{"id":3731,"date":"2019-03-30T19:45:34","date_gmt":"2019-03-30T19:45:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/inspiretraveleat.com\/?p=3731"},"modified":"2022-03-12T11:38:42","modified_gmt":"2022-03-12T18:38:42","slug":"one-perfect-week-on-new-zealands-north-island","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inspiretraveleat.com\/one-perfect-week-on-new-zealands-north-island\/","title":{"rendered":"One Perfect Week On New Zealand\u2019s North Island"},"content":{"rendered":"
You have a week on the North Island of New Zealand and then maybe you are off to the South Island, Fiji, Australia or back home… what should you do?<\/p>\n
There is so much to see on the North Island and thankfully there is a lot centrally close to Auckland to maximize your time vs. spending five hours a day driving to the next area.<\/p>\n
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Aside from maybe missing some history\/culture compared to some older countries it truly has everything else you could want in a vacation. New Zealand has Volcanoes, waterfalls, wineries, beaches, Hobbits, hot springs, geothermal parks, all water activities, all adventure tours, hiking and more!<\/p>\n
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Before we start I must mention to first check the events list of any city you visit. Look at schedules of stadiums like Eden Park\u2019s and sports teams such as The All Blacks or a cricket team. Some of these local sports or events are a must-see as you might never see them again.<\/p>\n
Even if you aren\u2019t into sports it is a great spectacle like going to the Kentucky Derby, Running Of The Bulls or watching Barcelona play soccer.<\/p>\n
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If you have read this blog before you know time efficiency and maximizing fun is the goal so here is an amazing week on the North Island.<\/p>\n
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Auckland\u2026 there is truly a weeks worth of things you could do around Auckland<\/a> and not get bored, which is a lot to say coming from me since I can\u2019t sit still.<\/p>\n You\u2019ve landed in Auckland, taken an uber, taxi or bus (I suggest uber) and you\u2019ve made it to your lodging near downtown or the CBD (Central Business District). Sure jet lag is a thing but push through with the excitement of being somewhere new and get outside with a walk.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you’re worried about jet lag check out some amazing travel tips and tricks here. <\/a>Go for a short or long walk downtown, grab some food and drink on a patio somewhere lively. There is Queen Street downtown next to the Sky Tower with a lot of restaurants and patios for you to choose from.<\/p>\n My favorite option is the Headquarters on the harbor or one of the 10+ other options overlooking the marina.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Your stomach is full, a drink or two made you forget about how you just flew way too long and now it\u2019s time to really stretch your legs so you can have a 360 degree view of beautiful Auckland via Mt. Eden.<\/p>\n Mt. Eden is about a 20-30 minute walk from the downtown or there are quick busses that will take you right there without the additional walk. The hike itself isn\u2019t much of a hike as people of all ages climb it very easily and at a standard pace it only takes about 30 minutes to the top.<\/p>\n Once you get there you are awarded with amazing 360 degree views of the entire city as well as being on top of a volcano that has a 50 meter wide crater. The foliage on the hike is also very pretty with some spectacular trees and flowers you may only see in NZ.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Depending on the time maybe you go back to the hotel, clean up, a quick nap and then take advantage of the late sunset NZ enjoys with dinner or drinks back in the CBD or somewhere on the harbor. Spend the night with a little waterfront bar hop or if you are tired due to some jet lag maybe rest up for a full-day tomorrow. If feeling adventurous for drinks there are clubs in the CBD, there is the backpacker area of K Road with cheaper drinks or Ponsonby has a nice mix of clubs and pubs with more locals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It\u2019s day-trip time and I suggest either adventure or wine\u2026 although I find a way to integrate both either way :). When you return from one of the trips below you can always grab a nice dinner or sample one of the amazing restaurants in town. As you will see there is a lot of other sightseeing options within Auckland to fill up your time there.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You absolutely have to rent a car and head to the Waitakere Ranges as it is one of the prettiest areas I have ever seen. I would say it is a top 5 best adventure place I have been and probably top 3. A quick 35 minutes from Auckland, there are a plethora of hikes, waterfalls and beautiful black sand beaches.<\/p>\n <\/p>\nDay 2 – Auckland<\/h2>\n
For The Adventurer – Waitakere Ranges<\/h4>\n