Planning a short trip from Sydney to New Zealand?

Here’s our 4-day Itinerary in Auckland, New Zealand.

Read more to check how to apply visa, places to go and activities on a winter season.

Finally, this long overdue plan already came to reality. It may seem short but we still had a pleasant few days of strolling around New Zealand. Though the visa application was “a little bit” complicated. Not bad actually because it was approved in 3 days time. But it would have been easier if we could have given a “proper” passport sized photo. If you are planning to visit NZ, I highly suggest that you check here for the acceptable photos, and be sure to read their website for the necessary documents.

At that time, Ninong Rene was all set and he already got a seat for Marshall. 🙂

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Ready to go! (photo grabbed from Ninong Rene)

Aug 3, 2016.

On our way to Auckland Airport. Our flight was half an hour delayed, yet we still looked very excited (especially the little man) 🙂13987328_1284506671559834_1540908416_o

There weren’t that many people at New Zealand immigration. We reached Ninong Rene’s house in Auckland at around 11pm.

Day 1. Aug 4, 2016

Of course, we woke up late. (napasarap ng tulog hehe)

Actually, we didn’t plan for any itinerary. We just depended on Ninong Rene’s suggestions. haha!

Roadtrip it is!

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(photo grabbed from Ninong Rene)

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The weather was not that friendly but thanks to Ninong for cheering us up with this Mega Ice Cream.

2016-08-11Marshall was really enjoying his ice cream treat! 😉P8040006

We only spent a few minutes in Muriwai Beach since we saw big waves and there was heavy rain.

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So we ended up going back early to Ninong Rene’s place.

Later that evening, we had a sumptuous dinner at Momo Tea – Howick.13938092_10206942318983047_3420246660477798112_o

Day 2. Aug 5, 2016.

Next day, the weather was better.

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Hurray to the rainbow!

We went to the Coromandel, Peninsula.P805002614002473_1284506638226504_1800138779_oP8050019P8050025

The rain was on and off so we decided to have some lunch first.P8050030P8050039

At last, the sun was up,14012834_1284505891559912_1607104984_oP8050043

and we’re ready for a looong walk.P8050046P805004413987801_1284506748226493_1606182041_oP8050047P805004814012753_1284506004893234_1947841560_oP8050052P8050049

My photos do not really give justice to how amazing the sceneries are. Truly spectacular!
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photo taken by Ninong Rene

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The way has some ups downs so better bring some drinking water and sunscreen too.
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After 45 minutes (or more), finally, we reached the Cathedral Cove.

Stunning view it is!13977777_1284506118226556_1144165727_o

This is one of the location filmed in The Chronicles of Narnia.P805007214012783_1284506771559824_1704084803_oP8050074P8050073P805007713950859_1284506811559820_828738288_oP805007613987224_1284506744893160_2008702498_o

Day 3. August 6, 2016

Having breakfast before going to Snowy Mountain.P8060092P8060094

It was a long drive.P8050013 copy

But the view of this countryside makes it all worth it. 
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Stop over for toilet break.P8060110

After about 8 hours drive, we arrived at Mt Ruapehu.

Yey! Our first real snow adventure! :))P806011214012935_1284506558226512_1676146244_o2016-08-11614002580_1284506561559845_1990131218_o
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Our plan of going to Snowy Mountain was canceled since there was already a heavy snow in Mt Ruapehu. P8060188

I guess everyone was just enjoying the moment 😉P8060116P8060125P8060142P8060147P8060150 P8060151 P8060152 P8060154 P8060155 P8060156 P8060159 P8060160 P8060162P8060136
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Jonathan made this snowman Olaf, and Marshall does not want to let go of it!P806018213987970_1284506441559857_1483424047_o13987869_1284506458226522_1313689056_o

We spent the night at Rotorua.14002339_1284506424893192_20525627_o

Day 4. Aug 7, 2016

Rotorua

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Jetboating was super fun! Not to mention, super wet..! 🙂

We had a couple of walk at The Redwood before going back to Auckland.14012665_1284506394893195_84446770_o14012372_1284506331559868_532391513_oP8070269P8070255P8070265P8070270P8070258P8070257P807026313978120_1284506391559862_1850415338_o13918766_1284505988226569_1913080056_oP8070273We spent the last night in Auckland having Ramen for dinner at Tanpopo Howick (Japanese Noodle Restaurant).

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photo grabbed from ninong Rene

Aug 8, 2016

Early morning flight back to Sydney.13920003_10206964564499171_6830515487281082069_o

Special thanks to Ninong Rene for this wonderful trip. Til’ next time. 🙂13978127_1284506171559884_1881236720_oYay to more family travel! :))

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