Ultimate New Zealand North Island Itinerary: Auckland, Rotorua, Napier & More - July 2025

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration

Auckland, New Zealand on July 4, 2025

1:30pm

Hotel Check-in at Hilton Auckland

Settle into your hotel centrally located with easy access to the harbor and city center.
Included, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Sky Tower

Experience panoramic views of Auckland from the iconic Sky Tower. Open daily 9am - 10pm.
NZD32, 1h

5:00pm

Wander Britomart Precinct

Explore Britomart’s trendy shops, cafes, and waterfront ambiance for a relaxed stroll.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Crab Shack

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes focusing on local crab and seafood in a vibrant atmosphere, open until 9:30pm.
Approx NZD45 per person, 1.5h
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Day 2: Hobbiton & More

Auckland to Matamata to Rotorua, New Zealand on July 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Federal Delicatessen

Start your day with classic New York-style breakfast sandwiches and coffee, open from 7am.
Approx NZD20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set

Set out on a 2hr scenic drive to the famous Hobbiton Movie Set for your 1pm tour.
Car rental starts today, 2h

1:00pm

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Explore the enchanting set from The Lord of the Rings movies with a guided 2-hour tour.
NZD89, 2h

3:30pm

Drive to Rotorua and Hotel Check-in

Continue 1hr drive to Rotorua and check into Quest Rotorua Central for 2-night stay.
Included, 1h

5:00pm

Relax and Explore Rotorua city

Enjoy a casual walk beside Lake Rotorua and explore nearby shops and cafes before dinner.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Atticus Finch

Dine on modern New Zealand cuisine focusing on local and sustainable ingredients, open until 9:30pm.
Approx NZD50 per person, 1.5h
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Day 3: Rotorua Cultural & Nature

Rotorua, New Zealand on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Savour hearty breakfast dishes crafted from local ingredients, open 7am-3pm.
Approx NZD22, 1h

9:30am

Visit Te Puia (Geothermal Park & Maori Culture)

Explore geysers, mud pools and traditional Maori arts, open 8am-5pm daily.
NZD60, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at The Fat Dog Cafe & Bar

Casual and popular cafe serving burgers and local fare, open 8am-4pm.
Approx NZD30, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Lake Rotorua Böthermal Springs Park

Enjoy a lakeside stroll or a soak in natural hot pools, open daily.
NZD25, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit Rotorua Art Gallery

Discover local and national artworks. Open Tue-Sat 10am-4pm.
NZD10, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sushi Energy

Enjoy fresh, high-quality sushi and Japanese cuisine, open till 9pm.
Approx NZD40, 1.5h
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Day 4: Travel to Napier

Rotorua to Napier, New Zealand on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or nearby café

Enjoy a quick breakfast before your road trip to Napier.
Included or Approx NZD15, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Napier

Start the 3.5-hour scenic drive along the eastern region of the North Island.
Fuel cost approx NZD50, 3.5h

12:30pm

Lunch Stop in Hastings

Stop by Beach House Cafe for fresh seafood and relaxed seaside views, open until 3pm.
Approx NZD35, 1h

2:00pm

Arrive and Check-in The Dome at Napier

Settle into your Napier accommodation for your 2-night stay.
Included, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Napier Art Deco City Centre

Enjoy self-guided walking tour of Napier’s iconic Art Deco architecture and galleries.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Pacifica

Dine at this acclaimed restaurant featuring innovative cuisine with local ingredients, open until 9pm.
Approx NZD65, 1.5h
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Day 5: Waiheke Island Day Trip

Napier to Auckland & Waiheke Island, New Zealand on July 8, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at local café

Start early with a light breakfast downtown, open 7am.
Approx NZD20, 1h

7:30am

Drive back to Auckland

Drive approx 4.5 hours northwest back to Auckland for your Waiheke Island trip.
Fuel cost approx NZD60, 4.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Auckland Fish Market

Enjoy fresh seafood in a vibrant market atmosphere, open daily 7am-8pm.
Approx NZD40, 1h

1:30pm

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Depart from Auckland’s ferry terminal; enjoy the scenic 40-minute ride.
NZD42 return, 40m

2:30pm

Explore Waiheke Island Wineries

Visit top wineries like Mudbrick or Cable Bay for tastings and stunning views, open 11am-5pm.
Tasting fees NZD10-20, 3h

6:00pm

Return Ferry to Auckland

Catch the ferry back to Auckland in the early evening.
Included, 40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery

Casual dining with a focus on fresh, local produce, open till 9:30pm.
Approx NZD50, 1.5h
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Day 6: Auckland City & Aquarium

Auckland, New Zealand on July 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Odettes Eatery

Enjoy a beautiful and fresh breakfast experience in Newmarket, open from 7am.
Approx NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Visit Auckland Art Gallery

Discover New Zealand’s largest collection of national and international art, open 10am-5pm.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Elliot Stables

Choose from several casual eateries in a lively food court environment, open 11am-10pm.
Approx NZD30, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Sea Life Kelly Tarlton Aquarium

Explore underwater-world exhibits and meet marine life, open 9am-5pm.
NZD40, 2h

4:00pm

Climb Mount Eden

Enjoy a leisurely hike and city views from this volcanic peak, accessible any time.
Free, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Masu by Nic Watt

Savour contemporary Japanese cuisine in a stylish setting, open till 10pm.
Approx NZD70, 2h
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Day 7: Leisure & Departure Prep

Auckland, New Zealand on July 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bestie Cafe

Enjoy innovative breakfast options in charming surroundings, open 7am-3pm.
Approx NZD25, 1h

9:30am

Free Morning for Shopping and Museums

Visit Queen Street for shopping or the Auckland Museum open 10am-5pm.
Museum entry NZD25, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Federal Delicatessen

Revisit this popular spot for hearty sandwiches and coffee before final afternoon activities.
Approx NZD20, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Western Park or Albert Park

Relax in one of Auckland’s scenic parks with easy walking trails and gardens.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Early Dinner at Ortolana

Enjoy fresh Italian-inspired New Zealand cuisine in a cozy setting, open till 9pm.
Approx NZD55, 1.5h
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Day 8: Relax & Stroll

Auckland, New Zealand on July 11, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Espresso Workshop

Fuel up with artisan coffee and simple but excellent pastries, open from 7am.
Approx NZD15, 1h

10:00am

Stroll in Cornwall Park

Enjoy a peaceful walk among large green spaces and volcanic cones, open all day.
Free, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Blue Breeze Inn

Sample Pacific-inspired flavors and creative dishes, open 11:30am - 9pm.
Approx NZD40, 1.5h

2:30pm

Afternoon Tea at Hotel

Relax with light refreshments at Hilton Auckland.
Included, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Depot Eatery or revisit favorite spot

Enjoy your last dinner in Auckland with casual but quality dining.
Approx NZD50, 2h
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Day 9: Departure

Auckland, New Zealand on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a quick breakfast and pack for departure.
Included, 1h

11:00am

Hotel Check-out & Travel to Airport

Prepare to leave Hilton Auckland and head to Auckland International Airport.
Included, 1h

2:10pm

Depart Auckland

Fly out from Auckland, concluding your North Island adventure.
N/A, N/A
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