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New Zealand North Island<\/strong> offers a myriad of adventures for the family.  There is the steaming hot nature<\/strong> adventure<\/strong> with volcanoes,  hot springs, bubbling mud pools, “foamy” waterfall and a soaring geyser.  There is  an animal<\/strong> adventure<\/strong> where the kids saw the kiwi bird, farm animals, watched the demonstrations for sheep shearing and cow milking, and stayed at an animal farm.  There is also a fun adventure<\/strong> where we rode downhill in a Luge,  rolled downhill in a Zorb ball, and went sailing; and last but not least a cultural adventure<\/strong> with the Maoris.<\/p>\n

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Our 10-day New Zealand North Island Itinerary<\/h2>\n

We did a 10-day road trip around New Zealand North Island with 3 kids.   My youngest kid was barely a year old at that time and was just learning how to walk.  Our itinerary is detailed below.  Click on the links for more details.<\/p>\n

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\n\t\t\t\t\tDAY 1: AUCKLAND<\/strong><\/p>\n

Arrive in Auckland.<\/p>\n

DAY 2: BELMONT FARM STAY<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Travel from Auckland to Tirau and stay at Belmont Farm<\/strong>.\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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\n\t\t\t\t\tDAY 3: WAITOMO GLOWWORM & RUANUKI CAVE <\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Discover one of the most magical caves in the world at Waitomo Glow worm Cave.  <\/strong>View spectacular limestone formations in Ruanuki Cave<\/strong>.  Overnight in Plymouth<\/strong>. \n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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\n\t\t\t\t\tDAY 4: PLYMOUTH – TARANAKI – TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Have a picnic at Egmont National Park<\/strong> with a scenic view of Mt Taranaki<\/strong>.  Overnight at Howards Lodge at the Tongariro National park<\/strong>.\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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\n\t\t\t\t\tDAY 5: TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK – LAKE TAUPO – ROTORUA<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Take the volcanic loop around the Tongariro National Park<\/strong>.  See the beautiful Lake Taupo<\/strong> and visit the thundering Hukafalls<\/strong> before heading to Rotor<\/b>.\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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\n\t\t\t\t\tDAY 6: ROTORUA<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Witness the eruption of Lady Knox geyser<\/strong>. Explore the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland<\/strong> and mudpool. Take the Skyline (cable-car)<\/strong> ride & ride downhill in the Luge. Visit the Maori Village<\/strong> for a traditional Maori dinner and performance.\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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\n\t\t\t\t\tDAY 7: ROTORUA<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Zorb<\/strong> down a hill in a ball before heading to Agrodome<\/strong> to tour an organic farm and see an entertaining live sheep show. Visit Rainbow Springs<\/strong> to see kiwis and explore beautiful native trees and streams.  Unwind and soak in the natural hot pool at the Polynesian spa<\/strong>.  Visit Rainbow Springs<\/strong> again in the evening and view wildlife and streams under an array of colourful lights.\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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\n\t\t\t\t\tDAY 8: AUCKLAND TOWER<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

If time permits, visit the Hobbiton town<\/strong> made famous by the Lord of the Rings movie at Matamata.  After which, drive to Auckland. Go up to the Auckland tower<\/strong> before sun sets and witness the Auckland city transformation from day to night.\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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\n\t\t\t\t\tDAY 9: AUCKLAND CITY OF SAILS<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Visit Bees Online<\/strong> to buy the famous Manuka Honey. Head to the Auckland harbour<\/strong> and set sail<\/strong> in the City of Sails.<\/p>\n

DAY 10: AUCKLAND – HOME<\/strong><\/p>\n

Depart Auckland.\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>

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