Motorhome rental in one week on the North Island
Day 1: Auckland
In the morning I arrived in Auckland. First I had a delicious breakfast, then I discovered this nice city on my own. On the first day the program included Devenport, Auckland Tower and Arataki Visitors Center. To conclude, a picnic on Piha Beach - what a treat!
Day 2: Auckland - Whitianga (+/- 4 hours drive)
On the2nd day, I picked up the motorhome at the Britz depot and left for Whitianga. Early in the afternoon I arrived there. I attended a workshop to make a traditional necklace from bone at Arts @ Bay Carving. Super fun to do! You get to take the homemade necklace with you.
After the carving workshop, I went to Turtles Cave.
Day 3: Whitianga - Coromandel - Waitomo
Morning departure for the Coromandel Peninsula. After about 3 hours of driving I arrived at Coromandel Kayak Adventures to Cayak at Cathedral Cove. Definitely worth it and a lot of fun to do! You can kayak in a beautiful setting and you go by kayak between the rocks to Cathedral Cove.
You sit with 2 people in the kayak, the rear one has to steer. Two guides will accompany you. After +/- 3 hours of kayaking, we stopped at Cathedral Cove. Time for a break, walk and a cup of coffee. Then back to the starting point. The tour takes about 4.5 hours.
After the kayak tour, I went to Hot Water Beach. What a unique experience! On the beach you can dig yourself a "pool" where hot/hot water comes to the surface. In the evening I drove on to Waitomo, where I had planned a cave excursion the next day.
Day 4: Waitomo - Rotorua: (+/- 3 hours drive)
In the morning to the Waitomo caves for the Black Water Rafting excursion. At the campsite I was picked up by the The Legendary Black Water Rafting Waitomo. During Black Water Rafting, you go into the caves of Waitomo with a group. Everything is arranged in terms of clothing (wetsuit, shoes, socks and a helmet). You will go into the water with a band and see many "glowworms." However, this is nothing for people who are claustrophobic! At the end you can shower and get lunch.
In the evening I went to the Mitai Maori Night. A chief is appointed but first all the nationalities present. The chief has to represent everyone to be allowed to enter the "Village" according to tradition. Impressive performances by the Maori - with lots of dancing, an explanation of the weapons they use and of course the famous Haka. After the performance we had a delicious dinner! This is also highly recommended!
Day 5: Rotorua - Matamata (+/- 1,5 hour drive)
As a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies, I drove in the morning to Matamata, also known as Hobbiton. Super fun to have seen the movie set once in real life! A tour of +/- 3 hours tells how the movie was made and explains what happened in the movie in the different places. A must if you like these movies!
Matamata - Rotorua - Taupo (+/- 3h drive)
Then back on the road, via Rotorua towards Taupo. On the way I did a stop at the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. Here I hiked the beautiful hiking trails that take you through the volcanic landscape of Rotorua. It is also possible to book a tour there that takes about 1 hour.
After Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, I drove on to Taupo where I went to do the Tongariro Crossing.
Day 6: Tongariro Crossing
Got up early to walk the Tongariro Crossing. What a super fun experience! You walk through a volcanic landscape and eventually climb the volcano. The 19.4 km route is a must-do if you are looking for an impressive hike! At the top of the volcano, you'll see beautiful Emerald Lakes.
Day 7+8: Taupo - Wellington (+/- 7 hours driving (- stop at Gravity Canyon))
The last few days I went to Wellington. Left in the morning for the capital city. On the way, another stop at Gravity Canyon for the Flying Fox. Gravity Canyon is well known among daredevils, including for bungee jumping or ziplining on the North Island.
Mike's tips for Wellington:
- Weta Workshop;
A very fun activity for movie lovers. In a one-hour tour, they explain how characters and weapons are made for a movie and you will see some of the characters used in the filming.
- Zealandia;
Nice nature park for bird lovers. Nice hiking trails where you can have fun for at least half a day. You get a map with the hiking trails and the birds you can spot.
- Te papa museum;
Interesting museum, where you can have fun all day. It is huge! Please note that you are not allowed to take pictures.