8 days in New Zealand Itinerary

The largest and most populous city in New Zealand, Auckland combines a rich history and thriving contemporary culture in an abundance of museums, art galleries, and performance venues.

Auckland is known for nature, museums, nightlife, parks, and zoos & aquariums. Your plan includes some of its best attractions: take in panoramic vistas at Sky Tower, don't miss a visit to Viaduct Harbour, get impressive views of Mount Eden, and learn about all things military at Auckland Museum.

To see photos, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, you can read our Auckland online day trip planner .

March in Auckland sees daily highs of 22°C and lows of 22°C at night. Cap off your sightseeing on the 10th (Sun) early enough to go by car to Rotorua.

Surrounded by lakes and featuring impressive areas of geothermal landscape, the city of Rotorua offers an otherwordly landscape and a welcoming, peaceful environment, with the culture of the native Maori people very much in the foreground.

Start off your visit on the 14th (Thu): admire the sheer force of Huka Falls tracks, stop by Huka Honey Hive, and then take in the natural beauty of Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland. On the 15th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: boost your wellbeing at a local thermal spa, witness a stunning natural landmark at Te Puia, then view the masterpieces at New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, and finally take in the architecture and atmosphere at St. Faith's Anglican Church.

To see where to stay and tourist information, read Rotorua trip itinerary website .

Traveling by car from Auckland to Rotorua takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. When traveling from Auckland in March, plan for somewhat warmer days in Rotorua, with highs around 26°C, while nights are slightly colder with lows around 18°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 16th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel to Whakatane.

Enjoy the atmosphere and architecture of 1930s design in Napier, one of the best-preserved Art Deco cities in the world.

Keep things going the next day: look for all kinds of wild species at Cape Kidnappers, then take in the pleasant sights at Karituwhenua Stream Walkway, and then take in the awesome beauty at Te Mata Peak.

For maps, other places to visit, where to stay, and tourist information, refer to the Napier trip itinerary tool .

Drive from Rotorua to Napier in 3 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 15th (Fri) to allow time to travel to New Plymouth.

Where other cities run, New Plymouth prefers to stroll.

On the 14th (Thu), go for a walk through New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. On the next day, take in the awesome beauty at Mount Taranaki.

To find reviews, maps, and other tourist information, use the New Plymouth day trip site .

You can fly from Napier to New Plymouth in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of bus and flight. You will have some time to spend on the 17th (Sun) before leaving for home.