11 days in Waikato Region Itinerary

On the banks of the Waikato River lies Hamilton, a pretty, active city on North Island.

On the 5th (Wed), walk around Hamilton Gardens and then test your problem-solving skills at popular escape rooms. Here are some ideas for day two: examine the collection at Waikato Museum, make a trip to Hobbiton Movie Set, and then stroll through Te Awa The Great New Zealand River Ride.

To see photos, traveler tips, and more tourist information, go to the Hamilton trip planner.

Brisbane, Australia to Hamilton is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time to New Zealand Standard Time is 2 hours. Cap off your sightseeing on the 6th (Thu) early enough to go by car 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.

Waitomo Caves is known for nature, adventure, and trails. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: Head underground at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, head outdoors with Waitomo Clay Birds, relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour, and hike along Ruakuri Walk.

To see ratings, traveler tips, photos, and other tourist information, go to the Waitomo Caves trip itinerary site.

Traveling by car from Hamilton to Waitomo Caves takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 9th (Sun) so you can go by car to Taupo.

The resort town of Taupo lies on the banks of Lake Taupo, the largest body of water in the whole of Australasia.

Taupo is known for nature, theme parks, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: stroll through Huka Falls Walkway, let little ones run wild at Huka Prawn Park, get some thrills on the water with a speed boat tour, and contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Taupo.

For where to stay, photos, and more tourist information, read Taupo trip planner.

You can drive from Waitomo Caves to Taupo in 2 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 13th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Whitianga.

Whitianga is a town on the Coromandel Peninsula, in the Waikato Region of New Zealand's North Island. Kick off your visit on the 14th (Fri): take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then take in the waterfront at Ferry Landing Wharf, and then indulge in some personalized pampering at The Lost Spring. Here are some ideas for day two: kick back and relax at Hot Water Beach and then hike along Cathedral Cove Walk.

To find traveler tips, photos, and tourist information, use the Whitianga planner.

You can drive from Taupo to Whitianga in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and flight; or do a combination of flight and shuttle. In April, daytime highs in Whitianga are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 15th (Sat) early enough to travel back home.