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Are you planning a 10-day road trip in New Zealand?
Here is the ultimate guide to making the most of your time, a fantastic trip and life experience.
In this guide, we’ll depart from Auckland and visit the most popular places on the North Island, as well as some hidden gems.
🎯 Below, you can find the total distance you’ll drive, the time spent driving and a PDF version of the guide that you can download directly.
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- 1583 Km
- 24 hours 45 min
- Download PDF
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
The adventure begins in Auckland, a starting point for most tourists as it has the International Airport.
We’ll explore some of Auckland’s iconic attractions on this first day.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Arrival & Check-in | Arrive in Auckland and check into your chosen accommodation. | – |
| Afternoon | Auckland War Memorial Museum | Explore New Zealand’s history, Maori culture, and art. | 3 km |
| Afternoon | Lunch in Parnell | Enjoy lunch in the charming Parnell Village. | 2 km |
| Afternoon | Sky Tower | Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland from the observation deck. | 0.5 km |
| Evening | Viaduct Harbour Dining | Savor fresh seafood and other delectable dishes at Viaduct Harbour. | 1 km |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Auckland War Memorial Museum’s cultural visit.
- Delicious lunch in the charming Parnell Village.
- Spectacular panoramic views from the Sky Tower.
- Delicious seafood dining at Viaduct Harbour.
Day 2: Explore Waiheke Island
Today, we’ll take a ferry to Waiheke Island, a paradise for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts. This unique island is known for its vineyards, beaches, and scenic views.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Ferry to Waiheke Island | Take a ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island. | – |
| Morning | Cable Bay Vineyards | Enjoy wine tasting with views of the Gulf. | 6 km |
| Afternoon | Oneroa Beach | Relax on the picturesque beach and have lunch. | 1 km |
| Afternoon | Mudbrick Vineyard | Savor more wine and scenic vistas. | 3 km |
| Evening | Return to Auckland | Take the ferry back to Auckland. | – |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Wine tasting at Cable Bay Vineyards and Mudbrick Vineyard.
- Relaxation on the beautiful Oneroa Beach.
- Scenic views of Waiheke Island
Day 3: Auckland to Bay of Islands
Today, we’ll drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, known for its incredible beaches and rich history.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Drive to Bay of Islands | Enjoy scenic views along the way. | 220 km |
| Morning | Kawiti Glowworm Caves | Explore the stunning glowworm-lit underground caves. | 5 km |
| Afternoon | Lunch in Paihia | A charming seaside town – enjoy lunch here. | 4 km |
| Afternoon | Waitangi Treaty Grounds | Explore Maori and colonial history. | 3 km |
| Evening | Check-in to your accommodation | Relax and freshen up. | – |
| Evening | Dinner in Russell | A historic and picturesque village – dine here. | 2 km |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Wine tasting at Cable Bay Vineyards and Mudbrick Vineyard.
- Relaxation on the beautiful Oneroa Beach.
- Scenic views of Waiheke Island
Day 4: Bay of Islands Exploration
Today is all about exploring the stunning Bay of Islands, with its beautiful beaches and water activities.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Hole in the Rock Cruise | Sail to famous rock formation and swim. | – |
| Morning | Kayaking or Beach Relaxation | Explore the bay by kayak or relax on the beach. | – |
| Afternoon | Lunch on Urupukapuka Island | Enjoy a beachside picnic or lunch at a local cafe. | 15-minute ferry |
| Afternoon | Russell Village Exploration | Stroll through this charming historic village. | – |
| Evening | Dinner in Paihia | Sample fresh seafood at local restaurants. | 4 km |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Hole in the Rock cruise and swimming.
- Scenic beauty of Urupukapuka Island.
- Exploring the historic Russell Village.
- Delicious seafood dining in Paihia.
Day 5: Rotorua – Geothermal Wonders and Maori Culture
Today, we’ll head to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland known for its Maori culture and geysers.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Drive to Rotorua | Scenic drive to the thermal city. | 450 km |
| Morning | Te Puia and Pohutu Geyser | Explore Maori culture and geothermal wonders. | 3 km |
| Afternoon | Lunch in Rotorua | Sample a traditional Maori hangi meal. | 0.5 km |
| Afternoon | Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland | Witness colorful geothermal pools. | 27 km |
| Evening | Mitai Maori Village | Experience a traditional Maori cultural show. | 15 km |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Te Puia’s Pohutu Geyser and Maori culture.
- Authentic Maori hangi meal in Rotorua.
- Wai-O-Tapu’s stunning geothermal wonders.
- Cultural show at Mitai Maori Village.
