11 days in North Island 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.

For where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Auckland trip itinerary planner.

Melbourne, Australia to Auckland is an approximately 7-hour flight. Traveling from Melbourne to Auckland, you'll lose 2 hours due to the time zone difference. Expect a bit warmer evenings in Auckland when traveling from Melbourne in June, with lows around 15°C. You will leave for Russell on the 29th (Thu).

Russell, formerly known as Kororāreka, was the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand. Start off your visit on the 29th (Thu): surround yourself with nature on Russell Nature Walks, see the interesting displays at Russell Museum, discover the deep blue sea with Northland Dive, then trek along Tapeka Point Track, and finally get up close to creatures of the deep with a dolphin and whale watching tour.

To see maps, traveler tips, reviews, and more tourist information, use the Russell trip app.

Traveling by car from Auckland to Russell takes 4 hours. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 30th (Fri) so you can go by car to Hinuera.

Hinuera's claim to fame is Hobbiton, the setting for the shires in the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies by New Zealand director Peter Jackson.

On the 30th (Fri), take in the dramatic scenery at Huka Falls.

For more things to do, ratings, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read our Hinuera trip itinerary planning website.

You can drive from Russell to Hinuera in 5.5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 18°C in June, and nighttime lows around 9°C. You will leave for Rotorua on the 1st (Sat).

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 1st (Sat): catch some excitement at 3D Trick Art Gallery, take in a show at Matariki Hangi & Maori Cultural Performance, and then relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas. Keep things going the next day: view the masterpieces at Tauranga Art Gallery, stroll through Papamoa Beach, and then take in the exciting artwork at New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

To see other places to visit, more things to do, traveler tips, and other tourist information, refer to the Rotorua itinerary app.

Getting from Hinuera to Rotorua by car takes about an hour. Other options: drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. In July, plan for daily highs up to 17°C, and evening lows to 7°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 3rd (Mon) early enough to drive to Waitomo Caves.

Head deep beneath the surface of the earth at Waitomo Caves, a village and cave system that draws both extreme sports enthusiasts and those wanting something a little more relaxed.

On the 3rd (Mon), Head underground at Footwhistle Glowworm Cave and then explore the fascinating underground world of Caveworld.

Take the guesswork out of planning a Waitomo Caves vacation by using our trip itinerary maker.

You can drive from Rotorua to Waitomo Caves in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 4th (Tue) so you can go by car to Tongariro National Park.

Tongariro National Park has a long history of preserving New Zealand's pristine alpine landscape.

Start off your visit on the 4th (Tue): admire the sheer force of Mangawhero Falls, explore the wealth of natural beauty at Te Porere Redoubt, and then hike along Rotopounamu Track.

To see reviews, where to stay, ratings, and more tourist information, use the Tongariro National Park road trip planning site.

You can drive from Waitomo Caves to Tongariro National Park in 2.5 hours. Other options are to take a bus; or do a combination of taxi and train. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Tue) to allow time to drive to Waikanae.

Waikanae is a small town on New Zealand's Kapiti Coast. On the 5th (Wed), head off the coast to Kapiti Island, examine the collection at Kapiti Coast Museum, then enjoy the sand and surf at Peka Peka Beach, and finally look for gifts at Reikorangi Pottery & Cafe.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, more things to do, and more tourist information, refer to the Waikanae travel itinerary planner.

Traveling by car from Tongariro National Park to Waikanae takes 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive. Expect a daytime high around 14°C in July, and nighttime lows around 8°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 5th (Wed) early enough to drive to Wellington.

Wellington, the world's southernmost capital city and New Zealand's second most populous urban area, combines the nation's rugged history and nature with its modern and cosmopolitan present.

Start off your visit on the 6th (Thu): see the sky in a new way at Space Place at Carter Observatory and then explore the different monuments and memorials at Bolton Street Cemetery. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the 7th (Fri): tour the pleasant surroundings at Days Bay.

To see photos, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Wellington day trip planning website.

Traveling by car from Waikanae to Wellington takes an hour. Alternatively, you can drive. In July in Wellington, expect temperatures between 14°C during the day and 8°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 7th (Fri) to allow enough time to travel back home.