8 days in North Island Itinerary

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.

On the 19th (Fri), learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Wellington Zoo, explore the activities along Oriental Bay, and then take an in-depth tour of Wellington Museum.

To see traveler tips, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read Wellington trip itinerary site .

The Route module shows you all the different ways you can get to Wellington. In April, daytime highs in Wellington are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 14°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 19th (Fri) to allow time to travel to New Plymouth.

Where other cities run, New Plymouth prefers to stroll.

Start off your visit on the 20th (Sat): take in the pleasant sights at New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, then stroll through Oakura Beach, then trek along Ratapihipihi Scenic Reserve Walk, and finally learn about wildlife with up-close encounters at Pukekura Park.

To see reviews, maps, other places to visit, and other tourist information, refer to the New Plymouth trip itinerary planner.

Fly from Wellington to New Plymouth in 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 20th (Sat) to allow time 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.

Kick off your visit on the 21st (Sun): tour the pleasant surroundings at Ruakuri Walk, Head underground at Caveworld, Head underground at Ruakuri Cave, then snap pictures at Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk, and finally take in the dramatic scenery at Marokopa Falls Walk.

To see more things to do, ratings, where to stay, and other tourist information, read our Waitomo Caves day trip planning app .

Traveling by car from New Plymouth to Waitomo Caves takes 2.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 21st (Sun) so you can go by car 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.

Explore hidden gems such as Happy Ewe Cycle Tours and Volcanic Hills Winery. Kids will enjoy Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park and Agrodome. There's much more to do: look for all kinds of wild species at Waimangu Volcanic Valley, explore the activities along Lake Rotorua, witness a stunning natural landmark at Kuirau Park, and relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour.

To find other places to visit, where to stay, reviews, and tourist information, go to the Rotorua itinerary maker .

Traveling by car from Waitomo Caves to Rotorua takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In April, daytime highs in Rotorua are 24°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 24th (Wed) to allow enough time to travel to Paihia.

The main tourist town in the Bay of Islands area, Paihia gives visitors a good range of accommodations, a convenient town center, long sandy beaches, and interesting architecture.

Kick off your visit on the 25th (Thu): see majestic marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour, then hike along Kororipo Pa Historic Walk, and then get a dose of the wild on a nature and wildlife tour. On the 26th (Fri), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: get interesting insight from Tours, then look for all kinds of wild species at Paihia Harbour, and then take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports.

Plan a Paihia trip in moments using our itinerary builder.

Do a combination of flight and taxi from Rotorua to Paihia in 4.5 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or drive. Cap off your sightseeing on the 26th (Fri) early enough to travel back home.