travel north new zealand

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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The Ultimate New Zealand North Island Itinerary: Road Trips from 2 Days to 2 Weeks

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New Zealand’s North Island is stunning. It has some of the best beaches in the country as well as hot springs, geothermal parks, volcanoes, lakes, waterfalls, wineries, and island sanctuaries.

Outdoor activities are popular, and you can hike, swim, snorkel, sail, surf, bike, and engage in numerous adventure activities like skydiving or jet boating.

It’s the best part of the country to learn about Maori culture and to sample delicious food and coffee at the many restaurants and cafes in the cities. It’s also home to the magical Hobbiton Movie Set!

Three-quarters of New Zealand’s population lives here and it includes the country’s largest city, Auckland, in the north of the island, and Wellington, the capital city, in the south.

We’ve driven between Auckland and Wellington five times and have spent months living in the Northland and Wellington regions.

Below I share our most recent 10-day North Island itinerary (easily reduced to one week) as well as suggestions for trips ranging from two days to two weeks or more. There is also a handy map with everything mentioned.

North Island Itinerary Suggestions

North island road trip tips, map of our new zealand north island itinerary, our north island itinerary, day 1 – 3 hahei, coromandel peninsula (3 nights), day 4 – 6 lake taupo (3 nights), day 7 – 9 te awanga, hawke’s bay (3 nights), day 10 wellington (1 night +), more places to visit in north island , more new zealand posts.

These are my North Island itinerary suggestions for different trip lengths. They assume you are travelling between Auckland and Wellington (or vice versa).

Auckland is where most international flights arrive, although the much smaller Wellington airport has connections to Australia. Wellington is where the ferry to Picton on the South Island departs.

We’ve only spent a short amount of time in Auckland and aren’t huge fans. As most visitors are in New Zealand for natural beauty, I think there are better places to visit.

If you have limited time, just spend a night in the city to recover from jet lag and then continue with these itineraries.

That said, we are fans of the beaches and wineries of Waiheke Island , which is just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland, and a few days there is never a bad idea. 

2 Day North Island Itinerary

If you need to traverse the island in the quickest time possible, you could technically drive from Auckland to Wellington in one day (about eight hours), but it’s best to break up your journey.

When we made this trip in two days, we stayed overnight near Turangi on the southern shore of Lake Taupo . It was quieter than Taupo town (on the north shore) and on the fastest route.

We stayed at a lovely BnB outside town called Omori Lakehouse . We had a private room and bathroom with a stunning lake view as well as use of the owner’s living space. The owners were very friendly and left us beer and brownies as well as providing a continental breakfast with homemade jam.

It was a pleasant stopover and we had a pizza dinner nearby at Floating Rock Cafe on a winery.

We broke up the Taupo to Auckland day with a stop at the Hobbiton Movie Set in The Shire where The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies were filmed. 

1 Week North Island Itinerary

If you have a week for your self-drive North Island road trip, you could follow our 10-day route below but reduce the stays from three nights to two nights.

We had plenty of relaxation time, so you could still do most of the things we did. For example:

• Coromandel Peninsula – 2 nights
• Lake Taupo – 2 nights
• Hawke’s Bay – 2 nights
• Wellington – 1 night

In the 10-day section, I discuss some alternatives to these destinations.

Another option which we followed on our first trip to New Zealand:

• Rotorua – 1 night
• Tongariro National Park – 2 nights
• Wellington – 2 nights

If you are continuing south beyond Wellington, check out our picks for the top things to do in the South Island .

10 Day North Island Itinerary

This is the Auckland to Wellington itinerary I detail below.

• Coromandel Peninsula – 3 nights (stay at Tatahi Lodge )
• Lake Taupo – 3 nights (stay in a holiday rental )
• Hawke’s Bay – 3 nights
• Wellington – 1 night + (stay at QT Wellington )

You could replace one or two of the nights in Taupo with Rotorua, especially if you’d like to visit a Maori village.

If you aren’t interested in wineries, swap Hawke’s Bay with Tongariro National Park , one of the most stunning places on the North Island.

In the summer you can hike the popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing and in winter you can ski on Mt Ruapehu . I’ve written more about the park at the end of this post. 

2 Week North Island Itinerary

I recommend following the 10-day itinerary but starting with three nights in the Bay of Islands , which is four hours north of Auckland in Northland. See our guide to the best things to do in Bay of Islands .

We spent three months just outside Russell , a charming historic town that makes the best base for exploring the bay. 

It’s a long drive from Russell to Hahei in the Coromandel , but we did it at the start of this road trip, and it took us 6.5 hours plus a lunch break.

With the extra night, you can add time in Auckland, Rotorua, or Wellington.

3 week+ North Island Road Trips

If you have more than two weeks for your North Island itinerary, there are plenty more places to explore. 

This route includes many New Zealand must see destinations .

You could do a loop of the North Island by following the itinerary below and then continuing up the west coast after Wellington to:

• Tongariro National Park – For hiking and skiing on a volcano.
• New Plymouth and the Taranaki region – For beaches, art, hikes and an iconic volcano.
• Waitomo – For glowworm caves, waterfalls, gorgeous green countryside and nearby Hobbiton.
• Raglan – For surfing, waterfalls, and beach horse rides.
• Waiheke Island – For beaches, wineries, and a tropical island vibe near Auckland.

Read more about these North Island road trip ideas at the end of the post.

Back to Contents

A self-drive road trip is the best way to explore the North Island. 

We rented our car with Apex , which is a good option for longer rentals. We liked that they didn’t charge for one-way rentals, changing drop-off locations, or an additional driver.

For shorter rentals, search on Rental Cars for the best deals.

Renting a campervan is also a popular way to explore New Zealand, but you can only stay overnight in campsites or designated freedom camping spots.

Remember that in New Zealand you drive on the left-hand side of the road.

Simon picked up a Vodaphone SIM at the airport on arrival, and I later bought a Spark SIM. Both are fine, but Spark seems to have slightly better coverage in rural areas.

Phone signal isn’t available everywhere, so it’s best to download Google Maps offline so you always have access to directions (which are fairly simple in New Zealand—there aren’t a ton of roads!). 

I recommend packing a water bottle (we always travel with a few  Vapur flexible bottles  as they are light and foldable when empty) and a  travel coffee mug  or thermos.

Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking as you’ll do a lot of it in New Zealand. Most of the time I was fine in my Allbirds wool runners , but I was glad for hiking shoes on the muddier trails. (See my Allbirds review for more details on these super comfy shoes).

You can make this New Zealand road trip at any time of year. We drove it in June, which is early winter.

We had one beautiful, sunny day on the Coromandel, and the rest of our time was mostly cloudy and often rainy.

Temperatures ranged from 10ºC to 16ºC (50ºF – 61ºF). In general, the north is warmer than the south. 

The best weather, especially if you want some beach time, is in the summer from January to March. January is busy as it’s the school holidays, so I recommend February and March instead.

This North Island itinerary starts in Auckland but doesn’t include any time there. If you are arriving on a long flight, allow at least a night in the city to recover before you drive.

Auckland to Hahei Drive: 2 hours 15 minutes / 163km (101 miles)

The Coromandel Peninsula is a detour from Auckland if you are heading south to Wellington, but it’s well worth it and is one of the best places to visit in North Island.

Once you’ve left Auckland’s outskirts behind, it’s a lovely if windy drive through forests and mountains with rocky peaks.

We chose to stay in the cute beach town Hahei which is the perfect base for the Coromandel’s main attractions on the east coast— Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach .

It gets packed in the summer, but mid-week in winter it was very quiet. The town centre is tiny with just a handful of businesses—a shop, cafe, takeaway, ice-cream shop, and a few watersports companies.

We had dinner on our first night at The Pour House , a craft brewery that makes excellent beer and tasty food (including a creative vegetarian pizza).

Hahei Beach is one of my favourites in New Zealand. It’s a gorgeous long white sandy beach with rocky promontories at each end and views of craggy offshore islands.

We enjoyed sunset walks, sunrise runs and swims, and a relaxing afternoon reading in a quiet corner.

Cathedral Cove

Please note that the Cathedral Cove Walk Track is currently closed due to storm damage, please check current updates .

Cathedral Cove is the main attraction in the Coromandel, so it’s best to get an early start to avoid the crowds.

In winter, we had it to ourselves by leaving at 7.30am for the 40-minute walk from town. It’s best at low or mid tide.

The mostly paved walk is fairly easy, although it’s steep in parts, with some beautiful sea views on the way.

Steps lead down to Mares Leg Cove , a gorgeous powdery sand beach backed by white limestone cliffs chiselled by the elements and gnarled pohutukawa trees growing sideways out of the rocks.

From the beach, you walk through a natural rock archway for a view of the beach and sea stacks on the other side framed by the cave opening.

I was worried it might be overrated, but it’s a magical place.

On the way back we took a few of the side trails—the loop trail to a lookout (2km/30 minutes return) takes you through the forest to a platform high above the sea with fantastic views of the rugged coastline and clear turquoise water.

There are also shorter walks (5 minutes each way) to beautiful sandy Stingray Bay and boulder-filled Gemstone Bay , where you can follow a snorkel trail.

I braved the chilly water and was rewarded by seeing a giant stingray as well as banded wrasse, red moki, and crayfish.

With all the detours we ended up walking 11km (7 miles) with 2 hours 40 minutes of walking or four hours including breaks. In summer you’ll likely want to linger on the beaches even longer.

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

After a morning at Cathedral Cove, we drove 15 minutes to Shakespeare Cliff Lookout.

The last section of the windy uphill road is gravel, but it’s worth it for the 180º views of Lonely Bay , Cooks Beach , and Maramaratotara Bay . 

Hot Water Beach

On our second full day, we made it to Hot Water Beach for sunrise.

There’s a hot spring under a small section of this unique beach where you can dig your own spa bath (only two hours either side of low tide).

It gets incredibly crowded in summer, but in winter there were only a few others around.

Digging a deep hole isn’t as easy as it looks (our bath was more of a puddle), but it was atmospheric to sit in hot water surrounded by steam with the waves crashing and the sky lit up in streaks of pink.

Drive to Coromandel Town

After a shower and breakfast, we left for a loop drive to the other side of the Coromandel Peninsula.

We started on the 309, a windy narrow gravel road that made me car sick. It goes deep in the bush and feels far away from everything.

A few worthwhile stops are the Waiau Kauri Grove , where a peaceful 15-minute loop walk takes you past some of these giant trees, and Waiau Falls , a pretty little falls with a pool that looked enticing for swimming.

We had lunch in Coromandel Town , an old gold town that still has some heritage buildings.

There’s not much going on, but we did enjoy the creative vegetarian lunch options at Wharf Road Cafe which unfortunately is temporarily closed.

UMU Cafe looks like a good alternative with tasty pizza and lunch bowl options.

You could also take a scenic train ride on the nearby Driving Creek Railway , but the times are limited in winter and we missed it.

We drove back on the 25, a sealed road with beautiful coastal views and plenty of opportunities for beach stops. I’d wanted to detour to New Chums Beach , but you can only reach it at low tide.

We ended up taking a short walk at Matarangi Beach , a long white sand beach typical of the area, but the weather wasn’t great. Rings Beach and Kuaotunu Beach are also supposed to be pretty.

Hahei Accommodation

We stayed at Tatahi Lodge , which I highly recommend. It has a range of accommodation for all budgets including a backpackers, motel rooms, and holiday cottages.

It’s set in pretty gardens and is a one-minute walk from the pub, five minutes from the beach, and 40 minutes from Cathedral Cove.

The friendly staff gave us all the information we needed on the area and lent us a shovel and beach towels. The only downside is we only got 5GB of internet free, but it was enough for our stay.

We stayed in a two-bedroom cottage with a log cabin vibe. The decor was a little dated, but it was comfortable and spacious with a kitchen and small garden with BBQ and outdoor furniture.

Hahei to Taupo Drive: 4 hours / 281km (175 miles) plus stops (1 hour 15 minutes)

Our next destination was Lake Taupo in the centre of the North Island.

The winding drive through the forest-covered mountains of the Coromandel was beautiful before we reached flatter plains and farmland. Past Matamata the scenery became more dramatic again with lush green rolling hills.

We made three stops—for coffee (and to eat our packed sandwiches) in Matamata, at the Blue Spring Putaruru , and for a quick walk in Rotorua .

I also highly recommend stopping at the Hobbiton Movie Set near Matamata. Even if you aren’t a Lord of the Rings fan, the cute hobbit village is a picturesque place to wander with incredible attention to detail.

You need to book the two-hour walking tour in advance , but if you book it for early afternoon, it fits well in this itinerary. There’s an average cafe there for lunch, or you can stop in Matamata.

Blue Spring Putaruru

As we’d visited Hobbiton on a previous North Island road trip, we chose to take a break at the Blue Spring in Putaruru , which is just after Matamata and 40 minutes before Rotorua.

We parked at the Leslie Road car park and strolled along the river for 10 minutes to reach the colourful main pool (and toilet).

The incredibly pure water is bright blue and full of floaty green vegetation, creating a magical feel.

You can continue along the river on the Te Waihou Walkway (1 hour 30 minutes each way), but we were a bit concerned about the signs warning of car break-ins.

Our next stop was Rotorua , which is a popular stop on many North Island road trips, so you may want to spend a night or two here.

The sprawling town is renowned for its geothermal activity—you can see steam emerging from the drains and smell the sulphur in the air.

It’s the best place in the country to learn about Maori culture—at Whakarewarewa Maori village you can take a guided tour and see a cultural performance.

As we’d visited previously and recently experienced a Maori performance at Waitangi in the Bay of Islands , we just made a quick stop at Kuirau Park .

At this free city park you can see geothermal activity like a large pool of steaming water and bubbling mud pools.

It doesn’t compare to the experience at the paid geothermal parks (which we’ll visit soon), but it’s worth a quick stop.

Taupo is a lakefront town, one hour from Rotorua. There are some excellent geothermal destinations to explore on the way, but we chose to return to these the following day.

Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand and is a popular spot for watersports in the summer.

It’s also a hub of adventure activities like skydiving (which we did here on our first trip to New Zealand), bungy jumping, and jet boating.

As we were visiting in winter, we focused on hot springs, waterfalls, and geothermal parks.

We mostly self-catered, but we did have a good-value lunch at Cafe Baku near the waterfront, which has a huge range of cabinet food including veggie options.

Wairakei Terraces Thermal Spa

On our first evening in Taupo, we relaxed after the drive at the hot pools at Wairakei Terraces .

Sunset would be ideal but the lighting was also atmospheric at night as we soaked in a series of large terraced pools of varying temperatures. It’s open to over 14s only. Entrance is usually $27 but we got a Grabone deal for $15.

Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

On our first full day in Taupo we drove 45 minutes back towards Rotorua for some geothermal action.

There are a number of geothermal parks, but we chose Wai-o-Tapu as it’s known for having the most colourful pools. Tickets are $32.50 and currently can only be bought online.

We arrived at opening at 9am and had the place to ourselves. The full trail around the park is 3km and took us an hour, although you could spend longer if you read all the information signs.

It’s a unique and fascinating place with steam rising from the ground, bubbling mud pools, collapsed craters, and many colourful hot pools.

Champagne Pool is the largest hot spring in New Zealand and Devil’s Bath is an unreal neon green.

There’s also an eruption of Lady Knox Geyser at 10.15am daily at a separate site a short drive away, but we didn’t make it in time.

A few minutes’ drive from Wai-o-Tapu is this free site where you can see mud spurting out of a large pond. It’s definitely worth a stop.

Kerosene Creek

Our final stop on our first day was Kerosene Creek , a 10-minute drive from Wai-o-Tapu (towards Rotorua).

The last five minutes is on a horrible gravel road full of potholes, so I wouldn’t recommend it after rain in a normal car.

There are plenty of hot springs in the area, but this is the only hot river I found, and it’s free.

It’s a unique experience to soak in the warm, shallow water surrounded by forest.

It gets busy so it’s best to visit early, but you can just keep walking down the river to find a quiet spot to yourself. The most popular section was under a small waterfall.

Spa Park and Huka Falls

Our second day in Taupo didn’t go entirely to plan as it rained all day.

We’d planned to park at Spa Park just outside town where there’s a free natural hot spring in the banks of the river.

From there we’d walk on the riverside track (60–90 minutes each way) to Huka Falls , return, then soak in the pools.

Instead, we drove to Huka Falls and did a short walk along the river, and then drove to Spa Park.

Huka Falls is a wide and thunderous mass of water that erupts into a bright blue river.

In the afternoon we drove 25 minutes to Kinloch , a small lakeside village that’s much less developed than Taupo town.

There’s a cycle and walking trail along the lake and it seemed pleasant, but honestly, in the rain we couldn’t see much!

Taupo Accommodation

We stayed at Janey B’s on Botanical (unfortunately no longer available), a one-bedroom apartment under a friendly family’s home a five-minute drive outside Taupo town.

We didn’t mind being outside town as all the activities we wanted to do were a drive away anyway, and we’re not huge fans of Taupo town.

For alternatives search for more holiday rentals in Taupo here .

Taupo to Te Awanga Drive: 2 hours / 156km (97 miles)

Our next destination was Hawke’s Bay on New Zealand’s east coast, which is known for its wineries and Art Deco architecture. You’ll also find good food and some beautiful walks.

In winter, it’s best to visit on a weekend if possible, as not all wineries are open during the week, especially in Te Awanga .

If you’re not a wine fan, you might prefer to head south to Tongariro National Park instead for hiking in summer or skiing in winter.

It’s an easy, stunning drive from Taupo over the mountains. There’s no petrol on the way so fill up in advance.

It’s a remote area and the only place we stopped was at the sign for a scenic lookout which leads to a view of a large dramatic waterfall.

Te Awanga Estate

Hawke’s Bay is a large area that includes the towns of Napier and Hastings plus the surrounding countryside.

I found it difficult knowing where to stay and ended up choosing Te Awanga , a small seaside village, as it was a flat cycle ride to three wineries (you could even walk).

On the day we arrived, we started with lunch at Te Awanga Estate , a casual winery with views of the vineyard and sea beyond.

It was busy and chaotic on a Saturday and we really should have booked, but we managed to get a table outside.

We enjoyed a vegetarian version of their platter, which featured an array of dips, pickled vegetables, nuts, fruit, and bread, and a tasty pie of the day (chile and cheese was the veggie option), along with the local specialities—Syrah red and Chardonnay white wines.

Te Awanga Beach

After lunch, it was still too early to check in to our accommodation, so we went for a walk on the pebbly beach which is popular with surfers.

The small village consists mostly of baches (holiday homes) plus a shop, takeaway, and the waterfront wineries.

Elephant Hill Winery

Our first full day was our winery day. Despite the pouring rain we ventured out on our bikes (you can rent from Coastal Wine Cycles ) for an easy (if wet) 15-minute cycle on the limestone bike path along the seafront.

If you find yourself based in Napier you can also hire bikes from Tākaro Trails Cycle Tours .

At Elephant Hill you must book a seated tasting ($20 for four wines) and it was a relaxed, informative experience in their modern tasting room.

The view of the sea would have been amazing if we could have seen it!

We focused on the Syrah and Chardonnay again and ended up treating ourselves to a bottle of their Stone Syrah.

We spent an hour there and could have lingered longer over the generous pours.

Clearview Estate Winery

It was a five-minute cycle back to Clearview Estate where we’d booked a table for lunch.

It’s set further back from the sea, so the view isn’t as good, but the rustic dining room was cosy and we appreciated the fireplace.

It was our favourite meal in Hawke’s Bay. We shared halloumi with roasted vegetables, spinach and feta filo parcel, and polenta chips with aioli.

