Auckland to Taupo Itinerary Suggestions

by PS
(Singapore)

Hi,

I love the information on your website, very useful. I was wondering if you could share some itinerary suggestions?

It's my first trip to Auckland/ Taupo. We are going there for a race next year in Lake Taupo area. I fly into Auckland and have a few days before the race.

I'm thinking of driving and exploring along Auckland - Taupo. Could you offer some ideas and places to see/ stop along the route?

Tks very much

PS

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REPLY FROM EDITOR


Hi PS


You do not say how many spare days you have so I will give some suggestions and you can decide which fits your schedule and time frame best.

You will need to take the weather into account when you choose your activities.

Auckland - 2-3 days

Auckland has quite a bit of interest so you could easily spend 2-3 days here.You can get Day Passes for around $8 for buses, or take the special Red Bus which does a circuit of sightseeing destinations.
Day One and Two :Looking around the central city including.....

• Going up Sky Tower...needs to be a clear day for the views.
• Going through the Maritime Museum on the waterfront...ask about the boat trip which is part of their entry ticket price.
• Look around the Viaduct Basin...good for lunch, coffee or in the evening
• Walk up Queen St and can go up to Albert Park via the Art Gallery - back into city through the park.
• Take ferry to Devonport ...if feeling energetic walk up North Head for great views.
• Bus out to Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World - a wonderful aquarium on the waterfront.You can then walk to beaches...Mission Bay is very nice.
• Auckland Museum
• Auckland Cathedral...which has beautiful modern stained glass windows and next door St Mary's Church a completely wooden historic church.( Near Museum)
• Parnell Village below Cathedral for shopping

Day Three : Could take a boat to Waiheke Island or Rangitoto Island.see Hauraki Gulf

Alternatively take a trip north to Matakana where there are wineries, beaches,arts and crafts etc


Auckland to Taupo


From here you can start south. You do not say if you fly out again from Auckland. I will assume you are doing a round trip. Go to Taupo via Waitomo Caves. (3 hours) At the Caves you can do Black water Rafting or the caves tour.There is also an interesting museum.Allow 3 hours here. Then drive on to Taupo.


Taupo - Returning to Auckland


Rotorua via National Park


You will want to go to Rotorua. If you have time travel via National Park to see the mountains, Chateau. etc.The information centre by the Chateau is interesting.There are short walks you can do depending on the time of year. (If wintertime... the road from Taupo to National Park could be closed with snow.)Then on to Rotorua.



Rotorua


There is so much to see and do here.Thermal activity, cultural shows, Luge, Agrodome....check the for full details.From Rotorua back to Auckland via Tauranga...Mt Maunganui- walk around the Mount and then have a swim next door at the Salt Water Hot Pools.It is one of New Zeaand's best surf beaches.You don't say what time of year...but it is a lovely area in summer in particular.

NOTE:

If you have more time before going to Taupo I suggest you go down Tauranga- Rotorua- Taupo and back to Auckland via Waitomo.


Browse "Holidays in New Zealand" for the appropriate pages with more information for all these destinations. I hope this is helpful. Enjoy your holiday!

Kind Regards

Gail