road trip itinerary north island nz

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 ROAD TRIP, NEW ZEALAND (2024): AN EPIC 10 DAY ITINERARY & BEST THINGS TO DO!

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE NORTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP?

Check out our blog post below for an epic 10 day self-drive North Island road trip, New Zealand (2024)! It includes the full 10 days in North Island travel guide, the best things to do on North Island, the best tours & activities on North Island , where to stay, getting around and much more!

NORTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP: THE ULTIMATE 10 DAY ITINERARY!

For our self-driven 10 day North Island road trip, we head North out from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula, before heading South to Rotorua, Waitomo, Tongariro, Taranaki and our final stop of Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city.

From here, catch the Interislander ferry and continue your New Zealand adventure following our 21 day South Island itinerary .

DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO AUCKLAND, PICK UP YOUR CAMPER & DRIVE TO COROMANDEL

MORNING: ARRIVE INTO AUCKLAND & PICK UP YOUR CAMPERVAN Pick up your rented Britz Campervan from the Auckland branch and immediately make your way out of the city towards the iconic rolling hills of the Coromandel Peninsula, our first destination on your North Island road trip!

AFTERNOON: DRIVE TO COROMANDEL PENINSULA Drive 1 hour 30 minutes (107km) before stopping off at your first supermarket, Pak N Save in Thames (a small town just before heading into Coromandel Peninsula) to load up on your first food shop! There is also a McDonalds just next door should you fancy a quick snack.

Drive the remaining 1 hour (54km) along the scenic coastal road of State Highway 25 until you reach Coromandel town.

AFTERNOON: COROMANDEL DRIVING CREEK RAILWAY Just a short drive out of town you will find Coromandel’s iconic Driving Creek railway. Jump on and take an idyllic steam train ride through the enchanting rainforest.

Wind slowly up the mountain, witnessing the beauty of the Coromandels rolling hills from higher ground.

Fun Fact : There is the option to zip-line at the top of the Drive Creek Railway!

EVENING: SUNSET AT KAURI TRAIL SCENIC SPOT Pack up a picnic and head up along the relatively flat Kauri Block Walk for 10/15 minutes until you reach this idyllic scenic spot . Relax and indulge in the panoramic views of intense blue waters lapping on the many beach coves.

WHERE TO STAY IN COROMANDEL WITH YOUR CAMPERVAN:

For your first night in your camper van, one of our top tips for hiring a campervan is to always stay in a paid and powered site on your first night to ensure the camper van battery is fully charged.

Here are the top paid campsites to stay at in Coromandel: TOP 10 COROMANDEL HOLIDAY PARK 📍 TOP 10 SHELLY BEACH HOLIDAY PARK 📍

Or, click to book into a hotel in Coromandel town ! 🛏️

DAY 2: CATHEDRAL COVE & HOT WATER BEACH

MORNING: DRIVE TO HAHEI, EAST COROMANDEL From Coromandel, drive North for 1 hour 15 minutes (78km) along State Highway 25 to loop the top coast of the peninsula, then heading down to Hahei village on the East coast. Look out for the idyllic Kuaotunu Beach on route!

MORNING: WALK TO CATHEDRAL COVE FROM HAHEI Arrive at the small village of Hahei for Cathedral Cove. Park up at the free visitor parking area in Hahei before making your way to the top of Grange Road to start the 1.6km walking trail to Cathedral Cove – a must do on your North Island road trip!

During the trail it passes two quaint bays, Gemstone & Stingray Bay. Weave through the Remembrance Garden and exotic forest until you reach the steps to the small beach of Cathedral Cove – One of the most beautiful beaches on the North Island. Try and get here as early as possible to avoid crowds.

Top Tip : The  free visitor parking in Hahei is a huge carpark with free toilets. You can either walk 25 minutes for free (gradual uphill route) to the Cathedral Cove trail from here, or pay $7 Adult return for a “Park and Ride” shuttle bus service , which operates 9am-6pm everyday from the car park.

Click to book epic Cathedral Cove based activities! 🏞️

AFTERNOON: HOT WATER BEACH After returning from Cathedral Cove, drive 8 minutes (8km) from Hahei to Hot Water Beach for one of the most unique experiences on the North Island!

Hot Water Beach is a seemingly everyday beach with an incredible secret 20cm below your feet. Geothermal activity below the surface means you can dig your own beach hot spring!

The trick is to find a spot that pivots between a “hot” (up to 64 degrees celsius!) and “cold” area of water to create a “just right” bath temperature. Once you’ve given Goldilocks a run for her money – have a soak, relax and enjoy the view.

Top Tip : There is a Pay & Display car park here if you are not planning on staying in the area.

Top Tip : You will need a big spade! Rent one from the majority of Holiday Parks in the area, we stayed at the TOP 10 Hot Water Beach holiday park (3-minute walk away from the car park) and rented a spade for $5.

Top Tip : The “Hot Water Beach” section is only on a certain 20-metre stretch. Bear left and it is the area between the large rocks and the sea.

Top Tip : Timing is everything! You must visit 2 hours either side of low tide, otherwise the sand area you need will be under water. Ask your accommodation or  check daily tides here .

WHERE TO STAY AT HOT WATER BEACH WITH YOUR CAMPERVAN:

PAID CAMPSITE OPTIONS:

TOP 10 HOT WATER BEACH HOLIDAY PARK 📍 ✔️ 3 minute walk from Hot Water beach. Powered site, spade hire, shared kitchen, lounge room, laundry, toilets and hot showers.

💰 $44 a night (2 people, 1 camper van).

Or, click to book a hotel in Hot Water Beach ! 🛏️

DAY 3: WAIRERE FALLS & EXPLORE ROTORUA TOWN

MORNING: WAIRERE FALLS LOOKOUT From Hot Water Beach, our main destination is Rotorua. However you cannot miss the opportunity to stop off halfway to see the best waterfall on the North Island – the mighty Wairere Falls!

Drive 2 hours 20 minutes (156km) to Wairere Falls track carpark, which is free to park at. From here, it is an incredibly scenic 25 minute walking trail through the forest to the Wairere Falls lower lookout.

Here you can witness this incredibly large waterfall in all its glory!

AFTERNOON: EXPLORE ROTORUA Drive the remaining 1 hour (78km) to the geothermal town of Rotorua. You will certainly be able to smell when you are getting close, as the town has a constant underlying smell of sulphur. Fortunately, you do actually get used to it after a while!

Spend leisurely afternoon walking around the town and its central lake, Lake Rotorua. You can grab some lunch, walk the boardwalk, head to Hamurana Springs, check out the geothermal pools at Kuirau Park or even indulge in a spa afternoon at the renowned Polynesian Spa .

A great free parking spot near the lake is Hatupatu Dr Car Park and Scenic Point .

WHERE TO STAY IN ROTORUA WITH YOUR CAMPERVAN:

COSY COTTAGE THERMAL HOLIDAY PARK 📍 ALL SEASONS HOLIDAY PARK 📍

FREEDOM CAMPING OPTIONS:

LAKEFRONT CAR PARK 📍 GOVERNMENT GARDENS THERMAL AREA 📍

Or, click to book a hotel in Rotorua ! 🛏️

DAY 4: WAI-O-TAPU GEOTHERMAL WONDERLAND, REDWOODS FOREST & MĀORI VILLAGE

MORNING: WAI-O-TAPU GEOTHERMAL WONDERLAND This morning, head to the Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Wonderland, located 25 minutes outside of Rotorua town. Arrive early enough to make sure you catch the daily explosion at 10.50am of the Lady Knox Geyser.

Head first to the Wai-O-Tapu Welcome Centre and ticket office to buy the combined ticket, before heading back on yourself slightly to wait at Lady Knox Geyser for the natural explosion! Afterwards, head back to Wai-O-Tapu car park for the Geothermal Wonderland. The ticket office opens at 8.30am daily.

Follow the trail of violent bubbling, steam and the poignant sulphur smells to discover scorching pools of all colours through the park – from grey, orange, lime green and pink. It takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. There is a gift shop, toilets, and large parking area on-site. 

AFTERNOON: REDWOODS TREETOP WALK, ROTORUA From Wai-O-Tapu, drive 28 minutes (32km) back towards Rotorua for the Whakarewarewa “Redwoods” forest. Here, buy tickets for their enchanting canopy walk, a treetop trail along 28 hanging bridges set high in the Giant Sequoia trees.

