New Zealand North Island 3-Day Tour: Natural Wonders & Cultural Charm

5 cities | 9 attraction(s) | total distance 309 km

TIPS

This is a travel guide covering a 3-day tour of New Zealand's North Island. On the first day, you'll visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach; on the second day, explore underground caves and glowworm scenery at Waitomo Glowworm Cave; on the third day, experience geothermal activities and Maori culture in Rotorua. This guide comprehensively showcases the natural wonders and cultural charm of North Island to allow visitors to fully appreciate its beauty.

Day1: Thames-Coromandel District > Coromandel > Whitianga

3 attraction(s) · 21 km

This itinerary will take you to Cathedral Cove, where you can admire the spectacular sea arch. The beach is clear and fine, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. You will also experience digging hot springs at Hot Water Beach and enjoy seafood while appreciating the sea view in Whitianga town.

Cathedral Cove Beach

8 km

Hot Water Beach

Hot Water Beach is a beach loved by locals.

14 km

Whitianga

A main city on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, unlike Coromandel, Hahei, Tairua, it has a large supermarket - New World, and many restaurants and fish and chip shops. If staying overnight in Coromandel, this is the place with the most choices.

Day2: Waitomo District

3 attraction(s) · 3 km

This itinerary will take you to explore three stunning caves in New Zealand's Waitomo region: Waitomo Glowworm Cave, Ruakuri Cave, and Aranui Cave. In these caves, you can marvel at the magnificent stalactites, stalagmites, and the enchanting glowworm scenery.

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Cave with a modern visitor centre & home to a population of glow worms found only in New Zealand.

3 km

Ruakuri Cave Tours

1 km

Aranui cave

Day3: Rotorua

3 attraction(s) · 15 km

This 3-day tour itinerary will let you experience the natural wonders and cultural charm of New Zealand's North Island. Highlights include Auckland cityscape, harbor cruise terminal, Rangitoto Island volcanic landscape, Tekapo Lake open-air museum, Rotorua's Maori Cultural Village, Hell's Gate geothermal park, and lake views.

Mitai Maori Village

Traditional Maori village offering a guided bush walk, cultural performances & a ground-cooked meal.

10 km

Tikitere

6 km

Lake Rotorua

Lake Rotorua is one of the largest lakes in central northern New Zealand's North Island and is one of the leading lakes within approximately 20 lakes. It covers an area of 80 square kilometers (31 square miles) and is a fascinating scenic spot. Located on the edges of the city, Lake Rotorua is a visual feast where you can choose to cruise around the small islands in the lake. For the best views, it's recommended to visit Grand Vue Rd, Kawaha Point, or Rotorua 3010, which are excellent locations for viewing the magnificent scenery of Lake Rotorua.