New Zealand Active North Island Road Trip: Auckland, Coromandel & Rotorua - 9 Days

Highlights

• Join a whale and dolphin watching excursion with marine biologists in Auckland
• Paddle sea kayaks around Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula
• Visit the National Hatchery and learn about how they incubate and raise kiwis
• Explore geysers, bubbling mud holes, and volcanic activity in Rotorua
• Celebrate Maori history and culture with an evening of song, dance, and food

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, Sky Tower Dinner

Kia ora! Welcome to New Zealand's North Island. Begin your adventure in Auckland, where a driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Relax before heading out to explore the country's largest city. With two bustling harbors and more than 500,000 sailboats and yachts, it's easy to see why Auckland is nicknamed the "City of Sails." Most of today is yours to explore, so set off for a stroll around Waitematā Harbour or head over to Wynward Quarter for a seafood lunch with steamed mussels and fresh oysters.

This evening you'll scale the 1,075-foot (328 m) Sky Tower for dinner at Orbit 360° Dining, a rotating restaurant that offers panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf. This is the tallest artificial structure in the country! You could arrive early to conquer the thrilling SkyJump, an adrenaline-pumping bungee experience that plunges you 53 floors in just 11 seconds, or sit down for a romantic dinner and forget the drama. The restaurant serves a three-course set menu that showcases local and seasonal New Zealand produce.

Day 2: Whale & Dolphin Watching Excursion

Venture down to the harbor this morning and embark on a half-day whale and dolphin watching journey across the glistening waters of the Hauraki Gulf, renowned for its abundant marine life. Prepare to witness these marine creatures in their natural habitat from aboard a comfortable 65-foot (20 m) catamaran. As you sail, marine biologists will share fascinating insights into the behavior and conservation efforts surrounding dolphins, including the resident population of bottlenose dolphins and the endangered Bryde's whales.

When you return to the city, the rest of the afternoon is yours to enjoy free time. You could visit Mount Eden, one of the city's 48 volcanic cones, stroll around the lush and colorful Wintergardens, or learn about the city's Polynesian and European roots at the Auckland Museum.

Day 3: Drive to Coromandel, Hot Water Beach

Leave Auckland behind today as you pick up your rental car and set off on a three-hour drive to the Coromandel Peninsula on the North Island's east coast. Enjoy the views of mountains and sea around the Firth of Thames as you make your way to this favorite holiday destination. The region extends from Waihi in the south to Port Jackson in the north and features dramatic bush-clad mountain scenery, steep pohutukawa-covered cliffs, golden sandy beaches, and stunning inlets.

On the way to the peninsula, make a detour to Karangahake Gorge. The site of the original gold rush in 1875, this town is steeped in gold mining history, and you can seek out trails in the spectacular Waitawheta Gorge. Then, venture to the creatively named Hot Water Beach, where geothermally heated water seeps through the sands. At low tide, dig a hole and create your own mineral pool in the fine, golden sand.

Day 4: Glass-Bottom Boat Tour, Sea Kayak Tour

Today, you'll explore the coastline of Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, including its most famous site—the secluded Cathedral Cove—starting with an aquatic tour. Explore the volcanic rock formations and sea caves in a glass-bottom boat and spot many different species of marine life, such as colorful fish, stingrays, octopuses, and more. You can either watch the marine life through the glass or get in the water for some swimming and snorkeling.

After lunch, return to the water in a sea kayak and explore the beaches, islands, and rock gardens of the marinereserve in a more active way. Paddle into sea caves, spot marine life, and discover the thrill of kayak sailing with a small sail. Your guide will lead you to land at Cathedral Cove, where they'll serve up cappuccinos and hot chocolate right on the beach! 

Day 5: Cathedral Cove Cruise

Spend another day crusing around the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula's volcanic coastline, exploring its many beaches and sea caves. This time, your journey begins at Whitianga Wharf, where you'll board a 28-foot (8.5 m) cruiser. Set off to explore Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, including its most prominent feature: the hidden paradise of Cathedral Cove. Next, travel past Shakespeare Cliff and the golden sands of Cooks Beach. Go on a snorkeling excursion in the marine reserve and spot many species of fish, crayfish, stingrays, and octopus. Or, stay dry and watch the vibrant underworld on a screen.

Day 6: Drive to Rotorua, Visit the Hobbiton Movie Set, Nocturnal Glowworm Tour

Jump behind the wheel once again and cruise three hours south to Rotorua. Set within the Pacific Rim of Fire, Rotorua is an otherworldly area of geothermal activity, complete with boiling mud pools, steaming geysers, and natural hot springs that are ideal for relaxing. The scenic drive also passes through J.R.R. Tolkien's fictional Middle-earth, featured in "The Lord of the Rings" films. Set in the heart of the Waikato region's farmland, you'll find The Shire and the Hobbiton Movie Set, where you can stop for a private tour to explore Bilbo's house and drop into the Green Dragon Inn to sip ale, cider, or ginger beer.

Once in Rotorua, use your afternoon to settle in and relax ahead of a special after-dark adventure. Under the cover of night, you'll embark on an easy 1.2 mile (2 km) hike through native forest, guided by the sound of running water and your torch. A guide will lead you to an area where towering banks rise up around the path, then you'll shut off your flashlights to reveal thousands of glowworms lit up like the night sky. On the walk there and back, you'll also have prime conditions for stargazing.

Day 7: Luge Rides, Visit the National Hatchery, Te Pā Tū Māori Feast & Performance

Experience the beauty of Rotorua from a different perspective this morning when you ride a gondola high above the town. Once at the top, enjoy a coffee with the view, then chase thrills with the Skyline Luge, racing your companions along this fun-packed, gravity-fuelled ride. Once at the bottom, cool off, catch your breath, and then get up close with New Zealand's national bird. On a guided visit to the National Hatchery you'll learn about how the organization incubates, hatches, and raises the kiwi chicks until they reach a certain size, which strongly increases their survival rate.

Later this evening, you're invited as a manuhiri (guest) at Te Pā Tū (Tamaki Māori Village). Settle into an enchanting space surrounded by towering trees and blazing bonfires for a four-hour celebration of Māori history and culture. An opening ceremony kicks off with kai horotai (appetizers). Listen to stories and songs and watch dance performances, then follow your Māori guide by torchlight to your three-course hākari (feast) with hāngī dishes (meat, fish, and vegetables cooked underground using geothermal heat).

Day 8: Visit Wai-O-Tapu, Explore Hell's Gate

Start your final full day in New Zealand exploring Rotorua's famous geysers, bubbling mud holes, steaming vents, and sulfurous pools at Wai-O-Tapu. Choose from three short walks, ranging from 45 to 90 minutes, that showcase the vibrant colors, distinctive landscapes, and volcanic activity of this attraction. Don't miss the Lady Knox Geyser, which erupts to huge heights at 10:15 am each day. Make sure you pass by the famous Mud Pool and the beautiful Champagne Pool.

Continue the geothermal fun at the otherworldly Hell's Gate spa. Join a guided or self-guided walk of the 50-acre (20 ha) park. Then, soak in geothermal mud and acidic sulfur waters and experience the healing properties that local Māori have used for over 800 years. Diving into the warm mud will open and clear your pores. Follow this up with a deeply cleansing sulfur spa that will gently exfoliate your skin. After, get ready for dinner in town to celebrate your final night in New Zealand.

Day 9: Drive to Auckland, Depart

It's time to say goodbye to New Zealand. Make the return three-hour drive from Rotorua to Auckland, and head straight to the airport to drop off your rental car in time for your departing flight home. Safe travels!

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