Tickets for the day time canopy walk, or even the Nightlight lanterns time tree walk option, are $37 each per adult. Check all options on their website .

Top Tip : There is miles of parking along the road, the best place to park is here near the iSite Visitor Centre . This is where you buy tickets for the Redwoods Bridge Walk.

EVENING: MITAI MĀORI VILLAGE EVENING EXPERIENCE An absolute must in Rotorua is an evening at Mitai Māori Village, an epic experience giving an authentic insight into the thrilling Māori culture.

For 3 hours, be mesmerised at watching the Haka and Poi dances, displays of weapons, warriors in traditional dress paddling an ancient canoe and so much more!

Top Tip : Arrange pick up / drop off from your Rotorua camp ground with the tour operator in advance for free.

Click to book this Mitai Māori Village experience! 🗿🇳🇿🛶

DAY 5: HOBBITON MOVIE SET TOUR & WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES

MORNING: HOBBITON MOVIE SET TOUR Lord of the Rings fans, this is the day your dreams come true! Leave Rotorua early and drive 55 minutes (69km) to the small village of Matamata for the Hobbiton Movie set tour!

Arrive at ‘The Shire’s Rest’ (where your pre-booked Hobbiton tour is based), check in and await your shuttle bus to drive you through to the real film set of The Shire.

The details are breathtaking, step into Hobbiton and spot 40 hobbit hole facades, washing lines, Shire community posters, fishing rods, and even real vegetable patches.

Take a photo next to Bilbo’s infamous “No Admittance” sign outside Bag End. Finish off the tour with your feet up and an included drink in the Green Dragon Pub. Truly a magical experience on your North Island road trip.

Top Tip : Book your Hobbiton tour in advance  to avoid disappointment! This attraction is constantly busy, with groups being taken round the set 10 minutes one after the other. 

Fun Fact : The set has a team of 40+ constantly tending to it – including landscapers, gardeners, prop designers and decorators to keep it pristine all year round.

Click to book your Hobbiton Movie set experience! 🧙‍♂🌋

AFTERNOON: WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES TOUR After your tour, immediately drive 1 hour 15 minutes (88km) to Waitomo for to discover a magical hidden underworld on a  Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour .

Enter delicate cave formations as you and your guide descend further into the darkness. Half-way down, reach the tallest cave chamber – The Cathedral, famous for its incredible acoustics.

Prepare for goosebumps as your Tour Guides song echoes proudly throughout. From this point, a calm silence is required at the dim streams, as glowworms are very sensitive to sound. Step into your boat and prepare to be stunned. Silently gliding, you will see thousands of illuminated glow worms above you sparkling like the night sky. One of the most unique experiences you will do in your North Island road trip that cannot be missed.

Top Tip : The main centre for the Waitomo Caves is instantly recognisable by a large, glass dome structure. Directly opposite is a huge free car park.

Top Tip : It is forbidden to take any photographs or videos at all in the caves to not disturb the sensitive glow worms / cave formations. This includes cameras without flash.

Fun Fact : The Cathedral has hosted a number of celebrities testing out its acoustics, including a performance by Katy Perry!

Fun Fact : The glow worms use their hanging ‘saliva’ strings to collect food, and can have 20-30 dangling at a time. 

Fun Fact : The other epic glowworm cave experience is in Te Anau, on the South Island of New Zealand, which we have included in our South Island itinerary ! 

Click to book your Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour! 🌌🐛

WHERE TO STAY IN WAITOMO WITH YOUR CAMPERVAN:

YHA JUNO HALL, WAITOMO 📍

✔️ Powered site, 5-6 Camper-van spots, 3-minute drive from Waitomo Caves, cosy alpine lodge feel, animals everywhere (dogs / pigs / sheep), huge DVD collection to borrow for free, huge communal kitchen, large communal toilets & hot showers.

Or, click to book a hotel in Waitomo! 🛏️

DAY 6: EXPLORE TAUPO & LAKE TAUPO

MORNING: EXPLORE TAUPO TOWN Today is a flying visit to the centre of the North Island! Drive 2 hours (150km) from Waitomo to the small town of Taupo.

Take time to explore the town, particularly the official “World’s Coolest McDonalds” – an old converted military plane!

AFTERNOON: MINE BAY MĀORI CARVINGS, LAKE TAUPO There are lots of exciting half day activities to do on Lake Taupo, including cruises, kayaking or even paddle boarding to see the Mine Bay Māori rock carvings set in the middle of Lake Taupo!

Top Tip : Taupo offers multiple areas of free parking. We parked here at  Taupo Boat Harbour  down Redoubt Street. It is only a 3 to 5 minute walk into the main town from here.

Click to browse all activities on Lake Taupo! ⛵🌊

EVENING: DRIVE TO NATIONAL PARK VILLAGE After a full day exploring Taupo, head of late afternoon to drive 1 hour 25 minutes (101km) from Taupo to the tiny village of National Park for the night – the closest base for the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike.

As the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will require a very early start tomorrow (the trail is approx 8 hours long), you need to ensure you stay in ‘National Park’ the night before.

There are approximately 3 paid camp grounds available, we stayed and recommend at  Plateau Lodge .

DAY 7: TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING HIKE

FULL DAY: EXPLORE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING HIKE This extremely popular day-hike in the Spring and Summer sees an ants trail of 5000+ people a day freedom hiking across to the volcanic craters and the bright emerald lakes.

Usually, a freedom hike which only requires booking a shuttle from the two different sides of the mountain. Book this shuttle in advance by asking Reception at your camp ground the night before.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing during the Winter: Freedom hiking on Tongariro Alpine Crossing is not permitted in Winter if weather conditions deem it too dangerous, and the usual shuttles will not run.

The only way to complete the hike (or partially) is with a guided company, we recommend  Adventure Outdoors NZ from our own personal experience.

An adult ticket for this guided ticket is $175 each, and includes return transfers, all safety equipment (fleeces, pants, shoes, tops, ice axe, ‘cramp-on’ snow spikes, helmets and sunglasses (to prevent you being ‘snow-blind!).

All this plus extremely friendly, professional guides, who provide arguably the most memorable tour on our North Island road trip!

WHERE TO STAY IN NATIONAL PARK WITH YOUR CAMPERVAN:

PAID CAMPSITES OPTIONS:

PLATEAU LODGE, NATIONAL PARK 📍

✔️ 8-9 Powered sites, cosy communal TV room and kitchen, hot showers and free 30 minute use of the huge hot tub per stay!

Or, click to book a hotel in National Park village! 🛏️

DAY 8: MOUNT TARANAKI HENRY PEAK LOOKOUT

MORNING: DRIVE TO EGMONT NATIONAL PARK Wake up bright and early to drive 3 hours 40 minutes from National Park to Egmont National Park, towards the central giant mountain of Mount Taranaki.

AFTERNOON: HIKE TO HENRY PEAK LOOKOUT POINT Park at this car park at the end of Mangorei Road. This is located at the very start of the Pouakai Circuit walking trail. There are free toilets to use at the car park.

Stretch those legs out from yesterdays hike by walking the scenic 2 hours of the Pouakai Circuit until you reach the iconic Henry Peak Lookout point – a wonderful scenic photo point of Mt. Taranaki in beautifully reflected in the small lake below it!

WHERE TO STAY IN EGMONT NATIONAL PARK WITH YOUR CAMPERVAN:

STRATFORD KIWI MOTELS AND HOLIDAY PARK 📍

MANGAORAKA CAR PARK 📍

Or, click to book a hotel around Egmont National Park! 🛏️

DAY 9: DRIVE TO & EXPLORE WELLINGTON CENTRE

MORNING: DRIVE TO WELLINGTON Drive 4 hours (320km) down to our last stop on our North Island road trip – New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington!

Top Tip : A good half-way point down to Wellington is a town called Levin , you drive straight through on State Highway 1. There is a McDonalds & Countdown supermarket right next to each other.

AFTERNOON: MOUNT VICTORIA & HOBBIT’S HIDEAWAY On route to Wellington town centre, stop off at Mount Victoria Park. The park is located on a hill, so once you level out and catch your breath, take a winding stroll through this lovely green space.

For the best panoramic views of Wellington, head up to the Mount Victoria Lookout . On a clear day, you can even clearly seeing airplanes land and take off from Wellington Airport’s runway!

Attention my Lord of The Rings fans. Mount Victoria forest is also home to the filming location of Hobbits Hideaway , the infamous scene where the Hobbits hide below a tree root from a Ring Wraith in the first movie, the Fellowship of the Ring. Find a park map and follow the yellow (Hataitai-City) route walking route.

