7 Days+ - North Island (beaches, culture, nature and adventure!)

Fly in, get moving. While it is better to take your time, you can still get a whole lot of holiday during a week in the North.

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Head straight to the Coromandel for amazing beaches, surfing, sea kayaking and dolphins before heading to the Maori culture (and geo-thermal) hot-spot of Rotorua.  Then cruise past Lake Taupo towards the Tongariro Crossing (one of the most spectacular day-walks on the planet) before heading home via Waitomo for some black water rafting! 

 

Camera There's so much to do in Auckland City

There's so much to do in Auckland City

Camera There's so much to do in Auckland City

There's so much to do in Auckland City

 

Day 1:  Fly in to Auckland

Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city, and there’s heaps of cool stuff to do there. Cruise over to Waiheke Island, explore the Waitakere ranges, or hit the beach (or the shops!)

 

 

Camera Cathedral Cove is a stunning place to visit in the Coromandel

Cathedral Cove is a stunning place to visit in the Coromandel

Camera Cathedral Cove is a stunning place to visit in the Coromandel

Cathedral Cove is a stunning place to visit in the Coromandel

Day 2: Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula

Get up early and head over to The Coromandel – it’s about 2 hours or so from Auckland and worth getting there sooner rather than later.

 

 

Camera Onemana Beach, one of the Coromandel's secret gems

Onemana Beach, one of the Coromandel's secret gems

Camera Onemana Beach, one of the Coromandel's secret gems

Onemana Beach, one of the Coromandel's secret gems

Day 3: Coromandel - Rotorua

The Coromandel area is awesome, so why not take an extra day to really enjoy it.  There are heaps of beaches, walks and activities to fill in your day before making the short drive down to Rotorua.

 

 

Camera Rotorua is a geothermal hot spot that is rich in Maori culture

Rotorua is a geothermal hot spot that is rich in Maori culture

Camera Rotorua is a geothermal hot spot that is rich in Maori culture

Rotorua is a geothermal hot spot that is rich in Maori culture

Day 4:  Rotorua – Taupo

Rotorua is rich in Maori culture - make sure you catch a cultural show and enjoy a traditional Maori hangi meal while you're here. It’s also a geothermal hot-spot (literally), and also has a whole heap of adventure activities to do. After a fun-filled day head down to Taupo for the night to cut down the next day’s drive.

 

Camera The Tongariro Crossing is a must-do

The Tongariro Crossing is a must-do

Camera The Tongariro Crossing is a must-do

The Tongariro Crossing is a must-do

Day 5:  Taupo – Tongariro

The Tongariro Crossing really is a must-do, and is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular day-walks on the planet.  Consisting of three major peaks, it includes Mt Ngaruahoe (Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings films).

 

Camera Relax for a day in the Ruapehu region

Relax for a day in the Ruapehu region

Camera Relax for a day in the Ruapehu region

Relax for a day in the Ruapehu region

Day 6:  Tongariro – Waitomo

The Ruapehu area (where Tongariro is located) is pretty awesome, so put your feet up and stick around a while (you’ll probably need it after your walk), before heading up the road to Waitomo.

 

Camera Exploring the caves of Waitomo

Exploring the caves of Waitomo

Camera Exploring the caves of Waitomo

Exploring the caves of Waitomo

Day 7:  Waitomo – Auckland – Home

Waitomo is awesome for one thing…caves! Black water rafting is great fun, with heaps of glow worms to check out and a wide range of activity options from the extreme to the tranquil.  Spend the morning underground before heading back to Auckland.