Ultimate New Zealand Adventure: 12-Day Itinerary Exploring North Island
I’m thrilled to share my exciting 12-day New Zealand itinerary, a stunning journey through this breathtaking destination with my big, wonderful family of 11! Our adventure kicked off on March 24 and continued until April 10, 2024—a trip meticulously planned the previous November.
To add some extra magic to our journey, we booked our flights via Singapore Airlines and seized their incredible layover benefits, taking advantage of a delightful three-day stay in Singapore before heading down under. Imagine savoring fragrant street food at Hawker centers or exploring Sentosa Island’s thrilling rides during our enchanting Singapore layover itinerary!
After arriving in Auckland well-rested from adventures abroad and charming hospitality at VR Auckland Hotel—which I highly recommend as one among budget hotels in Auckland—we plunged right into exploring both verdant landscapes and vibrant city life across New Zealand's North Island. From exhilarating hikes along rugged coastlines making it an ideal option for travelers seeking a brief stopover.
Exploring New Zealand’s North Island
Our New Zealand itinerary kicked off with our family rendezvousing at Singapore Airport. From there, we flew to Auckland, arriving late at night. We stayed at the budget-friendly VR Auckland Hotel, as our plans kept us mostly outdoors
Day 1 in Auckland: Waiheke Island Wine Tour
For those planning a delightful day trip from Auckland to Waiheke Island, the Fullers passenger ferry, affectionately known as the “Walk-Up” ferry, is your best bet for an unforgettable journey! As you set sail from either the bustling Auckland or charming Devonport ferry terminals, you'll immediately be enveloped in stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf. The round trip will only set you back NZ$55 when booked online—a steal compared to the NZ$59.50 at the terminal! It's wise to check the Waiheke Island ferry schedule and aim for that perfect 10am departure; arriving an hour early ensures you sidestep any long queues and snag a prime seat on deck. In around 40-45 minutes—depending on whether your adventure includes a stopover in Devonport—you'll find yourself soaking up all that Waiheke has to offer. Travel tips? Grab your tickets through Fullers ferry booking ahead of time for smooth sailing, and don't forget your camera—the scenery is simply breathtaking!
Please take note that the Fuller’s “Walk-up” ferry is not the same as the Fuller’s “Waiheke Reserve” ferry which is a new service where seats can be pre-booked. The Waiheke Reserve is a more expensive option, with a ticket price of NZ$95 for a return trip. It only departs at 9:00 am or 11:00 am and the return trip is scheduled at 4:00 pm or 6:00 pm.
Island Direct Ferry is a newly launched service that offers seat pre-booking for a round trip of NZ$50. To reserve a seat, kindly visit the follow The ferry sets off at 9.15am or 9.45am, depending on the day of the week. Upon arrival at the Matiatia ferry terminal on Waiheke Island, they will pick you up at exactly 10.30am. They will drop you off at 3.40pm, just in time for the 4.30pm or 5.00pm Island Direct ferry..,
We booked the Island Direct Ferry.
A beautiful 12 seater van was waiting for us to explore the island.Island was so beautiful and we drove to our 1st stop:Casita miro ,we tasted like 6 types of wines and all were great.
We then headed to the lunch place with great wine and views:Batch winery,one can just take a bottle of wine and enjoy the whole day there itself with great food but we needed to head to our 2nd wine yard with a scenic view:Postage stamp wines ,again they served the best Rose wine,I loved it.
After appreciating the wines we headed to our last stop and the winery with the most beautiful view :The Cable way wine tours,truely amazing views.
We were happy high and on our way back to rest at our hotel for another early start,walk from the modern streets of Auckland
I highly recommend this wine tour to all and rate it
Day 2: Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, and Rotorua Sights
At the break of dawn, our adventure began with a luxurious 12-seater Mercedes van tour that whisked us from our hotel in Auckland at 7 AM. The gentle hum of the engine was a comforting backdrop as we journeyed toward the stunning Waitomo Caves, arriving around 11 AM eager with anticipation. Stepping into this natural wonder, we were entranced by the ethereal sight of glistening glow worms illuminating the dark caverns—an experience truly unique to the Waitomo Caves. While I personally rated this enchanting Waitomo Caves tour perhaps owing to my preference for more interactive experiences—the ambiance and intrigue might resonate beautifully with others drawn to such wonders. With an admission cost of NZ$75 per person, it offered a deep dive into nature's artistry hidden beneath New Zealand's surface.