AFTERNOON: TE PAPA WATERFRONT MUSEUM Be sure to spare an hour or so visiting the Te Papa Waterfront Museum in Wellington. There are 6 levels to explore, all for free!

The best floor in our opinion is Level 2, with incredibly realistic WETA Workshop figures in the ‘Gallopoli: The Scale of our War’ exhibition. Level 2 also features a Nature Exhibition with New Zealand wildlife taxidermy and an interactive Earthquake house.

If you loved these WETA Workshop figures, you can see even more more by booking a guided tour around the official WĒTĀ workshop . See breathtaking wax-work creatures, models and costumes from films such as Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit!

LATE AFTERNOON: WELLINGTON CENTRE & DINNER Enjoy the rest of your afternoon & evening exploring Wellington city, before grabbing some dinner or have a few cheeky drinks.

Keep your eyes peeled for all of the fun, quirky details around Wellington city centre. This includes lots of street art, funky colourful architecture, pop-up cafés and shops, rainbow zebra crossings and even traffic light figures doing the Haka!

The home of Wellington’s quirks is the pedestrianised Cuba Street , sat between Ghuznee and Manners Street. Here, find delightful independent gift shops, a funky water bucket fountain and weekend markets.

A scenic stroll along Oriental Bay is a great way to wind down your evening.

WHERE TO STAY IN WELLINGTON WITH YOUR CAMPER VAN:

FREEDOM CAMPSITE OPTIONS:

EVANS BAY MARINA CAR PARK 📍

✔️ A freedom Camping site! 20+ close knit spots available, very popular. Get there early (no later than 3pm) to get a spot. It’s a 50-minute walk into Wellington City centre (below Mt Victoria underpass).

Remain parked to not lose your space. 2 on-site toilets. Only self-contained campers are permitted to freedom camp. 

Or, click to book a hotel in Wellington! 🛏️

DAY 10: WELLINGTON CABLE CAR & ZEALANDIA ECO SANCTUARY

MORNING: HOP ON THE WELLINGTON CABLE CAR The infamous Wellington red Cable Car has been connecting hilltop residents to the city for over 100 years – and is one of the top things to do in Wellington! Jump aboard and peacefully plod 5 minutes up the hill, stopping off at 4 small villages on route.

Kelburn is the last stop, where you can find a large free botanical gardens to wander, a space education centre (open Tuesday, Friday evenings and all day weekends), a free small Cable Car museum and shuttle buses to Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary.

Top Tip : The Cable Car ticket office is down this small pathway off Lambton Quay high street. It has a small cable car replica on top of the sign. Return adult ticket is $9.

AFTERNOON: ZEALANDIA ECO SANCTUARY At the last stop of the Wellington cable car (Kelburn), you can catch a short shuttle to transport you to  Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary .

Zealandia is a lush forest nestled just outside of Wellington, and is a unique eco-sanctuary home to over 40 rare species of native New Zealand birds and wildlife.

Explore freely at your own pace, or embark on one of their dawn, day, dusk or night tours on offer, spotting rare birds such as hihi, kākāriki and takahē.

Top Tip : Over 150 Wild Kiwi birds live and roam freely in Zealandia eco-sanctuary. Being nocturnal birds, the best chance to see them is on a guided night tour . There is also a chance to see thousands of glow worms after dark!

Click to book your Zealandia Eco Sanctuary day admission ticket! 🥝🐦🦜🦋

DAY 11: INTERISLANDER FERRY TO SOUTH ISLAND

And that’s it! You have officially completed our self-drive 10 day New Zealand North Island road trip itinerary!

Now, catch the Interislander Ferry from Wellington port to continue your New Zealand adventure following our 21-day South Island road trip itinerary !

HOW TO GET TO NORTH ISLAND, NEW ZEALAND

Getting to new zealand north island by air:.

If you are looking to get to the North Island directly from another country, the most convenient method for you is to fly into Auckland airport (AKL) if you are coming from outside of New Zealand. Check Skyscanner for the best deals on your dates .

GETTING TO NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND BY VEHICLE:

If you are heading to the North Island from the South Island by camper van or car, the best way to get to the South Island is by taking the Interislander ferry from Picton to Wellington across the Cook Strait, the body of water dividing North and South islands.

This is the only way to travel between New Zealand’s islands with a vehicle. You will need to declare your vehicle when booking your ticket directly from the Interislander’s website .

GETTING TO NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND BY PUBLIC BUS:

For those not hiring a camper van and using a flexible hop-on, hop-off bus pass to explore New Zealand (for example, the Kiwi Experience bus ), your Interislander ferry ticket to get to the North Island should be included in your bus itinerary package.

HOW TO GET AROUND THE NORTH ISLAND

Getting around north island by campervan.

The most convenient and budget-friendly method to get around the North Island is by hiring a self-contained camper van.

This gives you 100% flexibility on your plans and saves money on expensive daily hotels by having the option to freedom camp. We recommend hiring a campervan from Britz New Zealand .

GETTING AROUND NORTH ISLAND BY CAR

However, if you want the flexibility of driving your own car, but favour the comfort of daily accommodation over the campervan lifestyle, your best option is to rent a car . In this case, you’re going to need accommodation! ⬇

Click book all your North Island hotel s !

Or, click to book all your North Island budget friendly hostels !

NEW ZEALAND PACKING LIST

• Travel plug adaptor to suit ‘Type I’
• Your in-date driving license for campervan hire!
• Smaller ‘day pack’ to keep your items together while exploring.
• Waterproof / durable hiking boots
• Walking boot socks
• Lightweight waterproof poncho
• Layers to suit any notorious changes in New Zealand weather: from tank tops, to long sleeved tops, jumpers, fleece, leggings, thermal socks.
• Comfortable walking shoes for inner city, i.e. trainers, converse etc.
• Buy 1x large cheap coat when you’re out there (Winter months)
• Sun cream (high ozone here)
• Refillable water bottle
• Microfibre towel (fast drying)
• Powered battery pack for your phone
• First aid kit with blister plasters, plasters, anti-septic cream etc.

DRIVING ON THE NORTH ISLAND: QUICK AND USEFUL FACTS

Parking on North Island, New Zealand We found most destinations below on our North Island road trip usually had free parking options designated for cars and campervans.

The Roads of North Island, New Zealand New Zealand drive on the left-hand side of the road (same as the UK). The majority of New Zealand’s roads are ‘State Highways’, effectively single carriageways. Every 10/15 minutes or so, there are usually signposted and designated ‘passing lanes’ on the State Highways, allowing slower vehicles (i.e. campers and lorries) to pull in for a few hundred yards to let trailing cars pass you.

ABOUT NORTH ISLAND: “KNOW BEFORE YOU GO” FAQ’S

What is the north island of new zealand known for.

The North Island of New Zealand in particular is known for its active geothermal activity from volcanoes, hot springs and sulphur pools.

It is also famous for its insight into its strong Māori culture at the Māori village in Rotorua, being the birthplace of Hobbiton and for its sub-tropical beaches and rolling green hills.

IS NORTH ISLAND WORTH VISITING?

Absolutely! The North Island of New Zealand has so much to see and do in even a short period of time. Despite the South Island being more popular due to its landscapes, the North Island also has so much to offer and should not be overshadowed!

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND?

Generally, the North Island of New Zealand is sub-tropical, with comfortable climates throughout the majority of the year.

If warmer weather is what you are after in particular, the North Island is better to visit in the Winter over a much colder South Island!

The further North you go, the warmer it gets. Even in Winter, you can sunbathe at the Bay of Islands on the North Island.

If a quieter experience is what you prefer, we believe the overall best time of year to do a New Zealand North Island road trip are the two shoulder seasons (Autumn and Spring):

• Autumn (March – May) : Beautiful autumnal colours on the trees. • Spring (September – November) : Ranges from warm and sunny to cold frosts. Expect beautiful new foliage and baby lambs everywhere you go!  

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED FOR A NORTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP?

The North Island of New Zealand is bursting with incredible things to see and honestly, to see everything would take a good month or so.

However, for a short trip, we believe 10 days is the minimum amount of time required to drive around and explore the North Island of New Zealand.

WHAT SHOULD I NOT MISS ON NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND?

If you follow our EPIC self-drive 10 day New Zealand North Island road trip itinerary above (which we have personally trialed and tested), you will absolute see all the things you should not miss.