We liked that you could order half glasses of wine to sample their many Chardonnays (the White Caps was oaky and buttery enough to satisfy Simon).

We’d planned to cycle further down the coast to the seafront Hygge Cafe in Clifton for coffee and cake, but the rain was miserable so we spent the afternoon relaxing at our apartment instead.

You could also cycle inland to the wineries near Havelock North , but this will be a hillier route.

We started our second full day with a wander around Napier .

This small city was rebuilt in Art Deco style after an earthquake in 1931, and the streets are still lined with pastel-coloured buildings with geometric motifs.

There are quite a few tempting coffee shops in Napier, so we stopped in at Georgia on Tennyson , before driving to the suburb of Ahuriri for a seafront walk past sea wall murals.

Havelock North

A 25-minute drive from Napier is Havelock North , a boutiquey village on the outskirts of Hastings .

It’s supposed to be one of the most desirable places to stay in the area, but honestly, we didn’t find it that exciting or attractive. Perhaps if we were into shopping we would have enjoyed it more.

It is close to some great wineries and hikes, though.

Craggy Range Winery

Craggy Range is an upmarket winery next to the craggy Te Mata mountain .

We had lunch in the stylish restaurant where the fine dining menu uses local, seasonal ingredients, including produce from their garden.

Although vegetarian options were limited, we did enjoy our halloumi and green bean starter and baked gnocchi with black garlic main. Simon was a fan of their Reserve Chardonnay.

Te Mata Peak

We’d originally planned to hike the 5-kilometre Giant Circuit at Te Mata , but the steep trail was too muddy and slippery after days of rain.

Instead, we drove to the peak and took a short walk for spectacular views of the jagged limestone peaks, bumpy green hills, and down to Craggy Range Winery.

I definitely recommend a longer hike here if the weather is good—it’s the most scenic part of Hawke’s Bay.

Ocean Beach

Our final stop was Ocean Beach , a 30-minute drive from Te Mata and Te Awanga, but it’s well worth a detour with beautiful views of undulating green hills on the way.

Ocean Beach is gorgeous—a long, wide, golden sand beach backed by small dunes and larger green hills.

It feels quite remote and is undeveloped except for a collection of simple wooden baches. I would love to stay here. 

Hawke’s Bay Accommodation

We rented a large studio apartment underneath a family home in Te Awanga.

It was a two-minute walk from the beach and came with free bikes but unfortunately, the accommodation is no longer available.

Alternatively, if you have the budget, you could stay in a luxury cottage on a vineyard at Craggy Range .

The views are stunning here and you’ll have easy access to their restaurant and tasting room. 

Te Awanga to Wellington Drive: 4.5 hours / 323km (201 miles) plus 15 minutes of breaks

It was a beautiful drive down the SH2 to Wellington, especially after Featherston over the dramatic Rimutaka Hill .

There are lots of options for stops on the way, although we only stopped for coffee.

We were tempted to add an extra night at Castlepoint , a remote beach town with a scenic lighthouse, but the weather put us off.

If you want more wine, Martinborough is also worth a night or two (we visited as a side trip from Wellington). Why not try this Half Day Martinborough Winery Tour from Wellington ?

It’s a smaller wine region than Hawke’s Bay with flat, easy cycling to many nearby wineries (don’t miss the platters at Poppies).

Alternatively, drive through Palmerston North (where you can visit the New Zealand Rugby Museum ) and down SH1 to the Kapiti Coast.

If you have time, you might want to stay in one of the beach towns—we love Paekakariki .

On this trip we spent a week in Wellington staying with friends, but if you have limited time in the country, you’ll probably only want a night or two here.

We do love this compact capital city (we’ve since spent a few months here), but most people come to New Zealand for nature and will likely want to get on the ferry and head to the South Island (see our best East Coast South Island road trip stops and the best South Island activities ).

A few of our favourite things to do in Wellington include the Wellington Botanic Gardens (and the cable car ride up there), a walk along the waterfront to Oriental Bay , the Sunday morning Harbourside Market , the view from Mount Victoria , learning about native birds at Zealandia , and seeing seals on the Red Rocks Walkway . 

Check out these other scenic Wellington walks .

You’ll find some of the best food and coffee in the country here. We love coffee tasting flights at Hangar , hot chocolate at Scopa , seaside brunch at The Botanist or Maranui Cafe in Lyall Bay , vegetarian tasting menus at Hillside Kitchen , and wine at Noble Rot .

Wellington Accommodation

Although we stayed with friends on this trip, we have visited Wellington multiple times. Our favourite place to stay is the stylish boutique hotel QT Wellington .

It has the perfect location opposite the Te Papa museum with harbour views.

Rooms are creative and comfortable (Harbourview Gallery rooms are best) and there’s cool artwork throughout the hotel.

If you have longer than 10 days to travel the North Island, consider adding one or more of these destinations. You could even loop back to Auckland by following these places north. 

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is one of the most spectacular places on the North Island with three active volcanoes in a wild and beautiful landscape.

It’s most famous for the challenging (and very busy) day hike, the Tongariro Crossing .

We visited in early spring when the route was still covered in snow, but there are plenty of other hikes in the area.

We stayed in Whakapapa , the tiny village nearest to Mount Ruapehu and its ski resort.

Our room at Skotel Alpine Resort was simple but had wonderful views of the symmetrical dome of Mount Ngauruhoe , which stood in for Mt Doom in the Lord of the Rings films.

Our picks for the area include:

• Tama Lakes hike – An incredible walk to two volcanic crater lakes. The 17.8km trail took me just over four hours plus breaks. It starts next to the Skotel (they rent poles which were useful for the last section).
• Skiing or snowboarding at Mt Ruapehu – While I hiked, Simon spent a day on the slopes. It’s a unique opportunity to ski on a volcano, but the resort does get busy (avoid weekends and July school holidays). Shuttles run from the village. You can also ride up the gondola just to enjoy the magnificent views.

New Plymouth and Taranaki

New Plymouth is a small seaside city in Taranaki , a region on the west coast that is usually overlooked by visitors and even Kiwis.

We soon fell for the green countryside, black sand beaches, cool art, and most of all, the perfectly conical volcano, Mt Taranaki .

Hiking to snow-capped Mt Taranaki in late winter and seeing it reflected in Pouakai Tarn is one of my top North Island experiences.

Read my guide to the best things to do in New Plymouth and Taranaki for more details. 

Waitomo Caves is one of the top tourist attractions in the North Island.

The typical 45-minute cave tour , which we did, includes a walk through an impressive cave and boat ride under a magical sky of glowworms, which glitter like fairy lights.

It’s a commercial operation and the magic is often ruined by the constant flow of tour groups but visiting when the borders were closed, we really enjoyed it. There are also longer cave tours in the area.

Nearby, we also loved the Ruakuri Bushwalk (you can see glowworms here at night), Mangapohue Natural Bridge , and Marokopa Falls , my favourite waterfall in New Zealand.

Raglan is a small surf town on the west coast with a cool vibe. In the area we recommend:

• Horse riding on Ruapuke Beach – Horseback was a fun way to experience this remote jet black beach. We did the trip with Wild Coast who were fantastic.
• Te Toto Gorge – A scenic platform overlooking the gorge with sea views.
• Bridal Veil Falls – A beautiful 55 metre waterfall with four different viewpoints.
• Dinner at Ulos – This quirky, colourful restaurant is run by a friendly Japanese family and has delicious Japanese/Korean food with veggie options.
• Brunch at The Shack – A cool cafe with delicious food.

The impressive Hamilton Gardens are only 45 minutes away—we stopped here on the way to Auckland. You could spend half a day exploring the many gardens including Maori, Japanese, Italian Renaissance, Chinese, Indian, Tudor, and surrealist.

Waiheke Island

This dreamy island would make a good first or last stop in the country as it’s only a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland .

Many people visit on a day trip, but if you like beaches and wineries, you might want to stay longer. Our picks include:

• Man O’ War Vineyard – The food is just ok, but the wine is excellent and the beachside location is wonderful. It’s a windy but beautiful drive on a gravel road to get out here.
• Poderi Crisci – An authentic Italian restaurant on a vineyard in an undeveloped part of the island. Our favourite meal on Waiheke—expect to linger.
• Casita Miró – Delicious tapas and wine with vineyard and sea views and a colourful mosaic design.
• Wine tasting at Mudbrick – It’s worth a visit to this upmarket winery to enjoy the lovely gardens and stunning views. Walk up the hill to the helicopter landing pad for 360º views of the island.
• Cable Bay Vineyard – We enjoyed our mezze platter here, but the views are what people come for.
• Little Palm Beach – My favourite beach on Waiheke is beyond the rocks at Palm Beach and has a secluded feel backed by cliffs (it’s popular with nudists). The walk above Palm Beach also has a lovely view.

There are some amazing holiday homes on Waiheke. We stayed at Te Kereru Onetangi , a spectacular architecturally designed house surrounded by native forest with views of Onetangi Beach below (a 15-minute walk away). We loved the birdsong, sunlight, secluded feel, modern design, and many terraces.

Bay of Islands

A beautiful area of beaches and islands in Northland. Taking the ferry or water taxi to Urupukapuka Island is our top recommendation for the area.

We also spent six days learning to sail a yacht with Great Escape and then sailing ourselves around the islands.

See more recommendations for activities in Bay of Islands New Zealand .

I hope this New Zealand North Island itinerary has given you some ideas for your trip.

There are many fantastic options, but this route is an excellent mix of beautiful beaches, relaxing hot springs, fascinating geothermal parks, stunning hikes, and delicious wineries.

Read more of our tips for exploring beautiful New Zealand.

• 25 Beautiful Places to Visit in New Zealand

North Island

• 22 Fun Things to Do in Wellington
• 8 Stunning Wellington Walks Not to Miss
• 15 Unforgettable Things to Do in Bay of Islands
• 15 Best Things to Do in New Plymouth and Taranaki
• Exploring Beautiful Urupukapuka Island in the Bay of Islands
• Learning to Sail in the Bay of Islands (While the World Falls Apart)
• Visiting the Magical Hobbiton Movie Set

South Island

• 25 Best Things to Do in South Island NZ
• 20 Unmissable Things to Do in Wanaka
• 17 Relaxing Things to Do in Queenstown
• Queenstown to Milford Sound Scenic Flight: The Most Beautiful Half-Day Trip in New Zealand
• 12 Best Road Trip Stops on the East Coast of the South Island
• 24 Best Things to Do in Nelson
• 23 Best Restaurants and Cafes in Nelson, New Zealand
• The Ultimate Guide to Abel Tasman National Park
• Lake Dunstan Cycle Trail: The Ultimate Guide to New Zealand’s Spectacular New Bike Ride
• A Detailed Guide to Walking the Queen Charlotte Track in New Zealand

Enjoyed this post? Pin for later!

Thanks so much for this! I am just following your itinerary for my NZ north island trip. It’s so detailed!!

Could you please let me know the starting point of your Cathedral cove walk?

Reply ↓

We walked from our hotel in Hahei, Tatahi Lodge. Unfortunately, the walk is currently closed after major damage in a cyclone.

Great list! We’re planning a New Zealand trip for whenever that’s possible again and this will come in handy. It’s been on our list for a long time so super excited to start the early planning stages.

Hi Erin, thanks for this wonderful post in these difficult times. Maybe to have something to look forward to in the future: could you do an update post on your current packing list? I am always so interested in the little details (and it helps to mentally look forward to better days where travelling is hopefully possible again).

Thanks & all the best

Hi Jayden, it’s funny you should say that – I’m just working on that right now and it’ll be out by next week!

Here’s our updated packing list: https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/carry-on-travel-packing-list/

Great details! Gorgeous land. We’ve always wanted to travel New Zealand, just haven’t made it over yet….it is on our Bucket List!

I hope you make it to NZ one day! It’s such a beautiful country!

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Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

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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You may also be interested in

Top 10 things to do in Rotorua long-arrow-right

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Best of the North Island: a 14-day New Zealand itinerary

Spend 14 days exploring the best of New Zealand's North Island.

--> BY Megan Arkinstall

Last updated . 25 March 2022

Next time you cross the ditch, venture north for an epic two-week trip around Te Ika-a-Māui, also known as New Zealand’s North Island.

From sleek cities to quaint villages, thundering waterfalls to desert-like landscapes, fertile wine country to subtropical coastlines, New Zealand’s North Island/Te Ika-a-Māui is a bounty of diverse landscapes, made by nature and man. Over two weeks, from north to south, explore the best of this incredible island, including taking thrilling jet boat rides, exploring centuries-old townships and soaking in thermal pools.

Days one and two: Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau

Made up of many distinctive neighbourhoods, New Zealand’s most populous city is an energetic mix of urban life and natural beauty. There’s  Ponsonby , known for its eclectic cuisines and charming architecture; heritage  Britomart , a once-neglected industrial area turned hip and happening neighbourhood; brand-spanking-new  Commercial Bay , a shopping and dining precinct located at Waitematā Harbour; and sparkling  Viaduct Harbour , where a relaxing waterside lunch comes with multi-million-dollar views.

Auckland’s magical cityscape.

Sky Tower Brave the walk around the edge of  Sky Tower’s  192-metre-high platform or sign up for SkyJump, where you’ll plunge 53 floors towards the city streets.

Silo Park Head to  Silo Park  at Wynyard Quarter, which hosts regular art exhibitions, festivals, outdoor cinema screenings, live entertainment, food trucks and more.

Head to Silo Park at Wynyard Quarter.

Waitakere Ranges Venture 30 kilometres southwest for adventurous pursuits at  Waitakere Ranges , home to more than 250 kilometres of hiking trails, waterfalls and black-sand beaches.

Accommodation tip:   SO/ Auckland

Days three and four: Kaitaia and Bay of Islands

New Zealand’s northernmost town,  Kaitaia , is a city rich in Māori and Dalmatian culture. Learn about this heritage at the Te Ahu Museum and head to Cape Reinga – a sacred Māori site – to see where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea collide. Around a 90-minute drive east of Kaitaia, the subtropical Bay of Islands  comprises 144 islands, a dramatic coastline, secluded beaches and coves, and is home to dolphins, penguins, whales and more.

The Bay of Islands is home to dolphins, penguins, whales and more.

Ninety Mile Beach When in Kaitaia, venture to Ninety Mile Beach for its spectacular sunsets, fabulous four-wheel-driving, and coastal adventures, from enormous sand dunes to epic surf breaks.

Island-hopper cruise Join an  island-hopper cruise  to explore the Bay of Islands. Departing from Paihia, this day trip includes an island stopover, snorkelling and wildlife spotting. You can even try your hand at sailing.

Join an island-hopper cruise to explore the Bay of Islands.

Accommodation tip:   The Duke of Marlborough , Bay of Islands

Bed down at The Duke of Marlborough in the Bay of Islands.

Days five and six: Hamilton-Waikato and Waitomo Caves

Located on the banks of the Waikato River,  Hamilton /Kirikiriroa is a multicultural city known for its gardens and walking tracks, and is also home to the country’s only commercial tea plantation,  Zealong Tea Estate . A little under an hour south lies the renowned  Waitomo Caves , home to three unique caves and an underground river system, which you can explore by boat.

Hamilton Gardens Don’t leave town without visiting  Hamilton Gardens , a 58-hectare botanical masterpiece featuring garden designs from across the globe.

Glowworm Grotto A highlight of  Waitomo Glowworm Caves  is the Glowworm Grotto. The glowworm is unique to New Zealand and these caves are home to thousands of them illuminating this subterranean world.

The highlight of Waitomo Caves is the Glowworm Grotto.

Accommodation tip:   Novotel Hamilton Tainui Hotel

Days seven and eight: Rotorua

The unique region of  Rotorua  is known for its colourful geothermal landscape of hot pools, bubbling mud pools and turbulent geysers. With 18 lakes, three rivers, towering forests and mountains, it’s also an adventurer’s playground, popular for jet boating, kayaking, biking and hiking.

Rotorua is known for its colourful geothermal landscape of hot pools.

Jetboat ride Raise your pulse rate with a  jetboat ride  through Tutukau Gorge and the narrow gaps of The Squeeze, then relax in thermal waters where waterfalls cascade into a pool.

Redwood Treewalk Stroll among the towering 118-year-old redwoods at the  Redwoods Treewalk .

Stroll among the towering 118-year-old redwoods.

Wai-O-Tapu Explore the mystical landscape of  Wai-O-Tapu , a geothermal park sculpted over thousands of years from volcanic activity, made up of geysers and mud pools.

Accommodation tip:   Pullman Rotorua Hotel

Days nine and ten: Taupo

Nature lovers will feel at home in  Taupo , an area comprising a diverse landscape of ski fields and alpine deserts, ancient forests and thundering waterfalls, hot springs and volcanic mountains, and – at its heart – Lake Taupo, the great inland sea of New Zealand. The charming town has an array of boutique shopping and a bustling dining scene, as well as an uber-cool collection of  street art  hidden in its laneways.

Be awestruck by the Maori rock carving at Lake Taupo.

Huka Falls Huka Falls is an absolute must-see: board a  river cruise  to see these thundering cascades up close, followed by a visit to the  lookout  and a stroll along the banks of the Waikato River.

Huka Falls is an absolute must-see.

Craters of the Moon The otherworldly  Craters of the Moon  is a geothermal landscape that can be explored via a series of boardwalks.

Craters of the Moon can be explored via a series of boardwalks.

Taupo’s thermal pools Soak in one of Taupo’s many  thermal pools , known by local Māori for their healing properties.

Bathe in one of the beautiful thermal pools in Taupo.

Accommodation tip:   Whakaipo Lodge , Taupo

Day 10 and 11: Napier/Ahuriri and Hawke’s Bay

Known as the Art Deco capital of New Zealand for its concentration of stripped classical, Spanish mission and Art Deco architecture, the charming town of Napier is an excellent base to explore the Hawke’s Bay wine region, best known for merlot cabernet blends, syrah and chardonnay. The coastal town’s palm-lined streets boast a vibrant shopping and art scene featuring several boutique galleries and a striking seawall mural, with a captivating backdrop of mountains stretching to the sea.

Te Mata Park Make time for a visit to  Te Mata Park , home to The Sleeping Giant (aka Te Mata Peak). A number of walking and biking tracks lead to the mountain’s summit, with views overlooking the bay from Mahia to Cape Kidnappers.

Make time for a visit to Te Mata Park.

Food and wine trail Foodies are in for a treat: there are more than 200 vineyards in the region, as well as craft breweries and artisan producers. Download a  food and wine map  to plan your gourmand explorations.

There are more than 200 vineyards in the Hawke’s Bay region.

Accommodation tip:  Art Deco Masonic Hotel , Napier

Day 12: Whanganui

The historic city of Whanganui is nestled between its namesake river and the Tasman Sea. Arguably, it’s one of the North Island’s most overlooked destinations, not least for its idyllic streetscape made up of beautifully preserved historic buildings dating back to Victorian times, including the 115-year-old opera house. Also check out the exotic  Paloma Gardens , an underground elevator , and an 1899-built paddle steamer that’s still in operation today.

Cruise Waimarie Take a cruise on the  Waimarie , New Zealand’s only coal-fired paddle steamer, and enjoy the scenery of the Whanganui River.

Waimarie is New Zealand’s only coal-fired paddle steamer.

Royal Whanganui Opera House Catch a show at the historic  Royal Whanganui Opera House , the country’s last Victorian theatre.

Catch a show at the historic Royal Whanganui Opera House.

