Eastern North Island Itinerary
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We've put together a suggested itinerary which includes the main sightseeing regions of the area.
Day 1 - Thames - Tapu - Coromandel - Whitianga
- Arriving in Thames make a trip to the Kauaeranga Valley, where various walks and hikes are available. Head back to Thames for lunch at historic Brian Boru Hotel.
- Drive to Tapu (30 minutes), home of Rapaura Watergardens for a wander and afternoon tea.
- Continuing to Coromandel (1 hour) and call at the unique Driving Creek Pottery and Railway for a tour before cutting across the Peninsula on the 309 Road. Visit the Waiau Falls (11km east of Coromandel), just a five minute walk from the road.
- A kilometre further on call at the impressive 309 Kauris.
- Dine and stay overnight at Whitianga, 40 minutes further on.
- Thames travel guide
- Coromandel town travel guide
- Whitianga travel guide
- Whitianga accommodation
- Whitianga attractions
Day 2 - Whitianga - Hot Water Beach - Hahei - Whangamata
- Visit two of the region's must see attractions – Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove with The Hahei Explorer, which offers trips to the Hahei Marine Reserve with views of Cathedral Cove and the coastline.
- Return to Whitianga for lunch.
- Pick up the Mercury Bay's Craft Trail brochure and visit local artisans at work.
- Drive to Whangamata (1 hour 15 minutes) calling at any one of numerous beaches en route.
- Dine and stay overnight in Whangamata.
- Hahei travel guide
- Whangamata travel guide
- Whangamata accommodation
- Whangamata attractions
Day 3 - Whangamata - Katikati - Tauranga - Mt Maunganui
If you have two more days…
Day 4 - Te Puke - Whakatane
- Head inland and call at Te Puke's Kiwi 360 which provides insights into the kiwifruit industry. It neighbours Te Puke Vintage Auto Barn, which has 70 classic and vintage vehicles on display.
- Continue to Whakatane (1 hour) and take either a cruise or scenic flight over the active volcano of White Island, or Dive White Island.
- Dine at Whakatane and drive to Awakeri Springs (30 minutes) for a relaxing soak in a natural thermal setting.
- Stay overnight in Whakatane.
- Te Puke travel guide
- Whakatane travel guide
- Whakatane accommodation
- Whakatane attractions
Day 5 - Gisborne
If you have three more days…
Day 6 - Gisborne
- Explore such regional attractions as Mount Hikurangi (climbing treks requiring permission from Ngati Porou Maori), the Eastwoodhill Arboretum and Gardens, Cooks Landing Site Historic Reserve and Morere Hot Springs.
- Dine and stay overnight in Gisborne.
- Gisborne i-Site Visitors Centre
Day 7 - Napier
- Fly to Napier.
- Spend the morning walking around the city's attractions, including Marine Parade, Hawke's Bay Cultural Trust, and Marineland. Take a guided tour of the city's art deco architecture with Art Deco Trust.
- In the afternoon, take a wine tour and visit some of the region's fine wineries like Mission Estate or Church Road.
- Dine at one of them and stay overnight in Napier.
- Napier travel guide
- Napier accommodation
- Napier attractions
Day 8 - Napier - Cape Kidnappers - Hastings
- Take a tour to Cape Kidnappers and its gannet colony with Gannet Safaris.
- Return to Hastings for lunch.
- Explore the city's attractions which include art deco architecture and the Hawke's Bay Exhibition Centre
- Return to Napier (30 minutes) to stay overnight or fly on to your next destination.
- Hastings travel guide
- Hastings accommodation
- Hastings attractions
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