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Auckland, New Zealand
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Bay of Islands, New Zealand
Waitangi Treaty Grounds
Hole in the Rock Cruise / Dolphin Watching
Day trip to Cape Reinga (farthest north)
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Coromandel, New Zealand
Drive south to Coromandel (~6 hrs)
Stay: Hahei or Whitianga
Must-dos:
Cathedral Cove hike
Hot Water Beach (dig your own hot pool)
Optional: Driving Creek Railway
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Rotorua, New Zealand
Geothermal wonders:
Wai-O-Tapu, Te Puia, Kuirau Park
Māori cultural evening (Tamaki or Mitai)
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Lake Taupō, New Zealand
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Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Base: National Park Village
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (full-day)
Shorter walks: Taranaki Falls, Silica Rapids
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New Plymouth District, New Zealand
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Whanganui National Park, New Zealand
River canoeing (optional overnight trip)
Relaxing beach stop at Waitārere or Waikanae
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Wellington, New Zealand
Park the van, explore on foot:
Te Papa Museum, Cuba Street, Zealandia
Mt Victoria lookout
Weta Workshop tour (LOTR fans!)
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Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand
Base: Motueka or Marahau
Kayaking, hiking, beach hopping (Totaranui, Anchorage)
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West Drive, New Zealand
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Franz Josef, New Zealand
Glacier walks or heli-hike
Lake Matheson (sunrise mirror lake)
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Lake Wānaka, New Zealand
Lake Wanaka, Roy’s Peak (sunrise hike), Puzzling World
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Lake Tekapo Regional Park, New Zealand
Drive through Lindis Pass
Hikes: Hooker Valley Track, Tasman Glacier lookout
Stargazing in Tekapo (Dark Sky Reserve)
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Queenstown, New Zealand
Adventure capital:
Bungy, jetboat, gondola ride, great food
Optional: Day trip to Glenorchy or Milford Sound (long day)
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Christchurch, New Zealand
Drop off campervan
Explore the Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market, street art