Accommodation tip:   Browns Boutique B&B , Whanganui

Days 13 and 14: Wellington/Te Whanganui-a-Tara and Martinborough

Boasting a cosmopolitan vibe and renowned for its friendliness, the country’s capital may be small but it sure packs a punch. Wellington has an eclectic cultural scene, from cool and quirky Cuba Street, which is known for its vintage stores, bustling night markets, and colourful LGBTQI+ community, to its historic landmarks and museums, including the country’s national museum,  Te Papa . Just over an hour east of the city lies the quaint village of  Martinborough , which oozes colonial charm and has more than 20 boutique vineyards and several olive groves.

Explore Wellington’s eclectic cultural scene.

Wellington Cable Car Little and big travellers alike will enjoy a ride on the historic  Wellington Cable Car , the country’s only funicular railway, which opened in 1902. At the top,  Wellington Botanic Garden  is 25 hectares of vibrant botanic displays with beautiful views over the city.

Ride on the historic Wellington Cable Car.

Harbourside Market Visit Wellington’s oldest food market,  Harbourside Market . Held every Sunday at the waterfront, you can sample and buy goodies from a number of local producers, from manuka honey to fairtrade coffee to organic peanut butter.

Visit Wellington’s oldest food market.

Hire a bike or rickshaw Hire a bike  (or a rickshaw if you like) to cycle around the quiet country roads of Martinborough, visiting its charming boutique vineyards.

Accommodation tip : Intercontinental Wellington

Want more of New Zealand? Read all 101 Reasons To Stop Dreaming About New Zealand And Go Here.

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Comments (3)

never been loved what i have seen. one day soon

I am going to visit, absolutely. It has been in my plans for quite some time. Time to make it a reality.

We’ve toured both islands ( from Australia) five times over the last 20 years and intend doing it all again shortly. Stunning places, wonderful people, excellent value.

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New Zealand: Ultimate North Island Road Trip

Danielle Moore

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/DFAS3A/new-zealand-ultimate-north-island-road-trip-danielle-moore

New Zealand

Active Travel

Adventure Travel

Food & Wine

Road Trip Travel

Curator’s statement

The North Island of New Zealand will always be a special place to me as I was fortunate enough to call it my home base for 18 months. Though the South Island is forever a hot spot for tourism, the North Island is full of opportunities for adventure. From temperate rainforests to black-sand beaches to active volcanoes, there is no shortage of exciting things to see and do. This three-week itinerary was designed as a summertime holiday.

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Insider knowledge

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Where to stay

Park hyatt auckland.

Luxury waterfront hotel in Auckland complete with a a restaurant, outdoor swimming pool and fitness center.

$100 hotel / resort credit.

Breakfast daily.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

Treetops Lodge & Estate

Nestled in the 800 year old native forest of Rotorua, New Zealand this welcoming award-winning luxury lodge encourages guests to reconnect back to nature.

$100 food / beverage credit.

Sofitel Wellington

Experience refined elegance and French art de vivre at Sofitel Wellington.

Upgrade & extended check-in/out, whenever possible.

Detail and history-oriented hotel in New Zealand often regarded as one of the world’s most revered and inspirational luxury accommodations.

Novotel New Plymouth Hobson

Novotel New Plymouth Hobson is a modern hotel offering contemporary accommodations, dining and conference facilities in the heart of New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Unlock perks by contacting Danielle to book your trip.

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Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

Arrive in Auckland, the nation’s largest city, pick up your rental car and settle into your hotel. Take an afternoon stroll around Queen Street, a great place for shopping. If you’re looking for a more unique shopping experience, take a 30-minute walk to Karangahape Road and browse through the many thrift stores. For the adrenaline junkies, head on over to the Sky Tower and take a leap off of New Zealand’s tallest building. Auckland has no shortage of great places to eat and drink. For dinner I recommend Ahi , which features a menu showcasing New Zealand’s best dishes and local ingredients. Following dinner, head to one of the many flash bars in the city, like Ghost Donkey , My Bar or Ding Dong Lounge .

Day 2: Waiheke Island or Rangitoto Island

After breakfast, head out for a day full of fun on one of the islands just outside the city. Take the ferry to Waiheke Island and enjoy a wine tasting at one of the many vineyards, such as Tantalus Estate or Te Motu Vineyard . Enjoy a late lunch at The Oyster Inn before heading back to Auckland to relax before another evening out on the town. For those not keen on wine, take the ferry to Rangitoto Island and hike through rainforests and lava fields to the summit of this volcano for panoramic views of the city and the bay. Enjoy a packed lunch before heading back to Auckland. Tonight, start with happy hour at Parasol and Swing Company , then head to the Britomart neighborhood for dinner at Amano . Finish the night off with a tasty dessert from Giapo .

Day 3: Rotorua

Today starts bright and early as we head three hours south of Auckland to Rotorua. There’s something for everyone in Rotorua! For Lord of the Rings fans, hop onto a Hobbiton Day Tour . For the adrenaline junkies, go whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River or check out Velocity Valley. For a more relaxing experience, head to the Polynesian Spa for a thermal bath or take a stroll through the geothermal wonderland that is Waimangu Volcanic Valley. After a day full of fun, enjoy a dinner in town or settle down with takeaway at the hotel.

Day 4: Lake Taupō

After brekkie, make the one-hour drive to charming Lake Taupō. There are plenty of options here for adventure! If you missed the geothermal activity in Rotorua, check out Craters of the Moon . Those looking for fun on the lake can rent a paddle board or sign up for a parasailing tour . This evening, hop aboard a sunset sail and see the iconic Maori rock carvings while enjoying wine and cheese you picked up at the local grocery store. For dinner, head to the waterfront and enjoy a dinner at Vine Eatery & Bar .

Day 5: More Lake Taupō

Wake up ready for another day of fun in Taupō! This morning take a peaceful walk to the roaring Huka Falls and admire the powerful push of the icy blue water. Afterwards, head to the Wairakei Terraces and relax in the thermal hot springs. Take the afternoon to stroll by the lake or go shopping in the CBD. For dinner, indulge in the amazing chef’s tasting menu at Embra , a restaurant that utilizes local NZ ingredients.

Day 6: Tongariro National Park

Wake up bright and early for a 1.5-hour drive to Tongariro National Park and gear up for New Zealand’s best day hike. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing takes you across an active volcano with incredible views of crater lakes, steaming vents and lava flows. Your expert guides at Adrift Tongariro will provide everything you need for a challenging yet rewarding day. After the hike, make the short drive to the mountain town of Ohakune. Settle into your hotel and enjoy a dinner with views of Mount Ruapehu at The Powderkeg.

Day 7: Bike the Old Coach Road

Take the morning to sleep in, as yesterday was a big day. This afternoon, head down to TCB and choose between a mountain bike or electric bike for today’s adventure: biking the Old Coach Road . A shuttle will drop you off at Horopito, and you will bike 17 kilometers at your own pace back to Ohakune. Enjoy the native bush and explore the old viaduct. Once back in town, stop for a beer at King’s before returning your bike. Italian is on the menu for dinner tonight at Osteria .

Days 8-10: Canoe the Whanganui River

We’re up early today as we get ready for our next big adventure. The next three days will be spent canoeing down the Whanganui River with Canoe Safaris New Zealand. After meeting at their base, your expert guides will take you to the launch and prepare you for the trip. Get ready for stunning paddling in the gorge, lush rainforest views, exciting rapids, towering waterfalls, comfortable bush camping and gourmet three-course meals. I can truly vouch for this experience — I spent two summers guiding on the Whanganui with Canoe Safaris and it was spectacular every single time!

Day 11: Drive to New Plymouth

Back from your big adventure the afternoon before, opt for a late check-out this morning. The only thing on the agenda today is the four-hour drive to the town of New Plymouth. Check into your room and relax at the hotel bar or head into town for a hearty meal. I recommend the Port Fish Shop for a classic fish and chips — you are oceanside, after all!

Day 12: New Plymouth

After breakfast, head out to enjoy the sights of New Plymouth. There are few options in this unique area. For those looking for more adventure, head to Egmont National Park and choose one of the many day hikes on this active volcano, Mt. Taranaki. There are short and long options, all offering stunning views of the summit and surrounding rainforest. If you’re feeling more local today, soak up the sun at one of the black-sand beaches in town, like Ngamotu Beach. For a short hike with spectacular views, check out Paritutu Rock. This afternoon, hit a brewery or two, such as Shining Peak Brewery or Three Sisters Brewery. For dinner, I recommend Laughing Buddha for their homemade tofu and dumplings.

Day 13: Drive the Surf Highway to Wellington

This morning, take the scenic route and drive along the Surf Highway as you make your way to Wellington. This five-hour drive has great views with plenty of beaches and towns to stop in along the way. Once in the capital city, check into your hotel and gear up for some metropolitan fun! Wellington is my favorite city in New Zealand. Full of museums, green spaces and excellent restaurants and bars, there’s something for everyone here. Tonight, enjoy a delicious dinner at Mr. Go’s . Afterwards, pop by a hip bar for a cocktail or craft beer, such as Shady Lady or Fork and Brewer .

Day 14: Wellington

Today, the city is yours to explore as you choose. My favorite thing to do in Wellington is pay a visit to Te Papa , the national museum of New Zealand. Entry is free and you can easily spend the entire day reading through the variety of exhibits. If you’re looking for a glimpse of New Zealand’s native plant and animal species, head over to Zealandia . This massive green space is home to a variety of endemic trees, bushes, birds and lizards. There is a free shuttle from the CBD and it is a great place to get some fresh air. This afternoon, shop on Cuba Street or head up to the Parliament Building for a glimpse at NZ politics. Near Parliament, stop for a pint at The Thistle Inn , the country’s oldest pub. For dinner tonight, indulge in the chef’s tasting menu at Koji . This restaurant utilizes all local NZ ingredients and specializes in unique Asian flavors.

Day 15: Martinborough

This morning, say farewell to the capital city as you set off for Martinborough. Just an hour away, this charming town is great for wine tasting and stargazing. Start your day here with a wine tasting at one of the many wineries, such as Ata Rangi Vineyard or Palliser Estate Winery . Head to Colombo Martinborough for a late pizza lunch and more wine, if you desire. Head to your hotel to relax before this evening’s fun. After the sun sets, head to Star-Safari to check out the night sky through large telescopes and enjoy expert scientific information from your guides.

Day 16: Travel to Napier

Fuel up with brekkie for your long drive up to Napier (3.5 hours). This seaside town in Hawke’s Bay is famous for its architecture and is dubbed the Art Deco capital of New Zealand. After your long journey, take the afternoon to relax and enjoy a delicious Indian meal in the CBD at Bollywood Stars Napier .

Day 17: Explore Napier

This morning, choose your own adventure! Hop on an Art Deco tour for an in-depth look at the iconic architecture of Napier. Or head to Ōtātara Pā Historic Reserve for a deep dive into Maori culture and history. This reserve is home to the remains of terraces, dwelling sites and food storage pits that were once part of a thriving indigenous community. Head to the National Aquarium of New Zealand for a glimpse at penguins, kiwi birds, a variety of fish and other animals. For stunning ocean views, make the journey up the Bluff Hill Lookout. For dinner, head to K Kitchen & Bar to enjoy fresh seafood and craft cocktails.

Day 18: Travel to the Bay of Plenty

After breakfast, set off for the four-hour drive to Tauranga, your jumping-off point for the Bay of Plenty. Settle into your hotel on the harbor and enjoy a dinner with great views.

Day 19: Tauranga

This morning, start with an early breakfast and then get ready for today’s adventure. Tauranga is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country and a tourism hotspot. For the thrill seekers, go for an unforgettable skydive, hop on a scenic helicopter flight or hike up the iconic Mount Maunganui — one of NZ’s most Instagrammed spots! To really enjoy the ocean, book a marine wildlife tour , sign up for a surfing lesson or join a sea kayaking tour .

Day 20: Drive to Whitianga

Following breakfast, set off for the 2.5-hour drive to the Coromandel Peninsula. You’ll be staying in Whitianga for a relaxing end to your epic adventure. This afternoon, head to the famous Hot Water Beach for a stroll and experience the hot mineral water bubbling up from the sand. Afterwards, enjoy a craft beer at Hot Water Brewing Co. before your oceanside dinner at Hotties Eatery .

Days 21-22: Coromandel Peninsula

Wake up at a leisurely pace for your last full day in New Zealand. There are a few options to fully take advantage of the Coromandel. Take a sailing tour for spectacular views of the coastline, or join a sea kayaking tour to explore the famous Cathedral Cove. Sign up for a fishing charter to catch your own meal, or join a diving tour to get an up-close look at the marine life. For your final dinner, enjoy a chargrilled seafood meal at Stoked Bar & Grill overlooking the marina.

Enjoy your final breakfast before heading back to Auckland (2.5 hours). Drop your rental car off and say farewell to the Land of the Long White Cloud — until next time, New Zealand!

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This itinerary is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Zealand . Looking for more travel inspiration? Check out my itinerary, 9 Adventurous Days in Colorful Vanuatu .

23 Unmissable Things To Do On New Zealand's North Island

N ew Zealand’s North Island, also known as Te Ika-a-Māui and Te Waipounamu, is where you’ll find the country’s capital city, Wellington, as well as some of the country’s most beautiful nature sites.

It’s the largest of the two islands, and so you can expect to find an incredible of amount of things to do on New Zealand’s North Island.

We have visited the North Island of New Zealand several times, both on a short family getaways and on a longer road trip experience.

The North Island is full of adventure, stunning coastal beauty, rich Māori culture, and smelly geothermal wonders.

But if you’re not sure what to do in North Island New Zealand, then below are some of the top attractions you cannot miss!

1. Go Sailing in the Bay of Islands

2. enjoy the hot thermal springs in rotorua, 3. go white water raft the tongariro river, 4. go beer tasting at hallertau brewery in auckland, 5. sky dive, 6. visit the buried village of te wairoa in rotorua, 7. go sea kayaking, 8. see the picturesque whangarei falls, 9. bungy jump in taupo.

• 10. Cycling Winery Tour Around Hawke's Bay

11. Discover Maori Culture at the Tamaki Maori Village

• 12. Freak Yourself Out on Auckland's Sky Walk

13. Check Out Cuba Street in Wellington

14. visit the town of russell, 15. experience a rugby game at eden park, 16. pay a visit to hobbiton, 17. trek the tongariro alpine crossing in tongariro national park, 18. visit cathedral cove on coromandel peninsula & hot water beach, 19. get cultured at waitangi treaty grounds, 20. admire the landscapes of the outlying islands, 21. look for whales, 22. admire lake taupo, 23. drive along ninety mile beach, final thoughts, group tours of new zealand, pin below to save on pinterest, things to do on new zealand’s north island.

Whether you’re planning a road trip, a quick getaway from Wellington, or a month long backpacking expedition – don’t miss these top attractions in North Island New Zealand!

For a very scenic and relaxing experience, go sailing in the Bay of Islands. Located in the Northland Region, the Bay of Islands is close to the northern tip of the country.

This area is a world class region for sailing and a collection of over 140 islands with a coastline sporting four villages, including the charming town of Russell.

For day sails or a late afternoon cruise visit Tucker.co.nz .

Check out this tour of Bay of Islands here.

“In Rotorua all you can do here is eat, sleep, and spa,” our waiter told us one evening.

Indeed, when you visit Rotorua, the thermal experience is everywhere. It steams up from the pavements; there are geysers fields,  mud pools, fumaroles and hot springs.

This thermal activity makes itself known in every corner of the city, and is the reason for the area’s famed sulphur scent.

And one of the best thermal experiences you can have is at the world renowned Polynesian Spa , voted as a world top 10 spa.

Nearby is also the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland with erupting geysers and the Te Puia Maroi village has the Pohutu Geyser, jumping mud pools, and live kiwi birds.

Get your entry ticket to Polynesian Spa here.

If you’re after a real wilderness experience, then go White Water Rafting on The Tongariro River . It’s one of New Zealand’s most famous rivers.

In between conquering each rapid, you will witness ancient beech forests, rainbow trout swimming upstream, breathtaking gorges, limestone and volcanic cliffs, and water so clean and fresh you could drink it.

This river is known as the perfect river for your first rafting experience.

Book your White Water Rafting experience here!

Did you know that New Zealand has some pretty good local beer? We didn’t either.

The Hallertau Brewbar and Restaurant , a New Zealand first, is nestled in the greenery of Riverhead, only a twenty minute drive from the city.

Hallertau, with it’s combination of brewing and epicurean lifestyle, will allow you to sit back and enjoy for a couple of hours. And the food is damn good too. Order the pumpkin risotto.

When I went Sky diving in New Zealand it was the first time that I have ever jumped. I faced my fears in the Northland’s region, near Whangarei, and it was awesome.

I jumped with Dave, one of the regions most experienced tandem jumpers, and the scenery was spectacular.

Check out this Skydiving Experience near Auckland!

The explosion of Mt Terewaka over a century ago burried the whole village, including what was considered a natural wonder of the world, the pink and white terraces.

And before the recent earthquake in Christchurch earlier this year, it was New Zealand’s biggest natural disaster.

A visit to the buried village of Te Wairoa is fascinating and the story is told to you by a knowledgeable and passionate guide as she walks you through the village sharing with you stories from that time.

Get your entry ticket and guided tour of the Te Wairoa Village here.

The Northland region offers diverse sea kayaking opportunities to explore coves, white sand beaches, and spectacular coastal formations in clear subtropical waters in what is the countries warmest region.

Experiencing the scenery first hand is what New Zealand is all about, and sea kayaking is a great way to get out on the water and close to nature.

See the different sea kayaking tours available to suit every level of ability and age.

• Sea kayak day trip Whangaroa Harbour
• Full day guided tour of Charlotte Sound Day
• Sea kayak tour of Rangitoto Island

The 24 metre high Whangarei Falls is known as the most photogenic waterfall in all of New Zealand. 

Because of its ease of access, picturesque bush setting, and guaranteed 365 days per year flow, it is a must see if you are in the Whangarei area of the North Island in New Zealand.

The falls is a pleasant place to enjoy a picnic or a day hike amidst the native bush.

The bungy jump is a New Zealand invention.

Well, not entirely, for centuries the people of Vanuatu have been leaping from tall towers with vine ropes attached to their ankles, but in the 1980′s commercial bungy jumping was developed by a group of Kiwi’s and the rest is history.

At 47 meters high and the inviting waters of the Waikato River below, Taupo Bungy is the highest water touch bungy in New Zealand.

10. Cycling Winery Tour Around Hawke’s Bay

Located on the idyllic Te Awanga coast, the Hawke’s Bay area is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions.

And one of the best ways to visit the vineyards and wineries in the Hawke’s Bay area is by bicycle as the land is flat and most of the wineries are within easy cycling distance.

The bike path is via the coastal cycleway which is a dedicated cycle path that’s flat and easy to navigate.

• Cape Bay winery tour by bike
• Napier Afternoon wine tour (with beer)
• Hawke’s Bay food and drink tour by vintage car
• Napier full day food and wine experience

“We are a proud culture who has had dramatic changes over the past 150 years.”   ~ Maori elder as he spoke in farewell to us about his culture.

There are some cultural experiences around the world that are too touristy in the fact that they are done for the tourists and to make money.

But what I loved about the Tamaki village experience is that it was more about sharing. Sharing a culture, knowing that they had something of value to offer the world.

The Tamaki Village experience is the BEST ”touristy” cultural experience I have had.

Check out tours of the Tamaki Village here.

12. Freak Yourself Out on Auckland’s Sky Walk

Consider this; using only a safety harness while walking on a one meter wide platform with no handrails, walk 360 degrees around the external circumference of the tower suspended 192 meters above the ground, with nothing but air on either side of you!

That’s what awaits you on Auckland’s Sky Walk.

Whilst on the platform you’ll stop at various points to have your photo taken, learn some Auckland history, and have a go at leaning over the edge. Just do it…

Get your entrance ticket to Auckland Sky Tower here.

