We just got back from an AMAZING trip to New Zealand visiting family and friends. After landing in Auckland, we hit the ground running on Sunday morning when we arrived, nice and jet-lagged. I wanted to take the time and outline our two-week trip itinerary cruising around the North Island.

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I just want to start by saying the focus of this trip was definitely family, so we did a lot of day trips from Auckland or Rotorua in order to maximize family time. And it was mission accomplished! We have landed back in Michigan feeling like we got some real quality time. That being said, I feel like we still hit a lot of North Island highlights including some of favorite spots.

Day 1: Landed in Auckland Sunday Morning – Swim at Torbay

No better way to combat jet leg than a plunge in the ocean. Torbay is in the North Shore. We also met our new niece! (ps – too jet lagged for photos, sorry)

Day 2: Road Trip to Rotorua – Lake Rotoiti

We woke up early, and hit the road by 6:30am so we had a full day on the lake. We immediately jumped in the lake and tested out our new Go Pro Hero 5, which thankfully – as promised – is waterproof!

Day 3: Lake Rotoiti – Quad biking and Okere Falls Beer Garden

One of my Rotorua must-do’s, I love the beer garden! The outdoor vibe, the one of kid unique store featuring all organic and local goods, and of course – the beer! My personal favorite though is the NZ cider.

Day 4: Lake Rotoiti – wake boarding and kayaking

James perfected his backflip (he’s still got it), while I captured the footage with our Go Pro.

(PS: Can you tell we are loving our new Go Pro Hero 5? We had so much fun capturing videos and photos, we love that it’s waterproof and easy to carry around! Check it out here, on Amazon!) 

Day 5: Lake Rotoiti and Hamarana Springs and a stormy kayak

Another of my Rotorua must-dos AND north island “hidden gems”. Plus fun fact: I never say no to a rope-swing! The day ended with a  kayak. My mother always told me to support my man. So, if that means kayaking to the hot pools in the middle of a storm… I guess I’m kayaking to the hot pools!

Day 6: Lake Tarawhera

We took the family boat and explored the lake. Wandering up a few trails and then ending up in the Tarawhera natural hot pools which were SCALDING hot.

                                 

Day 7: Lake Rotoiti – fishing and hot pools

Can you tell we like Rotoiti? It’s definitely our NZ happy place. There are delicious rainbow trout in Rotoiti but we didn’t have any luck this trip.

Day 8: Road Trip from Rotorua to Taupo, and back

My first time in Taupo and it was love at first sight. The mountain, the lake, the waterfalls, the beach-side cafes… You can read more about our time in Taupo, here!

Day 9: Road trip from Rotorua to Auckland, via Tauranga

We went the long way via Tauranga and stopped for lunch.

Day 10: Surf at Orewa Beach

Finally back in the ocean! The waves were quite small, but perfect for me. If you’re ever in NZ, definitely take a surf lesson!

After a day in the salty water, NOTHING is better than hot chips. So, make sure you grab hot chips (i.e. french fries) from a cafe and shop for surfboards.

Day 11: Tawharanui Regional Park and Beach

We love Tawharanui and it’s one of our north island “hidden gems”. When we lived in Auckland, we spent a few long weekends here camping, snorkeling and basking in the sun. There are several rocks to climb and coves to explore on low and high tide. Don’t miss this beaut spot.

Day 12: Waiheke Island

I was so excited about catching the ferry to the famously beautiful and vineyard-rich Waiheke Island! Unfortunately our big day out wine touring was cut short with one mis-adventure after the other! We ended up making it to the island and one winery in the end. You can read about our Waiheke mishaps and misadventures here!

Day 13: Road trip from Auckland to Pauanui

With a special stop at the The Wharf for a huge serving of classic-kiwi fish and chips, which officially rounded out our three NZ foods that we were missing! (The other’s being pies and Burgerfuel, ha!)

Day 14: Pauanui

I’ve been to Pauanui three or four times now and it’s NEVER been sunny. I’ve been told on a sunny day the water is something special, but I can’t be sure. Just kidding, I’m sure it’s beautiful. We took a walk on the beach, played a fun par 3- golf course and spent more time with our beautiful niece!

Day 15: Road trip from Paunui to Auckland International Airport, Depart NZ

Bags were packed. Tears were shed. Quality time with our family was too good! And time in NZ is always good for the soul.

So there it is! Make sure you check out our other posts about Taupo and Waiheke to read more about our New Zealand adventure.

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Happy Adventuring, 

*This post contains affiliate links. That means, I may receive a commission for some of the links in this post- at no cost to you. See our Disclaimer page for details*