auckland road trip itinerary 5 days

5-Day Auckland Itinerary

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• Auckland in 5 days
• 1-Day Auckland Itinerary
• 2-Day Auckland Itinerary
• 3-Day Auckland Itinerary
• 4-Day Auckland Itinerary

Table of contents

Day 1: most popular attractions, day 2: east side of town, day 3: off the beaten path, day 4: proximity is everything, day 5: keep it simple, sylvia park shopping centre.

Lloyd Elsmore Park

Ambury Regional Park

Cornwall park, westfield newmarket, where to eat, big j's takeaways, remuera local & laneway bar.

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New Zealand Maritime Museum

Auckland art gallery, albert park, auckland domain, federal delicatessen, the good luck coconut, coops corner pub.

Don’t forget to pack anything

Stay organized with a to-do list, packing list, shopping list, any kind of list.

Auckland Zoo

Motat museum of transport and technology, westfield st lukes, maungawhau / mount eden, domain wintergardens, pasture restaurant, eden bistro, paradise takeaway.

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Auckland War Memorial Museum

Western park, the warehouse auckland central, dove myer robinson park (parnell rose garden), sea life kelly tarlton's aquarium, elliott stables, masu by nic watt, freeman & grey, la porchetta restaurant parnell.

Perfect for road trips

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Westfield Albany

Browns bay beach reserve, catalina bay farmers market, western springs lakeside park, takarunga / mount victoria, torpedo bay navy museum, maungauika / north head historic reserve, takapuna beach sunday market, no.1 pancake albany, lokanta aegean eating house & bar, prego restaurant.

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Top searches in Auckland

Popular road trips from auckland, what's the weather like in auckland.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Auckland for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Auckland in January
• Weather in Auckland in February
• Weather in Auckland in March
• Weather in Auckland in April
• Weather in Auckland in May
• Weather in Auckland in June
• Weather in Auckland in July
• Weather in Auckland in August
• Weather in Auckland in September
• Weather in Auckland in October
• Weather in Auckland in November
• Weather in Auckland in December

All road trips from Auckland

• Auckland to Rotorua drive
• Auckland to Waitomo Caves drive
• Auckland to Wellington drive
• Auckland to Taupo drive
• Auckland to Hinuera drive
• Auckland to Tauranga drive
• Auckland to Paihia drive
• Auckland to Christchurch drive
• Auckland to Hamilton drive
• Auckland to Whangarei drive
• Auckland to New Plymouth drive
• Auckland to Napier drive
• Auckland to Hahei drive
• Auckland to Dunedin drive
• Auckland to Queenstown drive
• Auckland to Tongariro National Park drive
• Auckland to Fiordland National Park drive
• Auckland to Mount Maunganui drive
• Auckland to Nelson drive
• Auckland to Wanaka drive
• Auckland to Waihi drive
• Auckland to Blenheim drive
• Auckland to Whakatane drive
• Auckland to Milford Sound drive
• Auckland to Whanganui drive
• Auckland to Lake Tekapo drive
• Auckland to Matakohe drive
• Auckland to Taumarunui drive
• Auckland to Kaikoura drive
• Auckland to Hokitika drive

Explore nearby places

• Auckland Central
• Mount Wellington
• Hobsonville
• the North Shore
• Botany Downs
• Coatesville
• Whangaparaoa

All related maps of Auckland

• Map of Auckland
• Map of Remuera
• Map of Auckland Central
• Map of Ellerslie
• Map of Devonport
• Map of Bayswater
• Map of Avondale
• Map of Mount Wellington
• Map of Northcote
• Map of Takapuna
• Map of Otahuhu
• Map of Milford
• Map of Hobsonville
• Map of the North Shore
• Map of Botany Downs
• Map of Howick
• Map of Manukau
• Map of Albany
• Map of Browns Bay
• Map of Waiatarua
• Map of Torbay
• Map of Coatesville
• Map of Kumeu
• Map of Takanini
• Map of Huapai
• Map of Oneroa
• Map of Surfdale
• Map of Ostend
• Map of Papakura
• Map of Awhitu
• Map of Whangaparaoa

Auckland throughout the year

• Auckland in January
• Auckland in February
• Auckland in March
• Auckland in April
• Auckland in May
• Auckland in June
• Auckland in July
• Auckland in August
• Auckland in September
• Auckland in October
• Auckland in November
• Auckland in December

Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Auckland?

Check out our other curated itineraries that are also filled with jam-packed days:

Day itineraries for nearby cities

• 5-Day the North Shore Itinerary
• 5-Day Oneroa Itinerary
• 5-Day Auckland Central Itinerary

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The Perfect 5-Day Travel Itinerary to Auckland, New Zealand

Caitlyn Johnston

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/8RS5XM/the-perfect-5-day-travel-itinerary-to-auckland-new-zealand-caitlyn-johnston

New Zealand

North Island

Adventure Travel

City Travel

International Travel

Nature Escapes

Luxury Travel

Curator’s statement

We loved Auckland so much we named our first dog after our trip there. My husband studied abroad in the area for 10 months a few years ago. New Zealand is one of the most beautiful places we have visited and I hope to make your experience as wonderful as mine was!

The Fora Difference

Book with Caitlyn to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.

Killer perks

Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you

Personalized recs

Customized travel planning for your style

Insider knowledge

Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there

Where to stay

Sofitel auckland viaduct harbour.

Sleek, cosmopolitan hotel with French heritage offering special spa and romance packages.

Welcome amenity.

Breakfast daily.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Hilton Auckland

Nautical-inspired style with panoramic sea views just steps away from a variety of fine shops, restaurants and bars.

Paihia Beach Resort & Spa

Mid-century hotel located in the idyllic seaside town of Paihia in the Bay Of Islands with an array of plunge pools and swoon-worthy views.

The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs

Relaxing cottages and residences in New Zealand's serene Northland offering access to golfing, nature trekking and sophisticated cuisine.

A gourmet picnic hamper for two.

Unlock perks by contacting Caitlyn to book your trip.

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Learn more about what to expect when working with an advisor.

Day 1: Te Whanganui-A-Hei (Cathedral Cove) Marine Reserve

Although it is two hours outside of Auckland, Cathedral Cove is worth the drive and the relaxing scenery. This beautiful part of New Zealand was made famous from the movie Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian . On your visit, be sure to walk through the rock formation to get to the beach where the famous scene from the movie was filmed.

Day 2: Free walking tour around Auckland

Auckland city offers a free walking tour to learn about the short history of New Zealand. Visit the war museum to discover the culture of the Māori people and ancient artifacts. Lastly, hike up to Mount Eden with a bottle of wine for a relaxing evening and watch the sunset overlooking the city.

Day 3: Exploring Rotorua

Rotorua is known for its geothermal nature in New Zealand and authentic Māori experiences. The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are underground caves in which you can walk through or repel into to see glowworms. 

Alternatively, I suggest taking one of the Hobbiton Tours . As the Lord of the Rings movies were filmed in this town, the tours offer a complete picture of how the movies were filmed. Grab a beer at The Green Dragon at the end of your tour for the full Hobbiton experience.

Day 4: Take the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island

Grab a ticket for the hop-on, hop-off bus to tour different wineries. Check out Cable Bay Vineyards or Tantalus Estate before finishing off the day with some yard games at Wild on Waiheke for some delicious food and fun!

Day 5: Travel to Bay of Islands

If there are a few extra days on your itinerary, drive up to Bay of Islands for a stay at Paihia Beach Resort & Spa or The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, where you can play golf or go to the spa. However, it is worth just visiting for the pure beauty of Kauri Cliffs alone. Kayak down Waitangi River and visit Rainbow Falls for some additional beautiful scenery.

Need to Know

Looking to explore more of New Zealand? Check out Caitlyn's write up on " What to do Outdoors in Christchurch, New Zealand: 4-Day Itinerary ".

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Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.

Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.

Auckland, New Zealand The perfect 5 days itinerary

Auckland , based around 2 large harbors, is a major city in the north of New Zealand’s North Island. Known as the 'City of Sails', it's New Zealand's largest and most diverse city surrounded by nature and fueled by culture. From the iconic Sky Tower in the city center, offering panoramic views, to the stunning beaches, hiking trails and islands, Auckland is a city unlike any other. Let's dive into the itinerary for your 5-day trip to this vibrant city.

What to do in Auckland?

This 5 days itinerary is the perfect guide to the best things to see in Auckland. It includes day-by-day activities, travel tips, and the top places to visit.

Day 1: Welcome to Auckland: City Centre Exploration

Start your day with a visit to the Sky Tower , the tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere. Enjoy panoramic views of the city and its two harbors.

Head to the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki , home to New Zealand's most extensive collection of national and international art.

Stroll around the Viaduct Harbour , lined with bars and restaurants, and enjoy a waterfront dinner.

Day 2: A Day on the Water

Take a ferry to Waiheke Island , known for its vineyards and olive groves.

Enjoy wine tasting at one of the many vineyards on the island.

Return to Auckland and enjoy a relaxed evening at your leisure.

Day 3: Nature and Adventure

Visit the Auckland Zoo and get up close with New Zealand's unique wildlife.

Head to the Auckland Domain , the city's oldest park, and visit the Winter Garden .

Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront at Mission Bay and enjoy dinner at one of the local seafood restaurants.

Day 4: Historical Journey

Visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum to learn about the city's history and Maori culture.

Take a ferry to Devonport , a historic seaside village with picturesque views.

Day 5: A Day of Leisure and Shopping

Visit the Parnell Farmers' Market for fresh produce and local goods.

Explore the trendy Britomart district for a luxury shopping experience.

End your trip with a visit to the Auckland Harbour Bridge . If you're feeling adventurous, you can even do a bridge climb or bungee jump.

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Home » Oceania » New Zealand » Best Road Trips in Auckland (4 Best Destinations in 2024

Best Road Trips in Auckland (4 Best Destinations in 2024

It may not be the capital of New Zealand, but Auckland is the largest and most exciting city on the North Island. It’s a great base to use for visiting the island’s sublime beaches and spectacular volcanic features. It’s an outdoor adventurer’s paradise, too, with skiing and snowboarding in the winter and everything you can imagine the rest of the year!

It’s hard to plan a road trip on the North Island because there’s just so much to see. And with so many beautiful scenic drives, you’ll have to know what’s on each one to work out the best route for you.

This guide will help you plan your road trip from Auckland. Whether you want to spend a leisurely day at the beach, enjoy some extreme sports, or just take in the beautiful landscapes, we’re here to help. Not only will we show you the best road trips from Auckland, but also some of the top places to stay. So, start up your engines and let’s go!

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Why Roadtrip from Auckland?

Driving in auckland, as far (north) as you can go, napier via the coromandel peninsula, the thermal explorer highway, piha beach and back, what to pack for a road trip in auckland, insurance in new zealand/auckland, final thoughts on the best road trips from auckland.

Road tripping is one of the best ways to see New Zealand . However, it can understandably be quite nerve-wracking to drive in a new country. Here are five of the top reasons to consider a North Island Road Trip.

• Accessibility: It’s easier to get deep into the island’s forest parks and most remote beaches with your own car. 
• Outdoor Activities: While you can fly between cities in New Zealand, you don’t want to miss out on natural spas, mountains, and lakes. 
• Flexibility: Renting a car or campervan gives you more time to stop off and stay longer if you really fall in love with a place, which is sure to happen at some point. 
• Wild Camping: You can wild camp pretty much anywhere in NZ (or park up your campervan). Renting a car means you can find your very own spot, and it’s easy to transport your stuff, too. 
• Public Transport: New Zealand only has around five million inhabitants, so it neither has nor needs a mass public transport system. Therefore, the best way to see it is by road in your own vehicle! 

You must be convinced that a road trip from Auckland is a good idea by now. So, let’s get some of the boring admin out of the way before we tackle the best road trips on offer!

