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2024 North Island New Zealand Trip
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2024 North Island New Zealand Trip
New Zealand has always been a place that I’ve wanted to visit in my lifetime. I just didn’t think it would have happened sooner than it did.
We found some super cheap flights to New Zealand that we couldn’t have passed up, $600 round trip per person. It was a steal. So of course we bought the flights and while the trip was 3 months away we had some time to quickly plan our trip. Trying to figure out what to do, what to see and where to stay. This would be my longest trip I’ve ever taken and we needed to, even though we had 10 days, we wouldn’t have time to see everything. We decided to just stay on the north island of New Zealand. There were plenty of things to do and we didn’t even get to explore a lot of the island still. Maybe some other day we will visit the South Island but for now it’s all about the north island of New Zealand.
For those that don’t know already, I am a huge Lord of the Rings (LOTR) fan. If you didn’t know already, LOTR was filmed entirely in New Zealand, along with the Hobbit films as well. All throughout both islands. I got to go to a couple locations not all but enough to get that experience in.
You can check here for my printable top suggestions, itinerary and good to know list. Otherwise let’s dive deep into this amazing trip.
Day 1 & 2: Arrival / Half Day
This day will be all about getting to New Zealand. Even living on the west coast of the United States. It took us about 19 hours to get to New Zealand. This flight included a stop in Vancouver, Canada, the layover time and the long 14 hour flight across the Pacific Ocean to the island. Something to think about is, New Zealand is 19 hours ahead of Pacific Time. So it’s almost like we lost a day completely. But it all ends up being the same amount of time no matter what.
After finally arriving in Auckland, New Zealand, 13 hours later, and getting our car rental and everything, we made our way to our first stop. Of course we didn’t want to waste any time. Time was precious for us and we wanted to get all the locations and stops for us in.
Just to warn you, we did a lot and I mean a lot of driving. We put 1200 miles on our rental for our trip. I know that’s a lot but we wanted to experience the north island as much as we could.
Next we drove over to the Latter-day Saints Temple in Hamilton, New Zealand. These temples always leave you with relaxing, calmness and just a sense of peace. The grounds and visitor centers are always free to walk and enter. Entering the actual temple you would need to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and have a current temple recommendation.
We first stopped to have some lunch at Stampede in Papakura, New Zealand. After lunch we made our way to our first hike and waterfall. Bridal Veil Falls, which is located on the west side of the island in the Makomako area. This short hike was a great way to start the trip. It was nice to stretch our legs and get them working again after sitting for so long. The waterfall was so refreshing to see and I loved the sitting area on the bottom. It just seemed so quiet and quaint
After spending a little time at the temple grounds we started driving to our first Airbnb in Waikato, New Zealand. We got some dinner along the way at a restaurant called Nando’s. My husband used to eat there in England when he lived there for a couple of years and of course he wanted to get some.
Day 3: Black Water Rafting Day
We grabbed a quick bite to eat at the local bakery, Te Kuiti Bakery. Starting the day with this big anticipated excursion, Black Water Rafting at the Waitomo Cave/Glow Worm Caves. I’ve never been white water rafting yet but I never heard of black water rafting. It sounded something right up my alley though. I’m always up for an adventure. We did the “The Black Labyrinth” tour. You do get water. Half of the tour you hike through the cave with an inner tube and wet suit, of course, and the other half you float down the river within the cave. The tour guides make it fun and you get to learn about the cave and see the pretty magical glowworms. If you go to New Zealand, this excursion is a must for sure. It’s something totally different than I have ever done before and an unforgettable experience.
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Next on the list, we stopped at the Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk. This short trail was so spectacular. It was so much bigger than I would have thought. The pictures on the internet don’t do it justice at all. If you are in the area, make sure you stop by.
We then went to Waitomo/Marokopa Falls, which isn’t very far from the bridge.
