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New Zealand Exploration: Auckland, Rotorua & Napier with Iconic Attractions and Local Flavours

Viewed by 68 travelers

Day 1: Arrival & Auckland Highlights

Auckland, New Zealand on July 4, 2025

12:20PM

Arrive Auckland Airport & Check-in Hilton Auckland

After landing, head to Hilton Auckland to relax and enjoy stunning harbour views.
Included in hotel booking, 1h

2:00PM

Visit Sky Tower

Experience panoramic city views from Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower observation deck.
NZD32, 1h30m

4:00PM

Mount Eden Summit

Take a scenic 45-minute walk up Auckland’s highest volcanic cone for beautiful cityscapes.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at The White Lady Burgers (Commerce Street)

Savour Auckland's famed late-night burgers at The White Lady on Commerce Street, a local institution open till late.
NZD15-25, 1h
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 2: Hobbiton & Rotorua

Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand on July 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast - Muzza’s Pie

Start your day with hearty New Zealand mince pies, perfect for a travel snack.
NZD5-8, 30m

9:00AM

Pick up rental car and drive to Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata

Drive approximately 2 hours south from Auckland to the enchanting Hobbiton movie set for your booked tour.
Car rental cost applies, 2h

1:00PM

Hobbiton Movie Set Guided Tour

Explore the famous film set where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit were filmed on your pre-booked 2-hour tour.
NZD89, 2h

3:30PM

Drive to Rotorua and Check-in Quest Rotorua Central

Approximately 1 hour drive from Hobbiton to Rotorua’s city centre for your stay.
Car rental cost applies, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at local Rotorua restaurant

Choose a local spot for Rotorua specialties or international cuisine close to your accommodation.
NZD25-40, 1h
Find Hotels in Auckland to Rotorua

Day 3: Rotorua Thermal & Culture

Rotorua, New Zealand on July 6, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast nearby Quest Rotorua

Enjoy a classic Kiwi breakfast to energize your day in Rotorua city.
NZD12-18, 1h

9:30AM

Visit Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens

Explore the historic baths building and beautiful gardens highlighting Maori culture and local heritage, check opening from 10am to 5pm.
NZD22, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at local café

Taste fresh, locally inspired dishes at a Rotorua café near your hotel.
NZD20-30, 1h

1:30PM

Explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Discover colorful geothermal phenomena and bubbling hot springs, with entry until 6pm.
NZD32, 2h

4:00PM

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Soak in natural thermal mineral pools and rejuvenate your body before dinner.
NZD40-60, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Rotorua Restaurant

Sample contemporary New Zealand dishes in a warm atmosphere within walking distance.
NZD30-45, 1h
Find Hotels in Rotorua

Day 4: Drive Napier & Art Deco

Rotorua to Napier, New Zealand on July 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at accommodation

Quick breakfast to prepare for a scenic drive to Napier.
Included or NZD15, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Napier

Travel approximately 3.5 hours to Napier, the Art Deco capital of New Zealand.
Car rental cost applies, 3h30m

12:30PM

Check-in The Dome Napier

Settle into your beachside hotel offering superb views and easy access to the city.
Included in booking, 30m

1:00PM

Lunch at local winery or café

Choose from several wineries or charming cafés in Napier for a delicious lunch.
NZD30-50, 1h30m

3:00PM

Napier Art Deco District Walking Tour

Explore historic 1930s architecture and visit the Art Deco Centre, self-guided or guided tours available.
Free to NZD30 for guided, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner on Marine Parade

Enjoy fresh seafood or New Zealand cuisine at a waterfront restaurant.
NZD35-50, 1h
Find Hotels in Rotorua to Napier

Day 5: Napier Aquarium & Leisure

Napier, New Zealand on July 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Dome

Breakfast with relaxing sea views to start your day.
Included or NZD15, 1h

9:30AM

Visit National Aquarium of New Zealand

Discover marine life and native wildlife exhibits in this popular Napier attraction, open 9am-5pm.
NZD22, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch featuring Giapo and Hōkē Poke Ice Cream

