6-Day Comprehensive Auckland Travel Itinerary for an Unforgettable Experience

Day 1: Explore Central Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on April 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bestie Cafe

Start your day with specialty coffee and artisanal breakfast in this trendy cafe popular for its brunch dishes near the city centre.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Auckland Sky Tower

Visit Auckland's iconic Sky Tower to enjoy panoramic views over the city and Waitemata Harbour, great for photo opportunities.
NZD32, 1h30m

11:30am

Albert Park and Auckland Art Gallery

Walk through Albert Park, then explore the Auckland Art Gallery featuring impressive collections of New Zealand and international art.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar

Taste fresh local seafood and vibrant New Zealand cuisine in this popular casual restaurant near the city centre.
NZD40, 1h

2:30pm

Walk along the Viaduct Harbour

Stroll through the lively Viaduct Harbour area featuring marina views, cafes, and bars. A great place to relax and see Auckland’s waterfront vibrancy.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Explore New Zealand history and Maori culture via the museum exhibits set in the Auckland Domain. Open until 5pm.
NZD25, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Soul Bar & Bistro

Enjoy contemporary New Zealand cuisine focusing on local ingredients in a stylish setting close to the waterfront.
NZD50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Waiheke Island Adventure

Waiheke Island, New Zealand on April 21, 2025

7:30am

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Catch the morning ferry from Auckland Ferry Terminal to Waiheke Island for a day exploring vineyards and stunning beaches. Ferry takes about 40 minutes.
NZD42 round trip, 40m

9:00am

Breakfast at The Oyster Inn

Enjoy fresh oyster dishes and breakfast with beautiful sea views on Waiheke Island at this popular spot in Oneroa.
NZD25, 1h

10:30am

Wine Tasting at Mudbrick Vineyard

Sample award-winning wines while enjoying spectacular views over the harbor at this renowned vineyard.
NZD20, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Cable Bay Vineyards

Dine al fresco with a menu focusing on local produce paired with their signature wines and ocean views.
NZD50, 1h30m

2:30pm

Explore Oneroa Village

Walk around Waiheke’s main village with boutique shops, galleries, and cafes.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Onetangi Beach

Relax or stroll along this long sandy beach famed for its beauty and tranquility, ideal for late afternoon.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Return Ferry to Auckland

Take ferry back to Auckland, with arrival around 6pm.
Included, 40m

7:30pm

Dinner at Cassia

Back in Auckland, enjoy innovative Indian fusion cuisine in this award-winning restaurant located downtown.
NZD60, 1h30m
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Day 3: West Auckland & Piha Beach

West Auckland, New Zealand on April 22, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Atomic Coffee Roasters

Fuel up with excellent coffee and a hearty breakfast before driving west toward Piha.
NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Piha Beach

Enjoy the scenic 45-minute drive to Piha, known for its black sand beach and rugged coastline.
Car Rental approx NZD70/day, 45m

10:00am

Piha Beach Exploration and Lion Rock

Walk along Piha Beach and climb Lion Rock for panoramic views of the Tasman Sea.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Piha Surf Life Saving Club

Enjoy casual meals at the club with views over the beach, perfect for a relaxed seaside lunch.
NZD30, 1h

2:00pm

Kitekite Falls Walk

Take a short 30-minute walk to visit the beautiful Kitekite Falls surrounded by lush native forest.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Auckland

Drive back to Auckland to rest before dinner.
Included, 45m

6:30pm

Dinner at Sid at The French Cafe

Experience upscale modern New Zealand cuisine in a sophisticated urban setting, reservations recommended.
NZD80, 1h30m
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Day 4: Rotorua Day Trip

Rotorua, New Zealand on April 23, 2025

6:00am

Drive to Rotorua

Start early and drive approximately 3 hours to Rotorua, a geothermal hotspot famous for Maori culture and volcanic attractions.
Car Rental included, 3h

9:30am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Fuel up on fresh local fare in Rotorua’s top-rated cafe.
NZD25, 1h

10:30am

Visit Whakarewarewa - The Living Maori Village

Explore the living Maori village with geothermal activity, cultural performances, and guided tours available.
NZD55, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Stratosfare Restaurant

Enjoy panoramic views with your meal at this mountaintop rotunda just outside Rotorua city.
NZD40, 1h

2:30pm

Geothermal Parks: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Visit colorful geothermal landscapes featuring geysers, boiling mud pools, and silica terraces. Open until 5pm.
NZD35, 1h30m

4:30pm

Drive back to Auckland

Travel back to Auckland and relax after this full day of adventure.
Included, 3h

8:30pm

Light Dinner at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy a late bite featuring New York deli-inspired food, close to your accommodation.
NZD25, 1h
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Day 5: Eastern Suburbs & Mission Bay

Auckland, New Zealand on April 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Orphans Kitchen

Start with a warm and hearty breakfast in this cozy cafe serving creative dishes located in Mt Eden.
NZD23, 1h

9:30am

Mount Eden Summit

Climb the volcanic cone for breathtaking 360-degree views over Auckland city and harbor.
Free, 1h

11:00am

Drive or Bus to Mission Bay

Head to this popular beach suburb for a relaxing time by the sea.
Public Transport NZD4, 30m

11:30am

Walk along Mission Bay Beach

Enjoy the sandy beach, grab a coffee or gelato at beachfront cafes and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Prego

Savor Italian-inspired seafood dishes and pizza, boasting views over Mission Bay.
NZD45, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Auckland Botanic Gardens

Explore diverse native and exotic plants in this expansive garden open until 5pm, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to city center

Travel back to downtown Auckland for dinner.
Public Transport NZD4, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Grill by Sean Connolly

Enjoy sophisticated steak and seafood dinners in a stylish waterfront restaurant with views of the harbor.
NZD70, 1h30m
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Day 6: Shopping & Museums

Auckland, New Zealand on April 25, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Kokako Cafe

Enjoy organic coffee and freshly baked pastries to start your final day energized.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Shopping at Queen Street

Spend the morning shopping in Auckland’s main commercial street with a variety of stores from high-end brands to local boutiques.
Varies, 2h

11:30am

Visit Auckland Maritime Museum

Discover New Zealand’s seafaring history, including Maori waka and Antarctic exploration exhibits. Open until 5pm.
NZD25, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Elliot Stables

Enjoy diverse cuisines in this vibrant collective eatery downtown with many options to suit different tastes.
NZD30, 1h

2:30pm

Visit New Zealand National Library or nearby galleries

Spend your afternoon absorbing more local culture and history before concluding your trip.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Departure preparations/dinner

Have a final dinner at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar if time allows or prepare for departure.
NZD40, 1h
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