If you’ve got a week to explore New Zealand’s North Island, this itinerary is perfect for you. It covers the country’s best voted beach along with some of our unique natural wonders, from enchanting glowworms to geothermal marvels in a convenient loop to and from the city of Auckland.
North Island Must Dos - Hot Springs and Geothermal Wonders
Itinerary created by
Ashley Elliott
What you’ll do
Day One, let's leave Auckland bright and early for a late morning tour at Hobbiton before we continue on to Mount Maunganui.
Important Note. Hobbiton can book out months in advance in peak season! Please book in advance and carefully check your arrival time. The drive from Auckland to Hobbiton is just over 2 hours long.
1
66.6 km (41.4 mi)
1 hr 1 min
There are loads of cute cafes located at our next destination 40 minutes drive away - Mount Maunganui.
If you can't wait that long get a bite to eat at the Hobbiton Cafe before you leave.
2
Choose the option that fits you the best
12.6 km (7.8 mi)
20 min
While there is a lot of accommodation to choose from in Mount Maunganui I've included one I can personally recommend below. This accommodation is in the neighboring beach town of Papamoa only a 10 minute drive down the coast.
3
Choose the option that fits you the best
24.5 km (15.2 mi)
25 min
Finish the first day of your trip with dinner with a sunset tour to see something completely unique to New Zealand - Glow Worms.
*Please take note that traffic in Mount Maunganui is really bad! Please give yourself plenty of time to reach the pick up point for this tour, particularly if you've decided to stay at the accommodation I recommended which is further away.
4
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