After these great small hikes, we of course grabbed some dinner at Stoked Eatery in Waikato and started driving to our next airbnb in Waikato, New Zealand. We had a little time to kill and one of the places I wanted to visit was Tongariro National Park. Unfortunately it didn’t make it on the original itinerary list (because we needed to pick and choose some locations/experiences) but we were able to make a quick drive to the Tawhai Falls aka Gollum’s Pool, for all those LOTR nerds, I mean fans haha. Along the drive, there and back, you can see N Mountain aka Mount Doom (LOTR’s term). It was so cool to see it in person. This national park is known for their Tongariro Crossing Trail. Did I mention that New Zealand’s national parks have free admission.
Back to Gollum’s Pool, it was also a short trail that led to this secluded waterfall/river area. In the film they definitely make some changes and digital tweaks but I can see the similarities. Very pretty. A waterfall never disappoints. No matter the size, big or small.
The drive to the falls and back we did get to admire Mount Ngauruhoe aka Mount Doom (LOTR) from a distance. It was cool to see in person.
We ended the day with grabbing a bite to eat at the Golden Crust Pizza across the street from our airbnb in Turangi.
Day 4: Lake Taupō Day
Early that morning we quickly grabbed some breakfast at the nearby bakery, Turangi Bakery & Cafe and started driving to our first experience for the day.
We booked the scenic steamboat to the Maori Rock Carving in Taupō. This tour is a slow paced tour. It was kind of relaxing and just enjoyed and soaked in the lake boat ride. We got to learn the history of Lake Taupō and the Maori Rock Carving. The carving was ok. It was fun to learn and see but I would probably never do it again. Definitely a one and done kind of experience for sure. But it would be great for older people.
After the steamboat, we walked around the shopping/eatery area and had lunch at Dixie Browns and a gelato treat at Luna’s Gelateria.
Before leaving for Rotorua, our next Airbnb location, we made a stop at Huka Falls (name translating to Foam Water) . First I would say that this waterfall was probably the busiest waterfall that we visited. Huka Falls was a sight to see. The rush of the water and the beautiful blue color. It’s a great waterfall to see. There is a quick viewpoint for it but you can also take a trail to hike to it, if you have the spare time.
Driving some more over to our next location, we settled into our airbnb and drove over to the downtown Rotorua area, where you will have a ton of eateries to choose from. We decided to try the CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen.
To end the day, we decided to do the Redwood Treewalk. We wanted to do the night experience, which starts at 8:30pm-11pm. This was so fun. If you don’t like heights then maybe you wouldn’t love it but I think you would start to enjoy it. Depending on the level of phobia of heights. During the night experience, they light up the whole tree walk with all sorts of lights. But I’m sure doing this excursion during the day would be just as good. Part of me wishes I would have done both day and night but it is what it is. Maybe if I ever go back to this I’ll do the day then. These redwoods are not nearly as tall as the California Redwood National Park trees (on my bucket list) but they are still pretty tall. It was a great change up to our other excursions. It gave off a mountain feel for sure. Loved it.
Day 5: Thermal Day
Another morning at a bakery. Haha. Guidough’s was the best bakery we had so far. We then drove to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. The first thing we did was to go see the Lady Knox Geyser which does off at 10:15am. Honestly I have mixed reviews about this. I enjoyed the beautiful singing while the geyser was going off but I didn’t realize that they self induced the geyser. Meaning they pour something into the geyser to force her to erupt. That was kind of a let down. If you are super into geysers then go for it. The history was interesting. But I don’t think I would waste my time or at least again. Haha.
After the geyser, we walked to the thermal park grounds. This was actually kind of cool and something I’ve never done. Seeing the different and unique colors of the geothermal elements. I will say the smell of this place isn’t the best but it was very cool to see. I would recommend it for sure. One of the geothermal pools is called “Artist Palette” and that’s how I felt as I walked throughout the park. So many colors. You can spend a good half day here for sure.
Next we made a quick stop to Kerosene Creek. Seemed like a great hang out area. It’s a natural warm spring. We got some lunch at Grill N Roll in downtown Rotorua.