One of the more bohemian areas of Wellington is Cuba Street, the home to an eclectic collection of cafes, op-shops, boutique, small fashion stores, art galleries, and music shops.

It is the centre of one of the four ‘quarters’ of downtown Wellington, the Cuba Quarter. And it’s one of the best locations to grab a coffee. Check out Fidel’s Cafe for a delicious cup of coffee!

Wondering around Cuba Street is one of the top attractions in Wellington and is a great place to see New Zealand’s diverse cultures.

This tranquil seaside town is well worth a visit.

The elegant township was once known as “the hell hole of the Pacific” when it was the shore leave destination for sailors, whalers and traders during the 19th century.

Russell is the first permanent European settlement and sea port in New Zealand. But today Russell is a popular holiday destination with historic buildings and a great starting off point to go sailing in the Bay of Islands.

New Zealand is rugby mad and they have an obsession with the game and their beloved All Blacks to rival any other countries love of their national team.

Their players are treated like god, and they appear constantly in all forms of media and advertising. The mood of the entire country rides on the back of the results of their national team.

And there is no better place to watch an All Blacks rugby game than at their home ground, Eden Park in Auckland.

Lord of the Rings fans should not miss a chance to walk around the Hobbiton movie set of the movie franchise.

The real-life Hobbiton, located in Matamata, allows visitors to walk around the hobit houses, sit on the bench outside Bilbo Baggin’s house, and pretend to be a hobbit in the movies.

If you love Lord of the Rings, don’t miss a complete LOTR guided tour, which combines a visit to the Waitomo Caves to see the glowworms.

Get your guided tour of Hobbiton here!

Hiking fans will want to lace up their boots and hit Tongariro National Park for an unforgetable adventure.

The park is most famous for its Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the Great Walks of New Zealand, treversing across volcanic terrain, past Mt Tongariro.

The hike is possible to complete in 6-10 hours, depending on your fitness level, and offers incredible views of the park’s landscapes, including the Red Crater and Emerald Lakes.

Don’t want to hike alone? Check out this guided hiking tour here.

Want a spa experience without paying for it? Head to Hot Water Beach, where you’ll find the naturally heated mineral water emerges from the sand in streams of bubbles.

The water has formed a pool in the rocks at the southern end of the beach, or you can dig your own little thermal pool in the sand at low tide.

Just a 5-minute drive from Hot Water Beach is Cathedral Cove, a gorgeous beach known for its rock formations and natural beauty.

Another cultural landmark not to be missed is Waitangi Treaty Grounds, which is the famous spot where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed back in 1840. It was here that 43 Northland Chiefs came together and signed the treaty.

After that, more than 500 Māori Chiefs signed within 8 months.

Today, the grounds is a museum to Maori culture and hosts cultural performances and guided tours.

Get your entrance ticket to Waitangi Treaty Grounds here.

New Zeland isn’t just made up of North Island and South Island, there are several smaller, outlying islands that are worth a visit too.

Take a ferry to Waiheke Island, the second largest in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand and can be reached from the central-city terminal in Auckland. It’s famous for its wine and natural beauty.

Nature lovers should not miss Poor Knights Islands, a collection of islands to the north of North Island. The islands are a marine reserve and a great place to go scuba diving, snorkeling or kayaking.

• Check out this day tour of Poor Knights Islands from Auckland here.
• Check out this wine tour of Waiheke Island here.

Whale watching is one of the top things to do in North Island New Zealand, since the island hosts several migrating species on their way from the Pacific Ocean to Antartica throughout the year.

From May to October, you can see humpback, southern right whales and pilot whales on their annual migration. Whereas from November to March, it’s a great time to see migrating orca and blue whales.

As well as whales, you can also see pods of dolphins, seals, and sometimes even penguins.

Check out this whale and dolphin eco-cruise here.

Another geological phenomenon worth seeing is Lake Taupō, a large crater lake known for its vibrant shades of turquoise and jade green.

Although natural, it’s home to a trout fishery, as well as native crayfish. It’s also a great place to look out for native water bird species.

What brings people to Lake Taupo though is the ancient Maori Rock Carvings, which is seen only by boat from the lake.

Get your boat tour of Lake Taupo here.

If you need more adventure on your New Zealand trip, then grab yourself a 4WD vehicle and drive along 90-mile beach, also known as Te-Oneroa-a-Tōhē, on the western coast the North Island, overlooking the Tasman Sea.

While it’s actually only 88 kilometres (55 miles) long, the beach is famous for being a public highway, and an alternative to State Highway 1.

The beach leads directly to Te Paki dunes, which are great for sand boarding on.

Some of the top attractions on the drive are Tauroa Point, the Aupōuri Peninsula and Cape Reinga, known as the most northern point of New Zealand. You will need to pull over to walk up the headland to the lighthouse.

New Zealand’s North Island is packed full of exciting attractions and unforgettable experiences, and by now you’ve probably got a selection of things to do to add to your itinerary.

We hope this guide helped you plan your trip and gave you inspiration for what to see! Check here for car rental availability and prices . And click here for our favorite travel booking sites thatt will save you time and money for any kind of trip.

If you did not want to travel to New Zealand independently, we can recommend the Globus Family of Brands as a trustworthy tour company. Use our special discount code in the blue below!

• Highlights of New Zealand tour with Cosmos
• Various Globus Tours of New Zealand

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More New Zealand Travel Tips

Need more inspiration for your trip to New Zealand? Here are some other helpful resources!

• Don’ tmiss tehse things to do in Queenstown on the South Island
• The Best Places to visit in New Zealand
• Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand
• What to do in Wellington, New Zealand

Can you recommend any things to do in the North Island of New Zealand? Share in the comments.

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How to Plan an Amazing New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Planning a road trip on the North Island of New Zealand? You’re in the right place. We just got back from our second trip to New Zealand, and spent our time exploring as much of the North Island as we possibly could over the course of more than three weeks on the road. 

On the North Island, you’ll find a landscape shaped by volcanic activity over countless millennia, which is a unique aspect of this part of the world, along with beautiful stretches of coastline featuring sweeping views and glorious sand beaches, fertile agricultural land producing some of the country’s best produce (and cheese!), and the two best cities in New Zealand (for our fellow city lovers). 

We had spent time on the South Island before, but weren’t quite prepared for just how different the two islands are from each other (it’s honestly no wonder that the majority of the Māori ended up on the North Island, which feels like a much more pleasant place to live). 

In this guide to planning your New Zealand North Island itinerary, here’s what we’re going to cover:

• Exactly how to plan a 14 day New Zealand North Island road trip including what stops to make, what route to take, and all the important logistics you need to know.
• A guide to what to do, where to stay, and how to get there for each stop on the itinerary.
• Options for shorter (7 & 10 days) and longer trips if you have more or less time than two weeks. 

Throughout the guide, we’ll share our favorite finds and experiences in New Zealand based on our trips to help you plan your unforgettable trip.

Sound good to you? Let’s dive into planning your trip to the North Island!

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

How Many Days Do You Need for a North Island Road Trip?

We spent a lot of time discussing this topic as we wound our way through New Zealand’s beautiful countryside, either on foot or in the car.

For context, we had three weeks to make our way from Wellington at the southern tip of the North Island up to Auckland, which is near the northern edge of the island. And we felt like that was a solid amount of time to see what we wanted to see (though more time would have been even better!). 

However, as we got into the trip, we realized that there is so much to see on the North Island, and it made us realize that, even with three weeks, we were having to skip places we wanted to visit because we just didn’t have enough time. 

Unfortunately, we know that many people don’t have three weeks of vacation time to burn (particularly Americans like us). 

We’ve chosen to write this guide for two weeks, which is the absolute minimum amount of time we’d recommend if you want to cover the entire North Island between Wellington and Auckland. 

That gives you time to explore both Wellington and Auckland – two cool cities that are worth a day of your time on either end of your road trip – and also see the highlights of the North Island’s beautiful landscapes, from the mountains (really, volcanoes) to the sandy beaches. 

However, it is worth noting that two weeks gives you enough time to BARELY cover the highlights. It’s going to be a fair amount of driving, and you won’t have much flexibility if it happens to be raining on a day you want to do a big hike, for example.  

If you have more time, we have plenty of ideas in the “with more time” section below the main itinerary. 

If you have less than two weeks to spend on the North Island, we have some ideas for that too in the “with less time” section below the main itinerary.

At a high level, we’d recommend covering one half of the island, and which half you choose largely depends on what you’re looking for (which we get into in that section). 

One thing we want to note up front is that, after doing a version of this North Island road trip ourselves, you should not stay in a single place for less than two nights . 

Otherwise you’ll spend more time in the car driving from place to place (the average drive time between places on this itinerary is somewhere between two and three hours) than you will actually seeing places!

We’ve seen itineraries that suggest spending a single night in 10 different places, and that just sounds exhausting. 

Do yourself a favor and spend at least two nights in each place on your itinerary . Your future self will thank you. 

Where to Start and End Your North Island Road Trip

The best places to start and end your road trip on New Zealand’s North Island are the two biggest cities on the island, which are helpfully located at the southern tip and near the northern edge. 

Those two cities are Auckland , which is by far New Zealand’s biggest city near the North Island’s northern borders, and Wellington , which is the capital of New Zealand that is on the southern coast (and is a very cool city that reminds us a lot of San Francisco, minus the insane wealth inequality). 

You’ll want to fly in and out of Auckland International Airport (AKL) , which is the busiest airport in New Zealand and is where most international flights will come in, and Wellington International Airport (WLG) , which is smaller and will likely require a connection if you’re coming from overseas (typically through Auckland). 

So, which direction should you go? 

We went south to north, starting in Wellington and ending in Auckland, and would recommend it for a few reasons. 

First, it front loads the big hikes in Egmont National Park (should you choose to include it) and Tongariro National Park , which means you’ll work hard at the beginning of the trip and spend the rest of the trip eating local cheese and drinking sauvignon blanc (although, there are also obviously hikes elsewhere, they’re just less intense). 

Second, this puts your longest flight connection at the beginning of the trip , when you’re still bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and ready for adventure. 

Like we mentioned above, most flights coming into New Zealand from overseas connect in Auckland and continue onwards to the smaller airports elsewhere in New Zealand. 

Flying to Wellington likely means you’re connecting through Auckland, which means it’s going to be a little bit of a longer journey to get to. We’d rather have that longer journey at the beginning of the trip than at the end, when we’re ready to just be home. 

Do You Need to Rent a Car for this Road Trip?

It might be obvious, but you’re definitely going to need a car to do this road trip . 

As two people who visited Australia many years ago and chose not to rent a car because it was too scary to drive on the other side of the road, we’re here to tell you that yes, to make the most of your trip you definitely need to rent a car. 

Or a campervan, but we’ll get to that in a second. 

There just really isn’t enough public (or private, frankly) transportation coverage around the country to make this itinerary work (especially if you have limited time!). 

Let’s take Milford Sound as an example. If you don’t have a car, you can either take a bus to Milford Sound, which doesn’t make any stops along the way and basically just drops you off at the pickup for the cruises, or take a guided day trip that costs several hundred dollars, though it probably includes a few more stops along the way.

Whichever option you choose between those two, you’re going to be missing out on exploring some of the great hikes near Milford Sound, and you’re going to miss the opportunity to see the Sound at sunrise or sunset. 

Having a car will give you more flexibility and the ability to do a bit of exploring that just isn’t possible if you don’t have a car. 

The best way to do it is to rent a car at the airport when you arrive and drop it off at the airport when you depart. 

By flying into one city and out of another, you may incur a one-way fee, but it’s well worth the small extra fee to avoid having to loop back to Wellington (which is roughly 8 hours of driving in perfect conditions and without road construction). 

For what it’s worth, we’ve used GoRentals on both this road trip, and our South Island road trip a few years ago, and our experience has been nothing but great both times.

Renting a Car vs. Renting a Campervan

If you’ve never done a road trip in a campervan, New Zealand would not be a bad place to have your first campervan experience. 

Scratch that, it would be an absolutely magical place to do it. 

For both of our trips to New Zealand, we priced out our own itinerary in a campervan versus renting a regular car, including gas, insurance, and accommodation (campgrounds / private rooms in hostels) fees. 

We’re not going to share the exact numbers that we came up with (for a comfortable van, it’ll cost somewhere in the range of $4,000-$6,000 NZD depending on dates, type of van, and destinations), because it varies so much by itinerary, time of year, company, and plenty of other factors. 

However, the main takeaway is that it is roughly the same price to rent a budget campervan and stay in campsites as it is to rent a compact car and stay in budget hotels and private rooms in hostels. 

It is worth noting here that, in both scenarios, we were planning on having access to a kitchen and cooking 90% of our meals. If you were going to eat out for every meal in the regular car scenario, it probably becomes less attractive from a price standpoint. 

You can pretty easily price it out for your own specific trip (just grab a quote from a couple of campervan companies, calculate the rough distance you’ll drive to get to gas costs).

If you want one of the fancy campervans, like a Mercedes Sprinter (or equivalent), it quickly becomes significantly more expensive than the car + hostel / budget motel option. 

The question you need to ask yourself (and then answer) is whether you want to have that unique campervan experience, and whether you’re willing to pay a (slight) premium for it. 

Ultimately, we lived in a converted Honda Odyssey for a few years on a never ending road trip around the Western United States (and still spend big chunks of our summers sleeping in a van at home in Oregon), so we didn’t feel like we needed that experience. 

However, we also understand that might be different for you, which is why we included this section to give you our perspective on how to think about whether or not a van makes sense for you. 

It’s important to note that over the past decade or so, there has been a movement in New Zealand to restrict freedom camping, which just means camping outside of sanctioned campgrounds. 

There are several very understandable reasons for this, including the sheer amount of garbage and feces that freedom campers were leaving all over New Zealand. 

The implication here is that even with a campervan, we’d still recommend booking campsites to park at rather than just showing up and winging it, because that has gotten significantly more difficult and complicated over the past few years. 

The other important consideration here is that most of the big campervan companies don’t have a location in Wellington, which means if you wanted to do this trip by campervan, you’d have to modify it to be round trip from Auckland . 

That would add roughly eight hours of driving to your itinerary, depending on how you did it (we’d go from Auckland down the east coast all the way to Wellington, come back north to Tongariro, and then continue on to Auckland). 

Things to Know About Driving in New Zealand

As you may or may not already have picked up on, we’re American. Which means we drive on the other side of the road from New Zealand. 

Here are a few things we noted on our road trip that you may (or may not) find useful about driving in New Zealand. 

They drive on the other side of the road . This should be obvious, but it’s a little bit of an adjustment. At the moment I’m writing this, we’ve been home in the US for a couple of days and I still find myself flicking on the windshield wipers instead of the turn signal after three weeks on the road in New Zealand. The main differences are that everything in the car is switched EXCEPT for the gas and brake pedals. 

Many, many roads in New Zealand have a single lane in each direction . This has two main implications. First, there is a lot of road construction, particularly in the summertime. Second, there is a lot of trucking happening on said roads with one lane in each direction, which means that things move a little slow, particularly on the hilly portions. There are usually good passing lanes, but not always. Plan on driving taking approximately 20% more time than planned. 

Your driver’s license needs to be in English (or you need to have an English translation) . If you’re coming from the US, Australia, the UK, or Canada, your driver’s license is good to go as-is (assuming it’s in English) and you do not need an International Driving Permit. If you’re coming from elsewhere, you need an English translation. More information on that here . 

You can’t take a left on red (in the US, the equivalent would be a right on red) . No left on red. Period. Pretty simple. Unlike the US, you need to wait for the light to turn green.  

There are a few toll roads, and you pay your tolls online after you use the road . There are a few toll roads in the northeast corner of the North Island near Tauranga (and north of Auckland) that are well signed and have free alternative routes readily available. If you choose to take a toll road, which generally costs $2.10 NZD and saves 10-15 minutes or so, you go on this website , click “buy or pay a toll,” enter your license plate, and pay any tolls within five days of the time you entered the toll road. We found it to be pretty simple (we only took it once going into Tauranga). 

There are a lot of roundabouts in New Zealand . Which we love! However, based on our experience at home in the US, it seems like Americans in particular don’t really understand how roundabouts work. Here’s a crash course. All traffic goes left – clockwise – around the roundabout. You yield to the cars behind you in the roundabout (which means on your right in New Zealand), and to take a right turn you have to go all the way around the roundabout (you can’t just go right and cut through it, which happens all the time here at home). When you enter the roundabout, signal left if you’re going left, signal right if you’re going all the way around to the right, and don’t signal if you’re going straight. Signal left as you’re getting ready to exit the roundabout. 

How to Plan an Amazing 2 Week New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Now that we’ve covered a few of the most important pieces of logistics, let’s get into the fun part – the itinerary itself!

As we already covered, for this two week itinerary, you’ll start your trip in Wellington and end up in Auckland. 

Because it’s generally a bad idea to spend 12-24 hours flying around the world and then immediately hop in a car and drive four hours, we’d spend your first days exploring Wellington, acclimating to the time change and getting ready for an action-packed couple of weeks. 

From there, you’ll snake your way up the east coast, straight through the volcanic center of the country, and then up to the northeast corner of the country before ending in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city.  

Here’s what the itinerary below looks like at a high level (note that we’re not talking about what to do and see each day, it’s just a general idea of where you’ll be):

• Day 1: Arrive in Wellington
• Day 2: Wellington
• Day 3: Hawke’s Bay
• Day 4: Hawke’s Bay 
• Day 5: Tongariro National Park
• Day 6: Tongariro National Park
• Day 7: Tongariro National Park
• Day 8: Rotorua / Tauranga (Bay of Plenty)
• Day 9: Rotorua / Tauranga (Bay of Plenty)
• Day 10: The Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 11: The Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 12: The Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 13: Auckland
• Day 14: Auckland

And here is a map of the route to help you visualize it as you’re reading: 

Below, we’ll go through each stop individually, highlighting why we think the place is worth your time, some of our favorite things to do and see (and eat and drink), and an overview of where to stay (and sometimes some specific places that we stayed or that caught our eye). 

One important note at the top. We believe, based on our own experience, that with two weeks you will have to make a choice between Hawke’s Bay – an incredible food and wine destination – and Mount Taranaki (and New Plymouth), which is the center of a beautiful national park and some of the North Island’s best hiking. 

The reason you have to choose is basically geography and, by extension, time. They’re both about three hours east or west of Tongariro, which is central and is an easy place to continue north towards Rotorua from. 

It’s also important to note that both places deserve more than a day, especially given the hefty drive times, so it doesn’t make sense to split the two days between them. 

Given the fact that you already have Tongariro on this road trip, we chose to include Hawke’s Bay in the main itinerary, and put Taranaki in the “with more time” section.

However, it’s easy to swap in Taranaki if that’s what you’re more interested in. You can essentially follow the same exact itinerary, just swap in Taranaki for Hawke’s Bay.

Taranaki is also the first place we’d add if you happen to have two extra days in New Zealand.  

And now, let’s get specific!

Wellington (Days 1-2)

Of the two main cities on the North Island – Wellington and Auckland – we found ourselves innately drawn to Wellington.

It’s a beautiful city set on a nice little bay (who doesn’t love a water feature) with a great food and drink culture (for New Zealand) and great access to the natural beauty nearby, from forests to beaches. 

It should come as no surprise that we enjoyed Wellington given that we lived in San Francisco together for a decade, and Wellington reminds us A LOT of San Francisco. 

Driving through some of the hilly neighborhoods in Wellington, you could have told us that we were actually in South San Francisco or Daly City and we would have believed you. 

Except for one thing: the archaic practice of parking on the side of a two-lane road (which basically means in the middle of the road) with blind curves, which is something we encountered all over the city.