CONCLUSION: NORTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP

To conclude – while this 10 day self-driven North Island road trip does include a lot of driving, it makes it all worth it being able to include all of the key sights, activities and experiences you can not miss while on the North Island!

In such a short amount of time you can see epic landscapes, mighty waterfalls, visit Hobbiton, see magical glowworm caves, dig your own beach hot spring, hike Tongariro crossing, witness Mt Taranaki and explore quirky Wellington.

We hope that this travel guide has helped you immensely to book your own epic road trip around the North Island, and that you have the most amazing time here.

This blog post was written by… Jordie Flain! Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com, Travel Itinerary Creator & Wildlife Enthusiast

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Jordie Flain is the owner and author of The Flains Travel, a travel blog with emphasis on ethical wildlife experiences, "seen to be believed" natural beauty and "real magic" phenomena, such as the northern lights. Jordie crafts every itinerary and post to perfection for travellers to follow and get the very most out of their time in a destination.

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North Island New Zealand: 2-Week Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Island itinerary contents

About this itinerary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 Week North Island

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

10 Days North Island

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

2 Weeks North Island

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

3 Weeks North Island

Lucky you; you’ve got options!

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

If you’re looking for an alternative…

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

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

Choosing your campervan or car rental

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Campervan Rental in New Zealand: Ultimate Guide

Ultimate Guide to Planning a Campervan Trip in New Zealand

Car Rental in New Zealand: Essential Guide + Tips

North Island itinerary overview

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

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

Day 5: Hike to Pinnacles Hut

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

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

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

• Day 12: Taupo

Day 13: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Day 14: wellington, north island itinerary map.

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

At a glance: Find your Auckland accommodation and start exploring

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

Get a SIM card

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

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

Do you prefer an eSIM? We DO!

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

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

Airport to Auckland

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

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

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

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

Things to go in Auckland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waiheke Island

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Campervan road trip begins!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do near Piha Beach

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

Where to stay 

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

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

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

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

Karekare Waterfall

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

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

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

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

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

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

Instead we’d recommend visiting the Nikau Cave . 

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

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

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

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

Karangahake Gorge hike

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

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

Owharoa Falls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pinnacles Hut hike

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

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

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

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

Personal Story: 

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

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

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

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

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

Pinnacles Hut

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Pinnacles sunrise and Coromandel Peninsula

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

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

Pinnacles sunrise hike

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

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

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

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

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

Coromandel Peninsula

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Chums Beach

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

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

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

Hot Water Beach

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to eat in Hahei 

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

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

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

Cathedral Cove

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sea kayaking to Donut Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hobbiton movie set tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mount Maunganui (Mauao) hike

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

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

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

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

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

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

Okere Falls

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

The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest

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

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

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

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

Government Park near downtown

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

Polynesian Spa

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

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

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

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

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

Things to do in Rotorua

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

Tutukau Gorge Jet Boat Ride and The Squeeze

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

Check out prices and reviews on TripAdvisor .

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

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

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

Velocity Valley

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

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

Walks and hikes near Rotorua 

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

Lake Tarawera

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

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

Maori cultural experience

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

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

There are two main Maori cultural experiences in Rotorua:

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

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

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

Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park – same as Day 9.

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

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

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

Rainbow Mountain Track

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

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

Kerosene Creek

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

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

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

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

Wai-O-Tapu Geothermals

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

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

Where to eat in Taupo 

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

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

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

Day 12: Lake Taupo

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

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

Things to Do in Lake Taupo

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

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

Sailboat tour to the Maori Carvings

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

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

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

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

Bungy Jumping

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

Mountain Biking

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

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

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

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

Prepare for Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to know before you hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

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

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

What’s Next?

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Don’t miss Wellington!”

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

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

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

Things to do in Wellington

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

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

Going to the South Island

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

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

Interislander Cook Strait Ferry

Google Maps location

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

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry

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

What to pack for your trip to New Zealand

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

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

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

New Zealand North Island itinerary FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you planning a trip to New Zealand?

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

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

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We want to hear from you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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New Zealand North Island Road trip – 2 week itinerary

• July 14, 2020
• Oceania , New Zealand

Geothermal hot springs, glow worm caves, 2000-year-old trees, white sandy beaches, massive volcanoes and heaps of other crazy landscapes; New Zealand’s North Island has it all and so much more!

The list of things that you can do on New Zealand’s North Island is almost never-ending, and you can spend months or even years exploring without seeing it all (I know I did!).

If you only have a few weeks, it can feel like a mind-boggling task to choose what to see and what to skip. But don’t worry, I got you covered! I did multiple trips to the North Island, even lived in Auckland for a while and in total, I spent about a year exploring the North Island. Safe to say, I already did all the research for you!

By following this 2-week New Zealand North Island itinerary you’ll cover all the best things to do and see, and take the optimal route to make the most out of your time on the North Island.

P.S. This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase following one of these links we’ll get a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only share products and services that we love and believe you will love too.

Who is this itinerary for?

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This New Zealand itinerary of the North Island takes you the long way around from Auckland to Wellington and shows you all the highlights to help you make the most of your time here.

To follow this itinerary you will need your own wheels. The best way to explore New Zealand is by campervan, but if you prefer to get a car instead that is fine too, we’ve included where to stay in both cases.

If you’ve been road tripping around New Zealand’s South Island first and just took the ferry up to Wellington, then just follow this itinerary in reverse.

We’ve written this itinerary for people who like to make the most out of their time when travelling, but without rushing. This means taking the time to experience what this beautiful country has to offer, seeing the highlights as well as some more obscure places, and taking in the scenery and incredible views.

This itinerary is for you if you don’t mind driving each day, you love authentic experiences and exploring and sightseeing out in nature.

Book your NZ North Island must-dos:

• Auckland SkyTower
• Donut Island
• Maori cultural experience
• Hobbiton movie set
• Waitomo glowworms
• Rotorua geothermal parks & spas
• Hawkes Bay wine tasting

Two weeks is the optimal amount of time for a New Zealand North Island road trip. 10 days is the minimum amount of time you need to see the highlights of New Zealand’s North Island. Less than 10 days would mean rushing and skipping a lot, and that is not something we advocate for.

Depending on how much time you have to spend on New Zealand’s North Island, you can shorten or lengthen this two-week itinerary as follows:

10 days – If you have 10 days in New Zealand’s North Island, then follow this itinerary, but skip going north of Auckland (day 3, 4, 5, and 6). This makes your route a New zealand North Island 10 day itinerary. If you have less than 10 days to spend, then this itinerary is not for you.

14/15 days – Great! Then this is the itinerary for you. Follow it from A to Z to get the most out of your time on the North Island.

3 weeks or more – Awesome! This allows you to go off the beaten path a bit to see some really unique places. Have a look at the three-week New Zealand North Island road trip route at the end of this article for suggestions on more amazing things to do in New Zealand’s North Island!

2 Week Itinerary Overview

DAY 1 – Auckland DAY 2 – Waiheke Island or Piha DAY 3 – Paihia DAY 4 – Bay of Island DAY 5 – Cape Reinga DAY 6 – Waipoua Forest DAY 7 – Cathedral Cove DAY 8 – Donut Island DAY 9 – Rotorua DAY 10 – Taupo OPTIONAL DAY – Tongariro Crossing DAY 11 – Waitomo DAY 12 – Taranaki Peninsula DAY 13 – Drive to Wellington DAY 14 – Wellington

Day 1 – Auckland

Kia ora, and welcome to Aotearoa; the land of the long white cloud! After landing in Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city, get a SIM card (so you can look up and follow this itinerary on the go) and then you can start exploring!

Either get a taxi or hop on the SkyBus to make your way into Auckland. This shuttle bus takes you directly from the airport into Auckland CBD for $22.5, which unless you’re travelling in a group, is a lot cheaper than a taxi.

While you probably decided to visit New Zealand for its natural beauty (and a big city like Auckland doesn’t really fit into that picture), this is the best place to start from and Auckland offers some really cool things that are worth checking out. You can explore on your own or join this guided tour of the city. Let’s start exploring!

Read next: Auckland Itinerary Where to stay in Auckland Best Day Trips from Auckland

Let’s start the day with something exciting, and check out the Sky Tower. This 328 meter high telecommunications tower is the most iconic building in Auckland’s skyline, and you can go up to its observation deck … to then jump off of it.

