Dream Itinerary: A Nine Day Trip to New Zealand's North Island

 

Description of the Destination - New Zealand's beautiful landscape and unusual wildlife make it a popular place to film movies and nature shows. The sparsely populated nation of 4.5 million people offers areas of profound natural beauty, an outdoor lifestyle, and the fascinating culture of the Native Maori people. All of these factors  have attracted an increasing number of Australian, American, and Chinese tourists to visit New Zealand on vacations and cruises. The South island of New Zealand is known for its rugged mountains and fjords, while the North Island has a extensive network of volcanic Springs and grazing lands.

The 9 day dream itinerary presented here by The Traveling American is limited to the North Island. It begins at the modern city of Auckland where people enjoy a vibrant economy, an active waterfront, and diverse cultural opportunities. It then continues with a drive through the mountains to the coastal city of Tauranga followed by an exploration of the lakes, volcanoes, and rolling farmlands of the interior of the island  before returning to Auckland for the flight home.

Here is an itinerary for that journey with recommended activities, hotels, transport and experiences to consider.

DAYS ONE AND TWO -  A LONG FLIGHT FROM THE UNITED STATES

New Zealand is a long way from the United States. Because of the international date line, almost all flights to New Zealand leave in the evening and arrive during the morning two calendar days later. Some people who travel there may want to combine a trip there with a stop in Australia, Hawaii, or an Asian destination. Fortunately, several airlines serve the city of Auckland with direct flights from the United States. Air New Zealand, which partners with United Airlines, is an outstanding carrier and is sometimes rated as one of the best airlines in the world. Air New Zealand flies direct to Auckland in 13 hours from San Francisco and from Chicago in roughly 16 hours. Its flights generally cost about $2,500 per person for a round trip economy fare. American Airlines also offers a 13 and a half hour flight direct from Los Angeles to Auckland for an economy fare that sometimes is less than $1,000 per person and also has a 15 hour direct flight from Dallas to Auckland for around $2,500 per person. There is one direct New Zealand flight from the east coast out of JFK in New York on Qantas Airlines. It takes about 17 hours to reach Auckland and costs about $2,500 per person for economy fare. The last alternative is to fly to Honolulu from the US and then take a flight on Air New Zealand or Hawaiian Airlines directly to Auckland. Business Class fares to New Zealand from all of these points of origin are quite expensive so comfort oriented travelers should consider booking premium economy seating on these flights.

DAY THREE - ARRIVING IN AUCKLAND AND SETTLING IN

Upon arrival in Auckland and going through customs, it is best to proceed to your hotel to check in and relax. If you have gotten some decent sleep on the plane already, walk around the fascinating waterfront area to take in the sites and sample one of the many nearby restaurants.   

Private Guide-  Using a private driver who is also a guide or who brings one along for some locations is a good strategy for visiting New Zealand's North Island. While visitors can rent cars there, the rental rates are high and the logistics of traveling around the island may detract from your experience. People drive on the left side in New Zealand and cars are designed with the steering wheel on the right side. In addition, the topography of the island and narrow roads can make for some challenging driving. The Traveling American has worked with an experienced transportation company in New Zealand called Taupo Private Transfers run by Alistair Tod. Alistair maintains a fleet of vehicles and provides safe driving services throughout the North Island, taking his guests to their hotels and seeing the natural wonders and noteworthy sites there while providing background on the history and culture of the New Zealand people. His company's profile is here.

Hotel-  The Auckland Hilton is located in downtown Auckland on a quay that extends out into the water. Like many of the newer buildings in Auckland, it has an unusual architectural design that resembles the shape of a ship. With 187 modern rooms and suites, the hotel has sundecks, private balconies, an outdoor pool, lounges, and walls of windows providing spectacular views of the surrounding harbor and ready access to the city's central business district and the Quay Street restaurants, shops and nightlife. It is an excellent location to begin a New Zealand adventure. 