That aside, we spent three days exploring Wellington, and we’d go back in a heartbeat (especially if it didn’t require a 14 hour flight). It’s a fun, young-feeling city in a beautiful location, and we think it’s a great first stop on your New Zealand North Island road trip.

We recognize that you are most likely here in New Zealand for the natural beauty – and, for the most part, so were we! – but it’s worth taking a day or two on either end of being immersed in that nature to appreciate the cultural and historical aspects of New Zealand, which is best done in Wellington (and Auckland).  

What to Do in Wellington

Here are some things we really enjoyed in Wellington, and we think should be a part of your itinerary. 

Zealandia: We absolutely loved Zealandia , a wildlife sanctuary just outside of the city center where they’re doing their part to restore wildlife – birds mostly – populations to pre-human arrival levels. It’s fully fenced (to keep the birds that can’t fly in), and we spent a few hours walking a long loop around the lake where we saw (and heard) tons of birdlife. Matt’s not usually into birdwatching, but he was excitedly trying to identify different calls in an attempt – usually successful – to catch a glimpse of the plethora of bird species that call this place home. You can visit on your own, but we really wanted to do a dusk or night tour only to find they were completely sold out for weeks (if you want to do that, book in advance!). 

Te Papa: Te Papa is arguably the best museum in New Zealand (plus, it’s free!), this is a great introduction to visiting New Zealand with exhibits on New Zealand’s plant and animal life and geography, the Māori, and a rotating cast of exhibits that, collectively, tell the story of New Zealand. Sort of, anyway. It’s a very European point of view, evidenced by the fact that I went to two of New Zealand’s top museums (the other being the Auckland War Memorial Museum) and never saw a hint towards the process by which the British took the land from the Māori, which I had to learn about via a podcast later in the trip ( this one , for the record, and I thought it was a great introduction!). We do the same thing in the US around the history of our indigenous communities, but I was disappointed to not find any acknowledgement here in New Zealand given the fact that they seemed much further along in their journey of acknowledging and repairing relationships between communities.  

Mount Victoria: Mount Victoria stands tall on the southern side of Wellington’s CBD, and is a short hike away. Here is the route , though there are plenty of different route options thanks to the network of trails here. You can also drive up to the top, and there is plenty of parking. From the top, you’ll have a great view of the city, along with some nice explanatory signage that tells the story of Wellington. Make sure not to miss the short walk along the road out to the lookout over the harbor ( here on Google Maps), which has a great view over the water out to the north. 

Mount Kaukau: While the view from the top of Mount Victoria is nice, the view from Mount Kaukau is next level. It’s a short hike that will make you work for those views, but the views back towards Wellington are spectacular, and well worth the effort. We probably wouldn’t do the loop, which follows a mountain bike track that is steep and pretty unpleasant at points. Here’s the route we’d do . 

Wētā Workshop: I, Matt (the resident LOTR nerd) have mixed feelings on Wētā Workshop . And it probably makes more sense to focus on Alysha’s perspective, because she is not really into Lord of the Rings . This is where the majority of the costume and prop-making magic happened for the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The tour is VERY commercial (almost more so than Hobbiton, which we’ll get to in a bit), and our guide was frenetic and hard to follow (even though they were clearly following a script). The props and costumes you get to see are cool, but ultimately it was far, far less interesting than Hobbiton. And with limited time, unless you’re a HUGE fan, we’d choose Hobbiton over Wētā Workshop.

Where to Stay in Wellington

When it comes to choosing a place to stay in Wellington, you have two high-level options that present a sort of fork in the road. 

On one hand, you can stay right downtown in the middle of all the action. 

On the other hand, you can stay slightly outside of the downtown core on one of Wellington’s many hills. 

One of the nice things about Wellington is that the city is very compact (at least the downtown core) and most things are within walking distance – restaurants, museums, bars, the waterfront, etc etc. 

By staying outside of the downtown core, you’re sort of missing out on that walkability, which is why our recommendation is to stay somewhere in the city center, especially with a limited time to see the city. 

Our top recommendation in Wellington is Ohtel Wellington , and that recommendation is based on an excellent experience in Auckland at their property there (great service, mid-century modern style, and an excellent location, which is true in Wellington too). 

Their property in Wellington is on the south side of the harbor, right under Mount Victoria (it’s a very short walk to the trailhead to climb up, which you should do), and is basically across the street from Te Papa. 

For what it’s worth, we stayed slightly outside of the city center (at this gorgeous Airbnb ) because we had more time to explore and wanted somewhere quiet and peaceful.

We liked that aspect, but didn’t enjoy the fact that we had to hop in the car and drive every time we wanted to go anywhere. 

Hawkes Bay – Hastings & Napier (Days 3-4)

Drive time and distance: 4 hours and 10 minutes // 326 km (203 miles)

Hawke’s Bay is a fertile, warm, sunny section on the southeast coast of the North Island, and I’m quite literally sitting here on a pleasantly warm summer day eating fresh stone fruit and writing about why I think you should include it on your New Zealand North Island itinerary. 

There are a few reasons why Hawke’s Bay is worth your time, and they are, in no particular order, wine, beaches, and food (specifically, produce). 

Let’s talk about each of those reasons in a little more detail. 

First up, wine . Hawke’s Bay is one of the three biggest wine producing regions in New Zealand (the others being Marlborough and Central Otago). 

However, unlike those other places, the climate in Hawke’s Bay is hot and dry, which means bigger reds like Merlot and Syrah thrive here, versus more delicate varietals like pinot noir and sauvignon blanc, which do well in Marlborough and Central Otago.

It also reminds us a little bit of the Anderson Valley in California, which is basically adjacent to Napa and Sonoma, but offers a little more of a low key, laid back experience (and lower tasting fees, too). 

There is a nice range of wineries in Hawke’s Bay, from casual places to enjoy some wine and maybe a cheese plate, to fancier spots to have a 7 course lunch with wine pairings.

Second is beaches . Hawke’s Bay, as you might imagine, is coastal. Again, reminding us of California, it’s where the rolling golden hills (and apple orchards and sheep paddocks) meet the Pacific Ocean. 

There are several really nice beaches right in Napier and Hastings (or just outside), and a bunch more just outside of those towns – particularly to the south – where you’ll find more locals than tourists. 

Last is the food . Thanks to the climate and geography, Hawke’s Bay is the perfect place to grow fruit. Berries. Stone fruit. Apples. Grapes. You name it, they probably grow it here. 

There are produce stands lining Napier Road selling fruit that was picked a day ago or less, and that bounty of farm-fresh produce (among other ingredients like cheese) translates to some really good food around Hawke’s Bay. 

If your idea of a good time is a morning hike to a peak with a great 360-degree view, followed by a well-earned brunch, some wine tasting, and an afternoon on the beach, we think you’re going to love Hawke’s Bay (we definitely did). 

What to Do in Hawke’s Bay and Hastings

Here are some of the things to do in and around Hawke’s Bay that we really enjoyed, and think you will too. 

First, if you happen to be in town on a Sunday, the Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market is a must-visit, we think. It’s massive, which isn’t surprising given the area, and has all sorts of vendors from fruit and vegetables to cheese to olive oil to bread to coffee…you get the idea. 

Second, we had what might have been the best (gluten free) meal we had in New Zealand at the Te Mata Figgery Cafe .

They grow figs (which ripen in late summer, somewhere around February and March) and use them in a bunch of creative ways at the cafe. The French Toast is amazing, topped with seasonal fruit, ricotta, and bacon (love that sweet and salty combo!). 

Te Mata Peak: The craggy peak overlooking the valley, this rocky outcropping is home to the best hike in the area. Start from the parking lot at the entrance to the park ( here on Google Maps) and climb up to the highest point in the area, where you’ll have views in all directions on a clear morning. Along the way, you’ll also have some nice views – particularly towards the coast – and you’ll even get to walk through a redwood grove, which provides a nice change in scenery. You can also drive, though the road is narrow (only room for one car in sections) and parking at the top is limited. 

Scenic drive through the Tuki Tuki Valley: Based on a tip from the host of our accommodations, we did an early morning drive down to the southern end of Hawke’s Bay to check out a couple of beaches. Driving through the Tuki Tuki Valley, you’ll experience rolling hills that continue all the way to the coast and are lined with grazing sheep and exquisite views of Te Mata Peak across the river. We’d go out to Waimarama Beach, a surfer’s paradise, and stop at Ocean Beach (a better beach for swimming) on the way back. The drive takes about an hour each way, and we enjoyed every second of it. Here’s a rough route to take. 

Wine tasting: As we mentioned above, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s premier wine regions. It’s known for bigger, bolder reds thanks to its warmer, drier climate than, say, the Marlborough region, which isn’t really our thing. We’re much more into white wines and bubbles! Our favorite experience was at Askerne Estate Winery , where we had a very laid back, casual tasting led by a very friendly Kiwi who happily answered all of our (read: Matt’s) questions. At $10 a tasting for 5-6 wines each, we loved it. All of their wine comes from fruit grown on their property in Hawke’s Bay, too! Next is Craggy Range , which is probably the most prestigious winery in Hawke’s Bay. It’s definitely on the higher end, and prices and experience both reflect that. They have a couple of different tasting and food experiences to choose from, including a full on vineyard tour and wine and food pairing. Last is Te Awanga Estate , which was a recommendation from our host (though we didn’t actually make it there) as a casual place to try some wine and grab a bite to eat (she specifically called out their pizzas). 

Where to Stay in Hawke’s Bay

Once again, you have a fork in the road before you decide on where to stay, and it centers around whether you want to stay in a city or in a more rural setting.

For what it’s worth, we chose a more rural setting and absolutely did not regret it. We stayed at the Freefall Hut down near Te Awanga (south of Hastings and North Havelock) and loved both the location, and the specific place we chose. 

It was quiet, peaceful, private, and we loved spending the evening outside watching the sunset and listening to the cacophony of local birds. 

However, it’s certainly convenient to stay in town and be able to walk to restaurants, shops, wineries, and even the beach.

If you would prefer to stay in a city (really, a town), we’d DEFINITELY choose Napier , which we found to be more charming than Hastings.   

For a similar experience to our place down south, with a cozy cottage and a quieter environment, check out the Bluff Hill Bed & Breakfast , which is up on the hill just north of the Napier city center (plus, they have a pool!). 

Our other recommendation here based on our research would be the Laneway Apartments , which are self-contained apartments (with kitchen facilities!) that are a few blocks from the beach and the rest of downtown Napier, and are both spacious and stylish. 

Another option is the Art Deco Masonic Hotel , which is a little cheaper and in a similar location, but doesn’t have a kitchen and the rooms are much more compact (which makes sense given it’s a hotel, not apartments). 

Tongariro National Park (Days 5-7)

Drive time and distance: 3 hours // 232 km (144 miles)

Tongariro National Park is almost smack dab in the center of the North Island, and your visit here marks the halfway point on your North Island road trip.

Tongariro is a special place. It was the first designated national park in New Zealand (and sixth in the world), and has since been declared a dual UNESCO World Heritage Site for cultural and natural values. The summits of the volcanoes are considered sacred to the local Māori iwis (iwis means tribes, roughly), which is one of a few good reasons why you shouldn’t summit them. 

The park revolves around the three active volcanoes in the park – Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngauruhoe, and Mount Tongariro – all of which you’ll get a glimpse of if you tackle the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing (which we’ll cover below). 

It’s not every day that you can hike along the base of an active volcano! The geography and geology in Tongariro is what we think makes it special and worth your time. 

If you’re lucky with the weather, anyway. The weather in this part of the world is notoriously unpredictable, and the Department of Conservation follows strict guidelines around wind, rain, and temperatures when they determine which trails are open on a daily basis. 

A couple of examples of this in action would be both of the big hikes we did in Tongariro – the aforementioned Crossing and the hike to Tama Lakes .

Our hike to Tama Lakes started out beautifully! Sunny, warm, and perfect visibility so that we could see both Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe. 

Half way through, we couldn’t see either peak and the fog was getting thicker by the minute. 

By the time we finished, it was raining sideways, we were soaked to the bone despite being clad in waterproof gear, and we were in flash flood territory.  

Part of the reason we have you spending more time here than you might expect is to maximize your chances of getting a good weather day where you can see the peaks of the mountains.

We met multiple other hikers who had their shuttles for the Crossing canceled and didn’t get to do the hike because they had to move on, which would be a major bummer. 

Plus, there’s plenty to do and see here aside from the Crossing!

What to Do in Tongariro National Park 

Before we get into our favorite things to do and see in Tongariro National Park, it’s worth taking a second to talk about the park’s geography. 

The park, centered around Mount Ruapehu – the biggest active volcano in New Zealand and the country’s first national park – is big and sprawling, covering almost 800 square kilometers (400 square miles) on New Zealand’s North Island. 

While it may be big and sprawling, there are really two areas you’ll be accessing as a visitor for a couple of days; the area on the eastern side of the park near Whakapapa Village (which is a Māori word that is pronounced “fah-kah-pah-pah”), and the area on the southern side of the park near the town of Ohakune. 

Both are worth a visit, and we’d recommend driving all the way up to Turoa (a ski resort in the winter, here on Google Maps) on the southern side of the mountain for an up-close-and-personal view of the southern face of Mount Ruapehu.

It probably makes sense to stop at the southern side of the park on your way up from Hawke’s Bay. 

Now, let’s talk about what to do and see in the park. 

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing: Billed as the best day hike in the country (and one of the best in the world, which we’re not sure we agree with), this is the premier hike in the park. It’s also the busiest and most complicated, because it’s a one way hike that requires a shuttle service to take you from your car, parked at the end of the trail, up to the trailhead to start the hike. It’s not an easy hike by any definition – we clocked 12 miles and 2,600 feet of elevation gain – but provided you’re prepared physically and with the right equipment, we’d say it’s worth it. We have an entire guide dedicated to hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing where you can find all the information you need to hike the trail safely and confidently (including all the logistics!). 

Hike to Tama Lakes: This shorter hike is not quite as spectacular as the crossing, but it’s significantly easier (still a tough day hike, with tons of sun exposure) and less complicated, which makes it an excellent alternative if you want a quieter trail, an easier hike, or don’t want to pay the $60 NZD fee for the shuttle services (per person). You start near Whakapapa Village and quickly ascend into that barren, desolate landscape that made the perfect Mordor in Lord of the Rings . It’s a steady climb up to two lakes – and you should absolutely make the climb up the ridge for the second one! We also have a guide to hiking to Tama Lakes with all the logistics and information you need to hit the trail.  

Mangawhero Falls (southern side): A great waterfall that is a few hundred meters from the parking area. If you’re lucky and you’re here on a clear day, Mount Ruapehu will be peeking its southern face out from behind the falls, giving you a shot that reminds us a lot of Myrtle Falls in Mount Rainier National Park in our backyard. 

Waitonga Falls (southern side): A few minutes away from Mangawhero, this is a short hike through the woods to a towering waterfall. It’s a short hike, but it involves more climbing than we were expecting because you climb up to the top of a hill (where you have an excellent – and unexpected – view of Mount Ruapehu) only to climb back down to a river. Which means two sets of stairs to climb up and down! Still, we’d recommend it – the falls are beautiful, as is the view of Mount Ruapehu. 

Where to Stay in Tongariro National Park

You essentially have three choices when it comes to choosing a place to stay near Tongariro National Park. 

Your first choice is to stay inside the park near Whakapapa Village , which is set around the national park visitor center. The choices here are slim, but it’s actually not as expensive as you might expect (there’s a backpacker lodge called Skotel that is an excellent budget option). 

Your second choice is to stay right outside the main entrance to the park, in a town (fittingly) called “ National Park .” It’s a small town catering mostly to visitors to the park, so there are a few restaurants and cafes, a grocery store, and that’s about it. 

Staying here puts you about 10-15 minutes away from Whakapapa Village, which is the main area on the eastern side of the park, and about 45 minutes away from Turoa, the highest point on the southern side of the park. 

As you can see, the location is great, but you’re going to pay for the privilege.

There are a couple of nice places to stay here, including the Plateau Lodge (a cross between a hostel and a hotel, with common kitchen facilities available). Most of them skew towards the budget side of the spectrum in terms of facilities, but prices skew more mid-range. 

Your last option, and the one we chose, is to stay further away on the northeastern side of the park in a town like Tūrangi , which is about 30 minutes from Whakapapa Village and an hour from the southern end of the park. 

The disadvantage is that it’s a longer drive to Whakapapa Village on the eastern side of the park AND to the southern side of the park. 

However, if you’re hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and using one of the many shuttle services offering one-way transportation to the trailhead, this is actually the closest option to the parking lot where you’ll park bright and early in the morning. 

We would not recommend staying on the southern side of the park (in towns like Ohakune) because it’s a long drive to both the eastern side and an extra long drive to the parking lot for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which you’ll have to be at early in the morning to catch a shuttle.

Rotorua and Tauranga (Days 8-9)

Drive time and distance: 2 hours and 15 minutes // 177 km (110 miles)

We’re grouping these two areas together – which are roughly an hour apart by car – because they are in the same general vicinity (though they do offer different things). 

We did a day in Rotorua, spent a morning in Tauranga doing the big hike and enjoying a nice lunch plus ice cream, and then headed to Hobbiton that afternoon. Two days is probably the right amount of time here. 

There are three things that stand out in our minds as reasons to spend a couple of days here, and they are – in no particular order – the intense geothermal activity near Rotorua, the area around Mount Maunganui in Tauranga, and the proximity to Hobbiton, which we think is worth both the detour and the price (especially for Lord of the Rings fans, but not exclusively for them). 

The other thing to know about this area is that, if you’re interested in diving deeper into the Māori and their culture, this is one of the best places in the country to do it.

We were excited to visit the Rotorua Museum , but we realized it was closed to all visitors for several more years after earthquakes in 2016 rendered it unsafe to be inside. There is a big renovation project going on at the moment. 

However, if it had worked from a timing perspective, we would have absolutely loved to do an external tour with the museum staff , which runs at 11am and covers the history of the gardens and museum (at the time of writing). 

The other way to gain some insight into the Māori from a cultural perspective is one of the cultural tours near Rotorua. 

We’re always a little skeptical of “cultural tours” that do things like visit a “real life village” of the local indigenous people after several bad, fairly cringeworthy experiences elsewhere that left us feeling icky. 

So we skipped that aspect of Rotorua. But if that experience sounds like something you’re interested in, we’d go with this evening tour (with dinner) , which gets rave reviews.  

If you’re in search of more things to do and see in Rotorua, we’d point you here for crowd-sourced ideas!

Things to Do in Rotorua and Tauranga

Rotorua is most famous for its intense geothermal activity, and that’s probably where your visit should start here. There are multiple options, and we’ll cover them below (and why we chose the one we did). 

A special shout out for the Rotorua Night Market , which happens in downtown Rotorua on Thursday evenings and was one of the highlights of our (brief) visit to the city. 

The geothermal parks: At a high level, there are three geothermal parks to choose from in and around Rotorua. The first, Kuirau Park , is free and is right next to the downtown area. It basically has one bigger pool, some smaller mud pools, some informational signage, and that’s about it. It’s a good option on a budget, but lacks some of the “WOW” factor that the others have. The second option – and the middle option in terms of budget – is Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland , which is the one we chose. It has a diverse array of different geothermal features, a nice walking path to follow, and good signage. It’s a good middle ground between the free option, and the last option that requires an expensive guided tour. It does feel a little bit like a theme park, but we didn’t notice it too much. Make sure to be there at 10:15am to see the Lady Knox Geyser erupting! Last, and certainly not least (in terms of price) is Te Puia , another geothermal park. This one requires that you visit on a guided tour, which is expensive. However, we would say that if you’re interested in more of the cultural and historical context around the geothermal activity, this is a better option (and we kind of wish we had chosen it for our own trip). 