Our last excursion for the day was the second most anticipated event, Hell’s Gate. This is one of New Zealand’s top mud spas. With a geothermal mud pool and sulfur mineral water pool.
You start with washing all your make-up (if you have any on and want to apply mud on your face) then you sit in the mud pool for about 15 minutes. Next we did the cool plunge for a couple minutes then finished with the sulfur pool.
The mud is to help exfoliate your skin and leave you rejuvenated. I will say if you put it on your face do only the cheeks and forehead. If you have sensitive skin on your face, like me, don’t do your face. Learn from my mistakes. It left my skin a little rough on my cheeks and the mud can be very irritating to your eyes. We saw a lady put mud all over her face and it was a big mistake. She couldn’t keep her eyes open and irritated her sight very badly. So maybe just keep it on the body to be safe.
We ended the night with a walk around Kuirau Park in downtown Rotorua and later ate at the restaurant Colibries Steaks & Ribs.
Day 6: Sledging Day
Again, we went to Guidough’s for breakfast. It was a pretty good bakery. Obviously!
We originally planned to do an excursion called sorbing. But decided at the last minute to do something called the Luge, which is a cart riding activity. So much fun. Great family activity or date night.
We stopped at Wendy’s for lunch. Yes I said Wendy’s. We had to get an American meal one of these days. It was way better than the ones in the US. So much fresher. It didn’t taste anything like the American ones.
We next arrived at our main event for the day… Kaituna Whitewater Sledging. This was something I really wanted to do. I’ve never heard of it, it seemed so adventurous and I’m not sure where else they offer such an excursion like this. It was fun. I will say it is challenging. You will be exhausted. It may seem scary at times or you don’t know what you’re doing. But….it is so worth it. If you’re somewhat physically fit, do it. You will probably never have the chance to do it again. The tour guides made it so fun and exciting. Good job Hemi and Jackie!
Afterwards, we made a pit stop at the Tikitapu/Blue Lake in Bay of Plenty for a few minutes.
We got dinner at El Mexicano Zapata Restaurant and dessert at Wholly Smoked in downtown Rotorua. The Mexican food was actually Latin American food, not true Mexican food.
Day 7: Lord Of The Rings Day
We got some super good breakfast from this French restaurant called Le Café de Paris. Our last restaurant stopped in Rotorua. Definitely make an effort to stop here. On to the next stop and airbnb.
Then, we did a hike to the Raparapahoe Walk and the Te Rerekawau aka Kaiate Falls. Kaiate Falls is such a great hike. Great way to start the day. We also stopped for lunch at Broom Tree Cafe & Kitchen.
Ok…we made it to the main event of the trip. For all my LOTR fans, this is the place…Hobbiton Movie Set. This was so cool and awesome. You would definitely geek out if you love LOTR. If you’re not a fan of the books or movies, you would still enjoy it. It is very cool seeing and experiencing.
We started off with visiting the gift shop. You can also do this after the tour. They only offer guided tours here. The tour was amazing. They make it fun with all the fun facts, exciting behind the scenes. You get to tour through Hobbiton and end with a break at the Green Dragon itself. This place will definitely bring the nerd out in you. So fun. My husband and I always reminisce about this event. Haha.
I would do this again if I had the chance too. Loved how well they took care of the whole set and recently they offered touring the inside of an actual hobbit house. Unfortunately you can’t tour Bag End aka Bilbo Baggin’s house itself but it was cool seeing it in person. So many great memories here. A must for sure.
We stopped in a nearby town called Tauranga afterwards for dinner at The Redoubt Bar and Eatery before we headed to our next airbnb in Paeroa.
Day 8:
The bakeries never get old for breakfast. Haha. Joe’s Coffee & Bakery was a great way to start our hike.
We hiked the Karangahake Railroad Gorge/Tunnel otherwise known as the Historic Rich Gold Mining Site. This was an excellent hike. I was looking forward to this hike before we arrived in New Zealand. If you have a couple hours to spare and are in this area of New Zealand, I would recommend this hike for sure. It’s pretty easy. Nothing too crazy.
