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Pete Seaward

North Island

Packing in cosmopolitan cities, authentic opportunities to experience Māori culture, and the country’s bubbling volcanic heart, the North Island is an exceedingly versatile destination.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

One Tree Hill

Maungakiekie was the largest and most spiritually significant Māori pā (fortified village) prior to British arrival. At the top of this volcanic cone (at…

Cape Reinga

The Far North

This dramatic headland is where the waters of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet, swirling and breaking together into waves up to 10m high in stormy…

The Waikato, New Zealand’s longest river, squeezes through a narrow chasm at Huka Falls, making the dramatic 11m drop into a surging crystal-blue…

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

Bay of Islands

Occupying a headland draped in lawns and bush, this is NZ's most significant historic site. Here, on 6 February 1840, after much discussion, the first 43…

Te Matua Ngahere

Bay of Islands & Northland

From the Kauri Walks car park, a 20-minute walk leads past the Four Sisters, a graceful stand of four tall trees fused together at the base, to Te Matua…

Tāne Mahuta

Near the north end of the park, not far from the road, stands mighty Tāne Mahuta, named for the Māori forest god. At 51.5m, with a 13.8m girth and wood…

Te Puia dials up the heat on Māoritanga (things Māori) with explosive performances from both its cultural troupe and Pōhutu (Big Splash), its famous…

Kingsland & Mt Eden

From the top of Auckland’s highest volcanic cone (196m), the entire isthmus and both harbours are laid bare. The symmetrical crater (50m deep) is known as…

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North Island New Zealand: 2-Week Itinerary

Home » Blog » New Zealand » North Island New Zealand: 2-Week Itinerary

From Auckland to Wellington, and everything in between, we’ve created a perfect New Zealand North Island itinerary. Follow this route, and you’ll explore the biggest highlights, plus some off the beaten path adventures! This North Island New Zealand road trip covers everything you need to know!

With thermal hot springs, white sand beaches and enough volcanoes to make your head spin, New Zealand’s North Island is nothing short of spectacular.

There are so many things to do and see that it can be overwhelming to start planning your North Island New Zealand road trip… But don’t worry, we’re here to help!

We’ve created a perfect New Zealand North Island itinerary that brings you to all the major highlights , like hiking the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing , learning about Maori culture, seeing glowworm caves and visiting the Hobbiton movie set. 

Plus we’re also taking you off the typical tourist path to some hidden gems !

If you follow this North Island itinerary from Auckland to Wellington, you’ll have a nice mix of time exploring nature as well as some of New Zealand’s most exciting cities . 

We’re even sharing where to stay and what to eat in the North Island, so you have all the information you need right at your fingertips!

North Island itinerary contents

About this itinerary.

• How many days do you need?
• Choosing a vehicle rental
• Itinerary overview
• Itinerary map
• What to pack

Countless hours were spent researching our route for New Zealand. We pored over article after article. We talked to Kiwis and asked for their local advice. And we finally came up with a plan.

All our research paid off: We had an incredible road trip! So, we’ve taken our road trip route and made it even better for you. We added some things we wish we would have made it to and we altered a couple things here and there that we wish we would’ve done differently.

This itinerary for a North Island New Zealand road trip is set up for a campervan trip . However, you can follow much of this route if you’re traveling with a rental car and staying at hotels or Airbnbs along the way. 

We’re beginning this route in Auckland, as this is where many people enter the country.

However, if you’re doing a tour of both the North and South islands (we would absolutely recommend this if you have the time!), we’d suggest following this two-week North Island itinerary and then head over to our two-week South Island itinerary for more details.

Important Note: One thing to know about traveling in New Zealand is you’ll need to be flexible. The weather in this country can be highly unpredictable, and a day of heavy rain or a surprise snowfall might derail your plans of hiking or bungy jumping. We would highly recommend having some “flex days” so you can alter your plans if you encounter weather that is not ideal. Trust us on this one.

How many days do you need to see North Island, New Zealand?

Below are suggestions for you, based on the amount of time you have to explore the North Island. 

1 Week North Island

Go straight to the Coromandel Peninsula (skip the Pinnacles), then Rotorua, Taupo and Tongariro Hike.

10 Days North Island

Follow this same itinerary but start on Day 4. Visit the spots around Auckland, but skip Waiheke Island and Piha Beach.

2 Weeks North Island

Perfect! Follow this itinerary to a “T” and you’ll be fine. You’ll get to see a good section of the North Island from Auckland to Wellington.

3 Weeks North Island

Lucky you; you’ve got options!

• You could follow this same itinerary and add on more day hikes around Coromandel, Rotorua, Taupo or Tongariro (there is more to it than the famous “Crossing”!).
• Spend a few days going up to Cape Reinga (the northernmost point of NZ), stopping at the Bay of Islands.
• You could even spend a day or two sipping wine in Hawkes Bay and exploring the hilly landscape around Napier on the east coast.
• And if you want to get off the beaten path, head to Te Arora which is the first place in the world to see the sunrise on a new day. (Bonus: Stop at Rere Rockslide on the way!)

If you’re looking for an alternative…

We traveled in NZ for about 5 weeks and were able to visit most of the highlights of the country, including both the North and the South Island.

We took our 5-week travels and condensed it down to 30 days because so many people wanted a 1-month route. We’ll send you our complete 1-month itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your 30-day New Zealand road trip itinerary today!

Choosing your campervan or car rental

One of the best ways to travel around New Zealand is in a campervan. That’s how we traveled for 5 weeks, and how we set up this itinerary to be followed. 

If you’re wanting to do a campervan trip, we have a guide to the best campervan rentals in New Zealand . This walks you through your rental options, what to look out for, and we’ve even included an exclusive discount for our readers! 

We also put together a HUGE guide to planning your New Zealand campervan trip with tons of insider tips and advice. Make sure to give it a read before booking your trip!

Alternatively, you can still follow this itinerary using a car rental and staying in hotels and Airbnbs along the way. 

Renting a car in New Zealand is different from many other countries. Even if you’re a pro at car rentals you might be surprised by a few things. We put together a huge guide to New Zealand car rentals to share all of our insider information with you. 

Be sure to book your rental car and any rental gear before your trip begins. 

And don’t forget travel insurance ! Picking a policy that covers your rental car (or campervan) is often cheaper than buying a separate policy through the rental company.

Best Campervan Rental in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide

Ultimate Guide to Planning a Campervan Trip in New Zealand

Car Rental in New Zealand: Essential Guide + Tips

North Island itinerary overview

Day 1: fly into auckland, day 2: auckland and waiheke island.

• Day 3: Leave Waiheke, ferry to Auckland and pick up campervan
• Day 4: Karekare Waterfall, Nikau Glowworm Cave and more waterfalls

Day 5: Hike to Pinnacles Hut

• Day 6: Sunrise at the Pinnacles and Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 7: New Chums Beach and Hot Water Beach

Day 8: Cathedral Cove, sea kayaking to Donut Island, camp on the coast

Day 9: hobbiton tour, mount maunganui hike, & hikes around rotorua, day 10: activities around rotorua, day 11: rotorua to lake taupo.

• Day 12: Taupo

Day 13: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Day 14: wellington, north island itinerary map.

Click on the map above to open in Google Maps and get driving directions to follow this exact New Zealand North Island itinerary. 

At a glance: Find your Auckland accommodation and start exploring

Welcome to New Zealand! It is best to pick up a SIM card at the airport so you can have data during your trip.

Get a SIM card

As soon as you land, get a SIM card at one of the booths at the airport. (We got Spark and had good service.) If you land at night and the booths are closed, don’t worry — there are loads of places in any major city that can get you a SIM card.

We purchased a month-long Spark plan with 4GB of data and some calls and texts for $54 NZD ($36 USD). We did have to top off a few more GB’s after our two weeks, but that’s only because we use our phones for work.

Do you prefer an eSIM? We DO!

We have an article that walks you through how to get an international SIM card using Airalo ; a neat app that allows you to download eSIMs and pay for data as you go in countries all over the world. This is now our preferred method of getting data service abroad.

Download Airalo now and browse their plans to see how cheap they are.

Airport to Auckland

The most cost-effective way to get to the city center from Auckland airport (AKL) is via the AirportLink Bus* and train . 

The bus departs from both the Domestic Terminal (bus stop B) and the International Terminal (bus stop A). You can take the AirportLink bus to Puhinui Station where trains will take you anywhere in the city. If you’re heading into the city center, stay on the train until you get to the Britomart Train Station. 

You can also take an Uber from the airport into the city. Prices vary but you can expect the ride to cost you about $60 NZD (~$35 USD) to get to the city center.

*Note: To use the AirportLink bus, you’ll need to purchase an AT HOP card from AirGo Convenience (Domestic terminal) or Take Home Convenience (International terminal). The cards cost just $10 NZD (~$6 USD) and can be topped off at locations all over Auckland.

Things to go in Auckland

We loved our time in Auckland. It’s a big city but it has many charming neighborhoods. Here are some of of our top things to do:

• Visit Albert Park
• See a Comedy Show (for $5!)
• Eat your way through food alley
• Take a free walking tour

We have a whole article on fun things to do in Auckland , which has details about the ones we just mentioned and some of our other favorite activities in the city.

Note: If you’re returning to Auckland to drop off your campervan, you can save a few things to do when you return. If you are heading down to the South Island , make sure you get to do everything you want in Auckland before you head out because you’re not coming back through.

At a glance: Finish touring Auckland and hop on the ferry to nearby Waiheke Island

Visit any sites you did not get a chance to see in Auckland on Day 1. Have lunch in the city (possibly on High Street) and then head down to the wharf. Make sure you book the Fullers Ferry for passengers and not the SeaLink car ferry (we made that mistake). 

Fuller Ferries run about every half hour from the Auckland Downtown Ferry Wharf to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke. The ferry takes about 40-50 minutes and costs $45 NZD for a return ticket.

There are no campervan facilities on the island, so that’s why we recommend making a trip to  Waiheke before picking up your campervan. 

Day Trip: If you’re not interested in staying overnight on Waiheke, you could always do a day tour from Auckland. This tour includes the round-trip ferry tickets, food, olive tasting and a winery tour. Check an example of a Waiheke tour here .

Note: Being that Waiheke Island is full of bougie beach houses and wineries, it tends to be a bit pricier than the mainland New Zealand. If you’re looking to travel New Zealand on a budget we have tons of tips on that. But if you can’t swing Waiheke, just continue on the rest of this North Island New Zealand Itinerary.

Waiheke Island

Once on Waiheke, you can take a taxi or the bus ($3.5 NZD one ride, $10 NZD all day pass) to your hotel. Either A or B routes will take you most places around the island.

Check into your accommodation, and head straight to Onetangi Beach , the largest beach on Waiheke. Hang out at the beach to cure your jet lag for a bit. 

Once you work up some energy, walk up the hill to Casita Miro . They have delicious tapas with a little lawn area to sip sangrias. Call ahead to make a reservation.

If you get to the island early enough, you could go to Obsidian Winery Cellar Door and do a wine tasting before hiking up to Casita Miro. Tastings are available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (summer hours).

Ready for a night out? Charlie Farley’s on Onetangi Beach gets busy late into the night as they have a large selection of beers and wines.

Where to stay

Our friends, Michelle and Neill, have a gorgeous cottage on Airbnb that’s decorated with touches of Bali. It’s a 5-minute walk from Palm Beach, and right on the bus line. 

We stayed there when we visited Waiheke and it’s very reasonably priced, around $120 USD per night. We dare you to take a peek on Airbnb and try not to fall in love.

If this is not your style, there are plenty of hotel options throughout Waiheke! We like to use Booking.com when booking in New Zealand.

Day 3: Leave Waiheke, ferry to Auckland and pick up your campervan

At a glance: Finish visiting Waiheke and ferry back to Auckland. Pick up your campervan, gather supplies for your North Island New Zealand road trip and drive to Piha Beach just outside of the city.

Total drive time: 1 hour | Distance: 40 km (25 miles)

Wake up and explore Palm Beach or Oneroa Beach. Check out another winery or pick up oysters from the grocery store and have a picnic lunch.

I know it will be hard to leave the paradise of Waiheke (your wallet will thank you though), but shortly after noon you should head back to Auckland and pick up your campervan (YAY!).

Campervan road trip begins!

Your campervan rental company should give you an orientation of your vehicle, showing you all the bells and whistles. Make sure you know how to work the extra batteries, fold down your bed, and how to fill and dump the gray water tank.

Once you feel comfortable behind the wheel (remember to stay left!), head to the grocery store and stock up on food for the next day or so. Here are some places you can find supplies:

• Pak’nSave: Discount supermarket (if you want the lowest prices on groceries, this is where you’ll find them)
• Countdown: A nicer grocery store
• The Warehouse: Cheap “big box” store with toiletries and clothes (like Walmart). – $10 for hoodie and flannel
• Hornby mall: If you didn’t get a SIM card at the airport, all 3 of the major network providers (Spark, Vodaphone & 2degrees) have branches in the Hornby mall. Here is a quick guide to the cell service options in New Zealand .

Ready to hit the road? We would recommend getting out of the big city as soon as you can, because there is so much to see on this North Island itinerary. 

First stop: Piha Beach. It’s about an hour’s drive away from Auckland.

Known for excellent surf and stunning sunsets, Piha is one of the best beaches on New Zealand’s North Island . Being that Piha is just a 45-minute drive from Auckland, we expected it to be pretty busy; but when we arrived in mid-December, we were pleased to find it wasn’t very crowded at all.

Try to get to Piha Beach a few hours before sunset so you can get settled in at the Piha Domain Motor campground (really the only camping option in town), and make it to sunset at the beach. 

Things to do near Piha Beach

• Pop into Piha Café , which has one of the best salty caramel slices we’ve ever tasted for $5 NZD. They also have good coffee and the food looks amazing, if you didn’t already plan out your campervan meals for the night.
• The West Coast Art Gallery is worth a stop if you arrive in town before they close at 5 p.m. They have a plethora of exhibits from local artists in constant rotation.
• Head down to the beach around dusk and watch surfers ride waves as the sun sets turning the sky every shade of pink and red.

Where to stay 

Piha Domain Motor Camp , $44 NZD per night for 2 guests in an unpowered site. They have a decent kitchen, clean bathrooms with fob key entry, and are within walking distance to the beach.

Day 4: Karekare Waterfall, Nikau Glowworm Cave and (what?!) and more waterfalls

At a glance: Search for waterfalls as you leave Piha and head to the Nikau Glowworm Cave for a tour and lunch. Then head over to the Karangahake Gorge for more waterfalls and a historic hike.

Total driving time: 4.5 hours  | Distance: 303 km (188 miles)

Karekare Waterfall

Leaving Piha Beach there’s a short detour that is worth going to. The road down to Karekare Waterfall is windy and narrow so be careful and go slowly. 

Park at the Zion Hill Track parking lot and walk up the road, turn left and follow the La Trobe Track hiking trail down to the waterfall (you can see the top of the waterfall from the road).

Once you’re done at the waterfall, to get back up the hill be sure to use your low gear, and head to the Nikau Cave.

If you’ve done a little bit of research about things to do in New Zealand, then you probably know that there are tons of spots to see the famous glow worms.

The most well known are the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, but we’ve heard mixed reviews about the tour. Some say it’s a factory with tour buses shipping people in and out all day long, while others said it was a magical experience.

Tip: If you really want to visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves , we’d suggest not to do it today and instead squeeze it in on Day 9 of this North Island New Zealand Itinerary.

Instead we’d recommend visiting the Nikau Cave . 

This little known cave claims to have the best natural glowworm display in all of New Zealand . The tour takes about 1 hour and the guide shows off various stalactite and stalagmite formations in multiple caverns. 

After the tour, the cafe is meant to be a really good spot for lunch.

Cost: $55 NZD for adults, $25 NZD for children still in school. Minimum of $130 for a tour to run, meaning if only two adults, the cost is an extra $10 NZD per adult.

Personal Note: We actually did not visit the Nikau Cave while we were in New Zealand. We had such a great experience with the Underworld Adventures Cave Tour in the West Coast of the South Island , we decided to skip any glow worm tours in the North Island. However, if we were to only visit the North Island again, we would choose to do the Nikau Cave over the Waitomo Cave tour.

Karangahake Gorge hike

After lunch at the cafe, drive 1.5 hours to the Karangahake Gorge. This narrow highway passage runs alongside the Ohinemuri River until you reach the Karangahake carpark. 

Park here , walk across the bridge and head right toward the Hauraki Rail Trail. The 1-hour hike (3.5 km) will take you across the old bridge, through the train tunnel to a trail that safely hugs the gorge beside the river.

Owharoa Falls

Drive a few minutes east of Karangaheke Gorge and you find this spectacular waterfall. (You may recognize this shot of Owharoa Falls as our Two Wandering Soles cover image!) If you’re lucky (like us), you’ll have the whole place to yourself.

After the falls drive back up to Thames and find a campground for the night. There are plenty to choose from in the area, from holiday parks to freedom camping along the seaside. 

Use the Rankers App to browse campsites. There are a few DOC campsites up the Kauaeranga Valley Road, since you will be heading up that way tomorrow anyway.

Psst! Check out our round up of the best campsites in New Zealand . We chose lots of these sites from our own experience, plus took advice from fellow travel bloggers.

At a glance: Today is all about hiking up to the Pinnacles Hut, one of the largest mountain huts in New Zealand.

Total driving time: 45 minutes  | Distance: 22 km (14 miles)

Stock up on groceries in Thames and head up the Kauaeranga Valley Road toward the Pinnacles Hut trailhead.

In order to stay at the Pinnacles Hut, you’ll have to book your bed ahead of time , especially if it’s a weekend during the busy season. It costs $25 NZD per person per night ($30 on Saturdays) and you can book on the DOC website .

Make sure to stop off at the DOC Office on the way up to get the current trail conditions. And if you have extra time on the way up to the trailhead, you could swing by Hoffmans Pool for a quick dip into the crystal clear water (if you’re brave enough. The water was freezing cold in December).

Park at the Kauaeranga Valley Road End, hide your electronics and lock your car. If you’re really paranoid, you can bring this Pacsafe portable safe along in your campervan to store your belongings while your van is parked. (We use this in our campervan at home!) 

Hiking Tip: Carry your passport with you to the hut. It would be terrible if someone broke into your car and took your passport.

Pinnacles Hut hike

• Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles), start to hut
• Elevation gain: 706 m (2,317 feet)
• Difficulty rating: Moderate – Difficult
• Hiking Time: 2.5 – 3 hours one way to the hut, additional 40 minutes one way to the Pinnacles Rock Formations
• Trail notes on DOC

There are two ways to get to the Pinnacles Hut, the Webb Creek Trail and the Billy Goat Track. 

We highly recommend hiking the Webb Creek Track to and from the hut and not the Billy Goat Track.

I repeat, DO NOT take the Billy Goat Track! It’s horrible.

Personal Story: 

We were told to go up Webb Creek and down Billy Goat and so we did. Webb Creek is cool because you get to cross over some 1-person suspension bridges with a few small waterfalls along the way, and you’re shaded by the forest.

There is one section that is pretty vertical with many switchbacks, but it only lasts for about 30 minutes. It took us about 2 – 2.5 hours to get up the Webb Creek Trail to the hut.

We took the Billy Goat Trail down the mountain, and completely regretted it. Apparently it is supposed to have some historic significance, but all the display signs were weathered and the cobblestone sections were very uneven and hard to walk on.

Many parts of the track are fully exposed to the sun so it got really hot, even in December. And the trailhead is about a half mile away from the car park. 

So if you learn anything from this section, DO NOT go on the Billy Goat Track!

Pinnacles Hut

This 80-bunk hut is the Taj Mahal of mountain huts . 

Once you arrive at the Pinnacles Hut, you’ll be greeted by the Hut Warden who will check you in. The large kitchen has about 8 gas stoves with all the pots, pans, bowls and cutlery you could ever wish for that have been left up there by previous guests.

There’s indoor and outdoor picnic tables for eating and playing games. There are drop toilets, a toothbrushing station and a cold water shower (but try to conserve the water).

Spend the day at the Pinnacles Hut, and just about 1.5 hours before sunset, start heading up to the Pinnacles.  

It’s a 40-minute walk , but you could do it in 25 minutes if you hurry, just be careful on the metal ladder and steps. Don’t forget your headlamps (head torches). 

From the top, you’ll get 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys and you can see the coast on both sides of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Hangout up at the top until the sunset show is over (making sure to give yourself enough dusk light to get down the hard part), and climb down back to the hut. Cook dinner, share some wine with new friends, and get ready for the sunrise hike in the morning.

Looking for more hiking? We rounded up the best New Zealand hikes on both islands with the help of our local friend and avid hiker.

Day 6: Pinnacles sunrise and Coromandel Peninsula

At a glance: Hike up to the Pinnacles to catch the sunrise and then hike down to your campervan. Drive up to Coromandel and spend most of the day chilling in town or at the beach.

Total driving time: 1.5 hours  | Distance: 75 km (47 miles)

Pinnacles sunrise hike

Fight that urge to sleep in and get yourself out of bed 1-1.5 hours before sunrise. Trust me, you’ll never regret the sunrises you see (embroider that on a pillow), and the Pinnacles is one of them. 

In fact, I (Ben) woke up for the sunrise and Katie stayed in bed and she has regretted it ever since. I guess we just have to go back.

It’s the same hike as the night before, but you’ll need your headlamp and probably some warmer clothes at the start. The sun will rise on the opposite side of the Pinnacles and highlights many more rock formations. 

If you want a prime spot, make sure to get up there early because I had a couple in my pictures the whole time, and while it was a great pic of them, it was hard to not to get them in the shot.

Once the sun has fully risen, head back down the path and have breakfast. Pack up and hike back down the Webb Creek Trail (again, DO NOT take the Billy Goat Track). Aim to get back down to your campervan around noon.

Coromandel Peninsula

Drive north on Hwy 25 up to Coromandel. There are many small parks along the seaside, some with rare bird breeding grounds, so feel free to make a stop. If not, continue on to Coromandel.

There are a few holiday parks in town, like Coromandel Top 10 , since you’ll probably want to take a shower. But if you want to freedom camp one more night, there is a nice 6-van spot just north of town called Kapanga Road – Overnight Campervan Parking .

Plan ahead for your day tomorrow by, taking a look at the tide times for Hot Water Beach for the following day. If low tide is in the morning, go to New Chums Beach today (Day 6) so you can go straight to Hot Water Beach on Day 7. If low tide is in the afternoon, save New Chums for Day 7.

Day 7: Beach day! New Chums Beach and Hot Water Beach

At a glance: Take a short hike to New Chums Beach and viewpoint. Then build a natural jacuzzi at Hot Water Beach.

Total driving time: 2 hours  | Distance: 100 km (62 miles)

Make the windy and slow drive from Coromandel to the small beach town of Whangapoua. At the end of Mangakahia Drive you’ll find the parking for the New Chums Beach hike.

New Chums Beach

Getting to this beach requires a 30-minute walk along rocks and part of a forest . It’s a massive beach so it will seem a lot less crowded compared to other beaches in the North Island.

Tip: If you’re up for a challenge, about 20 minutes into the hike (right after you enter the forest) there will be a path going up to a viewpoint on your right. It’s a really steep and hard 10 minutes up. Make sure you are not wearing flip flops (“jandals” in Kiwi) and be careful at the top.

Once you’re done chilling at the beach, time to go to… another beach! However, this one is special and one of our top things to do in New Zealand.

Hot Water Beach

There is a hot spring that runs 2 miles beneath Hot Water Beach and at low tide the sand begins to get hot and you can make pools, like natural jacuzzis, on the beach. 

