Before you go:

• Travel Adaptor - Type I

• Visa is required to travel to New Zealand - Apply online

• Travel Guide: Lonely Planet’s New Zealand North Island

• Download the All-Trails app on your smartphone. Essential for any trek in New Zealand.

• New Zealand has strict rules. Declare any food you bring.. <video>

✈️ Auckland airport International arrival:

<Learn more> <Map>

• A free shuttle runs every 15 minutes between Auckland International and Domestic terminals.
  The terminals are one (1) km apart.

• Alternatively, follow the sign posted walkway for a 10-minute walk between terminals. <Learn more>

 DAY 1   

• After arriving in Auckland, enjoy a short flight to Kerikeri and transfer to your hotel.

  • Choice: Drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands — about 4 hours.

• The Bay of Islands - a subtropical paradise with golden beaches and lush native bush. Its stunning scenery and more
  than 144 islands create an easy-to-reach water playground for boating, big-game fishing, sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more.

• The most popular towns to stay in are: <Paihia> <Russell> and <Kerikeri>           

• Overnight: Paihia / Kerikeri region (2 nights)

DAY 2   

• Enjoy a cruise in the “Bay of Islands” or experience an adventure from a bird’s eye view with air activities.  

• Sightseeing ideas.

• Relax and stroll around Paihia waterfront the rest of the day.

• Overnight: Paihia / Kerikeri region.

DAY 3

• Jump on a ferry to visit the small town of Russell.

• A great way to see the area is taking the Bay of Islands Walkway starting in Paihia.

• Route of Walkway: (full circle, 9 km)

  • 1. You start this walk in Paihia toward Opua on a well-maintained track, following the beach before entering a bush covered coastal walk. 

  • 2. From here you catch the car ferry to Okiato and start on the Okiato to Russell walkway, which follows the coastline into Russell.

  • 3. After exploring Russell, catch the ferry back to Paihia.

• It’s a great walk with enjoyable views-plus two ferry rides! It’s a 4.5-hour walk.

• Overnight: Mangonui (2 nights)

• Distance:  Paihia ---> Mangonui, 1 hr.

• Summary of how the 3 towns compare to each other:

  1. The Main Hub: Paihia is the tourist hub and "gateway" to the Bay of Islands, though not the largest town.

  Activity hub: Paihia - stay here if you want to be where things happen.

  Wharf: Most island cruises and fishing charters depart from Paihia Wharf..

  Convenience: Most hotels, hostels, cafes, and tour operators are located here.

  Walkability: Waitangi Treaty Grounds: ~25-minute walk; passenger ferries to Russell depart here..

  2. The Commercial Center: Kerikeri

  Paihia is the tourist hub; Kerikeri is the largest town..

  The vibe: more of a lived-in town with big supermarkets, a domestic airport, and a lively arts and orchard scene.

  Location: About a 20-minute drive inland from Paihia. Good for Rainbow Falls and the historic Stone Store—
  not good for beachfront holiday vibe.

  3. The Historic Gem: Russell. The town sits directly across the water from Paihia..

  Vibe: Quieter, more romantic, and pricier. New Zealand’s first capital with a well-preserved 19th-century feel.

  Access: a 15-minute ferry from Paihia. Many stay in Paihia for convenience but dine in Russell in the evenings.

DAY 4   

• Venture to Cape Reinga - the north westernmost tip of New Zealand. <Learn more>

• Cape Reinga is considered the separation marker between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. From the lighthouse, you can see where two currents meet and churn the water near the shore.

• Cape Reinga Lighthouse is within the Te Paki Recreation Reserve. The Reserve is home to native plants, walking tracks and recreation opportunities.

• One of the most popular walks is the Tapotupotu Bay to Cape Reinga trek.

  • Starting at Tapotupotu Bay, this track gives great coastal views, then drops down to Sandy Bay and continues to the Cape Reinga lighthouse. Park at Tapotupotu Beach car park and start the hike to Cape Reinga lighthouse. Distance: 5 km ( 3 miles) each way; Duration: 5 hrs. RT

  • Directions: heading north, turn off State Hwy 1, (2 km before the
    Cape Reinga Lighthouse car park) onto Tapotupotu Road and follow signposts approximately 3 km on gravel road to Tapotupotu Bay.
    GPS coordinate: 34°26'27.9"S 172°42'04.1"E

  • <Trail Map> of Cape Reinga Coastal Walkway.

• Another pleasant walk is the Cape Reinga Lighthouse trail. A easy 2 km (1 mile) round trip path to the Lighhouse.

  • Directions: drive to the end of State Hwy 1 North. A car park is located at the trailhead.

• Thrill seekers can try sandboarding.

DAY 5

• Short flight from Kerikeri to Rotorua or Taupō.

  • Book all domestic flights with Air New Zealand.

• Upon arrival at Rotorua or Taupo, transfer to Tongariro National Park.

• Overnight: Chateau Tongariro Hotel - Whakapapa Village. <map> (3 nights)

  This hotel makes for a perfect base because of its proximity to the Tongariro Alpine Trail starting point. <Map>

• Distance: 

  Mangonui to Kerikeri airport. 45 minutes.

  Rotorua airport to hotel. 2:15 hr.

  Taupo airport to hotel. 1:15 hr.                                                  

DAY 7   

• Continue to explore the various activities at Tongariro National Park.  ⛈️ If bad weather ruins plans, many visitors drive two hours to Rotorua. <Read about Rotorua activities>

• 💡 If Day 6’s weather was bad but it’s good now, you can try the Alpine Crossing today.

• Overnight: Skotel Alpine Resort or The Park Hotel (Night 2 of 2)

• Historical Weather Data-click here.

• During the months of December through March, you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures.

• Most rainfall (rainy season) is seen in May through August.

• The warmest months are January and February.

• The coolest months are July and August.

• Sunrise/Sunset time.