DAY FOUR - VISITING AUCKLAND'S MUSEUMS AND PICTURESQUE DAVENPORT 

Your next day in New Zealand will introduce you to some interesting aspects of the country's history by visiting local museums and taking in the sites of greater Auckland. Three recommended places to visit and things to do are:

  • Visit the Auckland Maritime Museum - This interesting museum located close to the Auckland Hilton tells the story of New Zealand's many maritime activities and traditions. The museum houses collections which cover the special relationships between New Zealand's  people and the sea. The exhibits describe the Great Pacific Migration of the native Maori people that took place a thousand years ago. They also explain the whaling, sealing and trading activities of the European settlers who arrived after Captain James Cook charted the coastline in 1769 and claimed the country for England. Don't miss the displays showing the unique ship designs and modern technology used by New Zealand's winning America’s Cup yachts. 

  • Visit the War Memorial Museum - Another museum which provides an interesting blend of New Zealand's military, cultural and natural history is the War Memorial Museum located in a majestic neoclassical building constructed in the 1920s which stands on Auckland's Observatory Hill on the remains of a dormant volcano. Daily shows present aspects of the Maori culture. Other exhibits include memorials to the 30,000 New Zealanders who perished fighting for the allies in World Wars I and II,  replicas and specimens of some of the unusual species that have inhabited the islands on the natural history floor, and explanations of the furious volcanic explosions that occurred in New Zealand over the past 10,000 years.

  • Visit Picturesque Davenport - One good way to see some of the sites and neighborhoods of greater Auckland is to cross the famous Auckland Harbor Bridge, admire views of Waitemata Harbor, and visit the North Shore village of Devonport for lunch or some snacks at one of the many seafood restaurants. Davenport is a quaint little township with excellent views of the Auckland skyline. Often compared to Sausalito in California, Davenport is a historic suburb of the city full of picturesque streets and more than 5,000 old wooden villas.

DAY FIVE - EXPLORE THE KARANGAHAKE GORGE AND THE  TAURANGA RESORT AREA 

Once you head south from Auckland into the countryside, it becomes apparent that city life is the exception on the North Island.  Some of the North Island's original settlers pursued farming, ranching and trading activities without substantially disrupting the traditional life of the native Maori people. However, other groups of miners and missionaries in the 1800s brought with them firearms, diseases, and beliefs that sometimes came into conflict with Maori tribes. Cultural and land disputes had a profound impact on the economic development of the islands and its people that still permeate public policy today. 

Karangahake Gorge - Your first destination on day five is the resort and port city of Tauranga on the Bay of Plenty. This area attracts beach goers, whale watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts throughout the warmer months of December to April.  On the route to Tauranga, the road winds through hill country and passes by a historic and nature attraction that should not be missed. The Karangahake Gorge cuts through the Karangahake Mountains. The Gorge contains abandoned railroad tracks and trails that run along the bends of the Ohinemuri River. The tracks once serviced large commercial mining operations that extracted tons of gold from the mountain using the water resources of the river and huge processing buildings called batteries. Although initial efforts to mine there during New Zealand's 1860s "gold rush" proved difficult and were opposed by the local Maori, a new extraction process developed in 1889 which used an expensive cyanide process for the recovery of gold proved to be quite successful. The Karangahake mine attracted international investors and willing workers who boosted the local population to more than 3,000 people at one point in the early 1900s before the mining operations declined and the site was abandoned in later decades. Today, visitors to the national park located at the Karangahake Gorge can take picturesque hikes that run for miles along these river pathways as well as explore shorter trails that showcase old mining relics and equipment. A rope bridge that crosses the river and several long railroad and mining tunnels that cut through the mountains are also popular attractions for hikers and family visitors with flashlights. 

Mt. Maungani- After leaving Karangahake, it is an additional drive of an hour to the harborside city of Tauranga.  A bridge over the harbor connects Tauranga to Mt Maunganui, a beach town named after the peninsula's  extinct volcanic mountain. The mountain rises up 750 feet providing views in all directions of a four mile long sandy beach, passing ships, and the towns below. Ironically, it also looks out to see a distant volcanic island called the White Island. For years, the White Island was a popular tourist destination for boat trips from Tauranga and the nearby town of Whakatane but in 2020 a surprise eruption there killed and wounded dozens of visitors on a cruise ship excursion. Since then the volcano has been off limits to visitors. So a safer alternative is to hike for 45 minutes or drive up to the top of Mt. Maungani and take in the view from there. Another popular activity in Mt. Maungani is to visit the salt water hot pools at the base of the mountain where you can enjoy the mineral baths and take a swim in the cool ocean nearby.

