This 10 day New Zealand itinerary will take you to the best of New Zealand's upper North Island.

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.

Auckland skyline by night


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.

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.

Day 3.

Today on your New Zealand itinerary you are 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.

Today your New Zealand itinerary returns you to Auckland (3.75 hours drive).

Day 5.

Today you head to the lovely Coromandel Coast (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 accommodation and then you are free to explore.

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 6.

Today your New Zealand itinerary takes you inland to the thermal resort of Rotorua (3 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 7.

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 8.

Today your New Zealand itinerary returns you to Auckland (3.5 hours drive).

As befits a city of this size, there is a huge range of Auckland activities , and you will find it one of the highlights of your New Zealand itinerary.

Day 9.

Today you are free to explore Auckland.

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 10.

Unfortunately, all good things must end, and today you fly home.

We hope that you have enjoyed this upper North Island 10 day New Zealand itinerary, and that you will return to see more of New Zealand.

We welcome your feedback.


To learn more about the regions visited in this New Zealand itinerary, click here.



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