New Zealand Road Trip (North Island)

We had planned to do this trip in 2013 but couldn't find the time. Hoping we can fit it in sometime soon....

London - Auckland - Waiheke Island
1 night

Hotel
The Boatshed







Waiheke Island - Auckland - Bay of Islands
3 nights

Route
Aukland - Red Beach - Waiwera - Leigh - Mangawhai - Waipu - Tutukaka - Helena Bay - Russell
Total Distance: 320 km
Approx. Driving Time: 5.5 hours

Hotel
Flagstaff Lodge

Activities
Trip to Cape Reinga
Boat Trip

Bay of Islands - Auckland
2 nights

Route
Russell - Paihia - Awanui - Ahipara - Opononi - Auckland
Total Distance: 490 km
Approx. Driving Time: 7 hours

Hotel
Hotel DeBrett

Restaurant
Sidart
The French Cafe

Sights
Bastion Point
Parnell Village
Sky Tower
Mount Eden

Auckland - Matamata
2 nights

Route
Auckland - Kawakawa Bay - Coromandel - Whitianga - Whangamata - Matamata
Total Distance: 410 km
Approx. Driving Time: 6 hours 

Hotel
Broadway Motel

Activities
Hobbiton

Matamata - Gisborne
1 night

Route
Matamata - Tauranga - Whakatane - Opotiki - Te Araroa - Gisborne
Total Distance: 510km
Approx. Driving Time: 6.5 hours 

Hotel
Knapdale Eco Lodge

Gisborne - Napier
1 night

Route
Gisborne - Napier
Total Distance: 215km
Approx. Driving Time: 2.5 hours 

Hotel
The Crown Hotel

Activities
Te Mata Peak
Wineries

Napier - Wellington
1 night


Route
Napier - Masterton - Wellington
Total Distance: 330km
Approx. Driving Time: 4 hours 

Hotel
Bolton Hotel

Activities
Te Papa
Cable Car

Wellington - New Plymouth
1 night

Route
Wellington - Opunake - New Plymouth
Total Distance: 390km
Approx. Driving Time: 5 hours 

Hotel
The Nice Hotel

New Plymouth - Taupo
1 night

Route
New Plymouth - Tongariro National Park - Taupo
Total Distance: 330km
Approx. Driving Time: 4 hours 

Hotel
Huka Lodge

Activities
Lake Taupo + Thermal Springs
Huka Falls + Huka Falls Jet
Aratiatia Rapids

Taupo - Rotorua
1 night

Route
Taupo - Rotorua
Total Distance: 80km
Approx. Driving Time: 1 hour

Hotel

Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

Activities
Mount Tarawera
Te Puia
Waiotapu or Waimangu

Rotorua - Auckland - London

Route Rotorua - Auckland
Total Distance: 230km
Approx. Driving Time: 2.5 hours