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eXplore Central North Island – Ultimate Experience!
It is easy to combine the touring routes to experience the diversity of this compact region. Tick off a number of New Zealand must-dos, and get up close to the culture and lifestyle of kiwis and some of the locals’ favourite spots.
Auckland > Waikato and Hamilton > Rotorua > Taupō > Ruapehu > Hawke’s Bay > Tairāwhiti Gisborne > Bay of Plenty > Auckland
11 Days / 10 Nights
DAY 1: Auckland Airport to Hamilton
Follow the Thermal Explorer Highway south through the rolling green hills and pastures of the Waikato region, home of the New Zealand dairy industry. Hamilton is a great place for your first night to relax after your flight and to settle into the relaxed road trip of discovery that lies ahead. Be sure to take in the splendid Hamilton Gardens, where the focus is on the cultural meaning and context of gardens over time. Cornerstone Alpaca Stud is a great place to get the rural feel of this productive region. And take a walk along the river paths of the mighty Waikato running through the heart of the city, before sampling some of the local gourmet delights.
Drive time: 1 hour 40 minutesDAY 2: Hamilton to Rotorua
Heading south, stop off at Over the Moon Dairy in Putaruru (you can’t miss it) for some delicious local cheeses for your journey. Make your way to Waitomo Caves where you can experience the amazing array of limestone caves – from peaceful glowworm viewing to adrenalin-fuelled adventures. Take the time to visit the stunning Marakopa Falls and the Mangapohue natural bridge, before heading off to Rotorua. En-route you should visit the pristine blue springs on the Te Waihou Walkway. Rotorua, the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal activity, and Maori cultural experiences, has a wide range of accommodation options. You will be within easy reach of the beautiful lakes and hotspots in this place.
Drive time: 3 hoursDAY 3: Rotorua to Taupō
For a change of pace this morning, check out OGO , or River Jet and Velocity Valley for a taste of the adventure activities for which Rotorua is renown. And no visit is complete without a restorative soak in the famous Polynesian Spa, on the shores of tranquil Lake Rotorua. In the afternoon make your way south to Taupō, visiting Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Wairakei Resort along the way. Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake and dominates the views from this picturesque region. Taupō is well-served with accommodation options, including Huka Lodge, one of New Zealand’s finest luxury properties.
Drive time: 1 hourDAY 4: Taupō
You have the day in Taupō today, time to visit the spectacular Huka Falls where the Waikato River powers through a narrow gorge. For an thrilling up-close view of the river, check out Taupō Bungy or the Cliffhanger Extreme Swing. There are many adventure activities in Taupō, and also some cruisier pastimes such as a scenic flight with Taupō’s Floatplane and a voyage with Chris Jolly Outdoors to view the famous Mine Bay Maori Carvings. You could easily spend several more days exploring this area.
DAY 5: Taupō to Ruapehu
Head south this morning to Ruapehu , home to the Tongariro National Park, sitting majestically at the southern end of Lake Taupō. This dual World Heritage Park is home to superb winter ski-fields, althuogh it is worth riding the new Sky Waka gondola at any time of the year for the stunning views atop Mount Ruapehu. The region also offers some great hiking and walking adventures. Possibly best-known is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often described as New Zealand’s greatest day hike. It is a challenging journey across a remarkable volcanic landscape, best experienced with a knowledgeable local guide from Adrift Tongariro. Further south the Whanganui River winds its way through the remote and untouched Whanganui National Park, best experienced by boat to the intriguing Bridge to Nowhere, by kayak or canoe with Taumarunui Canoe Hire and Jet Tours or on one of the cycle ways. There are plenty of places to stay including the grande dame, Chateau Tongariro Hotel.
Drive time: 1 hourDAY 6: Ruapehu to Napier
Completing the Volcanic Loop, perhaps with a refreshment break in Waioru at the National Army Museum, then head east to Hawke’s Bay along the Thermal Explorer Highway, across the high volcanic plateau. Arriving in the stunning Art Deco capital of Napier in time for tour of the city, or maybe a visit to the National Aquarium and a stroll along Marine Parade. Stay in Napier and savour the outstanding culinary options from the region, known as the food-bowl of New Zealand thanks to its fertile soils and wonderful fresh produce. Pair that with the wine of the region and you have a winning combination.
Drive time: 4 hours 20 minutesDAY 7: Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay enjoys a mild and sunny climate, perfect for getting out to explore the wineries of the region, maybe on a guided or self-guided cycle tour with Takaro Trails Cycle Tours . As the topography is quite flat it is easy and enjoyable to get around by bike on the numerous cycle trails. Or for a more active day, check out the options with Mohaka Rafting, from leisurely float trips, to full-blown whitewater escapades. On thing is for sure, the famous Church Road Winery is a great place to spend part of the day.
DAY 8: Napier to Gisborne
Head north today from Napier around the bay to Tairāwhiti Gisborne, the first place in the world to see the sun rise. Your journey through this region will be one of discovery, as the first Maori explorers and also Captain Cook arrived on these shores. Also very popular for surfing, so this is a good place to hire a board and maybe take some lessons. The Rere Falls and Rockslide are also worth a detour (45 minutes) to cool off and have some simple fun (and a picnic perhaps). You will go past the Eastwoodhill Arboretum, 135 hectares of New Zealand and northern hemisphere temperate forest tree species, an important global repository of biodiversity conservation. Great walks too. Gisborne is the principal town in the region, also known for wine-growing, Chardonnay being the dominant variety here.
Drive time: 3 hoursDAY 9: Gisborne to Whakatane
Wake up in Gisborne , or consider spending the night in one of the charming towns up the coast for a chance to witness the first light of day on a guided tour to the summit of sacred Maunga (Mount) Hikurangi. As you continue along the Pacific Coast Highway, make a stop at Tolaga Bay, Te Araroa or Hick’s Bay for an overnight break as you navigate the rugged and remote East Cape. Your journey will culminate in the stunning Ohope Beach and Whakatāne in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Along the way, visit Tio Ōhiwa Oyster Farm, where you can savour fresh, local kaimoana (seafood) harvested straight from the pristine waters of Ōhiwa Harbour or for a truly immersive cultural experience, head to Murupara to spend the night at Kohutapu Lodge, learning about Māori traditions and history and exploring Whirinaki Forest Footsteps with a guided tour.
Overnight in Whakatāne or Murupara.DAY 10: Whakatane to Tauranga
Start your day with an exclusive tour of Moutohorā Island, a protected, pest-free wildlife sanctuary with either Moutohorā Island Sanctuary Tours or KG Kayaks. Alternatively, embark on an early road trip to Tauranga, where you can indulge in fresh, local cuisine at one of the city’s vibrant dining spots or unwind in the rejuvenating geothermal pools at Mount Hot Pools. Cap off your day in Tauranga with a magical kayaking experience through an illuminating glowworm canyon on Waimarino Glowworm Kayak Tours, or take a short drive to Maketū for an immersive cultural tour with Muirs Tours, where you’ll enjoy a delicious cookout feast and experience the true spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality).
Drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes.DAY 11. Tauranga to Auckland
Begin your day in Tauranga with a stunning sunrise from Mount Maunganui (Mauao), where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Te Moananui ā Toi | The Coastal Bay of Plenty. Explore the crystal-clear waters with Bay Explorer or Dolphin Seafaris, where you can encounter marine wildlife up close or immerse yourself in Māori culture with Mana Māori Experiences, learning about the region’s rich cultural history. As you make your way to Auckland stop in Katikati for a tour of an avocado orchard with Avocado Tours, where you can savour delicious, locally grown produce.
Drive time: 2 hours 30 minutes.
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