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This 15 day New Zealand itinerary showcases the best of New Zealand's upper North Island.
Day 1.
Today on the first day of your New Zealand itinerary, you arrive in New Zealand's largest city,
Auckland.
Auckland is a bustling city with a population of around 1.4 million. Auckland also has the largest Polynesian population of any city in the world.
Often referred to as the "City of Sails", Auckland has two natural harbours, and a warmer climate than many other areas of New Zealand, allowing locals and visitors to make the most of it's wonderful location.
Check in to your
hotel,
collect your
car,
and have a good rest. Tomorrow your adventure begins.
Day 2.
As befits a city of this size, Auckland has lots to
see and do,
and you will find it one of the highlights of your New Zealand itinerary.
One of Auckland's most popular attractions is Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World,
which was the world's first walk through, tunnel aquarium. Here you can see over 60 species of fish, including rays and sharke, and breeding colonies of gentoo and king penguins.
Auckland's Sky Tower is the Southern Hemisphere's tallest building, at 328 metres. The high-speed elevators take visitors to three observation decks, in 40 seconds, where you will enjoy 360 degree views of Auckland and surrounds.
Waiheke Island is the most populated and accessible of the Hauraki Gulf islands, and is a 30 minute ferry ride from Auckland. The island has several beautiful beaches, and numerous cafes and restaurants.
Day 3.
Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you from Auckland to the beautiful Bay of Islands (3.75 hours drive).
The Bay of Islands have been a tourist favourite for decades. Aptly named, the region features stunning coastal scenery and various small sea side townships such as Russell and Paihia.
Accommodation
options are many and varied, particularly in Paihia. A water view is always recommended if your budget allows.
Days 4 & 5.
Days 4 and 5 on your New Zealand itinerary leave you free to explore the Bay of Islands.
Recommended activities are:
* visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Described as the "birthplace of the nation", the historic Treaty of Waitangi as signed here in 1840. The Treaty House and carved meeting house are not to be missed. Maori arts and craft exhibitions, and Maori cultural shows are a feature of the grounds.
* take a cruise to Cape Brett and the Hole in the Rock,
a cave that is large enough to accommodate large boats.
* visit Russell. Once known as the "Hellhole of the Pacific", Russell was notorious for it's brothels, alcohol, and lawlessness. Russell was also New Zealand's capital for a brief period.
Accessed by a short ferry ride from Paihia, Russell is now a charming sea side village with various waterfront cafes and craft shops.
* take a kayak trip in the bay. Calm, clear waters are ideal for kayaking and there are a number of operators offering guided kayak tours.
Day 6.
Today your New Zealand itinerary returns you to Auckland.
Day 7.
Today you head to the lovely Coromandel region (2.5 hours drive).
The Coromandel Peninsula extends north for 85 kilometres from the western end of the Bay of Plenty. 40 kilometres wide at it's broadest point, the peninsula shelters the Hauraki Gulf. Auckland lies on the western side of the gulf and can be seen in fine weather.
Check in to your
hotel
and then you are free to explore.
Days 8 & 9.
Perhaps one of the most popular and unusual attractions in the Coromandels, is Hot Water Beach. A natural hot water spring at the Southern end of the beach is accessible only two hours each side of low tide. The water can be very hot, and finding a spot at the right temperature can be a challenge, particularly on an incoming tide.
The region is well known for its beautiful beaches, and Cathedral Cove is one of the better known spots. The beach has two parts, linked by a cave (Cathedral Cove), and is reached via a well kept track. The journey takes around 45 minutes.
Thames, the largest settlement on the peninsula, has an old world feel, and the architecture in the main street is very 1900s. If you are interested in the region's history, Thames Historical Museum is well worth a visit.
Day 10.
Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you from the Coromandels to the seaside resort of Mt Maunganui (2.5 hours drive).
Located on the Bay of Plenty, Mt Maunganui has some of New Zealand's best surf beaches.
There is a wide range of
places to stay
in Mount Maunganui, with beach front location recommended.
There is also plenty to see and do in the area.
Whale watching and swimming with the dolphins gives you a chance to get close to local marine life, and there are a number of tours available in the area.
A "must see" is
White Island, located in the Bay of Plenty. White Island is made up of three volcanic cones, and is one of New Zealand's most active volcanoes. Tours to the island can be made by boat or helicopter, and can include a crater walk if desired. Hard hats and gas masks are supplied, and although tremors are common, the last major eruption was in 2000. There have been no eruptions while visitors have been on the island. The steam from the island is often visible from the mainland.
Day 11.
Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you inland to the thermal resort of Rotorua (1.5 hours drive).
Rotorua is one of New Zealand's major tourist attractions, and apart from the thermal attractions, the area is also well known for its Maori cultural displays.
Rotorua is located on the bank's of Lake Rotorua, which is the North Island's second largest lake at 80 square kilometres. Find a
hotel
and relax for the evening.
Day 12.
Today on your New Zealand itinerary you are free to explore Rotorua. There is lots to see and do in Rotorua, and your time there will be one of the highlights of your New Zealand itinerary.
Perhaps the main attraction is Te Puia,
the New Zealnd Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, which includes Te Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley. Attracting over half a million visitors annually, this is one of New Zealand's main tourist attractions. Here you will see Maori cultural displays, Maori arts and crafts, including intricate carvings, a fully carved wharenui (meeting house), and the world famous Pohutu geyser.
Other points of interest in Rotorua are:
* Rotorua museum,
* the Skyline Gondola and luge ride.
Cable cars take the 900 metre journey to the top of Mt Ngongotaha (487 metres) where you will enjoy stunning views of Rotorua and surrounds. The luge ride is great fun as you ride your kart down one of three tracks. Then return to the top by chairlift, and do it all over again!
* Hell's Gate/Tikitere, which is considered to be the most active of Rotorua's thermal areas, contains an active mud volcano and hot waterfall.
* the Polynesian Spa, located lake side, has a selection of hot pools overlooking the lake.
Day 13.
Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you to the Waitomo Caves (2.5 hours drive).
Check in to your
accommodation
then head to the famous Waitomo Caves.
The complex includes the unforgettable Ruakuri Cave, Aranui Cave, and the spectacular Glowworm Caves. The caves are a must see, and you will marvel at the display as thousands of tiny glowworms radiate their gentle glow.
Expert guides will provide expert commentary on the caves history as you make your way through the complex.
If you crave something a little more adventurous, why not try black water rafting. 3 or 5 hour adventures will have you jumping, weaving, abseiling, and tubing through Ruakuri Caves glowworm lit waters. The operator, the Black Water Rafting company, have been in operation for over 20 years, and have guided over half a million visitors through this underground wonderland.
Day 14.
Today on your New Zealand itinerary you return to Auckland (3 hours drive).
Day 15.
Unfortunately your New Zealand itinerary concludes today as you fly home.
We hope that you have found this New Zealand itinerary helpful. We welcome your
feedback.
To learn more about the regions covered in this 15 day North Island New Zealand itinerary click here.
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