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Ultimate 9-Day Auckland, Rotorua, Napier NZ Journey with Hobbiton Movie Set & Culinary Delights

Viewed by 91 travelers

Day 1: Discover Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand on July 4, 2025

1:30PM

Check-in Hilton Auckland

Relax after your arrival and settle into your comfortable and centrally located hotel.
Included with booking, 1h

3:00PM

Sky Tower Visit

Head to the iconic Sky Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland city. Open daily 10am-9pm.
NZD 40, 1h

5:00PM

Sightseeing at Britomart Precinct

Explore the vibrant Britomart precinct, known for its boutique shops, stunning heritage buildings, and lively atmosphere.
Free, 1h 30m

7:00PM

Dinner at Amano

Dine at Amano, a popular Italian-inspired restaurant in Britomart famed for its fresh, artisan ingredients and warm atmosphere.
NZD 60 approx, 1h 30m
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Day 2: Hobbiton & Rotorua Arrival

Auckland to Rotorua, New Zealand on July 5, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Best Ugly Bagels

Grab a delicious gourmet bagel and coffee at this cult-favorite café before embarking on your day’s journey.
NZD 15, 1h

8:45AM

Drive Auckland to Hobbiton

Set off on your scenic 2-hour drive to the Hobbiton Movie Set.
Car rental cost applicable, 2h

1:00PM

Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Explore the magical Hobbiton film set on a guided tour, immersing in Middle-earth’s charm; usually around 2 hours duration.
NZD 89, 2h

3:30PM

Drive to Rotorua and Check-in

Continue your journey with a 1-hour drive to Rotorua, check into Quest Rotorua Central.
Included with booking, 1h

5:00PM

Explore Rotorua City

Relax and wander the vibrant Rotorua city center alongside the lakefront.
Free, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Leonard’s Restaurant

Taste locally sourced produce and delicious New Zealand cuisine at the well-loved Leonard’s.
NZD 50 approx, 1h 30m
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Day 3: Rotorua’s Nature & Culture

Rotorua, New Zealand on July 6, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Start with expertly brewed coffee and a hearty breakfast at this popular gourmet deli café.
NZD 20, 1h

9:00AM

Whakarewarewa – The Living Māori Village

Experience Rotorua’s geothermal wonders and rich Māori culture; open daily 9am-5pm.
NZD 55, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch on Eat Streat

Dine at One Red Dog Bar & Bistro for a vibrant atmosphere and contemporary New Zealand cuisine.
NZD 30, 1h

1:30PM

Rotorua Museum and Government Gardens

Explore museums and landmarks showcasing local arts and history; open 9am-4pm (closed Mondays).
NZD 20, 1h 30m

3:30PM

Relax at Polynesian Spa

Soak in therapeutic geothermal hot pools to unwind; open until 10pm.
NZD 40, 2h

6:30PM

Dinner at comer eatery & bar

Enjoy inventive plates and a cozy atmosphere with great local ingredients.
NZD 50 approx, 1h 30m
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Day 4: Travel Rotorua to Napier

Rotorua to Napier, New Zealand on July 7, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Capers Epicurean

Enjoy fresh pastries and excellent coffee before your journey.
NZD 20, 1h

8:30AM

Drive Rotorua to Napier

Scenic 3-hour drive south to Napier with stunning landscapes en route.
Car rental cost applicable, 3h

12:00PM

Check-in The Dome at Napier

Relax at your unique geodesic dome accommodation.
Included with booking, 30m

12:30PM

Lunch at The Thirsty Whale

Casual dining spot known for delicious modern NZ dishes and excellent local beers.
NZD 35 approx, 1h 30m

2:00PM

Napier Art Deco Walking Tour

Explore elegant 1930s Art Deco buildings and enjoy the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Free or guided NZD 20, 2h

4:30PM

Napier National Aquarium

Visit the engaging aquarium featuring native marine life; open 10am-4pm.
NZD 25, 1h

6:30PM

Dinner at Elephant Hill Restaurant & Cellar Door

Dine paired with excellent Hawke’s Bay wines in a stunning vineyard setting.
NZD 60 approx, 2h
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Day 5: Napier & Wine Country

Napier, New Zealand on July 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Miss Molly's Café

