North Island Adventure: Cities, Nature, Culture
10 cities |
26 attraction(s) |
total distance 1198
km
TIPS
Day1
Day2
Day3
Day4
Day5
Day6
Day7
Day8
Day9
Day10
Day1: Auckland
3 attraction(s) ·
8 km
2
Mount Eden, located in Auckland, is one of the hills formed by volcanic ejecta around a volcanic vent, and it is also the highest point of natural beauty in Auckland, which is stunning. The bottom of the volcanic cone is now a lush green space, which looks like a big cone-shaped bowl from afar, and the unique landscape is unforgettable. Climbing to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a perfect panoramic view of Auckland, including the beautiful Sky Tower, the spectacular One Tree Hill, and the mysterious Rangitoto Island volcano. In addition to being able to enjoy these wonderful views for free, it is also very suitable for taking photos, capturing panoramic views of the surrounding area, especially when shooting the Sky Tower, it is incomparable.
3
km
3
The Auckland Museum is located in Auckland Domain Park and is a comprehensive museum of Gothic architecture, with a rich collection of historical and cultural relics. The museum has three floors. The first floor mainly displays Maori culture, including Maori handicrafts, meeting places, and daily items, as well as Pacific Islander art. The second floor exhibits various animal and plant specimens, with the most eye-catching being the remains of the moa bird. The third floor displays the history of the two world wars, including the weapons used and the soldiers who died for their country. The marble walls of the Hall of Memories are inscribed with the list of heroes of World War II, while World War I has only the dead. The museum also has a magnificent memorial to fallen soldiers, where a solemn mourning ceremony is held every April 25th. The museum also has the most comprehensive collection of Maori culture and New Zealand history, as well as three daily Maori performances. The museum's exterior is magnificent, with exhibits mainly featuring traditional art and culture of Pacific Islander indigenous peoples, including Maori totem sculptures and architecture, as well as various treasures. The museum offers views of Auckland's iconic landmarks such as the Auckland Harbour Bridge, Sky Tower, and container port, and is one of Auckland's must-see attractions.
Day2: Auckland
2 attraction(s) ·
9 km
1
Waiheke Island is an island in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, about 17.7 kilometers from Auckland. It is the most populous island in the archipelago and has the highest population density in New Zealand. The ferry takes about 40 minutes to reach and is known as the "wine island" with vineyards of all sizes where visitors can tour and taste wine. Other tourist attractions on the island include alpaca farms, beaches, hiking trails, boutique shops, archery, kayaking, and high-flying zip lines. Cars and circular island buses are available for rent on the island, and a $10 all-day bus pass allows unlimited rides on the island's public transportation on the same day. The famous Chinese poet Gu Cheng also lived on the island and left behind well-known poems.
9
km
2
Large, centrally located beach beside a sheltered bay offering swimming & boating options.
Day3: Paihia > Far North District
2 attraction(s) ·
2 km
2
Protected site of the signing of the first accord between the British Crown and the Maori people.
Day4: Paihia
2 attraction(s) ·
4 km
Day5: Rotorua
2 attraction(s) ·
3 km
1
Tepuia, located about 2.5 kilometers from the city center of Rotorua, is a must-visit tourist destination. This is because it is home to the world-famous Pohutu geyser, with unique and stunning scenery. In addition, Tepuia is also the birthplace of New Zealand's Maori crafts and arts school, where visitors can enjoy traditional Maori dance performances and craft productions, and gain a deep understanding of Maori culture.
3
km
2
Recreational walk featuring 28 suspension bridges through redwood trees that are over 120 years old.
Day6: Rotorua
4 attraction(s) ·
42 km
1
Pools of colourful bubbling water are heated by volcanoes at this oft-visited natural attraction.
27
km
2
Polynesia Spa is located in the government garden. It is a historical mineral spring and can be reached within a 5-minute walk from the center of Rotorua. There are a total of 35 hot spring pools here, and visitors can also buy a variety of hot spring derived products. Among them, the mineral mud beauty and skincare products are very famous.
11
km
Day7: Matamata > Matamata-Piako District > Taupo
4 attraction(s) ·
104 km
1
Picturesque sheep farm used for filming Shire scenes, with guided tours, a gift shop, cafe & inn.
2
km
3
Lake Taupo Museum is a small museum showcasing the history and artworks related to the lake.
5
km
4
The Huka Falls are located in the Waikato region of New Zealand. With abundant water and spectacular scenery, it is one of the most popular natural landscapes in the area. The Waikato River mouth of the waterfall is 12 meters high and the water flow is 230 tons per second. Due to the effects of narrow passages and faults, the Waikato River appears light blue in color, like a beautiful gem. When the water flows impact the waterfall, the powerful force creates a foamy waterfall, which is very impressive. Therefore, locals call this beautiful waterfall "Huka", which means foam.
Day8: Ruapehu District Council > Taupo District
2 attraction(s) ·
12 km
1
The 4th National Park in the world, this protected area is important for its culture & its nature.
12
km
Day9: Wellington
3 attraction(s) ·
2 km
1
The National Museum of New Zealand, located in the city center, was originally the Colonial Museum and was built in 1865. It is one of the largest museums in the Southern Hemisphere. The museum mainly showcases Maori culture and has a rich collection. It also displays artworks from the Pacific region. The museum features a Maori meeting house and high-tech exhibitions, including a shaking house experience, leaving a lasting impression on visitors. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts periodic renowned temporary exhibitions that require separate admission fees. However, visiting the museum itself is free. As the national museum and art gallery of New Zealand, it is the best choice for tourists to learn about the local culture.
1
km
2
Opened in 1902, the country's only running cablecar offers panoramic city views & a history museum.
2
km
Day10: Wellington
3 attraction(s) ·
9 km
2
Wildlife sanctuary with native species, including rare birds, lizards, frogs, plants & trees.
7
km
3
Weta Workshop is a globally leading film production company that has won the Academy Awards five times. It is based in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, and was co-founded by Richard Taylor and director Peter Jackson of "The Lord of the Rings" fame. The studio is known for its character design, model props, and visual effects in well-known films such as "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Hobbit" trilogy, "King Kong," "Avatar," and "The Chronicles of Narnia." The studio is open to the public, and visitors can be guided through the studio, including original prop models used in film production, detailed production process introductions, and the workplaces of technical personnel. The tour takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
