NEW ZEALAND - The North Island 5 or 9 Days

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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 biosecurity guidelines. Remember to declare all food items. <video>

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 encompasses more than 140 subtropical islands. It is known for its stunning scenery, golden beaches, big-game fishing, Maori culture and several historic towns. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations 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

Cape Reinga is considered the separation marker between the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean. From the lighthouse it is possible to watch the tidal race, as the two seas clash to create unsettled waters just off the coast.
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.

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 6

A entire day hiking the Alpine trail at Tongariro National Park.
Tongariro Park is a spectacular area with one of the world's best hiking trails, known as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
The “hike” is a 22-km (7-8 hrs.) ONE-WAY all-day event.
- Start at Mangatepopo car park and end at Ketetahi Car Park.
- Once you reach the end of the hike, Tongariro Crossing Shuttle services can be arranged to bring you back to the starting point.
  The trek is recommended for active physically fit individuals of any age.
- The best time for this inspiring hike is from November to April.
- The highest elevation on the alpine crossing is 1886 m. (6200 ft.)
- It rarely snows on the Tongariro Crossing during summer; however, there is still a high chance of cloud cover and a 50/50 chance of rain.
Always pack warm layers and a good waterproof layer as weather conditions can change quickly at the high altitudes on the hike.
Guided walks, canoeing and mountain biking are popular in the region.
Outfitters: Adrift Guided Outdoor Adventures or Adventure Outdoors.
Overnight: Chateau Tongariro Hotel.

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 on the prior day (Day 6), was NOT suitable for the Alpine Crossing Trek, then today can be another opportunity to conquer the hike.
Overnight: Chateau Tongariro Hotel.

DAY 8

Next stop is Wellington, NZ.
Start early and enjoy the rest of day relaxing in this vibrant capital city with its many great cafes & restaurants, boutiques, scenic harbor and excellent craft beer scene.
Things to do.
Overnight: Wellington
Distance:
- Tongariro Park --> Wellington 5 hrs. / 340 km.

DAY 9

Climate Guide:

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.

Sources:  wikipedia.org

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