Delight in award-winning creative ice creams and poke ice cream flavours in Napier.
NZD10-15, 1h

1:30PM

Optional local wine tasting or coastal walk

Spend the afternoon relaxing with a vineyard tasting or exploring coastal paths.
NZD15-30, 3h

5:30PM

Dinner in Napier town

Try local cuisine at a relaxed eatery for a rounded day of discovery.
NZD30-50, 1h
Find Hotels in Napier

Day 6: Back to Auckland

Napier to Auckland, New Zealand on July 9, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at The Dome

Enjoy your final seaside breakfast in Napier.
Included or NZD15, 1h

8:00AM

Drive back to Auckland

Prepare for a 5-hour drive returning to Auckland city, car rental return upon arrival.
Car rental cost applies, 5h

1:30PM

Check-in Hilton Auckland

Unwind in comfort after your drive and refresh at your downtown hotel.
Included in booking, 30m

3:00PM

Explore Britomart District

Discover trendy shops, bars and cafés in Auckland’s stylish waterfront precinct.
Free to explore, 1h30m

5:00PM

Visit Viaduct Harbour

Enjoy waterfront nightlife, bars, and vibrant atmosphere at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour.
Free, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at The White Lady Burgers (Commerce Street)

Revisit the iconic Auckland burger spot for a relaxed and casual dinner experience.
NZD15-25, 1h
Find Hotels in Napier to Auckland

Day 7: Waiheke Island & Aquarium

Auckland, New Zealand on July 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast nearby

Convenient breakfast at a café or your hotel to prepare for the day.
NZD15, 1h

9:00AM

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Take a scenic 40-minute ferry to Waiheke Island to enjoy beaches and vineyards.
NZD40 round trip, 40m

10:00AM

Explore Vineyards and Beaches on Waiheke Island

Visit boutique wineries for tastings and relax on pristine beaches in the afternoon.
Wine tastings NZD15-25, 4h

2:00PM

Lunch at Waiheke vineyard restaurant

Enjoy lunch with stunning vineyard views paired with local wines.
NZD40-60, 1.5h

3:30PM

Return ferry to Auckland

Ferry ride back to Auckland to continue your city adventures.
Included in ticket, 40m

5:00PM

Visit SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton’s Aquarium

Explore marine exhibits including the penguin enclosure and underwater tunnels, closing at 6pm.
NZD42, 1h30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Auckland Fish Market

Feast on fresh seafood delicacies at the lively fish market, open till 9pm.
NZD35-50, 1h
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 8: Auckland Arts & Leisure

Auckland, New Zealand on July 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hilton Auckland or nearby

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast close to your hotel.
NZD15, 1h

10:00AM

Visit Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Explore New Zealand’s largest public art collection; open 10am - 5pm with free entry.
Free, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at Britomart Precinct

Choose from diverse cafés and restaurants in the stylish Britomart area for lunch.
NZD20-40, 1h

2:00PM

Leisure time: Shopping or Stroll Queen Street

Spend your afternoon browsing Auckland’s main shopping street or relaxing in nearby parks.
Free, 2h

5:00PM

Return to Hilton Auckland and rest

Relax and prepare for departure the next day.
Included, 1h

7:00PM

Farewell dinner at upscale Viaduct Harbour restaurant

Celebrate your trip with exquisite dining and beautiful waterfront views.
NZD60-90, 2h
Find Hotels in Auckland

Day 9: Departure

Auckland, New Zealand on July 12, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hilton Auckland

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel before check-out.
Included, 1h

9:30AM

Hotel check-out and transfer to Auckland Airport

Make sure to leave early for airport check-in and security procedures.
Transport cost varies, 1h

2:10PM

Flight Departure SQ286

Depart Auckland airport for your flight home.
Flight cost included, N/A
Find Hotels in Auckland
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