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Summary

Embark on an unforgettable road trip through New Zealand, exploring Auckland's urban charm, the rugged beauty of Muriwai Beach, the scenic Coromandel Peninsula, and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Experience the therapeutic Polynesian Spa, the majestic Huka Falls in Taupo, and much more.

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Begin your New Zealand adventure by arriving in Auckland, collecting your rental car, and preparing for the journey ahead.

Auckland Airport

Your entry point into New Zealand, where you'll pick up your rental car.

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Tips

Consider resting after your flight to recover and start fresh for the road trip.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +64 9 275 0789
🌐   Website: https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/
📍   Address: Ray Emery Drive, Māngere, Auckland 2022, New Zealand
🔗   Profiles: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram X (Twitter)

Day 2: Exploring Auckland

Discover Auckland's beauty by visiting the city and driving to Muriwai Beach for an evening of stunning sunsets and natural landscapes.

Muriwai Beach

Muriwai Beach is a rugged and picturesque coastal gem, renowned for its natural beauty and the impressive colony of Gannet birds that call it home between August and March. The beach, just 40 minutes away from Auckland, offers a stark wild beauty that never fails to captivate visitors. The forces of nature are on full display here, with huge waves crashing against the rocks while nesting birds rest on clifftops, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. The dramatic coastline of Muriwai Beach is especially breathtaking during sunset, offering a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

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Tips

For an unforgettable experience, make sure to visit Muriwai Beach during sunset to witness the coastline bathed in the warm hues of the evening sun. Both entry and parking are free, making it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for travelers.

🚗 Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua

  • Drive to Rotorua via the scenic Coromandel Peninsula, making stops at Cathedral Cove and Tairua before reaching Rotorua for a restful night.

🏞️ Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula, located at the eastern corner of the North Island, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, boasting spectacular beaches and lush woodlands. The highlight of this region is the world-renowned Cathedral Cove, a breathtaking cerulean beach framed by volcanic rocks, offering a serene and picturesque setting for visitors to explore.

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Tips

Leave Auckland early in the morning to make the most of your day and enjoy a leisurely picnic along the way. Take the time to immerse yourself in the beauty of the beaches and woodlands, savoring the tranquility and natural splendor that the Coromandel Peninsula has to offer.

🌋 Day 4: Geothermal Wonders of Rotorua

Explore Rotorua's geothermal areas, including Hell's Gate and Wai-o-tapu, to witness the Earth's thermal activity up close.

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🌋 Hell's Gate

Hell's Gate is a dramatic geothermal reserve with bubbling springs, volcanic mud pools, and steaming fumaroles. The heat source being close to the Earth's surface creates an otherworldly landscape, with highly acidic Sulphur baths and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hot waterfall. The temperature of the pools ranges from 40 degrees Celsius to a whopping 145 degrees, offering a mesmerizing display of nature's forces.

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Tips

Wear sturdy shoes to explore the reserve and consider indulging in the unique experience of taking a dip in the adjoining mud baths, which are believed to have healing properties.

🌋 Wai-o-tapu

Wai-o-tapu, also known as a Thermal Wonderland, is a captivating site featuring colorful pools, steaming geysers, and dreamy white terraces. The Artist’s Palette, a large pool deftly colored in shades of blue, green, yellow, and orange by naturally-occurring minerals, offers a mesmerizing spectacle that changes with water levels, wind direction, and sunlight. The adjoining Champagne Pool, with its vibrant greens, oranges, and metallic outlines, presents a surreal formation straight out of a postcard.

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Tips

Arrive early to avoid crowds and witness the vibrant Artist’s Palette at its most enchanting, as the intensity of the colors keeps changing throughout the day.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +64 7 366 6333
🌐   Website: http://www.waiotapu.co.nz/
🕒   Hours: See hours
📍   Address: 201 Waiotapu Loop Road, Rotorua 3073, New Zealand
🔗   Profiles: YouTube Facebook X (Twitter)

🌋 Day 5: Rotorua's Free Attractions

  • Enjoy Rotorua's free attractions, including Ohinemutu and Kuirau Park, and relax at the Polynesian Spa.

🏞️ Polynesian Spa

The Polynesian Spa in Rotorua is a legendary spa known for its therapeutic hot pools, which are said to alleviate aches and pains. The spa also features alkaline pools with reputed antiseptic properties, believed to promote ageless beauty.

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Tips

Rent a private pool at the Polynesian Spa for a more intimate and rejuvenating experience. The cost is NZD 27 per person for 30 minutes.

Travel Information
📞   Phone: +64 7 348 1328
🌐   Website: https://www.polynesianspa.co.nz/
🕒   Hours: See hours
⏳   Typical duration: 1-2 hours
📍   Address: 1000 Hinemoa Street, Lakeside, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
🔗   Profiles: YouTube LinkedIn Facebook Instagram

Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo

Drive to Taupo, exploring the Thermal Explorer Highway and the stunning Huka Falls.

Huka Falls

Huka Falls is a mesmerizing display of nature's power, where the Waikato River narrows from 100 meters to just 15 meters, creating a thundering waterfall that will leave you in awe. The vibrant turquoise waters contrast against the surrounding lush greenery, making it a photographer's paradise.

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Tips

Take advantage of the free entry and parking to spend some time at the various scenic viewpoints overlooking the falls. For those seeking a bit of activity, embark on the pleasant 1-hour walk around the falls, immersing yourself in the beauty of the cascading waters and the surrounding landscape.

Travel Information
🌐   Website: https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/huka-falls/
📍   Address: Wairakei, Taupō 3384, New Zealand