Driving in Auckland and New Zealand can be a bit of a frustrating experience. Drivers in NZ are often happy to flout the rules a little, with things like driving through red and amber lights, driving with bare feet or flip flops, and using phones while driving all worryingly common. Basically, the driving style here could do with some work. 

Add in windy mountain roads and long travel times, and it’s enough to put some drivers off completely! It shouldn’t though – as many travellers road trip here each year with no problems at all.

It’s straightforward to rent a car in New Zealand. Prices will start at around $30USD per day. Large rental companies are often reliable but, do be careful when it comes to extra charges – such as whether it is high season or low season. Drivers must be 21 and have had their licence for at least a year. You should also be aware of the following:

• Age Surcharge: You will need to pay an age surcharge if you’re under 25. It’s likely to be anything from $15 USD per day.
• Bond/Deposit: Some companies offer zero deposit as long as you have provided your debit card/credit card to cover the rental cost and optional extras. But make sure you read the contract!
• Additional Driver Charge: Expect to pay between $5 – 25 USD for an additional driver per day in New Zealand.

Rental insurance is a must for your North Island road trip. Rather than paying a huge amount with your rental firm, get it from RentalCover.com before turning up at the rental office.

Don’t have a car? Well, we’re going to have to sort that out! Use rentalcars.com to find the best deals on the web and save heaps of cash!

Road Rules in Auckland

You must have a valid driver’s licence either from your own country or international to drive in New Zealand. New Zealand drives on the left side of the road like the UK and Japan, but if you’re from most EU countries or the United States, this might take a little getting used to. 

Rules here aren’t that different from anywhere else in the world. It’s the drivers themselves that you have to watch out for. New Zealand drivers can be quite aggressive, especially in cities. 

While you shouldn’t speed, and it’s no surprise that this is a rule, most drivers at some point have lost track of their speedometer. Don’t do that here, as there are lots of hidden speed cameras and unmarked police cars that may leave you with a fine. 

Road rules aren’t all about driving, so there are a couple more things you should be aware of. It’s illegal to park your car ‘the wrong way’. This just means that the driver side door should not be next to the curb.

Also, pedestrian crossings are not always synced with traffic lights, so don’t speed around a corner if you get a green arrow, there might be someone crossing. Yes, it sounds crazy because it is!

• From: Auckland
• To: Cape Reinga
• Total Distance: 572km
• Days: 3 – 4
• Top Road Trips Stops: Whangarei, Paihia (the Bay of Islands), 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga

Our first North Island road trip will see you go as far north in New Zealand as it’s possible to go. But not before you stop off at some epic on the northern coast.

Starting in Auckland, this one can be done in as little as 3 – 4 days, but spreading it out over a week will give you more chances to stop off and appreciate incredible places such as the Bay of Islands. You could even arrange a skydive if you’re looking for some white-knuckle thrills! 

Road Trip Highlights

• AH Reed Memorial Park and Whangarei Falls
• Scuba Diving at Poor Knights Island
• Kayaking or hiking at Rainbow Falls
• 90 Mile Beach
• Cape Reinga Lighthouse and Hiking Trails

Pssst! Need a cheap place to crash in Auckland before you start your road trip? Check out our guide on Where to Stay in Auckland !

Day 1: Auckland – Paihia (3.5 hours, without stops)

Leave Auckland and set your satnav north for Paihia. Driving directly, it will take you just over three hours to cover the 248km journey on State Highway One. However, there are some stops to make on the way there. Whangerei is just over two hours into your trip, and it’s well worth spending a little time there.

Take a walk through the AH Reed Memorial Park and find a picnic table by the Whangarei Falls for some lunch. After you’ve had a rest here, it’s on to Paihia, better known as the gateway to the Bay of Islands – but only after you’ve taken a detour to the public toilets at Kawakawa! 

• Best Things to Do: AH Reed Memorial Park and Whangarei Falls (Whangarei), Hundertwasser toilets (Kawakawa), Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum, Haruru Falls (Paihia).
• Where to Eat: Fat Camel Cafe, Palate Wholesome Collective (Whangarei), Terra Restaurant, Darryl’s Dinner Cruise (Paihia)
• Where to Stay: Peppertree Lodge , Changing Tides BnB , Studio 10 – a place with a view

Day 2: Stay in Paihia and explore

The Bay of Islands is made up of almost 150 islands, so it seems silly to just spend an afternoon here and then leave. Your second day still has some driving, though. Head out from Paihia to Kerikeri and the Rainbow Falls (Waianiwaniwa).

There are several bushwalks and nature trails nearby, and it’s a popular kayaking spot. Prefer to get out onto the marine reserve? Poor Knights Island is the best place to scuba dive; it’s even got the seal of approval from the great Jacques Cousteau!

• Best Things to Do: Scuba diving on Poor Knights Island, Hike/Kayak at Rainbow Falls, Eco-cruise in the Bay of Islands from Russell.
• Where to Eat: MAHA Restaurant @Wharepuke (Kerikeri) TIPSY OYSTER, JFC, Glasshouse Kitchen and Ba (Paihia)
• Where to Stay: The Mousetrap Backpackers , Falls Motel & Waterfront Campground , Tui Cabin near Kerikeri .

Day 3: Paihia to Cape Reinga via Ninety Mile Beach (3 hours)

The final part of your road trip on North Island sees you bid a fond farewell to Paihia and the Bay of Islands and head north and west. Your first stop is 90-Mile Beach. Confusingly, it’s only 55 miles long, but that still leaves lots of space for things to do.

It’s possible to drive on the beach, though most rental companies won’t allow it as it may damage the car, and there are some dangers. Just follow State Highway One to Cape Reinga. Visit the lighthouse and look out at where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. You could also try a spot of sandboarding!

• Best Things to Do: Horseriding/Sandboarding/fishing on 90-Mile Beach. Te Araroa, Te Paki Coastal Trails, Seaview Point (Cape Reinga)
• Where to Eat: Wild Belle, Beachcomber Restaurant, Gecko Cafe. Houhoura Tavern – the most northern pub in New · Zealand.
• Where to Stay: Pukenui Lodge Motel , Tekao Lodge , Waikorotangi , Houhoura Harbour Studio

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

• Total Distance: 703km
• Days: 5 – 6
• Top Road Trips Stops: Coromandel Peninsula, Tauranga, Gisborne

If you love beaches and epic views, you can’t miss this road trip from Auckland, which skims along the coast on the Pacific Highway. Rather than taking the quickest route to Napier, you’ll stop off on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula and hike up the epic Mt Maunganui in Tauranga. End in Napier, where there are more than 100 wineries!

• Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove
• Mount Maunganui (Tauranga)
• McLaren Falls Park and kayaking
• Napier Vineyards

Day 1 and 2: Auckland to Thames and the Coromandel Peninsula (2.5 hours)

On your first day, you’ll head south out of Auckland towards the town of Thames. Thames is the gateway to the Coromandel Peninsula, which is known for incredible beaches and a lot of hidden gems. After checking out the shops and cafes, get back in your car and head to two of the best beaches here.

Cathedral Cove looks like it’s come straight out of a postcard, and you can dig your own heated pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach. There’s enough here to spend two days (or longer) on the Coromandel Peninsula.

Day 3: Coromandel Peninsula to Tauranga (2.5 hours)

You’ll continue to hug that stunning Pacific coastline for the next leg of your journey. State Highway 25 and State Highway 2 are what you’ll need to take, and you could always break up your trip with a stop at Katikati Bird Gardens overlooking Shelly Bay.

Once you arrive in Tauranga, you’ll notice Mount Maunganui – it’s impossible to miss! Choose to hike straight away, or chill out for the afternoon then climb it the morning after for epic views out over the Bay of Plenty.

• Best Things to Do: Katikati Bird Gardens. Hike on Mount Maunganui, kayak with glow worms near Lake McLaren, Explore McLaren Falls Park
• Where to Eat: Tauranga Farmers’ Market, Macau Bar Kitchen & Lounge, Harbourside
• Where to Stay: Tauranga has great places to stay . You can choose from ArtHouse Accommodation Boutique Backpackers , The Tauranga on the Waterfront , Historic Barn Loft , Beach Style – Modern Clean and Quiet

Day 4 and 5: Tauranga to Napier via Gisborne (6 hours)

The last two days of your trip will see you continue on the Pacific Coast Highway and State Highway Two There are tolls on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, but it’s only $2.10 if your car weighs less than 3.5 tonnes.

Spend a day at Gisborne checking out the Rere Falls and admiring the views from Titirangi hill. Then, it’s onto your final stop of Napier. It’s a good job you’re stopping the car here as there are over 100 vineyards nearby! Learn more about the city with an art deco walking or vintage car tour.

• Best Things to Do: Walk up Titirangi Hill, enjoy the Rere rock slide waterfall (Gisborne), Otarara Pa fortified Maori Village, Te Mata Peak, Napier Botanical Gardens
• Where to Eat: Marina Restaurant & Bar, Crawford Road Kitchen (Gisborne), Bistronomy, Mission Estate Restaurant (Napier)
• Where to Stay: Hinterland Retreat (Gisborne) , Archies Bunker , 88 on the beach (Napier)

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An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

• To: Wellington
• Total Distance: 687km
• Top Road Trips Stops: Hobbiton, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Wellington

This road trip from Auckland is the best for Lord of the Rings fans. However, you’ll be able to see more than just sites from the Peter Jackson films.

You’ll also see some of the most impressive volcanic sites in New Zealand, including the jewel in the crown, Lake Taupo. Spend a couple of days here swimming, hiking, and riding jet boats before ending in NZ’s capital – Wellington. 

Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua (3 hours)

Leave Auckland and head south on State Highway one towards Rotorua. Before you get there, you’ll be stopping off at Matamata. It might be more familiar to you as Hobbiton, the set from Lord of the Rings.

Spend a couple of hours seeing the houses where Frodo and Bilbo lived before enjoying a flagon of (non-alcoholic) beer at the Green Dragon in Bag End. Then, it’s onto your destination for the night, Rotorua. 

• Best Things to Do: Hobbiton Movie Set, Wairere Falls (highest waterfall on North Island), Skyline Rotorua.
• Where to Eat: Green Dragon Pub, Chips N’Curry Matamata, Atticus Finch, Stratosfare Restaurant (Rotorua).
• Where to Stay: Funky Green Voyager , Prince’s Gate Hotel , Kotare Lodge on the Lake

Days 2 to 4: Rotorua to Taupo (1 hour)

There’s loads to do in Rotorua, so spend most of your second day here. One thing you certainly won’t want to miss is the geothermal reserve Wai-O-Tapu. Just some of the things you’re likely to see include geysers and colourful pools.

A cruise on Lake Rotorua could be an option, as could the Waimangu Volcanic Valley over a couple of days. Then, head onto Lake Taupo, one of the most popular destinations on North Island. Here, you can take a jetboat ride on the Waikato River or perhaps a more sedate cruise past the Maori Rock Carvings. Adrenaline seekers can bungee jump here! 

• Best Things to Do: Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Reserve, Lake Rotorua, Waimnagu Volcanic Valley, Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village, Waikato River jet boat ride, Taupo Bungy.
• Where to Eat: The Brantry Restaurant, Mole & Chicken Restaurant Cafe and Bar, The Bistro
• Where to Stay: YHA Taupo – Finlay Jacks Backpackers, Taupo Debretts Spa Resort, The Retro Cabin

Day 5: Taupo to Wellington (5 hours)

After a few intense days, you’ll end by travelling from Taupo to Wellington, the capital of New Zealand. You’ll carry on along State Highway One with few places of note to stop off – so just carry on to Wellington and soak up the scenery before hitting attractions like the Wellington Cable Car!

Now that your road trip is over, you have so many possibilities. It’s up to you whether you drive back to Auckland, fly home, or continue over the Cook Strait onto the South Island!