Wait, what? Yes, you can jump off of the Sky Tower. On the 53rd floor at 192 meters high sits the SkyJump . For $158 you can jump off the Sky Tower and safely land on your feet at ground level! They do this by attaching you to a cable system that slows you down when you get close to the ground. We can say from personal experience that stepping off the edge is a bit scary, possibly even scarier than bungy jumping, but the thrill you get as you soar down makes you instantly forget that!

If jumping off feels like too much, but you still want to see the view, then buy this Skip the Line ticket that gets you access to the upper levels as well. Between the 50th and 60th floor, there is a café, two restaurants and two observation decks, the highest of which at 220 meters high, giving views up to 82 kilometers in the distance.

Right, after that excitement it’s best to do something more relaxed and with both feet on the ground. And learning about the Māori people and Maori culture and history seems appropriate since you’re in New Zealand.

The Auckland War Memorial Museum which has a permanent Māori exhibition. The whole ground floor is filled with Māori treasures and items like a massive canoe called a “ waka ”, totems, weapons, and even a beautifully decorated Māori meeting house called a “ wharenui ”. This museum is a great place to get a bit of an understanding of the lives of New Zealand’s first settlers.

Get tickets for the museum here .

Auckland is built on top of 50 volcanoes, The highest of which is Mount Eden . This 196-meter high hill stands in the middle of the city. You can take public transport to the base of the hill or visit as part of this city tour.

Mt Eden hill and its surroundings are covered in greenery and on a sunny day its a beautiful area to go for a walk, but the real appeal is the summit. From the summit, you can look straight down into what used to be the volcano’s crater, and you get 360-degree panoramic views over the whole city.

By now you’re probably hungry, and that’s a good thing because one thing we do really like in Auckland is the bar and restaurant selection. There are heaps of little eat streets full of bars, café and restaurants that serve all sorts of good food, and best of all; craft beer. We LOVE craft beer, and New Zealand is great at it! If you’re a bit of a beer conouseur, make sure to book this craft beer tour.

For good food, we recommend taking a stroll on either High Street or at the Waterfront. High Street has a lot of options for good food, from chique restaurants for fine dining to little cafés and takeaway Asian fusion. The Waterfront doesn’t have any options for fine dining, but the food there is still good and the vibe and scenery are awesome. If you consider yourself a foodie or would like to learn more about NZ wine, make sure to join this food tour with a local guide which will also take you through the markets.

For drinks the options are pretty overwhelming in Auckland. The city alone already has more than 200 breweries, and that number just keeps rising. We really like Brother Beer City Works Depot for their tasty craft beers, industrial look and relaxed atmosphere, or 16 Tun for their insane amount of craft beers on tap and their location by The Waterfront.

Chic Princes Wharf Studio

HOME WITH VIEWS

This studio offers a chic escape in the heart of the action, with stunning harbor views and easy access to the city’s top attractions.

CHECK PRICES

SO/ Auckland

STYLISH & CENTRAL

Fusing urban luxury with creative design, avant-garde décor, exciting events, and delicious food, SO/Auckland brings a whole new level of fun to your stay.

Park Hyatt Auckland

HARBOUR LIVING

An exquisite waterfront retreat with world-class amenities, stunning vistas, and unparalleled hospitality in the heart of the city.

Today starts with a choice. Either spend the day on an island full of wineries just off the coast of Auckland or pick up your car/campervan and start your New Zealand road trip by going to the beach.

Which choice to make depends on what you like to do and on your budget. Waiheke Island is considered a bit of an upscale place and tends to be pricier than the mainland. If you can afford to splurge a little, we wholeheartedly recommend you opt for Waiheke Island as it’s absolutely stunning. And did we mention the wine?

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is an island just off the coast of Auckland. Known for its beaches and wineries. It is a popular escape from the busy city among locals and tourists alike.

In the morning, check out of your accommodation and make your way to the wharf to take the Passenger Ferry to Waiheke Island. The ferry goes every half an hour, takes about 45 minutes to get there. Buy your ferry ticket here .

Drop off your bags at your accommodation and check out the beach. We recommend either Oneroa Beach , which is a nicely sheltered beach but tends to get quite busy, or Onetangi Beach , the island’s largest beach that is great for swimming and has lots of cafés and restaurants around.

When you’ve soaked up enough sunshine, let’s taste some of that wine that Waiheke Island is so famous for! Book your hop-on, hop-off bus ticket to explore the wineries on your own or join this group tour if you’d like some company.

There are countless wineries to choose from, but we recommend Tantalus Estate because on top of good wine they have delicious craft beer as well. Alternatively, take a look at Obsidian. We love them for their down-to-earth simplicity and incredible wine.

In the evening everyone heads to Charlie Farley’s for a drink. Located right next to Onetangi Beach this is arguably the island’s most popular pub. We’re sure you’ll understand why once you’re sitting on their deck with a drink while watching the sunset.

Kiwi House Waiheke

PERSONAL TOUCH

This cute bed and breakfast looks like the perfect holiday house. The owners have put heaps of thought and effort into the interior and decoration, giving the whole place a lot of character. Oh and the breakfast is delicious!

GREAT LOCATION Prefer having your own place? At Four Huia, you get your own little chalet with a garden, terrace, and a balcony with sea views. It is also just a stone’s throw away from Oneroa Beach and a bus stop on the main bus lane.

The Moorings Studio Apartments

AMAZING VIEW Your own luxury apartment with arguably the best views on the whole island. The Moorings Studio Apartments is next to a bus stop, and only a few minutes away by foot from the ferry terminal, which makes arriving and leaving super easy.

Driving distance: 40 km | driving time: 45 minutes

Alright, time to really start your North Island road trip! Have a good breakfast in Auckland and get ready to start exploring New Zealand’s North Island.

Make your way to your rental vehicle pick-up location. If you’ve opted for a campervan (you really should!), then the campervan rental company will show you all the features of the van and explain how everything works. It might seem complicated, but folding down the bed, filling and emptying the water tanks, and using the battery is actually pretty simple and straightforward.

If you prefer to roadtrip in a car then have a look at Discover Cars to find the best deals. They let you easily compare offers from different car rental companies and offer pick up and drop off locations all across the country.

In either case, make sure that you can drop off your rental vehicle in Wellington or on the South Island if you’re planning to cross over after your North Island road trip. This will allow you to explore a lot more as you don’t have to drive back to Auckland.

Pack all your stuff into your vehicle, and drive to the supermarket to stock up on some supplies (remember to drive on the left side of the road!). Make use of the fact that you’re still in a big city and do your grocery shopping at PAK’n’SAVE. They are the cheapest supermarket chain in the country, but you only find their supermarkets in the bigger cities.

Time to hit the road and drive to Piha ! Actually, if it isn’t late in the afternoon yet, you can take a short detour and check out the Karekare Falls on the way to Piha. These falls definitely won’t be the most impressive waterfall you’ll see in New Zealand’s North Island, but it’s still pretty to look at, easy to get to and has a nice plunge pool at the bottom that is perfect for a little dip.

After your short stop at the waterfall (if you had time for it), continue to Piha. This tiny coastal is town well known for its awesome surf, beautiful beach and stunning sunsets. But before you run in for a surf, make sure that you know what you’re doing. The current and riptides in Piha are strong and conditions on the water can change quickly, making it dangerous for less experienced surfers.

Danger aside, Piha is an incredibly scenic beach. Lion Rock , a big rock in the middle of the beach that looks like a lying male lion, and the black colour of the sand give it this moody and rugged feel that is so typical to New Zealand. Make sure you find a nice and comfy spot on the beach in the evening, because you don’t want to miss the sunset here that lights up the sky in all shades of red, purple and pink.

Piha Domain Motor Camp

BEST CAMPERVAN OPTION

This is the only option for campervans in Piha, but that doesn’t mean it is a bad option. The camp is only a few minutes to the beach by foot, they have a decent kitchen, and clean bathroom and toilet facilities.

Piha Beachstay Accommodation

GREAT VALUE

This lovely homestay has both dorm rooms and private rooms. If you’re on a tight budget, go for the dorm rooms. If you want more comfort and privacy, then opt for a private room.

Romantic Piha

INCREDIBLE VIEW

This holiday house has everything you could possibly wish for. It is beautifully designed, has spacious and luxurious rooms, a big sundeck and the most incredible ocean views.

Day 3 – Paihia

Driving distance: 263 km | driving time: 3 hours, 50 minutes

Hope you rested well in the past few days, because from today on most days will consist of a lot of driving, all the way to Paihia in the winterless north. This buzzing town is known as the gateway to the Bay of Islands and in summer there are always plenty of things to do here.

If you stayed on Waiheke Island last night, then take the ferry back to Auckland in the morning and do the steps we’ve described above under “Pick up your rental vehicle ” and head straight to Paihia.

If you stayed in Piha last night, got up early and don’t mind driving a bit more (what, even more?!), then we suggest driving to Muriwai before heading on to Paihia. Muriwai has a black sand beach just like in Piha, but the coolest thing here is a massive gannet colony. What is a gannet I hear you think? Don’t worry if you don’t know, Tom thought that they were Pelicans when he first saw them (he can be a bit silly sometimes). Gannets are large seabirds that sorta resemble seagulls.

Now you probably won’t get too excited by the thought of seagulls and already fear getting pooped on, but hear us out. Gannets are massive. They have a wingspan of two meters and this colony consists of roughly 2500 of them. The birds are nested on two massive limestone pillars that rise up out of the sea, and a short walking path leads to a viewing platform right above the colony from where you can see them fly off and land again with hundreds at a time.

Even if you don’t care about seeing the birds, seeing the awesome cliffside rock formations still makes visiting this place worthwhile.

When you’re done watching the birds and possibly got pooped on – sorry, it can happen – get back behind the wheel and continue to Paihia.

One of the most popular activities in the Paihia area is skydiving , and it’s easy to see why with such amazing scenery. On top of that, they also have New Zealand’s highest skydive here at 20.000 feet! The thrill of jumping out of a plane and then soar in the sunshine over turquoise waters and golden sands underneath you sounds like something that perfectly fits into a New Zealand adventure, right?

Read next: Skydiving in New Zealand

Scared of heights, or can’t swing the costs of skydiving? Then how about some history and culture! Next to Paihia lies Waitangi, one of the most significant places in New Zealand’s history.

Waitangi is the place where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. This treaty was signed to enable the British settlers and the Māori people to live together in New Zealand under common law. The treaty was signed on the 6th of February 1840, and nowadays the 6th of February is a national holiday called Waitangi Day.

On these grounds you’ll find a museum that offers educational content and a performance. Make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Even though Paihia is a small town, it still has a more than decent nightlife. This becomes abundantly clear if you stroll into Kings Road after 9 PM. The Base Backpackers Hostel and Bay Adventurer Hostel organize pub crawls to check out all the bars in town. If a pub crawl is not your thing and you prefer something more low-key then we recommend heading to the Sandpit to play some pool or to Thirty30 for some delicious craft beers.

Bay Adventurer Backpacker & Apartments

Right on Kings Road in the middle of Paihia, it has the best location in town for a budget price. They offer dorms, private rooms, and apartments. There is free WiFI and an outdoor swimming pool.

Check prices

Paihia BEach House

GREAT BREAKFAST

This beautiful bed and breakfast is located across the street from the beach, just outside the busy town center. The rooms are large and comfortable, the hosts are super hospitable and helpful, and the breakfast is delicious!

The Waterfront Suites

BEAUTIFUL VIEW

Your own luxurious suite on the waterfront just a few minutes stroll from the wharf. These big and modern rooms come with a private balcony with stunning sea views, world-class service, and a heated swimming pool. What more could you want?!

Seaview Holiday Park – This is your best campervan option. For $15 per person, you get a spot, cooking and washing facilities, and hot showers. Find it in the Campermate app.

Day 4 – Bay of Islands

While Paihia is a fun town, the real appeal of the Bay of Islands is its 144 subtropical islands full of hidden coves and beautiful sandy beaches. And what better way to explore this than by boat?!

It’s time to explore the Bay of Islands on a boat tour! Most day cruises will tour you around the bays and islands, do a stopover on one of the islands for lunch, and anchor a couple of times to go swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding/kayaking.

This 5-hour cruise is a lot of fun and includes two stopovers on remote islands, walking up to a viewpoint overlooking the Bay of Islands, and snorkelling and paddleboarding, but the boats are quite small.

For something more comfortable, go for the Barefoot Sailing Adventures cruise on a catamaran. This boat is way nicer and the tour includes basically the same but swaps the viewpoint for a visit to a wildlife sanctuary.

If you’d like to take the sailing aspect a bit further then opt for this private sailing experience.

You’ll probably see loads of advertisements for dolphin cruises when you’re in Paihia and might be wondering why we’re not recommending a dolphin cruise. That’s because swimming with dolphins has recently been banned in the Bay of Islands, and we feel that is wrong to chase dolphins around. Seeing dolphins is awesome, but only if they come to you out of free will. Dolphins are still wild animals and should be treated that way. On top of that, there are way better places to see dolphins in New Zealand . That said, chances are that some dolphins will come to say hi somewhere along your Bay of Islands cruise.

Stay in the same place you stayed the previous night in Paihia.

Day 5 – Cape Reinga

Driving distance: 331 km | driving time: 4 hours, 37 minutes

Onwards to the far north! Well, as far north as you can go in New Zealand. This area is known for its wild beaches, massive sand dunes and rugged, wind-swept sceneries. Once you pass Kaitaia, there are no more towns other than a few tiny settlements, so make sure you have enough food, water and fuel to get to Cape Reinga and back.

On your way north, make a stop somewhere along Ninety Mile Beach. Other than its name would suggest, Ninety Mile Beach isn’t actually ninety miles, but “only” 88 kilometers (or 55 miles) long. The craziest thing about this beach isn’t its length, but that it is an official New Zealand highway. Unfortunately, most rental companies won’t allow you to take your rental vehicle onto the beach because people often get stuck or get caught in the incoming tide.

If you’re into surfing you’ll probably get excited to find out that 90-mile beach has one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world. And if you’re not into surfing, how about blo-karting on the beach or just simply working on your summer tan?

Cape Reinga is the end of the road, literally. Although it isn’t officially the northernmost point of New Zealand, it is as far as you can go. The northernmost point is North Cape, further to the east (and a tiny bit to the north), but that isn’t publicly accessible. Regardless of it being the northernmost point, Cape Reinga is a stunning sight.

Right in front of the cape, you can clearly see two different coloured bodies of water meet. This is where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean turbulently clash, or so is said; the truth about these oceans colliding is a bit more complicated.

Not only is the cape with its lighthouse on top an incredibly picturesque sight, but the cape is also a place of local mythology. At the tip of the cape stands an 800 years old pohutukawa tree. According to Māori belief, the spirits of deceased Māori ascend from this tree to let the ocean take them away to their ancestral homeland.

Cape Reinga is quite a tourist hotspot, and the deck around the lighthouse is often swarming with people. Fortunately the cliffs in the surrounding area are at least as an impressive sight as the lighthouse. From the car park, walk towards the lighthouse until the path splits. Take a left here and go down the steps. Keep walking for a few more minutes and you’re most likely all by yourself with cliffside views that just keep getting better and better.

We’ve already mentioned the sand dunes twice, and now on the way back down from Cape Reinga is the time to see them. The Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes do their name justice because they are truly massive. They go up to heights of 150 meters and are seriously steep. Climbing up is difficult, but once you’re on top it almost feels like you’re in the middle of a vast desert.

The real fun is in going down again, especially when sandboarding down.

In order to do so, get a sandboard from one of the vendors along the road and see how far you can go. Zi made it almost all the way down before coming to a stop, and Tom thought he could beat that, but dove headfirst into the sand instead. Now you might think that won’t happen to you, but it’s honestly a lot harder than it looks!

Beachcomber Lodge & Backpacker

BEST VALUE Located just off the town center close to shops and stores, this is the most popular hostel in Kaitaia. They offer both dorms and private rooms and have a bar and restaurant on site.

Orana Motor Inn

GREAT LOCATION Located in the middle of town, this hotel offers super comfy beds, an outdoor pool, and a restaurant on site.

Kiwi Call Cottage

BEAUTIFUL SCENERY

This comfortable cottage is beautifully located amidst lush green hills. The cottage itself is spacious, modern and stylish. It has a massive garden and also comes with a hot tub! Look up at night, because the night sky is extremely clear from here

If you have a campervan, then you can stay at the Tapotupotu Camping Area close to Cape Reinga. This remote DOC campsite lies next to a beautiful secluded bay with a rugged beach. There is no phone signal, no potable water, and only cold showers, making staying here a real off the beaten path adventure.