It’s best to visit within 2 hours of low tide (2 hours before up until 2 hours after). This means there is a 4-hour window that you’ll be able to dig a hole. Be sure to check the tides before you go.

Just to warn you, it doesn’t look like what you see on Instagram: one solo hot pool simmering with the sun glowing on it. The reality is there’s about a hundred people either searching and digging for a hot spot or people soaking in their hot pool trying to fend off the rising tide. It can get a little chaotic.

You can rent a shovel for $10 NZD at the shop near the car park , but you could probably get the job done with just your hands. There are outdoor showers to rinse off the sand near the car park.

Where should I dig my pool? We arrived at Hot Water Beach near the end of the 4-hour window so we were able to take over some abandoned hot pools made by others (lucky us!). 

But if you are the first person to start digging, there is a sign on the rocks that says “No campfires on the beach”. Have the sign at your back and walk straight toward the water, and start digging just above the tide line.

Photography Tip: Morning will have better lighting than the evening because the rocks start to shade over all the hot pools.

After you’ve rinsed off, hop in your campervan and drive to Hahei Beach Resort & Camping . They have a lovely (and massive) campground with a big kitchen and clean facilities. It’s a bit on the expensive side, at $64 NZD per night, but it is right on the beach and walking distance to Cathedral Cove, which you’ll hike to on the morning of Day 8.

Where to eat in Hahei 

After the sunsets, head to The Pour House for a craft beer, fries and a pizza. The Apple Crisp Cider and the Baltic Porter are delicious!

At a glance: Hike to Cathedral Cove at the perfect time and go kayaking inside an island.

Total driving time: 2.5 hours  | Distance: 135 km (84 miles)

Cathedral Cove

An easy 45-minute walk brings you to a small beach where you’ll find a cave that opens up into another hidden beach that’s beautifully dotted with a picture-perfect sea stack. And the best part is, if you stayed at Hahei Holiday Resort, the trail starts right from the campsite on the beach.

Some people say to go to Cathedral Cove for sunrise, but for us we made it a little later and it was a magical experience.

We started the walk at 7 a.m. and passed by professional photographers who had actually been in the cove for sunrise (giant tripods and all!). But when we got there, all we could hear were the waves. No one was there! Crickets. That’s right, we had this enchanting cave entirely to ourselves for a good 20 minutes.

It was a good thing we left when we did, because on our walk back (around 9 a.m.), we passed by at least 20 different groups, including a school trip of 40+ middle schoolers. Yikes!

Tip: We would recommend packing some snacks and a towel, as the nearby beaches are nice spots to spend a couple hours if you have the time.

Heading further south on Hwy 25, if you missed Hot Water Beach earlier in the North Island itinerary because the tides were not right, today you’ll drive by the beach around mid-morning. Be sure to check the tides tables.

Sea kayaking to Donut Island

Whangamata is the next stop on your New Zealand North Island itinerary. Pop into the Pedal and Paddle rental shop and rent a double kayak for 2 hours for $60 NZD. This will give you a chance to paddle out to Whenuakura Island, or locally known as “Donut Island.”

This island has a lagoon in the middle with sea access only by kayak. It’s a pretty cool experience being “inside” an island, but be careful not to get off onto land. This island is protected because it is a sacred site for the Maori people .

Be careful as the waves can be quite strong inside the donut, especially as the tides change. 

There is a nearby island with a nice beach where you can rest up for the remainder of your rental period. Head back to shore and Pedals and Paddle will pick you up and take you back to your campervan.

Continue down Hwy 25 and head for Pahoia Domain . It’s a freedom camping spot so you should have a self-contained campervan , but there are toilets that are open overnight. Look it up on the Rankers App.

At a glance: Hobbiton movie set tour and then hiking around Rotorua

Hobbiton movie set tour

If you’re a big Lord of the Rings (LOTR) fan, then this stop is already on your list. This 2-hour guided tour will bring you around the movie set of “The Shire” and allows you to take pictures next to one of the 37 hobbit homes. #doitforthegram.

The highlight of the tour is visiting Bag End, the home of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. After that you head down the hill to the Green Dragon for a pint of beer.

We recommend the morning or noon tour because it will be less hot than the afternoon and you’ll have better lighting. Check out the different types of tours and make sure to book yours a few days in advance.

Our honest opinion: Hobbiton is one of those places where if you asked us if we are happy we went, we’d say yes. But, if you asked us if we’d go again, probably not. But also, would we have been sad we skipped it? Definitely. 

We felt rushed throughout the whole tour, even the beer at the end (if we had more time, we probably would have paid for a second, maybe even a third?!).

Also, we were told by a friend who is a big LOTR fan, that all the information the guide provided was in the “Bonus DVD” that came along with the trilogy DVDs. It was interesting stuff, just not super “insider-info-you-can-only-learn-here” stuff.

Would we recommend it? If you’re a Lord of the Rings or Hobbit fan, then I would say yes. But if you aren’t much of a fan and you’re super rushed for time, you could give it a miss. It’s still a very beautiful place and one of those spots you feel like you “have to see”… but then again, so is pretty much all of NZ!

One more thing to note: We’ve heard good things about the Feast Dinner tour, so that might be something to check out if you have the time and budget for it.

Next read: 75+ Best Travel Movies to Inspire Your Wanderlust

Mount Maunganui (Mauao) hike

If you have extra time today, or are just in the mood for a hike, drive to the tip of Tauranga (don’t go during rush hour) to Mount Maunganui (Mauao). Find free street parking and walk towards the Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park where the 30-minute one-way uphill path starts.

You’ll pass hillsides full of sheep which make for a pretty awesome photo op. From the top, you’ll get to see views of the Bay of Plenty and the skinny Tauranga peninsula .

Once you get back down, reward yourself with a big scoop of cinnamon donut ice cream from Copenhagen Co n es . We dare you to get just one.

After Hobbiton and the hike, make your way down to Rotorua. We recommend taking Hwy 33 because it’s a pretty drive and it will take you past Okere Falls.

Warning: Watch out for toll roads when driving through Tauranga. Use Google Maps with the Avoid Tolls feature turned on.

There are many things to do in Rotorua and you’ll get a chance to do plenty of activities tomorrow (Day 10) but since you’ll have most of the afternoon, we recommend to visit the following:

Okere Falls

Hike 30 minutes one-way on a 1.2 km path to a beautiful waterfall often taken by whitewater rafters.

The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest

It’s completely free to visit this enormous forest full of giant, over-100-year-old redwood trees. 

There’s a variety of trails of different lengths you can take. We recommend at least walking on the 30-minute Redwood Memorial Grove Track .

Fun Fact: This forest is full of California Coast Redwood trees, same as the famous trees from Northern Cali. However, because of New Zealand’s climate they actually grow faster here.

You can walk up in the trees in a series of 28 suspension bridges on the Redwoods Treewalk . We ended up not doing the treewalk, because walking around from the bottom was enough for us, but the nighttime/twilight walk looks pretty cool. It’s $39 NZD for the 30-minute circuit.

Government Park near downtown

Stroll along the Government Gardens and smell the… sulfur? It’s a pretty park with a great view of the lake, but one of the points of interest is Sulfur Point where you can see the steam rising from the edge of the lake.

Polynesian Spa

Nearby the Government Park is the Polynesian Spa. Pamper yourself after long days in the Coromandel Peninsula. Enjoy the 28 spring-fed hot pools, ranging from adult only to private to kids area. 

You could also splurge and get a massage or facial while you are there. Check out prices and reviews on TripAdvisor .

Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park – Close to town and decently priced, we stayed here for two nights. The facilities are clean and the kitchen is a good size. They have rooms available as well as powered and non-powered sites. Book for 2 nights.

At a glance: Adventure activities in the morning, hikes in the afternoon, and cultural experience in the evening.

Total driving time: 1 hour  | Distance: 40 km (84 miles)

Things to do in Rotorua

Here is how today will go down: First, start the day with a bang (or a splash) and do an adventure activity. Second, you should get out in nature and explore the unique landscapes of Rotorua. And end the day with a Maori cultural experience.

Tutukau Gorge Jet Boat Ride and The Squeeze

This tour takes you whipping around turns on a river jet boat through the Tutukau Gorge. After this epic ride, you hop off and “squeeze” through a canyon while wading in water. When you make it through to the other side you’ll be rewarded with a hot spring waterfall! 

Check out prices and reviews on TripAdvisor .

Want to know more? Our friends over at Exploring Kiwis documented their experience on The Squeeze and call it “Rotorua’s best tourist experience”!

Zorbing is a wild activity unique to New Zealand. Roll yourself down a hill inside an inflatable ball filled with water…You’ll feel like you’re in a washing machine! 

You can Zorb down one of 3 tracks, but we recommend doing all three. It’s a wet and wild ride, and you can’t just do it once. It’s also a great rainy day activity. 

Velocity Valley

Have you ever wanted to be dropped from 40 meters in mid air? What about bungy jumping? Or practice your form while skydiving? 

Well, you can do all these things at Velocity Valley Adrenaline Park . Located close to the ZORB, this adrenaline-packed park has something for everyone and is great for families.

Walks and hikes near Rotorua 

• The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest: $39 NZD for Treewalk or free to walk on paths (1 hour)
• Walk around Government Park near downtown (30 minutes)
• Blue Lake Track: 1.5 hours loop track, around 5.5 km walk along Blue Lake also know as Tikitapui
• Okere Falls: 30-minute hike one way, 1.2 km to a beautiful falls. The waterfall is often run by whitewater rafters.
• Kuirau Park: Not so much of a hike, but this free park on the west side of town has foot bath mud pools. Great place for kids, just make sure you don’t put your head under water.

Lake Tarawera

Rich in Maori history and geothermal activity, Lake Tarawera is a great place to explore for the day. There are waterfalls and hot pools scattered in the bush that only expert guides know the locations. 

Book a day tour or book a night at Hot Water Beach on Lake Tarawera. There are 30 campsites and the only way to access them is either via water taxi or hiking 5-6 hours on the Tarawera Trail.

Maori cultural experience

Maori people are the indigenous people of New Zealand and they make up about 15% of the country’s population. The majority of them live in Rotorua and the surrounding areas. 

Most people know of the Maori because of the Haka, a ceremonial dance, that has grown in international popularity because of the New Zealand All Blacks Rugby team.

There are two main Maori cultural experiences in Rotorua:

• Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village – Take a guided tour through a Maori village that sits on a geothermal hot bed. The tour concludes with a performance of cultural dances and of course the Haka.
• Tamaki Maori Village – This dinner show tour brings to the village where the guides walk you through stations to learn about different aspects of Maori culture like the significance of tattoos, Maori history and building structures. There is a cultural song and dance portion in an auditorium and then an all-you-can-eat Hangi (meals prepared using a pit oven) buffet.

We attended both tours and described our experiences in more detail in our top things to do in New Zealand article .

Hot tip: Be on the lookout for 5-10% off either tour in the iSite or holiday parks lobby.

Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park – same as Day 9.

At a glance: Drive south down to Lake Taupo, with hikes, hot springs, and geothermals along the way.

Total driving time: 1 hour  | Distance: 81 km (50 miles)

If you have more things on your to do list for Rotorua, this would be the day for that. If not, start making your way down to Lake Taupo, but don’t just fly down the highway. There are some nice stops along the way that will make it into a pretty epic drive.

Rainbow Mountain Track

This 1 – 1.5 hour one-way tramping track will bring you to the summit of Rainbow Mountain rewarding you with 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys. When we were passing through we unfortunately did not have the time to hike all the way to the summit, but the views look really nice.

However, if you hike up the trail for just 5-10 minutes, you’ll get to glimpse down into a colorful crater. If you only have a little bit of time, this is worth the stop.

Kerosene Creek

These series of hot waterfalls are fun to soak in for a while. The turnoff is on Old Waiotapu Road (the first left after Rainbow Mountain Carpark) and you’ll continue down unpaved road for about 2 km to the car park.

Before you enter the creek, remove any jewelry. Katie hopped in the water and her rings and bracelet got tarnished. Luckily, it was easily cleaned with toothpaste and baking soda.

Health Warning: Don’t dip your head under the water, because there is a bacteria in the water that can get into your system.

Parking Warning: There are signs everywhere in the Kerosene Creek car park to lock up your valuables. We saw shattered window glass on the ground throughout the parking lot and there was even a couple who had their car broken into with their passports stolen. We didn’t have any issues, but please be careful.

Wai-O-Tapu Geothermals

Less than a mile down the road from the Kerosene Creek turn off, is the Geothermal wonderland of Wai-O-Tapu. Walk along trails and boardwalks and witness the multi-colored hot pools and other volcanic activity like the Lady Knox Geyser which goes off every day around 10:15 a.m. 

Once you get into Lake Taupo, be sure to head to the iSite (visitor center) and book the Tongariro shuttle for Day 13 (more on that later) or you can book a two-way shuttle online here .

Where to eat in Taupo 

Surprise, surprise, we recommend a craft brewery! Grab a beer at the Eatery @ Crafty TROUT Brewery . They serve a big selection of hearty meals and tasty beers to pair.

Taupo Top 10 Holiday Park – It has good reviews and is in the city, but it is a bit expensive.

There is a free campsite with portable toilets near Huka Falls called Reid’s Farm Recreation Reserve . It can get a little muddy and has the reputation of as a party campsite, but we also saw children there. Be sure to get there early as it fills up fast.

Day 12: Lake Taupo

At a glance: Explore things to do around Lake Taupo and then head down to the freedom camping spot near Tongariro.

Total driving time: 1.5 hour  | Distance: 100 km (62 miles)

Things to Do in Lake Taupo

Lake Taupo, like Rotorua or Queenstown in the South Island , is another city where you can do just about everything you can think of when it comes to adventure activities. Skydiving, bungy jumping, jet boats, mountain biking, or sailing all can be booked in or around Lake Taupo.

If you have the money, be my guest and do all of the above. But for the rest of us and traveling New Zealand on a budget , you might want to pick one, maybe two.

Sailboat tour to the Maori Carvings

Ride in a yacht on Lake Taupo and get up close and personal with possibly the largest Maori rock carvings. Tour is available to run all year long. Check out prices and reviews here .

As the Waikato River drains Lake Taupo, the water funnels into a narrow canyon at some points only 15 meters wide. The rushing water turns bright blue and ends with a heavy pressure waterfall. 

You can drive to the car park and walk around the park on either side of the river (car park closes and locks up at 5:30 p.m. SHARP and 6 p.m. in the summer)

If you want more action in your day, you could book the Huka Falls Jet Boat tour that will send you flying through the turns of the Waikato River up to the big Huka Falls waterfall. Tour prices and reviews here .

Bungy Jumping

Over the same Waikato River, you can strap up, walk to the edge and jump off. If you want, they can even adjust the cord so you dip a bit in the water! Check out Taupo Bungy .

Mountain Biking

There are plenty of trails around Lake Taupo. You can take an easy out-and-back ride along the east side of the lake. If you want a harder challenge, you can trail bike from the city to Huka Falls. Or if you want to be out all day on the hills, go visit Craters of the Moon Bike Park .

After such an action packed day, the best way to wind down is to hit up a local hotspot, literally. Spa Park Hot Pools is a little stream that flows into the Waikato River just a little after Taupo Bungy. 

Park at Spa Thermal Park car park and walk down the path to the river. There are bathrooms and changing rooms on-site as well.

Health Warning: Do not put your head underwater, because there is a bacteria in the water that can get in your system.

Prepare for Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tonight you will want to get as close to the Tongariro Mountain Crossing Parking Lot as you can to minimize your drive time in the morning. 

Before you leave Taupo, be sure to stock up on snacks and water for the Tongariro hike tomorrow. There is a grocery store in Turangi, but you’ll have more choices in Taupo. Also, double check you have your shuttle tickets.

There is a cluster of DOC Freedom camping sites in the Kaimanawa Forest Park, just about 3 km off of Hwy 1. Try to get there about an hour or so before sunset so you can find a good spot. You’ll be able to see the campsite on the Rankers App. They are called:

• Kaimanawa Road Campsite – Kaimanawa Forest Park
• Waikoko Campsite – Kaimanawa Forest Park
• Umukarikari Carpark – Kaimanawa Forest Park
• Urchin Campsite – Kaimanawa Forest Park

They are all very similar: dirt parking lot, drop toilet, no lights. People will show up later in the night, so make sure you are not blocked in when you go to sleep.

At a glance: Hike 6-8 hours across the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

What to know before you hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

• This hike should only be attempted between the dates of New Zealand Labour Day weekend in October to April 30th. Other times of the year there is a serious risk of avalanche, sub-zero temps and snow and ice.
• The hike is only a one-way trek, starting at Mangatepopo and ends at the Ketetahi Car park.
• This trek is SUPER busy. You will always have people ahead of you and people behind you. It’s just that popular of a trail.

We have an entire guide to hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing route with everything you need to know about the shuttles, what to pack, and tips for along the way.

What’s Next?

If you’re heading back up north to Auckland, there is a nice campground to visit after Tongariro called Taumarunui Holiday Park run by a lovely couple.

Note: Return to Auckland if you need to drop off your campervan in Auckland. However if you are continuing on to the South Island, continue following this North Island road trip itinerary down to Wellington, and try to get as far south as you can.

We stayed at the Foxton Top 10 Holiday Park – only two hours away from Welly and a really nice holiday park with a beach nearby. 

The town of Foxton is nothing to call home about, but they have nice showers which you’ll need after a long day hike.

At a glance: Drive to Welly and explore all the things to do in the capital city.

Total driving time: 1.5 hour  | Distance: 120 km (75 miles)

“Don’t miss Wellington!”

We got a handful of messages with sentiments like this, and we ended up being really happy we added New Zealand’s capital city to our itinerary!

Wellington has a great selection of food, craft beer and green space, and it is one of the more affordable Kiwi cities. With just over 200,000 people, it is a small big city (or a big small city!), and has a vibe that is hard not to love.

Wellington is well worth a day (or a few) on your New Zealand North Island itinerary.

Things to do in Wellington

• Te Papa Museum
• Mount Victoria Lookout
• Wellington Botanical Gardens

But that’s not all! We’ve put together a long list of cheap and can’t-miss things to do in Wellington that will be sure to keep you entertained.

Going to the South Island

The ferry to the South Island leaves from the Wharf in downtown Wellington, but the two main companies have separate ports so make sure you go to the correct one . 

The ferry ride itself is nice, but we thought it wasn’t anything special. The best part was drifting past the tiny islands close to Picton on the south island.

Interislander Cook Strait Ferry

Google Maps location

Ferries tend to fill up fast. Make sure to book a few days in advance and at least 1 week ahead of time during peak season (Dec-Feb).

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry

Equally as good as the above ferry. They play movies and have “WiFi” you can connect to.

What to pack for your trip to New Zealand

We know it can be overwhelming packing for a trip to a new destination. That’s why we spent hours creating this super helpful PDF just for you.

In this free New Zealand packing list PDF download , we’ve provided packing checklists for everything from clothing and toiletries to electronics and extra gear you may consider packing if you plan to do some campervan travels.

Plus, we’re sharing tons of packing hacks and tips for traveling in New Zealand that you won’t find anywhere else!

New Zealand North Island itinerary FAQs

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about traveling in New Zealand’s North Island.

Is it worth going to the North Island of New Zealand?

Absolutely! However, if you only have 1-2 weeks to spend on your first visit to New Zealand, we’d suggest choosing the South Island over the North Island. Truthfully, we thought the South Island had even more of the epic nature we were looking forward to experiencing in New Zealand. 

That being said… The North Island is not lacking in nature, or things to do and see. So if you have the time, seeing both islands is definitely ideal!

Also, if you’ve already had the opportunity to experience the South Island on a previous visit, we’d encourage you to check out the North!

How long does it take to drive the North Island of NZ?

According to Google Maps, it would take just under 13 hours to drive the distance between Cape Reinga, at the northernmost tip of the North Island, to Wellington at the southern tip. Of course this is without stopping and what’s the point in that?!

With so many things to see and do along the way, we’d suggest giving yourself at least 2 weeks if you want to experience all that North Island New Zealand has to offer. 

What is the best time of year to visit NZ North Island?

This is sort of a loaded question as the answer will depend entirely on your personal travel style and reasons for visiting New Zealand.

If hiking, warmer temperatures, and beach time are on your to-do list, you’ll want to visit the North Island during the summer months . Spring and fall are the best months to visit to avoid major crowds and still have decent weather for hiking. 

If you are looking to save some money, experience skiing, or just want to avoid the crowds completely, you’ll want to visit during the winter months. 

Keep in mind: New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere and the seasons are mirror opposite to those experienced in the north!

We put together an entire article that goes over what to expect in each season and how to decide which is best for you. Find out the best time to visit New Zealand for your personal travel needs. 

Is it better to go to North or South Island New Zealand?

If it is your first visit to New Zealand and you only have time to see one island, our personal preference would be to visit the South Island.

As we mentioned above, the North Island has plenty of great sights and some cool nature, but the South Island is packed full of epic nature and even more beautiful sights (in our opinion). 

Since we are avid hikers, the South Island had a particular draw for us as well as most of the best hikes in NZ are in the south. 

However, if you are looking for a beach vacay, the North Island is where it’s at. The beaches on the Southwest coast of the North Island are rugged and remind us a bit of the Oregon Coast, while the island of Waiheke has gorgeous beaches for relaxing and just north of Auckland are good surfing beaches.

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand?

We have TONS of resources on travel in New Zealand and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Ultimate New Zealand Travel Guide  for all the answers to your most burning questions, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• The Best Time to Visit New Zealand: When to Go & When to Avoid!
• Things to Know Before Traveling in New Zealand
• Ultimate New Zealand Campervan Packing List
• Guide to Planning Your Campervan Trip in New Zealand

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We want to hear from you!

What do you think about our New Zealand North Island itinerary? Are you planning a North Island road trip and still have questions for us? Comment below and we’ll try our best to get back to you.

Comments (11) on “ North Island New Zealand: 2-Week Itinerary ”

Love your website. Just finished planning our South Island trip from those articles. Wanted to let you know the map link on this north island itinerary article isn’t working…..

Hey Sharon, thanks for the heads up! I fix the link to the map. Sometimes those links stop working for odd reasons, but it’s back up and running now! Have a great time in New Zealand!

Looking to travel to New Zealand in March/April 2024 and considering starting on South Island and working up to North Island. Have the 30-day itinerary but interested in feedback regarding this plan. Is there a similar itinerary or just adapt?

I am interested in your 5-week itinerary for both islands.

We will be travelling to newzeland in December. Thanks for sharing every details about it now we can plan our trip based on your ideas. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

We are finally planning our NZ trip! It’s been a long few years waiting, but here we are! Just curious, we found the interactive New Zealand South Island Itinerary Google Map super helpful…but we are having trouble opening the map for the North Island attached to the 2 week North Island Itinerary article above.

Just want to say what a fantastic site you’ve got here! just a wealth of information and helpful tips and hints. My girlfriend and I are hiring a Campervans and doing two weeks on the North Island too, I’ve read through this itinerary, but just wanted to ask, we’re actually flying and in out of Auckland, so wanted to ask if there’s am alternative recommended driving route that starts and ends in Auckland rather than Wellington? Any help would be appreciated 🙂 Otherwise thanks again!

They are really spectacular photos!! You guys are amazing photographers. We are going next month as a family of 4 and so it was helpful to read some of the things you have done that I was considering. Thanking you

this blog is so luxurious and introduce . amazing post keep very much all the most in established usage . I’m so honored on the grounds that I have a newlyweds . North Island is the part of New Zealand . New Zealand is the Mind – blowing country in the world . New Zealand is the UNESCO heritage in the world . Thanking you !

Thank you so much for your kind words. We loved traveling in New Zealand, especially in the North Island. Let us know if you have any questions!