• Best Things to Do: Wellington Cable Car, ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary, Te Papa Museum, Mount Victoria
• Where to Eat: Whitebait, Mr Go’s, Little Penang
• Where to Stay: The Dwellington , Tree House above Wellington Harbour , Mt Victoria Studio
• To: Auckland
• Total Distance: 83km
• Days: 1 – 2
• Top Road Trips Stops: Piha Beach, Kitekite Falls.

Not all road trips from Auckland have to be long and arduous multi-day trips. Here’s one for drivers who are just finding their feet and are easing their way into exploring the North Island.

Auckland to Piha Beach is more of a day trip than a road trip, but there are lots of things to do once you park up. Whether you want to enjoy coastal hikes, surf, or check out inland waterfalls, you’ll find that this easy day trip from Auckland is a lot of fun. 

• Piha Beach Surfing
• Kitekite Falls
• White’s and Anawhata Beaches Coastal Cliff Walk

Day 1: Auckland to Piha Beach (45 minutes)

Your road trip from Auckland to Piha is a short one. Just 45km means you can easily do this in one day, but it’s definitely worth staying overnight in Piha if you have time.

Pick your activity on arrival according to your travel style. A coastal cliff walk to White’s and Anawhata Beaches will take four hours, while the Kite Kite Falls walk is under an hour (one way). From the same car park, you can also access the Piha Valley Track. 

• Best Things to Do: Surf on Piha Beach, Kitekite Falls, White’s Beach and Anawhata Beach hiking trail
• Where to Eat: Murray Piha, Piha RSA, Piha Cafe
• Where to Stay: Piha Beachstay , Romantic Piha , Piha Retreat , Piha Hut

Make sure to pack right for New Zealand! On every adventure, there are six things to never go travelling without:

1. Security Belt with Hidden Pocket : I never hit the road without my security belt. This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off. This is hands down the best way to hide your cash.

2. Travel Water Bottle : Always travel with a water bottle – it’ll save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl geopress is a true behemoth amongst water bottles acting as a purifier AND temperature regulator – so you can enjoy a cold red bull, or a hot coffee, no matter where you are.

3. Microfibre Towel : It’s always worth packing a proper towel. Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

4. Headtorch : Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

5. Hammock : Taking a tent backpacking is not always practical but hammocks are lightweight, cheap, strong, sexy (chicks dig hammocks) and allow you to pitch up for the night pretty much anywhere. Right now, I’m rocking a lovely parachute hammock – it’s light, colourful and tough.

6. Toiletry Bag : I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

Unlike many countries in Europe and the United States, it is not compulsory to have car insurance while driving in New Zealand. However, it is recommended – especially to foreign tourists. 

The least you should hope to cover is third party insurance so that if you’re the cause of an accident, you won’t have to pay for damages to other vehicles involved. CDW and LDW are always included in New Zealand.

If this isn’t enough for you, it may be better to get full protection, such as the package offered by RentalCars.com . That will at least give you complete peace of mind on your road trip from Auckland!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve helped you plan your road trip in the North Island, we imagine that you’re filling up the car with fuel or checking up on the best rental deals. And we don’t blame you! 

Seeing the North Island (and pretty much any part of New Zealand) by car is a great way to get off the beaten track. You’ll find it so much easier to get to those paradise beaches and deep into forests parks than you would do if relying on public transport. And if you choose a camper van, you can save money that would go on hotels and hostels when in Auckland!

Whichever of the four awesome road trips from Auckland we’ve shown you, we hope you have a wonderful trip to this beautiful country. Get ready to have your mind blown!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

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North Island New Zealand road trip (Best 5 day itinerary)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: September 5, 2023

Our North Island New Zealand road trip 5-day itinerary includes 3 of the most popular destinations – Auckland, Matamata and Rotorua.

Are you considering a North Island New Zealand road trip? After recently completing a 5 day road trip (and our first visit to North Island) this article shares not only our full itinerary but suggested places to stay and eat based on our experience.

Use our itinerary as a basis for your own trip (add to it if you are lucky enough to have longer than 5 days).

In this itinerary we covered 3 places that were top of our wish list for North Island – Auckland, Matamata and Rotorua.

Each day of the North Island New Zealand road trip itinerary is detailed and there is a map of the route included in the article too.

Happy New Zealand travel planning!

Attractions included in our North Island New Zealand road trip itinerary

Accommodation in auckland – jw marriott auckland, things to do in auckland in one day – hoho bus (60 minutes to do the entire circuit of 9 stops), 1. auckland war memorial museum, 2. all blacks experience, 3. auckland sky tower, day 3 – planned activities, hobbiton – faqs, accommodation in matamata – cosy country stay b&b, accommodation in rotorua – karanda bnb, day 4 – planned activities, day 5 – planned activities, day 6 – rotorua to auckland international airport, 🇳🇿 plan your trip to new zealand, north island new zealand road trip itinerary – overview & map.

Link to Google map above

• Accommodation – JW Marriott Auckland
• Accommodation – Cosy Country Stay B&B
• Accommodation – Karanda BnB
• Day 6 – Rotorua to Auckland International Airport

📍 Auckland Museum

📍 All Blacks Experience

📍 Auckland Sky Tower

📍 Hobbiton – Matamata

📍 Te Puia – Rotorua

📍 Mitai Maori Village: Cultural Experience and Dinner Buffet – Rotorua

📍 The National Kiwi Hatchery – Rotorua

📍 Wai-O-Tapu – Rotorua

📍 Polynesian Spa – Rotorua

Day 1 – Arrival at Auckland International Airport

Our flight arrived at Auckland International Airport New Zealand at 11.25 pm from Brisbane International Australia .

There are a variety of options to choose from to get into the city (Auckland International Airport is located 17 miles (27 km from the CBD) which include:

• Due to the time we arrived, we chose a private transfer via Get Your Guide
• Our experience was excellent and our driver sent us a message via WhatsApp to say he was waiting and when I didn’t reply actually came into the terminal to collect us. The journey was fast and took around 25 mins (it was late Sunday evening)
• There is no direct connection by train from the airport to the CBD
• Catch the AirportLink bus (bust stop B domestic and bus stop A at International) to the Puhinui Interchange and then catch a train from there into the CBD.
• This takes 15 mins by bus to the train station then approx 30 mins to downtown Auckland.
• This service runs 7 days a week every 10 minutes from 4:30 am to 12:40 am
• Express Coach runs from both the Domestic and International terminals to downtown Auckland.
• Available from 5 am to 22:30 every day
• Tickets can be purchased on the bus (card only)

Day 2 – Auckland

• Operates between 9:00 am – 4 pm (the last bus terminates at 5 pm)
• Every 30 minutes from each stop.
• Adult – NZ$50 Child NZ$25 Family NZ$130 (1-day pass)
• Adult – NZ$60 Child NZ$30 Family NZ$180 (2-day pass)
• We decided to visit the Museum, All Blacks Experience and the Sky Tower and purchased a combi ticket which included those attractions.

We arrived at the museum at 11.30 a.m. (we hopped on the bus at stop 2 and got off at stop 5 for the museum) and had scheduled 2½ hours to explore. This was just enough to do a quick tour of everything but you could easily spend 3 to 4 hours here. We also decided this was the perfect place to have lunch so this did eat (no pun intended) into our time at the museum.

Auckland Museum is spread over 3 floors with the Ground Floor dedicated to Our People and Place, Level 1 Our World and Level 2 War and Remembrance.

Highlights for us were the Māori Court, the Volcanoes section, the Maori Natural History and the Origins section (particularly the birds).

The World War I and World War II Hall of Memories are humbling and thought-provoking.

After hopping back onto the bus (every 30 minutes) we continued with the route which provided great views of Waitemata Harbour and Devonport.

If we had more time we would definitely have hopped off at Parnell Village (quaint shopping area) but we decided to head back into the centre of Auckland and hopped off at Stop 2 where we had started the trip earlier.

The All Blacks Experience is located at the Sky City Precinct. We took the 3 pm tour with 6 of us in total in the group. This interactive experience was a lot of fun and it “showcases Maori culture and rugby’s connections to New Zealand history.” (Official Pamphlet)

The highlight for both of us was standing facing the ladies and men’s teams performing the traditional haka. It left us both speechless and was incredibly powerful.

Plan to spend 90 minutes on this experience.

Our final destination for the day was the Auckland Sky Tower. We decided to enjoy both the day and evening views and stayed for around 90 minutes.

The Sky Tower was opened in 1997 and was until 2022 the tallest building in the southern hemisphere at 328 metres high.

First, ascend to Level 51 (186 metres) which is the Main Observation Level before changing lifts to go up to the Sky Deck at Level 60 (220 metres)

Level 50 is the recently opened Sky Bar (check the site here for opening hours – it was closed when we were there)

There are other activities available for adrenaline junkies including a Sky Walk or Sky Jump.

Day 3 – Auckland to Matamata

We hired a car via Discover Cars and picked it up at Auckland International Airport.

• Drive time – 2 hours 12 minutes to B&B (10 mins past Hobbiton)
• Drive time to Hobbiton – 2 hours 2 mins
• You must be there 20 mins before the tour starts
• Dinner – We went to Matamata and ate at a lovely restaurant called the Redoubt Bar and Eatery (highlly recommend the pork belly bites!)

Day 3 of our North Island New Zealand road trip we had allocated a visit to one destination only – Hobbiton.

If you are a fan of the Hobbit and/or the Lord of the Rings trilogy Hobbiton will be a must in your itinerary.

I booked tickets with a timed slot for 3.10 pm in advance of arriving in New Zealand (don’t leave it too late to book as they can sell out. The popular tour with the Hobbit banquet was sold out on the one day we could do it so double check availability if this is something you really want to experience.

We were able to request a slightly earlier check-in and had time to drop our bags at the Cosy Country Stay B&B before driving back to Hobbiton for 2.50 pm.

• There is plenty of car parking available at the visitor centre.
• Enjoy the drive to Hobbiton as you will pass through some stunning countryside.
• Once you arrive go to the check-in to be issued with your ticket.
• There are toilets and a cafe (as well as a gift shop) so plenty to do before your tour.
• You are transferred in a coach to the Hobbiton set (5 mins drive) – your tour guide (with you for the duration of the tour) will give you some background as to how and why this area was chosen along the way.
• On arrival at Hobbiton, you will be guided around the set (with lots of information and anecdotes along the way) and plenty of opportunities to take pics.
• The tour of the set ends at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic choices) and plenty of time to take more snaps before heading back to the coach for the transfer to the visitor centre.
• Above are just some of the many shots I took – we were very lucky as it was a beautiful sunny (cold) day.

Day 4 – Matamata to Rotorua

• Check-in from 16:00 (we contacted Ron and Lesley to drop off luggage in advance)

Lovely BnB with gorgeous views over Rotorua. Ron was so welcoming and we both agreed this is one of the best BnB’s we have ever stayed in.

It was incredibly well equipped with everything you could possibly need and the apartment was spacious, luxuriously decorated and quite simply perfect! 10/10 from us.

• Hemo Road, Tihiotonga, Rotorua
• 196 Fairy Springs, Rotorua
• Dinner – Included in the Mitai Maori Village Experience

I had booked timed slot tickets for a tour of Te Puia through Get Your Guide. We highly recommend taking a guided tour so you can learn more about the history of the area from guides whose families have lived in the valley for over 1000 years.

Although we arrived a little early for the slot there is a cafe and a shop to peruse and plenty of parking.

After an introduction from our guide Kahu (pictured above) we walked through the valley which has mud pools, heated pool and geysers. The largest active geyser in the valley is the Pohutu Geyser and we were all anticipating an eruption of water up to 30 meters high (and were not disappointed – though Kahu did point out that she had no control over the geysers so it could not be guaranteed)

At Te Puia (meaning the hot spring) you will also find the Kiwi Centre and the New Zeland Maori Arts and Crafts Centre.