Day 6: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Today is a full-day hike on the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, estimated to last around 7 hours. You will enjoy its volcanic landscapes and natural beauty.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Depart for Tongariro | Drive to the starting point of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. | 170 km |
| Full Day | Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Embark on a full-day hike through the stunning Tongariro National Park. | 20 km (walk) |
| Evening | Return to Taupo | Return to Taupo after completing the hike. | 90 km |
| Evening | Dinner in Taupo | Savor a well-deserved meal at one of Taupo’s local restaurants. | 0.5 km |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Hiking the breathtaking Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- Breathtaking volcanic landscapes and natural beauty.
- A rewarding dinner in Taupo after a challenging hike.
Day 7: Taupo to Napier – Art Deco and Wine
Today, we’ll journey from Taupo to Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture and superb wineries.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Drive to Napier | Enjoy a scenic drive from Taupo to Napier. | 140 km |
| Morning | Pania of the Reef | Stroll along the iconic Art Deco statue on Marine Parade. | – |
| Afternoon | Lunch in Napier | Enjoy lunch at a local café or restaurant. | – |
| Afternoon | Art Deco Walking Tour | Explore Napier’s unique Art Deco architecture. | – |
| Evening | Hawke’s Bay Winery Tour | Visit local wineries for tastings and scenic views. | Varies |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Scenic drive from Taupo to Napier.
- Stroll along Marine Parade to see Pania of the Reef.
- Experience Napier’s unique Art Deco architecture.
- Enjoy tastings at Hawke’s Bay wineries.
Day 8: Napier – Explore Art and Nature
Today, we’ll continue exploring Napier’s different spots and do different outdoor, cultural and culinary activities.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | National Aquarium of New Zealand | Discover marine life and conservation efforts. | 3 km |
| Morning | Bluff Hill Lookout | Enjoy panoramic views of Napier and Hawke’s Bay. | 1 km |
| Afternoon | Lunch in Ahuriri | Savor a seaside lunch in the Ahuriri district. | 5 km |
| Afternoon | MTG Hawke’s Bay | Explore art, culture, and history in this museum. | – |
| Evening | Dinner at Mission Estate Restaurant | Dine at a historic winery with scenic views. | 5 km |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Fascinating marine life at the National Aquarium.
- Breathtaking views from Bluff Hill Lookout.
- Lunch by the sea in Ahuriri.
- Art, culture, and history at MTG Hawke’s Bay.
- Dining at the historic Mission Estate Restaurant.
Day 9: Napier to Taupo
Today, we’ll depart from Napier for a day trip to Taupo, a beautiful lakeside town with plenty of natural wonders and activities to enjoy.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Depart from Napier | Begin your journey from Napier to Taupo. | 140 km |
| Late Morning | Huka Falls | Visit the powerful Huka Falls on the Waikato River. | 5 km |
| Lunch | Lunch in Taupo | Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants. | – |
| Afternoon | Taupo Lakefront | Stroll along the beautiful Lake Taupo waterfront. | – |
| Afternoon | Spa Thermal Park | Relax in natural hot pools overlooking the lake. | 1 km |
| Evening | Dinner in Taupo | Savor dinner at one of Taupo’s local restaurants. | – |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Admiring the power of Huka Falls.
- Lunch in Taupo with lake views.
- Relaxing at Spa Thermal Park.
- Scenic views of Lake Taupo.
- Delicious dinner in Taupo.
Day 10: Exploring Taupo and Returning to Auckland
Experience the natural beauty and adventure of Taupo before returning to Auckland.
From thrilling bungy jumping to serene lake cruises, this day promises a diverse range of activities.
| Time | Activity | Details | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Breakfast in Taupo | Start your day with breakfast in Taupo. | – |
| Morning | Taupo Bungy and Cliffhanger | Experience thrilling bungy jumping or cliffhanging adventures. | 4 km |
| Lunch | Lunch in Taupo | Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants. | – |
| Afternoon | Taupo Lake Cruise | Take a scenic cruise on Lake Taupo to see Maori rock carvings. | – |
| Afternoon | Relax at the Spa Park | Spend some leisure time in the picturesque Spa Thermal Park. | – |
| Evening | Dinner in Taupo | Savor a final dinner in Taupo. | – |
| Evening | Drive to Auckland | Begin your drive from Taupo to Auckland. | 280 km |
| Evening | Check-in to your accommodation in Auckland | Arrive and relax in Auckland. | – |
| Evening | Dinner in Auckland | Enjoy dinner at one of Auckland’s restaurants. | – |
⭐ Highlights of the Day:
- Starting the day with a delicious breakfast in Taupo.
- Experiencing thrilling bungy jumping or cliffhanging adventures.
- Savoring lunch at one of Taupo’s cafes or restaurants.
- Enjoying a scenic lake cruise to view Maori rock carvings.
- Relaxing at the picturesque Spa Thermal Park.
- Indulging in a final dinner in Taupo.
- Beginning your drive back to Auckland.
- Arriving in Auckland and dining at one of its renowned restaurants.