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Top 15 Things to Do in New Zealand's North Island

Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

New Zealand is comprised of three main islands—the North Island, the South Island , and Stewart Island/Rakiura —as well as lots of smaller islands and archipelagos . Both the North and South Islands are geographically and culturally diverse, and the North Island is best known for its volcanoes and other thermal attractions, sub-tropical beaches, big cities (by New Zealand standards!), and strong Maori culture.

Named Te Ika-a-Māui in Te Reo Maori, the North Island is smaller than the South in terms of land area, but much bigger in population: more than 3.5 million of New Zealand's 5 million inhabitants live in the North Island. That means it's more densely populated than the South Island, but this is relative to New Zealand's overall small size: even in the North Island, it's very easy to get far away from towns and villages.

Whether you have time for both the North and South Islands on your New Zealand trip or can only visit one, here are some of the best North Island sights and attractions to enjoy.

Witness the Meeting of Oceans at Cape Reinga

chrisp) / Getty Images 

While most visitors to the North Island will start in Auckland, near the top of the island, they shouldn't miss heading even further north, to the northernmost tip of mainland New Zealand: Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga is a spiritually important place to the Maori people, who call it Te Rerenga Wairua and believe that the spirits of the recently departed leave New Zealand through the 800-year-old pohutukawa tree at the cape.

The (disused) lighthouse is an iconic New Zealand landmark, and the dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meeting is worth the long, remote drive up the Aupori Peninsula in the north of Northland. Short and longer hikes around the cape and to hidden beaches are worthwhile for energetic travelers.  Te Araroa , a long-distance trek that spans the length of New Zealand, starts at Cape Reinga.

Learn About New Zealand History at Waitangi

Holger Leue / Getty Images

South of Cape Reinga is the ever-popular Bay of Islands , a favorite vacation spot of Aucklanders. As well as being full of gorgeous beaches and islands, this is one of the most significant places in New Zealand history . Waitangi, just north of the town of Paihia, is where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed in 1840, between Maori chiefs and representatives of the British Crown. Although certainly not uncontroversial, this is the modern country of New Zealand's founding document. There's lots to see here so dedicate at least half a day to exploring Te Whare Runanga, the Treaty House, the ceremonial waka, the artisan workshops and the forest and lawns at Waitangi.

Dive at the Marine Reserve of the Poor Knights Islands

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South of the Bay of Islands but on the same coast of the peninsula, the Poor Knights Islands , north-east of Whangarei , are considered to be one of the best diving spots in the whole world. They are a natural and marine reserve, and a huge variety of underwater plant and animal life call them home, thanks to the warm ocean currents that flow here. The islands are the remains of ancient volcanoes, so underwater caves, arches, tunnels and cliffs provide added interest for divers. If you don't dive, snorkeling can also be done here, but definitely not fishing, due to the islands' protected status.

Enjoy Sweeping Panoramic Views from Auckland's Skytower

Phattra Charoensuk / EyeEm / Getty Images

Auckland is the city that many New Zealanders from elsewhere love to hate, but there's no denying it has the best skyline of any New Zealand city. With the pointy Skytower at its center and the hundreds of yachts that give Auckland its "city of sails" nickname, it's attractive by day or night. The best views can be enjoyed from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the North Shore, or from the road journey south from Northland.

Ride the Ferry to Waiheke Island

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

Waiheke Island  is the most populated island in the Hauraki Gulf, about 12 miles from downtown Auckland, and can be reached by ferry or charter plane. It's a great day trip or overnight destination from Auckland, with attractive beaches, a thriving art and artisan community, short walks, and about 30 vineyards. As Waiheke Island is popular with Aucklanders, book accommodation well in advance if you're visiting in high season or during school holidays. Otherwise, a day trip via the ferry is good.

Spot Dolphins in Tauranga

takashikiji / Getty Images

The small city of Tauranga , on the east coast of the upper North Island, is popular with cruise ship passengers who disembark here. But however you arrive in Tauranga, it's a good place to spot dolphins, orcas, pilot whales, blue penguins, fur seals, and even humpback whales during the migration season.

See Film History Come to Life at Hobbiton

TripSavvy / Alisha McDarris

Tolkien fans are not short on "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" destinations throughout New Zealand, but a particular highlight is Hobbiton, in the Waikato town of Matamata. While many places across New Zeland used in filming are just natural landscapes these days, Hobbiton retains parts of the film set, so visitors can be immersed in the atmosphere of the Shire. Guided tours last about two hours, and take you to some of the 44 "hobbit holes".

Splash Down the Rere Rockslide Near Gisborne

John Gollop / Getty Images

You won't find any major watery theme parks in New Zealand, but you don't really need them when there are exciting natural equivalents, like the Rere Rockslide near Gisborne . Grab a bodyboard or inflatable ring to slide down the smooth, slick rocks about 40 minutes west of Gisborne. The nearby Rere Falls are also worth visiting.

Taste Fine Wines in the Hawke's Bay

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The Hawke's Bay region on the east coast is the North Island's premier wine-making area , with around 90 wineries. The merlot, syrah, and chardonnay from this region are particularly good. The main towns of Hawke's Bay are Napier , Hastings, and Havelock North, which are also renowned for their Art Deco architecture. Hawke's Bay is quite a long drive from other major areas of interest in the North Island, so it's worth visiting for a few days.

Watch the Powerful Volcanic Activity at Taupo and Rotorua

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A visit to the North Island would be incomplete without checking out the steaming hot pools, bubbling mud, gushing geysers, and sulfurous terraces of the central North Island. While Rotorua is most famous for these attractions, Taupo has many, too. Buying a ticket to a dedicated nature and culture park is not a bad idea, but there are various unticketed places to enjoy geothermal attractions, such as Rotorua's public Kuirau Park, which has geothermal foot baths.

Go Black-Water Rafting in the Waitomo Caves

The white-water rafting in the North Island is among the best in the world, but a fun twist on the theme is black-water rafting, offered at the Waitomo Caves , south of Hamilton. In the darkness of the underground caves, guides lead visitors on rubber tubes down underground rivers lit up by thousands of glowworms.

Hike Around the Perfect Conical Peak of Mt. Taranaki

wilpunt / Getty Images

The dominant, inescapable landmark of the west coast of the North Island is Mt. Taranaki, a snow-capped volcanic peak that can be seen from many miles around (on a clear day). It sits within the Egmont National Park , one of only three national parks in the North Island, which has many hiking trails from which to appreciate views of the mountain. A full circuit of Mt. Taranaki takes four to five days, but many shorter hikes are also possible.

Canoe Down the Mighty Whanganui River

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Another of the North Island's national parks is the Whanganui National Park , through which the Whanganui River flows. As New Zealand's longest navigable river and surrounded by native bush, the Whanganui is a perfect place to kayak or canoe. Huts, campsites, and Maori-run marae accommodation along the river provide long-distance paddlers places to stay. Paddling the Whanganui River is also an essential part of Te Araroa, the trekking trail that spans the length of New Zealand.

Shelter From Wellington's Famous Wind at Te Papa

New Zealand's capital is a notoriously windy city, and this stereotype is firmly grounded in truth. Fortunately, there are excellent indoor activities to enjoy in Wellington , including the Te Papa museum on the waterfront. Its full name is the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa . Visitors are informed and entertained through permanent and temporary exhibits on an array of cultural, historical, and natural themes related to New Zealand and its people. There's something for everyone at Te Papa, and is a Wellington must-do, even when the wind isn't in full force.

Ride the Northern Explorer Train From Wellington to Auckland

Josef F. Stuefer / Getty Images

One way of seeing a lot of the North Island in a short time while getting from A to B (Wellington to Auckland, or vice versa) is to ride the Northern Explorer. This passenger train travels from Wellington, up the Kapiti Coast, through the Central Plateau (and past the volcanoes of the Tongariro National Park ) and the atmospheric King Country, before arriving in Auckland. The journey takes ten to 12 hours, but if you have to travel the length of the North Island, it beats driving, and you'll see more than when flying. There's a dining cart, an open-air viewing platform, and informative commentary through headphones.

Take a Road Trip on New Zealand's North Island

The 15 Best Places to Visit in New Zealand

Guide to Te Araroa, the Trek That Spans the Length of New Zealand

The Complete Guide to New Zealand's Wine Regions

The Top 20 Things to Do in New Zealand

The Coolest Architecture in New Zealand

The Top 10 Cities in New Zealand

Learn about New Zealand's UNESCO World Heritage Sites

10 Reasons to Visit New Zealand's North Island

The 10 Most Important Historic Sites in New Zealand

The 14 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in New Zealand

The 10 Best Road Trips in New Zealand

Cape Reinga: The Complete Guide

Traveling to New Zealand With Kids: Everything to Know

The Complete Guide to Whitewater Rafting in New Zealand

How to Spend One Week in New Zealand

North Island New Zealand: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Welcome to New Zealand’s North Island! Home to NZ’s biggest city, Auckland, and it’s capital Wellington , the North Island is full of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and incredible cultural experiences.

New Zealand is also one of the world’s best road trip destinations. Camping in New Zealand is also an amazing way to see the country. But with road trips come lots of planning! So whether you’re looking for more of a city break in Auckland or Wellington or want to explore the stunning natural landscapes of places like Rotorua and the Bay of Islands, this guide will give you all the info you need to plan the perfect trip. So what are you waiting for? Grab your passport, and let’s go!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Current COVID situation (as of August 2023)

Borders are now open and travel to New Zealand is possible. No PCR/RAT testing is required before departure or on arrival. However, you will be provided with a free pack of RATs on arrival (we found this so handy!).

COVID cases are present in New Zealand. Should you test positive during your travels, you should isolate for seven days. We recommend taking out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for COVID-19.

Weather Of New Zealand North Island

New Zealand’s north island is usually mild, with temperatures rarely reaching above the mid-20s Celsius. The summer months (December to February) are generally warm and humid, while winter (June to August) can be cool but also very rainy. Often accompanied by strong winds blowing across from the Tasman Sea. Springtime is usually pleasant and sunny, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like trekking or walking along lush and rolling hillsides. For budding surfers, the northern coasts have some decent breaks for catching a wave – although you should always check water conditions first! Come visit New Zealand’s North Island and experience some spectacular scenery along with mild but dynamic weather.

What Is The Best Time To Visit New Zealand North Island?

The best time to visit New Zealand’s north island is in the warmer months between December and February. This is when temperatures are mild, with plenty of chances for outdoor activities like trekking and swimming. The days are also typically sunny, allowing you to take advantage of all the natural wonders the region offers. Springtime is usually pleasant as well, although rain can occasionally be a factor. That being said, there’s no bad time to visit New Zealand’s north island! The weather may not always be perfect, but the scenery and attractions are sure to make up for it.

For cars, we particularly like Europcar for their good rates and vehicle range. You’ll find the Europcar desks inside the Auckland and Wellington airport terminals. We also recently used Omega, who have an office in Mangere, not far from Auckland airport, and offer a shuttle service to and from the airport.

For campervans, JUCY is an excellent and cost-effective option with great service. Like Omega, JUCY has an office nearby in Mangere and a free shuttle service.

Here are some great New Zealand two week itineraries to get you started, as well as a guide for driving from Auckland to Wellington .

New Zealand Currency

New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). The coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. At the time of writing, one AUD will buy around $1.06 NZD, one USD will buy $1.50 NZD, one GBP will get you $1.90 NZD, and one Euro equates to around $1.65 NZD.

It is generally advised to carry a combination of cash and cards when travelling in New Zealand. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, so it’s easy to withdraw NZD whenever needed. Make sure to check your bank’s policy on international transactions before travelling to avoid any unexpected surprises.

How Many Regions Are In The North Island Of New Zealand?

The North Island of New Zealand is divided into 16 regions. These regions span from the Northland region up in the northernmost part, down to the Wellington region, which is located in the southern portion of the island. While each region offers something unique, from its bustling cities and stunning beaches to its charming villages and lush rainforests, each area serves as a hub for exploration into some of New Zealand’s most hidden gems. With so much to explore, it is easy to get lost among these magnificent regions, immersed in all that this beautiful island has to offer!

How to get around the North Island of New Zealand

Getting around the North Island of New Zealand is relatively easy, and there are a few different options for getting between cities. The most popular way to travel is by car, allowing you to set your own pace and explore some of the more remote areas along the way. There are plenty of rental companies in Auckland, Wellington, and other major cities, and you can even hire a campervan to make it a truly unique experience. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, buses are also available between most cities. But buses are often slower, so a car might be the better option if you’re trying to maximise your time on the island.

Where to start your road trip

You’ll most likely land in Auckland, which is great as Auckland is connected to the rest of the North Island by several highways. The city is a great base for exploring the rest of the island, and you can easily get to other cities such as Rotorua, Hamilton, Wellington, and the Bay of Islands from here. Be sure to check out some of Auckland’s iconic landmarks, such as Sky Tower or Mt Eden, while you’re there – they’re truly not to be missed. More on Auckland below.

Places to Visit in the North Island

There’s so much to explore and discover in New Zealand’s North Island – from the white-sandy beaches of the Bay of Islands to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Let’s take a look at some of the top places to visit:

Ninety Mile Beach

Have you ever wanted to visit somewhere that feels like a true escape? Ninety Mile Beach on the North Island of New Zealand will fulfill your travel dreams and then some! Located in the northern New Zealand sub-tropical region. This amazing beach area offers beautiful sandy beaches and nutrient-rich tide pools filled with colorful aquatic creatures. Limestone cliffs meet the horizon along this remarkable stretch of golden sand beach that runs for 90 miles, an experience impossible to capture with words alone. Pack a picnic lunch and join locals and visitors alike in exploring this stunning environment. Take a jeep tour along the shoreline and experience an environment untouched by time. Whether you’re into outdoor sports like surfing, kitesurfing, or sandboarding or just enjoying a lazy day soaking up some sun, Ninety Mile Beach has something for everybody to enjoy in this one-of-a-kind destination.

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the most northern point on the North Island of New Zealand and is a must-visit for anyone exploring this island paradise. From here, you can watch two oceans – the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet together. This spiritual Maori site, Te Rerenga Wairua, or “the leaping place of souls,” is a breathtaking location you won’t forget. Enjoy strolling along the beach and exploring the unique rock formations, or take a tour to better understand the area’s rich history and culture.

If you’re looking for something truly magical during your time on New Zealand’s North Island, then Hobbiton is a must-visit. Located in Matamata, this movie set was used to film some of the most iconic scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Take a guided tour through The Shire and explore Hobbit holes, gardens, and other unique places featured in the movies. This experience is sure to be a highlight of your trip to the North Island. Read this guide to the best Hobbiton tours for more information.

Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is a rugged and untouched paradise located in the northern part of the North Island. This stunning coastal area offers some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches, including Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, and Cooks Beach. With its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and unique wildlife, such as kiwis, this is a must-visit destination.

From the quirky Thames township to the stunningly beautiful Whangapoua Harbour, the Coromandel Peninsula is a great place for all types of travelers. Crossing the peninsula is a great way to explore – you could hike the famous Pinnacles trail, go canoeing down the Kauaeranga River, or even take a guided tour.

Lake Taupo is a true gem of New Zealand’s North Island, offering breathtaking natural scenery and a host of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. With crystal-clear waters that stretch as far as the eye can see and majestic mountains looming in the distance, this stunning lake is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re looking to hike through the Tongariro National Park, take a dip in the geothermal hot springs, or simply bask in the beauty of your surroundings, Lake Taupo is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring New Zealand.

For more information about one of our favourite New Zealand destinations read our Lake Taupo travel guide .

The capital city of New Zealand’s North Island is Wellington. This stunning city is located on the island’s southwestern tip and is a truly unique destination. From its vibrant cultural life to the natural beauty of Zealandia, Wellington is one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations.

Be sure to explore Te Papa National Museum, wander through the art galleries, explore the markets and cafes, or go to Weta Cave – home of the movie industry in New Zealand. With its beautiful harbor setting, Wellington is a great place to relax and explore.

Read our guide to Wellington in 24 hours .

Auckland is the largest city on New Zealand’s North Island and is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Sky Tower and Mount Eden. This vibrant city offers something for all types of travelers – from its stunning beaches to its bustling nightlife to its unique cultural experiences.

Be sure to explore the city’s art galleries, markets, and cafes. Take a ferry ride around the harbor, and don’t forget to visit Waiheke Island for a day of relaxation in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots. With its stunning setting and vibrant atmosphere, Auckland is a must-visit destination for all travelers to New Zealand’s North Island.

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a stunning coastal area located on the north of New Zealand’s North Island. This area consists of 144 islands, making it an ideal spot for water-based activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Don’t miss the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where you can learn about Maori culture or take a boat tour to explore the magnificent islands and their wildlife. This is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots, with crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.

No matter what type of traveler you are, New Zealand’s North Island has something for everyone.

Tauranga and Bay of Plenty

Located in the Bay of Plenty Region, Tauranga is a beautiful city on New Zealand’s North Island. This vibrant and growing city is home to some of the country’s most popular attractions, such as Mount Maunganui, McLaren Falls Park, and the Waimarino Adventure Park.

Take a stroll along the waterfront or a boat ride out to one of the many islands in the area. With its stunning beaches, lush forests, and bustling city life, Tauranga is a great place for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this coastal city offers something for everyone.

Hamilton is the fourth most populated city in New Zealand, located on the North Island. This vibrant and growing city offers a mix of culture, nature, and adventure.

Be sure to explore Hamilton’s stunning botanical gardens, take a stroll along the river, or visit some of its many art galleries and museums. Take a day trip out to the Waitomo Caves or explore the Hobbiton Movie Set. With its unique attractions and vibrant atmosphere, Hamilton is a great place to visit during your stay on New Zealand’s North Island. Don’t forget to check out the Night markets for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Hawke’s Bay, located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Land of the Long White Cloud. This stunning region boasts some of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes, including vineyards, rugged coastlines, and rolling hills dotted with sheep.

Whether you’re a wine lover looking to indulge in some of the country’s finest drops, a foodie keen to try fresh local produce, or an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure, Hawke’s Bay has something for everyone.

Make sure you read our Hawkes Bay travel guide !

Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland located on New Zealand’s North Island. This special region is known for its bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and Maori culture.

Take a dip in one of the many thermal pools, jump in a Zorb, or take a guided tour of the geothermal parks. Visit the Maori Village to learn more about their culture and traditions. With its unique landscape and vibrant atmosphere, Rotorua is sure to amaze all types of travelers. Don’t forget to check out the Redwoods Treewalk for an unforgettable experience.

For more information, here are the best places to stay in Rotorua for families .

Some Useful Tips While Visiting New Zealand North Island

• Be sure to research the weather before you visit, as temperatures and conditions can vary greatly.
• Make sure to have a valid visa or passport if travelling from overseas.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes, as much of the terrain is hilly or rocky in certain areas.
• Be sure to check out some of the key cultural sites, such as Auckland’s Sky Tower or Wellington’s Te Papa Museum.
• If you’re a fan of nature, don’t miss a chance to explore one of New Zealand’s national parks, like Tongariro National Park near Taupo or Whanganui National Park near Wellington.
• Finally, be sure to enjoy all the unique food and beverage experiences New Zealand has to offer, from fine dining restaurants in Auckland to craft beer pubs in Wellington.

New Zealand’s North Island has something for everyone. From its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests to its bustling cities and charming villages, the North Island of New Zealand is a unique destination with plenty to explore. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s no shortage of activities and attractions on offer across this tropical paradise. In this guide, we’ve highlighted some key points to consider when planning a visit to this region. So get ready, grab your passport and explore all New Zealand’s North Island has to offer!

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Amelia is a health researcher and mother of two who loves inspiring other families to add more adventure to their lives. She spent ten years in the travel industry before changing careers, and A Winter Escape is her way of still helping people plan the best possible holidays around the world.

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The Ultimate New Zealand North Island Itinerary | Trip Highlights & Travel Tips

Kia Ora and welcome to Aotearoa!  If you’re looking for a New Zealand North Island Itinerary and travel guide, then you’ve definitely come to the right place!  

Now when I have a desire to travel to New Zealand, I always find myself with a dilemma which bugs me every time…which island should I go to?   Should I head to the South Island for the wintery slopes of the Southern Alps, or should I bask in the sun of the Bay of Islands?   Personally, I typically lean towards the South Island and having been there countless times has me thinking about the myriad of things that can be seen and explored on New Zealand’s North Island.

Sunset in the Bay of Islands

SO before you book those tickets to the popular and mountainous Queenstown, why not consider diverting to Wellington or Auckland to kick off your New Zealand adventure? With the might of Tongariro National Parks active volcanoes to Raglan’s famous surf breaks to the stunning coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, the North Island dramatic landscapes, climate, and culture show why this place just has to be on your list!  

I’ve put together this North Island travel guide, and it’ll go over the most popular destinations, give accommodation recommendations, and will answer pretty much all the questions you have about traveling in this undeniably scenic region of the world.  All I know is that the  North Island certainly is a must, and will absolutely blow your mind! 

Also, be sure to check out my article, “ Top 15 Music Festivals in New Zealand To Experience Before You Die ” to see if there are any epic parties during your dates!

How to get around the North Island of New Zealand 

Having traveled around New Zealand by rental car and bus –  I think both have their pros and cons, but in the end of the day, hiring a car or campervan is the best option! 

A car simply allows so much better access to those destinations that are off the beaten path, and places that a bus tour will not take you. As well, b us travel in New Zealand tends to take a lot longer between tourist destinations. For example; a bus trip from Queenstown to Franz Josef on the South Island will take 7 to 8 hours, while a car trip will take 4.5 hours. 

One of the more popular travel options in New Zealand is renting campervans, and embracing the #VanLife lifestyle! It’s an adventure on it’s own, will save heaps of money, and will provide tons of freedom for the longer trips!  Check out this article, “ The ultimate guide to travel by campervan in New Zealand ” for some more information on the subject.  It’ll go over pretty much everything you need.  

It’s actually a dream trip of mine to live in a campervan and drive around New Zealand for 3-6 months! 

New Zealand also has a great option of airports and carriers so flying is also an option (for shorter trips), but can actually be expensive to fly between cities and regional areas.   

Where Should I Start My N orth Island New Zealand Road Trip…?

Depends on where your flight comes in from and that generally will Auckland or Wellington. Personally, I would start and finish in Wellington and go something like this;

New Zealand Itinerary & Route Suggestions

Wellington – New Plymouth – Waitomo – Raglan – Auckland – Waiheke Island – Bay of Islands – Cape Reinga – Coromandel Peninsula – Tauranga – Rotorua – Tongariro National Park – Taupo – Hawke’s Bay – Wellington

To see all of these destinations would take one month and to see in-depth allow 2 months. If you’ve got limited time, take a read through the places to 

Places to Visit in New Zealand North Island

There really are some truly stunning places packed into a relatively small island, and it’s guaranteed to be a trip you’ll never forget!

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is pretty much the starting tip of New Zealand, so what better way to start off this epic North Island adventure than by standing on the edge of the country, literally! 

At the very tip of the North Island is New Zealand’s 2 nd most northerly point (kind of a trick) where the waters of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean combine to create a spectacle of blue hues. Getting to the edge of Cape Reinga and to the base of Cape Reinga Lighthouse is simple and very beautiful with a short downhill walk from the nearby carpark. 

Sunrises and sunsets from Cape Reinga are exceptional even if it means getting up in the early hours of the morning, it will be worth it.

Ninety Mile Beach 

The name says it all, Ninety Mile Beach except the fact that it’s not quite 90 miles long. So long as you know what you are doing, driving along Ninety Mile Beach is allowed just make sure that you are abiding by the Department of Conservations laws.  