Kiwi Centre – At present there are 2 Kiwis in the centre and this was the first opportunity we had to see a live Kiwi bird. The centre is activekly involved in conservation efforts to protect New Zealad’s national bird.

New Zeland Maori Arts and Crafts Centre – Weaving and carving school which teaches the ancient traditions and skills to ensure these are passed on to future generations. During the tour you have the opportunity to watcth the students at work and even ask questions.

Mitai Maori Village

We booked the Mitai Maori Village – cultural experience for the first evening in Rotorua. The experience included a traditional earth cooked hangi and buffet dinner).

This 3 hour experience also included a cultural performance (with a haka) and the opportunity to see warriors chanting and paddling down the river. We enjoyed both of these events but found the cultural performance particularly interesting.

There is the opportunity after dinner to take a walk to the sacred spring and to see the glow worms but by this point we were tired and decided to head back to the BnB.

• Wear flat shoes – the ground is a little uneven in places.
• Wear warm clothes in winter – it was rather chilly and some of the performances are outside so do dress for the weather.
• Drinks (including alcohol) are available to purchase at the bar.
• You will be sat at a table with strangers but we found everyone very friendly and it was interesting to meet a few other nationalities attending the evening.

Day 5 – Rotorua

• 192 Fairy Springs Road
• Wai-O- Tapu Wonderland
• 1 Hinemoa Street
• Dinner – Eat Street Rotorua

The National Kiwi Hatchery

If you have an interest in nature and wildlife then a visit to New Zealand’s leading Kiwi centre is a must-do on any Rotorua itinerary

We booked the tour via Get Your Guide with a timed slot for 10 am. The tour took 45 minutes and during the tour you learn all about Kiwi – how they breed, lay, and hatch their eggs in the wild plus learn how the hatchery is working to protect and hatch eggs through their successful program.

You also discover the measures are in place to not only protect the species but also to increase the Kiwi population after years of decline. It is sad to think that these flightless birds are at risk of extiction due to the introduction to New Zealand of mammals such as stoats, dogs, cats and weasels. Apparently 50% of newly hatched Kiwi chicks are killed by stoats.

If you haven’t seen a Kiwi there is also the opportunity to see their resident adult Kiwi during the tour.

Wai-o-Tapu was my favourite destination when we were at Rotorua. This place is incredible – awe inspiring and unlike anywhere I had ever seen on earth before.

Located a little out of the town (a 30 minute drive) this is one of the most active geothermal areas in New Zealand. The colourful pools, geysers and lake make this a photographer’s dream – I took well over 150 images (watch out for the photodiary and guide to visiting Wai-o-Tapu coming out soon)

Highlights include

• The Champage Pool
• The Devil’s Bathtub
• Lake Ngakoro
• The largest mud pool in New Zealand

Need to know

• Open 7 days a week from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm (last admittance is at 3:00 pm)
• Wear sensible shoes – there were a lot of steps to negotiate further on in the park. Follow the boardwalks – you will receive a map and the trails are well signposted so you can’t get lost.
• If you can manage it definitely do the entire walk (consisting of 3 walking trails) – it took us about 90 minutes to do all 3
• If you want to see the Lady Knox geyser erupt you need to be at the park by 10 am (ie don’t book the National Kiwi Hatchery for the morning as we did which meant we missed the geyser) Give yourself time to pay at the Visitor Centre and drive back to the geyser
• Take a refillable water bottle and fill up just outside the visitor’s centre
• There is a cafe, gift shop and toilets at the main entrance
• There is parking but I can imagine that it can get busy so plan to arrive earlier in the day during peak season

Rotorua Lake Geothermal Hot Springs

The perfect end to a busy 4 days? A few hours at the Polynesian Spa .

I was’t sure when I booked this and was questioning myself right up until the moment I stepped outside and saw the hot pools. It is 100% worth it and we thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

The spa is fed by 2 hot springs – the Priest Spring and the Rachel Spring and they feed 28 hot mineral pools. The acidic nature of the Priest Spring helps relieve aches and pains and the alkaline nature of the Rachel Spring nourishes the skin.

We booked the Deluxe Lake Spa experience which enables access to 5 pools – 4 hot Rachel spring fed pools (of varying temperatures) and 1 hot Priest Spring fed pool. There is also a cold plunge pool.

The geothermally heated recliners were a hit too with fabulous views over the lake – they are ideal to relax on when taking a break from the heat of the pools.

Need to know –

• The lake spa experience includes access to changing facilities with secure lockers. Soap, shampoo and hairdryers are also provided.
• Towels are provided
• Bring a swimming costume/bathers and flip flops (though you can hire swimmers if you need to)
• Bring a refillable water bottle – the pools are warm/hot so you need to keep hydrated. They reminded us of this at reception

Eat Street Rotorua

There are plenty of dining options in Rotorua including an Eat Street. We chose to eat at the CBK Craft Bar and Kitchen which we would recommend.

Day 6 was the last day in our North Island New Zealand road trip itinerary and we drove from Rotorua back to Auckland Airport to drop off the car. You of course have the option to add additional days to this itinerary and continue to explore North Island.

We flew to Christchurch to continue our New Zealand adventure – read all about it in our New Zealand South Island driving itinerary

Drive time – 2 hours 30 mins from Rotorua to Auckland International Airport

• Flight Auckland to Christchurch – 3 pm (check-in 60 mins before)

Read part 2 of our New Zealand itinerary – South Island

• Where to stay in Rotorua
• Guide to visiting Wai-O-Tapu
• Where to stay in Auckland
• South Island itinerary
• Where to stay in Christchurch
• Where to stay in Queenstown
• What to watch before you visit New Zealand
• What to read before you visit New Zealand
• New Zealand Travel Guide

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The Ultimate Road Trip through New Zealand's Underrated North Island

By Erin Florio

Let me be clear: so long as you are in a car, there’s no wrong way to see New Zealand . Every route is the scenic route here. But— but —it has irked me for years that so many visitors default to spending the majority of their time in the South Island. The country’s more populated, less popular North Island has landscapes in a spectrum of colors like nowhere else on earth—think Northern California on steroids. The exceptionally pretty State Highway One slices through the island’s center, connecting Auckland up north to artsy Wellington at the southern tip in a straight eight-hour drive. Slow it down to five full days, detouring to coastal towns where Kiwis holiday, past Maori rock face carvings (you won’t find them in the South Island), and countryside patched with vineyards for a more local take.

The trip: Five days, 568 miles

What to drive.

New Zealand’s weather is inconsistent and can change within minutes, so your only caveat when renting a car is no convertibles. As long as it has good windows and tires for the often gravel-covered back roads, you’re fine.

The water is too chilly to appreciate in winter and the beach towns slow down, so plan your trip during Kiwi late spring or summer, between October and March.

Cathedral Cove, in the Coromandel.

Don’t linger in Auckland. It’s a perfectly functional city, but the least exciting part of this drive. Book it southeast down State Highway One first thing and hang a left on SH 27 to reach the Coromandel Peninsula early. This area is popular with Kiwis during summer; many have tiny holiday houses, called baches , on the spectacular beaches backed by hills the color of emeralds. From the surf beaches to the cafés serving hot chips and smoothies, it’s laid back and friendly—the kind of place to go barefoot. (Kiwis love to be shoeless in summer. Roll with it.)

Drive east to Hot Water Beach , where a thermal river underneath the sands creates natural hot pools. If none are formed, dig your own. (Note: this is not a swimming beach, you’ll want to head a little north to Hahei for that.) This is some of the oldest inhabited land in all of New Zealand and is sacred to local tribe, the Ngati Hei—so respect the area. Don’t eat or drink in the pools; go across the way to Hot Water Cafe for pavlova and cold brew in the outdoor garden if you’re peckish.

By lunch, you’ll want to be on the road again, driving south on SH 25 to Mount Maunganui, which locals call 'The Mount.' Another Kiwi summer playground, it’s unpretentious and beautiful. That large hill you see on the drive in, with a bay on one side and the mighty Pacific on the other, is the “mountain” that the town is named for. There’s a corkscrew trail that will take you 45 minutes to climb from the bottom to the peak. After your hike, soak in the hot pools at Maunganui’s base (or jump in the ocean, it’s right there). Take your pick of wine bars and bistros along the main drag of Marine Parade, or head one road inland to Astrolabe, where my parents and I—and then my friends and I once we got older—have come for local Mac’s beers and grilled steaks for decades. Check in to the Oceanside Resort and Towers right on the main beach for the night.

The sleek Kinloch Club is one of the country's famed luxury lodges.

Start your day with a flat white at the café in the resort and stroll down the beach before it gets packed later in the day. Then hop back on SH 1, swerving inland toward Lake Taupo, the heart of the North Island. The towering volcanoes and waterfalls en route make it easier to leave the beautiful coastline behind. You’ll pass Rotorua, a tour bus favorite for its bubbling hot pools and geysers (yep, that smell is sulphur in the air). Stop if you must, though the better experience is outside the town limits in the Buried Village of Te Wairoa, a Maori and colonial hamlet that was covered and preserved in ash and mud when Mount Tarawera erupted in 1888. It’s New Zealand’s own mini Pompeii .

Carry on south, passing Lake Tarawera, to the northern tip of Taupo. Once there, ditch the car and hop in a kayak or onto a charter boat (many companies, including Ernest Kemp, sail throughout the day) to see the remarkable Mine Bay carvings, where master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell has chiselled a ginormous Maori priest figure known as a Ngatoroirangi right into the cliff face. Do a late lunch at the nearby Bay Bar—the seafood in puff pastry or ceviche is the way to go—or head straight for the very chic Kinloch Club . Full disclaimer: this is not the part of the trip where you will feel even remotely local (shoes, preferably polished, should remain firmly on your feet). It’s $1,500 a night, but the floor-to-ceiling windows, designer furniture, roaring fires, and delicious pan-seared lamb make it a worthwhile splurge.

Hawkes Bay has Jurassic Park -style coasts and sophisticated wine.

Start the day with a stroll on the resort’s pathway that cuts through the rolling hills overlooking Taupo. Stretch your legs, as it’s a long three hour drive southeast to Hawke's Bay . You’re here for the vino (mostly chardonnays and syrahs), though the first stop will be in the seaside city of Napier. It’s an architectural marvel, destroyed by a powerful earthquake in 1931 and then rebuilt in a mash-up of styles of the time. You’ll find Spanish Mission, Art Deco, and Stripped Classical designs all in the same block. Park your car by the water and start walking. A string of pale pink, green, and yellow estates line the boardwalk, including a particularly gorgeous coral tobacco warehouse and a number of old publishing houses. It’s easy to grab a map and stroll by yourself, though the wonderful Art Deco Trust does guided tours.

Charlie Hobbs

Maya Silver

CNT Editors

Now, it’s finally wine time. Just outside of the city is Church Road , a sophisticated countryside winery producing some of New Zealand’s boldest syrahs. Order the roasted spiced pumpkin and blue cheese ravioli for lunch with a glass of their crisp pinot gris and then hop on the 2 p.m. tasting and museum tour. Don’t overdo it on the merlot samples, even if the final stop today is six minutes away. There is plenty more to drink at the historic Mission Estate , the country’s oldest winery founded by French settlers in 1851. Drop your bags in the vineyard’s sun-lit guest room for the night, before wandering through the chardonnay vines and landscaped gardens that circle the main colonial style farmhouse.

The historic Martinborough Hotel has views over the town's square and is walking distance to tasting rooms.

Three hours south through country back roads is Martinborough , a quaint town near the capital city of Wellington in the boutique wine region of the Wairarapa. Vineyard hopping here feels like the world’s greatest block party, where neighbors produce and pour some of the world’s top wines and keep their doors wide open.

