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10-Day New Zealand Adventure: Auckland, Rotorua, Napier Highlights & Iconic Eateries

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Day 1: Arrive & Auckland Intro

Auckland, New Zealand on July 4, 2025

12:20PM

Arrive Auckland Airport & Check-in Hilton Auckland

Settle in and refresh after your international flight. Hilton Auckland offers superb views over the Waitemata Harbour and downtown.
Included in hotel booking, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Sky Tower

Explore Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower’s observation deck with panoramic views stretching far across the city and sea.
NZD32, 1h30m

4:00PM

Mount Eden Summit Walk

Walk up Mount Eden, Auckland’s highest natural point, to enjoy sweeping views of the city and volcanic crater.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Tipene’s Fish and Chips

Relish classic Kiwi fish and chips freshly made at a beloved local spot, open till 8pm.
NZD15-25, 1h
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Day 2: Hobbiton & Explore Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand / Matamata on July 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast - Muzza’s Pie

Fuel up with some delicious savory pies, a New Zealand comfort food staple.
NZD5-8, 30m

9:00AM

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata

Pick up rental car and drive to the famous Hobbiton movie set, approximately 2h from Auckland.
Car rental cost applies, 2h

1:00PM

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Take a guided tour through the enchanting movie set of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
NZD89, 2h

3:30PM

Drive to Rotorua and Check-in Quest Rotorua Central

Continue onward to Rotorua for your next stay, about 1h drive.
Car rental cost applies, 1h

5:30PM

Dinner at The White Lady Burger

Savor Rotorua’s famous late-night burger spot with hearty, delicious burgers.
NZD15-20, 1h
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 3: Rotorua Nature & Culture

Rotorua, New Zealand on July 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at local cafe near Quest Rotorua Central

Enjoy a hearty Kiwi breakfast in the city centre to start your day.
NZD12-18, 1h

9:30AM

Visit the Rotorua Museum & Government Gardens

Explore local history, culture, and art in a historic bathhouse building with beautiful gardens.
NZD22, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at local Maori hangi experience or cafe

Try traditional hangi cuisine or modern New Zealand dishes reflecting Maori heritage.
NZD20-35, 1h30m

2:00PM

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Discover vibrant geothermal landscapes with colourful hot springs and geysers, open till 6pm.
NZD32, 2h

5:00PM

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Soak in natural hot mineral pools for ultimate relaxation before dinner.
NZD40-60, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at local eatery

Enjoy a casual dinner featuring fresh local produce and international flavours.
NZD25-40, 1h
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 4: Drive to Napier & Art Deco

Rotorua to Napier, New Zealand on July 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Quest Rotorua

Start with a convenient and comfortable breakfast at your accommodation.
Included or NZD15, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Napier

Approximately 3h30m scenic drive south to Napier, known for its Art Deco heritage.
Car rental cost applies, 3h30m

12:30PM

Check-in The Dome Napier

Settle into your hotel in Napier with easy access to the waterfront and art deco sites.
Included in booking, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch at Mission Estate Winery

Enjoy a gourmet lunch with local wines at New Zealand’s oldest winery, near Napier.
NZD40-60, 1h30m

3:00PM

Explore Napier Art Deco District

Take a guided or self-guided walking tour of iconic 1930s Art Deco architecture.
Free - guided tour approx NZD30, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at local seafood restaurant on Marine Parade

Relish fresh seafood with coastal views, a Napier specialty.
NZD35-50, 1h
Find Hotels in Rotorua to Napier

Day 5: Napier & Surrounds

Napier, New Zealand on July 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Dome

Enjoy an early breakfast with sea views from your hotel.
Included or NZD15, 1h

9:30AM

Visit National Aquarium of New Zealand

Explore marine life and native wildlife exhibits in this popular family attraction in Napier.
NZD22, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Giapo Ice Cream and Hōkē Poke Ice Cream

Taste award-winning innovative ice cream and poke ice cream novelties to cool down.
NZD10-15, 1h

1:30PM

Drive to Cape Kidnappers

Optional visit to Cape Kidnappers for scenic coastal views and gannet colony, 45 mins from Napier.
Free, guided tours extra cost, 2-3h

5:30PM

Return to Napier and Dinner

Dine at a casual eatery or try local vineyards’ dining options.
NZD30-50, 1h
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Day 6: Return to Auckland

Napier to Auckland, New Zealand on July 9, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Dome

Enjoy your last hotel breakfast with ocean views in Napier.
Included or NZD15, 1h

8:00AM

Drive back to Auckland

Long drive of approximately 5h to Auckland, return car rental upon arrival.
Car rental cost applies, 5h

1:30PM

Check-in Hilton Auckland

Relax and refresh back at your city centre hotel.
Included in booking, 30m

3:00PM

Visit Britomart for Shopping and Coffee

Stroll through the vibrant Britomart precinct with boutique shops and cafes.
Free to explore, 1h30m

5:00PM

Visit Viaduct Harbour

Enjoy waterfront views, bars, and restaurants in Auckland’s lively harbour area.
Free to explore, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at The White Lady Burger

Indulge in one more round of Auckland’s famous late-night burgers at this iconic eatery.
NZD15-20, 1h
Find Hotels in Napier to Auckland

Day 7: Auckland - Island & Aquarium

Auckland, New Zealand on July 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel or nearby cafe

Enjoy a convenient breakfast to start your day.
NZD15, 1h

9:00AM

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Take a scenic ferry ride to Waiheke Island (approx 40 mins).
NZD40 round trip, 40m

10:00AM

Explore Waiheke Island Vineyards and Beaches

Visit boutique wineries and beautiful beaches, known for stunning Mediterranean climate.
Wine tastings NZD10-20, 4h

2:00PM

Lunch at a Waiheke vineyard restaurant

Relax with lunch and local wine amid beautiful vineyard settings.
NZD35-55, 1.5h

3:30PM

Return Ferry to Auckland

Return to Auckland for some early evening activities.
Included in ferry ticket, 40m

5:00PM

Visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

Discover marine life showcases including Antarctic penguins and sharks, open till 6pm.
NZD42, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Auckland Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes at the bustling Auckland Fish Market, open till 9pm.
NZD30-50, 1h
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 8: Auckland Culture & Leisure

Auckland, New Zealand on July 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast near Hilton Auckland

Light breakfast at a nearby cafe to start another day in Auckland.
NZD15, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Enjoy a rich collection of New Zealand and international art in a beautifully architected gallery, open 10am-5pm.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Britomart precinct

Choose from a variety of trendy cafes and restaurants for a relaxing lunch.
NZD20-40, 1h

1:30PM

Leisure time or shopping at Queen Street

Spend your afternoon shopping or exploring Auckland’s main street and shops.
Free to explore, 2h

4:00PM

Return to Hilton Auckland and relax

Rest and pack in preparation for departure day.
Included in booking, 1h

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Upmarket Restaurant in Viaduct Harbour

Celebrate your New Zealand trip with fine dining and harbour views.
NZD60-90, 2h
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 9: Departure Day

Auckland, New Zealand on July 12, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hilton Auckland

Last leisurely breakfast in New Zealand to prepare for your journey.
Included, 1h

10:00AM

Hotel check-out and transfer to Auckland Airport

Allow sufficient time for travel and check-in for your flight SQ286.
Transport cost varies, 1h

2:00PM

Flight Departure SQ286

Depart Auckland at 2:10PM for your journey home.
Flight ticket cost, N/A
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