14-Day North Island Coastal Adventure Itinerary

Begin your second day by visiting the Auckland War Memorial Museum. This museum offers fascinating insights into New Zealand's history and culture. Afterward, grab breakfast at Sidart, known for its innovative cuisine and elegant setting.

In the afternoon, head over to Waiheke Island via ferry from the Auckland Ferry Terminal. Spend some time exploring the island's beautiful beaches and vineyards. For lunch, stop by one of Waiheke Island’s charming cafes or wineries.

Return to Auckland in the evening and visit Viaduct Harbour, a vibrant waterfront area filled with bars and restaurants. Enjoy dinner at Soul Bar and Bistro, which offers fantastic seafood dishes along with stunning harbor views.

Begin your day with a visit to Mt. Eden, one of Auckland's highest natural points offering stunning views of the city and harbor. Afterward, enjoy breakfast at Baduzzi, known for its delicious Italian-inspired breakfast options.

In the afternoon, explore Parnell, one of Auckland's oldest suburbs filled with charming boutiques, galleries, and cafes. For lunch, head to Cibo, a highly-rated restaurant offering a delightful menu in a relaxed setting.

Spend your evening at Viaduct Harbour, where you can enjoy the vibrant nightlife and waterfront views. Have dinner at Ostro Brasserie & Bar, which offers fantastic seafood dishes along with stunning harbor views.

Drive from Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula early in the morning (approx 2 hours). Start your day with breakfast at Onemana Cafe and Takeaways before heading out to explore Hot Water Beach. Dig your own hot pool in the sand during low tide – it’s a unique experience!

After enjoying Hot Water Beach, make your way to Cathedral Cove. The scenic walk takes about 45 minutes each way but is well worth it for the stunning coastal views. For lunch, visit The Surf Shack Eatery located nearby.

Spend your evening relaxing at Whangamata Beach, another beautiful spot on Coromandel Peninsula known for its golden sands and excellent surf conditions. Have dinner at SixfortySix, which offers delicious meals made from fresh local ingredients.

Drive from Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula early in the morning (approx 2 hours). Start your day with breakfast at Blackies Cafe by the Beach before heading out to explore New Chums Beach, known for its pristine sands and crystal-clear waters.

After enjoying New Chums Beach, make your way to Whitianga where you can take a scenic boat tour around Mercury Bay. For lunch, visit Port Road Project located nearby.

Soul Burger Whangamata is an excellent choice for dinner after spending some time relaxing at Whangamata Beach. Enjoy their gourmet burgers made from fresh local ingredients.

Drive from Coromandel Peninsula to Bay of Plenty (approx 2 hours). Start your day with breakfast at a local cafe before heading out to explore White Island (Whakaari), an active marine volcano accessible by boat tours.

After visiting White Island, head back inland towards Rotorua where you can explore geothermal wonders like Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland featuring colorful hot springs and bubbling mud pools. Enjoy lunch at one of Rotorua’s many eateries.

End your day by relaxing near Lake Rotorua or taking a dip in one of Rotorua’s famous hot springs such as Polynesian Spa or Hell's Gate Geothermal Park. Have dinner at a lakeside restaurant while enjoying serene views.

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) is a great place to start your day in Bay of Plenty. Enjoy a morning walk around this beautiful lake followed by breakfast at a local cafe.

Waimangu Volcanic Valley offers an incredible geothermal experience with its steaming lakes and bubbling mud pools. After exploring the valley, have lunch at one of Rotorua’s many eateries.

Polynesian Spa is perfect for an evening relaxation session. Soak in the therapeutic hot mineral waters while enjoying serene lake views. End your day with dinner at a lakeside restaurant.

Start your day early with a visit to one of Gisborne's beautiful beaches such as Wainui Beach. Known for its excellent surf conditions and stunning sunrise views, it's the perfect spot to kick off your day. Enjoy breakfast at a local beachside cafe.