Since nearly all of the wineries are within walking distance of the town’s central square, drop your car at your hotel: the historic, recently restored Martinborough Hotel with its wonderful multi-level, wraparound balcony. Then stroll to Poppies , a delightful winery run by a young husband and wife team that serves superb charcuterie boards and bottles of their own Riesling on an outdoor terrace. Poppy herself will likely be on hand to enthusiastically guide you through the difference between New Zealand’s wine regions and convince you, ever so charmingly, to ship a case of her pinot and sauvignon back home. Make your way back to the square with stops for some pinot noir at Te Karainga and the Martinborough Vineyard along the way, and cap the day at the Union Square Bistro and Bar back at the hotel.

Wellington is the southern-most point of the North Island. You can hop on a ferry here to access to the South Island.

If you leave early enough, stop just south of Martinborough in the colonial village of Greytown, en route to Wellington for a coffee at Food Forest Organics (its owner is director James Cameron, who lives in the area) and pop your head into one of the many furniture design stores. Then carry on over the winding Rimutaka mountain range—if you had one too many savs the night before, you may start feeling it here—before arriving in the middle of Wellington, about an hour’s drive from the vineyards. It’s a quirky, artistic, foodie city pinned in by hills on one side and a harbor that opens up to the Cook Strait that leads to the South Island on the other. Stay at QT Wellington on the waterfront to be walking distance from cafes like Olive and Fidel’s and boutiques on Cuba Street, the nightlife of Courtney Place, and the unmissable Te Papa Museum of New Zealand . This is a city to just hang out in, lingering in the cafés like the Wellingtonians. Don’t rush out after one night like so many naively do. Park the car, end the drive, and stay a while.

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How to Spend 5 Days in Auckland - A Complete Itinerary for Auckland

by Trip.com

December 15, 2022

• Auckland 5-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights to Auckland

• Sort by: Lowest Price
• Sort by: Earliest Flight

Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

Day 1 | Morning

Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday 9:00-22:00; Sunday-Thursday 8:30-22:30(May-October). Friday-Saturday 8:30-23:30 (November-April). Opening hours may be temporarily adjusted depending on weather conditions.

Ticket Price: 32 NZD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Victoria St W, Auckland

The Sky Tower is 328 meters high and is a landmark of Auckland . On weekdays, the Sky Tower has only red and white lights, but when it comes to holidays or important events, the light color of the tower will change according to the theme of the day. 1. The Sky City Sky Tower is integrated with other buildings to form a huge Sky City (SkyCity), which brings together ten restaurants and bars, hotels, theaters and many tourism adventure activities. Huge underground car park and intercity bus terminal. 2. Observation deck with excellent view The main entrance of the tower is located in the basement of Harrah's Sky City Hotel, from which you can climb to the main observation deck with a height of 186 meters. There are two ways to climb the tower: climb the 1267 stairs and take the elevator directly from the ground floor. The Sky Tower has three transparent elevators that ascend at a speed of 18 kilometers per hour, taking you to the top observation deck and revolving restaurant in just 40 seconds, where you can overlook the entire Auckland city like an angel. It is recommended to choose to go in the evening and watch a beautiful sunset first. When night falls, you can also overlook the night view of Auckland. Standing on the observation deck, you can also muster the courage to stand on the glass floor and watch the scenery under your feet. 3. Sky Tower Walk Sky Tower Walk is a high-altitude walk led and guided by a coach on the 192-meter-high outer ring platform of the Sky Tower. The foot of the walkway is suspended in the air and is only 1.2 meters wide. Put on your safety gear and walk around the Sky Tower with your instructor for a 360-degree view of Auckland from above. In addition to normal walking, the coach will also teach you some difficult movements, such as leaning out of the trail half-length, relying on the strength of the rope to pull the body to ensure that it will not fall out of the tower, which is absolutely safe. 4. SkyJump sky tethered jump, the extreme project of SkyJump Sky Tower, will definitely make you tempted. This bungee jump is different from ordinary bungee jumping. The rope is hanging behind you, making you jump from the tower like a movie stuntman, and then quickly fall (about 85 kilometers per hour) for 11 seconds. The soft inflatable cushion ensures smooth and easy landing.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Alecia: This is definitely not the highest tower I have been in But I felt the safest and had a beautiful view over the whole Auckland. Went there just before sunset so I could enjoy the view at semi daylight and night.view.

Trip.com User: One of the attractions to visit in Auckland, especially at dinner at the revolving restaurant at night, the view is great! If you want to challenge the high-altitude jump, you can challenge upstairs

Day 1 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Auckland War Memorial Museum.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: 25 NZD

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Parnell, Auckland 1010, New Zealand

The Auckland Museum, also known as the Auckland War Memorial Museum, is described as a touchstone of New Zealander culture and spirit. It is not only a museum showing Maori history and culture, but also a war memorial reflecting the history of World War II. Museums are definitely the first stop on a trip for visitors who want to learn more about New Zealand and its people. 1. Overview of the Museum The Museum is located in Auckland's Central Park in the heart of the city, an impressive neoclassical building with different contents on each floor. The first floor showcases the life of the South Pacific islanders, with unique ethnic handicrafts, restored Maori meeting places and daily necessities exhibitions, including a 25-meter-long battle boat. The second floor is a natural science exhibition that includes information about the origin of the earth, the origin of life, various animal and plant materials and specimens. The third floor displays the weapons used in the world wars, etc., to commemorate the soldiers who died in the two wars. 2. Watch Maori cultural performances to learn about New Zealand's cultural history The Auckland Museum conducts rich Maori cultural performances every day, including welcome ceremonies, cotton ball songs and dances, stick dances, weapon demonstrations and Maori war dances that embody the essence of tribal culture to the extreme. The performance is 30 minutes long, and the museum is designed to be very interactive and worth savoring. Priceless Māori treasures, splendid natural history, wonderful Māori cultural performances and occasional exhibitions, must be the best choice to learn about New Zealand.

Tonycd: Nice attraction in New Zealand not far from the Auckland Bridge

Day 1 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Auckland War Memorial Museum, Ohtel Auckland nearby is the best place to stay.

Ohtel Auckland

The Ohtel Auckland is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. The Ohtel Auckland offers a pleasant stay in Auckland Central for those traveling for business or leisure.

With Auckland Train And Bus Terminal just 700m away and Auckland International Airport only 28km away, transportation is very convenient. Famous local attractions Arcturus, Overnight Cruise and Viaduct Harbour, can all be reached with a short walk.

After a long day of sightseeing, guests can retire to the comfort of the hotel. Guests of this Auckland Central hotel can make use of the parking facilities.

When it comes to Auckland Central hotels, the Ohtel Auckland is highly regarded for its excellent facilities.

Swimming pool

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Day 2 | Morning

Kelly tarlton's antarctic encounter & underwater world.

Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00 (last admission time: 16:30)

Ticket Price: 39 NZD

Location: 23 Tamaki Dr, Orakei, Auckland 1071, New Zealand

Kelly Tarton's Underwater World is an aquarium converted from an abandoned sewage plant. It was completed by New Zealand marine archaeologist Mr. Kelly Tarton with 10 years of effort. The Antarctic Pavilion opened to the public in 1985, and the founder died a few weeks after it opened. There are 8 major themes on display in the museum, each with its own characteristics. 1. Have a big adventure with penguins in the winter wonderland. The fascinating attraction here is the permanent winter wonderland here, where you can see penguins, and you can take the icefield adventure vehicle to enter the viewing area of minus two degrees, and you can see walking in artificial snow Emperor penguins and gentoo penguins diving to the ground or underwater. Whenever an expedition vehicle passes by, the enthusiastic penguins stand up and look around, very naive and gentlemanly. You will also see penguins who are going through the "molting period" lying motionless on the snow, lazy and sloppy. 2. Seek thrills and dance with sharks in the transparent glass landscape tunnel of the underwater world, you can feel the excitement of big sharks and devil fish swimming by, you can witness how the mighty big lobster coexists harmoniously with its neighbors, and you can also carefully Observe the daily life of various marine life. If you want to see it up close, you can put yourself in a cage and enter the shark viewing pool, and if that doesn't feel exciting enough, you can even dive directly into the viewing pool.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Matamata.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 1 RMB

Location: Matamata

The town of Matamata is the filming location of the movie "The Lord of the Rings". Those who have seen the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy and the "Hobbit" series of movies will definitely be fascinated by the scenes where the Hobbits live and live. . Here, you can follow the tour guide to experience the scenes in the movie. It must be a tourist destination that fans of "Lord of the Rings" are looking forward to.

Steve_HK: Dreamy scenery, New Zealand is really 10 points beautiful!

Day 2 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Villas Waiheke in advance, because all the tourists head to Matamata love staying at it.

Villas Waiheke

Villas Waiheke is perfectly located for both business and leisure guests in Auckland. The hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Service-minded staff will welcome and guide you at the Villas Waiheke. Comfortable guestrooms ensure a good night's sleep with some rooms featuring facilities such as television LCD/plasma screen, additional bathroom, carpeting, cleaning products, clothes rack. Recuperate from a full day of sightseeing in the comfort of your room or take advantage of the hotel's recreational facilities, including outdoor pool, garden. A welcoming atmosphere and excellent service are what you can expect during your stay at Villas Waiheke.

Day 3 | Morning

Auckland zoo.

Opening Hours: 9:30-17:00 (final admission time 16:15), Christmas is not open.

Ticket Price: 24 NZD

Location: Motions Rd, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand

Auckland Zoo is a well-known zoo in New Zealand, located west of Albert Park. The design of the park is very good, and it is also a paradise for photographers. 1. Six themed ecological areas The New Zealand animal display area is divided into six themed ecological areas, namely: beaches, islands, wetlands, nocturnal animals, forests and mountains. There are all kinds of local and foreign animals in the park, not only common animals such as elephants, giraffes and lions, but also rare animals such as white rhinos and ring-tailed lemurs. Among them, the Kiwi kiwi is famous. Due to its degenerated wings, it cannot fly, but its life span can reach 30 years. It is a unique species of New Zealand, and it is also the national bird and symbol of New Zealand. 2. Close contact with animals One of the more attractive points is that tourists can get close contact with animals, such as hand-feeding giraffes or parrots.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: New Zealand Maritime Museum.

New Zealand Maritime Museum

Ticket Price: 20 NZD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-3 Hours

Location: Corner of Quay and Hobson Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1140, New Zealand

Located in Auckland, the National Maritime Museum of New Zealand showcases New Zealand's maritime history. Everything from a variety of quirky models, ships, to life-size displays. One of the best maritime museums in the world The museum is known as one of the best maritime museums in the world. The 14 exhibition halls have different themes. Some of them tell stories from the epic adventures of Polynesian navigators to the history of European settlement. Ships and coastal trade, while others recount the glorious exploits of sports heroes.

Day 3 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Hotel Fitzroy Curated by Fable in advance, because all the tourists head to New Zealand Maritime Museum love staying at it.

Hotel Fitzroy Curated by Fable

With a stay at Hotel Fitzroy curated by Fable in Auckland (Grey Lynn), you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Auckland Zoo and Eden Park. This 5-star hotel is 1.7 mi (2.7 km) from Sky Tower and 1.9 mi (3.1 km) from Viaduct Harbour. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, dry cleaning/laundry services, and a 24-hour front desk. Make yourself at home in one of the 10 individually decorated guestrooms, featuring free minibar items and espresso makers. Private bathrooms with showers feature rainfall showerheads and designer toiletries. Conveniences include phones, as well as safes and complimentary newspapers.

Day 4 | Morning

Auckland sailing club.

