2-Day Road Trip Itinerary – North Island

Day 1: Coromandel Peninsula Exploration

Day 1 is filled with scenic drives, natural wonders, and coastal exploration, including the unique experience of uncovering your hot pool at Hot Water Beach and basking in the beauty of Cathedral Cove.

Morning:

• Start in Auckland: Your adventure commences in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. From here, you’ll leave behind the cityscape and head toward the wonders of nature.
• Breakfast at a Local Cafe: Fuel up for your day of exploration with a hearty breakfast at a local cafe, setting the tone for your road trip.
• Drive to Coromandel Peninsula (Distance: 175 km, Approx. 2.5 hours): As you hit the road, you’ll be treated to picturesque coastal views on your journey to the Coromandel Peninsula.
• Explore Cathedral Cove (Distance: 10 km, Approx. 20 minutes from Coromandel Town): Dive into the natural beauty of Cathedral Cove with its crystal-clear waters and impressive rock formations. Make sure to check the tide schedule for the best beach access.

Afternoon:

• Visit Hot Water Beach (Distance: 37 km, Approx. 45 minutes from Cathedral Cove): Experience the unique phenomenon of Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own hot pool in the sand. You can rent a spade or bring your own for this memorable activity.
• Lunch at the Beach: Revel in a beachside picnic for lunch, relishing the coastal surroundings of the Coromandel Peninsula.
• Drive to Tauranga (Distance: 108 km, Approx. 1.5 hours from Hot Water Beach): Continue your journey to Tauranga, a coastal city offering its own share of natural beauty.

Evening:

• Explore Mount Maunganui (Distance: 13 km, Approx. 20 minutes from Tauranga): Ascend Mount Maunganui for a hike that rewards you with panoramic views of the area, a perfect way to conclude your first day.
• Dinner in Tauranga: Satisfy your appetite with a delectable dinner at a local restaurant in Tauranga, where you can savor regional flavors.
• Overnight in Tauranga: Choose from various accommodations to spend the night in Tauranga, ensuring you’re well-rested for the adventures awaiting you on Day 2.

Day 2: Rotorua and Taupo Adventure

On the second day of your North Island road trip, you’ll explore the geothermal wonders and cultural richness of Rotorua before heading to the picturesque town of Taupo. Get ready for an exciting day filled with natural beauty and cultural experiences.

Day 2 presents you with the best of Rotorua’s geothermal wonders, Maori culture, and a serene walk through a Redwood forest. Your journey ends in Taupo, where you can marvel at Huka Falls and savor a delicious lakeside dinner.

Morning:

• Start in Rotorua: Begin your day in Rotorua, renowned for its geothermal attractions and Maori culture.
• Breakfast: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your accommodation in Rotorua, preparing for an exciting day of exploration.
• Explore Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland: Discover the otherworldly landscapes and vividly colorful thermal pools at Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, a geological marvel that’s approximately 30 minutes from Rotorua.

Afternoon:

• Lunch in Rotorua: Satisfy your midday hunger with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Rotorua, where you can try Maori-inspired dishes.
• Visit Te Puia, a Maori cultural center: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Maori people at Te Puia, where you can witness traditional performances, geysers, and an insight into their way of life. This experience is right in Rotorua.
• Explore the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest: Take a peaceful walk amidst the towering Redwood trees at Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest, a serene and tranquil experience that’s right in Rotorua.
• Drive to Taupo (Distance: 81 km, Approx. 1 hour): Set off on your journey to Taupo, enjoying a picturesque drive along Lake Taupo for captivating views.

Evening:

• Explore Huka Falls (Distance: 10 km, Approx. 15 minutes from Taupo): Marvel at the awe-inspiring Huka Falls, a natural wonder where the Waikato River narrows and rushes through a rock chasm. Get up close to witness its power.
• Visit the Taupo Museum (Distance: 3 km, Approx. 5 minutes from Huka Falls): Explore the intriguing Taupo Museum to learn about the history, culture, and heritage of the region.
• Dinner at a Lakeside Restaurant: As the day winds down, savor a delightful dinner at a lakeside restaurant in Taupo, enjoying a meal with views of Lake Taupo and the serene sunset.
• Overnight in Taupo: Spend the night in Taupo, selecting from various accommodations that offer lakefront views and a peaceful night’s rest.

Note: In this short trip, you can finish spending the evening and night in Taupo, unless you prefer to return to Auckland the same day. The distance to drive from Taupo to Auckland is 270 km, an approximate time of 3h 30 min of driving.