Walk through the redwoods: Who knew you could find California Redwoods in the middle of New Zealand? Whakarewarewa Forest features trails weaving through towering California Redwoods that are planted side by side with native plants like tree ferns. As two former Californians, the juxtaposition was a weird one. This is a great place for an easy hike, and they have a huge network of both walking and mountain biking trails through the massive park. 

Walk the waterfront in Rotorua: Rotorua is set on Lake Rotorua and there’s a very nice waterfront path that starts near the northern end of the downtown area (roughly here on Google Maps) and continues around the point to the Government Gardens, which are beautiful and worth a visit. It’s not a long walk, and you shouldn’t miss the odd architecture of the Rotorua Museum. Here’s a rough route for a nice loop. 

Climb Mount Maunganui for spectacular views: To be honest, we went into this “hike” thinking we’d be one of a few people on the trail early in the morning. We were absolutely flabbergasted when we realized we were not the only ones with the idea to do this hike around sunrise, and that it is a very common early morning activity for locals to climb to the summit and enjoy the view of the sun rising over the beach and the town below. It’s a quick and easy stair-filled hike to the top, and we’d strongly recommend including the coastal walk around the base as a part of your walk. It’s beautiful, and reminds us a lot of hiking along the California coast south of San Francisco (near Monterey, specifically). This is a nice loop that will take you away from the crowds. Don’t miss Sea People Ice Cream for a post-hike (gluten free and plant-based) treat!

Experience a small slice of Middle Earth in Hobbiton: The first thing you should know here is that Matt is a huge Lord of the Rings nerd. He has read the trilogy (and the Hobbit, but not the Silmarillion) many times, and watches the movies at least once a year, including a few weeks before our trip (extended editions or bust). Alysha is, uh, not. That being said, both of us really enjoyed the experience at Hobbiton . After filming the Hobbit Trilogy, rather than breaking down the real Hobbiton sets that they had painstakingly built, they decided to keep them intact and turn it into a place where visitors could come and experience the magic of the Shire (and pay them a lot of money for the privilege). It’s a two and a half hour experience that involves a guided tour through the set, including a drink at the Green Dragon Pub at the end of the tour, which is where the only brew for the brave and true comes from (if you know, you know). It’s expensive, and it’s a bit of a detour, but we really enjoyed the incredible attention to detail that went into crafting every piece of the set, and think it’s well worth it. 

Where to Stay in Rotorua and Tauranga

At a high level, we think you should stay in Rotorua because there is just more to do and see than in Tauranga (in our opinion, anyway). That’s what we did, and we didn’t regret it. 

We stayed at the very nice Paradise Valley Lodge , which is a 15 minute drive from the center of Rotorua. They have a variety of rooms, including a handful that are perfect for couples, and most have some sort of kitchenette. It’s a lovely property, set in the quiet hills above Rotorua. 

We stayed in the Country Room, and slept like babies. 

If you want to stay more central, there are plenty of hotel options in the downtown area, which will mean you’re walkable to all the restaurants and shops in that part of the city. 

However, we’d also say that the coolest parts of Rotorua are outside of the city center, and we feel the same way about places to stay. There are some fun lakefront lodges and hilltop B&Bs just outside of town, and that’s where we’d stay if we were you. 

The Coromandel Peninsula (Days 10-12)

Drive time and distance: 3 hours // 215 km (134 miles)

The Coromandel Peninsula is a great final stop before you head to Auckland (and, by extension, get ready to head home) because it offers something very different to the landscapes you’ve experienced thus far (although it does feel fairly similar to a place like Hawke’s Bay). 

When we think of famous landscapes in New Zealand, we think of the tussock-laden flatlands butting up to the Southern Alps on the South Island and the pastoral hills covered in sheep that you’ll find all across the country. 

You certainly get a heavy dose of that pastoral feeling here, but you also get something that we didn’t usually associate with New Zealand until spending the better part of a week exploring here: pristine white sand beaches. 

The Coromandel Peninsula is just littered with beaches, and after two weeks spent hiking volcanoes and exploring geothermal wonderlands, you deserve a little beach break. 

What really stands out to us about the Coromandel Peninsula is the fact that you’ll be driving the windy road through pastoral landscapes with sweeping green hills where cows and sheep graze freely and then BAM, it’s a pristine white sand beach. 

Despite the fact that Alysha grew up in Marin County, California, which is sort of similar, we were blown away by just how quickly it went from farmland to beach. 

Now it’s worth noting that the Coromandel Peninsula is a big area, and access can be limited as there are only a couple of roads running through the middle of it, which means you sometimes have to drive alllll the way around to get to the other side. 

Our favorite portion of the Coromandel Peninsula – and the part that has the highest concentration of great beaches, viewpoints, and more – is the northeastern corner, which is where we’d recommend you focus your time.

What to Do on the Coromandel Peninsula

Here are a few of our favorite things to do on the Coromandel Peninsula. 

Kayak to Cathedral Cove: Over the course of your research, you may have come across either pictures or a write up of Cathedral Cove on the Coromandel Peninsula. Unfortunately, the cove is no longer accessible on foot thanks to a series of huge landslides that happened in 2023, and there is no timetable around reopening at the time of writing in 2024. That means, for better and for worse (fewer people, but more expensive), the only way to access the picturesque protected cove is by boat. We loved our kayak tour with Cathedral Cove Kayaks , which was a very pleasant three hours spent out on the water exploring the stretch of coast (and the volcanic islands) near Cathedral Cove. It’s not a hard paddle, so even if you’ve never kayaked it’s worth hopping in a boat and heading out on their morning tour to check out Cathedral Cove. 

Hot Water Beach: The volcanic activity that you’ve already experienced in places like Rotorua and Tongariro National Park followed you out to the Coromandel Peninsula! Hot Water Beach is a beautiful beach, yes, but the real draw here is the fact that it sits on top of two hot springs, and at low tide you can dig a hole and it will fill up with warm water, creating your own little hot spring right on the beach. It’s very unique, and is worth the trip out there (but check the tides first – you want to be here within an hour or so of low tide). 

Hahei Beach: We stayed within walking distance of Hahei Beach for the second half of our time up here, and would rank it either our second or third best beach that we visited on the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s a good swimming beach and it has a nice hike on the eastern end of the beach that takes you up to the former pā (a defensive settlement in Māori times) at Te Pare Point with sweeping views back towards the beach, and out towards the open ocean. It gets crowded, but it’s still worth a visit. There’s a big parking lot here where you can park if the main lot is full (it’s a ~15 minute walk down to the beach). 

The Northern Beaches: Partially on the advice of the friendly person at reception at the Church (where we stayed for the second half of our time on the Coromandel Peninsula), we set out early one morning for what turned out to be an epic seven hour beach-filled adventure to the northeastern corner of the peninsula. He recommended three beaches – Ōpito, Otama, and New Chums – and we did a nice little scenic drive up north to hit them all. Our favorite was Ōpito ( here on Google Maps) because it was the best swimming beach AND has a nice little set of hikes at the eastern end of the beach, where you can hike up to the point, or up and over the hill down to Crayfish Bay. Runner up was New Chums Bay (short trail leaves from here on Google Maps), because it requires a short hike to get there and has no development on its shores, which makes it feel very secluded and special. Last was Otama ( here on Google Maps), but only because the other two are so spectacular. 

Where to Stay on the Coromandel Peninsula

As we mentioned already, the Coromandel Peninsula is a big chunk of land, so choosing a place to stay might be the difference between driving 10 minutes to the meeting point for your kayak tour, or driving an hour and 15 minutes to get there. 

At a high level, we spent the most time exploring the northeastern part of the Peninsula, between Whangamatā and Matarangi , and that’s where we’d recommend staying. 

We spent four nights out here, and we stayed in two separate places (mostly because we were there on the last weekend of New Zealand school kids’ summer break, so the place we really wanted didn’t have availability). And they were VASTLY different vibes. 

The first place we stayed was the Top 10 Holiday Park at Hot Water Beach . If you’ve spent time in New Zealand before, you are almost certainly familiar with Top 10 Holiday Parks, which are all over the country. 

It’s essentially part campground with nice shared facilities (including a kitchen, a pool, and laundry facilities), part budget motel. While we don’t have them, it’s basically paradise for kids (which may or may not be what you’re looking for – if not, see the second place). 

We stayed in one of their cabins, and it was nice enough, but don’t go expecting luxury. It’s basically a place to sleep, and you’ll use the shared facilities (including bathrooms). 

The best part about it is the fact that it’s a 10 minute walk down to Hot Water Beach, which is a nice perk because it’s 24 hour paid parking at the beach, and it gets very, very busy down there. 

The second place we stayed was the Church Accomodation in Hahei . Similar to the other place, this was a 10 minute walk from the beach (which is also where the kayaking tour we did and recommend met and left from). 

This was a very, very different experience. They have a set of quiet, private cabins that were a very pleasant place to spend a couple of nights. Plus, friendly and helpful staff and a great location within walking distance from the beach and small town. 

Auckland (Days 13-14)

Drive time and distance: 2 hours and 40 minutes // 176 km (109 miles)

Compared to Wellington, which we absolutely loved, we were less enthused about Auckland as a city.

We do love big cities (to visit, not really to live), but even after the better part of a week in Auckland, we didn’t really find that we could put our finger on what it was all about. 

That being said, there are two big benefits of visiting Auckland . 

As the biggest city in New Zealand – somewhere between ⅓ and ½ of New Zealand’s population lives in Auckland – you get the benefit of a bigger, more diverse group of people. 

First and most notable is the better food and drinks than just about anywhere else in the country. Sure, there are good places to eat and drink sprinkled through New Zealand, but Auckland has by far the best breadth and depth of different types of foods out of any of the bigger cities we’ve visited in New Zealand. 

The second big benefit is that the airport has the best selection of international flights (versus having to connect from a smaller city through Auckland and then on to your destination), which means the shortest leg of travel is, hopefully, at the end of your trip.

So, while Auckland isn’t really our favorite city in the world, we do think that it’s an important component of your trip to the North Island.

Many people fly in and immediately leave the city to explore the natural beauty of the rest of the North Island (or head straight to the airport when they’re leaving), and we think that would be a mistake. 

What to Do in Auckland

Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Auckland. 

Take a walking tour with Aucky Walky: Generally, we’re big fans of starting our time in a new city with a walking tour. The Introduction to Auckland with Aucky Walky, owned and operated by Auckland locals, was an easy choice for us. Unfortunately, because they limit their tours to a maximum of eight per guide, they were sold out when Matt arrived in New Zealand. So we actually did this tour on the last day of our trip. However, it would make a solid introduction to Auckland, covering three kilometers in the center of the city. You also walk away with a tasty treat, a cheat sheet with the host’s recommendations around what to eat, drink, and see, and more context as you set out to explore the city. 

Take the ferry to Devonport: On my (Matt here!) first morning in Auckland, I woke up at 5am after falling asleep at 7:30pm (with the lights on, might I add) and decided I was going to go on a little early morning excursion across the harbor to Devonport. Devonport is a little waterfront town with a charming array of architecture and bars and restaurants on its main strip along the waterfront along with a couple of great views of the Auckland skyline (most notably from the peak of Mount Victoria, which is about two blocks from the ferry terminal and is worth the quick climb). To get there, you leave from the ferry building on the waterfront ( here on Google Maps) where you can buy tickets. I walked a big loop from the ferry, up to Mount Victoria, and over to Cheltenham Beach, which is an excellent way to spend a half day or so. After that walk, grab food and a drink along Victoria Road (the main drag when you get off the ferry). Here’s a map of what that looks like. 

Mount Eden: You’ll notice that we haven’t included the Auckland SkyTower in this list. Most guides (all guides?) do, but we have the same problem with the Sky Tower here that we do with the Space Needle in Matt’s hometown of Seattle. It costs A LOT to go up to the top and, while the view is nice, it’s missing one key element of the Auckland skyline…. the tower itself! Plus, there is a great view available for free not too far down the road. And in Auckland, that view is from the top of Mount Eden. Mount Eden is a dormant volcano with a cone that is 150 feet deep. From the top, you have an excellent view of Auckland’s skyline, plus views in every direction (truly 360 degrees). It’s a short uphill walk to get to the viewing platform, and a bit further to the true summit (which is worth it). Start your walk here by either grabbing a bus or a taxi / rideshare from wherever you are, and do the quick little loop around the crater at the top.  

The Auckland War Memorial Museum: I was very confused when people recommended the “Auckland Museum” to me, because there are multiple museums in Auckland and none of them are called by that particular name. However, the Auckland War Memorial Museum is the one they mean, and it’s a great museum covering the history of New Zealand (sort of – they miss the whole colonization and taking of land from the Māori, but at least it’s a start). The Māori portion of the museum is good too, for the most part, even if it is clearly European-ized. More information here . 

Eating and Drinking: As we mentioned above, one of the best parts about Auckland is the diversity that comes with a (much) bigger city than the other ones you’ll find in New Zealand. Usually, that means there is some great food to be had! For coffee, Daily Daily was our favorite coffee shop of the entire trip, but it’s further out. Rumours , D.O.S.E., and Kompass are in the CBD are a few blocks away from each other, and are all excellent. For food, we liked Ponsonby Central , a food hall straight out of Brooklyn (we liked Ola’s Arepas because we’re always in for arepas!), the food court on the top floor of the Commercial Bay shopping mall , Little Bird Kitchen for gluten free and vegan food, plus Duck Island Ice Cream and Giapo for ice cream (the ice cream at Duck Island is better, but Giapo is a 100% gluten free facility and is more convenient right downtown). 

Where to Stay in Auckland

With more than a day, we’d strongly consider staying outside the main commercial center of Auckland (the Viaduct, CBD, and Britomart). 

However, with only a limited time, we’d stay in either the Viaduct or Britomart to maximize your time, which will put you within walking distance (or a short bus ride) of just about everything. 

The Viaduct is Auckland’s waterfront, and while it is very commercial, Matt stayed here for several nights when he first arrived in Auckland (before flying down to Wellington to meet up with Alysha for their road trip) and enjoyed it.

Specifically, he enjoyed staying at Ohtel Auckland , which was among the best hotels we’ve stayed at in New Zealand. 

The rooms are decorated with mid-century modern sensibilities, and the service was excellent.

Matt arrived at 7am on the day of check-in, and was able to leave his bags with the friendly staff at the front desk so that he could head out and do some exploring. 

The location is also a great combination of convenience and quietness. It’s about a block off of the main walkway along the waterfront, which means you can walk there in roughly 90 seconds, but you’re a bit removed from the noise. 

Oh, and there’s a pool for you to use! Though it is shared with the nearby apartment complex. 

The other place that was on our list was M Social , which is right on the main drag along the waterfront. Matt chose Ohtel for the quieter location to recover from jetlag, but this would also be a good option.

What to Do with More Time on New Zealand’s North Island

If you have more time to dedicate to your North Island road trip, here is what we’d recommend adding to your itinerary. 

Note that some of these places were on our list, but didn’t make on our own trip, so we’ll link out to guides from other people that we found useful and helpful (and, most importantly, were written by humans who had actually had the experiences themselves). 

Taranaki, Egmont National Park, and New Plymouth (2-3 Days)

If you have more than two weeks on the North Island, the very first thing we’d add is Taranaki National Park and New Plymouth, which are about three hours west of Tongariro National Park on the southwestern coast of the island. 

There are two main reasons that we didn’t include them in the main itinerary above, choosing Hawke’s Bay instead. 

First is that it’s a lot of driving if you’re doing both Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki, which sit roughly three hours in either direction of Tongariro National Park. We did it, and it was fine because we had a little extra time to play with, so it didn’t feel like we were moving at breakneck speed.

If you’re continuing north AND you only have two weeks, it probably makes the most sense to choose between them. 

However, if you have more time to spend, it’s absolutely worth adding Taranaki and New Plymouth to your itinerary!

Second is that big swaths of land on the slopes of the mountain are a lush rainforest. Which means it gets a lot of rain, and your chances of showing up to only see a cloud where the peak is supposed to be are pretty high, even in the summer. 

Ask us, we spent 2+ days there and only saw the mountain once on the drive in. From then on, clouds and on-and-off torrential rain!

The main reason to go to Taranaki is to hike, we think. It’s a beautiful backdrop.

The main attraction (when we’re talking about day hikes, anyway) is the Pouakai Crossing , which takes you from the North Egmont Visitor Center on the western slopes of the mountain, up through the rainforest to a rocky crossing, down into a massive valley filled in part with a swamp, and then back up atop a rocky ridge for the grand finale (and one of the best views on the hike). 

As we mentioned above, we didn’t see the peak of the mountain once on this hike, and we still loved it. 

The only problem is that it’s a one-way hike, which means that like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , you’ll need to arrange a shuttle service.

In this case, you’ll park at the Mangorei Track Trailhead ( here on Google Maps), and book Taranaki Mountain Shuttle to take you up to the Visitor Center where you’ll start the hike (that’s what we did, and it was easy and convenient). 

If you’re not up for either the long distance on that hike or the cost of the shuttle, then the hike from the Mangorei Track trailhead up to the Pouakai Tarns is a good option (it’s still a very tough hike though, because it’s straight up a set of stairs basically the entire way). 

In terms of other things to do in the area, the town of New Plymouth and the coastline north and south of it are the other attractions here. 

Drive an hour north to the Three Sisters for some nice sea stacks, and 20 minutes south to Ōakura for a nice swimming beach (shout out to the barista in Wellington who recommended it to us!). 

In New Plymouth, we love Ozone Coffee Roasters for coffee and brunch – we first discovered them in London in the UK, and realized they had a New Zealand outpost. I saved it on my saved places map years ago, and came back to it when I was planning this trip. 

We stayed at One Burgess Hill when we were near Taranaki, and it was among the best places we’ve ever stayed in New Zealand. Our bedroom overlooked the river, and the apartment we stayed in was a very comfortable home base (with a full kitchen!). 

Plus, it’s directly across the road that leads to the parking lot for the Pouakai Crossing or Pouakai Tarns, which is an added bonus.

What to Do with Less Time on New Zealand’s North Island

If you have less than two weeks in New Zealand, here’s how we’d recommend spending your time.

It goes without saying that you can absolutely swap in and out places and things to do and see from the main itinerary above to create your own version. This is just our take based on our own preferences and experiences on our North Island road trip. 

10 Days – The Southern Circuit

If you only have 10 days on the North Island, we’d essentially cut the northern half of the island and spend your entire trip exploring the southern end, which is our favorite part anyway! 

After a discussion about, knowing what we know after doing a North Island road trip ourselves, whether we would do the southern circuit or try to tackle the whole island in 10 days, we settled on the southern circuit. 

Before we elaborate on why, here’s what that looks like. 

• Day 5: Rotorua / Tauranga (Bay of Plenty)
• Day 8: Taranaki National Park 
• Day 9:  Taranaki National Park 
• Day 10: Drive Back to Wellington & Fly Home

There are a few reasons why we’d do it this way if we only had ten days. 

First, we much prefer Wellington to Auckland. And it’s not close. So we’re fine cutting Auckland. 

Second, you can get a lot of the same pastoral vibes with rolling green hills that descend into white sand beaches near Hawke’s Bay. And Hawke’s Bay is SIGNIFICANTLY more convenient to get to than the (arguably more spectacular, if we’re being honest) Coromandel Peninsula. 

Third, we love Taranaki (and the beaches near New Plymouth), and though we couldn’t find a way to shoehorn it in to the main itinerary because it requires two three hour drives to make it happen if you’re continuing north, it can be done if you’re heading back down to Wellington to fly home!

