12-Day New Zealand North Island Adventure Itinerary: Auckland, Rotorua, and Coromandel Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Auckland City

Auckland, New Zealand on July 4, 2025

12:20PM

Arrival at Auckland Airport

Land at Auckland Airport and transfer to Hilton Auckland for check-in and rest after your flight.
Included in booking, 1h

2:00PM

Auckland Waterfront Walk

Stroll along the vibrant Viaduct Harbour and Wynyard Quarter to soak in the city vibes and views of the Harbour Bridge.
Free, 1h30m

4:00PM

Sky Tower Visit

Visit the iconic Sky Tower for panoramic views of Auckland city and beyond. Open 10AM-10PM daily.
NZD 38, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Soul Bar & Bistro

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner featuring modern New Zealand cuisine with a harbour view, open till 10PM.
Approx NZD 60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand on July 5, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at this popular cafe known for NYC-style bagels and breakfast dishes. Opens at 7:30AM.
Approx NZD 25, 1h

9:30AM

Pick up rental car and drive to Rotorua

Collect your rental car and embark on a scenic 3-hour drive south-east to Rotorua, passing beautiful countryside.
Rental cost varies, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at Atticus Finch, Rotorua

Dine at this acclaimed spot known for fresh, local ingredients and excellent service. Open 11:30AM-2:30PM.
Approx NZD 40, 1h

3:00PM

Visit Te Puia Geothermal Reserve

Explore geysers, mud pools, and Maori cultural performances at Te Puia (open 8:30AM-5PM). Don't miss the Pohutu Geyser.
NZD 55, 2h

6:00PM

Check into Quest Rotorua Central

Settle into your accommodation and relax before dinner.
Included, 1h

7:30PM

Dinner at Prince's Gate Restaurant

Enjoy an elegant dinner featuring modern New Zealand dishes in a historic hotel setting, open till 9PM.
Approx NZD 60, 1h30m
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Day 3: Rotorua Adventure

Rotorua, New Zealand on July 6, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Savour gourmet breakfast options in a cozy environment, known for excellent coffee and pastries. Open from 7AM.
Approx NZD 20, 1h

9:00AM

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Visit this famed geothermal park with colorful hot springs and the famous Champagne Pool. Opens 8AM-5PM.
NZD 35, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Eat Streat

Choose from various eateries at Rotorua's Eat Streat, offering international and local cuisine.
Approx NZD 30, 1h

1:30PM

Redwoods Forest Walk

Enjoy a peaceful walk or bike ride through majestic Californian redwoods, open daylight hours. Free entry.
Free, 2h

4:00PM

Polynesian Spa

Relax in natural hot mineral pools with stunning lake views. Open 7AM-10PM.
From NZD 32, 2h

7:00PM

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Dinner here again to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and great contemporary dishes.
Approx NZD 60, 1h30m
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Day 4: Rotorua to Coromandel

Rotorua to Coromandel, New Zealand on July 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Quest Rotorua Central

Enjoy a convenient self-catered breakfast in your accommodation before checkout.
Included, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Coromandel Peninsula

Take a scenic 3-hour drive to the Coromandel Peninsula, a place renowned for stunning beaches and forests.
Rental included, 3h

12:30PM

Lunch at The Boardwalk Restaurant, Coromandel

Relax with fresh local seafood and seaside views at this highly rated beachfront restaurant. Open 11:30AM-3PM.
Approx NZD 45, 1h

2:00PM

Check into The Dome

Settle into your immersive eco-friendly accommodation surrounded by native forest.
Included, 1h

3:30PM

Cathedral Cove Walk

Walk to the iconic limestone archway beach within 1.5 to 2 hours return. A must-see outdoor attraction, best visited in daylight.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at The Oyster Inn

Enjoy waterfront dining with excellent seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. Open till 9PM.
Approx NZD 60, 1h30m
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Day 5: Coromandel Exploration

Coromandel, New Zealand on July 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Dome

Start your morning with a fresh breakfast in your eco-dome accommodation.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Hot Water Beach Visit

Visit the famous Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand. Best to arrive at low tide. Check tide times.
Free, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at Mick & Mack's Café

Casual café known for fresh, wholesome meals and great coffee, open 8AM-3PM.
Approx NZD 25, 1h

2:00PM

Driving Creek Railway

Ride a unique narrow-gauge train through regenerating native forest and admire artist Barry Brickell’s creations. Open 10AM-5PM.
NZD 35, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Pacifica Café & Bar

Enjoy a variety of fresh and delicious dishes in a laid-back setting. Open till 9PM.
Approx NZD 50, 1h30m
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Day 6: Return to Auckland

Coromandel to Auckland, New Zealand on July 9, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Dome

Enjoy your final breakfast in the eco-dome before checkout.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Drive back to Auckland

3-hour drive back to Auckland to settle into Hilton Auckland for your last part of the trip.
Rental included, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at The Sugar Club

Dine at Sky Tower’s upscale restaurant with a spectacular city view, open 11:30AM-2:30PM.
Approx NZD 70, 1h30m

3:00PM

Auckland Art Gallery

Explore New Zealand's most extensive art collection. Gallery open 10AM-5PM.
Free, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Casual, vibrant spot known for shared plates and fresh local produce. Open till 10PM.
Approx NZD 50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Auckland Leisure Day

Auckland, New Zealand on July 10, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Best Ugly Bagels

Enjoy a taste of Montreal-style bagels in Auckland's CBD, opens 7AM.
Approx NZD 15, 1h

9:30AM

Waiheke Island Day Trip

Take a ferry (35 mins, $28 return) to Waiheke Island for wineries, beaches, and art galleries. Ferry runs from 7AM to 7PM.
NZD 28 ferry, 6h

4:00PM

Return from Waiheke Island

Ferry back to Auckland to enjoy the evening at leisure.
Included, 35m

7:00PM

Dinner at Cassia

Experience contemporary Indian cuisine in a stylish setting, open till 10PM.
Approx NZD 65, 1h30m
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Day 8: Final Day in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on July 11, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Little and Friday

A cozy bakery and café famous for excellent breakfast dishes and croissants, opens at 7AM.
Approx NZD 20, 1h

10:00AM

Mount Eden Summit Hike

Take a half-hour walk to this dormant volcano summit for spectacular 360-degree views of Auckland.
Free, 1h

12:00PM

Lunch at Amano

Enjoy fresh Italian-inspired dishes with local produce, open 12PM-3PM.
Approx NZD 40, 1h

2:00PM

Shopping at Britomart

Spend your afternoon exploring upscale shops, cafes, and boutiques at the Britomart precinct.
Varies, 2h

5:30PM

Relax at the hotel or local bar

Unwind at Hilton Auckland or visit a nearby bar for a pre-dinner drink.
Varies, 1h

7:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Clooney

Enjoy a fine dining experience with a focus on contemporary New Zealand cuisine, open till 10PM.
Approx NZD 80, 2h
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