Auckland Travelers Recommend

1. Bay of Islands Tour the Bay of Islands on a full-day trip from Auckland. You'll see spectacular rural and coastal scenery en route, visit historic Waitangi, cruise from Paihia and have free time to enjoy the cafes, museums and shops of Russell, New Zealand's early capital.Your day trip will start with a scenic drive from Auckland to visit the Waitangi Treaty House and grounds and see a traditional Maori meetinghouse and a huge waka (war canoe). Next you'll board the Bay Belle ferry to cruise from Paihia to Russell, a lovely town that retains the charm of its early whaling port days. Editor's Note: This recommendation was taken from our New Zealand Things To Do blog. Visit the original post to continue reading the full post and to learn more about things to do in New Zealand.

Auckland is New Zealand's largest city, set between two harbors of staggering beauty. Whether your passion is America's Cup sailing or relaxed harbor cruises, exploring the wilderness or shopping, dining and culture, Auckland offers an amazing range of things to see and do. Day 1: Auckland OrientationDiscover the vibrant city of Auckland on the hop-on-hop-off bus, or get to know this lovely city on the Auckland Great Day Out. Day 2: Auckland Outdoors and AdrenalineGo straight to the top with the Auckland Harbour bridge climb - the 360-degree views of the city are magnificent. If you need more of a thrill, take the plunge on a breathtaking harbor bridge bungy jump, or join the crew on an actual America's Cup yacht, trying your hand at America's Cup style match racing. Day 3: Auckland Day TripsGorgeous islands, hot bubbling mud, glow-worm caves, historic sites and fresh snowfields - there's plenty to enjoy on a day trip from Auckland.

Rotorua and the sacred waters of the Bay of Plenty lie just 230km (140 miles) southeast of Auckland in New Zealand’s North Island. This famously lively geothermal hot spot abounds with spurting geysers, steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pools. It’s been a sacred place for the Maori for centuries, and today it’s one of the best spots in the country to catch a Maori cultural performance and join in a traditional hangi feast. Rotorua boasts some glorious colonial architecture, classic botanic gardens and paddle-steamer cruises on the lake. You can also join in some of New Zealand’s wackier adrenaline sports here, like zorbing downhill in a translucent sphere, surfing artificial reefs, whitewater rafting and sledging, and mountain biking through forests of redwoods.