New Zealand is a beautiful country. Because of its geographical features, you get to explore the sea and the mountains almost everywhere you go. Your eyes get to feast on blues and greens throughout the duration of your visit.

Last October, with family members visiting from different parts of the globe, we were given the chance to show them a portion of New Zealand’s hidden gems by going on a 6-day tour around the North Island. Our itinerary was simple. We wanted them to experience and appreciate what New Zealand has to offer even just within a short span of time. Furthermore, it was designed to ensure that the drivers (especially those from overseas) didn’t get exhausted. Thus, there was a maximum travel time of approximately 2.5 hours per destination.

The 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1:

• Destination/s:
  • Matakana Farmer’s Market – 2 Matakana Valley Road, Matakana
  • Goat Island – Goat Island Road Leigh

Day 2:

• Destination/s:
  • Hamilton Gardens (1hr 30min from Auckland) – Hungerford Crescent, Hamilton
  • Hobbiton ( 1hr drive from Hamilton Gardens) – 501 Buckland Road, Hinuera, Matamata
  • Rotorua (1hr drive from Hobbiton)

• Accommodation/s:
  • Paradise Valley Lodge – 1099 Paradise Valley Road, RD2, Ngongotaha Rotorua

Day 3:

• Activities:
  • Waimangu Thermal Valley And Lake Rotomahana Boat Cruise
    Address: 587 Waimangu Road Off SH5
  • Skyline Rotorua
    Address: Fairy Springs Road

Day 4:

• Activities:
  • Polynesian Spa
  • Agrodome
• Destination/s:
  • Tongariro National Park (1 hr 45mins)
• Accommodation/s:
  • The Park Hotel | 2/6 Millar Street National Park | 078922748

Day 5:

• Activities:
  • Trail Walk to Taranaki Falls
  • Whakapapa Ski Field Stopover (Snow ball fight)

Day 6:

• Destination/s:
  • Waitomo Glow Worm Caves (2 hrs)
  • Auckland (2.5hrs drive from Waitomo)
• Restaurant/s:
  • Huhu Cafe