Soon after bidding farewell to this remarkable underground world, we set off for Te Puia in Rotorua—a gem renowned for its vibrant Te Puia Maori culture and breathtaking geothermal marvels. As we indulged in a delightful Te Puia Rotorua lunch, enjoying panoramic vistas that stretched across lush landscapes punctuated by steaming geysers and bubbling mud pools, it quickly became clear why many regard this stop as a highlight of their travels; I myself awarded it an impressive rating of
despite its NZ$125 admission fee per person!
We reached our hotel in Rotorua at Hotel VR Lake Resort, Rotorua.It has a jaw dropping backyard with a private lake.
Day 3: Agrodome, Hell’s Gate, and Redwoods Tree Walk
My Agrodome experience was truly unforgettable, offering a delightful encounter with the charming Agrodome Llamas and Alpacas, a highlight of my exploration into Agrodome farm life. It showcased the whimsical personality of these furry companions and allowed us to engage in hands-on activities that ignited our love for agriculture.
Following this adventure, we headed to Hell’s Gate, where indulgence awaited with its rejuvenating mud baths and exquisite sulphur baths nestled within nature's embrace. The stunning views paired with scenic hikes which had an admission cost of NZ$105 per person—an essential choice among all the exciting Rotorua activities.
As evening fell, we ventured onto the much-talked-about Redwoods Treewalk, initially buzzing with anticipation but ultimately found myself underwhelmed; I’d give it a good rating based on my personal assessment despite the entry fee being around NZ$37 per person—a sentiment echoed in several Redwoods Treewalk reviews. While it entertained the kids momentarily, many may prefer to discover other compelling things to do in Rotorua instead!
Day 4: Hobbiton Movie Set Tour
Experience the enchanting world of Middle-earth at the Hobbiton Movie Set, nestled in the heart of Waikato. Step into a realm where fantasy breathes life among the verdant pastures of the Shire, so meticulously crafted for The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film trilogies that you’ll feel as though you've walked straight out of your favorite scenes. As you embark on a Hobbiton tour Waikato, be prepared to uncover an array of Hobbiton attractions that captivate even the most passionate fans. Marvel at how acclaimed director Sir Peter Jackson was mesmerized by this idyllic Alexander family sheep farm, which serves as both a backdrop to stunning landscapes—complete with majestic Kaimai Ranges looming like ancient guardians—and a bustling movie set alive with history and charm.On your picturesque bus ride through this cinematic wonderland, every twist and turn reveals breathtaking views while setting the stage for what lies ahead. Your dedicated guide will lead you on an engaging walking tour, showcasing essential Shire locations from Lord of the Rings while unraveling priceless Hobbiton filming secrets behind those iconic moments captured on screen. As you wander amid vibrant Hobbit Hole doors, each distinctively painted and irresistibly inviting, catch glimpses into Bag End—the cherished home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins—as well as exploring Bagshot Row, offering an insider’s perspective into daily Hobbit life within these charming abodes.
Your journey continues along quaint pathways to The Millhouse and over a double-arch stone bridge, leading to the iconic Green Dragon Inn. Here, savor a complimentary exclusive beverage from the Hobbit Southfarthing range, capping off your own Middle-earth adventure. Enjoy a delightful lunch at Hobbiton, known for its exquisite taste.
Two intriguing anecdotes from the Hobbiton tour include
1. During the filming of Bilbo’s Birthday Party scene, where Hobbits celebrate with joyous revelry, the sequence was shot over four days. To ensure the actors stayed cheerful and performed well, a specially brewed beer with only 0.5% alcohol was provided, unbeknownst to the actors, allowing them to drink merrily without the effects of a hangover.
2. A prominent feature on the set is a tree meticulously constructed from aluminum, steel, and other materials, creating a stunning visual that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The tree is intentionally not identified beforehand to enhance your discovery experience, challenging you to discern its artificial nature.
The tour costs approximately NZ$125 per adult, and I give it a rating of , noting that those not as enthusiastic about the film series might not fully appreciate the creative efforts of the team.