Further north of Ninety Mile Beach is Te Paki Recreation Reserve, an area dominated by towering sand dunes. Clambering to the top takes 10 to 15 minutes but the way down is a whole lot quicker and if you have a body board handy, you’ll be breaking speed records in no time.

Best Stay : Ninety Mile Beach is all about camping and the best spots are located at Tapotuputo Bay and Rarawa Beach . Camping is $10 NZD per person and needs to be paid to the Department of Conservation.

Bay of Islands 

The South Island has the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, but the North Island has the Bay of Islands, a piece of paradise only a few hours’ drive north of Auckland. 

With 150 islands scattered around the bay, kayaking, sailing and seafood as never looked so good! Just to see everything in the Bay of Islands requires at least 1 week so the best starting point is Paihia, a cruisy coastal town centre to the surrounding islands. 

Paihia is the gateway to the rest of the islands including that of Russell, formerly the capital of New Zealand. Russell is one of the more relaxing coastal towns with an old school charm from shore to street. If you fancy checking out Russell, you’ll need to get a water taxi from Paihia which costs a few NZD each way taking about 15 minutes.

For access to islands and those epic remote beaches situated throughout the Bay of Islands, check with the local i-SITE (information centre) for information on tours in the area.

Best Stay : Peppertree Lodge is a chilled out stay with rates from $25 for a dorm room located in Paihia. 

Auckland is quite a unique place given the fact it almost surrounded by water of the Hauraki Gulf, Waitemata Harbour and the Manakua Harbour to the south and in the middle of it all, an ancient volcano known as Mount Eden or Maungawhau.

While I have never been a fan of Auckland but once you dig beneath the surface, there are some pretty awesome things you can do while in New Zealand’s biggest city.

Here’s my Top 5 Things to do in Auckland:

• Enjoy sunset from Mount Eden or One Tree Hill.  Rising 182 meters above Auckland is a dormant volcano which sounds pretty scary considering it is near the center of the city but don’t worry, scientists predicted it will only erupt once and that happened some 600 years ago. Getting to the top is simple with a walking track looping around the ancient volcano. 
• Stroll along Waitemata Harbour. Auckland has a lot of wharfs given its seaside position and if you have a moment during your North Island visit, the night is the best time to take a stroll along the harbor as most of the wharfs are decorated with lights especially Princes Wharf. 
• Having a brew in Vulcan Lane. Sorry but New Zealand has the best beer in the world hands down so why not head to Vulcan Lane to try some of the finest beers this country has to offer? Vulcan Lane is a hip place to spend a Sunday afternoon with an array of modern to historical looking buildings that will provide some sort of concoction to please your taste buds.  My go to beers in New Zealand are Monteith’s, Emerson’s and Harrington’s . Wine from New Zealand is beyond exceptional so check local menu’s in Vulcan Lane to try some fine wine.
• Goat Island Marine Reserve – what’s a trip to Auckland if you aren’t out and about exploring its neighboring suburbs and districts? Goat Island might be the ‘ greatest of all time’ with the North Island’s finest array of fish even the occasional Orca! Goat Island is the perfect day trip out of Auckland so get your snorkels and budgie smugglers on and go for a paddle!
• Rangitoto Island – if Waiheke Island is too chill for you, why not upgrade to a flight around an active volcanic island or if you feel like hiking to ancient lava tubes then head to www.rangitoto.org or www.doc.govt.nz for more information!

Best Stay : Auckland is backpacker central especially near the harbour. Hostels can be jam packed and rowdy in Auckland so it’s best to avoid and go for something like the Kiwi International Hotel with prices starting at $59 NZD a night.

Waiheke Island

If Auckland isn’t your thing, Waiheke Island is only a short boat ride away from the cities harbor. 

Only 35 minutes north-east of the city by boat, Waiheke Island is the place to chill by the beach without the hassle of crowds, cars and the rush of Auckland. Waiheke Island is all water and wine with a fantastic array of beaches to soak in that precious sun or if you prefer to sip wine under the sun, there are some of the finest wines produced awaiting your taste buds. 

Waiheke Island is known for its bliss coastal walks of which weave and wind to secluded beaches, through native forests and you wouldn’t even know that the hustle and bustle of Auckland is a mere peak over the horizon.

Got plenty of time? To get around and see Waiheke Island in all of its glory would require 3 days minimum however in one day, there are so many things to do and see!

Best Stay : Kina Backpackers standard rate is $28 NZD for a decent position on Waiheke Island.

Coromandel Peninsula 

One moment you are zooming along New Zealand’s main highway and the next you find yourself on the Coromandel Peninsula the North Island’s equivalent of the Otago Peninsula. 

The “Coro” as I like to call it is one of the most underrated places on the North Island, maybe even New Zealand with cool coastal towns that coexist with a stunning backdrop of hilly mountains of the Coromandel Range which is home to the spires of The Pinnacles where you can get the best views of the peninsula, you’ll just have to put on your hiking boots and go for an explore!

From the quirky Thames to Coromandel Town on the west coast of the peninsula, sleepy fishing and farming villages are worth stopping by for a coffee or a yarn with the locals and if you get the chance, delve into some of New Zealand’s freshest seafood’s. There are quite a few coastal strolls to do while in Coro Town, so be sure to venture out of the town and check out Coromandel Harbour.

Crossing the peninsula from east to west can be quite nervy but beautiful in parts as the Pacific Ocean becomes visible along with farmland that greets the sea. Whitianga is the perfect summer destination and a popular spot for locals on holidays.   Like most places on The Coromandel, fishing is huge so head to an i-SITE for more information on how you can get out onto the waters of Mercury Bay. 

Best Stay : Tui Lodge is a great little farm stay located just out of Coromandel Town. Pricing’s start from $28 a night to $70 for a private, country style room and if you’re lucky you’ll get to pat a sheep!

Hot Water Beach

Without doubt, the number one destination in the Coromandel for tourists and locals a like. Hot Water Beach is as the name says…a hot water beach. Hot Water Beach is known for producing hot water from underneath its sands where deep fissures seep water into the sand which makes it way to the surface. 

The hot water is best accessed by the use of a shovel and 2 hours each side of low tide. Watch the YouTube video below for a bit more information on this unique tourist hotspot! 

Best Stay : Hot Water Beach has very little choice for sleeping arrangements so a Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park goes reasonably well for prices starting at $18 for a campsite and $30 for a dorm room.

Just make sure you read through this article “ When to Visit Hot Water Beach | A New Zealand Must Do ” before you go! It’ll provide all the information ya need!

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove might be the most photographed spot in the North Island and for good reasons. Cathedral Cove is a huge natural stone arch tucked away into the corner of the beach all with waterfalls, crashing waves and multicolored sands. 

Getting to Cathedral Cove takes 30 to 45 minutes via foot from a nearby carpark. 

Best Stay : No options at Cathedral Cove so go for your nearest town such as Whitianga or Coromandel Town.

Situated on the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga might be the North Island’s best-kept secret. 

Adding Tauranga to your North Island itinerary is a must do especially if you are out and about exploring the Coromandel Peninsula. Tauranga is a quick 2 hour drive south east of Auckland and oh boy its worth checking out the iconic Bay of Plenty, a myriad of beaches, surf breaks where some of the most relaxed locals in New Zealand live.

Tauranga is the spot to go if you love kayaking, surfing, mountain biking and fine dining!

Just across the bay is Mount Maunganui, known to the locals as ‘the mount’, Mount Maunganui is a suburb of Tauranga to which has an exceptional headland that provides 360 degree views including the Bay of Plenty, the township of Tauranga, Tauranga Harbour and the 70 kilometre long Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park to the west.

Getting to the top of Mount Manganui takes 1 hour in total or if you prefer to walk around the base, 45 minutes is required.

Best Stay : Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers rates start from $27 NZD for a dorm room located on Maunganui Road.

Rotorua 

There’s really no other way to put it than this; Rotorua you really, really smell. If you disembark your bus or exit your vehicle, the first thing you’ll notice is a smell wafting through the air and no it’s not rotten eggs in fact its Sulphur being emitted from geothermal vents scattered around the city.

To get an understanding into why locals reside in Rotorua, spend half a day roaming Whakarewarewa Village which is a traditional Maori village perched on the edges of thermal baths. At certain times of the day, a geyser like vent builds up pressure and bursts out a huge amount of water into the sky! 

Entry to the village cost $35 NZD for an adult. 

Rotorua is also the adventure capital of the North Island so put it on your itinerary! The best activities are mountain biking which is said to be better than mountain biking in Queenstown by a long shot with 100 kilometres of trails winding through New Zealand’s finest forests. 

White water rafting is exceptional as you get to plunge off a 7 metre waterfall so hold on tight! There are countless companies running tours on the Kaituna, Rangitaiki and Wairoa Rivers so depending on how hardcore you want your experience to be, choose wisely!

Best Stay : Crash Palace rates start at $22 for a dorm and $65 for a double which is epic value, located on Hinemaru Street.

Hawke’s Bay 

Hawke’s Bay encompasses Napier, Havelock, Hastings and Wairoa to the north . The Hawke’s Bay area is rich is culture, produce and environmentally wise. 

“Award-winning food and wine, outstanding architecture, and warm balmy days surrounded by magnificent landscapes waiting to be explored – Hawke’s Bay is pure paradise.

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, I’d suggest embarking on the Te Mata Peak for the sunrise!  You’ll be rewarded with some pretty stunning views1

Napier holds the largest population with 60,000 odd kiwis. The town of Napier is a step back in time as most buildings were renovated and rebuilt in 1931 after an earthquake destroyed everything. 

New Zealand’s South Island has the Marlborough wine region , and the North Island has Hawke’s Bay, a literal slice of paradise home to some of the country’s finest wines. Around Hawke’s Bay, there are 25 winery and cellar doors where chardonnay and merlot top the list of the best wines in the region. 

If sipping on a chilled glass of grapes isn’t your thing, Wairoa is home to one of a few Great Walks of New Zealand and that being Lake Waikaremoana, an exceptional 46 kilometre tramp through pristine forests, mountains and wondrous lake views. For more on this track be sure to visit www.doc.govt.nz .  

Best Stay : Napier YHA is the spot to be with rates starting at $26 for a dorm room, located on Marine Parade, right next to the sea.

Waitomo to the naked eye is just a small town located in the middle of a few cow paddocks and craggy rock fields…but to see what Waitomo is all about, you’ll need to venture underground!

To start off your underground cave experience it is best to visit the Waitomo Caves Visitor Centre where information can be sought on all three of the caves available for exploration. 

The first of the 3 caves is Glowworm Cave which holds frequent tours to see the galaxy like array of glowworms dangling from the rocky ceiling above. 

Aranui Cave is the 2 nd cave but don’t expect to see glowworms, instead epic rock formations known as stalactites and stalagmites intrude every corner of this magnificent underground natural feature.

The 3 rd of the 3 caves is Ruakuri Cave and possibly the best of the 3 all with glowworms, waterfalls and trickling underground rivers. Ruakuri Cave is the best place to don the wetsuit and grab a tube to which a guide will take you deep underground to see glowworms from below, it’s truly magic!

If you are not a fan of heading underground, Waitomo offers a series of small hikes such as the Dundle Hill Walk which is privately owned and guided or if you just want to stretch your legs, the Waitomo Walkway is perfect.

Best Stay : Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park has an array of options for sleeping with rates starting at $23 for a campsite to $70 for a cabin. Accommodation is very limited in Waitomo.

When someone mentions New Zealand, the first thought that will pop into your head will most likely be Lord of the Rings.  

The Hobbiton without a doubt is the most famous place in the Lord of the Rings world known as Middle Earth . The set of The Hobbiton still stands today where guided tours can have you visiting the homes of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins to a feast fit for a Hobbit at the Green Dragon Inn. 

Tours start from $84 NZD for a standard 2 hour tour or if you want to include lunch, tours start from $120 NZD which run for 2.5 to 3 hours.

Best Stay : No accommodation, best bet is Rotorua or Hamilton as situated halfway between both cities.

Raglan is known for the best left-hand surf break in New Zealand maybe even the world making it a top destination of for surfers from all over the world but there’s more than just barrels and boards, Raglan is becoming the North Islands cuisine capital for organic food, forest walks including Bridal Veil Falls, an epic 55 metre waterfall!

Raglan is all about garden to plate or sea to plate without extensive food miles (the distance food travels from its origin to plate). Local Emma Galloway from www.mydarlinglemonthyme.com is an advocate for Raglan’s finest produces and has become a local hero for promoting the way food should be grown and consumed. Every second Sunday of the month, Raglan hosts the Raglan Creative Markets a place where you can see what local legend Emma has cooked up from homegrown produce!

Most tourists are ever so keen to pick up a board and head for the most famous of surf breaks but before you even consider dropping in on a wave of proportions, its best to get a lesson or two from a local professional with more mellow waves.

Hiking in Raglan is also a good way of seeing this beautiful region especially if the ocean is just that little bit too cold. Mount Karioi and Mount Pirongia both merge amongst the rugged coastline of Raglan to which a variety of tracks can be taken around these special mountains. Check www.doc.govt.nz   for track updates.

Best Stay : Raglan Backpackers is probably the most chilled backpackers in the country with rates starting from $27 NZD for a dorm.

Wellington is the furthest south you can go on the North Island, and the last stop before a scenic ferry ride across the Cook Strait could drop you off on the South Island.

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand  and home to nearly 200,000 kiwi’s (people not birds). Wellington often gets a bad name from its iconic often cyclonic winds with a multitude of features around the town named after these gales i.e. The Wellington Hurricanes who are a Super Rugby Union team to a Hollywood-like sign showing the name Wellington blowing away in the wind.

I can’t name one person who has visited Wellington for the winds so let’s get to the things they do come here for! Here are my top 5 Wellington experiences:

• Te Papa Museum – is New Zealand’s national museum and possibly one of the best I have ever visited in the world. Te Papa holds insightful information into Aotearoa’s history, nature and landscape. Te Papa has 6 floors to explore and good luck if you can do them all in one hit! 
• Wellington Botanic Gardens via Cable Car – secretly I am a huge fan of botanical gardens and most cities I explore, a botanical garden will be first on the list. Wellington has a unique series of gardens that can be accessed via cable car which is $7 NZD return. Wellington is a very hilly city so a cable car was put in during 1902. The gardens are beautifully manicured with the odd view of the cityscape down below. With 25 acres of gardens, there’s bound to be a spot where you can sit back under a tree and take a nap.
• Mount Victoria Lookout – is the place to go if seeing Wellington in a whole is your thing. The views are good however I challenge you to a better mission…find the location of the iconic Lord of the Rings scene where Frodo and friends hide from the Ring Wraith underneath a pine tree. Mount Victoria was a filming location for the first film.
• Watching the Wellington Hurricanes or All Blacks – Rugby Union is New Zealand’s national sport and rugby in the North Island is huge with teams like the Hamilton Chiefs, Auckland Blues and the mighty Wellington Hurricanes. If you get the opportunity to watch the Wellington Hurricanes or New Zealand All Blacks play while in Wellington, you will get a sense of just how dedicated kiwis are for the sport.
• Harbour Front Chillout Session – are perfect when Wellington hits a warm, wind-free day for drinks, food and good times! Wellington’s Waterfront Walk has some of the best cafes and restaurants in the city and if you get an exceptionally warm and still day, anywhere along the harbor front is the best! 

A hotspot for chilling out is the Whairepo Lagoon,  especially during summer and spring!

Best Stay : Downtown Backpackers are central to most things in Wellington with rates starting at $28 NZD for a dorm.

Tongariro National Park

The South Island has its fair share of mountains, ski fields, and hiking trails but the Tongariro National Park might be the best of them all!

Located roughly halfway between Auckland and Wellington, Tongariro National Park is a must-do on your North Island itinerary. With skiing and snowboarding available in the winter, Mount Ruapehu comes to life with a flurry of locals and international visitors keen to shred the slopes of a dormant volcano.

During the warmer months, Tongariro has a world-class hiking trail spanning some 19.4 kilometers past raging waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, spewing vents of Sulphur and lakes of crystal blue water. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has cemented itself as the number 1 trek in New Zealand and for some seriously good reasons!

If you are a serious outdoorsy person and love a challenge, set some time aside to do the Tongariro Northern Circuit, a four day, 50 kilometer tramp through the rugged, Mars-like environment. 

If you are considering doing any of the hikes above, check with the local i-SITE in Whakapapa or online at www.doc.govt.nz for updated information. Weather can be notoriously bad in the Tongariro National Park.

Best Stay : Unless you are hiking the Northern Circuit and are using huts, Whakapapa Village is pretty awesome so stay at The Park Hotel Ruapehu which has a spa, cabin style dining area and easy access to Tongariro National Park. Rates start from $115 NZD.

Mount Taranaki 

If you were to put Mount Taranaki and Mount Fuji (Japan) side-by-side could you tell the difference? Well, to be honest, I still get tricked. 

Mount Taranaki might be New Zealand’s most beautiful mountain, with an almost perfect cone shape decorated with native forests and paperwhite snow. On exceptionally clear days, Mount Taranaki’s peak can be witnessed from the Abel Tasman National Park, some 192 kilometers away!

Mount Taranaki is home to many trekking routes to the summit while around its base, a 55 kilometer loop track is available and oh boy its one not to miss on your North Island itinerary. 

The  Mount Taranaki Summit Track  is the list of many tourists list but the mountain is a deceiving one with gale force winds, crevasse’s and scree slopes, before trekking around or climbing Taranaki be sure to check with www.doc.govt.nz on current conditions and forecasts.  

Best Stay : You can stay quite close to Taranaki so go for Camphouse for $38 a night and be situated within the national park!

New Plymouth 

New Plymouth without a doubt has the best backdrop in the North Island as Mount Taranaki ascends high into the clouds.

With a population nearing 55,000, New Plymouth is slowly becoming frequently visited destinations by travellers from all over and those seeking to catch a quality wave along the renowned Surf Highway which navigates through lush farmland and the shores of the north and south Taranaki Bight’s. 

New Plymouth is a very much laid back city given its awesome location so expect lots of good coffee, beer and local produce from surrounding farmlands. 

The highlight of New Plymouth is Pukekura Park, a somewhat Japanese inspired garden with mini waterfalls, native trees and a lot of ducks. On a cloud-free day, Mount Taranaki will show its summit as you stroll around these beautiful gardens.

The Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park located 1 kilometer offshore of New Plymouth is a haven for fur seals and sea birds. Getting there can be done by boat so check with the local i-SITE for locally run tours and options. 

Best Stay : The YHA Egmont Eco Lodge is choice with rates starting at $29 NZD for a dorm room.

Lake Taupo Area

Last on the list, but certainly not least, Taupo is stunningly situated on the shores of Lake Taupo, which is said to be bigger than the island of Singapore! 

Lake Taupo is a magnet for avid adventures from mountain bikers to white water rafters and being so close to Tongariro National Park, mountains are only a short distance away. Taupo is known for having some of the best waterfalls in the North Island as the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river winds its way through the centre of town creating the legendary Huka Falls which can be witnessed from an epic footbridge! As well, it’s a popular destination for skydiving on the North Island!

Taupo has incredible geothermal activity meaning that like Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula; time can be spent bathing in the earth’s natural hot water as a variety of businesses offer such activities. 

However, Taupo isn’t all about waterfalls in fact Maori culture is the centerpiece to why so many people want to visit this area. Only accessible by boat, an intricate Maori Rock Carving reaching 10 metres high can be seen and the best way to do so is with a local company doing awesome things https://www.goexplorenz.com/ . Go Explore NZ is the ultimate way of seeing Taupo, Tongariro and The Lakes area!

After an epic days adventure at the helm of Lake Taupo, there’s no better way than to chill out lakeside with a local brew on the shores of the lake as the sunsets. Hungry? Head to Plateau on Tuwharetoa Street to indulge in locally produced cuisines. 

Best Stay : Plenty of accommodation in Taupo to choose from. Tiki Lodge has great views of the lake and surrounding mountain starting at $27 NZD for a dorm.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary Essential Travel Info

The best sim card for tourists in new zealand.

I always get my SIM card for New Zealand at the airport upon arrival, as all of the shops are right in front of you when leaving the terminal!

Generally, I will go for Vodafone on a prepaid plan. Airports generally have good deals but tend to change on a regular basis so base your decision on how long you will be in the country for then purchase according to that. Pre-paid deals with Vodafone start from around $25 NZD.   Spark is probably just as good as Vodafone with excellent coverage throughout New Zealand and the North Island. Deals start from $25 NZD as well.

Setting up a New Zealand number is super easy if you purchase a SIM card from the airport as staff will do it all for you giving instant access to the internet so you can be connected right from the start!

Is it Safe to Visit New Zealand?

New Zealand is probably the safest country in the world despite recent events in Christchurch that has attempted to tarnish the safety of tourists and locals. Having spent a decent amount of time on both islands, I never endured or encountered any problems either in the city or regional areas. 

The only danger I would say is just to be careful when you’re hiking! Bring plenty of water, don’t hike alone, and make sure to stay on the tracks.  Other than that, New Zealand is completely safe for solo travelers. 

New Zealand Travel Costs

New Zealand and Australia are very similar in costs, meaning most things are generally expensive.  Here’s a rundown of basic items and their costings;

• Accommodation – $30 NZD for a 6 bed share at a local backpackers
• Coffee – $5 NZD for a latte from a café 
• Beer – $6 NZD for a schooner or $9 for a pint 
• Pub Meal – $20 to $30 NZD
• North Island Bus Tour – $599 for 10 days + with www.kiwiexperience.com  
• Car Hire per Day – $15 to $46 NZD per day with 
• Fuel – $1.70 NZD for fuel in a major city like Auckland or Wellington.

Am I Missing Anything from my New Zealand North Island Itinerary

It’s been a couple years since I’ve visited the North Island, so please do reach out to me if you think I need to add any specific destination, hotel, activity, hike, or whatever else you think is important!  I’m actually hoping to move down to New Zealand next year for my Working Holiday Visa (before I no longer can do that because of my age), and will be adding any more relevant information to this travel guide!

After watching this video below, I’m pretty stoked to get back down to New Zealand ASAP! 

Planning a trip to New Zealand & Australia…?

Having spent a decent amout of time in this region of the world, I’d invite you to check out a few of my other articles that could be of some help and inspiration! 

• Traveling the North Island of New Zealand with Kiwi Experience
• Top 10 South Island of New Zealand Highlights with Kiwi Experience
• Top 6 Adventures in New Zealand
• Top 17 Travel Tips for Exploring New Zealand with Kiwi Experience
• 80 Fun, Interesting, and Wierd Facts About Australia
• The Ultimate SYDNEY Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days in Sydney
• The Ultimate MELBOURNE Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days in Melbourne
• The Ultimate PERTH Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days in Perth
• The Ultimate NORTHERN TERRITORY OUTBACK Itinerary
• 14 Words You’ll Start Saying When You Move to Australia
• The Ultimate Guide For Moving To Sydney on a Working Holiday Visa
• Cairns – Sydney: The Ultimate Greyhound Bus Pass Itinerary
• 30 Music Festivals in Australia To Experience Before You

North Island New Zealand Travel Guides & Books

Whether you’re spending two weeks two months in New Zealand  – I’d definitely recommend picking up a guide book or two to assist you while you’re on the road! I’m personally a fan of Lonely Planet, but there are a decent amount of options that would be a great resource while you’re exploring the North Island: 

• Lonely Planet New Zealand (Travel Guide)
• Insight Guides Explore New Zealand (Travel Guide with Free eBook)
• Lonely Planet New Zealand’s North Island (Travel Guide)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance !! 

Whether you are heading to New Zealand for just a week or embarking on a lengthy trip around both the north and south islands, travel insurance is absolutely essential. 

