u/krmarci

Hello!

We're planning to visit the North Island between 22 and 28 December 2026. I've put together the following road trip itinerary, and I'm looking for feedback - for example:

• over-/underestimated time requirements,
• recommendations on places to visit along the route or short detours (e.g. roadside attractions, museums, thermal baths/beaches, shorter hikes, natural and architectural marvels, cultural sights etc.)

Some of us will arrive to Sydney from Europe on 20 December, some jet lag may be expected.

So far, only the plane tickets are booked, everything else is flexible.

Thank you in advance!

1. 22 December - Auckland: arrival around noon from Sydney. Mainly a sightseeing day in the city. Accommodation in Auckland or Hamilton.
2. 23 December - Rotorua and Taupo: see the geysers in/around Rotorua in the morning, accommodation and short sightseeing in Taupo in the evening.
3. 24 December - Napier and Taumatawhakatangi­hangakoauauotamatea­turipukakapikimaunga­horonukupokaiwhen­uakitanatahu: sightseeing in Napier, then a visit to the hill famous for its long name. Accommodation somewhere near Taumata.
4. 25 December - Wellington: arrival in Wellington. We are aware that it's Christmas Day and everything will be closed, so it'll be a sightseeing walk (maybe micromobility, if available) around the city.
5. 26 December - Wellington: Weta Workshop Experiences, the cable car and the botanic garden are our plans for this day.
6. 27 December - Mount Ngauruhoe and Hobbiton: long drive returning to Auckland, via the scenic route near Mount Ngauruhoe. Hobbiton tour in the late afternoon. (Hobbiton tour originally planned for 23 December, changed plans due to tour unavailability.) Accommodation in Auckland or Hamilton.
7. 28 December - Auckland: sightseeing, Sky Tower, return flight in the evening.