10-Day New Zealand North Island Adventure: Auckland to Napier & Rotorua Highlights

Day 1: Arrival and Auckland Intro

Auckland, New Zealand on July 4, 2025

12:20pm

Arrival at Auckland Airport & Transfer to Hilton Auckland

After arrival, transfer to Hilton Auckland and check in. Settle in and prepare for an afternoon exploring the city.

Included, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Sky Tower

Explore the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere offering panoramic city views and a chance to try the SkyJump or SkyWalk (optional). Open daily 9:00am-10:00pm.

NZD32, 2h

4:30pm

Mount Eden Walk

Enjoy a gentle hike up to Mount Eden, Auckland’s highest natural point, offering stunning views of the city and the volcanic crater. Open all day, free entry.

Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Grove

Dine at The Grove, a highly acclaimed restaurant near the Hilton Auckland featuring innovative New Zealand cuisine in a sophisticated setting. Open from 5:30pm.

Approx NZD70-100, 2h

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Day 2: Hobbiton and Rotorua

Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Auckland Fish Market

Start with a fresh seafood breakfast at Auckland Fish Market, open from 7:00am offering a variety of fresh catches and casual dining options.

NZD20-35, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set

Collect rental car and drive from Auckland to Matamata for Hobbiton Movie Set. The drive takes approximately 2 hours.

Rental car cost, 2h

1:00pm

Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour

Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. This immersive experience explores the picturesque movie set with detailed stories about its making.

NZD89, 2h

3:30pm

Drive to Rotorua and Check in at Quest Rotorua Central

After Hobbiton, drive about 1 hour to Rotorua and check into your hotel.

Rental car cost, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Enjoy a casual but well-reviewed dinner at Atticus Finch, known for its tapas-style dining and great local flavors. Open until 9:00pm.

NZD40-60, 1h30m

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Day 3: Rotorua Exploration

Rotorua, New Zealand on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Capers Epicurean, a popular local cafe known for fresh coffee and breakfast dishes. Open from 7:30am.

NZD15-25, 1h

9:30am

Visit Te Puia and Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley

Explore Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and Maori cultural experiences at Te Puia. It opens at 9:00am and you can witness geysers, mud pools, and wood carving demonstrations.

NZD60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Eat Streat

Choose from multiple eateries at Rotorua’s Eat Streat, a vibrant street with a variety of cuisines open from midday. Try local favorites or international dishes.

NZD20-35, 1h

2:30pm

Relax at Rotorua Lakefront and Government Gardens

Spend a relaxed afternoon strolling around the beautiful lakefront and adjoining Government Gardens featuring historic architecture and manicured landscapes.

Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Rotorua Museum (check if open)

Check availability as Rotorua Museum is sometimes closed for renovations. If open, discover Rotorua’s history, art, and culture.

NZD15, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar

Dine with panoramic views at Stratosfare atop Mount Ngongotaha. Enjoy a diverse menu and stunning sunset vistas (confirm cable car operation hours).

NZD50-80, 2h

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Day 4: Rotorua to Napier

Rotorua to Napier, New Zealand on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel or local café

Fuel up for the day with a good breakfast prep for the drive to Napier.

Included or NZD15-25, 1h

8:30am

Drive from Rotorua to Napier

Set off on a scenic drive to Napier, approximately 3.5 to 4 hours via SH5 and SH2 with beautiful views en route.

Rental car cost, 4h

12:30pm

Check-in at The Dome, Napier

Arrive and settle in at The Dome located at 101 Marine Parade with ocean views.

Hotel cost, 30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Pacifica Kaimoana

Enjoy fresh seafood lunch at Pacifica Kaimoana, a Napier waterfront favorite known for its quality catch and relaxed atmosphere.

NZD30-50, 1h

2:30pm

Art Deco Walking Tour

Explore Napier’s famed Art Deco architecture via a guided walking tour starting around 2 pm. Discover the city's unique style following the 1931 earthquake.

