Top of the North Island - 9 Days
After having a chance to explore New Zealand's largest city of Auckland, this itinerary takes you to the stunning Bay of Islands.
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From there, head 3 hours south of Auckland to visit the Waitomo Caves and Rotorua, New Zealand's cultural capital.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart USA for New Zealand
The great thing is that most flights depart the West Coast of America in the evening, meaning you can spend the day at home getting ready for your Kiwi adventure or still go to work and maximise your valuable time off by actually spending it in New Zealand.
Day 2: In flight
You cross the international date line on your flight to New Zealand so you skip a whole day on the journey down. For example, if you left Los Angeles on Sunday evening, you will arrive in Auckland on Tuesday morning, even though you have only been flying for 12 hours.
But don't worry - you get a day back when you return home, for example if you leave New Zealand on Sunday evening, you will arrive back in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.
Day 3: Auckland
Welcome to the 'City of Sails', New Zealand's largest city and the international gateway for all flights arriving from North America.
Day 4: Auckland - Bay of Islands
Today you will head to the spectacular Paihia - the gateway to the Bay of Islands where a sub-tropical welcome awaits you. Explore a blue, green and gold world of beaches, bays and forests.
Day 5: Bay of Islands
A day at leisure, you may try a cruise around the islands, swim with the dolphins, relax on the golden beaches or visit the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Day 6: Bay of Islands - Cape Reinga - Hokianga
Take a visit to Cape Reinga, the most northern tip of the North Island where the Pacific and Tasman Sea collide. Discover the 'place of leaping', where Maori spirits begin their final journey. Then it's over to the West Coast where you can try sand boarding, and enjoy the spectacular Hokianga Harbor.
Day 7: Hokianga - Auckland
Today you'll have a chance to visit the giant Kauri trees of the Waipoua Forest before heading back to Auckland for the night.
Day 8: Auckland - Waitomo - Rotorua
The limestone landscape of the the Waitomo Caves has been artfully sculpted by water and time, and glow-worms light the caves like constellations - definitely worth a visit. The geo-thermal city of Rotorua is where you can discover volcanic phenomena and learn about New Zealand's Maori culture.
Day 9: Rotorua - Auckland - USA
Return home and because you will cross back over the International Time Zone you will 'gain' a day. For example, if you leave New Zealand on Sunday night, you will arrive in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon.