Traveling to New Zealand's Redwood Forest Park during the Dragon Boat Festival holiday
by Rabbit Nature lover
Jun 14, 2025
For friends planning to visit New Zealand's South Island during peak seasons (May Day, summer vacation, National Day, spring), I recommend preparing your itinerary early. With more tourists during these times, not having a solid plan can easily lead to pitfalls and affect your travel experience.
To enjoy New Zealand's North Island to the fullest, just follow this 4-day, 3-night mini loop route – I've personally tried it, and it's both relaxing and hassle-free!
PS: Remember to check the weather before heading out. Good weather makes for stunning photos!
🔴 New Zealand North Island 4-Day 3-Night Mini Loop Itinerary (for reference)
✅ DAY 1
Auckland - Hobbiton - Agrodome - Rotorua (stay)
✅ DAY 2
Rotorua day tour: Redwood Forest - Hell's Gate - Maori Village - Polynesian Spa - Rotorua (stay)
✅ DAY 3
Rotorua - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland - Lake Taupo - Huka Falls - McDonald's Plane - Taupo (stay)
✅ DAY 4
Taupo - Waitomo Glowworm Caves - Hamilton Gardens - Auckland
🔵 Attraction Highlights
🔸 Hobbiton: This place seems straight out of a fairy tale, faithfully recreating scenes from "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit." Strolling through it feels like stepping into the magical Middle-earth – perfect for photos!
🔸 Agrodome: A great place to get close to nature and experience rural life. You can see alpacas, sheep, cows, and even feed them by hand – an amazing experience.
🔸 Redwood Forest: Towering redwood trees, walking trails, fresh air, and sunlight filtering through the leaves – incredibly relaxing and a great place to unwind.
🔸 Hell's Gate: Everywhere you look, there are signs of geothermal activity – hissing hot springs, bubbling mud pools, and strong sulfur smells that create a unique "hellish" atmosphere.
🔸 Maori Village: Enjoy traditional Maori performances, watch unique handicraft demonstrations, taste authentic Maori cuisine, and learn about Maori history and culture.
🔸 Polynesian Spa: Relax in hot springs while enjoying beautiful natural scenery.
🔸 Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Features various unique geothermal landscapes, colorful hot springs, and massive geysers – like a natural art exhibition showcasing nature's creativity.
🔸 Lake Taupo: New Zealand's largest lake with crystal-clear blue waters. Enjoy a variety of water activities like boating and fishing for a relaxing lakeside experience.
🔸 Huka Falls: The sight is truly breathtaking – massive amounts of water rushing down, splashing everywhere with a constant roar.
🔸 McDonald's Plane: This unique McDonald's is inside an actual plane, offering a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Enjoy fast food while taking in the surrounding views – a novel experience!
🔸 Waitomo Glowworm Caves: Thousands of glowworms twinkling on the cave ceiling, like stars falling into the cave – peaceful and romantic.
🔸 Hamilton Gardens: Showcases gardens from around the world in different styles – Chinese, Japanese, English, etc. Each garden is unique and full of artistic charm.
Don't miss the scenery, travel companions, and fun stories along the way – let's create wonderful memories!
Community Creation Center
Post by Charlotte Lee | Jul 11, 2025