NZD35, 2h

5:00pm

Visit National Aquarium of New Zealand

Explore diverse marine life displays at Napier’s National Aquarium open until 5:00pm. Confirm exact closing time; typically closes at 5pm.

NZD24, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Mister D Restaurant Bar

Dine at Mister D, known for its excellent steaks and friendly service in Napier’s hospitality scene.

NZD40-70, 1h30m

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Day 5: Napier Exploration

Napier, New Zealand on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Dome’s Restaurant

Enjoy breakfast by the sea at The Dome’s in-house restaurant with beautiful views of Napier’s coastline.

Included or NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Te Mata Peak

Drive or hike up to Te Mata Peak for some of the best panoramic views over Hawke’s Bay and the coastline. Great photo opportunity and easy access.

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Vintners Bar & Restaurant

Taste local Hawke’s Bay wines paired with delicious cuisine at this stylish yet relaxed restaurant. Open from 11:30am.

NZD35-60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Explore Hawke’s Bay Art Gallery

Visit the Hawke’s Bay art gallery for contemporary and Māori art collections. Check opening times—usually 10am to 5pm.

NZD10, 1h30m

4:00pm

Relaxation at Marine Parade

Take a stroll or relax along Marine Parade, the prominent seafront esplanade with parks and cafes to soak in the coastal atmosphere.

Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pacifica Breezes

Enjoy dinner with views of Napier’s waterfront and a seasonal menu focusing on fresh local produce.

NZD40-70, 1h30m

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Day 6: Napier to Auckland Return

Napier to Auckland, New Zealand on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Dome Restaurant

Last breakfast by the coast before the drive back to Auckland.

Included or NZD20, 1h

8:30am

Drive back to Auckland

Begin the approximately 5-hour drive back to Auckland in preparation for your final days in the city with no car rental needed after arrival.

Rental car cost, 5h

2:00pm

Check-in at Hilton Auckland

Arrive at Hilton Auckland and check in for the remainder of your stay in the city.

Hotel cost, 30m

3:00pm

Relax and explore Britomart precinct

Spend the afternoon discovering Auckland’s Britomart precinct, featuring shopping, cafes, and waterfront views.

Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar

Dine at Depot, a vibrant Auckland restaurant known for fresh seafood and lively atmosphere. Open weekdays from 5pm.

NZD40-60, 1h30m

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Day 7: Auckland Island Day

Auckland, New Zealand on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Start your day with a convenient and relaxing breakfast at Hilton Auckland.

Included, 1h

8:30am

Full Day Trip to Waiheke Island

Take the ferry to Waiheke Island (45 minutes), known for its vineyards, beaches, and local artisan shops. Plan visits to a couple of wineries such as Mudbrick or Cable Bay. Ferry runs frequently from 7:00am to late evening.

NZD42 return ferry, vineyard tastings variable, 8h

6:30pm

Dinner back in Auckland at the Viaduct Harbour

Enjoy dinner along the bustling Viaduct Harbour waterfront with a variety of restaurants offering fresh seafood and modern Kiwi cuisine.

NZD50-80, 2h

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Day 8: Auckland Museums & Aquarium

Auckland, New Zealand on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Bestie Cafe

Try Bestie Cafe for a trendy breakfast spot with excellent coffee and creative dishes, open from 7:30am.

NZD20-30, 1h

10:00am

Visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Discover New Zealand’s largest art institution with a broad collection ranging from historic Maori works to contemporary international art. Open 10am-5pm.

Free admission (special exhibitions may charge), 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy a New York-inspired lunch at Federal Delicatessen near the gallery, known for excellent pastrami sandwiches and classic deli eats. Open 11am-3pm.

NZD25-35, 1h

2:00pm

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium visit

Explore marine wildlife exhibits, including a walk-through underwater tunnel with sharks and rays at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium. Open 9:30am–6:00pm.

NZD39, 2h