After the hike we were supposed to kayak to Whenuakura Island aka Donut Island. Unfortunately, we didn’t because it was too windy and the swells were too high. We didn’t want to chance getting stuck or hurt. But it did look fun so if you have the chance to try it out, you should.
So after leaving there we grabbed some lunch at Craig’s Traditional Fish & Chips in Whangamatā.
We drove to Marine Reserve aka Hot Water Beach for a little bit to catch our breath and relax for a little bit.
Next we drove back to Auckland. Made another stop for dinner at Lone Star. Then drove a little longer to our next airbnb in Orewa.
Day 9: Lighthouse Day
Today we knew we had quite a drive to go to Cape Reinga Lighthouse. But we knew we would have some time in the morning and early afternoon to do a few small things. Before we got on the road we stopped at La Nonna Italian Bakery for some breakfast.
We were pretty close to the Packard Motor Museum. We never went inside and looked at the cars. Honestly my sister and I just wanted a picture with the sign. Haha. Because our maiden name is Packard. So you can probably skip this unless you like Packard cars or car stuff.
On our drive to the lighthouse, we stopped at Manginangina Kauri walk. This little short walk was perfect to stretch our legs. The trees are pretty big and amazing.
Next we stopped at Waianiwaniwa/Rainbow Falls. This was probably my favorite waterfall that we saw in New Zealand. I just loved the backdrop and seeing how massive the cliff and rocks were. Very beautiful. A must stop for sure.
We got back in the car and stopped again at Little Cable Bay to walk the beach for a little bit and stretch our legs again.
We stopped and had a late lunch early dinner at Beachcomber Restaurant in the town Kaitaia.
Finally got back on the road and barely made it to Cape Reinga Lighthouse before sunset. We have about 30 minutes or so. It was perfect timing. Cut it close but made it. It was beautiful. I will say it was worth the drive. You can see the sand dunes from the distances and the cool part seeing the Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean clash together. It was pretty cool. Never seen anything like that before.
I think the lighthouse is a functioning lighthouse so you can’t go inside but you can get up close and personal.
We drove back to the town of Kaitata for our airbnb.
Day 10: Last Full Day
We didn’t have a ton planned for this day. Mostly winged. But we did have a couple things planned.
We started the day with breakfast at Kaitaia Bakehouse Cafe & Roasts. We stopped at the nearby Ninety Mile Beach. It was a huge beach. I don’t remember seeing any people on the beach when we were there now that I think about it. Come to find out the beach is actually 55 miles long. It’s the 4th longest beach in the world. That’s pretty impressive. The longest beach is Praia do Cassino Beach in Brazil. 157 mile beach. I would love to see that one day.
After this relaxing time we drove over to St. Paul’s Rock Track in Whangaroa. I will warn you. This hike was so steep. My calves were killing me. I had to walk sideways or backwards for a couple parts just to give my calves a little break. The hike itself didn’t take very long. Maybe 20 minutes or so. But it was an intense one. At the very top of the hill, you climb the rock and you get an amazing viewpoint. So of course it’s worth it. Burn a lot of calories not the way up, catch our breath at the top and the way down was a lot smoother.
After burning all of our breakfast, we were starving. So we stopped at Jimmy Jack’s Rib Shack and Craft Bar for lunch.
After lunch we arrived at our last waterfall, Whangãrei Falls. This was a pretty popular waterfall. Not super crowded but a lot more people than most of the other waterfalls we went to. This one kind of reminded me of the Rainbow Falls waterfall. Some similarities but different.
Finished the day with dinner at Ship and Anchor in Orewa, New Zealand.
Day 11: Half Day/Flight
Last breakfast in New Zealand. We stopped at Calliope Road Café. A little different but good.
Before we went to the airport we stopped at Devonport Chocolates and got a few things then straight to the airport.
I will say it was a great trip. I do wish we could have visited a few places that we didn’t do but that’s ok. If I ever go back to the north island in New Zealand then I can try to get to those destinations.