Getting sick or having items stolen while travelling is rare, but when it does happen, it can be an absolute nightmare. Having insurance (which is essential for visas in some countries) will give you the peace of mind that if anything terrible does happen, you are covered. While people often make the mistake of thinking healthcare is ‘free’ in countries such as New Zealand, as a visitor that is usually not the case. 

I highly recommend HeyMondo due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, their fair pricing, and their handy app which allows you to not only manage any claims within the app, but also access free assistance online so you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while abroad!

So, whether you need a single trip cover or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you travel, and relax during your trip knowing that HeyMondo has your back. Nowadays I would never travel without insurance again, especially after hearing so many (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travellers I’ve met!

Still planning your trip? You can always just get a no commitment travel insurance quote now, so you have an idea of how much extra to budget for your vacation!

Thanks for reading my New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Share this north island itinerary with your travel friends and hobbits.

Great article. New Zealand is a must see destination. Lots of good times.

This blog was a lot more beneficial for me than I could have thought. It is informative and enlightening, as it gives exact and explanatory guidance and direction.

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North Island New Zealand Tours - Self Drive or Coach

From Cape Reinga to Wellington City our New Zealand North Island tours cover every corner of the island. Travel by coach or self drive and explore Bay Of Islands, swim with dolphins, visit Auckland City, the wild west coast, the beaches of the Coromandel, Hobbiton movie set, famous Waitomo caves, Rotorua's cultural and geothermal attractions, Lake Taupo, Bay of Plenty, the world heritage area of Tongariro National Park, the vineyards, food and wine of Hawke's Bay and much much more.

Bay of Islands 3 Day Tour

Duration: 3 days Auckland to Auckland

• Independent tour (bus & coach)

This 3 day tour includes coach travel from Auckland to Paihia, a cruise to the famous Hole in the Rock, Cape Reinga & Ninety Mile Beach experience and a tour of the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

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price pp from

Was NZD$1,005

twin share/double

North Island Waitomo, Rotorua and Napier Experience

Duration: 4 days Auckland to Auckland

• Hotel 4 star

This short sharp and super sweet tour of the middle of the North Island showcases our culture and beautiful scenery.

• Viewed 644 times in the last 7 days

Waitomo, Rotorua and Hobbiton Weekender

Duration: 2 days Auckland to Auckland

• Hotel 3 star

Visit Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, Tamaki Maori Village and Hobbiton Movie Set on this 2 day fun-filled tour.

• Viewed 506 times in the last 7 days

5 day Waitomo, Rotorua and Hobbiton

Duration: 5 days Auckland to Auckland

Visit Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, Tamaki Maori Village, Hobbiton Movie Set and Wai-O-Tapu thermal area on this action packed 5 day itinerary.

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Waitomo, Rotorua and Napier 5 Day Tour

On this tour, you'll experience the most iconic places and attractions in the North Island with 4-star hotel accommodations for luxury evenings.

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7 day Bay of Islands, Rotorua & Waitomo

Duration: 7 days Auckland to Auckland

This 7 day tour includes 2 nights in the Bay of Islands with a cruise to Cape Brett and Hole in the Rock. Then onto Rotorua for a thrilling day of adventure and activity. Return to Auckland via Waitomo Caves.

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8 Day Upper North Island Adventure

Duration: 8 days Auckland to Auckland

This 8-day tour is great for people who wish to experience as much as they can in the upper North Island. Learn about New Zealand's history, cruise around the Bay of Islands, travel to Rotorua via Hobbiton village and experience New Zealand's geothermal capital before returning to Auckland via Waitomo Caves.

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Waitomo, Rotorua and Hobbiton 3 day tour

Calling all Lord of the Rings and Hobbiton fans! This is the perfect tour if you would like to indulge in New Zealand's culture as well as seeing the location of the famous films. Starting and finishing in Auckland this action packed 3 day tour will take you to Waitomo Caves, Te Puia, Tamaki Maori Village, Hobbiton Movie Set and Wai-O-Tapu thermal area.

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North Island Escape

Duration: 5 days Auckland to Wellington

• North Island Self Drive

Travel through the heart of the North Island on this short 'highlights' New Zealand Self Drive Tour. From Auckland journey south through the Waikato countryside to Rotorua, the Maori culture capital of New Zealand. It’s then on to the Art Deco city of Napier in the Hawkes Bay, home to New Zealand’s oldest vineyards.  The final leg of your whirlwind tour of the North Island takes you past sheep farms and wineries as you travel through the Wairarapa region to your final destination, the capital city of Wellington.

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Auckland to Wellington 10 Day Highlights

Duration: 10 days Auckland to Wellington

Explore our most popular North Island cities and get a taste of New Zealand culture and wine regions, accompanied by quality Motels to rest your head at the end of the day.

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North Island Highlights

Duration: 11 days Auckland to Auckland

Explore the North Islands' major cities including Martinborough with the spectacular Northern Explorer Scenic Train from Wellington back to Auckland.

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Nearly all our guests customise our tour ideas. That's what we do! Our expert team of New Zealand specialists can design a holiday itinerary to suit you perfectly. A tailor made package can be created for you in no time and doesn't cost you any more than one of our 'off the shelf' ideas. So get in touch with the team today to start your plans.

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Kate Abroad

10 Day North Island New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary (2024)

New Zealand is a small country but that doesn’t mean you can see it quickly, instead, it’s best to split your time by island and this 10 day North Island New Zealand itinerary is a great place to start.

This itinerary is really the highlights of the North Island as it’s impossible to see the whole place North Island in 10 days. However, if you have a bit more time, there’s a 2 week variation that squeezes more in.

The itinerary is designed to start in Auckland , which is the easiest place to fly into, and end in Wellington so you can jump on the ferry and continue on with my 10 day South Island itinerary for a total 3 week trip.

If you don’t have time for the South Island, then you can return to Auckland for your flight home.

To save a bit of money on this trip, I’d suggest looking into a bundled attractions pass which includes Rotorua hot springs, the Hobbiton movie set and a bunch of other top NZ activities you might want to do on this road trip.

How to get around the North Island on this itinerary

To be honest, this really only works well as a North Island road trip itinerary.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, you could travel by bus (see my full guide to New Zealand by bus ) but you will need to allow a few more days as there are limited intercity bus services each day.

I would recommend picking up your vehicle on the morning of day 4 when you leave Auckland. You won’t need a vehicle to get around Auckland and Waiheke Island is a ferry trip from central Auckland. You can save money by not paying for those days, plus you’ll avoid the hassle of Auckland parking. 

If you’re renting a campervan/motorhome/RV, I can tell you it’s almost always going to be cheaper to book cheap central accommodation in Auckland for the first 3 nights than paying for hireage for an extra 3 days plus paying for an Auckland campground that will be far from the city centre plus paying for Ubers/public transport to get in from the campsite.

Likewise, if you aren’t going to the South Island, it’ll be cheapest to do a one-way hire and drop off your car/van as soon as you get to Wellington as there are no central campgrounds in Wellington and you don’t need a vehicle to explore the city.

You can check out rental car prices and book on RentalCars.com

Where to stay on your 10 day North Island road trip

This itinerary works equally well for campervanning or driving and booking nightly accommodation. I have included both campground and hotel/motel accommodation options for each location. 

It’s worth noting that big hotels are only really available in Auckland, Wellington and Rotorua. Outside of there, it’s mostly small motels.

If you usually use points to book chain hotels, you won’t have any luck.

The 10 day North Island road trip itinerary

Days 1-2: auckland.

Start your trip off with two days of exploring New Zealand’s biggest city. If you’re coming from further afield than Australia, you might want to make this a slow start and give yourself some time to get over any jet lag.

The main activities for these days are a trip up the iconic Sky Tower (New Zealand’s tallest building) to see views of the city and exploring the waterfront. 

I especially love the Britomart area which is full of cafes, bars and boutique stores.

While at the sky tower, you could also check out the All Blacks exhibition to get a sense of our national obsession with rugby. Or try the reverse bungy or skyjump for something a bit more adventurous.

If you’re up for venturing a bit further afield, you could take a trip out to Piha, the rugged west coast beach not far from Auckland.

Swimming is not recommended here; we literally have a TV show – Piha Rescue – dedicated to saving tourists who get caught in the rough conditions at Piha.

Alternatively, jump on the ferry to Devonport to visit the more family-friendly North Shores beaches .

There are also some good walks around Auckland. Mount Eden or One Tree Hill are short options that will get you good views for not much effort. Otherwise, head to the Waitakere Ranges for serious hiking.

• Luxury: Hilton Auckland
• Mid-range: Holiday Inn Express
• Budget: Attic Backpackers

Day 3: Waiheke Island 

On day 3, jump on the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island. The island is in the middle of the Hauraki Gulf less than an hour’s ride from the city.

A return ferry trip to Waiheke Island costs $46 per adult (sometimes there are specials) and ferries run hourly. You can buy tickets at the wharf or online . Advance bookings are a good idea on weekends, in summer or on public holidays.

The highlights of Waiheke Island are the wineries and galleries, and you can either walk, hire bikes or jump on an organised tour to get between them. My favourites are Mudbrick and Stonyridge.

Waiheke is also a beachy spot with lots of options for sunbathing, coastal walks and kayaking or paddle boarding.

If you’re visiting in summer, take the bus to Oneroa Beach and spend some time in or on the water there. You can easily hire boards or kayaks from Kayak Waiheke.

This is a day trip so you can stay in your same Auckland accommodation from Days 1-2.

Day 4: Coromandel

Drive time from Auckland to Coromandel (Whitianga):  2.5-3 hours

Distance: 200km

The Coromandel Peninsula is where many North Islanders come for holidays because of the miles of beautiful swimmable beaches.

I grew up going to Whangamata and Pauanui which are great family beaches in the Coromandel. 

However, the main attractions for visitors and the places you absolutely must hit up on your 10 day north island road trip are Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach which are just south of the town of Whitianga. 

You might recognise Cathedral Cove from the Narnia movies as the rock archway has become one of New Zealand’s most famous photo spots .

Hot Water Beach is known for its warm water rock pools which are heated by thermal hot springs and mean you can swim year-round.

If you’re ok with ait of extra driving, I’d recommend spending some time driving around the coast and checking out all the beaches along the way.

• Luxury: Esplanade Apartments
• Mid-range: Beachside Resort Motel
• Budget/Camping: Harbourside Holiday Park

Day 5: Hobbiton 

Drive time from Coromandel (Whitianga) to Hobbiton (Matamata): 2.5 hours

Distance: 170km

Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan or not, visiting Hobbiton is a must-do experience in New Zealand. The cute hobbit-sized houses make great photos if nothing else. 

You can do the standard movie set tour or time your visit for the second breakfast or evening banquet options. The food spread almost looks like something from Harry Potter.

Hobbiton is the main event of Day 8 so if you aren’t interested in staying long there you could spend the morning exploring more of the Coromandel or push on to Cambridge which is a really pretty small town in the Waikato region of the North Island with lots of great food options.

Find more ideas in my Waikato road trip guide .

• Luxury: Villa Walton Bed & Breakfast
• Mid-range: Broadway Motel
• Budget/Camping: Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park

Day 6: Waitomo

Drive time from Hobbiton (Matamata) to Waitomo: 1.5 hours

Distance: 100km

Today it’s time to visit Waitomo Caves. On the way, stop at Mount Pirongia and/or Otorohanga.

Mount Pirongia is a great day hike for the committed tramper, otherwise, you can do shorter walks in Pirongia Forest Park, find the trail details on the DoC website.

Otorohanga is the Kiwiana capital of New Zealand and you’ll notice that when you drive past the giant kiwi on the way into town.

While you’re there you can see the Kiwiana Walk which takes you through the history of some of New Zealand’s cultural icons. There are real live kiwis too at the Otorohanga Kiwi House.

The Waitomo caves are a huge favourite of mine since childhood, although I still can’t remember the difference between stalactites and stalagmites! Either way, you can see both at Waitomo as well as glow worms. Plus, there is black water rafting which is cold, dirty and heaps of fun!

If you aren’t keen on fitting into a tube, then you can do guided walking tours of the caves. The Waitomo Caves Tours Guide has a comparison of the different options available.

• Luxury: Waitomo Boutique Lodge
• Mid-range: Woodlyn Park Motel
• Budget/Camping: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park

Day 7: Rotorua

Drive time from Waitomo to Rotorua: 2 hours

Distance: 150km

Rotorua is the number one tourist location on the North Island because it offers a mix of cultural and natural attractions plus lots of adventure options.

One thing you need to be aware of when you visit Rotorua though is that it stinks like rotten eggs. That’s the sulphur from the geothermal hot springs . The benefit is that you can go soak in the springs at Polynesian Spa or see the geysers around town and near the lakeside. 

Other than spas and geysers, you can check out some fun and thrill-seeking activities like the zorb or the luge or mountain biking. Or just take a ride up the gondola to enjoy the views.

Rotorua is also known for Maori culture as it’s a place of historic significance and the home of the Arawa tribe.

There are plenty of cultural experiences on offer, which allow you to learn about Maori culture and history. Just please don’t go thinking modern Maori live in grass huts or cook all their food in the ground.

• Luxury: Pullman Rotorua
• Mid-range: ibis Rotorua
• Budget/Camping: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park

Day 8: Tongariro

Drive time from Rotorua to Tongariro (National Park): 2 hours 15 minutes

Distance: 180km

By the time you get to Day 8 you will have seen coastal New Zealand, city New Zealand and farming New Zealand, so now it’s time for mountains.

As you approach Tongariro, you’ll see views of the perfectly conical Mount Ngaurahoe which features as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings movies.

Tongariro National Park is famous for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, the most popular day hike in New Zealand with phenomenal views.

If possible, plan to get to Tongariro in time to devote a full day to the walk (it’s about 8 hours).

There are affordable shuttle options to help you get to/from each end of the trail.

If you don’t have time or want to hike or the weather packs in, then you can simply enjoy exploring the cute mountain towns of Ohakune and National Park. Make sure to grab one of the famous eclairs from the dairy in Ohakune.

In winter, it’s also possible to ski on the slopes of Ruapehu, using National Park as your base. All gear can be hired either in the towns or on the mountain and lessons are available. You can also buy day passes for the lifts on the mountain.

• Luxury: Chateau Tongariro
• Mid-range: Mountain Heights Lodge
• Budget/Camping: Tongariro Holiday Park  

Days 9-10: Wellington

Drive time from Tongariro (National Park) to Wellington: 4 hours

Distance: 330km

Day 9 will be the biggest driving day as you cover half the length of the North Island, so you’ll need at least one extra day to see New Zealand’s capital city. 

On your way from Tongariro to Wellington, you could stop at Otaki (for cafes and outlet shops) or the Kapiti Coast beaches (for walks and swimming). I wouldn’t bother stopping at Palmerston North.

There are so many things to do in Wellington but the top of your list should be Te Papa , the national museum located on the waterfront which contains so many stories of New Zealand’s history.

Don’t miss a trip on the iconic red Wellington cable car that runs from the main street of Lambton Quay up to the historic suburb of Kelburn.

I’d recommend taking the cable car uphill then walking down through the Botanic Gardens. You can buy your tickets online here .

You can also check out the city beaches around Oriental Bay and enjoy ice-cream or fish and chips on the beach.

Wellington is a foodie city and obsessed with coffee. To discover the best the city has to offer, head to the laneways which contain lots of art, awesome cafes and hidden cocktail bars .

• Luxury: Bolton Hotel
• Mid-range: Quest The Terrace
• Budget: The Marion Hostel
• Camping: Capital Gateway (this is a train ride from the city)

Find more options in my Wellington luxury hotel guide , Wellington Airbnb guide or Wellington camping guide .

Alternative: 1 week North Island itinerary

Having only one week in the North Island is really pushing it to squeeze everything. I’d recommend taking the full 10 days or even better, 2 weeks so you can properly see everything.

However, if you are really short on time, then you could skip Wellington and spend only one day in Auckland. The best parts of New Zealand are outside the cities after all and cutting the southernmost point will really reduce your driving time.

Alternative: 2 week North Island itinerary 

This extended itinerary fits even more in but is very action-packed. It works because many of these places are more about natural attractions than activities, so you don’t need as much time there.

For a more slow-paced option, you could take the 10 day itinerary and add extra days in the Coromandel and Rotorua.

• Waiheke trip

As a kiwi, it’s hard to narrow down my favourite parts of my home country to a short itinerary. There’s so much to see and do and there’s no wrong way to see New Zealand.

If you try this 10 day North Island New Zealand itinerary, I’d love to hear what you think. Let me know in the comments below.

Happy travelling!

New Zealand Travel Resources

• Find the best prices on hotels with flexible cancellation at Booking.com
• Pre-book your tickets to attractions on Get Your Guide
• Find awesome day tours on Viator
• Compare prices on cars and campervans at RentalCars.com
• Sort your New Zealand dollars with a Wise currency card

Kate is the founder of Kate Abroad. She has travelled to nearly 40 countries from Austria to Vanuatu, and lived in 3. She's on a mission to empower other Gen Zs and Millenials travel affordably by sharing helpful travel guides, stories and tips to over 200,000 readers.

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New Zealand North Island Itinerary: The Best 2 Week Road Trip

Posted by Francesca Brooking | New Zealand , Oceania | 0

Long stretches of white sandy beaches, bubbling geothermal pools, active volcanoes, glowworm caves, wineries and more await you on New Zealand’s North Island. 

From Auckland to Wellington and everywhere in between, follow this epic New Zealand North Island itinerary for all the highlights and hidden gems you won’t want to miss. 

Head’s up, this post is a long one. Don’t have time to read it all right now? Pin the image for later!

So, you want to travel to New Zealand? Visiting the North Island is an absolute must, but there’s so much to see and do that you’re spoilt for choice. 

After spending several months in New Zealand, I’ve put together a guide to help you plan all the best places to go on the North Island. 

In this itinerary, you’ll visit the Bay of Islands and the subtropical north, hike the famous Tongariro Crossing and swing by Hobbiton Movie Set. 

You’ll also have opportunities to experience Maori culture and try some adrenaline-inducing activities. 

Want to cover New Zealand’s South Island too? Check out my 2-week road trip itinerary here!

How much time should you spend on New Zealand’s North Island? 

The North Island itinerary below fits comfortably into about two weeks. If you don’t have that kind of time then I’ve made some suggestions for alternative itineraries: 

7 Days North Island 

Skip the Bay of Islands and go straight to the Coromandel Peninsula then work your way down the route. You can try and squeeze in the Tongariro Crossing at the end. 

If you have extra time, Waiheke Island is worth visiting. 

10 Days North Island

Start this itinerary from Day 6 and work your way down. You should have enough time to get from Auckland to Wellington with a few days to stop and explore some of the best bits of North Island, New Zealand. 

14 Days or more 

The perfect amount of time to see the very best of the North Island! You can follow this exact route down to Wellington.

If you have a few extra days here and then you can break up the journey even more and spend longer in some of your favourite places. 

This itinerary is best done as a road trip but if you don’t drive don’t worry, it’s still doable. I’ve highlighted some options below. 

Want to find the best places to stay in New Zealand during your trip? Here’s are my favourites!

How to get around New Zealand 

This itinerary is best done as a road trip but if you don’t drive don’t worry, it’s still doable. I’ve highlighted some options below:

Hop-on, hop-off bus pass

One of the easiest ways to get around New Zealand if you don’t drive is doing a hop-on, hop-off bus tour like Stray or Kiwi Experience. 

Popular with backpackers and solo travellers, these passes have set itineraries that are flexible. This means you can hop off at a stop and hop on again when you’re ready to continue your journey. 

All transport is covered and you have the option to book activities and accommodation on board. The main downside is that you don’t have the freedom to go wherever you want. 

Editor’s tip: Kiwi Experience follows the exact itinerary below.  Read my review here.

Small-group tours

Similar to hop-on, hop-off passes, you can do a small-group tour. The most popular tour operators are G Adventures and Intrepid Travel. 

Both promote responsible adventure travel and offer authentic experiences. You can also pick a tour based on your interests. 

Your transport, activities and itinerary are taken care of but you don’t have the flexibility to stop and explore on your own on their North Island itineraries. 

Local buses

If you don’t drive, it’s possible to build an itinerary using local buses like InterCity. 

You have the freedom to choose where you want to go. However, one downside to be aware of is that you’re bound by timetable and route constraints. You might not be able to go off the beaten track as easily either. 

If you go with InterCity, I recommend that you get a FlexiPass as you can make flexible bookings, top-up any time and manage all your routes online. It will also give you much cheaper rates. 

Hire a campervan / car

If you want complete freedom, hiring a campervan or car is your best bet. A campervan is a good option if you want to save money on food and accommodation too. 

Only do this option if you feel confident driving and you’re happy to do long stints on the road. You may need to customise your itinerary to fit how long you feel comfortable driving for. 

New Zealand North Island Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Auckland 

Stay: Fort Street Hostel (budget) | Mercure Auckland Queen Street (mid-range)

Chances are, you’re flying into Auckland airport. The best way to get to the city is with the SkyBus. It’s only 24 NZD one way (21 NZD if you book online). 

To be honest, I’m happy to take or leave Auckland. While it’s a nice city in its own right, most people visit New Zealand for the breathtaking natural scenery and in my opinion, there are other much nicer cities. 

With that in mind, don’t feel like you need to go out and explore the minute you land. Give yourself permission to relax and recharge. I spent most of my first day sleeping off jet lag!

That being said, if you do want to explore, here are a few highlights: 

Sky Tower 

You certainly won’t miss this sci-fi looking building towering over the city. If heights don’t faze you, head up there for panoramic views or even a spot of fine dining. You can even do a skyjump or skywalk if you’re feeling brave. 

Mount Eden 

Auckland sits on top of a volcanic field and although very unlikely to erupt, the surrounding 50 volcanoes are dormant rather than extinct. A top one to visit is Mount Eden, the highest natural point in the city. 

There you can see panoramic views of the city and harbour as well as the remains of a Maori settlement. The impressive 50m deep crater in its centre is sacred to Maori culture and you’re not permitted to enter it but you can explore the rest of the mountain. 

Day 2: Waiheke Island (optional)

Highlights: Stunning scenery, delicious food and pretty vineyards await you on Waiheke Island. 

If you have time to spare, a day trip to Waiheke Island is absolutely worth doing. This gorgeous island is home to lush green hills, golden sandy beaches and mild weather that makes it surprisingly perfect for wine and olive oil. 

Fuller ferries run every half an hour from the Auckland Downtown Ferry Wharf to Matiatia Wharf. Tickets cost about 42 NZD for a return ticket and the journey takes about 45 minutes. 

Wine tasting on Waiheke Island

To see the best of Waiheke, I recommend doing a food or wine (or both!) tasting tour like this premium one that includes a platter lunch.  

Your tour guide picks you up at the wharf and drives you to three different boutique vineyards and an award-winning olive oil mill. 

Lunch is served at one of the vineyard’s top restaurants and you’ll also have the chance to try other Waiheke delicacies such as oysters. View the tour here. 

Day 3: Auckland to Paihia 

Highlights: Explore the Bay of Islands, go dolphin spotting and learn about Maori and European history.  

Distance: 230km (142 miles) | Total drive time: 3 hours 

Stay: Pickled Parrot Boutique Hostel (budget) | Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands (mid-range)

Most people tend to skip the Bay of Islands entirely. Don’t. You’re missing out on historic towns, dolphin cruises, sand dunes and so much more. 

The drive from Auckland to Paihia takes about three hours non-stop. If you set out in the morning, you should get there around midday. Head to Charlotte’s Kitchen or the Glasshouse Kitchen & Bar for a spot of lunch when you arrive. 

