5-Day North Island Highlights Adventure

Duration
5 Days

Transport
Campervan or Car

Start and Finish
Auckland

Experience the perfect winter getaway with this 5-day adventure starting and ending in Auckland. Enjoy a blend of cultural highlights, outdoor activities, and scenic landscapes as you journey through the North Island.

This itinerary is designed for couples or friends seeking a taste of New Zealand’s iconic attractions and winter charm.

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Arrive at Auckland International Airport, pick up your vehicle.
Explore Auckland this afternoon and choose your own adventure!
- Auckland Museum: Set in the Auckland Domain, this acclaimed museum offers a powerful introduction to New Zealand’s natural history, and Māori culture.
- Visit the Sky Tower for panoramic views from coast to coast and the Hauraki Gulf.
- Auckland Art Gallery: A beautiful blend of historic and contemporary architecture, this gallery showcases national and international works. Enjoy "A Century of Modern Art" that includes 57 iconic works by artisits, such as Claude Monet, Edgar Degas and Vincent Van Gogh.
- All Blacks Experience: An interactive, high-energy journey into New Zealand’s rugby legacy – perfect for sports lovers, located at the SkyCity Precinct.
- Wētā Workshop Unleashed: Dive behind the scenes of blockbuster film-making with this immersive creative experience. Located at the SkyCity Precinct.
- Extend your stay, with a scenic 40-minute ferry ride to Waiheke Island known for world-class vineyards and restaurants.
Evening Stroll and Dinner: Wander through Viaduct Harbour or Commercial Bay, both buzzing with waterfront energy. Enjoy dinner at one of the many vibrant restaurants or bars to toast the start of your trip.

Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel

Drive to Coromandel (approx. 2.5 hours): Enjoy scenic coastal views along the Pacific Coast Highway.
On arrival in the Coromandel, you can have a Hot Water Beach Experience: Dig your own hot pool in the sand at low tide.
Visit Cathedral Cove: Walk through native bush to reach the iconic rock archway and beach, or paddle by kayak with Cathedral Cove Kayaks, or, take a boat tour through the marine reserve with Hahei Explorer, Glass Bottom Boat, or Mercury Bay Discoveries.
Overnight in Whitianga or Hahei.

Day 3: Coromandel to Rotorua

Drive to Rotorua (approx. 3 hours): Stop at Paeroa for a L&P (iconic kiwi drink!) and a pie! There’s also great cafes here. Check out the giant L&P bottle, this is a #NZmustsee.
Visit Te Puia: Discover geothermal wonders and Māori craftsmanship, including the famous Pōhutu Geyser.
Relaxation at Polynesian Spa, or Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa.
- Polynesian Spa’s Deluxe Lake Spa experience features soaking in mineral-rich pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.
- Wai Ariki Hot Springs & Spa’s two hour Restorative Journey experience features a five-stage multi-sensory experience, inspired by Māori wellness traditions.

Day 4: Rotorua Exploration

Ziplining with Rotorua Canopy Tours: Glide through an ancient virgin rainforest with incredible conservation insights. This is the World’s #1 Nature experience for good reason!
Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Explore colourful geothermal features, including the Champagne Pool.
Dinner on Eat Streat: Sample local and international cuisine in this lively dining hub.
Redwoods Treewalk and Nightlights: After dinner, explore the majestic Redwood Forest on an elevated walkway lit by soft, glowing lanterns suspended among the towering trees. A magical, immersive evening experience.

Day 5: Return to Auckland

Drive back to Auckland (approx. 3 hours): On the way, choose your perfect final North Island experience:
- Movie magic: Detour to Hobbiton Movie Set in Matamata for a guided tour of the iconic film location from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Wander through the Shire, explore hobbit holes, and enjoy a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
Final meal in Auckland: Celebrate your adventure with dinner at one of Auckland’s celebrated restaurants—perhaps in the Viaduct, Commercial Bay, or Ponsonby.