Charming café with fresh breakfast fare and excellent coffee.
NZD 20, 1h

9:30AM

Morning Hawke’s Bay Wine Tour

Guided wine tasting at two or three of Napier’s premier wineries, lasting around 3 hours.
NZD 80, 3h

1:00PM

Lunch at Black Barn Bistro

Enjoy farm-to-table dining in a cozy setting with seasonal NZ dishes.
NZD 40 approx, 1h 30m

3:00PM

Stroll Marine Parade

Relax with a scenic walk along Napier’s waterfront enjoying the sea breeze.
Free, 1h

6:00PM

Dinner at Crust Bistro & Pizzeria

Informal, welcoming venue with hearty pizza and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
NZD 45 approx, 1h 30m
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Day 6: Return to Auckland

Napier to Auckland, New Zealand on July 9, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at The Dome Café

Enjoy wholesome breakfast at your dome accommodation café before heading home.
Included, 1h

8:30AM

Drive Back to Auckland

5-hour scenic drive returning to Auckland city.
Car rental cost applicable, 5h

2:00PM

Check-in Hilton Auckland

Settle back into comfort at the Hilton in Auckland’s city center.
Included with booking, 30m

3:30PM

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki

Visit New Zealand’s premier art gallery displaying local and international artworks; open 10am-5pm.
NZD 20, 2h

6:00PM

Dinner at The Grove

Enjoy an elegant dining experience serving contemporary New Zealand cuisine with seasonal produce.
NZD 70 approx, 2h
Find Hotels in Napier to Auckland

Day 7: Waiheke Island Excursion

Auckland, New Zealand on July 10, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Little & Friday

Delight in refined yet approachable café fare with exceptional coffee before your ferry ride.
NZD 22, 1h

9:00AM

Ferry to Waiheke Island

Quick 35-minute ferry crossing to Waiheke Island, renowned for its vineyards and beaches.
NZD 42 return, 35m

10:00AM

Mudbrick Vineyard Visit

Sample wines and enjoy spectacular views at one of Waiheke’s most celebrated wineries.
Tasting fee NZD 15-20, 1h 30m

12:00PM

Lunch at Cable Bay Vineyard Restaurant

Savor Mediterranean-influenced cuisine with breathtaking panoramic views over the Hauraki Gulf.
NZD 55 approx, 1h 30m

2:00PM

Explore Oneroa Village

Browse boutique shops, local art galleries, and nearby beaches in this charming village.
Free, 1h 30m

4:00PM

Return ferry to Auckland

Head back for an evening in the city after a refreshing day on the island.
Included, 35m

6:00PM

Dinner at The Crab Shack

Casual waterfront dining enjoying fresh seafood including famous crab dishes, open till 9pm.
NZD 50 approx, 1h 30m
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Day 8: Last Auckland Day

Auckland, New Zealand on July 11, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Shelf

Relax in this stylish café with specialty coffee and homemade pastries.
NZD 20, 1h

9:30AM

Mount Eden Summit Walk

Climb to the top of Auckland’s highest natural point for panoramic city views; open all day.
Free, 2h

12:00PM

Lunch at Federal Delicatessen

Enjoy a New York deli-inspired lunch with generous portions and relaxed ambience.
NZD 35 approx, 1h

2:00PM

Sea Life Kelly Tarlton's Aquarium

Explore underwater tunnels and native marine species in this engaging aquarium; open 9:30am-5pm.
NZD 45, 2h

5:00PM

Shopping & Leisure at Queen Street

Spend the late afternoon browsing Auckland’s primary shopping street for souvenirs and gifts.
Free, 2h

7:30PM

Dinner at Masu by Nic Watt

Conclude your trip dining at Masu, a stylish Japanese robata restaurant featuring fresh, innovative dishes.
NZD 70 approx, 1h 30m
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Day 9: Departure

Auckland, New Zealand on July 12, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Hilton Auckland

Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel with harbor views.
Included, 1h

10:00AM

Morning Walk at Auckland Waterfront

Take a peaceful walk by the waterfront to soak up the city atmosphere one last time.
Free, 1h

12:00PM

Check-out and Transfer to Airport

Return your rental car, check-in and prepare for your 2:10pm departure.
Included, 1h 30m
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