In the afternoon, you have a few options for activities. 

If you’re keen to do the half-day cruise, I suggest doing it on the morning of Day 5 before heading back to Auckland as tours depart at 9 am only. 

Bay of Islands cruise 

Enjoy spectacular scenery on a half-day eco-friendly cruise of the Bay of Islands. Departing from Paihia, highlights include dolphin spotting but look out for seals and penguins too. 

The activity will take you to the iconic Hole in the Rock and you’ll even be able to sail through it, weather permitting. 

The cruise also includes a 1.5-hour island stop at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. An excellent spot for water activities or a bite to eat. Check it out here.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds 

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds mark the site of the Waitangi Treaty, an important document signed by British representatives of the Crown and 500 Maori chiefs in 1840. This event played a vital role in shaping the New Zealand we see today. 

Entrance to Waitangi costs 50 NZD and includes access to two contemporary museums, a guided tour around the treaty grounds and heritage buildings.

Russell 

Board the passenger ferry and take the 15-minute ride across the harbour to the historic town of Russell. Much of its original street plans and names from as far back as 1843 remain perfectly intact. 

Don’t miss the iconic Duke of Marlborough, a pub that once served all manner of whalers and sailors!

Read more: Bay of Islands Itinerary: Spend Three Awesome Days in the Bay of Islands

Day 4: Day Cape Reinga day trip 

Highlights: Go sandboarding, witness two seas collide and enjoy sunset on the beach.

Distance: 197km (122 miles) | Total drive time: 3 hours

Take a day trip to the northernmost tip of New Zealand, known as the winterless north for its temperate climate all year round. 

Here, you can go sandboarding down giant sand dunes, see where the Tasman Sea collides with the Pacific Ocean and admire the abundance of rugged beaches. 

The entire excursion can be completed in a day. If you want to take a break from driving, this full-day tour covers all the activities below. 

Giant Sand Dunes 

The Giant Sand Dunes or Te Paki Sand Dunes are a remarkable sight to see and it feels like being in a desert. It’s essentially a 10km long coastal strip of 150m high sand dunes – and the best thing to do? Sandboard!

Cape Reinga Lighthouse

Located in Cape Reinga is a lighthouse. Once you see it, you’ll know you’ve reached the northern tip of New Zealand. Here you can see where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea. 

It also marks the spot in Maori culture where the souls of the dead travel to embark on their journey into the afterlife. 

90 Mile Beach 

On your way back from Cape Reinga, you can stop off at Ninety Mile Beach. It’s an actual highway but you’ll need to be with a tour to drive it. Fun fact: it’s actually about 54 miles long…

Day 5: Paihia to Auckland 

Stay: At your previous Auckland accommodation or somewhere new. Browse options here. 

Do the morning Bay of Island cruise before heading back down to Auckland in the afternoon. Take the rest of the day to relax in the city.

If you’re feeling active, you could visit the Auckland War Memorial Museum or head to the black sand Piha Beach about 45 minutes from Auckland. 

Day 6: Auckland to Hot Water Beach  

Highlights: Visit Cathedral Cove and finish off with a natural hot water bath on the beach. 

Distance: 173km (107 miles) | Total drive time: 2.5 hours

Stay: Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

Back on the road and this time you’re heading to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, known for its secluded bays and native rainforests. 

You’ll be heading to Hot Water Beach via Cathedral Cove, two absolute must-visits on your New Zealand North Island itinerary. 

Cathedral Cove

Head to Hahei Beach and do the 45-minute walk accompanied by stunning coastal scenery to Cathedral Cove. 

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you spot the arched cave which connects the cove to the adjacent Mare’s Leg Cove. 

It’s a truly magnificent sight and deserving of a photo. Go kayaking, cruising, swimming or simply admire the view. 

Hot Water Beach 

Finish off the day at Hot Water Beach, just right around the corner from Cathedral Cove. An underground river of hot water flows into the Pacific Ocean and it surfaces at Hot Water Beach. 

Two hours on either side of low tide, visitors and locals alike flock to this unique spot to find hot water bubbling through the sand. Grab a spade or use your hands and dig your very own hot water bath. It’s free!

Editor’s tip: When I say the water is hot, I mean VERY hot in some parts. Be careful not to scald yourself. You’ll also only be able to do this activity for two hours on each side of low tide. Check the tide times for here when you plan to visit. You can always try going on Day 7 if you miss it on Day 6. 

Day 7: Hot Water Beach to Waitomo 

Highlights: A gorge frozen in time and a subterranean world lit up by glowworms. 

Distance: 224km (139 miles) | Total drive time: 3 hours

Stay: Waitomo Homestead Cabins

Leave the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula behind and take a little detour down to Waitomo (it’s worth it, trust me). Along the way, you’ll stop at the magical Karangahake Gorge to explore the old mining tunnels. 

Karangahake Gorge

Nestled among the Kaimai Ranges, the Karangahake Gorge is a place that time forgot. Hike through the gorge to find a labyrinth of tracks and walkways with relics left behind from the once-lucrative gold mining industry. 

Do the Windows Walk, an hour-long trail that takes you over dramatic swing bridges and along a rusty old tramway with cliffs rising up all around you. 

Highlights of the walk are the low-ceiling pitch-black mining tunnels. Remember to bring a torch or use the light of your phone to help you get safely through!

Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The village of Waitomo is home to the most famous glowworm caves in New Zealand. Glowworms light up the pitch-black caves like stars in the night sky. 

There are three ways to experience it: a relaxing boat trip, black water rafting or caving (for the really adventurous). 

If you like a little adventure, I recommend black water rafting. You’re kitted out in a wetsuit and you have an expert team to guide you. It does get cold though so head to the canteen afterwards for soup. 

Day 8: Waitomo to Rotorua 

Highlights: Onwards to Rotorua, the heart of Maori culture but not before stopping at a little village/film set known as Hobbiton. 

Distance: 140 km (87 miles) | Total drive time: 2 hours

Stay: Rock Solid Backpackers (budget) | Cleveland Thermal Motel (mid-range)

Hobbiton Movie Set

If you’re a Lord of the Rings fan then you’ll have this activity down as a must-do. Even if you aren’t too bothered about the franchise itself, Hobbiton is a lovely attraction to visit. 

You can’t actually visit the movie set without going on a guided tour of Hobbiton. The general Hobbiton Movie Tour costs 89.00 NZD for an adult (age 17 and above). It lasts two hours and starts with a free coach transfer to the movie set itself. 

A guide then leads you through the village, sharing fun facts and tidbits about Hobbiton and LOTR. You also get plenty of opportunities to take photos. The tour ends with a pint of your choice at the Green Dragon Pub. Check it out here.

Tamaki Maori Village 

As you arrive into Rotorua, designate your evening to Tamaki Maori Village, voted one of the top 10 experiences in the world. Here’s an opportunity to learn about Maori history and culture through performances, songs and games. 

Tamaki Maori Maori village itself is a replica of what a Maori village would look like and the staff wear traditional dress. You can also stay the night for a full cultural experience. 

A big highlight is the traditional hangi feast, a meal slowly cooked in a hot stone oven in the ground. It usually consists of tender vegetables and meat. There are also delicious vegan and vegetarian options available. 

Day 9: Explore Rotorua (optional) 

If you want to take a break from your busy itinerary and you have a few days spare, Rotorua is a good stop. 

There are a lot of activities to keep you occupied here, although one thing that might take you by surprise is the smell. 

No beating about the push – the town smells like rotten eggs due to the hydrogen sulphide emissions wafting up from underground. You get used to it though, don’t worry!  

Some things to do in Rotorua: 

White water rafting

Get the adrenaline pumping by white water rafting on the Kaituna River. It’s home to the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world – 7m Tutea Falls.

Polynesian Spa 

Pamper yourself at the Polynesian Spa located near the Government Park. The spa’s geothermal mineral waters are sourced from two natural springs that feed into 28 hot mineral pools. 

The slightly acidic waters have therapeutic properties so it’s the place to go for tired and achy muscles. There are also a series of massage treatments available. 

Ever feel like you want to roll down a hill in a giant inflatable ball filled with water? Well, you can finally live the dream through zorbing. There are three tracks to go down so prepare to get soaked. Check it out here.

Redwoods Treewalk 

Just outside the town is a towering redwood forest. You can certainly go on plenty of walks or you can take it up a notch and do the Redwoods Treewalk. 

This ecotourism activity allows you to walk quite literally among the trees on a series of suspended walkways and viewing platforms. It’s gentle and suitable for all fitness levels. 

Go in the day or in the evening for a spectacular lights show. 

Kiwi Hatchery 

Learn about New Zealand’s most famous and elusive bird – the kiwi. It’s very unlikely you’ll see one in the wild. They’re timid and only come out at night. 

At the hatchery, you have a chance to get a glimpse of one and find out about the conservation programmes working to protect this species. 

Te Puia Geothermal Reserve 

Te Puia is home to the largest active geyser in the Southern Hemisphere. You can wander through the geothermal valley, see traditional Maori carvers and weavers at work, visit the restaurant, and learn about kiwi conservation too. 

Day 10: Rotorua to Taupo 

Highlights: Take the short drive to Taupo, the site of a dormant supervolcano. See the mighty Huka Falls. 

Distance: 80km (50 miles) | Total drive time: 1 hour 

Stay: Rainbow Lodge (budget) | Taupo Debretts Spa Resort  (mid-range)

Today’s drive is pretty short so you can spend the morning finishing off any activities you still want to do in Rotorua before heading down – unless you’re itching to get going. 

Taupo sits on the northeast shore of Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in Australasia. To put it into perspective, it’s roughly the same size as Singapore. 

It’s also the site of one of the largest volcanic eruptions from the last 5000 years. Don’t worry, the volcano is dormant and unlikely to erupt in our lifetime. 

Huka Falls 

One pitstop you can make on your journey down to Taupo is Huka Falls. 

The Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river flows from Lake Taupo into a shallow ravine of volcanic rock where the previously serene water becomes a pounding mass before plummeting over the 11-metre high waterfall. 

You can follow the Spa Park to Huka Falls trail to stretch your legs or get up close and personal on a jet boat ride or river cruise. 

Day 11: Explore Taupo 

The next two days are designed to give you some flexibility. Taupo is the gateway to Tongariro National Park wherein lies the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the most famous hikes in New Zealand. 

If you’re keen to do the hike (and you absolutely should!), you need to build some wiggle room into your itinerary just in case of adverse weather conditions – particularly in winter. 

So, with that in mind, check the weather forecast in advance. Your accommodation can help you plan too. 

You may be able to do the Tongariro Crossing on Day 11, but if not there are plenty of things to do in Taupo to keep you occupied. Try these amazing Indian restaurants too!

Skydive 

If you haven’t braved a skydive yet, Taupo is a great place to do it. You can see the huge lake from above surrounded by mountains, volcanoes and a coast-to-coast view of the North Island. Choose from heights of 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, 15,000 ft or 18,500 ft. 

It’s a tandem jump so you’re in safe hands.  Check it out.

Bungy jumping 

For adrenaline-inducing activities closer to the ground, go bungy jumping or swinging over the Waikato River. If that’s not enough for you, you can adjust the cord and get dunked into the water. Check it out. 

Maori Rock Carvings 

One of the best things to do in Taupo is visiting the giant Ngatoroirangi Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings. Rising 14 metres above the water, this contemporary Maori artwork is a formidable sight. 

You can cruise, kayak or take New Zealand’s only commercial electric sailboat to see it. View it here. 

Spa Park 

Since you’re still in geothermal country, why not make the most of it with a trip to Spa Thermal Park? You can soak under a waterfall or in the natural rock pools completely free of charge. 

Day 12: Tongariro National Park (optional)

Highlights: Epic volcanoes, sacred lakes, LOTR’s Mount Doom and an otherworldly landscape. 

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing in New Zealand is one of the most formidable and awe-inspiring walking trails in the world. Located in the Tongariro National Park, the trail intersects a dramatic and rocky landscape of tall mountain peaks and active volcanoes. 

Dried-up lava flows scar the land and plumes of steam rise from geysers and boiling mud pools. There isn’t anything quite like it.

The Crossing is 19.4 km in length and it takes roughly six to eight hours to complete depending on the weather.

The best time to do the Tongariro Crossing if you want an easier hike is in the summer from November to the end of April. It’s the most popular time with hikers and you can do it safely without a guide. 

Make sure you pack the right equipment such as hiking boots, sunscreen, a packed lunch, backpack and plenty of water. 

Winter is just as beautiful but a lot more challenging. Be prepared to wait a few days for good weather.

You can read my complete guide to doing the Tongariro Crossing in winter here. 

Editor’s tip: Book a shuttle to and from Taupo. Although you can drive to the park, you’ll be glad of the rest once you’ve completed the hike, trust me. 

Day 13: Taupo to River Valley (optional) 

Highlights: A remote retreat with outdoor activities and an amazing restaurant serving dishes with homegrown produce. 

Distance: 164km (102 miles) | Total drive time: 2.5 hours

Stay: River Valley Lodge 

As you near the end of your New Zealand North Island itinerary, you can either head straight down to Wellington and spend a few days in the capital or you make a short stop at River Valley. 

The drive from Taupo to Wellington is long (about 5 hours) which is why I’ve added in an extra stop if you want to break up the journey. 

River Valley is a remote family-run farm beside the Rangitikei River. Nestled among the trees, this retreat offers accommodation (both hostel and private rooms), a restaurant and bar. 

Activities include horseback trekking, scenic riverboat trips and rafting. It’s a calm little oasis before you reach the city. 

Day 14: River Valley to Wellington 

Highlights: It’s the last leg of diving before you reach Wellington and complete the itinerary!

Distance: 260km (162 miles) | Total drive time: 4 hours

Stay: Trek Global Backpackers (budget) | Mercure Wellington (mid-range)

Wellington is a must-see on your trip to New Zealand. This capital city is bursting with character and has an amazing selection of food and craft beer.

It’s also a very affordable city and there are plenty of things to do to keep you busy for a few days if you decide to stay. 

Check them out: 

• Te Papa Museum 
• Mount Victoria 
• Wellington cable car
• Weta Studios 
• Zealandia 
• Comedy gig 
• Botanical Gardens
• Nightlife on Cuba Street

Next steps 

So, what’s next after you complete this epic itinerary? You can either go:

Back to Auckland

Follow the route back through Taupo and Rotorua (takes about 2 days of solid driving). 

Onwards to the South Island 

Some say New Zealand’s South Island is even more beautiful. You’ve got mountains and national parks galore. 

If you’re heading down that way, you’ll need to book a ferry ticket to take you across the Cook Strait to Picton. 

It’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance to secure your spot – particularly if you’re travelling with a vehicle. 

Top tips for travelling New Zealand’s North Island

The best time to visit

New Zealand experiences all four seasons of the year and to be honest, the best time to visit depends on what you like doing. 

Most attractions are available throughout the year but winter tends to be cheaper as it’s the off-season. Summer is busy and more expensive. 

Temperatures on the North Island stay pretty mild in winter, particularly in the subtropical regions of the northernmost tip. 

Buy a SIM card

WiFi can get patchy and it’s not always free. Buy a SIM card with a good amount of data as soon as you land. 

If you can, try to buy one at duty-free as it’s cheaper and they will set it up for you. All you need is an unlocked phone. 

Be realistic and flexible 

This itinerary is meant to be a guideline with enough time built in to take it slow and really enjoy places along the way. Be realistic about how much you can do and don’t try to rush through it.  

Don’t forget travel insurance!

Don’t learn the hard way. Always make sure you have cover for all the activities you want to do. It’s just not worth the risk. 

I always use Holiday Extras. It has affordable insurance plans that suit my needs perfectly. 

Planning a trip to New Zealand?

Read my ultimate New Zealand travel guide for tops tips and practical information. These articles and resources can also help you plan an epic trip:

• Milford Sound in Winter: Is it Really Worth it?
• Epic Day Trips From Queenstown You Need To Do
• How to Spend 4 Days in Queenstown: The Perfect Itinerary
• The Best Place to See Whales in New Zealand
• Your Ultimate New Zealand packing list for every season

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This post may contain affiliate / compensated links. As an Amazon Associate, I also earn from qualifying purchases. For full information, please see my disclaimer here .

About The Author

Francesca brooking.

Francesca Brooking is the Founder of Little Lost Travel. A travel expert with a passion for the planet, Francesca is on a mission to help you travel well. From Costa Rica to Jordan, she's travelled all over the world. When she's not off on an adventure, she's reviewing sustainable travel products and writing travel guides.

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Hello, I’m Francesca

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Last Updated on 14/03/2023

11 MUST-DO NORTH ISLAND EXPERIENCES

Golden and black volcanic sand beaches line the coasts of the North Island and geothermal wonders weave their way around lush native forests. Make sure to add these top experiences to your wish list when travelling through the North Island.

1. Explore Waitomo Caves

Discover the Legendary Black Water Rafting co., Waikato

By Discover Waitomo

The entrance to spectacular Aranui cave, New Zealand

Waitomo Caves, Waikato

By Shaun Jeffers

Another world awaits below Waitomo , and the big reveal is almost beyond belief. Derived from a combination of Māori words, 'wai' translates as water and 'tomo' as entrance or hole, this aptly named underground world is made up of a maze of limestone caves – lined with stalagmites, stalactites, and galaxies of glowworms. Explore the caves on a guided walk or boat tour or a thrilling Black Water Rafting trip through subterranean waterways.

2. Eat and drink your way around Wellington

Pizza Pomordoro, Hannah's Laneway, Wellington

By Camilla Rutherford

Havana Bar, Wellington

By Two Bearded Men

Enjoy a beer at Parrotdog brewery, Wellington

New Zealand's   quirky little capital  is a must-visit for the foodies . Try locally famous salted caramel cookies at   Leeds Street Bakery (opens in new window) , or seasonal dishes paired with organic wines at   Shepherd (opens in new window) .

On the beverage front, Wellington's many cafes take their coffee seriously. Talented baristas, locally roasted beans and deep pride in coffee culture mean great coffee is easy to come by. Sample the products of a thriving craft beer scene at spots like   Garage Project   in the bohemian Aro Valley.

Explore top food experiences

3. Walk the Pouakai Crossing

Pouakai Crossing , Taranaki

By Colm Keating

The  Pouakai Crossing (opens in new window)  is a 19-kilometre trail that takes in the highlights of  Egmont National Park . Winding across the slopes of the mighty Mount Taranaki, this track is one of the best full-day hikes in the North Island. You'll get spectacular views, particularly at the picturesque Pouakai tarns. On a clear, calm day, these small alpine pools reflect the mountain perfectly, offering unmissable photo opportunities.

4. See the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet in Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua

Cape Reinga Lighthouse, Northland & Bay of Islands

By Destination Northland

By Alistair Guthrie

Few road trips are as magical as Northland's   Twin Coast Highway , which traces a seemingly endless procession of beautiful beaches and harbours, and reaches the remote extremity of Cape Reinga . Also known as Te Rerenga Wairua, this unforgettable place is where spirits are said to leap off on their final journey, across the swirling waters where two oceans meet.

5. Immerse yourself in Māori culture in Rotorua

Geyser By Night, Te Puia, Rotorua

By Sean Marsh

Pounamu, Rotorua

By Carvers at Te Puia - Rotorua

Tamaki evening tour, Rotorua

By Destination Rotorua

Rich in Māori heritage, Rotorua is an ideal location to learn and immerse yourself in the culture, history and traditions of our indigenous people. Visit Te Puia (opens in new window) to experience the geothermal wonderland by night, check out pounamu carving workshops around the city, or for a completely immersive experience, choose an overnight stay at   Tamaki Māori Village (opens in new window) .

More Rotorua experiences

6. Feel the sand between your toes on The Coromandel's golden beaches

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

By HeadFirst Travel

New Chums beach, Coromandel

By Destination Coromandel

The Coromandel is famous for its golden beaches. The most famous is Cathedral Cove , which features a majestic limestone archway. You can reach this stunning beach via a short coastal walk, on a kayak trip, or by taking a scenic cruise. Visit the secluded white sandy beach of New Chums beach (opens in new window) , just found on the northern end of  Whangapoua Beach.  Hot Water Beach , only a short drive from Cathedral Cove, is another must-see - and make sure you bring a shovel with you!

Explore more of The Coromandel

7. Visit Hobbiton™

Hobbiton, Matamata, Waikato

By Sara Orme

Hobbiton Evening Banquet, New Zealand

By Hobbiton Tours Ltd

Middle‑earth™ comes to life in the lush, green Waikato countryside where scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit™ trilogies were filmed. Go on the  Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour (opens in new window)  and put yourself in the picture on a spellbinding tour of the permanent movie set with its Hobbit holes, Party Tree, and the Green Dragon Inn where you can make merry with a pint of Southfarthing ale.

8. Snorkel or dive Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Poor Knights Island, Northland & Bay of Islands

By Fraser Clements

Poor Knights, Northland & Bay of Islands

By Tourism New Zealand

Beneath the water around the Poor Knights Islands lie caves, arches, cliffs and tunnels, creating a submarine playground to explore. The unique biodiversity of this marine reserve make it an excellent diving or snorkelling location. Jacques Cousteau famously rated the Poor Knights Islands as one of the top 10 dive spots in the world.

On the boat trip out to the islands , located 23 kilometres off the Tutukaka Coast in Northland, you might spot dolphins, orca, or Bryde's whales.

9. Wine and dine on Waiheke Island

Tantalus winery, Auckland

Beach walks, Waiheke Island, Auckland

A vineyard lunch, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Just a short ferry ride away from Auckland , you will find the vineyards , olive groves and white sandy beaches of Waiheke Island . 

Choose to explore with a wine tour or go at your own pace by hiring a bike or a scooter.  Make sure you visit famous vineyards such as Stonyridge (opens in new window)   and Mudbrick (opens in new window) .

10. Chase waterfalls in Taupō

Huka Falls, Taupō

By Graeme Murray

The mighty Huka Falls, Taupō

By Hukafalls Jet

Fed by the mighty Waikato River, Lake Taupō and  the Taupō region is abundant with water and waterfalls.  Huka Falls is a thunderous fall where nearly a quarter of a million litres of water bursts through a natural gorge. You can visit Huka Falls via a short walking track to a viewing platform, or for an added thrill take a jet boat ride up the river. Other spectacular falls in Taupō include Otupoto Falls, where the water comes out of a cliff and falls straight into Lake Taupō, and Tieke Falls, which you can reach via the popular Waihaha River Cycle Trail (opens in new window) .

11. Step back in time to an Art Deco world in Napier

Vintage Cars, Hawke's Bay

By Art Deco Trust

The Art Deco Masonic Hotel, Napier, Hawke's Bay

By Kirsten Simcox Photography

Entrance to Mission Estate, Hawke's Bay

By Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours, Napier, New Zealand

Church Road Winery, Hawke's Bay

By Hawke's Bay Tourism

Street after street of stunning and beautifully-restored Art Deco buildings have made Napier famous for being one of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. Learn more about the fascinating history of Napier’s pre and post-earthquake buildings with a 2-hour walking tour, or let experienced guides chauffeur you in a vintage car an Art Deco Vintage car tour (opens in new window) .

Napier is also home to many wineries including the country's oldest winery, Mission Estate Winery (opens in new window) . Go on a wine tasting tour and visit some of the greats such as  Church Road Winery (opens in new window) , Te Mata Estate (opens in new window) and Craggy Range (opens in new window) .

Discover your North Island adventure

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The 7 Best 7-Day Tours of the North Island 🥝 [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, how to tour the north island in 7 days.

