Optimized Auckland and Rotorua Itinerary with Hobbiton and Waiheke Island Highlights

Day 1: Arrival & Auckland Highlights

Auckland, New Zealand on July 4, 2025

12:20pm

Arrival at Auckland Airport

Land and clear customs, proceed to Hilton Auckland for check-in and refreshment.
N/A, 1h

1:30pm

Check-in at Hilton Auckland

Settle into your hotel and relax after your flight.
Prebooked, 1h

2:30pm

Lunch at Auckland Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood in a vibrant atmosphere; ideal for an early afternoon meal. Open until 3:00pm.
NZD30, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Sky Tower

Experience panoramic views of Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower. Open till 10:00pm.
NZD32, 1h

4:45pm

Explore Mount Eden

Take a scenic walk up to this dormant volcano's summit for breathtaking city views and great photo opportunities.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Savor New Zealand cuisine with fresh local ingredients in a vibrant atmosphere, open until 10:00pm.
NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 2: Hobbiton & Rotorua

Matamata to Rotorua, New Zealand on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hilton Auckland

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before departing.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set

Drive approximately 2h 15min from Auckland to Hobbiton near Matamata.
Fuel approx NZD30, 2h 15m

1:00pm

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Enjoy a 2-hour guided tour of the famous Hobbiton Movie Set. Booking confirmed.
NZD89, 2h

3:30pm

Drive to Rotorua

Travel to Rotorua for approximately 1 hour by car.
Fuel approx NZD15, 1h

5:00pm

Check in at Quest Rotorua Central

Get settled into your accommodation for an overnight stay.
Prebooked, Relax

6:30pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Enjoy casual dining with contemporary New Zealand dishes, open till 9:30pm.
NZD40, 1.5h
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Day 3: Rotorua Geothermal Adventure

Rotorua, New Zealand on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Have artisan coffee and a local favorite breakfast at Capers, opens at 7am.
NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Explore colorful geothermal features and mud pools in this popular park, open 8:00am–5:00pm.
NZD35, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Fat Dog Cafe

Relax with fresh and local dishes at a casual cafe in Rotorua.
NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Polynesian Spa visit

Soak in the natural hot mineral pools known for therapeutic benefits, open until 10:00pm.
NZD35, 2h

4:00pm

Rotorua Lakefront and Government Gardens Walk

Enjoy an afternoon stroll around the picturesque lakefront and gardens.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Eat Streat

Enjoy diverse dining options on this popular street bustling with restaurants.
NZD40, 1.5h
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Day 4: To The Dome Nature Stay

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

8:00am

Breakfast at Quest Rotorua Central

Enjoy a light breakfast onsite or at a nearby cafe before departure.
NZD20, 1h

9:30am

Drive to The Dome

Travel about 2h 30min to The Dome, enjoying scenic landscapes on the way.
Fuel approx NZD40, 2h 30m

12:00pm

Check-in The Dome Hotel

Arrive and relax in the unique dome accommodation surrounded by nature.
Prebooked, Relax

1:00pm

Lunch at The Dome Restaurant

Taste locally-sourced cuisine served in a distinctive architectural setting.
NZD35, 1h

2:30pm

Nature Walks near The Dome

Explore adjacent bushland on walking trails for peaceful nature immersion.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at The Dome

Enjoy a quiet dinner with local dishes back at your hotel restaurant.
NZD45, 1.5h
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Day 5: Return to Auckland & Waiheke Island

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

7:30am

Breakfast at The Dome

Hearty breakfast served at the hotel to start your travel day.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Auckland

Drive approximately 3 hours back to Auckland city center.
Fuel approx NZD50, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Ferry Terminal Area

Enjoy a quick lunch near Auckland ferry terminal in preparation for your island trip.
NZD25, 1h

1:00pm

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Take the 35-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island. Confirm departure times in advance.
NZD42 return, 0.5h

2:00pm

Waiheke Island Wine Tour

Tour renowned vineyards with wine tastings and scenic views on the island. Typical duration is around 3 hours.
NZD100, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mudbrick Vineyard

Enjoy fine dining with stunning views at this famous vineyard restaurant.
NZD60, 1.5h

8:00pm

Return Ferry to Auckland

Catch the evening ferry back to Auckland; make sure to verify the ferry schedule accordingly.
Included in ticket, 0.5h
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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, open from 7:00am.
NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

Explore New Zealand’s diverse marine life, including the only Antarctic penguin exhibition. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm.
NZD40, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Britomart

Enjoy a variety of upscale dining options in this vibrant waterfront precinct.
NZD35, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping and Leisure in Britomart and Queen Street

Spend the afternoon exploring shops and cafés or simply relaxing in Auckland’s bustling city center.
Varies, 2h

4:00pm

Check in Hilton Auckland

Prepare for your final stay in Auckland and relax after your day of exploration.
Prebooked, Relax

6:30pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Enjoy your last evening dining on fresh New Zealand dishes at a local favorite spot.
NZD50, 1.5h
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