North Island Of New Zealand In 9 Days – An Immersive Itinerary!

If you want to feel like you’re living in a postcard, the North Island of New Zealand are your best bet! From lush forests, charming coves & cliffs to cities that are vibrant hubs of culture, the North Island of New Zealand has it all! Here’s a 9-day itinerary to cover the best spots this place has in store for you:

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland & Explore this ‘City of Sails’

Auckland is the country’s urban paradise! On your arrival, grab a coffee & admire the sight of sailboats from the Viaduct Harbour.
If you’re someone who enjoys skylines & stunning views, the iconic Sky Tower is a must-visit.
You can also check out the Auckland Domain, a sprawling park in the heart of the city, home to several notable landmarks, including the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
Love a good game of Golf? Awhitu Golf Club in Waiuku, Chamberlain Park in Mt Albert, Waiheke Island Country Club and Great Barrier Island Golf Club are public golf courses you can check out in Auckland.

 

Day 2: Auckland to Bay of Islands

Board a bus, car, car ferry, plane or train for your journey to Bay of Islands on the second day. Known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and abundance of outdoor activities, we’re sure you won’t run out of picture-perfect spots here!
On your first day at this loved place, you can stop at the town of Paihia and take a ferry to the historic town of Russell. Visit the Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve, Pompallier Mission and Printery & explore the Omata Estate Vineyard & Kitchen for an enigmatic start of your holiday.

Day 3: Bay of Islands

You should reserve an entire day to enjoy the natural gems of the Bay of Islands. Explore the many secluded beaches and hidden coves by boat or kayak. You can also go swimming, snorkelling and diving.
Take a Cape Reinga coach trip via Ninety Mile Beach and keep an eye out for the bottlenose dolphins, whales, and other marine life in the sea here.
End your day with a relaxing dinner cruise.

Day 4: Bay of Islands to Auckland

Save your morning to explore the Cape Brett Lighthouse and the Hole in the Rock—a natural rock formation in the Bay of Islands. Travel back to Auckland and enjoy your evening at Auckland’s Central Business District (CBD), the perfect place to groove & binge on delicacies. It has a variety of clubs & restaurants to suit any taste. You can also opt for a night tour of the Sky Tower to enjoy gorgeous views. 

Day 5: Auckland to Rotorua

There are many ways to get from Auckland to Rotorua. You can take a quick, 40-minute domestic flight or opt for a 3-hour (approx.) drive.
If you’re a fan of The Hobbit, this is going to be the highlight of your trip! Head to Hobbiton for a buffet lunch & take a guided tour of The Lord of The Rings/The Hobbit movie set.
You can also visit the Redwoods Treewalk and see the giant trees from a suspended walkway.
Spend your evening at Te Puia where you can take part in the Māori cultural experience & feast on a hangi (earth-cooked oven meal).

Day 6: Rotorua

Begin your day with a Gondola ride at the Skyline Rotorua for spectacular views. After you reach the top of Mount Ngongotahā, you can board a Luge cart and zoom down the twisting trails or cover the distance Mowgli-style via the zipline/sky swing!
Save the rest of the day for exploring what Rotorua is best known for: It’s natural hot springs!

Visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, where you can witness the colourful and geothermal hot springs. The warm water and peaceful surroundings make for a perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring.
You can also enjoy the Agrodome Farm Show tour that include hand-feeding alpacas & having a live farming experience.
Rotorua is located in a dark sky reserve, which means it has some of the best stargazing opportunities in the world. So, don’t forget to take a few moments to look up at night before you call it a day.

Day 7: Rotorua to Napier

Napier is a 3-hour drive (approx.) away from Rotorua. On the way, make a pit stop at Lake Taupo, the largest lake in the country.
If you LOVE art, you’re going to LOVE Napier! It is known as the “Art Deco Capital” with the best collection of art deco buildings in the world. You can spend your time here taking a guided Art Deco walking tour & and relaxing on the sandy beaches. Nature lovers, visit the nearby Cape Kidnappers for its impressive gannet colony and stunning coastal views. 

 

Day 8: Napier to Wellington

When in New Zealand, you must visit its Capital! You can either travel from Napier to Wellington via a domestic flight that will take around 1 hour 40 minutes, or you can choose to take a 4-hour (approx.) drive to get there. You can spend your day chasing views at Mount Victoria—a must-visit when you’re in Wellington!
Take a stroll along the Waterfront & check out some great restaurants for lunch/dinner. Fancy a picnic? Add the Botanic Garden to your list!
Oh! And if you’re in Wellington on a Friday or Saturday, do pay a visit to the Wellington Night Market for a wide range of street food, crafts, and entertainment. 

And end your day by signing up for the guided tours of the night sky at the Carter Observatory.

Day 9: Wellington

Depending on how you’re spaced on your last day here, you can take your pick from this list of things to do:
Start your day by taking the Wellington Cable Car for capturing that PERFECT city view!
If history excites you, head to the National War Memorial.

Movie buffs! Don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten you. The iconic Embassy Theatre, known for its grandeur and historic significance, is the BEST place for you to catch a movie.
Looking to relax? Head to Cuba Street and choose from a mix of restaurants and shops for a delicious end to your trip.

And just like that, with this itinerary, you’ve covered the BEST of northern New Zealand in 9 days! Delighted? Book your holiday package NOW.