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. Always declare any food you bring. <video>

Auckland airport International arrival:

<Learn more> <Map>

• A free terminal transfer bus service operates every 15 minutes between the 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   

• Arrive at Kerikeri airport (Bay of Islands) and transfer to your hotel.

  • Alternatively, you can drive from Auckland to Bay of Islands in approximately four (4) hours.

• The Bay of Islands is a sub-tropical paradise with lush native bush.

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

• Overnight: Paihia / Kerikeri region (2 nights)

DAY 2   

• The Bay of Islands includes over 140 subtropical islands. Famous for beautiful views, golden beaches, big-game fishing, Maori culture, and historic towns. It’s a top tourist spot in New Zealand.

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

• 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.

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 the tidal race where two seas meet and make rough 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 offers incredible views before descending into Sandy Bay and on to the Cape Reinga lighthouse. —-—You can park your car at the Tapotupotu beach car park and begin your hike up on the coastal track toward 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.

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

• Thrill seekers can try sandboarding.

DAY 5

• Depart Kerikeri airport for a short flight to Rotorua or Taupo, NZ.

  • 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 spoils plans, many visitors elect to take a 2-hr drive to Rotorua. <Learn more on Rotorua activities>

• If the weather was bad on Day 6 for the Alpine Crossing but is good today, you can try the hike now.

• Overnight: Chateau Tongariro Hotel.

• 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.