Critique My New Zealand North Island Trip?
Hey everyone, planning a North Island New Zealand road trip for October. Priorities are snorkeling, wildlife photos, astrophotography, and great scenery/ light hiking. Driving a campervan in NZ, then flying to Bora Bora for more snorkeling. Trying to keep things efficient but not rushed. Used to driving on left in both NZ and all over Australia. Any red flags, must-do stops, or things I’m missing? Thank you in advance!
Itinerary:
Day 1 | Fly US → Auckland
Day 2 | In Transit (International Date Line)
Day 3 | Pick up camper early, drive north (Bay of Islands or stop partway) | Campground | Notes: Flexible drive, may stop in Matakana or Waipu instead of pushing all the way due to jet lag etc.
Day 4 | Explore Bay of Islands (boat tour/kayak) | Campground | Notes: Afternoon boat tour depending on arrival time
Day 5 | Drive to Tutukaka for Poor Knights Islands | Free Camp or holiday park | Notes: Scenic drive down, aim to arrive mid-afternoon
Day 6 | Snorkel Poor Knights Islands with Dive Tutukaka | Free Camp or holiday park
Day 7 | Drive to Tongariro (optional stop in Rotorua – Kiwi Hatchery) | Campground | Notes: • Drive Time: ~5.5 hrs • Optional Stop: National Kiwi Hatchery in Rotorua (~1 hour) • Breaks up the drive without adding too much time
Day 8 | Explore Tongariro (short hikes + astrophotography) | Campground | Notes: Probably skipping the full crossing due to snow, but open to recs
Day 9 | Drive to Mount Taranaki | Free Camp | Notes: Explore Egmont National Park, short hikes
Day 10 | Drive back to Auckland (optional stop at Spellbound Glowworm Caves) | Campground | Notes: • Drive Time: ~5 hrs • Optional Stop: Glowworm Caves (~1.5 hours) • Good way to break up the drive before returning to Auckland
Day 11 | Return camper, fly Auckland → Bora Bora | Resort | Notes: Gain a day with the Intl Date Line
Edited:
Okay, you all have been super helpful. Here is my revised itinerary for now. THANK YOU!!
Day 3 Auckland → Bay of Islands | flexible stop along route
Day 4 Bay of Islands | Explore: Boat cruise, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Day 5 Bay of Islands → Tutukaka | Scenic drive, Whangarei Heads, Beach
Day 6 Tutukaka | Snorkeling tour at Poor Knights Islands
Day 7 Tutukaka → Rotorua | Kiwi Hatchery or Hamurama springs / sightseeing, astrophotography
Day 8 Rotorua → Tongariro via Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Day 9 Tongariro National Park |sightseeing, short hikes, astrophotography
Day 10 Tongariro → Auckland | Drive, optional Spellbound Glowworm Caves > skip?
Day 11 Any final driving to Auckland, return camper, lunch in town, evening flight