Central North Island Itinerary

We have put together a suggested itinerary for you to see the Central North Island including all the attractions in the area.

DAY 1 - Hamilton in the Waikato 

• Arrive in Hamilton and drive to Hamilton Zoo.
• Return to the city for lunch and a tour of the Waikato Museum of Art and History.
• Spend an hour or so strolling through Hamilton Gardens on the banks of the Waikato River.
• Take a dinner cruise aboard the paddle-boat the MV Waipa Delta.
• Stay overnight in Hamilton.
• Hamilton travel guide
• Hamilton accommodation
• Hamilton attractions

DAY 2 - Hamilton - Otorohanga - Waitomo - Rotorua

• Drive along State Highway 3 to Waitomo (55 minutes), stopping at Otorohanga for morning tea and a visit to the Otorohanga Kiwi House to see the native wildlife, including the kiwi and the rare tuatara.
• Call at the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.
• Head underground to view the caves, either a gentle punt through the caverns or one of the adventure options such as blackwater rafting or abseiling.
• Drive to Rotorua (30 minutes) to spend the night.
• Otorohanga travel guide
• Waitomo travel guide
• Rotorua travel guide
• Rotorua accommodation
• Rotorua attractions

DAY 3 - Rotorua

• Spend the day exploring the city's must-see attractions, including the New Zealand Maori Arts & Crafts Institute, Te Puia, geothermal areas, the Rotorua Museum and Rainbow Springs Nature Park and Kiwi Encounter.
• Take in a cultural show and hangi (Maori feast) or buffet dinner in Rotorua.
• Stay the night in Rotorua.
• Rotorua travel guide

DAY 4 - Rotorua - Mount Tarawera - Rotorua

• Take a half-day Mount Tarawera 4WD tour to this dormant volcano and enjoy a guided walk in and around the craters.
• Return to lunch in Rotorua before heading for an afternoon at Skyline Skyrides. Ride the gondola and luge before visiting the shooting gallery and shop.
• Dine at the Skyline restaurant.
• Spend the rest of the evening relaxing in the Polynesian Spa with its selection of thermal mineral springs.
• Spend the night in Rotorua.
• Rotorua travel guide

DAY 5 - Rotorua - Taupo

• Take a scenic plane or helicopter flight around the region over Mount Tarawera, Lake Taupo and the active marine volcano of White Island.
• Visit the fascinating Buried Village which was buried by the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886 and is now fully excavated.
• Lunch in Rotorua.
• Join one of the many whitewater rafting tours that traverse the Kaituna and Rangitaiki rivers. The Wairoa and Motu Rivers offer full or multi-day options. Or try jetboating with Rapids Jet.
• Drive to Taupo (1 hour) to dine.
• Call at the Taupo Hot Springs for an evening soak in the outdoor thermal pools.
• Stay the night in Taupo.
• Taupo travel guide
• Taupo accommodation
• Taupo attractions

DAY 6 - Taupo - Turangi

• Visit Huka Falls by foot, then see them from below with Huka Jet - known for its 360 degree spins.
• Call at the Volcanic Activity Centre to learn about the Taupo Volcanic Zone.
• Visit the neighbouring Prawn Park, the world's only geothermal prawn farm. Lunch here. Return to the lakefront where the adventurous can leap with Taupo Bungy or take a cruise on the lake.
• Drive to the Craters of the Moon thermal area (10 minutes) and take a stroll around the boardwalk (30 minutes).
• Drive to Turangi (45 minutes) and stay overnight here.
• Turangi travel guide
• Turangi accommodation
• Turangi attractions

DAY 7 - Turangi - Whakapapa - Turangi

• In summer tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, described as one of the best one day walks in New Zealand. In winter, head for a day's skiing just 45 minutes away at Whakapapa.
• Otherwise, stay at Turangi, the trout-fishing capital of the world, and hook a rainbow or brown trout or two.
• After a day's skiing or hiking, stay and dine at the Chateau Tongariro.
• Whakapapa travel guide
• Tongariro travel guide
• Turangi travel guide

DAY 8 - Turangi - Tongariro National Park - Wanganui - Waiouru - Taupo

• Continue along the scenic Volcanic Loop, which circles Tongariro National Park.
• The Volcanic Loop can be left at Tohunga Junction for those wishing to drive on to Wanganui or at Waiouru for those travelling by road to Wellington.
• Waiouru, with its excellent Army Museum Waiouru is a good stopover whether heading north or south.
• To complete the Volcanic Loop, return to Turangi. Drive a little further on State Highway 41 to Tokaanu, and enjoy a soak in the hot mineral springs.
• Return to Taupo.
• Tongariro National Park travel guide
• Waiouru travel guide
• Wanganui travel guide
• Taupo travel guide
• Taupo accommodation
• Taupo attractions

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