Location: 10 Tamaki Dr, Orakei Bay, Auckland 1071

Auckland Sailing Club, located in a swamp surrounded by water, locals love to play, swim, surf, sail, slide, or dive in to catch fish. People refer to Aucklanders as thinking about the three "Bs" all day long: the beach, the boat, and the barbecue. 1. Auckland Anniversary Regatta The Auckland Yacht Club's annual sports focus is the Auckland Anniversary Regatta, which is held at the end of January each year. There are more than 1,000 sailing boats participating in a wide variety of yachts ranging from two-meter yachts to thirty-meter-long yachts. Boats, all racing in Waitematam port. The America's Cup is held every four years. Together with the Men's Football World Cup and the tennis Davis Cup, it is known as the "Three World Cups" by the world. New Zealand won the 29th America's Cup in 1995, and then successfully defended its title at the 30th America's Cup in 1999. Sailing has almost become a sport that New Zealanders are extremely proud of. 2. Qianfan Athletics came to the port of the club and looked around, and knew that Auckland's reputation as the "capital of sailing boats" was not justified. The slender masts of the sailboats and the sky towers and buildings in the background formed a unique city. borderline. The moored large and small sailboats and yachts are densely packed and of various types. It is truly a thousand sails competition, which is extremely spectacular. 3. Tourists can choose to go to sea with the yacht and lie on the deck to enjoy sunbathing. Here, rainbows are also very common.

Day 4 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Auckland Sailing Club, don’t forget pay a visit to Sheep World.

Sheep World

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00, rest at Christmas.

Ticket Price: 16 NZD

Location: 324 SH 1 (4km north of Warkworth), Warkworth, New Zealand

The picturesque Sheep World is located north of Auckland, on National Highway 1. It is a very famous leisure place in Auckland. Local residents often take their children and families to the Sheep World on a full-day ranch tour during the holidays. Here you can watch cute sheep and sheepdog performances, experience a fun sheep shearing trip, and more.

Day 4 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Sheep World, Walton Park Motor Lodge nearby is the best place to stay.

Walton Park Motor Lodge

The 4-star Walton Park Motor Lodge offers comfort and convenience whether you're on business or holiday in Warkworth. The hotel offers a high standard of service and amenities to suit the individual needs of all travelers. Wi-Fi in public areas, car park, meeting facilities, laundry service/dry cleaning, tours are there for guest's enjoyment. Guestrooms are fitted with all the amenities you need for a good night's sleep, including microwave, television, coffee/tea maker, kitchenette, satellite/cable TV. Recuperate from a full day of sightseeing in the comfort of your room or take advantage of the hotel's recreational facilities, including garden, outdoor pool. Walton Park Motor Lodge combines warm hospitality with a lovely ambiance to make your stay in Warkworth unforgettable.

Day 5 | Morning

Rainbow's end.

Opening Hours: Open on Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Mon-Fri,10:00am-4:00pm

Ticket Price: 10 USD

Location: 2 Clist Crescent, Manukau City Centre, Auckland 2104, New Zealand

Retro wooden buildings, western cowboy and pirate-inspired themes, and moderately thrilling rides make this a great place to relax and unwind. Every weekend when the weather is fine, Puroland always welcomes tourists of different ages and even families. If you want to experience fun projects, you can play the 360-degree spinning roller coaster, the big pendulum, the pirate ship, the jumping machine, etc. For family trips, there are also lovely KidzKingdom and leisure facilities such as carousel, 3D movies, bumper cars and so on.

Day 5 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Rainbow's End, don’t forget pay a visit to Eden Garden.

Eden Garden

Opening Hours: Open on Wed-Sun,9:00am-4:00pm

Ticket Price: 12 NZD

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: 24 Omana Avenue, Epsom, Auckland, New Zealand

Eden Garden is located at the foot of Mount Eden. There are many plants unique to New Zealand planted in the garden, especially in the flowering season, you can enjoy the blooming camellias and North American rhododendrons, which are very beautiful. There is also a cafe in the garden. After overlooking the panoramic view of Auckland from Mount Eden, you may wish to drink afternoon tea here, enjoy the flowers, and have a good time.

• Auckland 5-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights from Auckland

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.

Table of Content

• Day 1: Sky Tower, Auckland War Memorial Museum
• Day 2: Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter & Underwater World, Matamata
• Day 3: Auckland Zoo, New Zealand Maritime Museum
• Day 4: Auckland Sailing Club, Sheep World
• Day 5: Rainbow's End, Eden Garden

Auckland Weather

Find What to Do in Auckland in 5 Days Tour

Auckland, new zealand whale watching & dolphin watching cruise 13861.

• Admire the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf and look out over the Auckland Harbor Bridge

High-altitude bungee jumping experience from Auckland Harbor Bridge in New Zealand

• If you want to add an unforgettable experience to your time in Auckland, head to the Auckland Harbor Bridge for a bungee jump with a difference!

Parachuting Auckland

• Experience Parachuting in North Island, with different heights of 5486m, 4877m, and 3962m for everyone to choose from. Experience up to 75 seconds of crazy freefall with views of New Zealand's east and west coast beaches, Waiheke Island, the Great Barrier Reef and Mount Ruapehu, before enjoying the tranquility of a beautiful parachute ride.

New Zealand Auckland Waiheke Island Food and Wine Tour 61910

• If you're looking for a Waiheke Island foodie experience, this is the perfect activity.

Auckland Harbour Sailing Cruise

• The icon of City of Sail Auckland,

New Zealand Auckland Harbor Sailing Yacht Tour 6406

• Enjoy a unique sailing experience in Auckland, known as the "City of Sailing"

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Auckland Itinerary 5 Days

Best itineraries for 5 day trip to auckland.

Let our handpicked 5-day Auckland itineraries guide you in creating a trip plan of your own. Take a look at these customised Auckland trip plans for 5 days and you will not miss out any point of interest in the city.

Recent Itineraries: Auckland Trips for 5 Days

Make your travel planning easier by using these perfect 5 days in Auckland itineraries from our users and travel experts. Look out for wisely chosen places you would like to explore during 5 days in Auckland.

Tours and Activities to Include

Traveling like a local without any help from trip planners is good. But here are some organised tours and activities that you must try

Best Hotels in Auckland for 5 Day Trip

These are some of the hotels added in the past by our travelers to their Auckland itinerary 5 days. Check out the hotels that suit you and add them to your trip plan.

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Check Out these Long Itineraries for Cities Nearby

• Itinerary for 5 Days in Whitianga
• Itinerary for 5 Days in Rotorua
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5 Day North Island Itinerary, New Zealand

The islands located in the north of New Zealand are famous for their volcanic activities and mesmerizing and untouched natural beauty. You will find many national parks, areas with volcanic and geothermal activities, and even some of the finest cosmopolitan cities. Traveling to New Zealand cost isn’t a lot as well and you will be able to find affordable stays and food on your trip without any problem. The country is full of beautiful tourist spots and adventurous activities that you can do to make your trip worth the cost.

Table of Contents

Itinerary Snapshot

Day 1: Visit various Auckland city attractions + Muriwai Beach

Day 2: Visit Coromandel Peninsula

Day 3: Take a road trip from Auckland to Rotorua via Hobbit Village

Day 4: go to the thermal parks in rotorua, day 5: take a road trip to waitomo caves from rotorua, 5 days in north island new zealand – a detailed itinerary, day 1: visit various auckland city attractions.

On your first day of the trip, try to relax and cover some local attractions. If you are someone who loves adventure sports and wants to try out bungee jumping, take some time, and visit the sky tower. It is a 328 meters high tower that will provide you with the top view of the whole city and the harbors. There are other rope activities as well and you may consider them if you are feeling too ecstatic!

Other major attractions in the area include Auckland War Memorial, One tree hill, Auckland art gallery, Waiheke islands, etc.

In the evening, do not miss visiting the Muriwai beach for a gorgeous sunset. It is a surf beach with a black sand coastline that makes it a popular attraction for locals as well as international tourists. Every year, from December to March, Gannets nest on the beach, occupying the land and creating a unique scene for us. The hillocks by the beach help the newly bred gannets to take a lift-off and hurl in a flight back to their homeland. The updraft wind helps them to start their first flight which is a long one! They shall return in order to lay their own eggs someday!

Another option instead of Muriwai beach is Piha beach. It is equally beautiful and provides stunning views from the top of a cliff. However, you might not be able to witness the beautiful phenomenon of breeding gannets who flutter above your head as you admire the sunset!

Day 2: Visit Coromandel Peninsula as a road trip circuit

This is one of the most popular road trip circuits on the northern islands of New Zealand because of its natural beauty. There are a lot of activities that can be done here. These include trekking, camping, hiking, etc. If you just get a road trip through this place, its beauty will provide you with great peace and satisfaction. It stretches for a distance of 80 km. There are several natural and mineral-rich hot water pools in the area like Miranda hot pools, The lost spring, etc.

But the highlight of the Coromandel Peninsula area is Cathedral Cove. You can either hike to Cathedral cove or take a boat ride. Instead of visiting Cathedral Cove, we decided to visit Gemstone bay. It was not a highlight of the area, but a nice peaceful bay to relax.

This area is one of the most popular fishing spots in the country and you can enjoy fishing with your friends and family while you are there. You can also visit beaches like Whiritoa beach, Shakespeare and Cooks beach, etc. to explore the crystal clear water and golden beaches. If you are a bird-watching enthusiast, you must definitely pay a visit to the Shorebird coast. In the late 1800, a sudden gold rush was seen in the area and you can learn about it as well.

Today, you leave Auckland in order to visit Rotorua. Instead of coming back to Auckland city the previous day, you could have gone to Rotorua directly. However, I recommend staying in Auckland on 2 nd night in order to visit Hobbiton town on your way to Rotorua.

If you are a fan of ‘The Hobbit’ or ‘Lord of The Rings’ movie franchise, taking a road trip from Auckland to Rotorua is a great option for you. On the way, you will get to MataMata, which is a place where hobbit was mainly shot. You will be able to see the whole set along with the 44 hobbit holes and the exact same houses and gardens when you will have a look from the top of the hills. You can also get a sip of a pint in the Dragon Inn when you are done exploring the magical world of the hobbit movie franchise.

If you still have some time left, explore the nearby attractions like the famous Wairere Falls. It is a 153m high waterfall and is considered to be one of the highest in the Northern islands of New Zealand. If you want a place to stay, one of the best recommendations will be Shula’s Lakeside House, which is a very popular Airbnb in the locality with a beautiful view of the lake from your room and a lovely deck to chill in the evenings.

Today, you can consider exploring the local gems of Rotorua. This lakeside town is known for the geothermal parks and a lot of spots that represent the volcanic activities in these regions.

These volcanic activities are some of the most unique experiences that the northern islands of New Zealand have to offer. Due to the abundance of geothermal activities in the region, it houses a lot of thermal parks. These natural water pools have been present there since early ages and have been in the use of the native Maori people.

One of the first areas you should pay a visit to is Wai-o-Tapu. It is a very large geothermal area. You can visit the Wai-o-tapu thermal wonderland to enjoy the hot water pools. The key highlight here is Champagne Pool

Another highly active geothermal activity area in the region is Hell’s gate or Tikitere. It is also a popular tourist spot. If you can spare some time in the evening, it is recommended that you get a skyline Luge Ride experience. The serpentine tracks will bring you down from the mountain top in style and simultaneously treat you to a spectacular view of the Rotorua town below.

Today you can consider visiting either Lake Taupo or Waitomo Caves. I’d recommend Waitomo caves out of these two as you may find Lake Taupo pretty similar to the Rotorua Lake. No doubt the Lake Taupo is the largest in New Zealand. But Waitomo caves is a unique attraction due to the glowworm caves.

On your drive to Waitomo Caves from Rotorua, you will come across beautiful farmlands of the country with a lush green landscape and beautiful countryside view. If you like to go fishing, make sure you make a stop at the Lake Whakamaru for trout fishing. 

You can also explore the beauty of the Pureora forest park, which is the home to many native and rare bird species. Try to take north from the town of Te Kuiti to go to the limestone region of Waitomo. You will find a very vast system of caves decorated with glow worms. Try to go for black water rafting to get the best experience and photos.

