8 Days Around the North Island of New Zealand

Most international flights arrive in the morning so you will hit the ground running! Pick up your rental car from the airport and head north to Pahia and Russell. Visit the Waitangi Treaty grounds to learn some important New Zealand History.

Catch a dolphin watching tour from Pahia and spend the day out on the water exploring the various islands.

Head south to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula. Visit the iconic Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. Visit any roadside market and enjoy the delicious real fruit ice cream. Don't miss the beautiful New Chums Beach!

Continue your journey south to Matamata and live out all of your Lord of the Ring fantasies at Hobbiton. Continue on to Hamilton where you will visit the lovely Hamilton Gardens.

Experience an underground experience unlike any other in the world! See the glowing blue larva that light up the walls and ceilings of caves in this area to look like the night sky. Join a guided tour for the best experience. Take in the crystal clear waters of Haka Falls and Lake Taupo.

Visit Rotorua, the epicenter of Maori culture on the north island. Take in a dance performance and enjoy a hangi meal that is cooked entirely underground using geothermal heat. Stop at the many hot springs in the area or soak at the Polynesian Spa. Rotorua is also the adventure capital of the North Island so get your adrenaline pumping with Zorbing, white water rafting or bungee jumping!

Arrive in Wellington on the south side of the North Island. Visit the amazing and free Te Papa Museum and take a tour of Weta Cave, the film studio behind The Lord of the Rings as well as other well known films.

End your time in Wellington with a Visit to Zealandia, a bird sanctuary where you can find many birds that are endemic to New Zealand. And end your trip with a hike up Mount Victoria for the best view of the city.