Want to enjoy a week on the North Island without the hassle of figuring out where to go and how to get there? Choose one of the North Island tour companies! There’s an amazing selection of tours taking travellers around New Zealand ‘s North Island in seven days. Whether you want to do some adventure activities, take things slow or join a tour with travellers your own age, there’s sure to be a North Island tour to suit. Check out some of our top picks in this guide to the best 7-day tours of the North Island!

While you’re here, you might also be interested in The Best 7-Day Tours of the South Island . Plus, don’t forget to bookmark Travel by Bus in New Zealand: The Ultimate Guide for even more tips.

6 Tips for Planning a 7-Day Trip to the North Island

• Allow a day or two extra to allow for your travel time to and from your tour’s starting point, as well as time to get over the jet lag and explore your arrival town/city
• Check if your chosen tour company has a Facebook Group ! That way, you’ll be able to connect travellers who will be on your tour before departure
• Compare tour companies on websites like TourRadar to make sure you find the best option for you. Another advantage is that comparison websites have standard cancellation policies, unlike booking directly with tour companies
• Be sure to pack light : don’t be that guy that everyone has to make room for! Get tips from our   New Zealand Packing List
• Decide on a couple of optional activities you will want to do prior to arriving in New Zealand so you are able to budget for your tour properly
• Allow room in your budget for food! Not all tours include every meal. See How Much Does a Trip to New Zealand Cost?  for typical food costs in New Zealand.

Check out 15 Tips to Make the Most of Your Bus Trip for more tips.

Wild Kiwi – Northern Voyager

Get the convenience of starting and ending your tour in Auckland , while still seeing the main highlights of the country with Wild Kiwi . Their Northern Voyager tour takes young travellers in luxury Mercedes vehicles, stopping off at the beach-lined Coromandel , geothermal Rotorua , the adventure capital of the North Island Taupo , the cool surf town of Raglan , the Waitomo Caves  and back to Auckland . You’ll be staying in shared rooms in hostels and lodges, with an optional private room upgrade, and all breakfasts and one group dinner are included.

See more small-group adventures like this in The Best Small-Group Tours in New Zealand .

About Wild Kiwi’s Tours

Age Range : 18-30-something-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 18 Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts and one dinner

Destinations on the 7-Day Tour

Find out more about this tour on wildkiwi.com .

Haka Tours – North Island Coasts and Culture Tour

Zig-zag your way through the North Island between Auckland and Wellington on this adventure tour with Haka Tours . The tour features highlights like visiting the stunning Cathedral Cove , white water rafting down the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall, hiking the volcanic landscape of the Tongariro Crossing , experiencing an authentic Maori town and exploring Wellington city. The tour is catered to 18-39-year-olds, with shared hostel/lodge accommodation included, as well as daily breakfasts.

Check out similar tours in  The Best New Zealand Tours Starting in Auckland .

About Haka Tours’ Tours

Age Range : 18-39-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 16 Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts and one dinner

Find out more about this tour by comparing Haka Tours on Tourradar .

Trafalgar – Iconic North

A tour for all ages, Trafalgar ‘s Iconic North tour takes passengers to the North Island’s bustling hubs of Auckland , Tauranga , Rotorua and Wellington . This tour is slower-paced compared to others featured on this list, allowing you more time to explore each destination at leisure and join your tour guide for city sightseeing tours. Accommodation is included, featuring upmarket hotels, while all breakfasts and a few other meals are also part of the tour.

This tour also appeals to an older crowd, so take a look at  The Best New Zealand Tours for Seniors to see how it compares.

About Trafalgar’s Tours

Age Range : 5-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 48 Accommodation : Hotels Meals : All breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners

Find out more about this tour by comparing Trafalgar on Tourradar .

G Adventures – Best of the North Island

Experience the North Island through active adventures and cultural experiences with G Adventures . Their Best of the North Island tour starts in Auckland and ends in Wellington , taking young travellers to kayak in the Auckland Harbour , surf in Raglan , experience the Maori culture in Rotorua , see the glowworms in Waitomo and much more. Tours include shared rooms in hostels and lodges, as well as all breakfasts and some other meals.

About G Adventures’ Tours

Age Range : 18-39-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 20 Accommodation : Hostels and lodges Meals : All breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner

Find out more about this tour by comparing G Adventures on Tourradar .

Contiki – Sun & Steam

Hit the road with other young travellers on the Sun & Steam tour with Contiki ! Contiki offers an alternative itinerary of the North Island, getting you to explore the ancient kauri forest and beautiful beaches of Northland and the Bay of Islands , before making your way to the geothermal hotspot of Rotorua . You’ll be staying in shared rooms in hostels with your tour mates, as well as enjoying breakfast included each morning and a couple of dinners. What’s more, this tour actually lasts six days, so you’ll have time to relax at either the beginning or end of your tour.

About Contiki’s Tours

Age Range : 18-35-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 12 Accommodation : Hostels Meals : All breakfasts and two dinners

Destinations on the 6-Day Tour

• Paihia (Bay of Islands)

Find out more about this tour by comparing Contiki on Tourradar .

AAT Kings – Iconic North

Experience New Zealand’s cosmopolitan side with a 7-day tour of New Zealand’s North Island with AAT Kings . The bus tour company for all ages (but particularly good for older travellers) takes you to the buzzing cities of Wellington and Auckland and hits the kiwifruit farming and dairy industry hub of Tauranga . You also get two full days in Rotorua , so this tour certainly doesn’t feel too rushed.

About AAT Kings’ Tours

Age Range : 5-99-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 58 Accommodation : 4-star and 5-star hotels Meals : All Breakfasts, one lunch and three dinners

Find out more about this tour by comparing AAT Kings on Tourradar .

Thrifty Tours – Northern Combo

To shave the cost of a fully escorted bus tour of North Island, have Thrifty Tours  organise your airport transfers, accommodation and coach transport with InterCity. Head to Paihia and the Bay of Islands , explore the picturesque harbour city of Auckland  and top it all off with a cultural and geothermal experience in Rotorua , which is all part of the Northern Combo tour. The tour, which is open to young and old, conveniently starts and ends in Auckland . The trip lasts six days, giving you more time to explore Auckland at the beginning or end of your trip. Tours include stays in three-star hotels in a twin share and breakfasts. A few activities are also included in the trip.

About Thrifty Tours’ Tours

Age Range : 1-100-year-olds Maximum Group Size : 50 Accommodation : Hotels Meals : Five breakfasts

Find out more about this tour by comparing Thrifty Tours on Tourradar .

More About 7-Day Tours of the North Island

That’s it for our list of the best 7-day tours of the North Island! For more 7-day tours of New Zealand, check out the following guides:

• The Best National Bus Tours in New Zealand
• The Best Backpacker Bus Tours in New Zealand
• North Island in One Week : New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Finally, compare all of your bus travel options in our complete guide, How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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2 Week New Zealand North Island Itinerary (2024 Guide)

Planning your New Zealand North Island Itinerary?

This 2-week New Zealand itinerary is exactly what you need to explore all the famous sites and a few hidden gems that the North Island has to offer.

There is no wrong or right way to plan a North Island road trip as it all depends on what you’re interested in seeing and doing, and how fast or slow you wish to travel.

Lucky for you, New Zealand is such a diverse country with something for everyone to enjoy at any pace.

This 2 week New Zealand North Island itinerary includes a mix of cities, beaches, hikes, waterfalls, and other major tourist attractions to suit all types of travelers!

Table of Contents

QUICK ANSWERS: NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY

Before diving into the detailed itinerary, below you’ll find some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

HOW TO GET AROUND NEW ZEALAND?

For the ultimate New Zealand experience, traveling by campervan is the way to go! Campervans offer unlimited freedom and flexibility.

You have the ability to pick your own travel route and sleep inside the van each night which is a cost-effective way to do a North Island New Zealand road trip.

Even better, there are so many scenic spots where you can pull up for a picnic or spend the night by the seaside at your favorite beach.

Alternatively, you can rent a car in New Zealand and stay in hotels in each location which I have outlined in this post.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND?

The best time to visit New Zealand is from December to April when the days are long and often sunny.

The peak summer months (December to February) are ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, hiking, and swimming at the beach.

The winter is also a nice alternative for going skiing or mountaineering, but bear in mind that it’s not as convenient to drive around as you may experience some road closures.

Winter in New Zealand is from June to August, however, the cold temperatures, especially in the south island, can still be felt in October.

HOW MANY DAYS IN NEW ZEALAND?

For the best holiday in New Zealand, it’s best to plan a trip for at least one month.

A 1-month itinerary for New Zealand gives you enough time to explore the diverse beauty of both the North and South islands.

However, a two-week itinerary focused on either the North Island or South Island is indeed possible and you’ll still get to experience a lot.

Three weeks in New Zealand can give you a taste of both islands and you can squeeze in many fantastic activities.

NORTH ISLAND VS SOUTH ISLAND – WHICH IS BETTER?

The North Island is known for its subtropical temperatures, sandy beaches, and pristine lakes. It’s also home to an impressive array of geothermal activity.

On the other hand, the South Island is larger than the North Island and overall very beautiful, arguably more beautiful than the North.

It has a gorgeous coastline and offers more variety of landscapes and alpine regions.

If you’re traveling to both islands on a tight schedule, I would recommend spending fewer days on the North Island and more days on the South Island.

But to answer the question, either one is better than the other as they are so vastly unique in their own way. It just depends on what your interests are and what type of New Zealand experience you would like to have.

WHERE CAN I RENT A CAMPERVAN IN NEW ZEALAND?

I personally rented my campervan with Travellers Autobarn as they are one of the most reputable and affordable campervan hire companies in the country.

Whether you’re looking for campervan hire in New Zealand , campervan hire in Auckland , or even campervan hire in the south island, Travellers Autobarn has you covered.

Their campervans feature a seating area and table that transforms into a double bed, a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable bedding, a heater for the winter, USB power outlets, 240V power when hooked up to electricity, lots of storage, and much more.

Travellers Autobarn also offers campervan hire in Australia and campervan rental in USA if you’re looking to do a southwest USA road trip!

NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY NEW ZEALAND – OVERVIEW

To help you plan your 2-week New Zealand itinerary, this is the North Island road trip route I took in a clockwise direction, starting and ending in Auckland.

I highly recommend this route if you want to see the best of what North Island New Zealand has to offer.

Please note that I traveled around the North Island in a campervan (more on that below) and stayed mostly at campervan parks and the occasional freedom camping sites.

However, you can still follow this exact itinerary if you plan to rent a car and stay at hotels along the way. I have outlined the best hotels to stay in each location.

Here is a quick glance at how to spend 2 weeks in New Zealand on the North Island.

AUCKLAND TO AUCKLAND

• Day 1: Arrive in Auckland & pick up campervan / rental car
• Day 2: Drive to Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 3: New Chums Beach, Cathedral Cove, & Hot Water Beach
• Day 4: Coromandel & Mount Maunganui
• Day 5: Hobbiton Tour & Rotorua
• Day 6: Rotorua
• Day 7: Lake Taupo
• Day 8: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Day 9: Tongariro National Park
• Day 10: Forgotten World Highway to Egmont National Park
• Day 11: Egmont National Park (Mt Taranaki) & Pouakai Tarn Hike
• Day 12: New Plymouth
• Day 13: Three Sisters & Waitomo Caves
• Day 14: Depart from Auckland

NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND ROUTE MAP

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES – 2 WEEK NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY

Auckland to wellington.

If you plan to depart from Wellington or visit the South Island after your North Island New Zealand itinerary, then this route may be more suitable as you’ll head toward Wellington.

For the Auckland to Wellington route, follow the same itinerary above, except on Day 12 after visiting Egmont National Park you can head south toward Wellington.

• Day 12: Whanganui, Waitarere Beach, overnight in Paraparaumu
• Day 13: Explore Wellington
• Day 14: Depart from Wellington Airport or take the ferry to South Island

NORTHLAND – NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY NEW ZEALAND

Northland is the entire subtropical region above Auckland that often gets skipped by travelers, which is a shame because it’s absolutely beautiful and there are endless things to do.

You’ve got the Bay of Islands and its secluded beaches, sandboarding the dunes on Ninety Mile Beach, Cape Reinga the northernmost tip of New Zealand, and much much more!

If you’re up for a less-traveled New Zealand route, here is a suggested itinerary you could take.

It’s similar to the Auckland to Auckland itinerary above, however, you’ll head to Northland for the first week before heading south to continue from Coromandel.

• Day 2: Drive to Paihia (Bay of Islands)
• Day 3: Bay of Islands
• Day 4: Cape Reinga (northernmost tip of New Zealand)
• Day 5: Ninety Mile Beach
• Day 6: Whangarei (to break up the drive)
• Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 8: Hobbiton Tour & Mount Maunganui
• Day 9: Rotorua
• Day 10: Lake Taupo
• Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Day 12: Tongariro National Park
• Day 13: Waitomo Caves

2-WEEK NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY

This 2-week New Zealand North Island itinerary is here to provide you with all the info you need for the ultimate getaway to this amazing country.

From exploring Auckland city to climbing volcanoes in Tongariro National Park and soaking in natural hot water springs, this two weeks North Island itinerary New Zealand has it all!

So if you’re ready to be awestruck by breathtaking views and experience the adventure of a lifetime – read on!

DAY 1: FLY INTO AUCKLAND

Auckland is the gateway to North Island New Zealand, and thus a great place to kick off your two-week holiday!

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Auckland, so you’ll want to make the most of your first day in New Zealand’s largest city.

THINGS TO DO IN AUCKLAND

Once you’ve checked in at your hotel or campervan site, it’s time to explore one of Auckland’s major attractions – Mount Eden.

This dormant volcano has been providing incredible views of the city since at least 1450 AD when Maori people lived on its slopes.

If you’d rather explore the city instead of climbing Mount Eden, then I recommend visiting the Auckland Art Gallery, checking out the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and trying the delicious food.

Note that both museums close at 5 PM, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Food-wise, I suggest you have dinner at Burger Geek for some comfort food or to Ahi for some delicious local cuisine – Yum!

Finally, head back to your hotel or campervan for the night before a long driving day tomorrow!

HOW TO GET FROM AUCKLAND AIRPORT TO AUCKLAND CITY

If you have pre-booked your campervan or rental car, it’s likely the pick-up location is at or near Auckland Aiport, and from here you can make your way into the city.

Alternatively, there are other transportation options to the city if you wish to pick up your campervan or car rental on day 2 of your itinerary.

Transport from Auckland Airport to Auckland City:

• Take the SkyDrive Express – from $16
• Take the train to Britomart – from $5.40
• Book a taxi – Between $75 and $90
• Order an Uber – Approx. $50

With either option, you’ll be in the city center within 40 minutes – it’s only 25 km (15 mi) away.

Car Rental – Search, Compare & Save!

Discover Cars are one of the world’s largest online car rental platforms with vehicles in 10,000+ locations.

Find the right car, in the right place, for the best price guaranteed!

CAMPERVAN PARKS NEAR AUCKLAND

See the list below for recommended campervan parks near Auckland City:

• Avondale Motor Park
• Takapuna Beach Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS IN AUCKLAND

Auckland has hundreds of hotels to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

Below you’ll find properties suitable for luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

LUXURY: PARK HYATT AUCKLAND

MID RANGE: RAMADA SUITES

BUDGET: THE ATTIC BACKPACKERS

DAY 2: COROMANDEL PENINSULA

Buckle up for Day 2 of this New Zealand North Island itinerary as you journey to the captivating Coromandel Peninsula – brace yourselves for a scenic adventure!

If you already have your campervan or rental car, you can head directly from Auckland City to Coromandel.

However, if you are picking up a set of wheels on day 2 of this itinerary, you’ll first have to get your vehicle from the respective pick-up location in Auckland and then make tracks to Coromandel.

ARRIVING IN COROMANDEL

It’s approximately a 2-hour drive (126 km/78 miles) from Auckland to Coromandel, and the first town you will come to is Thames.

It’s a small town located at the southwestern end of the Coromandel Peninsula, ready to welcome you with its gold-mining heritage.

Perhaps you’d like to stretch your legs and explore the town’s mining museums or meander around Grahamstown, Thames’ quaint old town.

Don’t forget to fuel up on some delicious fish and chips before continuing north on the coastal journey.

CHECK OUT WYUNA BAY & SHELLY BEACH

When you reach the tip of the peninsula, you’ll have good fun beach-hopping between Wyuna Bay and Shelly Beach.

Wyuna Bay’s secluded coastline offers tranquil waters perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding, while Shelly Beach boasts a beautiful bay for a relaxing afternoon.

I recommend spending the night here in North Coromandel to rest up before day 3 of your North Island road trip.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN COROMANDEL

For your first night in Coromandel, I recommend staying at one of the below campervan parks which are located around the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula:

• Coromandel Top 10 Holiday Park
• Shelley Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
• Long Bay Motor Camp

BEST HOTELS IN COROMANDEL TOWN

Coromandel Town has dozens of hotels to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: COROMANDEL APARTMENTS

MID RANGE: COROMANDEL SEAVIEW MOTEL

BUDGET: WAIOTAHI VALLEY LODGE

DAY 3: NEW CHUMS BEACH, CATHEDRAL COVE, & HOT WATER BEACH

Rise and shine on day 3 of your 14-day North Island New Zealand itinerary as you head over from Coromandel Town to the picturesque east coast of the peninsula.

Start your day visiting New Chums Beach, then continue south along Coromandel’s east coast to Cathedral Cove and the ever-so-popular, Hot Water Beach.

Here is some useful information about each of these locations.

New Chums Beach

To start your day, gear up for a moderately challenging hike to the breathtaking New Chums Beach.

Known for its pristine, golden sands and crystal-clear waters, this beach remains unspoiled and undeveloped, making it a true hidden gem.

The 1-kilometer walk takes you through native bush, mangroves, and a rocky headland, so don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes and bring along plenty of water and snacks.

Cathedral Cove

After a scenic hike and a refreshing swim at New Chums Beach, continue your southward journey to the iconic Cathedral Cove.

This natural attraction features a massive limestone archway that connects two secluded beaches.

The area is part of the Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, with abundant marine life and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Cathedral Cove can be reached on foot at a distance of 2.5 km one way from the car park, taking approximately 30 – 45 minutes.

Alternatively, you can rent a kayak or book a boat tour of Cathedral Cove and make the day even more fun!

Another top-rated activity that might interest you is the ultimate thrills tour in Cathedral Cove .

Hot Water Beach

End your day on a high note by visiting the famous Hot Water Beach.

Known for its unique geothermal activity, natural hot springs bubble up through the sands, allowing you to create your own spa-like experience right on the shoreline.

The best time to enjoy this phenomenon is around two hours on either side of low tide, so check local tide charts beforehand to ensure you arrive at the optimal time.

You will need to rent a shovel from one of the nearby rental shops or accommodation providers, as creating this natural spa involves digging a shallow hole in the sand near the water’s edge.

After that, get back to your campervan or spend the night in a hotel, and reminisce about what an awesome day that was!

CAMPERVAN PARKS NEAR HOT WATER BEACH

The best campervan park just 5 minutes walk from Hot Water Beach is the Top 10 Holiday Park listed below. They also offer shovel rentals for $5!

• Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS NEAR HOT WATER BEACH

There are a few hotels to choose from near Hot Water Beach.

LUXURY: HOT WATER BEACH BURE WAI

MID RANGE: HAHEI BEACH RESORT

DAY 4: COROMANDEL & MOUNT MAUNGANUI

On Day 4 of your New Zealand North Island itinerary, some amazing places shouldn’t be skipped while you’re still in Coromandel.

Heading south from Hot Water Beach, here’s a suggested one-day itinerary of spots to visit along the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula as you make your way to Mount Maunganui.

Mount Paku Summit

Your first stop should be Mount Paku Summit, which is a short 15-minute hike up to the top of a volcanic peak.

From here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape!

Whangamata Beach

Next up is Whangamata Beach, where you can stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area, including Indian, Italian, and a bakery with almond croissants to die for!

This beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands, which make it a popular spot for swimming and surfing if that’s your thing.

If not, you could rent a kayak and head to Donut Island for a short adventure, how cool!

Karangahake Gorge

After lunch, continue your drive towards Karangahake Gorge, a historic gold-mining area that’s now a scenic reserve with many trails and even a biking trail.

Take a walk along the walking tracks that follow the old railway lines and explore the tunnels and bridges that were once used to transport gold from the mines.

At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, scenic waterfall where you can chill for a while.

There are two large parking lots with a seating area, some tables to have a snack or drink, and even restrooms if you need the loo.

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Mount Maunganui

From Karangahake Gorge, it’s only a 1-hour drive to Mount Maunganui, where you can spend the rest of your day exploring the town and its attractions.

I have listed some of the best things to do in Mount Maunganui below:

Maunganui Beach

The most popular spot in Mount Maunganui is undoubtedly Maunganui Beach, a long stretch of white sand that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat and drink after a day in the sun.

If you have a drone, that’s your chance to take it out and shoot great photos!

Mount Maunganui Hike

If you’re feeling active, Mount Maunganui is a popular hike that takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach the summit and requires some level of fitness, but you don’t need to be an expert in any way!

Two scenic tracks lead to the summit, which stands 232 meters high and offers breathtaking views of Tauranga Harbour, beaches, and the city.

The most direct way to get to the top is via the trailhead located right by the main beach.

Don’t forget to take your water bottle with you for the hike as you’ll get pretty thirsty on the way!

I recommend coming here for sunset or sunrise the morning after – you definitely won’t regret it!

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Mount Hot Pools

The Mount Hot Pools in Mount Maunganui is a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of adventures.

With the majestic Mount as your backdrop, you can soak in the only hot ocean water complex in the world!

The pools are heated to 39°C, making them perfect for soothing away any body aches, especially after driving for a few days.

Entrance Fees:

• Adults: NZ $20
• Senior 65+: NZ $13.50
• Child 3-15: NZ $13.50
• Child under 3: FREE
• Family: NZ $53.50

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7 am – 10 pm, Sunday & Public Holidays: 8 am – 10 pm

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN MOUNT MAUNGANUI

There are two campervan parks located right by the beach in Mt Maunganui and spaces are limited so it’s best to book well in advance.

• Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park
• Cozy Corner Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS IN MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Mount Maunganui has several hotels to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: CAPRI ON PILOT BAY

MID RANGE: GATEWAY MOTOR INN

BUDGET: MOUNT BACKPACKERS

DAY 5: HOBBITON TOUR & ROTORUA

On this day of your New Zealand North Island road trip adventure, you will head to Matamata which is where the famous Hobbiton Tour is located.

After that, you’ll drive about an hour from Matamata to Rotorua, a region with endless adventurous activities to keep you entertained.

Hobbiton Tour

Matamata is a great location to visit for one main reason: the Hobbiton Movie Set .

Here, you will join a guided tour of this magical movie set, immersing yourself in the fantastical world of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

As you explore the set, you will truly feel as if you have entered the Shire, with its intricate and charming hobbit holes, picturesque gardens, and rustic countryside charm.

The tour also includes a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn, and you can indulge in quaint Middle-earth-inspired delights.

Please note that Hobbiton is the most popular attraction in New Zealand so be sure to book online in advance so you don’t miss out!

Click the button below to book the Hobbiton Movie Set Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour .

After the Hobbiton Tour, continue your North Island itinerary New Zealand to Rotorua, a city located on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region.

Rotorua is known for its active geothermal landscape, Maori culture, and outdoor adventure activities.

You can spend the afternoon exploring some of the many attractions which I have outlined below.

Okere Falls

Okere Falls, located on the Kaituna River, is known for its seven cascading waterfalls and pools that flow through the gorge.

The waterfalls are located on the northern end of Lake Rotorua so it’s best to stop here first before continuing into the main town.

Although you can’t go swimming in this section of the Kaituna River, you can simply admire the series of falls from the viewpoints along a rainforest track.