Hotel - We stayed at a pleasant boutique hotel in the city section of Tauranga called the Hotel on Davenport. It was close to the restaurants and shops on the main boulevard and provided a restful sleep after walking around two mountain areas that day. 

DAY SIX - EXPERIENCE THE VOLCANIC WONDERS OF ROTORUA AND SAMPLE THE MAORI CULTURE

 When you talk about volcanoes, many people think of Indonesia, Iceland, Italy or Central America. However if you want to really experience the power and beauty of volcanoes up close, New Zealand is the place to go. Three of the 10 largest volcanic explosions of the past 25,000 years took place in New Zealand, and several of them changed the world's weather. Popular Lake Taupo in the middle of the North Island is 30 miles wide and over 600 feet deep. The lake is the caldera of a volcano that lasts blew up in 186 AD with a force 64 times greater than the Mount St Helen's eruption. 

Waimangu Volcanic Valley-  Underground volcanic activity throughout the North Island creates some natural wonders that you will see on this day. Many visitors tour the area around Rotorua which is located over another volcanic caldera. Rotorua has attracted tourists since the 19th century to bathe in hot springs or stay at geothermal spas. Your day will include a stop at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley outside of Rotorua where you will walk down a hill into a volcanic canyon for several hours and see many different volcanic formations including the steaming waters of Frying Pan Creek, some hot mud springs, steaming cliffs, small geysers and fumeroles. At the bottom of the trail, a boat cruise takes you past Mount Tarawera which erupted famously in 1886 with the unfortunate result of burying the once world famous pink and white limestone terraces located there. The scarred landscape visible throughout the foliage and around the lake is a vivid reminder of nature's superiority.  

Hamurana Springs - Another stop to enjoy that day is the Hamurana  Springs located along the shore of Lake Rotorua.This nature reserve features the deepest natural spring found in the North Island and the waters there are known for their turquoise, green, and blue colors. The reserve is usually explored by foot on a scenic loop trail that takes about 45 minutes to complete. The trail  passes through a forest of California redwoods and groves of other native species . The reserve is also the home to many ducks,  bird species, and rainbow trout which can be seen while walking along the forest streams or from special viewing platforms. 

The last event of this day provides an opportunity to learn about the history and culture of the Maori people who first settled the islands and now comprise about 20% of the nation's population. Maori traditions incorporate their Pacific Island roots and show a reverence for natural resources, and they remain an integral part of the New Zealand nation. Most places in the country retain their original Maori names and even the country's renowned rugby team uses a Maori war chant or haka before each match.

Tamaki Maori Village - There are several places in the North Island where Maori tribes offer shows and performances displaying their customs and traditions. One of the most popular and authentic ones is the Tamaki Maori Village outside Rotorua. You enter a replica of a pre-European Maori village, attend several workshops about traditional life there, and enjoy a hangi feast which is prepared by slow cooking meats, vegetables and potatoes in an earthen oven.  Visitors seeking a more comprehensive education about the Maori heritage should consider visiting the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarerwa in the city of Wellington at the south end of the North Island which offers interactive exhibits and a huge collection of traditional Maori experiences. During the 19th century there numerous disputes as well as military battles between Maori tribes on the North island, settlers and British authorities about the rights of tribal groups and the government's confiscation of land. The nation eventually came to grips with these legacies in the latter part of the 20th century by re-examining Maori land claims, paying compensation to aggrieved tribes, and embracing the Maori language in some schools. 

Hotel - After a long day of touring and experiencing the natural wonders and interesting people of New Zealand, it will be time to drive an additional hour to the town of Taupo to check in for two nights at the Hilton Lake Taupo. This is a five star hotel with an excellent spa and pool facilities which will come in handy after a busy day of walking on day six and the long hike planned for day seven. 

DAY SEVEN - THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING IS A HIKE OF A LIFETIME

After seeing volcanic calderas and other features of geothermal activity, day seven will provide an opportunity to see prominent and occasionally active volcanoes up close. The Tongariro National Park includes three volcanoes, ancient lava flows, and exotic landscapes. This World Heritage Site attracts about 60,000 people every year and many of them come to complete all or parts of the 13 mile long Tongariro Alpine Crossing. While some guidebooks rate the hike as being of moderate difficulty, the trek generally takes about eight hours to complete. It requires climbing on flights of stairs, over rocks, down soft volcanic soil at high elevations, and there are no rest stations or facilities after the first mile or so. It is best completed with a local Maori guide such as the ones provided by Tongariro Guided Walks. The guide will make sure you are properly outfitted for mountain conditions, point out interesting sites and places to be avoided, and provide encouragement and companionship along the way. Even during the summer months of November to March on the North Island, the weather can become cold and rainy on the mountains so dressing with layers and bringing plenty of water and small meals along in your pack is important.