While returning from the Waitomo Caves tour, you can consider taking a stop at Polynesian Spa. The Polynesian Spa is known to give you an amazing experience of dipping in geothermal springs. There are multiple options available for you to choose from, ranging from super-private pools overlooking the Lake to huge public pools in an indoor setup. The cost of these options varies as per its exclusivity and other features. We opted for the private couple’s spa overlooking the Lake and would highly recommend the same!

If you ask me, Rotorua is the most epic destination in the North Island of New Zealand. Muriwai Beach is also super stunning if you are a fan of gorgeous sunsets and birds. The Coramandel peninsula might be a long drive from Auckland as compared to other attractions, but the wide view of the ocean and hike to Cathedral Cove or Gemstone bay makes it worth it.

If you are looking at a longer trip across New Zealand, you may consider taking a flight from Rotorua to Christchurch. Landing at Christchurch will directly take you in the enchanting land of South Island. From there, you can continue your journey towards Queenstown .

I hope you liked this itinerary. Please feel free to ask questions in the comment section below!

Bio:  Umang Trivedi is a travel blogger based in India. He writes about his travel experiences on  Travelmax.in . He has traveled extensively in India, Europe & New Zealand. Along with penning down travelogues, he also curates travel ideas, itineraries & tips based on his travel experiences.  

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Amazing 5 days Road Trip Itinerary for Northland, New Zealand

Northland, New Zealand is one of the best places to visit whether you are Aucklanders that want to escape the city life, Kiwis that are sick of the cold/ freezing weather, or international travelers that have just landed in Auckland. While it can still get chilly in the winter, there are still a lot of outdoor activities you can do. Make sure you add this destination to your New Zealand Travel ! This 5-day Northland Road Trip Itinerary will show you how to explore Northland as much as possible within a short time!

5-Day Itinerary in Northland, New Zealand

Page Contents

If you don’t have time to read the details of this 5-day Northland Road Trip Itinerary, here is a brief summary of what the 5 days in Northland would look like.

We based ourselves in Paihia as we were camping, and didn’t want to take it down and set it up repeatedly. But if you have a campervan or staying at hotels, it’ll be easier to move around and stay in different places. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy this 5-day road trip itinerary on Northland, New Zealand 🙂

Drive from Auckland- to Waipu Caves and onto Paihia (Bay of Islands)

Explore the Bay of Islands- Island Hopping , sailing tours, Hole in a rock tour

Drive to Cape Regina Lighthouse- The most accessible northernmost point of New Zealand

Have a thrill at the Te Paki Sand Dunes- Must do and very famous thing to do in Northland. Suitable for all ages seeking fun and adventure! Slide down the sand dunes with bodyboards!

Ninety Mile Beach- It is not literally 90 miles, but it’s still a very long strip of beach! And the road is amazing! Do drive on here if you have a suitable four-wheel drive or similar and come at the right time (3 hours before and after low tide) Click here for up-to-date tides information!

Explore the Maori Culture and beauty of Paihia- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, The Haruru Falls and walk around Paihia

Day 5 (Last Day)

Drive to Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest- Largest living Kauri tree in New Zealand

Matakana- A little lovely town just an hour from Auckland, stop for a lovely brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea before heading back! 

End of the trip and back to Auckland!

Now let’s jump right into the details of this 5-day Road trip itinerary for Northland, New Zealand

Day 1- Auckland- Waipu Caves- Pahia (Bay of Islands)

Depending on where you stay in Auckland, the driving time can vary. But it is around a 2-3 hours drive to Waipu Caves Track. The highlight of this track is the glowworms you will see, as seeing glowworms is one of the most unique things to do in New Zealand; and often you’d need to pay a good amount of money to join a tour to see them. But here it is totally FREE!!

Take your time to explore the Waipu Caves, and be careful when you’re exploring as it can be slippery and dark.

Head off the Paihia, Bay of Islands when you’re finished exploring the wonder of nature in the caves. Have a relaxing rest of the afternoon/night walking alongside the beach, the wharf of Paihia. Have a beer or two at one of the bars there, and explore the small township; there are quite a few boutique shops there 🙂

Day 2- Explore the Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands is made up of 144 small islands, it is an amazing place to explore. There are so many cruises, sailing tours, and island hopping options to choose from. Taking up one of the tours is the best way to explore a few islands within a day, and enjoy the secludedness of those islands!

I’ve personally taken the Vigilant sailing tour from Russell , and I LOVE IT!! It is a full-day sailing tour that takes you on a sail, and it’ll stop over at one of the islands (which island will be dependent on the weather, wind, etc.) and you can either do kayaking, snorkeling (they provide everything), swimming, small hike on the island or just simply sunbathe on the beach. This tour also includes lunch which is made freshly by the skipper and crew; the ingredients come from their own garden! (I’m not a big fan of salad wrap, but I ate the whole wrap; it is so fresh like it’s unbelievable!!!) Another good thing about this tour is it’s a maximum of 10 people, so you have plenty of space on board to relax and fully enjoy the sailing!

Other cruises that I haven’t taken but I know that they are very popular, and have gotten many good reviews are below:

Discover the Bay- Hole in the Rock cruise

Chance to view Marine wildlife throughout the cruise

Take you to the famous hole in the rock when the weather permits

Stop over at one of the most beautiful islands within the bay- Otahei Bay Urupukapuka Island

Hole in the rock is famous for its unique natural wonder; waves crashing into the rock make a big hole. It can be quite choppy out there, so you’d have to be quite lucky to actually go through the hole itself; otherwise, most people just hang around close by!

Otahei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island 

Take this quick ferry to the amazing, beautiful Urupukapuka Island. And discover the beauty of the island at your own pace; pack your own lunch and have a picnic there. Or enjoy some food at their fully licensed cafe! There are a few amazing hikes for you to choose from, enjoy a swim, or snorkel in the calm water there! 

There are seriously so many options in the Bay of Islands! Remember to book ahead if you wanted to join a specific tour like the Vigilant Sailing tour, just to avoid any disappointment 🙂

Day 3- Cape Reinga/Ninety Mile Beach day trip

This day is going to be a very full-on day, and one of the busiest days out of this 5-day road trip itinerary in Northland, New Zealand. And it involves quite a bit of driving, but don’t worry there are so many stops in between, you won’t actually feel like you’ve been driving a lot! 

Remember to bring food and water for lunch, as there aren’t many places around for food during this trip! There is a fish and chips shop which you need to try along the way, I will get to this later on. But it is recommended to go on your way back to Paihia  🙂

Drive straight to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse first thing, as if you get there earlier you’d have a better chance to avoid the crowd, as bus tours usually come here around midday. It is around a 3-hour drive up to Cape Reinga from Paihia. It’s a short, easy walk from the car park to the lighthouse (around 15 minutes). Once you’ve reached the lighthouse, you’re officially standing on the most accessible northernmost point of New Zealand; which you will witness the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea crashing into each other!!

After you’ve done the lighthouse, it’s time for some adrenaline-pumping activity! Head over to the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes, and sandboard down the sand dunes. You can either bring your own you or can rent a board at Ahikaa Adventures which is located right at the parking lot for the Sand dunes. There are different heights and lengths of sand dunes for you to choose from; if you’re chicken like me you can do the shorter one haha. You’d still get the thrill and fun from it! But if you’re brave and bold, go up to the bigger ones for even more thrills! The climb on sand dunes isn’t easy at all, so be prepared for some exercise 🙂

Use your toes to reduce the speed if you feel like it’s too fast!! Wear shoes that you’re ok with them getting dirty or wet; as you might need to walk through a small stream. And bring spare clothes to change after!!

After the adrenaline-pumped activity, I’m sure you’d be ready to just relax and enjoy the scenic route. So now it’s time to drive to the Ninety Mile Beach, where you can drive on the beach (4-wheel drive is highly recommended, and note that rental companies usually don’t cover any damages that occur while driving here.) But even without driving on the beach, you can still enjoy the scenery by walking on it; of course, you won’t be able to cover the whole way; but it is still pretty amazing to explore!

Join the Cape Reinga/Ninety Mile Beach day tour from Paihia, if you don’t feel like driving long hours in a day! With a knowledgable guide onboard, it will surely make your trip more memorable and you can just relax and enjoy 🙂

Once you’ve explored all three locations, you’d be pretty tired and probably hungry. So stop over at the Mangonui Fish Shop on your way back to Paihia; they have a huge menu at a very reasonable price. Everyone who’s done this day trip would have either been or at least have heard of this fish shop, that’s how famous it is haha! After enjoying a good feast, it’s only an hour drive back to Paihia, where you can relax for the rest of the night as you’ve had quite an epic and tiring day 🙂

Day 4- Explore the Maori Culture, and beauty of Paihia

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Ground ; explores the culture, and learn the history of Maori. Watch the cultural performance, where they perform waiata (songs), haka (traditional war dance), etc; that will for sure blow your mind! Join a guided tour around the treaty ground to learn more about how history shaped New Zealand. Everything is included in the admission fee!! You can easily spend a few hours here, take your time to really immerse yourself into this cultural experience!

Another amazing place to explore in Paihia is the Haruru Falls , which is a 2.5 hours return walking track. Especially if you go after a big rainfall, you’ll be rewarded with an extraordinary waterfall. I didn’t do the walk, as the campground, I stayed in; the Falls Motel and Waterfall Campground is located where I can see the Falls directly from a distance, so I didn’t do the track. Also, half of the time I was there it was pouring raining, so I skipped this 🙁 But if I go back again, I’ll definitely do the track to witness the waterfall close-up!

Walk around the Paihia Wharf at night, it is pretty relaxing. As it lights up at night at Paihia Wharf, you’d be able to see the reflections of lights in the water!! There are a few restaurants that are just waterfront which you should give it a try as well 🙂

Day 5- Explore the largest living Kauri Tree to end your trip

Before ending this 5-day road trip itinerary in Northland and heading back to Auckland, make a trip to Waipoua Forest to witness the largest living kauri tree in New Zealand, the Tane Mahuta. It is around a 2-hour drive from Paihia. Once you reach the parking, It is only a short walk leading to this magnificent sight, you will simply be amazed at the presence of it, there’s a reason it’s called “Lord of the Forest”. There are also other short walks in Waipoua Forest, which is a very family-friendly activity to do 🙂

Drive another 2.5-3 hours to Matakana, a small charming town near Auckland. Despite it being a small town, they have so much to do there. Many restaurants, amazing white sand beaches, Tawharanui Regional Park, a famous farmer’s market on Saturday, and very unique-looking public toilets. (It can be considered a tourist spot haha)

Once you’ve done exploring this lovely town, there’s only an hour’s drive left to go back to Auckland!

As I mentioned before we stay at Paihia for the 4 nights we were there, as we were camping and didn’t want to set up the tent repeatedly. And as Paihia is the middle point of all the destinations in this 5-day road trip itinerary in Northland, so it’s actually a perfect place to base yourself at 🙂 And I highly recommended the Falls Motel and Waterfall Campground , they have a campground for tents/RV/campervan, etc.. also studio/apartments!!

Useful Guides to this 5-day Road Trip itinerary in Northland

Compare and book your cars on rentalcars.com or discover cars

Explore hotels in Paihia on Booking.com or budget stays on Hostel World

Explore some discounted activities on Bookme.com or Viator.com or compare on Tripadvisor with real-life reviews.

↓↓ Explore some other amazing activities in the Bay of Islands ↓↓

If it’s your first time traveling to New Zealand , and have chosen that North Island is where you’d want to explore . This itinerary is definitely for you, people often skip Northland when they’re traveling on North Island; as it is a bit out of the way of other tourist towns/cities. But you 100% there’s so much authentic and cultural stuff up in Northland, so you wouldn’t want to miss this!

I hope this 5-day Road Trip itinerary in Northland would help your plan better or inspire you to travel up to Northland 🙂 Let me know your thoughts, and what are your favorite things to do in Northland, New Zealand!

Planning a trip to Northland? Save it to help you plan 🙂

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My dad lived in NZ for a few years before I was born, and he’s always loved it so much. I have wanted to visit for as long as I can remember, and hope to someday. Wonderful post!