Keep in mind that if you choose to spend the night here instead of in Kaitaia, you do add another hour and a half of driving to your day tomorrow, which already consists of a lot of driving. But if you don’t mind driving a bit more and have a campervan, then staying at this campsite is really worth it in our opinion.

Day 6 – Waipoua Forest

Driving distance: 348 km | driving time: 5 hours, 26 minutes

Today you’ll walk amidst the ancients in Waipoua Forest. Some of these trees are so old that they were already there long before the Māori people arrived in New Zealand. When driving from Kaitaia, take the ferry from Kohukohu to Rawene instead of going around. This saves you a considerable amount of time and distance driving.

This big native forest is special because of the many kauri trees that stand in it. Kauri trees are big coniferous trees that only grow on New Zealand’s North Island, and the biggest of them stands in the middle of Waipoua Forest. This tree is called “ Tāne Mahuta ”, which means God of the Forest, and in Māori belief, this tree is actually considered a God. It stands 51 meters tall, but even more impressive is its girth of over 13 meters. That equals at least 8 people standing around it with their arms spread wide.

A short walk takes you from the road going through the forest to this behemoth of a tree where a guide stands to tell you its story if you want to hear it. Tāne Mahuta is estimated to be 2000 years old but isn’t even the oldest Kauri tree in the forest. The oldest Kauri tree is Te Matua Ngahere , meaning Father of the Forest, and is estimated to be nearly 3000 years old.

If you liked walking in the forest and seeing these incredible trees, then also stop a bit further down the road to see the Four Sisters and Te Matua Ngahere.

After passing the town of Dargaville you’re driving through mostly flat farmland, except from one hill standing out, visible from miles away. This is Tokatoka Peak , and you should walk to the top! Don’t worry, this isn’t some strenuous hike.

Tokatoka Peak isn’t even that high, but because the surrounding area is so flat you can see very, very far from the top. It takes only 20 minutes to get to the top and is a nice activity to break up the driving. Do wear proper shoes though because the track is quite steep.

After climbing Tokatoka peak (and having a picnic on the top) drive onward to Auckland. If you’d like another break from driving then make a quick stop in Warkworth , where another impressive Kauri tree stands.

Stay in the same place you stayed the last time in Auckland.

Day 7 – Cathedral Cove

Driving distance: 237 km | driving time: 3 hours, 23 minutes

Today you get to sleep in, yay! With less than four hours of driving and only one sightseeing spot on the agenda today you can take it easy. After a lazy morning, drive to the Coromandel Peninsula.

But if you’re an early riser and want to see more of the Coromandel, make sure to check out out Coromandel travel guide for more beautiful spots and activities on this peninsula.

The Coromandel Peninsula might well be our favourite area on the North Island so it’s totally worth waking up for! Secluded bays, misty rainforest,cliffside views and the best beaches in New Zealand’s North Island are awaiting here.

Take the costal road in Thames, then drive straight to Hahei. Park at Hahei Beach and start getting excited for the magical Cathedral Cove , an absolute must see in New Zealand’s North Island.

An easy and beautiful 45-minute walk takes you from the beach, through the trees, over a grassy saddle with wide-open ocean views to the insanely picturesque Cathedral Cove and its adjacent near-perfect beaches.

If you prefer to explore by water then this boat tour is the perfect choice for you.

Cathedral Cove’s main feature is the massive picture-perfect archway that frames the Te Hoho Rock that rises up from the sea just right and gives passage from one beach to the other. Just off the beach more rocks rise up out of the water to make the scenery more interesting, and if you feel like shenanigans today then swim out to the flat rock to do some acrobatic jumps off of it.

In summer Cathedral Cove gets really crowded during the day, so we recommend to walk here a few hours before sunset so you have time for a swim and to relax on the beach, and then stay for an amazing sunset. We went here for sunset on a weekday in summer and had the whole cove to ourselves for most of the evening. Remember to bring a torch with you as the walk back will be in the dark.

Read Next: All you need to know about Cathedral Cove

When the sun is down, make your way back to your car or campervan and drive to the laid-back surf town Whangamata. It will be dark by now so you won’t see much of it, but that will change tomorrow.

Surf N Stay Whangamata

This hostel is only one street away from the beach, so you wake up to the sound of the waves rolling onto the shore. They offer both dorms and private rooms and have a surf school and surf rental in the hostel.

Brook Lodge

BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

Located a bit away from the town center, staying in this peaceful lodge set amidst a jungle garden feels like a getaway. All rooms have their own patio, they have a beautiful garden and sun deck, and a spa and wellness center.

Whangamata Vistas B&B

BEST BREAKFAST Overlooking the harbour, the marina, and the pacific ocean this place has the best views in town. They offer very large and comfortable rooms, have a big sundeck, and an amazing breakfast is included.

Whangamata Information Centre Carpark – This is your best campervan option. Free overnight campervan parking in town. Usually, it doesn’t completely fill up, but if it is full check the Whangamata Marina for $10 per person instead. Find both in the Campermate app.

Day 8 – Donut Island

Driving distance: 184 km | driving time: 2 hours, 49 minutes.

Wake up nice and early, head to the beach and park at this overnight campervan parking . If you have a campervan, you’re probably wondering why we didn’t tell you to stay the night here. Well, there are only three spots available for overnight parking, and in summer they are basically always full.

Anyway, this is where you should park now because it is the closest you can park to Whenuakura Island , more commonly knows as Donut Island . Donut Island is an old dormant volcano where a cave-in left it with an open roof and a flooded center. The center of the island can be accessed from the sea through a cave opening, and for us going here is one of our absolute favourite experiences to date!

Put on your togs (Kiwi slang for swimwear), rent a kayak or paddleboard from the beach for $30 per person and paddle to Donut Island . But beware of the tides and currents.

If you’re not used to paddling out on the ocean it is best to book this kayaking tour to Donut island.

The opening is on the south-eastern side of the island and paddling there takes about half an hour one way. We assure you that it will be one of the most awesome things you’ll do in New Zealand.

When you’re back from Donut Island you’ve most certainly worked up an appetite, so now is a great moment to head into town. Take a stroll on Whangamata’s main street to peek into all the quirky boutique shops and then grab some food at Soul Burger . They’re a serious contender for serving the country’s best burger if you ask us!

Coromandel: 24 amazing things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula

Cathedral Cove:   A guide to Cathedral Cove

Donut Island:   How to paddle or kayak to Donut Island

After you’ve munched down a delicious soul burger (or two, we won’t judge) drive to Matamata for a must-do for any Lord of the Rings fan; the Hobbiton movie set ! If you are a fan, then this place is most definitely already high up on your ‘NZ bucket list’, and if you don’t like Lord of the Rings, then just skip this activity.

The Hobbiton film set is the only film set from the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies that hasn’t been broken down after filming, instead, it has been turned into an open-air museum. To enter Hobbiton you need to pre-book tickets , so make sure that’s covered before heading there.

During the two-hour long tour through The Shire, you get a chance to see 37 hobbit holes. This includes Bag End where you can imagine Bilbo and Frodo in their waddling around on their big hairy feet preparing tea and ends with a jug of ale in the Green Dragon Inn. The tour does feel a bit rushed in all honesty, but if you’re a fan then you’ll regret not going.

Read Next: Lord of the Rings filming locations

We hope you didn’t drink too much in the Green Dragon Inn, because there is still a bit of driving to go. Head to Rotorua and go straight to the Whakarewarewa Forest. Within this forest stands 7 hectares of Californian Redwood trees. These trees are over 100 years old and some of them are over 75 meters high. The most interesting thing about these trees, however, is that you can walk among high above the ground.

Redwoods Treewalk created a treewalk consisting of wooden platforms high up in the trees connected by 28 suspension bridges. You get to see the forest from a whole new perspective, and in the evening the whole walk is illuminated by lanterns in art installations, giving the forest a magical ambience.

The Backyard Inn

This place is pretty unique. They’re located right next to the Kairau Park and their swimming pool gets geothermally heated from the same underground vents. They offer campervan parking, dorms, and private rooms.

Jet Park Hotel Rotorua

GREAT LOCATION

This building was recently refurbished into a beautifully designed, modern hotel with a clean look in the center of town. Comfortable rooms, a café, and an outdoor pool and spa.

Karanda BnB

AMAZING VIEW

If you have a bit more to spend you’ll love Karanda BnB for a more luxurious stay. Wake up in a gorgeous, massive villa on top of hill just outside of Rotorua, with incredible views over Rotorua towards the lake.

