New Zealand (North Island) · Route map
North Island Icons and Local Secrets
This journey weaves through essential cultural heartlands and volcanic wonders, finishing in the culinary capital.
- 1
Auckland
1 night
Harbor views and vibrant city life
- 2
Cambridge
2 nights
Leafy base for Hobbiton and local charm
- 3
Rotorua
2 nights
Geothermal wonders and rich Maori history
- 4
Taupō
2 nights
Stunning lake vistas and dramatic waterfalls
- 5
Wellington
2 nights
Cool capital, museums, and seaside lanes
- ✦5 stops · 9 nights
A sample from our journal — written by Waypora, kept as inspiration
Use this as a starting pointThe day-by-day
Welcome to Auckland
Arrive into Auckland Airport
Flight · Morning · Auckland
Pick up rental car
Car hire · Morning · Auckland Airport
Explore historic Mt Eden summit
Excursion · Afternoon · Mt Eden
Walk up Auckland's highest natural volcano cup.
Park on adjacent side streets to avoid the main crowded lot.
Overnight in Auckland
Accommodation · Evening · Viaduct Harbour
The Waikato Heartland
Self-drive Auckland to Cambridge
Self-drive · Morning · Waikato
Drive duration is roughly two hours on State Highway 1.
Walk the blue springs of Te Waihou
Excursion · Afternoon · Putaruru
Keep an eye out for the native trout swimming in the crystal-clear water.
Overnight in Cambridge
Accommodation · Evening · Cambridge
Movie Magic & Tree Hugging
Hobbiton Movie Set tour
Excursion · Morning · Matamata
Take the official guided tour through the Shire.
Book the earliest morning tour ahead of time to avoid the mid-day heat and glare.
Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain hike
Excursion · Afternoon · Cambridge
Hire a guide to help you spot the rare, prehistoric-looking tuatara.
Overnight in Cambridge
Accommodation · Evening · Cambridge
Into Geothermal Rotorua
Self-drive Cambridge to Rotorua
Self-drive · Morning · Rotorua
Drive takes just over one hour.
Redwoods Whakarewarewa forest walk
Excursion · Afternoon · Rotorua
Skip the paid canopy walkway and use the quiet, free earth-level mountain paths.
Overnight in Rotorua
Accommodation · Evening · Rotorua Lakes
Maori Culture and Real Steam
Guided walk through Whakarewarewa Living Village
Excursion · Morning · Rotorua
Try the sweet corn cooked directly in the natural geyser pools.
Soak at the secret Kerosene Creek
Excursion · Afternoon · Rotorua
Bring a plastic bag for wet gear and leave valuables at your hotel.
Overnight in Rotorua
Accommodation · Evening · Rotorua Lakes
The Road to Taupō
Self-drive Rotorua to Taupō
Self-drive · Morning · Taupō
Drive is about one hour along thermal highway 5.
Thundering rapids of Huka Falls
Excursion · Afternoon · Taupō
Walk the spa park trail to the falls instead of parking at the viewpoint.
Overnight in Taupō
Accommodation · Evening · Taupō Townfront
Ancient Lake Secrets
Sail to the Mine Bay carvings
Excursion · Morning · Lake Taupō
Choose the sailboat over the motorboats for a quieter, eco-friendly experience.
Afternoon lakeside walk and relaxation
At leisure · Afternoon · Taupō
Grab gelato from the lakefront food trucks to enjoy during the walk.
Overnight in Taupō
Accommodation · Evening · Taupō Townfront
The Capital Bound
Self-drive Taupō to Wellington
Self-drive · Morning · Wellington
Drive takes about five hours through the desert road.
Stop in Taihape to stretch your legs at the local bakery.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation · Evening · Te Aro
Wellington Culture and Wildlife
Te Papa Tongarewa museum visit
Excursion · Morning · Wellington Waterfront
The national museum is packed with rich history.
Head straight to the giant squid and the Gallipoli exhibition first.
Zealandia Ecosanctuary wander
Excursion · Afternoon · Karori
Use the free shuttle from the top of the cable car to reach Zealandia.
Overnight in Wellington
Accommodation · Evening · Te Aro
Departure Day
Drop car at Wellington Airport
Car hire · Morning · Wellington Airport
Depart Wellington
Flight · Morning · Wellington Airport
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