Unwind in New Zealand's Winterless North - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Auckland

Welcome to New Zealand! Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea, Auckland's urban paradise is a playground for both city lovers and adventure-seekers. You may just want to kick back and relax back at the hotel while adjusting to the time change. Or, shake off your jet lag by heading to the Sky Tower and opting for a bungee jump! Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or not, the Sky Tower is an excellent place to begin exploring New Zealand's metropolis, with its panoramic views of the "City of Sails." 

If acquiring sea legs is more your thing, a sunny stroll around Waitemata Harbour will do the trick. Roughly translated to "sparkling waters" in the Māori language, the harbor features a number of sailing, cruising, and whale watching excursions. Now that you've dipped your toes in the sea or had your head in the clouds, it's time to begin your New Zealand adventure!

Day 2: Enjoy a Free Day in Auckland

Perhaps you want to spend today discovering the city on foot or have a spa day at the hotel. If you're raring to go out exploring, however, you could kick your day off to a boozy start with a wine tour of Waiheke Island. Adored for its beaches, forests, olive groves, and vineyards, New Zealand's "Island of Wine" is home to a dedicated group of small-scale vineyards that produce some of the country's finest wines. Between tour stop-offs, enjoy a commentated scenic drive where your local guide will enlighten you on the island's colorful history and culture. 

If you would rather go at your own pace, you can get a taste of everything the picturesque Waiheke Island has to offer with the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer bus tour. Stop off at one of the island's small-scale vineyards to sample some of New Zealand's most distinguished wines, feel the sand beneath your feet as your stroll along one of Waiheke's pristine beaches, or satisfy your gastronomic urge with a lunch stop at a culinary gem. 

Once back in Auckland, tuck into a gourmet feast as you cruise around the harbor and take in the capital's sights from the water. Take some sunset snaps before the skyline comes alive with twinkling lights, then sit back and relax as you gently sail toward Westhaven Marina—with canapés and drinks being brought to you all the while. Finish the evening off with dessert as you leisurely sail back to the vibrant Viaduct Harbour.

Day 4: Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach Tour

If you fancy learning about Māori culture and experiencing the thrills of sand surfing, sign up for a full-day tour of Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach. You'll journey to the very tip of New Zealand's North Island with your local driver and guide providing entertaining commentary and thought-provoking insights along the way. Highlights include skirting along the sand-swept shores of Ninety Mile Beach in a purpose-built coach and surfing down the massive sand dunes at Te Paki Stream.

You'll end your day at Cape Reinga, New Zealand's northernmost point. In Māori tradition, Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) is where spirits would depart on their long journey back to the hawaiki (homeland). Feel the power of this special place and drink in the panoramic views as you stand beneath the iconic lighthouse, watching the Tasman Sea and the mighty Pacific Ocean collide far below.

Day 5: Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Helicopter Flight Over the Bay of Islands

Soak up the rich history and culture of one of New Zealand's most important historic sites with your visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Here, you will learn about the impact of New Zealand's founding treaty—made between the British Crown and about 540 Māori chiefs—in a visit to the Te Rau Aroha Museum of the Price Citizenship. You can later partake in a Māori cultural performance, visit one of their traditional carved meeting houses at Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, and admire the craftsmanship of a Waka Taua—the world's largest ceremonial war canoe.

Before you say goodbye to the Bay of Islands, experience it from the sky in a helicopter flight. With its crystalline shoreline, white sandy beaches, and sub-tropical islands, it's arguably the best coastal and island scenery in New Zealand, making it well worth the 30-minute helicopter ride. Be dazzled by bird's-eye views of the famous Hole in the Rock, glide over the remote coastline on the eastern side of the Cape Brett Peninsula, and return toward the Kerikeri Inlet, the Black Rocks, Waitangi, and Paihia.

Day 6: Drive to Waipoua, Twilight Tour of the Waipoua Forest

Day 7: Drive to Mangawhai 

Set off from Waipoua and make the leisurely drive southeast to Mangawhai Heads and Mangawhai Village, a favorite vacation hotspot for New Zealanders. If you fancy a day by the sea, choose between surfing, fishing, swimming, or kayaking, or spend a relaxing morning bird-watching and walking among the sand dunes.

Make sure to stock up on gifts while you're here; home to a thriving arts and crafts community, Mangawhai Heads and Mangawhai Village have a range of beautiful handicrafts to choose from, as well as vineyards, olive groves, and chocolate from the popular chocolatiers, Bennetts of Mangawhai. Stay the night in your Mangawhai hotel—your last stop before heading back to Auckland in the morning.

Day 8: Drive to Auckland, Dinner at the Sky Tower Orbit Restaurant

Try to tear yourself away from the idyllic Mangawhai region and head back south toward Auckland. The route offers plenty of scenic countryside through the farming regions of Wellsford and Warkworth. If time allows, take a little detour to Matakana or the Tawharanui Peninsulas—it's well worth the effort, particularly if you arrive in time for one of their farmer's markets. As you approach the heart of Auckland, you will pass through the suburbs of the North Shore before crossing Harbour Bridge to your final destination.

Leave on a high—literally—by spending your last evening at Orbit, a restaurant soaring 620 feet (190 m) above the city in Auckland's Sky Tower. Reminisce on your New Zealand adventures as you tuck into an adventurous, kiwi-inspired menu and soak up the revolving, 360-degree views of the city.

Day 9: Depart Auckland

Depending on your flight, you may have some extra time to explore more of this vibrant metropolis. After you've parted with your rental car at the airport depot, it's time to catch your flight back home. Safe travels!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Check out these other New Zealand itineraries, explore different ways to spend nine days in New Zealand, or discover the best time to visit New Zealand.