The sites you will see are spectacular and are like being on the surface of a distant planet. The hike begins in the Mangatepopo Valley and crosses the lower slopes of Mt. Ngarurhoe which was used as Mt. Doom in the Lord of the RIngs series. It then passes by Mt. Tongariro before finishing far below at Lake Rotorua. Along the way, you walk up to the top of the steep rim of the Red Crater, view ancient lava flows, and see several stunning emerald colored lakes colored by volcanic minerals. There was a minor eruption of the western slope of Mt. Tongariro  a decade ago which closed a portion of the walk for several years. The mountain still vents gas and steam at that location and you pass by a private spring on the descent. The downhill portion of the walk takes several hours and eventually passes through several miles of woods, trails and streams before leaving the rugged mountain behind. Contemplating the power of nature and seeing these unique landscapes will leave you with special memories. After the walk, a hot shower, hearty dinner, and restful sleep at the hotel will highlight this wonderful part of your New Zealand experience.  

DAY EIGHT - VIEW THE UNUSUAL BEAUTY OF NEW ZEALAND'S NATURAL WONDERS AT HUKA FALLS AND THE GLOWWORM CAVES

After getting a good night's rest to recover from the Tongariro hike, this day will provide some relaxing driving and stops at two major attractions of the North Island:

  • Huka Falls- The Waikato River is one of the wildest and most picturesque rivers in New Zealand that flows over 264 miles into the Tasman Sea at Port Waikato to the south of Auckland. The river starts on the eastern slope of Mount Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park and then flows through Lake Taupo before funneling through a half mile of rocky cliffs and plunging over a bluff at a location known as Huka Falls. Like a natural spillway, a huge volume of water churns over the falls and this cauldron has become one of New Zealand's premier attractions. Visitors can view the falls from a nearby cliff or walk over them on a bridge which makes for some great pictures. Some people also enjoy viewing the falls up close on jet boats or a paddle wheeler. Your guide will take you to the best spots to enjoy the falls.

  • Sheep and Glowworms - After seeing Huka Falls your route will pass through rolling farmlands that will reveal two surprising types of fauna and funga for observation. First, there are an estimated 30 million sheep in New Zealand and you will undoubtedly spot herds of hundreds of them grazing together on your travels. Ever since the first flock was brought there by settlers in 1773, sheep farming and agriculture have played a major role in the nation's development . The country exported wool and lamb worldwide to the textile industry and consumers for generations. Second, beneath the land in this area are miles of limestone caves that have become attractions for spelunkers, rafters and visitors to the famous glowworm caves of the Waitomo region. Glowworms are clusters of larvae from fungus gnats that attach themselves to the roofs of the caves and produce a light or glow. This makes the caves look the stars of the sky. The Spellbound Cave Tour Company offers a three hour small group excursion that includes glowworm tours of two different caves by raft and long dry walkways.  

With these sites behind you, it a short ride back to Auckland for one more evening at the Auckland Hilton or one of the airport hotels to get ready for your flight home on Day Nine.

DAY NINE - FLYING BACK WITH SPECIAL MEMORIES 

On day nine, it will be time to catch a morning flight back to the United States. There are direct flights back to several west coast cities along with Chicago, Dallas, and New York several times each week. Other airlines offer flights with connections in Honolulu and some Asian locations. As a result of the flying back over the international date line, most of these long flights arrive only six or eight hours after their departure time on the same calendar day. However, you leave, most people who visit New Zealand depart being profoundly touched by the natural beauty of its land and the friendliness of its diverse people.  

Notice: The information provided in this Dream Itinerary is true and accurate to the best actual knowledge of The Traveling American. However, my family's experience with any particular hotel, attraction, airlines or company mentioned here may not reflect the experience of other travelers using these services. Travelers should rely on their own judgment and information in retaining any company mentioned on the website and in developing their itinerary.