7 Days – The Southern Circuit

If you only have a week to spend on the North Island, your first challenge is going to be trying to figure out which highlights to focus on, because you definitely don’t have time to see the entire island.

If it were us, our strong preference would be to group together the highlights on the southern half of the North Island, which include Tongariro National Park – our favorite place on the island. 

Here’s what that looks like, written out.  

• Day 7: Drive back to Wellington and fly home

However, if secluded beaches and limited cell service is more what you’re looking for out of this trip, you might be more into the northern circuit (see below). 

If you’re more into mountains than wine and beaches, we’d recommend swapping in Mount Taranaki for Hawke’s Bay. It would be really hard to do all three (Tongariro, Taranaki, and Hawke’s Bay) in a week, and because Tongariro is in between the other two, it essentially comes down to you and your personal preferences. 

7 Days – Northern Circuit

If you’re more into white sand beaches stretching as far as the eye can see and intense geothermal activity that makes entire cities smell like someone is cooking eggs, then you might enjoy the northern circuit. 

Aside from the differences between landscapes you’ll see here, one of the benefits of doing this version is that you’ll fly in and out of Auckland, which is New Zealand’s easiest airport to fly into from just about every international destination. 

Here’s what this seven day version of the itinerary looks like written out. 

• Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
• Day 2: Auckland
• Day 3: Rotorua / Tauranga
• Day 4: Rotorua / Tauranga
• Day 5: Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 6: Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 7: Drive back to Auckland, fly home

The Best Time to Plan a New Zealand North Island Road Trip

The best time to visit New Zealand depends on a lot of factors, but in general, we’d say that the New Zealand summer is going to be the best time to experience all of the natural beauty that exists on these two gorgeous islands . 

Remember that New Zealand is in the southern hemisphere, so the seasons are essentially flipped from those in the northern hemisphere. That means, if you’re coming from somewhere in the northern hemisphere (like us), summer in New Zealand coincides with winter back home. 

On our last trip to New Zealand, we were sitting on a beach near Auckland when it was sunny and warm while we had an ice storm and temperatures well below freezing back at home in Oregon. 

One other thing to consider is the timing of summer break for New Zealand’s schools, which falls roughly between Christmas and the end of January. During this six week period, kids are out of school and families often are off on vacation (many of them in New Zealand).

There are two impacts to think about here. 

First, many small businesses close in late December and take a break through mid-January. We experienced this multiple times on our latest trip, finding that the coffee shop in Wellington that we were most excited about was actually closed while we were in town in mid-January. 

Second, and perhaps more important, is the fact that New Zealanders often use January to explore their own country. Which means things are going to be very, very busy and, as a result, more expensive.

It’s similar to July and August in the United States, which is when things are at their busiest at our national parks (and it’s why we prefer to visit those places in September). 

Given all of that information, our recommendation for the best time to plan a New Zealand North Island road trip is late January through the end of February , where you’ll have great weather and slightly fewer crowds with New Zealand schools back in session.

However, as you might imagine, that also is the busiest and most expensive time to be exploring New Zealand. 

On our latest trip, we were talking about how it might be nice to do an earlier trip in October or November (roughly spring) when there is still snow on the many peaks and the crowds are ever so slightly thinner. 

The same would be true of a later trip – March/April – though you likely won’t have the snowy peaks (you will have better access to high elevation hikes, though!). 

In every season, the weather is going to be a little bit of a roll of the dice, and it’s going to come down to sheer luck whether or not you get a crystal clear day in Milford Sound, for example. 

However, your odds are definitely going to be better in January and February. Be prepared for rain and wind in spring and fall. 

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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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!

Love this post? Do me a favour and share it!

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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New Zealand North Island Family Itinerary: The Best Things to do in the North Island with kids

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

l lived in the North Island of New Zealand for the majority of my childhood and as I look back now, I’m amazed at all the things opportunities we had and all the amazing things to do in the North Island.  

So many visitors are focused on the South Island (which is incredible) and only stay a couple of days in the North Island. This to me is crazy, because the North Island is just as awesome, but in a different way.  Also huge bonus: some parts of the North Island are well off the beaten track and you will be able to watch the sunrise all on your own.  I think that is totally the dream right?

To get a real sense of New Zealand, I implore you to stay as long as you can.  Everyone I have spoken, leaves New Zealand wishing they had more time here and are already making plans to come back.  I also understand that we are far from everywhere (except Australia, but even that is 3 hours flight time) so it has probably cost you a lot of money to get here.  So make the trip worthwhile and spend some time not only visiting the highlights, but getting off the beaten track and getting to know the culture.

Right, so you’re wondering what to see in New Zealand’s North Island, lets take a look below.

This New Zealand North Island Itinerary is designed to hit the major highlights, provide a bit of relaxation along with your sightseeing must do list.  There are many more amazing spots around New Zealand, but this will give you some good bones for your trip.

This North Island Self Drive Itinerary covers everything all the absolute Must Do’s in the North Island.  (Please note this article may contain affiliate links, they do not cost the readers any extra but do help me run this website so I can provide you the best tips for your amazing New Zealand road trip.)

• Maori culture
• Amazing landscapes
• Beautiful beaches
• Adventure activities
• A raft of great activities for kids
• Epic swimming spots
• Walks with great views
• Options to see wildlife like kiwi and dolphins 

Overview of New Zealand North Island Self Drive Itinerary

• Day 0-4 Auckland
• Day 5-7 Coromandel
• Day 8-13 Rotorua
• Day 14 Taupo
• Day 15-16 Tongariro National Park
• Day 17-21 Wellington

How to get around New Zealand

This New Zealand itinerary is a self drive tour of New Zealand’s North Island.  It assumes you have a rental car or a campervan, both are great for family travel.  If you would like more information about choosing a family campervan in New Zealand,  click here

There are many place to camp in the North Island, many by beaches and incredible scenery, so we highly recommend a campervan, or using campsites and holiday parks.

Weather in New Zealand

I have assumed this is a summer holiday, as this is the most popular time for tourists to travel in New Zealand.  But besides the days of visiting some of the beaches, you could do this itinerary at any time of the year.  The North Island is much warmer than the South Island in general, with the areas of Northland , Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty being quite temperate and more humid than the rest of the country.  For example, average temperatures in Auckland in winter can be around 10C.

New Zealand is a country where you have four seasons in one day.  Seriously, even in the summer, kiwis won’t leave home without a sweatshirt or a jacket.  To find out more information about what to pack and  weather in New Zealand click here

Day 0-1: Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand

Welcome to Auckland, New Zealand

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, but don’t be mistaken, it is not the capital. (that’s in Wellington) Arrival day with a family can be a mission.  You have probably come a long way, are jet lagged (I always think the jet lag is worse coming into the future) and you’ve been travelling with kids, which means (unless they’re older) that you didn’t sleep much either.

So take a day to rest up, maybe explore the local area a tiny bit and don’t even think about jumping in a car and driving too far on this arrival day.  Find some sun (hopefully), visit a beach to chill out and let the kids run.  Top beaches include:  Mission Bay, Takapuna Beach, Devonport Beach etc and watch the sunset over Rangitoto before getting an early night.  There are many things to do in Auckland , you will be spoilt for choice!

Day 2: Auckland City Exploration

Base yourself in the city today! Visit the Auckand Sky Tower for a city view or jump off the tower.

Visit the Auckland Waterfront and Viaduct where the Americas Cup sailing regatta was held. Stroll over the footbridge to Wynyard Corner, (great restaurants, playground and water play) Our kids love watching the yachts here and how the footbridge rises for the boats.

Head to Mt Eden to experience a real volcano that you can actually climb it.  (its grass and not at all like the scary White Island version)

They say ‘eat local’ and straight from the source, so head to the Auckland Fish Market for some of New Zealands best seafood. Don’t worry, they cook it too.  Or you could head to one of Aucklands child friendly pubs with excellent menus and even playgrounds

Day 3: Auckland Options Day

• Take a Waiheke winery tour on the picturesque Waiheke Island , or
• Enjoy the black sand beaches and Lion Rock at Piha (careful: huge surf) as well as the beautiful Karekare Waterfall (50 mins drive from Auckland City Centre) or
• Find waterfalls and beaches at Shakespear Regional Park (40 minute road trip from Auckland)

Day 4: Auckland – Rangitoto Island

This is your chance to climb a volcano (don’t worry, its extinct) so catch the city ferry to Rangitoto Island and take on the summit walk (2 hours, gradual incline, 7km) Fantastic city views! There are many things to do on Rangitoto such as taking a visit to the lava caves (take a flashlight) This is a great day trip which will probably take about 5 hours return. 

There is also a guided tour that includes a train journey on the island that will save those little legs from too much walking.  For prices of this tour, click here

If walking is all too much, then head on a boat for the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Watching tour.   There is an array of marine animals out in the harbour, and a guarantee that if you don’t see any whales or dolphins (very rare) then you get to come back for free.  Click here for prices on this awesome boat tour

Day 5: Coromandel

Drive to Coromandel (2 hours, 20 min plus Auckland traffic)

Stop at the Pokeno Dairy (cornerstore) for the biggest ice creams.  Its totally okay to have ice cream for morning tea … you’re on your New Zealand holiday!

Check the tide schedule , then 2 hours either side of low tide, head to Hot Water Beach with a bucket and spade and dig yourself a personal hot pool right in the sand.  This is one of the best free New Zealand North Island attraction

Day 6: Coromandel

Sunrise at the epic Narnia film location: Cathedral Cove (40 min walk from carpark, or a little longer with gear)  This is one of my favourite North Island beaches, but the whole area up here is full of brilliant ones. Bring a backpack to carry young kids and think about the gear you have to take, you’re walking it all in and out.

For a secret beach, only reached by foot or boat, head to New Chums Beach (30 mins walk – rocky and steep in places)  

Day 7: Coromandel

Beach Day, Rest Day or Karangahake Gorge Visit 

The Karangahake Gorge is located 90 minutes south of Hot Water Beach or 30 mins from Thames (major service town for Coromandel)  If mining tunnels, biking a rail trail, waterfalls, rivers and historic railways are your thing, then this is a great sidetrip for you.  There are some stunning Karangahake Gorge Walks such as the Windows Walk and Rails tunnel loop that aren’t too long so perfect for families

There are amazing family adventures here but often skipped for the “highlights reel.”

Day 8: Drive to Rotorua via Hobbiton

It’s a 2.5 hour drive from the Coromandel to Hobbiton. Kiwis aren’t known for spending money in their own country, especially for a really touristy attraction but I just loved this. It’s as magical, green and lifelike as you can imagine. So if you’re wondering if Hobbiton is worth visiting , even if you’re not a superfan… then Yes and the kids will love it. 

It’s probably a given, but do rewatch the films with your kids before you go. It will definitely bring the magic alive! You can take a stroller too… but there are a few stairs, and no doubt someone will give you a hand up them!  I’ve done it with a stroller and 9 month old and it was fine.

A tour guide will take you around Hobbiton and feed you interesting facts. Did you know the iconic tree is completely fake, or they paid people to walk around the Hobbit holes so the tracks looked worn? They even paid someone to remove the frogs from the pond because they were too noisy. At $84 for a adult, it is a splurge but kids under 9 are free (but they do need a ticket).

Book your Hobbiton tickets in advance as this North Island attraction often sells out.

Lunch option: Kaimai Cheese Factory where you can watch them make cheese from local animals.

Afternoon Option to visit Wairere Falls , or continue 1 hour to Rotorua

Day 9: Rotorua

Start your Rotorua holiday off with a bang and walk to Kerosene Creek to the free hot pools and swim in the hot waterfall.  Make sure to go early before it gets too busy.

Take a walk high up in the forest at the Redwoods Treetop Walk , or look into the night option which is just beautiful.  This is one of the newest North Island attractions, so go take a look!

For more detailed information of the best things to do in Rotorua, click here

Day 10: Rotorua

Day 11: Rotorua

• Luxury at the Polynesian Spa. 
• White Water Rafting on the Kaituna River down the largest commercially rafted waterfall in the world.
• Adrenalin Rush with Downhill Mountain Biking in the Redwoods Forest

Day 12: Rotorua

Have a family fun day at the Skyline Gondola and Luge and for city views and downhill fun.  Click here for the best deals   Older kids will also enjoy mountain biking here.

Dinner at Cobb & Co  

Cobb& Co is a saloon style family restaurant that every 30 year old + would have been to as a family. Kids love it because theres a great place area inside the restaurant. Parents love the peace and quiet and the extensive kids menu. Even a menu for 1-3 year olds and priced accordingly. Who can beat NZD$7.50 for nibbles, main and dessert for a toddler?

Alternate Option:  There are lots of tour that runs day trips to Waitomo to visit Waitomo Caves.  But there are lots of things to do in Waitomo , so you could also look at spending a few days here as a detour

Day 13: Rotorua

Day 14: Taupo

Drive 1 hour to Taupo to check out NZ’s largest lake, which is actually a volcano, head to the cliffs of Mine Bay to see ancient Maori art carved into the rock, jump off a bridge at the Lake Taupo bungy and finish the day at Huka Falls , which spits out 1/4 million litres of water per second.  Taupo itself is one of the best North Island points of interest and you will find a lot of to do here (perhaps add an extra day or two if you like)

Day 15: Morning in Taupo

Day 16 Tongariro

Day 17: Drive to Wellington

A good stop on the way south is the Levin Adventure Playground . (It’s about 1 hour 20 mins from Wellington) Its huge and there’s an indoor picnic area where you can warm a bottle or eat lunch indoors. (its free) Such a good set up for families.  You’ll find it at 93 Oxford Street, Levin

Day 18: Wellington

Recover from yesterdays drive, then try out some of the most iconic things to do in Wellington such as a ride the Cable Car for great views across the city and walk back down through Wellington’s Botanic Gardens.

Day 19: Wellington

Wellington Waterfront Day

Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand is a modern and innovative museum that is free, however donations are welcome. Kids can dig outside for bones, learn about maori culture and marvel in the exhibitions that really should be art pieces. If you’re going to choose any New Zealand museum to visit, pick this one.

Ride Crocodile bikes along the waterfront, play in the Frank Kitts Park Playground, swim at Oriental Bay, Rock Climb or Kayak at Fergs Kayaks.  There is plenty to do on the Wellington Waterfront.

Our kids loved watching the ships in the harbour and riding their bikes along the waterfront.

Day 20: Wellington

Day 21: Wellington

Walking Day (options)

Paekakariki Escarpment Track: Perfect for fit walkers with amazing views over the Wellington Coastline. 2-4 hour walk with the train back to start. Steep and no rails, so children to be carried or be very careful.

Mt Victoria Walk for views over all of Wellington City (4.7km or 2.5 hours)

Putangirua Pinnacles, Wairarapa: 2 hour walk to incredible rock formation and Lord of the Rings Film Location

Brooklyn Wind Turbine Route: Known for its wind, Wellington is a great place for wind turbines. 2 hour walk

Swim and stroll at Days Bay on the other side of Wellington Harbour. Theres a cute wee chocolate shop and cafe called Chocolate Dayz there too.

Wow you made it!  The best things to do in the North Island, all whittled done into one article.  There are so many things to do in New Zealand, we hope this has narrowed down your choices, just a bit.  But surely you aren’t just going to stay in the North Island right?

Just on the Cook Strait Ferry, take your car or campervan for a wee 3 hour boat trip and head for the South Island now.  For tips on choosing the best Cook Strait Ferry, click here

CLICK HERE  FOR OUR FAMILY SOUTH ISLAND ITINERARY

If you are any questions about this North Island New Zealand Road Trip, or need more inspiration, flick us an email or come and chat with us over on Instagram or Facebook

Founder of Backyard Travel Family

Jen is a super organiser when it comes to travel. Having travelled extensively in Europe and Africa, has lived in London and the USA and holidayed in many parts of Asia, she is not a newbie to the travel space

Jen has three young children, 6 and under and travels around New Zealand with them.

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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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Last Updated on 14/03/2023

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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North Island in 2 Weeks: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary 🚗⛰️ [2024]

NZ Pocket Guide is 10 years old. Thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade!

How to make the most of travelling the north island in two weeks (14 days).

We’re sure you’ve heard that travelling New Zealand in two weeks isn’t nearly enough time to see everything. That’s true, but by just travelling one island like the North Island , you are heading in the right direction to really make the most of your time in New Zealand! Even so, seeing the awesome sights and activities on the North Island in two weeks does mean you will have an action-packed itinerary with your fair share of driving. If you’re up for that, then read on…

This two-week North Island travel itinerary below fits in most of the biggest highlights of the North Island, including spending time in volcanic regions, experiencing Maori culture, a mix of New Zealand wilderness and New Zealand city life and so much more! What’s more, the two-week itinerary allows you to choose from a lot of activities so you don’t need to worry about not finding things to do that you’ll totally dig! We’ll also give you a few tips on car rental and getting around the North Island, as well as how to plan this itinerary the EASY way with First Light Travel .

Other North Island Two-Week Itineraries

Before we jump into the good stuff, we thought you might like to be aware of our other North Island two-week itineraries to compare:

• North Island Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days
• North Island Family Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days
• North Island Luxury Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days
• North Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days
• North Island Food Itinerary: Two Weeks / 14 Days .

North Island Two-Week (14-Day) Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei
• Day 2 – Hahei to Rotorua
• Day 3 – Rotorua
• Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo
• Day 5 – Taupo to Tongariro National Park
• Day 6 – Tongariro National Park to the Ruahine Forest Park
• Day 7 – Ruahine Forest Park
• Day 8 – Ruahine Forest Park to Wellington
• Day 9 – Wellington to Whanganui
• Day 10 – Whanganui to Stratford
• Day 11 – Stratford to Waitomo
• Day 12 – Waitomo
• Day 13 – Waitomo to Auckland
• Day 14 – Auckland

How to Get Around on this North Island 2-Week Itinerary

Travelling for two weeks on the North Island and looking for the perfect road trip itinerary? There are two main ways to get around the North Island using the recommended two-week North Island itinerary below: by car/campervan or by bus.

Renting a Car or Campervan for Two Weeks on the North Island

Renting a car or campervan is going to be the best way to squeeze everything you want into 14 days on the North Island. This means no waiting around for buses. Plus, you have the freedom to hit all the incredible North Island destinations listed below. As a bonus, the itinerary below loops the North Island so you can return your rental car where you started. That means no expensive one-way fees! We have more tips like that in our 21 Ways To Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand .

For a complete comparison of car rental companies, check out The Best Car Rental Companies in Auckland and campervans in   The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Auckland . If you’re unsure about who and how to book, use free online travel agents like First Light Travel ; for on them at the bottom of this itinerary.

Bus Tours for Two Weeks on the North Island

For travellers who would rather let someone else do the driving, escorted bus tours are available to take you around the North Island with like-minded people. Tour companies that offer 12-14-day tours of the North Island, following an itinerary similar to the one featured below, are included in  The Best 10-12-Day Tours of the North Island . Find out more about New Zealand’s bus tours in  How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand .

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei

Drive time: 2h15mins.

You’ve arrived at Auckland Airport ! Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, jump straight into it and hit the road to Hahei in the Coromandel Peninsula ! Auckland Airport is south of the city, so save on drive time by heading south straight away and exploring the North Island. Don’t worry, you’ll see more of Auckland later. For the first day of your road trip, check out some of the stunning coastal scenery and beaches of the North Island.

Things to Do in Hahei

Depending on what time your flight comes in, you have the option to do one or both of the following in Hahei. These are pretty relaxing and accessible activities/sights to see for your first day in New Zealand:

• Cathedral Cove . Take the easy coastal walk to a beach with white cliffs and a giant archway. There are also options to visit the beach with activity operators by kayak (more info on Viator and KKday ) or boat (on Viator  and KKday )
• Hot Water Beach . Go to Hot Water Beach at low tide to dig yourself a hot pool in the sand.

