7 Days
A Halfling's ramble
- Hobbiton
- Waitomo Caves
- Volcanic Ruapehu
1 - 2
These pins show the days of your trip
Auckland Central to Taupo
All year
Most hobbits don’t like to stray too far from home. Here’s a week-long Middle-earth itinerary through the North Island.
Cathedral Cove in the Coromandel
Photo by Destination Coromandel
Day 1 / 7
2 hrs
51 mins
215 km
134 mi
Journey from the exciting urban hub of Auckland to the coastal paradise of the Coromandel. Cloaked in native rainforest with dazzling white sand beaches and picturesque coves, The Coromandel is a relaxed seaside paradise.
Take the shorter route across the base of the Peninsula, or the scenic drive along the Firth of Thames. Whichever route you choose, allow time to see two of the Coromandel's must-see attractions.
Cathedral Cove is a picturesque photo spot, and at Hot Water Beach you can dig your own natural spa. You can see both these attractions in one day - but you'll need to time it carefully, as you need to be at Hot Water Beach within 2 hours of low tide to access the naturally heated water.
Spend the night in the beach town of Whitianga. It's got a good range of accommodation, shops and restaurants - expect to eat some excellent seafood while you’re here.
Start in Auckland Central
This is the heart of Auckland, with a relaxed coastal living vibe by day and a night-time energy shared by the inner-city suburbs that surrounds it.
End in Whitianga
From Whitianga you can enjoy the beaches, water sports and boat excursions of Mercury Bay. Expect great seafood and enjoy a forest walk or two.
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