In the afternoon, explore the local vineyards and wineries that Gisborne is famous for. Take a guided wine tour to sample some of the region's best wines. For lunch, visit one of the vineyard restaurants for a delightful meal paired with local wines.

Spend your evening relaxing at Kaiti Beach, another beautiful coastal spot in Gisborne. Watch the sunset and enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant offering fresh seafood and other local dishes.

Start your day early with breakfast at a local cafe before heading out to explore Wainui Beach known for its excellent surf conditions & stunning sunrise views - perfect spot kick off your day!

In afternoon visit Tairawhiti Museum which showcases rich history & culture Gisborne region including significant Maori artifacts exhibits! For lunch stop by one vineyard restaurants sample some region's best wines paired delightful meal!

Spend evening relaxing Kaiti Beach another beautiful coastal spot Gisborne watch sunset enjoy dinner nearby restaurant offering fresh seafood other local dishes!

Drive from Gisborne to Hawke's Bay (approx 3 hours). Start your day with breakfast at a charming cafe in Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture. Take a walking tour of Napier to admire the beautifully preserved buildings.

In the afternoon, head to Te Mata Peak for panoramic views of Hawke's Bay. Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the stunning scenery. Afterward, visit one of the region's renowned wineries for a wine tasting session.

Spend your evening exploring the coastal town of Havelock North. Enjoy dinner at a highly-rated restaurant offering farm-to-table cuisine made from fresh local ingredients.

Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Te Mata Peak. The panoramic views from the peak are breathtaking and provide a perfect start to your day. Enjoy breakfast at a local cafe in Havelock North, known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients.

Spend your afternoon exploring some of Hawke's Bay's renowned wineries. Take a guided wine tour to sample some of the region's best wines. For lunch, visit one of the vineyard restaurants for a delightful meal paired with local wines.

In the evening, head to Napier to explore its Art Deco architecture. Take a leisurely stroll through the town and enjoy dinner at one of Napier’s top-rated restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine made from fresh local ingredients.

Drive from Hawke's Bay to Taranaki (approx 4 hours). Start your day with breakfast at The Federal Store, known for its delicious pastries and coffee. Then head out to explore Egmont National Park where you can hike trails around Mount Taranaki.

After your hike, visit Pukekura Park in New Plymouth – it's one of New Zealand’s premier botanical gardens featuring beautiful landscapes and walking paths. For lunch, stop by Monica's Eatery which offers fresh seasonal dishes.

Spend your evening relaxing at Back Beach or Fitzroy Beach – both are popular spots in Taranaki known for their scenic beauty and great surf conditions. Have dinner at Social Kitchen, which is well-loved for its hearty meals made from locally sourced ingredients.

Drive from Taranaki to Wellington (approx 4 hours). Begin your day with breakfast at Loretta, known for its wholesome food made from organic ingredients. Then take a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car up to Kelburn Lookout where you can enjoy panoramic views over Wellington.

In the afternoon, visit Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa). This national museum offers fascinating exhibits on New Zealand’s history and culture – it’s an absolute must-visit! For lunch head over to Ortega Fish Shack which serves some of Wellington’s best seafood dishes.

As evening falls explore Cuba Street – Wellington’s vibrant cultural quarter filled with quirky shops bars cafes street performers & more! End your day with dinner at Logan Brown an award-winning restaurant housed in an old bank building offering fine dining experience like no other.

Begin your final day with breakfast at Field & Green, known for its wholesome food made from organic ingredients. Then take a ride on the iconic Wellington Cable Car up to Kelburn Lookout where you can enjoy panoramic views over Wellington.

In the afternoon, visit Te Papa (Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa). This national museum offers fascinating exhibits on New Zealand’s history and culture – it’s an absolute must-visit! For lunch head over to Shepherd which serves some of Wellington’s best contemporary dishes.

As evening falls explore Cuba Street – Wellington’s vibrant cultural quarter filled with quirky shops bars cafes street performers & more! End your day with dinner at Noble Rot Wine Bar, an award-winning spot offering an extensive selection of wines paired with delicious meals.