If you fancy doing some other stuff, check out the   22 Best Things to Do in The Coromandel .

Accommodation in Hahei

Check out the top Coromandel accommodations in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel and   15 Best Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel . Otherwise, here are our top picks in Hahei:

• Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Hahei Holiday Resort
• Anchor Lodge
• The Church Accommodation
• Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
• Hahei Beach Apartment

Day 2 – Hahei to Rotorua

Drive time: 3 hours.

Your final destination today is Rotorua , famous for its geothermal and cultural experiences. Before you get there, don’t miss the Karangahake Gorge , halfway through the drive. There are a number of walking tracks in the area between 45 minutes to 4 hours going through a historic mining area taken back by the forest and the river. Walk through mining tunnels, through native forest, alongside mining relics and to magnificent waterfalls. Plus, Lord of the Rings nerds can stop by the Hobbiton Movie Set for a tour around The Shire.

Things to Do in Rotorua

If you have some time to kill this evening in Rotorua, here are a few suggestions.

• Relax in a natural geothermal hot pool. There are paid options, such as the  Polynesian Spa (more info on Klook and  KKday ) , or go find some of the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua
• See an evening cultural performance at one of the Maori attractions. We list most of the options in the 10 Places to Experience Maori Culture in New Zealand .

If they don’t take your fancy, check out the  25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua instead.

Accommodation in Rotorua

See our top recommendations in The 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua . On the other hand, you’ll probably be happy with any one of these:

• Holdens Bay Holiday Park
• BKs Rotorua
• Rock Solid Backpackers
• Kings On Peace
• Silver Fern Rotorua
• Regal Palms Resort
• Ngamihi Lodge
• Regent of Rotorua
• Black Swan Lakeside Boutique Hotel

Day 3 – Rotorua

Drive time: 0 hours.

There is so much to do in and around Rotorua that we recommend staying here the whole day. Have a rest from driving and do something awesome. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Maori culture, see some wonderful geothermal parks, do an adrenaline activity or see some New Zealand wildlife, there’s something for every traveller in Rotorua!

• Visit a geothermal park . Geysers, steaming lakes, bubbling mud, silica terraces and so much more can be seen in one of the many geothermal parks of Rotorua
• Catch a Maori cultural performance (if you missed doing so yesterday)
• Do some adrenaline activities. Zorb your way in a giant hamster ball down a hill (more info on Viator  and Klook ) , go Luging from the top of the gondola, mountain bike in the Redwood Forest , jet boat or do a freefall experience at the Velocity Valley (on Viator  and Klook ) , and so much more!
• See native New Zealand wildlife at Wingspan or The National Kiwi Hatchery (on Viator and Klook ).

For more inspiration, get stuck into The Complete Guide to Rotorua or  21 Awesome Places to Visit in Rotorua .

Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo

Drive time: 1 hour.

Not too far from Rotorua is Taupo on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake! Again, there really is a lot to do here! If you want to skydive and/or bungy jump on the North Island then Taupo is a great place to do it. Plus, there are plenty of options to get out on the lake, relax in hot pools, see raging waterfalls and more!

Things to Do in Taupo

• Take a trip out on New Zealand’s largest lake, whether it’s fishing, kayaking, sailing, cruising or parasailing – see the  5 Ways to Experience Lake Taupo
• Bungy jump over the Waikato River
• Do a skydive over Lake Taupo
• Go on a  white water rafting trip on the Tongariro River with Rafting New Zealand/TRR
• Walk along the Waikato River to a natural hot pool at Spa Park , then onto Huka Falls .

… And that’s just the beginning! Check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Taupo for more ideas.

Accommodation in Taupo

Get all of our recommendations from the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Taupo  or just take a looksy here:

• Lake Taupo Holiday Resort
• Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
• Millennium Hotel Lake Taupo
• Baycrest Lodge
• Hilton Lake Taupo

Day 5 – Taupo to Tongariro National Park

Drive time: 1h15mins.

Get up early and drive to the Tongariro National Park to do the Tongariro Crossing , New Zealand’s most popular day hike over the volcanic plateau with lots of geothermal sights. Otherwise, take your time getting to the Tongariro National Park and enjoy one of the shorter hikes in the area , still giving fantastic views of the Central North Island volcanoes. You also have the option of mountain biking or even skiing on the Whakapapa ski field in winter . For the Tongariro National Park, we recommend staying in either National Park Village or Whakapapa Village .

Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

• Tongariro Alpine Crossing . This is New Zealand’s most popular day hike taking you over the volcanoes of the central North Island. The 8-hour hike is one-way and requires some planning in terms of transport and keeping safe. Take a look at our Tongariro Crossing Accommodation and Transport: A Practical Guide to work out a plan
• Ski or snowboard at Whakapapa Ski Field in winter
• Choose from other hikes in Tongariro National Park by looking at the 13 Walks Around National Park Village & Whakapapa Village .

We have much more ideas in the  10 Tongariro National Park Must-Dos  if these aren’t your thing.

Accommodation in National Park Village

• Plateau Lodge
• Manowhenua Lodge
• National Park Backpackers
• The Park Hotel
• Pukenui Lodge
• Tongariro Crossing Lodge

Day 6 – Tongariro National Park to the Ruahine Forest Park

Drive time: 2 hours.

The mission today is to spend some time in the New Zealand wilderness. Ruahine Forest Park is an awesome place to do that and a locals’ favourite! There are a few different wilderness lodges and camping options in the Ruahine Forest Park, as well as activities from hikes to horse riding to white water rafting.

To break up the journey, stop in Ohakune for a coffee or check out the Mangawhero Walking Track to walk in the forests at the base of Mt Ruapehu. Your final destination today will be at one of the accommodation options listed below. You’ll get more time to explore the area or do an activity there tomorrow.

Accommodation in the Ruahine Forest Park

• River Valley Lodge
• Makoura Lodge
• Historic Shearers Quarters
• Mairenui Rural Retreat

Day 7 – Ruahine Forest Park

Drive time: 0 hours.

It’s time to relax/go wild in the Ruahine Forest Park ! Whatever your bag is, you could do some white water rafting or horse riding at River Valley , horse riding, 4x4ing or claybird shooting at Makoura Lodge , or hiking in the Ruahine Ranges. Alternatively, relax in your farmstay or accommodation to get a taste of Kiwi life.

Things to Do in the Ruahine Forest Park

• Go white water rafting on the Rangitikei River
• Horse trek through the stunning landscape with River Valley
• Hike one of many Ruahine tracks listed in the 25 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North .

Day 8 – Ruahine Forest Park to Wellington

Drive time: 3h20mins.

Your final destination today is the capital city of New Zealand! However, we recommend breaking up the drive by stopping along the Kapiti Coast , full of beaches and walks to check out! Walk over a sand dune walkway in Queen Elizabeth Park , relax on Peka Peka Beach . How about getting a kite landboarding or kite surfing lesson on Foxton Beach ?

Once you reach Wellington you have the evening to enjoy the eateries and nightlife of the capital city !

Accommodation in Wellington

See more stays in  The 50 Best Accommodations in Wellington or check out these quick links:

• The Marion Hostel
• The Dwellington
• Trek Global
• Willis Village
• U Boutique Hotel
• QT Wellington
• Bolton Hotel
• InterContinental Wellington
• Sofitel Wellington

Day 9 – Wellington to Whanganui

Drive time: 2h30mins.

Take some time this morning to explore the sights of Wellington, such as the Te Papa Museum , the Botanic Gardens or the Weta Workshop , before making the drive to Whanganui later this afternoon.

Things to Do in Wellington

• Visit the Te Papa Museum to learn everything there is to know about New Zealand
• Go to Zealandia to see native New Zealand wildlife
• Do a Lord of the Rings tour
• Tour the city sights of Wellington from the Waterfront to Cuba Street to the Botanic Gardens to Mt Victoria – find out more in our  One Day in Wellington: City Walking Tour Itinerary .

And there’s a lot more to do in Wellington, so wise up with our 25 Best Things to Do in Wellington .

Accommodation in Whanganui

Your final destination is the city of Whanganui, so find a place to stay using the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Whanganui . Or you might like one of these:

• Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park
• Braemar House B&B and Hostel
• Aotea Motor Lodge
• 151 On London Motel & Conference Centre
• Rutland Arms Inn

Day 10 – Whanganui to Stratford

Drive time: 1h30mins.

On today’s drive, you’ll get to see the wild west coast of the Taranaki region as you make your way up to Stratford . Stratford is on the edge of the Egmont National Park with the impressive Mt Taranaki at its centre. Stratford gives good access to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and the Stratford Plateau on Mt Taranaki giving you a great deal of walking and hiking options through “enchanted forests” to waterfalls and volcano views!

Things to Do in Stratford

• See the town centre Glockenspiel that performs at 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm
• Do the Wilkies Pools Loop Track  and Dawson Falls near the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre
• Do one of the 5 Walks You Have to do in Stratford .

Or check out the  10 Best Things to Do in Stratford for more inspiration.

Accommodation in Stratford

• Stratford Motel & Holiday Park
• Amity Court Motel
• Antonio Mews Motel
• Regan House

Day 11 – Stratford to Waitomo

Drive time: 3h16mins.

Now it’s time for an ironically unforgettable journey through the Forgotten World Highway . Fill up with fuel before delving into this historical and isolated part of the North Island. You will get breathtaking views of Mt Taranaki as you leave Stratford.

Stop by the Republic of Whangamomona and get your passport stamped. After that, you will go through old tunnels (or over them if you are too scared), as well as through the wild and wonderful Tangarakau Gorge. There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. You can find a few in our 10 Places You Can’t Miss on the Forgotten World Highway .

After a long drive to Waitomo , just relax in Waitomo in one of these affordable accommodations.

Accommodation in Waitomo

Do your full research on places to stay using the 10 BEST Hotels & Places to Stay in Waitomo . Otherwise, here are some quick recommendations:

• Juno Hall Backpackers
• Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
• Waitomo Boutique Lodge

Day 12 – Waitomo

Now you have the whole day to enjoy one or more of the epic glowworm and caving activities in Waitomo . Join one of the caving operators in Waitomo, throw on a sexy wetsuit and tube/abseil/climb your way through the Waitomo Caves – see the  8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours for a full comparison. There are a few walks in the area too if you are still feeling active.

Things to Do in Waitomo

• Explore the Waitomo Caves by one of the 6 Ways to Take on the Waitomo Caves
• Do a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave (more info on  Viator  and  Klook )  or the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Do the free Ruakuri Bush Walk at night to see glowworms.

Or head to the  15 Free Things to Do in Waitomo for many more ideas.

Day 13 – Waitomo to Auckland

Take your time driving up to your final destination on this two-week itinerary of the North Island. There are a lot of quirky little towns to stop by on the way like Otorohanga with the best public toilets in New Zealand and the Ed Hillary Walkway in the centre of town.

You’ll then reach Auckland city where you can relax tonight at one of the harbour eateries or on top of the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sky Tower . We’ll give you more ideas on what to do in Auckland tomorrow, but if you have time, you can fit in some activities this evening.

Accommodation in Auckland

See our top picks in The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland . Otherwise, check these out:

• Attic Backpackers
• Verandahs Parkside Lodge
• Ponsonby Manor
• Empire Apartments
• Auckland City Hotel
• The Grand by SkyCity
• Ohtel Auckland
• Four Points by Sheraton Auckland

Day 14 – Auckland

Drive time: 0.

For your final day in New Zealand, why not have one last day of wild beauty by taking the ferry to one of the off-shore islands , like Rangitoto , Waiheke or Tiritiri Matangi ? Alternatively, this could be your last chance to do a skydive in New Zealand or jump from the Sky Tower . You can even cruise out into the harbour searching for whales and dolphins with a whale safari tour . Auckland really has a lot to offer! Then it’s time to return your rental car and head to the Auckland Airport for your next adventure.

Things to Do in Auckland

• Go to the Auckland Museum
• Walk up the volcanic island of Rangitoto Island
• Drink wine and be merry on Waiheke Island
• See protected wildlife on the Tiritiri Matangi Island
• Do a skydive with Skydive Auckland
• Jump off the Sky Tower with the SkyJump or walk around the top of it with the SkyWalk
• Go whale watching (more info on Viator or  Klook )
• Walk to Mt Eden for some city views.

Finally, if you’re rather do something else, then you might like what we have in the  16 Best Things to Do in Auckland .

Plan This Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this two-week North Island itinerary but don’t like the hassle of planning everything yourself, then there’s a way to lighten the load. First Light Travel is an online travel agent specialising in self-drive itineraries in New Zealand at no extra cost to you. Plus, using their service is super simple:

• First, send First Light Travel an enquiry by completing their online form
• Then, you’ll receive your customised self-drive itinerary
• Review your itinerary and work with your First Light Travel agent on perfecting it
• Finally, First Light Travel will organise the rest including the bookings.

First Light Travel has access to more than 20,000 travel products, including almost all the tours and accommodations featured on this list (and more). With that and their local expertise here in New Zealand, they will create a well-catered itinerary to meet your needs while also suggesting some dream travel experiences that you may have never heard of. They only work with companies where their past clients have had positive experiences, so you know you’re in good hands.

What’s more, all of the bookings are arranged by First Light Travel, so instead of having to contact each individual accommodation and operator should your travel plans change, any amendments can be done through your FLT agent – easy! Did we mention the service is at no extra cost to you?!

For more information on planning your own New Zealand itinerary, see  How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary . Or better yet, jump on firstlighttravel.com and start making your own itinerary there.

More About Planning a Two-Week Trip to the North Island

That’s it for our North Island 2-week itinerary but by no means the end of our road trip advice. Check out the following guides if you simply can’t get enough of our NZ tips:

• The Best Time to Visit New Zealand
• 10 Ways to Relax on a Road Trip
• 51 Best Things to Do on the North Island

Finally, be sure to bookmark the  31 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand and  The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand – they’re pretty darn useful.

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:

• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [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 published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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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.

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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.

Pssst! Check out this AWESOME travel bag!

The Nomatic 40L is the best travel bag on the market, perfect for weekend trips or month-long adventures!

Featuring multiple compartments for clothes, shoes, laptop, water bottle, RFID-protected pocket, and more.

It’s designed to fit the maximum size allowed for carry-on luggage, so you’ll never have to spend money on check-in baggage again!

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!

Pssst! Check out this EPIC Hiking Backpack!

Perfect for shorter day hikes, the Osprey Stratos 24L is a tough pack made from sustainable materials.

With great internal organization, this is all you need for your next adventure, no matter the weather!

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.

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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 .

Many thanks!

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The Ember Travel Mug 2+ is a smart mug with a really dumb problem

With Apple's Find My support I might never lose this smart mug, but do I really want to find it?

Imagine this: you get your morning cuppa ready just before you head out the door for your daily commute and it goes from tongue-scalding hot to just right in minutes. Better yet, it stays at that perfect temperature for up to three hours, no matter the season. Sounds idyllic, doesn't it?

The Ember Travel Mug 2+ promises to provide you with this blissful experience, and its prowess doesn't stop there – it's also equipped with Apple 's Find My support, so if you happen to lose it along the way, you can locate it with the Find My app on your iPhone, iPad or MacBook.

Now, I'm no stranger to the Ember smart mugs. I use the Ember Mug 2 at home, so opting to carry my morning tea (I'm not a coffee drinker) in the Ember Travel Mug 2+ instead of my usual 470ml (16oz) Thermos insulated travel mug seemed like a smart upgrade. The one thing holding me back from switching was the Ember travel mug's rather paltry 355ml (12oz) capacity. I do like a lot of tea.

I finally did it, though... and the experience sadly wasn't as ideal as I had hoped. Now, don't get me wrong – the Ember Travel Mug 2+ is a likeable smart mug that does what it says on the tin – mostly.

It connected to the companion phone app within seconds and I was able to set up the desired temperature I wanted (60ºC / 140ºF in my case) and then remotely lock the mug's touch display to prevent any accidental temperature changes while I was carrying it around. So far, so good.

Straight(en) up

I usually start sipping my morning beverage only after I'm at my desk in the office (or even at home), which is typically a little over an hour after I've made the tea. During transport, I tuck my travel mug into my backpack's side pocket – which was unfortunately a bad idea with the Ember Travel Mug 2+, despite the company saying it has a leakproof lid.

While there were no drips down the screw-on cap, a little tilt saw my tea drip through the closed mouthpiece. It's not sealed well and, with tea all the way up to the maximum-capacity marking, even the tiniest dip saw liquid seep through the hair-width gap.

So I've taken to holding the mug in my hand while I commute, consciously making sure it's held upright. The problem with that is I've now had to forgo reading during my morning commute – making the whole experience really quite far from idyllic.

Battery boo-hoos

What's more, I think the not-airtight seal around the mouthpiece means the mug's heating element has to work harder to maintain the temperature, thus eating into the 3-hour battery life. This is the longest-lasting battery on any Ember mug yet – the 414ml (14oz) Mug 2 I use at home lasts a max of 80 minutes off its charging plate.

I find the travel mug gives me a maximum of 2.5 hours and, unfortunately for me, I'm usually only halfway through the contents by that point. I'm a slow sipper, so sue me! Truthfully, I get distracted by work and forget to drink my tea, so the limited battery life is perhaps not going to bother most people.

If you do want the Ember Travel Mug 2+ (or any of the other smart mugs from the brand) to keep your drink warm for longer, you'll need to keep it on the charging plate.

What is lost can be found again

Here's the good thing, though – I doubt I'll misplace the Ember Travel Mug 2+ thanks to support for Apple's Find My network built in.

This might seem superfluous to most people, but I am already on my third Thermos travel mug. I've had them slip out of my backpack's side pocket without me realizing – one time a good Samaritan came running up to me to hand the dented stainless steel mug back.

Given the Ember's price tag – it will set you back $199.95 / £199.95 / AU$300 – I do hope I don't lose it, but at least I know I stand the chance to find it if I do.

It's a premium mug, no doubt, and if the leaky lid and need to handle it with kid gloves doesn't bother you, it could be a good investment or make a thoughtful (albeit expensive) gift for a loved one. It's well made and the bright display looks really sharp when it lights up. The latter even switches off automatically within seconds, thus conserving battery. If Ember can fix that lid, perhaps the next iteration will be the best self-heating travel mug you could buy.

While I can't fault how hot it keeps my tea, ultimately my feelings about the Travel Mug 2+ can be summed up in one word: lukewarm.

You might also like...

• Take a look at our picks of the best coffee machines to make a cup o' joe at home
• De'Longhi vs Breville: who makes the best coffee machines?
• Breville the InFizz Fusion review: fizz up any drink you want

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While she's happiest with a camera in her hand, Sharmishta's main priority is being TechRadar's APAC Managing Editor, looking after the day-to-day functioning of the Australian, New Zealand and Singapore editions of the site, steering everything from news and reviews to ecommerce content like deals and coupon codes. While she loves reviewing cameras and lenses when she can, she's also an avid reader and has become quite the expert on ereaders and E Ink writing tablets, having appeared on Singaporean radio to talk about these underrated devices. Other than her duties at TechRadar, she's also the Managing Editor of the Australian edition of Digital Camera World, and writes for Tom's Guide and T3.

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• 3 Even Apple Intelligence can’t save the smart home if Apple won’t fix its infuriating Home app
• 4 Microsoft has gone too far: including a Game Pass ad in the Settings app ushers in a whole new age of ridiculous over-advertising
• 5 Microsoft's Copilot+ AI PCs aren't all that special right now, but there's one major reason why that's about to change