Auckland to Wellington via Napier

Day 1: Spend the day in Auckland

Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is surrounded by 48 extinct volcanic cones and is positioned between two enormous harbours. Marine experiences, wine trails, forest treks, and urban elegance may all be found here. Spend a day in central Auckland, taking in the sights and sounds. Visit gorgeous Waiheke Island, where you'll discover plenty of vineyards, beaches, and artist studios if you have time. Travel to Auckland's West Coast for a taste of the wild, where you can explore the craggy black-sand coast.

Day 2: Auckland to Rotorua

Today you'll travel south to Hamilton, passing through the lush Waikato countryside. Along the journey, there are side roads that go to Waingaro Hot Springs and Raglan, a west coast surf destination. The huge Waikato River divides Hamilton into two parts. Gardens, riverboat sailing, and a massive free flight aviary are among the attractions. Rotorua, further south, is a hive of geothermal activity and exciting adventure. Explore the geothermal sites, learn about the Maori culture, or spend the day participating in one of the many adventure activities available.

Day 3: Rotorua to Taupo

Today you'll travel south to Hamilton, passing through the lush Waikato countryside. Along the journey, there are side roads that go to Waingaro Hot Springs and Raglan, a west coast surf destination. The huge Waikato River divides Hamilton into two parts. Gardens, riverboat sailing, and a massive free flight aviary are among the attractions. Rotorua, further south, is a hive of geothermal activity and exciting adventure. Explore the geothermal sites, learn about the Maori culture, or spend the day participating in one of the many adventure activities available.

Day 4: Day trip to National Park

Turangi can be reached by following the eastern edge of Lake Taupo. The drive is beautiful, and there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic along the way. Turangi is a trout fisherman's paradise, having well-known fishing places in practically every direction. Further, the Tongariro National Park, with its volcanic peaks of Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro, is easily accessible from National Park Village. This property was handed to the New Zealand people by the indigenous Ngati Tuwaretoa tribe in 1887, and it became the country's first National Park. It is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site with numerous hiking trails, including the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which is considered one of the top one-day hikes in the world by some.

Day 5: Taupo to Napier

The spectacular scenery along the road from Taupo to Napier is the main attraction. Rugged hills, magnificent valleys, calm plains, and vast vistas are all present. Napier and its twin city Hastings were virtually leveled by a severe earthquake in 1931. They were reconstructed in the period's style and are today known for their Art Deco architecture. Hastings is about 20 kilometers south of Napier and, like many Hawke's Bay vineyards, is easily accessible by bicycle.

The gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers is another draw.

Day 6: Napier to Wellington

The route today takes you through Wairarapa's vineyards and quaint history towns before arriving in Wellington. Masterton, the largest settlement in the Wairarapa, is a good place to take a break. The Queen Elizabeth Park, The Wool Shed (the National Museum of Sheep and Shearing), and Aratoi: Wairarapa Museum of Art and History are all located here. Masterton is also an excellent place to start exploring Castlepoint, which is only a short drive away. Finish in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand and a cultural and heritage hotspot. This tiny city's downtown area is suitable for walking explorations. Spend the rest of your time exploring Wellington's numerous cafes, restaurants, museums, and galleries.