Hope you make it to NZ one day, it’s beautiful 🙂

This is one of the most interesting parts of NZ to visit. I really enjoyed the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and seeing the tip of NZ at Cape Reinga was just wild. Thanks for sharing.

Totally agree 🙂

Mohana and Aninda

New Zealand is so scenic! This is a great itinerary to enjoy the natural beauty of the island and also to learn about its people and culture.

It sure it 🙂 Thank you!

I want to go to New Zealand so badly but the country is so large and seems over whelming. Loved this breakdown of this area. Glow worm caves always look beautiful but I can’t tell if I’d be freaked out going in!

I’d suggest tackling either South Island or North Island if you only have a few weeks, so it’ll seem less overwhelming 🙂

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I am Angel, a travel enthusiast from Taiwan and currently located in New Zealand. Follow my journey to get inspiration and guides to travel the world :)

Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip: The Perfect 5-Day Itinerary

Posted: October 19, 2023 | Last updated: October 19, 2023

The Blue Ridge Mountains run from the southern edge of Shenandoah National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains.

Photo by Jon Bilous/Shutterstock

The lilting accents, the stiff drinks, the lingering meals—nearly everything about the American South asks us to slow down. The key to enjoying the region is not to rush. That goes for the Blue Ridge Parkway, too. With a speed limit that rarely exceeds 45 mph, the meandering, artfully laid-out, two-lane highway politely demands to be savored. It’s no surprise that people travel from around the world to experience one of North America’s most iconic routes.

Although it would only take about nine hours to drive the road straight through from Charlottesville, Virginia, to Asheville, North Carolina, give yourself five days to mosey along the 384 miles between these two cities, the most popular segment of the 469-mile-long Parkway. The drive’s scenery justifies its reputation as one of the great roads, following the rocky ridges, green plateaus, and soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains all the way from Shenandoah National Park down the Blue Ridge chain to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But the road has more appeal than just the dramatic vistas—the excuses to pause are as plentiful as the panoramas.

Illustration by Emily Blevins, animation by Claudia Cardia

Along this storied U.S. highway, you will see wild birds, breathtaking overlooks and mountain views, clear mountain streams, and mist-bound hilltops that remind you how the Blue Ridge Mountains got their name—you may even see some black bears picking their way through roadside woods for wild berries. You’ll hear birdsong as well as lots of banjos, fiddles, and guitars; you’ll hear the roar of waterfalls, and hopefully you’ll find a little silence, too. You’ll experience the sudden dark coolness of tunnels after brilliant sunlight and the particular thrill of driving around a curve to an open view that extends to the horizon.

The best time to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway

You can drive this route at any time of the year, but late spring through midfall are some of the best times to visit. Summertime can get warm, but the cooler temperatures along the parkway will work in your favor. Wildflowers bloom throughout May and June, setting the scene for an especially dreamy trip. And if you plan your trip in autumn, you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable fall foliage .

A drive early in the year (January through March) comes with a few challenges. Some of the visitor centers, picnic areas, gift shops, and other places of interest will be closed if there’s heavy precipitation or freezing temperatures. This part of the country does get snow and ice—keep in mind that temperatures are often 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the lower regions of the states you’re traveling through.

Also remember that the Parkway can get foggy any time of year. Visibility can vanish, so expect to pull over at one of the many overlooks or stop points to wait for the weather to pass. Wildlife is abundant throughout the region, making the fog even more dangerous because you can’t always anticipate animal crossings. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before you begin your day.

The itinerary

It’s a drive, yes, but five days should give you plenty of time to get out of the car, order some barbecue, listen to music, and head up into those hills. Use this itinerary to make the most of your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville’s amenities and proximity to the Parkway’s northern entrance make it an excellent place to start your trip. If you’re flying in to do the drive, the Albemarle-Charlottesville airport is also a natural spot for a one-way car rental. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) is about a two-hour drive north of Charlottesville.

Where to stay: Oakhurst Inn

• Book now : Oakhurst Inn

Start the journey with a good night’s sleep at Oakhurst Inn , a companionable cluster of buildings from the 1920s. (Two were formerly boardinghouses; one, a professor’s home; and one, a fraternity house.) The 35-room inn has a lobby cocktail bar that’s open every evening until 9.

Day 2: Charlottesville to Floyd, Virginia

• Distance : 180 miles
• Highlights : Virginia ham sandwiches, hoedowns, and hikes

If you want to linger in Charlottesville before your drive, visit nearby Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello , or stroll through the grounds of the University of Virginia. Then head west on I-64 to begin your drive south on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The start of the Blue Ridge Parkway also marks the end of Skyline Drive. Skyline Drive is a similarly scenic highway that winds 105 miles north through Shenandoah National Park’s 200,000 acres of protected land. While that direction is deeply tempting, turn south instead.

If you’re a hiker or looking to get some biking in, you will already want to pull over at Milepost 6 to set foot on the Appalachian Trail, a two-mile uphill hike from the road. Anglers, on the other hand, may want to stop instead at the Tye River access point at Milepost 28.9, where the bites abound for summertime fly-casters.

Turn off at Glasgow (Milepost 61.4) for a stop at Layne’s Country Store and a country ham sandwich. Fill up your cooler with local jams, pickles, and hand-cut bacon. From Glasgow, it’s just a 10-minute drive to Natural Bridge , an impressively tall limestone arch. (If you skipped the ham and stayed on the Parkway, look to exit at Milepost 63.7.) This geological spectacle, dubbed “Nature’s Cathedral,” was once surveyed by a young George Washington, and was bundled into a land purchase Thomas Jefferson made from King George III. Take in the natural wonder, but spare yourself its many related tourist traps.

After you get back on the Parkway, drive another hour or so, stopping to spend the afternoon in Roanoke. The Taubman Museum of Art showcases regional, folk, and contemporary artworks and has a unique permanent collection of twinkling minaudières (whimsical evening bags) from designer Judith Leiber.

Where to stay: Airbnb

• Book now : Airbnb

The best options for overnighting near Floyd are via Airbnb . Your choices include a geodesic dome , a tiny house , and, best of all, a lovingly renovated mill above a creek.

Day 3: Floyd to Meadows of Dan, Virginia

• Distance : 23 miles
• Highlights : A historic mill and luxurious mountain resort

Long before the advent of Instagram, the idyllic Mabry Mill has been one of the Parkway’s most recognizable sights. The restored 1905 millhouse rests, shake-roofed and endearingly lopsided, streamside at Milepost 176. Get your photo, and then enjoy a pancake breakfast at the on-site restaurant , with buckwheat flour produced at the gristmill. (A bag of the flour makes a tasty souvenir.)

Where to stay: Primland

• Book now : Primland

With plenty of time left to enjoy the day, grab an early check-in at Primland , a luxury mountain resort sprawled across 12,000 acres near the Blue Ridge Parkway (exit at Milepost 177.7). The resort’s unusual menu of activities includes tree-climbing, sporting clays, archery, and stargazing at an observatory in the main lodge.

Even with all the diversions, you’ll want to turn in early to linger longer in one of the property’s unique tree-house cottages, featuring all the modern amenities of lavish hotel rooms, but built high up in the canopy of beautiful old trees. Take in the sunset and sweeping views of the Kibler Valley from your private deck in the trees.

Day 4: Meadows of Dan to Blowing Rock, North Carolina

• Distance : 124 miles
• Highlights : Fresh cheese, mountain music, and historic manors

After your treetop slumber, get back on the Blue Ridge Parkway and make your way to Milepost 213, near Galax (pronounced GAY-lax ), to see what’s going on at the Blue Ridge Music Center , a casual museum dedicated to mountain music where midday pickup shows with local string bands are an everyday occurrence. Galax is the lodestar for bluegrass musicians and their fans because of this museum and for the Old Fiddlers’ Convention held the second week of August every year. The music you hear will be top-notch, down-home gold.

Meadow Creek , a small dairy in the area, produces organic cheeses from cows’ milk that have a cult-like following among discerning palates. Its cheeses are sold at Chapters Bookshop & Wine Cellar , right in Galax.

Fire up your favorite music or tune in to a good podcast (might we suggest one of our own ?) because you’ve got the next 75 miles to listen and enjoy the scenery until the next stop in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. Along this segment of the Parkway, the road is softened by elegant curves and long, expansive views. You’ll cross the North Carolina border along the road’s inaugural section. Construction began here at Cumberland Knob in 1935, part of Franklin Roosevelt’s New Deal, and the entire length of the highway was finally completed in 1987.

Where to stay: The Blowing Rock Brewing Company Ale House & Inn

Where to stay: the blowing rock brewing company ale house & inn.

• Book now : The Blowing Rock Brewing Company Ale House & Inn

After exploring the town, retire to the Blowing Rock Brewing Company Ale House & Inn for a cold beer and a comfortable bed at one of the five rooms above the brewery.

Day 5: Blowing Rock to Asheville, North Carolina

• Distance : 96 miles
• Highlights : Mountain hikes, a swinging bridge, and the finale of road trip in beer-and-food-filled Asheville

Forgo your usual morning workout and instead hike Grandfather Mountain , not far from Blowing Rock. You can find a couple of trailheads right along the Parkway between Mileposts 304 and 308, but for a greater variety of options, exit at Milepost 305.1 for Grandfather Mountain State Park. Its 11 different trails range in difficulty from easy nature paths to routes that trace knife-sharp ridge lines and traverse sheer rock faces via ladders or steel cables.

If you can, opt for the somewhat strenuous trek along the Bridge Trail and cross the Mile High Swinging Bridge , which—though solidly engineered from galvanized steel—looks a bit scary spanning an 80-foot chasm. The view from the bridge is ample reward for the hike to get there, although an elevator has been added to make the span accessible for everyone.

Where to stay: Foundry Hotel or Grand Bohemian Asheville

• Book now : Foundry Hotel ; Grand Bohemian Asheville

Stay upstairs from Benne at the Foundry Hotel , which opened in 2018, transforming an old unused factory into stylish, loftlike accommodations. Or check in for a turn-down at Grand Bohemian Asheville . Don’t be deceived by the hotel’s all-business exterior; its splashy interiors are a delightful surprise.

What to pack

Before heading out on your Blue Ridge Parkway road trip, be sure to pack:

• A variety of clothes (and layers) for seasonal weather. The Parkway—with its deep shaded valleys, windy high peaks, and sunny plateaus—is known for its micro climates, pocketed regions where temperatures can vary as much as 30 degrees in a few minutes.
• Comfortable hiking boots or shoes. Don’t bring new ones, or you’ll end up with blisters.
• A bathing suit. Some swimming holes and streams are safe for swimming and provide a refreshing break.
• A cooler. The Parkway passes lots of country stores, farms, and orchards where you can snap up local produce and perishable treats.
• Maps. Cell phone reception here is spotty. Go old-school and bring paper maps and/or make sure Google Maps is downloaded on your phone.

This article was originally published in 2019 and most recently updated on October 19, 2023, to include current information.

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Food Show Auckland 2024 | Auckland Showgrounds

Food Show Auckland 2024 serves as a prestigious platform where renowned figures in the food industry come together to showcase their culinary expertise. This event will feature prominent hotels and restaurants from New Zealand, each presenting their top chefs to captivate a wide audience. Attendees will have the opportunity to indulge in a delectable array of dishes, immersing themselves in a culinary experience like no other. The Food Show Auckland 2024 will be held at the Auckland Showgrounds, located at 217 Green Lane West, Epsom, Auckland 1051, New Zealand, from July 25 to July 28, 2024. This gathering promises a unique opportunity for food enthusiasts to savor exquisite flavors and witness the mastery of renowned chefs from leading establishments in the region. Join us at this esteemed event to discover a world of gastronomic delights and culinary innovation.

Provided by Joyce M | Published Apr 14, 2024

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