What you will find in this post:
- Day 1: Auckland->Cape Reinga->Paihia
- Day 2: Paihia Auckland – Coldplay Dreams & Rainy Roads
- Day 3: Auckland Tauranga Rotorua – Kane Vibes & Māori Magic
- Day 4: Rotorua – Ziplines, Mud Baths & Classic Slips
- Day 5: Rotorua Waitomo Auckland – Glowworms, Gelato & Goodbyes
- Summary of North Island
Date: 12th November 2024
Day 1: Auckland->Cape Reinga->Paihia
total distance covered = 700 km; total time taken = ~9 hr
With a long day ahead and a lot of ground to cover, we began our journey at 8 a.m.—our first official day on the North Island. Compared to the South, this side of New Zealand felt more inhabited, though still charmingly quiet by Indian standards. Auckland, being a bustling city, made the contrast even sharper after 12 days of serene South Island scenery.
We eased into the usual travel rhythm: protein bar breakfast, frequent photo stops, and a lunch break along the way. The North Island greeted us with sweeping green hills and lush valleys—but it was the weather that truly put on a show. We drove through sun, wind, rain, hailstorm, and sunshine again, all in a single stretch. A dramatic prelude to our arrival at Cape Reinga.
Standing there, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, felt surreal. The lighthouse—iconic and still—marked more than a geographic point. According to Māori tradition, it’s where souls begin their final journey. And in that moment, it truly felt sacred.
Though we skipped the nearby hikes to stay on track, making the journey here was absolutely worth it. Harshit carried the weight of the day behind the wheel—nearly 10 to 11 hours of continuous driving. He never said a word about being exhausted, but I could see it. He always steps up quietly, without complaint.
We reached Paihia as the sky turned dark and rain returned. It was Harshit’s first time driving in the dark on this trip, and while I’m sure it wasn’t easy, he never let it show. By the time we reached the hostel, we were completely drained. Still, we pulled ourselves together, cooked dinner, and joined a lively group in the kitchen. Over shared meals and stories, we listened to others’ travel plans and swapped experiences. One fellow traveler stood out—he was collecting favorite singers from everyone’s home country, building a playlist to soundtrack his journey across New Zealand. It was such a simple but beautiful idea.
The space buzzed with easy laughter, the strum of a guitar, wisps of weed, and spontaneous conversations. The dining area felt like a crossroad of stories—each traveler carrying a little universe of their own. I remember lying down and falling asleep almost instantly—my last waking thought a quiet mix of pride, gratitude, and awe.
Must-Visit Places in Paihia / Bay of Islands
If you ever find yourself in Paihia, here are some incredible spots to explore:
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds – A deeply meaningful historic site marking New Zealand’s founding.
- Paihia Wharf – Great for coffee on wheels and catching ferries to nearby islands.
- Haruru Falls – A short drive or kayak to this photogenic, horseshoe-shaped waterfall.
- Russell – A ferry ride away, this old capital offers seaside charm and café culture.
- Cape Reinga (via road trip) – Northernmost tip with awe-inspiring ocean views and Māori significance.
- Scenic Drive from Auckland to Cape Reinga – A journey in itself through rolling hills, coastal bends, and shifting skies.
Date: 13th November 2024
Day 2: Paihia Auckland – Coldplay Dreams & Rainy Roads
total distance covered = 250 km; total time taken = ~3hr
This was easily one of the most thrilling days of Harshit’s life. His list of dreams isn’t long, but every time we tick one off, I swear I feel even happier than he does. This was the day we’d built the whole trip around—Coldplay concert day.
The drive from Paihia to Auckland was meant to take about three hours but rain and a blocked road added more stress than expected. We barely made it on time—just enough for a quick Indian lunch, a moment to freshen up at our apartment (a charming white house with a garden), and then it was off to the stadium.
Let me backtrack a little. The morning began with a visit to the historic Māori Treaty Grounds—rich in culture and meaning. We skipped Lake Paihia since time was tight, but we did stop for coffee from a heartwarming little “Coffee on Wheels” van, run by an uncle who’d turned his passion for being a barista into a mobile café. His joy was infectious.
After that, we took one stop to Whangarei Falls along the way and then straight to Auckland and stopped for lunch at an Indian restaurant. I wasn’t feeling the best—some period pain was setting in—so all I really wanted was a comforting meal and a moment to rest. Our apartment turned out to be a pleasant surprise: a spacious white house with a garden, peaceful and inviting. The owner wasn’t around, which gave us a little more breathing room to settle in.
We got ready and made our way to the stadium, but a drizzle and closed stadium roads made parking an ordeal. Still, we were determined. Just as we reached the venue, a fresh wave of panic hit: we hadn’t downloaded the proper tickets, and the ones we had didn’t include the gate number. A security guard looked at our version and casually warned us that they might be fake. My heart sank. I remember thinking, this can’t be happening. The entire trip hadbeen building up to this moment.
After some frantic rechecking (and praying for the internet to cooperate), we finally retrieved the real tickets and were let in. Just like that, the weight lifted.
And then… magic.
The stadium, the energy, the lights—a full-body experience. It was raining lightly, but thankfully our seats were under cover, with a far view that still gave us a perfect glimpse of the stage and backstage. We grabbed burgers and settled in.
The concert spanned three unforgettable hours—starting with 90 minutes of powerful openers. Emmanuel Kelly, the differently abled pop star, radiated heart and resilience, while Ayra Starr, the soulful Nigerian singer, brought an infectious energy that had the crowd moving even through the drizzle. And then came 90 minutes of Coldplay magic —pure, soaring, luminous. Every lyric, every light, every beat felt like it was stitched directly into the sky. The rain stopped just as Chris and the band took the stage. There was something deeply moving about seeing them live for the first time. They brought up local artists, performing “We Pray” in both English and Māori—a moment that still gives me chills.
Time vanished in that stadium. We laughed, sang along, cried a little. And when it ended, we noticed something else: the calm. No pushing, no yelling, no traffic chaos. People just made their way home, still carrying the joy of those last few hours.
We reached the apartment and posted a flood of videos to Instagram. Harshit wore the widest smile—I’ve rarely seen him that radiant. Watching him enjoy this dream fulfilled… it hit me differently. We fell asleep with our hearts full and faces still lit up.
Must-Visit Places in Auckland
If you ever find yourself in Auckland, here are some incredible spots to explore:
- Viaduct Harbour – Perfect for a sunset stroll, gelato in hand, and a final breath of city charm.
- Eden Park Stadium – Where unforgettable concerts like Coldplay come alive in sound and light.
- Auckland Domain & Wintergardens – A peaceful escape with glasshouses and botanical beauty.
- Mount Eden – Climb or drive up for panoramic views over the city and harbor.
- Newmarket & Ponsonby – Trendy hubs for shopping, cafés, and local flair.
- Auckland War Memorial Museum – An insightful collection of Māori history and cultural heritage.
- Waitākere Ranges (for day trippers) – Rainforests and black-sand beaches just outside the city.
From Office Blues to Worldly Views 