7 Days Auckland to Wellington
This trip can be done either way round and is similar to the trip above taking in Lake Taupo, Rotuora, Waitomo Caves and more.
The trip starts from either Auckland or Wellington and travels straight down the centre of the North Islands cutting it in to two.
Day 1 & 2
Arrive at Auckland Airport, pick up your rental car or campervan and make your way in to the CBD (Central Business District). After arranging your accommodation requirements it's probably time for a spot of lunch or dinner. There are several great bars and restaurants on the waters edge at the Viaduct Harbour overlooking the clear blue waters of the Hauraki Gulf, moored sailing boats & yachts bob silently in the Harbour. Alternatively you could have a bite to eat at Orbit, Sky Towers Revolving Restaurant, with stunning food and views to match the restaurant sits 190 Meters above ground level and gives wonderful panoramic views of Auckland and the Hauraki Gulf.
Auckland has lots to see and do including:
Kelly Tarltons : One of New Zealands largest aquatic centers, Kelly Tarltons allows you to get up close and personal with dozens of species of sea life including Penguins, Sharks, Stingrays and much more. Based only a 5 minute drive from the Auckland CBD this is a must for animal lovers.
Dolphin Explorer : Situated in Auckland Viaduct Harbour the Dolphin explorer takes two trips a day out in to the stunning waters of the Hauraki Gulf in search of Dolphins and Whales. With a 90% chance of seeing the majestic Dolphins in their natural enviroment and a 75% chance of seeing some of New Zealand native Whales this is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience.
Auckland Museum : Based right in the city centre the Auckland Museum boasts the largest collection of Maori taonga (treasure) on the planet. With daily Maori cultural shows you will get a real feeling New Zealands heritage.
Hauraki Adventures : Based on the stunning Whangaparaoa Peninsula just a short 40 minute drive North of Aucklands CBD Hauraki adventures offers Jet ski safaris of the Hauraki Gulf and its stunning Islands. With eight stopping destinations and the excitement of blasting around on the water this is a great day out in Auckland.
Day 3 & 4
On day three we travel South down the center of the North Island to Rotoura, this will be your based camp for the next two nights and is within easy reach of several other towns including:
Lake Taupo, this is a short 40 Kilometer drive South West of Rotoura. Lake Taupo is a stunning location and a region full of exciting activities, these include:
Fresh water fishing : With some of the tastiest fresh water fish species and several rivers that flow in to Lake Taupo this is a fly fishers dream location. If you don't have your own gear or have never tried fly fishing there are several tour operators locally that will hire fishing gear and give lessons.
Sky diving : Lake Taupo is one of the best location for sky diving in New Zealand, with stunning backdrops and the airport within easy reach of the town, this is a must for all you adrenaline junkies.
Mountain biking and cycling : The lake Taupo region has some of the best and most challenging mountain bike trails in New Zealand and for the more novice riders there are plenty of stunning scenic rides around town and the lake.
Hukafalls Jet : The Hukafalls is one of Lake Taupo's main attractions and the jet boat ride is amazing. Travel down the river and right in to the heart of the falls, alternatively there are several FREE walking tracks that have great vantage points and give stunning views of the falls.
Lake Taupo also has several great bars and restaurants and the Salmon and Trout dishes are fresh from the Lake.
The Waitomo caves are world famous for their population of Glow Worms. This destination is a must for anybody visiting New Zealands North Island and the boat trip through the caves and under the Glow Worms and an experience you will not find anywhere else on the plant.
There are also several other activities at the caves including the adrenaline pumping Black water rafting and the Ruakuri cave walk. The Ruakuri cave is also the only wheelchair accessible cave in the Southern Hemisphere.
Rotorua is known for its thermal activity and adrenalin pumping adventure activities and is a popular destination for New Zealands to visit. Activities include:
Volcanic air safari : See the real Rotorua in all its glory, travel by helicopter or sea plane and land in some of the most stunning locations not accessible by road that the North Island has to offer.
Thermal spa : With several operators offing thermal pools and spas you will be spoilt for choice.
Duck tours : See Rotorua from a unique perspective, this 90 minute tour takes place on a modified World War 2 amphibious vehicle. Travel down the mains streets and then without stopping plunge straight in to lake Tikitapu and Okareka.
ZORB : This icon New Zealand experience is great fun for all ages, travel down mountains and assault courses inside an inflatable ball, With options of travelling alone, with a friend, with water, strap in, free fall this is a great experience that everybody will love.
Day 5, 6 & 7
We now travel down to Wellington, New Zealand capital city, with several stunning locations along the way it's highly recommended to leave plenty of time to stop off and experience a little more of what New Zealand has to offer.
Once you arrive in Wellington and have organised your accommodation it's time to hit the city, with dozens of great restaurants and night life you'll have a great night out and a well deserved good nights sleep ready for the fun and excitement to start again in the morning.
Wellington has lots of sights and activities for you to enjoy over the next two days and these include:
Te Papa Museum : This is an interactive and visitor focused museum and best of all it's FREE for all. Permanent exhibitions cover New Zealands Maori culture and heritage, New Zealand geology and natural enviroment.
Wellington Zoo : A great day out for family's and people of all ages, Wellington ZOO is home to a wide variety of animals and you have the chance to get up close and personal with some of them.
Cable car : Wellingtons famous cable car is a fun and relaxing way to see the city of Wellington from ground level and above. With stunning views over the city and its Harbour the ride will give you lots of great photo opportunities.
The trip has now come to an end and it's time to return your rental car and head home.
Click here for car rental in Auckland and Auckland Airport
