruapehu Restaurant

Replenish your energy with a hearty dinner at Ruapehu Restaurant, known for its local ingredients and robust flavors.
Drive 10 minutes from accommodation.
NZD 80, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Tongariro National Park

Day 4: Explore Waitomo

Waitomo, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at Waitomo Homestead

Savor a cozy breakfast that features fresh local produce and great coffee at Waitomo Homestead.
Drive 1 hour from Tongariro.
NZD 25, 1 hour

9:30AM

Glowworm Cave Tour

Experience the mesmerizing glowworm cave tour and watch the captivating light displays created by these tiny creatures.
5-minute walk to the cave entrance.
NZD 75, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Visit the Ruakuri Cave

Continue your underground exploration with a guided tour of Ruakuri Cave, famous for its stunning limestone formations.
15-minute drive from the glowworm cave.
NZD 50, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Huhu Cafe

Delight in a whimsical lunch at Huhu Cafe, celebrated for its creative menu and inviting ambiance.
Drive 5 minutes from Ruakuri Cave.
NZD 35, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore Waitomo Caves‘ Walking Trails

Take a scenic walk along the trails surrounding the Waitomo Caves for tranquil reflections on your adventure.
5-minute drive from Huhu Cafe.
Free, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Relax at accommodation

Get refreshed at your accommodation before heading to your evening destination.
Accommodation is nearby.
NZD 100, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Waitomo Homestead Restaurant

Enjoy a relaxed farm-to-table dining experience, featuring seasonal ingredients at your lodgings.
Located within the homestead.
NZD 60, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Waitomo

Day 5: Hobbiton and Return

Hobbiton, New Zealand

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Green Dragon Inn

Enjoy an enchanting Hobbit-themed breakfast at The Green Dragon Inn, where Middle-Earth magic comes alive.
Drive 2 hours from Waitomo to Hobbiton.
NZD 30, 1 hour

9:30AM

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Join a guided tour to explore the whimsical Hobbiton movie set, immersing yourself in the charm of the Shire.
Located at Hobbiton.
NZD 85, 2 hours

11:30AM

Explore Matamata Town

Venture into Matamata town to discover its charming shops and local art galleries.
Short drive from Hobbiton.
Free, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Flour Room

Relax and enjoy a farm-to-table experience at The Flour Room, offering baked goods and local produce.
Drive from Matamata town.
NZD 35, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Drive back to Auckland

Pack up and prepare for your return journey to Auckland, reflecting on the breathtaking adventure just had.
Drive approximately 2.5 hours back to Auckland.
Free, 2.5 hours

5:00PM

End of Road Trip

Arrive back in Auckland; your 5-day adventure concludes, filled with memories of nature and culture.
Arrive in Auckland.
Free, N/A
Find Hotels in Hobbiton
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