31 days in Hamilton & Waikato Region, Palmerston North & Rotorua Itinerary

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

You'll find plenty of places to visit near Hamilton: Te Awamutu Space Centre (in Kihikihi), Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari (in Pukeatua) and Hobbiton Movie Set (in Hinuera). There's lots more to do: admire the natural beauty at Hamilton Gardens, steep yourself in history at Sapper Horace Moore-Jones commemorative statue, test your team's savvy at popular escape rooms, and learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Hamilton Zoo.

Use Klarna Trips's suggestions to plan your Hamilton trip and find the best activities and attractions for your vacation.

Auckland to Hamilton is an approximately 1.5-hour car ride. You can also take a bus; or take a train. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 6th (Fri) so you can 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: explore the fascinating underground world of Waitomo Glowworm Caves, get outside with Waitomo Clay Birds, take in the dramatic scenery at Marakopa Falls, and get interesting insight from Tours.

To see reviews, ratings, more things to do, and more tourist information, read our Waitomo Caves holiday tool.

You can drive from Hamilton to Waitomo Caves in 1.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 10th (Tue) to allow enough time to drive to Palmerston North.

Palmerston North is a city in the North Island of New Zealand and the seat of the Manawatu-Wanganui region. You'll find plenty of places to visit near Palmerston North: Whanganui (Whanganui War Memorial Centre, Bason Botanic Gardens, &more), Wellington (Wellington Botanic Garden, Wellington Museum, &more) and Masterton (Mount Bruce Pioneer Museum & Pukaha National Wildlife Centre). There's much more to do: indulge in some personalized pampering at Your Essential Wellbeing, identify plant and animal life at Tweeters and Friends Petshop and Parrot Park, admire the natural beauty at Dugald MacKenzie rose breeding centre, and go for a walk through Walking Bridge.

To find maps, ratings, other places to visit, and more tourist information, use the Palmerston North holiday maker.

You can drive from Waitomo Caves to Palmerston North in 4.5 hours. In October, plan for daily highs up to 15°C, and evening lows to 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Thu) so you can drive to Rotorua.

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.

Change things up with these side-trips from Rotorua: Pihanga Art Gallery (in Turangi) and Taupo (Helicopter Tours, Adrenaline & Extreme Tours, &more). Next up on the itinerary: kick your exploration up a notch at some of the top local zipline courses and adventure parks, witness a stunning natural landmark at Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, look for all kinds of wild species at Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park, and take a memorable tour with Tours.

To plan Rotorua vacation without wasting time, ask Klarna Trips to design an itinerary.

Getting from Palmerston North to Rotorua by car takes about 4.5 hours. Expect somewhat warmer weather when traveling from Palmerston North in October: highs in Rotorua hover around 21°C, while lows dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 31st (Tue) early enough to fly back home.