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New Zealand · Trip plan

5 days in Auckland & the Bay of Islands

The City of Sails, Waiheke wineries and dolphins in the Bay of Islands.

Best time
Nov – Apr
Ideal length
5 days
A day, mid-range
$250 per person
Trip for two
about $2,500

Planning a 5-day trip to Auckland & the Bay of Islands? Here's a day-by-day Auckland & the Bay of Islands itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.

Why go now

Summer in New Zealand means long days for sailing, beaches and island wine-hopping.

Auckland is New Zealand's biggest city, built on volcanoes between two harbours; the Bay of Islands to the north is its historic heart.

  1. Jan: a good time to go
  2. Feb: a good time to go
  3. Mar: a good time to go
  4. Apr: a good time to go
  5. May
  6. Jun
  7. Jul
  8. Aug
  9. Sep
  10. Oct
  11. Nov: a good time to go
  12. Dec: a good time to go

Summer: 16–24°C.

Create my Auckland trip

Don't miss

Best things to do in Auckland & the Bay of Islands

  • 01

    Sky Tower

    Views over Auckland's harbours.

  • 02

    Waiheke Island

    Vineyards and beaches 40 minutes by ferry.

  • 03

    Bay of Islands

    Sailing, dolphins and the Hole in the Rock.

  • 04

    Waitangi Treaty Grounds

    Where New Zealand's founding treaty was signed.

Day by day

Auckland & the Bay of Islands itinerary for 5 days

  1. D1

    Day 1: Auckland

    Morning
    Ride up the Sky Tower and walk the Viaduct Harbour.
    Afternoon
    Climb Mount Eden volcano for city views.
    Evening
    Dinner at the waterfront.

    Mount Eden is a short bus ride from the centre.

  2. D2

    Day 2: Waiheke

    Morning
    Ferry to Waiheke Island (40 minutes).
    Afternoon
    Vineyard tastings and a swim at Onetangi Beach.
    Evening
    Ferry back to Auckland.

    Book the ferry ahead on weekends.

  3. D3

    Day 3: Bay of Islands

    Morning
    Drive north (about 3 hours) to Paihia.
    Afternoon
    Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
    Evening
    Dinner by the bay.

    Stop at Whangarei Falls on the way.

  4. D4

    Day 4: Dolphins

    Morning
    Cruise to the Hole in the Rock, often with dolphins.
    Afternoon
    Ferry to Russell's historic town.
    Evening
    Sunset.

    Swimming with dolphins depends on conditions.

  5. D5

    Day 5: Home

    Morning
    Drive back to Auckland.
    Afternoon
    Lunch.
    Evening
    Fly home.

    Allow time for traffic.

Want it hour by hour?GoRoam plans every stop with times, maps, costs and bookings for your dates.

Shorter or longer

Auckland & the Bay of Islands in 4, 5 or 7 days

4 days in Auckland & the Bay of Islands

Follow days 1 to 4 above and leave out “Home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.

7 days in Auckland & the Bay of Islands

Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in Rotorua.

What it costs

Auckland & the Bay of Islands trip budget

StylePer person, a day5 days for two
Budget$120$1,200
Mid-range$250$2,500
Luxury$600+$6,000

Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to Auckland & the Bay of Islands is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Auckland & the Bay of Islands for every budget

  • Budget

    Hostels in Auckland CBD

    Auckland

    Central.

    from $40 /night

    Prices
  • Mid-range

    Hotels in Paihia

    Bay of Islands

    Waterfront.

    from $180 /night

    Prices
  • Luxury

    Eagles Nest

    Russell

    Luxury villas.

    from $1,200 /night

    Prices

What to eat

Food to try in Auckland & the Bay of Islands

  • Hokey pokey ice cream

    Vanilla with honeycomb.

  • Green-lipped mussels

    Local.

  • Pavlova

    A Kiwi dessert.

Getting there

How to reach Auckland & the Bay of Islands

Travel
Auckland airport; the Bay of Islands is 3 hours north.
Getting around
Ferries and buses; a car for the north.
  • Waiheke ferries can sell out on weekends.
  • Book dolphin tours early.

Before you go

What to pack for Auckland & the Bay of Islands

  • Power bank and charging cables
  • Passport and visa printouts
  • Sunscreen and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and flip-flops
  • Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
  • A forex card or some local cash
  • Travel insurance

Good questions

Auckland & the Bay of Islands trip FAQs

How many days are enough for Auckland & the Bay of Islands?

5 days are enough to see the highlights: Sky Tower, Waiheke Island, Bay of Islands. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.

How much does a 5-day Auckland & the Bay of Islands trip cost?

Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $250 mid-range and $600+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,500 for 5 days.

What is the best time to visit Auckland & the Bay of Islands?

Nov – Apr. Summer in New Zealand means long days for sailing, beaches and island wine-hopping.

Where should I stay in Auckland & the Bay of Islands?

Budget: Hostels in Auckland CBD (Auckland), from about $40 a night. Mid-range: Hotels in Paihia (Bay of Islands), from about $180 a night. Luxury: Eagles Nest (Russell), from about $1,200 a night.

How do I reach Auckland & the Bay of Islands?

Auckland airport; the Bay of Islands is 3 hours north.

Is 4 days enough for Auckland & the Bay of Islands?

Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 4 of the itinerary above and skip "Home". 5 days is the comfortable length.

What is the weather like in Auckland & the Bay of Islands?

Summer: 16–24°C.

What food should I try in Auckland & the Bay of Islands?

Hokey pokey ice cream: Vanilla with honeycomb. Green-lipped mussels: Local. Pavlova: A Kiwi dessert.

How do I get around Auckland & the Bay of Islands?

Ferries and buses; a car for the north.

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