NZ North Island road trip with geysers, beaches and Maori culture

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Auckland             
• 2 nights Coromandel       
• 3 nights Rotorua

Day 1: Arrive Auckland

On arrival in Auckland, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you will check in for one night. Spend the rest of the day exploring the city – why not take a walk down to the harbour for a walk up or head up the Sky Tower for views over Auckland? If you feel ready to dive straight into Maori culture, head to the Auckland Museum, where you’ll find the largest collection of ‘taonga’ (treasures) in the world, from small artefacts to full-size canoes and meeting houses.

Day 2: Waiheke Island

Spend today exploring the nearby island of Waiheke. This beautiful spot combines scenic landscapes, excellent food and wineries and a relaxed atmosphere that's perfect for your first day in New Zealand. Stroll along golden beaches before visiting a local vineyard for a delicious lunch and spend the afternoon browsing small galleries, boutiques and organic olive groves. It's an easy going day where you'll learn lots about this haven near Auckland and settle into your time in New Zealand.

Day 3: Drive to Coromandel Peninsula

After breakfast, you'll head south towards the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. The Coromandel is full of golden beaches backed by lush forests, making it the perfect place to stop for a couple of nights to enjoy the landscapes of the North Island. Enjoy the easy drive from Auckland before checking into your hotel for two nights. 

Day 4: Coromandel Peninsula

Slow down and enjoy some of the best of New Zealand's coastal scenery on the Coromandel Peninsula. Why not start at Hot Water Beach, where geothermal springs rise through the sands at low tide - grab a spade, dig yourself a little pool in the sand and let it fill with naturally heated water, for your own makeshift hot tub right on the beach. Away from the coast, there's also a lush forest interior, with lots of walking trails and quaint towns to discover throughout the region. In the afternoon you'll head to Cathedral Cove, one of the most famous beaches, to enjoy a kayaking trip along the shore. This beautiful stretch of coastline is best discovered by kayak, with hidden bays and sea caves that are just waiting to be found along the water. It's a dreamy way to spend the afternoon. 

Day 5: Drive to Rotorua via Hobbiton 

Leaving the Coromandel behind you, today you'll visit Hobbiton, the iconic film set from The Lord of the Rings films. Wander amongst hillsides dotted with hobbit holes, where real vegetables grow in the plots, and even enjoy a pint of cider at The Green Dragon. It's a charming and unforgettable place, whether or not you're a fan of the films. 

After your visit, you'll continue on to Rotorua, where you’ll check into your hotel for two nights. Rotorua is famously geothermal town, and you'll smell the sulphur before you see the famous hot pools! We always a recommend a visit to one of the local thermal spas, where you can soak in naturally heated mineral pools and make the most of Rotorua’s unique geothermal landscape.

Days 6 & 7: Rotorua

You've got a couple of days to explore Rotorua and the surrounding area and there is so much to see here! Rotorua is one of the best places in New Zealand to experience the geothermal landscapes - make sure you visit Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland to explore the bubbling mud pools, the shocking orange Champagne Pool and the incredible other hot springs here. Another must do experience is a visit to Te Puia, a centre of Maori art with lots of geothermal activity on its grounds. Here, you can wait for the geyser to erupt before exploring the cultural centre, where you can see traditional Maori architecture and learn about traditional life. 

For those looking for some activities - Rotorua has so many possibilities! Why not head to the Redwoods Treewalk where you can walking amongst the canopy or even try ziplining through the virgin forests near the town. You can also easily visit the nearby Lake Taupo and the spectacular Huka Falls - take a relaxing cruise on the lake or the iconic jet boat experience on the river up to the falls, both are equally spectacular.

On your final evening in Rotorua, we've included an evening of Maori culture. Starting with a haka at the edge of the village, you will be welcomed in to experience Maori crafts and dancing. You'll even learn to do the haka yourselves! Finish the evening with a delicious hangi feast, cooked under the ground by the geothermal heat and enjoyed in the big hall alongside traditional Maori entertainment. It's the perfect end to your time in beautiful Rotorua. 

Day 8: Depart Auckland

Today is your final day in New Zealand - you'll drive back to Auckland in time for your onwards flight.