Auckland and Rotorua New Zealand Itinerary with Hobbiton and Waiheke Island Highlights

Day 1: Auckland City Tour

Auckland, New Zealand on July 4, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Amano

Start your day with freshly baked pastries and coffee at Amano, a highly rated spot known for its Italian-inspired baked goods. Opens at 7:00am.
NZD20, 1h

10:00am

Sky Tower

Visit Auckland's iconic Sky Tower for panoramic city views. The observation deck is open from 9:00am to 10:00pm.
NZD32, 1h

11:30am

Mount Eden

Explore this dormant volcano and its scenic lookout with views over Auckland. Good for an outdoor walk and photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

1:00pm

Lunch at Auckland Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood at the lively Auckland Fish Market. Open till 3:00pm, it offers a variety of options for casual dining.
NZD30, 1h

2:30pm

Auckland Art Gallery

Discover New Zealand's leading art collection in this beautifully restored gallery. Open 10:00am to 5:00pm daily.
NZD20, 1.5h

4:30pm

Britomart

Explore this trendy waterfront precinct for shopping, cafes, and galleries, perfect for a stroll and light snacks.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Savor artisanal New Zealand cuisine featuring fresh local produce in a casual atmosphere. Open until 10:00pm.
NZD50, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 2: Hobbiton & Rotorua

Matamata to Rotorua, New Zealand on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hilton Auckland

Enjoy the hotel breakfast buffet before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set

Travel by rental car from Auckland to Hobbiton near Matamata, approx 2h 15m drive.
Fuel cost approx NZD30, 2h 15m

1:00pm

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Enjoy a guided tour of the Hobbiton set used in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films. Tour duration approx 2h. Booking confirmed.
NZD89, 2h

3:30pm

Drive to Rotorua

Continue your scenic drive to Rotorua (approximately 1 hour).
Fuel cost approx NZD15, 1h

5:00pm

Check into Quest Rotorua Central

Settle into your hotel in Rotorua for 2 nights.
Prebooked, Relax

6:30pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Casual dining with contemporary New Zealand dishes; popular with locals. Open till 9:30pm.
NZD40, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 3: Rotorua Geothermal

Rotorua, New Zealand on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Enjoy artisan coffee and a hearty breakfast at this well-regarded local cafe. Opens from 7:00am.
NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore colorful geothermal landscapes and bubbling mud pools in this famous park. Open 8:00am to 5:00pm.
NZD35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fat Dog Cafe

Casual dining with fresh, locally sourced ingredients in the heart of Rotorua.
NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Polynesian Spa

Relax in natural hot mineral pools famous for therapeutic properties. Open 8:00am to 10:00pm.
NZD35, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Rotorua lakefront and Government Gardens

Leisurely walk by Lake Rotorua and visit the historic gardens for some photography and fresh air.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Eat Streat

Choose from multiple restaurants along this vibrant street offering diverse cuisines.
NZD40, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 4: Rotorua to The Dome

Rotorua to The Dome, New Zealand on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast in Quest Rotorua Central

Prepare a light breakfast at your accommodation or visit a nearby cafe before check out.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Drive to The Dome

Travel to The Dome (estimate 2h 30m drive), using your rental car for scenic route exploration.
Fuel approx NZD40, 2h 30m

12:00pm

Check in The Dome Hotel

Relax and enjoy the unique dome architecture set amidst native bushland.
Prebooked, Relax

1:00pm

Lunch at The Dome Restaurant

Enjoy fresh, locally sourced ingredients in the Dome's in-house restaurant in a unique setting.
NZD35, 1h

2:30pm

Nature Walking and Exploration around The Dome

Take advantage of nearby walking tracks and native flora surrounding the Dome property.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Dome

Enjoy a quiet dinner back at the hotel’s restaurant featuring local dishes and wine.
NZD45, 1.5h
View Hotels

Day 5: Return to Auckland, Waiheke Island

The Dome to Auckland, New Zealand on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Dome

Start the day with breakfast at the hotel to fuel up before the drive to Auckland.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive back to Auckland

Drive approximately 3h to Auckland city, prepare for ferry to Waiheke Island.
Fuel approx NZD50, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch near Auckland ferry terminal

Grab a quick bite around Auckland ferry terminal before ferry departure.
NZD25, 1h

1:00pm

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Catch the ferry to Waiheke Island (approx 35 min ride). Ferries run frequently, check schedule in advance.
NZD42 return, 0.5h

2:00pm

Waiheke Island Wine Tour

Explore several of Waiheke's renowned vineyards for wine tasting and scenic views. Tours usually last about 3 hours.
NZD100, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard

Dine at Mudbrick Vineyard’s restaurant offering spectacular views and excellent cuisine.
NZD60, 1.5h

8:00pm

Return ferry to Auckland

Catch evening ferry back to Auckland; verify ferry times for late trips.
Included in return ticket, 0.5h
View Hotels

Day 6: Auckland Aquarium & City

Auckland, New Zealand on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy an American-style breakfast in downtown Auckland, opens from 7:00am.
NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

Discover New Zealand's only Antarctic penguin exhibition and a wide range of marine life. Open 9:00am to 5:00pm.
NZD40, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Britomart

Enjoy diverse dining options at this refined waterfront precinct in Auckland city.
NZD35, 1h

1:30pm

Leisure time and city shopping

Explore shops and boutiques around Queen Street and Britomart or relax at a cafe.
Varies, 2h

4:00pm

Check-in Hilton Auckland

Settle back into Hilton Auckland for final stay and refresh after day excursions.
Prebooked, Relax

6:30pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Wrap up your trip with a final dinner at Depot Eatery enjoying local favourite dishes.
NZD50, 1.5h
View Hotels