New Zealand: North Island or Te Ika-a-Māui

MMC wanted to go to NZ and proposed that we make a trip there. Both MMC and Little P have not been to NZ but I visited the South Island with my sister a few years back so am not keen on re-visiting the South Island when there is another whole island that I have not been to. Everybody were accommodating and so here's another 9 days itinerary, this time on north island, similar travel period too.

M = morning, A = afternoon, N = night

22/12, Day 00 - On flight*
23/12, Day 01 - Auckland* (Ibis Budget Auckland Central)
           [Auckland to Coromandel: ~2 hours 32 mins - 187.1 km]
24/12, Day 02 - Coromandel but overnight in Whitianga* (Shearwater on the Estuary)
           [Coromandel to Waitomo: ~ 3 hours 7 mins - 281.7 km]
25/12, Day 03 - Waitomo* (Waitomo Caves Hotel)
           [Waitomo to Rotorua: ~1 hour 50 mins, 138.7 km]
26/12, Day 04 - Rotorua* (Rotorua Hideaway Lodge)
27/12, Day 05 - Rotorua* (day trip to Hobbitton in Matamata)
           [Rotorua to Taupo: ~1 hour 1 min, 81 km]
28/12, Day 06 - Taupo* (Bella Vista Motel)
29/12, Day 07 - Taupo*
           [Taupo to Wellington: ~4 hours 42 mins, 371.6 km]
30/12, Day 08 - Wellington* (Quest on the Terrace Serviced Apartments)
31/12, Day 09 - Wellington, late afternoon flight out of Melbourne


Side note: It is to be noted that I have extremely little contribution to the trip... so much credit to Little P and her husband.