Some options for experiencing Okere Falls include going on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure or booking a zip-lining tour .

What a cool break from driving around on this North Island itinerary!

The Redwoods Walk

The Redwoods Walk is a must-visit attraction in Rotorua, perfect for romantic strolls, leisurely cycling, and adventurous hikes.

This stunning loop track winds through 700 to 800-year-old redwood trees, showcasing the grandeur of the area’s untouched natural landscapes.

It’s a great way to take in the breathtaking surroundings as you walk or cycle along one of the two paths.

Along the way, make sure not to miss the sculptures; these carvings have been created by local artists and provide an insight into the culture of this beautiful region.

Sulphur Point

Best known for its impressive geothermal activity, Sulphur Point includes mud pool attractions, hot springs, and steam vents that constantly bellow smoke due to the volcanic heat.

There’s also the amazing sulfur lake – very unique to this spot – where you can admire blue and yellow algae floating around.

Aside from its geothermal area, Sulphur Point has plenty of lovely walkways and gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Polynesian Spa

The Polynesian Spa offers a world-class experience to relax and unwind in therapeutic mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Visitors can also indulge in various traditional treatments offered by the spa along with receiving multiple health benefits from volcanic hot springs.

There are different packages on offer, from Geothermal Mud Therapy to bathing packages and much more.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN ROTORUA

There are numerous campervan parks in Rotorua to choose from for your 2-night stay, and these are the top three that I recommend:

• Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park
• All Seasons Holiday Park
• Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS IN ROTORUA

Rotorua has countless hotels on offer so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay for 2 nights.

LUXURY: REGAL PALMS RESORT

MID RANGE: BEST WESTERN BRAESIDE ROTORUA

BUDGET: ROCK SOLID BACKPACKERS

DAY 6: ROTORUA

For your second day in Rotorua, there are many fun-fuelled activities and cultural experiences to try.

Of course, while you may want to chill a little, I have listed some options below that you can choose from to have a fantastic day ahead!

Skyline Rotorua

First up, Skyline Rotorua offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Rotorua.

Hop on the gondola and enjoy the ride up to the top of Mount Ngongotaha. Here you’ll find activities like ziplining, luging, and mountain biking.

Apart from that, you’ll find a restaurant and even a winery to sip on a glass of local wine while taking in the views.

I recommend booking your tickets in advance to be guaranteed the best rate and jump the queue!

Te Puia Geothermal Park

Next, head over to Te Puia Geothermal Park, where you’ll witness the power and beauty of nature like never before.

This 70-hectare geothermal park is home to bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and the famous Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day.

Te Puia also houses a traditional Maori village, where you can learn about the culture and history of the Maori people.

When coming here, I recommend booking a guided tour that offers a mix of culture, geyser, nature, the three craft schools, and the Mario marae.

Whitewater River Rafting

Make it a day to remember with this 3-hour activity and sign up for whitewater river rafting on the Kaituna River.

Get your adrenaline going as you paddle through dramatic rainforest gorges and over thrilling whitewater rapids.

Hold on tight as you take a run down the mighty Tutea Falls and leap off dizzying cliff sides like a daredevil.

Of course, all the necessary gear such as wetsuits, booties, and helmets are provided, so all you need is courage!

Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village

For a deeper understanding of Maori culture, Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village , is not to be missed when in Rotorua.

This village has been inhabited by the local Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people for over 700 years and is a living example of Maori customs and traditions.

You can watch cultural performances, learn about the art of weaving, and even try traditional hangi cuisine, which is cooked underground using heated rocks.

If you’re feeling brave, take a trip to Hells Gate – New Zealand’s most active geothermal field.

This otherworldly landscape boasts steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and even a “Devil’s Bath” – a bright green hot pool due to its high sulfur content.

You can also try a mud bath or sulfur spa, which is said to have therapeutic benefits for the skin and body.

Simply put, you can’t skip Hell’s Gate when visiting Rotorua!

Jet Boat Tour on Lake Rotorua

And if you still have some adrenaline left to burn, hop on a jet boat and experience the thrill of speed and spins on Lake Rotorua.

Zip around Lake Rotorua at exhilarating speeds as an expert driver provides a thrilling tour of the area.

You’ll be able to take in iconic landmarks like Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay, and Kawaha Point from an entirely different perspective.

These boats can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and will take you on a 30-minute tour around the lake and its islands.

Are you ready to experience the most unique activity on your North Island New Zealand itinerary?

Then be sure to book a Zorb ball ride at Mount Ngongotaha in Rotorua. Whether you try the straight, curvy, or harness route, you’re sure to have a blast!

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island, and Mount Tarawera as you slip and slide around inside your inflatable ball – how cool!

DAY 7: TAUPO

On day 7 of your 2 week New Zealand itinerary, depart Rotorua early morning and head towards Taupo.

MUST READ: 25 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN TAUPO

The distance between the two cities is around 80 km and the drive will take you approximately 1 hour.

Be sure to take Highway 5 from Rotorua and along the way stop at Kerosene Creek, a geothermally heated stream and falls where you can bathe and relax for an hour or so.

THINGS TO DO IN TAUPO

Continuing to Taupo, you have a full day to explore the attractions in the area. Here are the top sights to add to your itinerary:

A natural wonder that you shouldn’t miss out on, Huka Falls is a must-see when you travel North Island New Zealand.

Huka Falls is located just north of Taupo town, boasting an incredible force of water flow at 220,000 liters per second, and the falls are 11 meters high!

Witness the turquoise blue water as it rushes through the narrow cliff base and over the waterfall, creating a breathtaking scene.

And in case you want a unique experience, I suggest you book this amazing 30-minute Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride – you can’t do better than that!

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa is a unique and special experience located in the Wairakei geothermal area of Taupo.

And if you didn’t have time to stop by the Te Puia Geothermal Park or Hells Gate in Rotorua, then this is your chance to get a similar experience!

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa gives you the opportunity to soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters, which are said to have healing and curing properties.

The terraces were formed over years of mineral deposits and are a shining example of the natural beauty of Taupo.

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Maori Rock Carvings

This North Island itinerary so far has been a mix of culture and fun-filled activities, and the Maori Rock Carvings are here to impress!

Located in the Western Bays of Lake Taupo, these 14-meter high carvings were created by carver Matahi Brightwell and reflect his ancestry.

The best way to see the carvings is by jumping on a sailing boat for a couple of hours to explore the lake and the impressive artwork.

Take a photo at the #LOVETAUPO sign

Just beside the Lake Taupo Visitor Centre is the iconic #LOVETAUPO sign, a perfect location for a photo op.

Of course, the sign represents the love for Taupo and its natural wonders and has become a popular spot to capture memories.

Skydive Taupo

Take your adrenaline rush to new heights with a tandem skydive over stunning Lake Taupo!

Choose from 12,000, 15,000, or 18,500 feet of free fall and experience pure exhilaration.

During the jump, you can take in majestic views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe while gliding back down to the ground.

Plus, enjoy complimentary transport in a bright yellow stretch Hummer to get the adventure started out right!

Skydiving is an unforgettable way to explore beautiful Taupo – don’t miss it!

PREPARATION FOR TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

Before the day comes to an end in Taupo, you’ll want to prepare for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for the following day.

I suggest going to the supermarket in Taupo and buying snacks, extra water bottles, and other essentials for the hike.

You’ll also have to purchase your Tongariro shuttle bus tickets in advance. I recommend booking your tickets online or you can purchase them from the Taupo Visitor Center upon arrival in Taupo.

I’ve included more detailed info about the shuttle bus system below.

WHERE TO STAY IN TAUPO

You want to stay as close as possible to Ketetahi Car Park which is the shuttle pick-up point for the Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park.

I recommend staying in or near the town of Turangi, which is located on the southern end of Lake Taupo and just 15 minutes drive to reach Ketetahi Car Park where the Tongariro Alpine Crossing adventure begins.

Other nearby towns include Whakapapa Village and Ohakune.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN TAUPO

I personally stayed at Motutere Bay Top 10 Holiday Park (which is a little further away about 35 minutes drive to Ketetahi Car Park) but the powered sites for the campervan on the lakeside were hard to beat!

If you’d like to freedom camp in your campervan the night before embarking on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, you’ll find plenty of DOC Freedom Campsites in the Kaimanawa Forest Park, which is quite close to the Ketetahi Car Park.

Get the Rankers App and search availability for these campsites.

BEST HOTELS NEAR THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

Luxury: oreti village resort.

MID RANGE: MOE MARIE SLEEP PEACEFULLY

BUDGET: SKOTEL ALPINE RESORT

DAY 8: TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

If you’re the adventurous type, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing should definitely be on your North Island New Zealand itinerary.

The 19.4-kilometer trek will take you through breathtaking landscapes, including volcanic craters, steam vents, hot springs, and mesmerizing forests.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered one of the world’s best one-day walks and will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip.

What To Pack For The Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The weather can be unpredictable throughout the year, so it’s recommended that you pack wisely.

Pack enough food and water, warm clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, rain gear, and comfortable hiking boots or shoes.

Of course, don’t forget your camera as you’ll take awesome photos on the way!

What To Expect On The Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the world.

The trail is well-marked, but you should pay attention to the weather forecast and any advisory warnings from authorities.

The challenging hike is worth it, and at the end of the walk, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of the serene and tranquil Lake Rotoaira.

Most hikers take between 6-8 hours to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, but it can take up to 10 hours for less experienced walkers or those who like to take their time.

You will have anywhere between 9 and 11 hours of sunlight during the trek, so you should be able to do it before dusk.

To complete the trek, you should have a medium to high level of fitness, I do not recommend beginners to attempt it, as you may not complete it by sunset.

Where To Park Your Car At The Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The Tongariro Crossing starts at the end of Mangatepopo Road and ends at Ketetahi Parking Lot.

Click here to see the exact location of the Ketetahi Parking lot on Google maps.

For this reason, I recommend parking your car/campervan at Ketetahi Parking Lot and take a shuttle bus to the trailhead on Mangatepopo Road.

The end of the trail will bring you back to the Ketetahi Parking Lot.

Should You Trek The Tongariro Alpine Crossing On Your Own?

You definitely can trek the Tongariro Crossing on your own, as this is what most travelers do.

However, by going on a guided hike , you’ll be with an expert trekker who will show you the path, tell you unique stories, and show you the best photo spots!

Also, it’s worth noting that, when booking a tour, appropriate clothing and gear are included, so you won’t need to buy your own, which is a massive plus.

DAY 9: TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

After completing the Alpine Crossing, I highly recommend sticking around in Tongariro National Park for another full day.

Tongariro NP is a World Heritage Site and is home to some of the most stunning natural features in New Zealand.

The park is famous for its three active volcanoes, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu.

Needless to say, you can enjoy countless activities here, from hiking and riding a bicycle in the summertime to skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the spring, summer, and autumn months.

THINGS TO DO IN TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

Ski mt ruapehu.

Mt Ruapehu is the largest active volcano in New Zealand, and it’s also home to two of the most popular winter ski resorts in the country.

Whakapapa and Turoa offer ski and snowboard slopes for all levels of ability, as well as a range of other winter activities like tubing, tobogganing, and snowshoeing.

The skiing season typically runs from June to October, but it’s best to check the snow reports before planning a ski trip if you’re coming specifically for this.

If you’re looking for another spectacular hike, the Tama Lakes trail is a great alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

It’s a 17-kilometer round trip hike that takes approximately 6 hours and takes you through picturesque forests, waterfalls, and finally to the stunning Tama Lakes.

The lakes are formed from volcanic craters and have crystal-clear waters, which makes it a perfect location for a picnic lunch or a refreshing swim.

There are several bike trails in the Tongariro National Park ranging from easy to advanced and the most popular is the Old Coach Road trail.

The Old Coach Road is an intermediate-level trail that takes you through historic railway tunnels, suspension bridges, and beautiful bush landscapes.

It’s a 15-kilometer ride that takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.

You can rent a bike at the National Park and start the trail on Matapuna Road in Horopito or Ohakune Railway Station – both spots have signs indicating the trail, so it’s easy to find.

Tawhai Falls

Tawhai Falls is an easily accessible waterfall that’s a short walk from the main road. It featured in the Lord of Rings movies, where it was the backdrop for Gollum catching fish.

The waterfall cascades over a rocky outcrop into a pristine pool below, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing dip on hot summer days.

The waterfall is 13 meters high, which is great for photographers, and it’s easy to reach, so you don’t need to be particularly fit!

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Mangawhero Falls

Mangawhero Falls were also used in the Lord of the Rings movies, where it represented the cliff of the Dwimorberg, where Aragorn races his horse to the top.

The waterfall is 25 meters high and has a grand viewing platform from which to take that perfect photo.

On top of being an incredible stop on the circuit, it’s just as majestic in the summer and winter, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Full Blog Post: Mangawhero Falls New Zealand

Taranaki Falls

Another waterfall you shouldn’t miss is Taranaki Falls .

The waterfall drops 20 meters over a volcanic cliff into a deep pool below, surrounded by lush native forest. It’s a popular photography spot and a great place to relax after a short 1-hour hike.

Full Blog Post: Taranaki Falls Walk

DAY 10: FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY TO EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

After spending some time exploring the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, it’s time to hit the road and make your way to Egmont National Park via the Forgotten World Highway.

The Forgotten World Highway spans 155km and runs between Stratford and Taumarunui, passing through remote and rugged landscapes that are perfect for exploring.

You’ll see rolling hills dotted with sheep, rivers, and streams carving through deep valleys, and misty forests that teem with wildlife.

It takes around 2.5 hours – 3 hours to get from Tongariro National Park to Egmont National Park.

THINGS TO DO IN EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

Wilkies pool.

As the day draws to a close, you’ll arrive at Egmont National Park, and one must-visit destination is Wilkies Pool, a hidden gem that lies on the eastern side of Mount Taranaki.

This emerald-green pool is fed by a series of waterfalls and is surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees.

Take a dip in the refreshing water, or sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

To get to Wilkies Pool, you’ll have to hike a lovely trail in the middle of the forest and it’ll take around 90 minutes to complete, so don’t forget to bring your water bottle.

Dawson’s Falls

Another highlight of Egmont National Park is Dawson’s Falls, a towering waterfall cascading from over 28 meters.

Several walking tracks around offer fantastic views of the falls, as well as the surrounding landscapes.

As the sun sets, make your way to Kent Road, a spot that offers some of the most spectacular views of Mount Taranaki.

Here, you’ll be able to capture some breathtaking photos as the colors of the sky change and the mountain is bathed in golden light.

Lake Mangamahoe

Finally, wrap up your day with a visit to Lake Mangamahoe, a stunning lake that’s surrounded by lush forests.

This peaceful setting is perfect for ending your day with a gentle stroll or a relaxing picnic as you take in the natural beauty of the area.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

If you’re traveling in a campervan, I recommend spending the night at one of these campervan sites:

• Stratford Motel & Holiday Park
• North Egmont Car Park
• Dawson Falls Car Park

BEST HOTELS IN EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

If you’re traveling in a rental car and need to book a hotel for the night, these are the ones I recommend.

LUXURY: AMITY COURT MOTEL

MID RANGE: PATUHA RAINFOREST RETREAT

BUDGET: NGATI RUANUI STRATFORD MOUNTAIN HOUSE

DAY 11: EGMONT NATIONAL PARK (MT TARANAKI) & POUAKAI TARN HIKE

The Pouakai Tarn Hike is one of the most popular hikes in the park and offers breathtaking views of Mount Taranaki.

It’s a challenging 5 – 6 hour trek that starts from the North Egmont Visitor Centre and ends at Pouakai Hut.

Another alternative trail to reach Pouakai Tarn is the Mangorei Track Trailhead . This route takes about 2 hours one way with a steep incline.

Before starting the hike, it’s important to prepare enough food and water to sustain you for the duration of the hike. You can easily drive into New Plymouth City to pick up supplies.

You’ll also need a sleeping bag and pillow if you plan on staying overnight at the Pouakai Hut.

The hike itself is not for the faint of heart. It’s a steep uphill climb that will take you through a variety of terrains, including forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows.

The view of Mount Taranaki from the Pouakai Tarn is 100% worth every drop of sweat to get here!

Full Blog Post: Pouakai Tarns Hike

STAY OVERNIGHT AT POUAKAI HUT

As mentioned earlier, there’s a hut available for hikers to stay in overnight and it’s near the Pouakai Tarn reflective viewpoint of Mount Taranaki.

The Pouakai Hut is a basic alpine hut with 16 bunk beds, a fireplace, a communal kitchen, and drop toilets.

Bookings for the Pouakai Hut are essential and the cost is $15 per night. Click here to book online in advance.

DAY 12: NEW PLYMOUTH

After an overnight stay in Pouakai Hut, and once you’ve completed the hike back down, make your way to New Plymouth, which is only a short 20 to 30-minute drive away.

THINGS TO DO IN NEW PLYMOUTH

Paritutu rock.

Paritutu Rock is a volcanic remnant that towers over the surrounding landscape, offering stunning views of the city and the Tasman Sea

It’s a popular spot for rock climbing or hiking, but don’t worry, getting to the top only takes about 15 minutes!

Oakura Beach

After visiting Paritutu Rock, take a 20-minute drive south to Oakura Beach, a beautiful black sand beach that is perfect for surfing and beach bumming.

This popular beach is known for its consistent waves, and it’s ideal for beginners and experienced surfers.

You can still enjoy the picturesque scenery and work on your tan if you’re not a surfer.

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

Before ending your day, make sure you head to the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. This scenic walkway is 12.7 km long and offers stunning views of the coast and the city.

The walkway is easy to access, and it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You can walk, jog, or cycle, and take in its panoramic views.

Go Shopping

That’s not it – New Plymouth is also a great place for shopping. The city has a vibrant and bustling shopping scene, with many stores, boutiques, and markets.

Alternatively, you could visit Centre City Shopping Centre, which boasts dozens of retail stores and a food court.

Take Your Photos & Videos To New Heights!

The DJI Mini 3 Pro is the most affordable, user-friendly drone camera suitable for all levels!

This travel-sized drone captures 4K/60fps video, 48MP photo, and has 34 minutes flight time.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN NEW PLYMOUTH

When searching for campervan parks in New Plymouth, these are the ones I recommend spending one night:

• Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park
• New Plymouth Top 10 Holiday Park
• Back Beach Car Park (Freedom Camp Spot)

BEST HOTELS IN NEW PLYMOUTH

New Plymouth has dozens of hotels to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: KING & QUEEN HOTEL SUITES

MID RANGE: FLAMINGO MOTEL

BUDGET: DUCKS & DRAKES BOUTIQUE MOTEL

DAY 13: THREE SISTERS & WAITOMO CAVES

On the second-last day of your 2 week North Island itinerary, is time to start making your way back north toward Auckland, spending one night in Waitomo to break up the drive.

A couple of must-visit attractions in between New Plymouth and Auckland are the Three Sisters and Waitomo Caves.

Three Sisters

About 1-hour drive north of New Plymouth, be sure to stop at the Three Sisters along the way to Waitomo.

Boasting 25-meter-tall rock formations along the coastline, and distance views of Mount Taranaki, you will be left in awe of this natural phenomenon.

The Three Sisters can only be reached on low tide and it takes about 10 minutes to reach the spot by walking from the car park along the river’s edge.

Alternatively, you can marvel at this epic landscape from the Three Sisters Lookout .

Waitomo Caves

Waitomo is a village in the Waikato region, known for its extensive underground cave systems that play home to thousands of glowworms.

One of the best ways to explore Waitomo Caves is by blackwater rafting with The Legendary Blackwater Rafting Co .

This thrilling 3-hour experience takes you through the fascinating cave system where you can marvel at thousands of tiny glow worms illuminating the caves like a starry night sky.

If you’re not keen on blackwater rafting, there are other tours available which I have listed below;

• Waitomo Caves Boat Tour
• Waitomo Caves Walking Tour

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN WAITOMO

These are the top-rated campervan parks in Waitomo to spend the night:

• Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
• Otorohanga Kiwi Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS IN WAITOMO

The Waitomo area has a few accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: WAITOMO GOLF RIDGE

MID-RANGE: WAITOMO LODGE

BUDGET: CAVES MOTOR INN

DAY 14: DEPARTURE FROM AUCKLAND

As your adventure across North Island comes to an end, you have two options for your last day, depending on your onward plans.

The options are:

• Going back to Auckland and flying out
• Heading to Wellington and either flying out or continuing to the South Island

OPTION 1: BACK TO AUCKLAND

If you need to catch a flight back home or to your next destination, you can head back to Auckland and return your campervan or rental car.

The distance from Waitomo to Auckland is approximately 200km and takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Depending on your schedule, you could stop into Raglan Beach on the way for lunch, perhaps spend some more time roaming around Auckland City, or if you have a couple more days up your sleeve, take a trip over to Waiheke Island.

OPTION 2: GO TO WELLINGTON

For those with a little more time, make your way down to Wellington.

This vibrant capital city offers plenty to see and do such as;

• A visit to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum.
• Take a walk along the picturesque Wellington waterfront.
• Head up to the top of Mount Victoria for stunning panoramic views.

Related Article: 2 Week South Island New Zealand Itinerary

WELLINGTON TO SOUTH ISLAND

If you’re traveling overland and continuing your travels to the South Island of New Zealand you can take the ferry from Wellington to Picton .

The Interislander Ferry is a 3-hour cruise across the Cook Strait, departing from Wellington Ferry Terminal.

The ferry tends to fill up fast, especially during peak season from December – February, so make sure to book the ferry online well in advance.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN WELLINGTON

• Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park
• Cuba Street Motorhome Park

BEST HOTELS IN WELLINGTON

Wellington has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: INTERCONTINENTAL WELLINGTON

MID-RANGE: RAMADA BY WYNDHAM WELLINGTON

BUDGET: THE MARION HOSTEL

TRAVEL TIPS: NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP

Here are some handy travel tips and things to know before you begin your 14 day New Zealand itinerary.

BEST APPS FOR A NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP

When planning your New Zealand North Island road trip, several apps can make your journey even more pleasant and convenient.

From having an accurate weather forecast to finding the best camping locations and even hiking trails, these apps will come in handy.

Among the best apps for a New Zealand road trip are:

• MetService (Weather)
• Maps.me (GPS)
• Google Maps (GPS)
• Spotify (Music)
• Great Rides (Biking trails)
• Great Hikes (Hiking trails)
• Rankers Camping NZ (Camping Locations)
• CamperMate (Camping spots, details, and more)

FREEDOM CAMPING IN NEW ZEALAND

Freedom camping in New Zealand is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation.

There are many sites and apps available to help you find freedom camping locations all across the country, but I recommend Freedom Camping and CamperMate , which list dozens of locations around New Zealand.

CamperMate is one of the most popular apps for finding both free and paid campgrounds in New Zealand. It includes information on sites such as facilities, activities, and even nearby attractions.

When going off-grid, be sure to buy enough water, food, and snacks for the road, especially if you plan to sleep in your campervan for a few days!

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Firstly, WiFi isn’t available everywhere, and for this reason, you will want to get a local SIM card when you arrive at Auckland Airport or purchase an eSIM .

Secondly, I suggest you buy groceries at PAK ‘n’ SAVE, which is much cheaper than other stores around the country.

Also, most tours and entrance tickets sell out super fast so I suggest booking online on Viator in advance and being guaranteed the best rates.

More New Zealand Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to New Zealand!

WHAT TO PACK FOR NEW ZEALAND

When visiting New Zealand, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

FINAL THOUGHTS – ITINERARY NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND

I hope you enjoyed reading this North Island New Zealand road trip article, and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join  Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe  on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback  at no extra cost to you  and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

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