Hinemoa Street Carpark or Lakeside Rotorua – There are two free overnight campervan parking areas in Rotorua, but both usually fill up quickly. Find both of them in the Campermate app.

Day 9 – Rotorua

Rotorua is one of the most interesting cities on the north island. It is the country’s core of Māori culture, and full of (smelly) geothermal activity. The smell of sulphur – which in reality smells like rotten eggs – might scare you off at first, but once you get used to the smell a bit you’ll find that Rotorua is an awesome place to spend a few days . So let’s dive right in, possibly literally!

How does rafting off a 7-meter high waterfall sound? Awesome? Scary? A bit of both? Rotorua is home to highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world, and today you’re going to conquer it! Book this rafting tour with Kaituna Cascades and they’ll pick you up from your accommodation in the morning to take you to the Tutea Falls .

After instructions and a safety briefing by your highly experienced guide (really, they’re the best in the world), you’ll get into the raft and onto the river. The adventure on the river takes about 45 minutes, takes you over 14 rapids and small waterfalls, and ultimately the big 7-meter high one.

About 50% of the rafts flip over while going down the waterfall. So did ours, but we wouldn’t have it any other way because it was such a fun thrill! And don’t worry, it is perfectly safe. Tom was completely unharmed after flying out of the raft in the picture above.

After all that excitement, we bet that you could use something a bit more relaxing. Get yourself some food on Eat Street – we recommend BREW | Craft Beer Pub (Craft beers, yes!) – and walk to Kuirau Park in the center of town.

This geothermal park is full of bubbling mud pools, small geysers and a steaming lake with a boardwalk going right over the middle. Taking a stroll through this park while watching these otherwordly features is the perfect way to wind down from the thrill of plunging down that waterfall.

A big perk of the geothermal activity is the natural hot springs it creates. What better way to papmer yourself than by sitting in a warm bath or mud bath? If you’re looking to relax, I suggest you check out (at least) one of the following options.

Hell’s Gate

Don’t let the name put you off, more than hell, this spa is heaven! It takes mud baths to a whole new level. This therapeutic  mud bath and sulfur spa package  will leave your body rejuvenated, your skin smooth and nourish and your mind relaxed and calm.

Polynesian Spa

The iconic Polynesian is situated just off the shores of Lake Rotorua and has everything you need to  indulge in a day of rest and relaxation.  Here you can enjoy 5 mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua, a cold plunge, geothermally heated poolside recliners and massive relaxation areas.

Secret Spot Hot Tubs

Tucked away in the native bush, these hand-crafted cedar hot tubs are as relaxing as it gets.  Reserve yours here  and just soak as the stress and aches fade away.

As we mentioned, Rotorua is New Zealand’s heartland of Māori culture, and now it’s time to experience this firsthand. There are multiple Māori villages in and around Rotorua that you can visit, but we recommend getting tickets for the Te Pa Tu Māori Village (formerly Tamaki Maori Village) to get a real show.

They’ll pick you up in town and drive you to the village where you’re welcomed by the men of the village with an imposing haka. After the welcoming ceremony, your guides walk you through the village to teach you about arts & crafts like their tattoos, the famous haka, and how to make a hangi meal.

After the tour, the people of the village will put on a show for you and then you get to eat a delicious hangi meal. We can assure you that you’ll go for multiple food runs to the buffet!

Stay in the same place you stayed the previous night in Rotorua.

Rotorua guide:   32 breathtaking things to do in Rotorua

Rotorua itinerary:   Best things to do in Rotorua in 1, 2, 3 & 5 days

Day 10 – Taupo

Driving distance: 182 km | driving time: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Don’t get out of bed too late because today will be a busy day in and around Taupo. The town of Taupo lies on the shore of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s biggest lake. Lake Taupo is actually the flooded caldera of the Taupo supervolcano. Have a look at the size of Lake Taupo to get an idea of how incredibly big this volcano is. The Taupo volcano is responsible for most of the geothermal activity in the center of the island, and you’ll see some more of that today.

On the way from Rotorua to Taupo, about half an hour in, lies Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland; your first stop for today. This big park is full of steaming lakes and oddly coloured hot pools, and boardwalk paths take you past all of it. It is considered as New Zealand’s most diverse and colourful geothermal sightseeing attraction, and definitely worth a visit.

Make sure you get here no later than 10 AM because shortly after that the park’s most spectacular feature happens. Every morning, at 10:15, the Lady Knox Geyser erupts and shoots boiling hot water 20 meters up in the air. Get your tickets for Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland in advance.

After Wai-o-tapu, continue driving and stop at the Huka Falls just before reaching Taupo. It is literally next to the road to Taupo, so this stop isn’t even a detour. The Huka Falls aren’t impressive in terms of size, we wouldn’t even call it a waterfall but rather rapids or cascades, but they are very impressive in terms of volume. Every second, almost 250m3 of water comes down the Huka Falls, that is a quarter of a million liters of water per second and it would fill an Olympic swimming pool in 11 seconds!

A small footbridge goes over the falls, from where you can see all of this water thunder underneath you. Or, for a more exciting experience you can take this jet boat ride to the bottom of the falls and feel the force of the water first hand.

Get some lunch in Taupo (we recommend Victoria’s for good food) and check out the lake. Lake Taupo is approximately the same size as Singapore and is so big that it has tides!

One of the coolest things to see on the lake are the Maori Rock Carvings , on the lake’s northeastern shore. These carvings are an impressive artwork of a 14-meter high tattooed face carved into the cliffside, and some smaller sculptures carved into the surrounding rocks. They are only accessible by water, and there are basically two options of getting there.

• Guided kayak tour – The most fun way to get there is by kayak! Book this half-day kayaking tour for an awesome experience. From Taupo, your tour guide takes you to a bay close to the Maori Rock Carvings, from where you’ll paddle the rest of the way. There is plenty of opportunity to explore a bit more of the lake and to go for a swim.
• Boat tour – Seeing the Maori Rock Carvings and Lake Taupo by boat is obviously the most relaxing way. Book this Lake Taupo boat tour and step aboard a beautiful sail yacht for 2,5 hours. Sunbathe on deck while you sail on the lake on your way to the carvings.

Time for the natural hot pools we mentioned earlier! Especially if you went kayaking to the Maori Rock Carvings, you’ll love relaxing your muscles in these warm waters. Park in this car park and follow the path to the Otumuheke Spa Park .

Here hot water bubbles up from the ground and creates a stream that flows into the Waikato Rives. Where the water bubbles out of the ground it is way to hot to get in (really, don’t try as you can get severe burns from it), but where the hot water meats the Waikato river it gets cooled down to a perfect hot tub temperature.

Beware that you don’t put your head underwater , there are bacteria in the hot water that can get in your system and make you sick.

When you’re done soaking and your fingers are all wrinkly from the warm water there is a choice to make.

If you’re up for a hike, drive to National Park to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. It is a tough but oh, so rewarding day hike. If you like hiking, this will be a true highlight of your trip in New Zealand. Even if you’re not that into hiking, the scenic views are still absolutely worth it and might even turn you into an avid hiker. Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing will add one day to this itinerary.

Otherwise, skip the hike and drive straight to Waitomo instead.

National Park Alpine Lodge

This is an option both for campervan and car. They have campervan sites for $20 per person, and budget rooms if you need a room. The facilities include cooking and washing facilities, and hot showers.

Plateau Lodge

This lodge has dorms, private rooms and apartments. A great addition is that they also offer a shuttle service to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, and they have a hot tub that guest can use to relax their muscles after the hike.

Tongariro Springs Boutique Suites

INCREDIBLE SCENERY

These mountain-hut-style suites are located a bit south of National Park and have incredible views on Tongariro National Park. To make things even better they also have a large hot pool to admire the view from.

Optional Day – Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Driving distance: 142 km | driving time: 1 hour, 47 minutes

Today you’ll hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , the most popular of all the New Zealand North Island hikes, and arguably also the most rewarding one. This 19.4 kilometer long track takes through steamy thermal fields, up steep mountain slopes, past volcano craters and colourful lakes, and then winds down over tussock fields into the forest.

Don’t underestimate this hike just because it is so popular. It is long, steep and exposed, so prepare well with the right equipment before setting off. An important detail to know before you go is that it is a one-way track and parking on each side is limited to 4 hours. The track will take 6-8 hours to complete, so you can’t drive there yourself and park at the start.

The solution is booking this shuttle service . They take you from National Park to the start of the hike in the early morning and pick you up again at the end to take you back to National Park.

When you’re back in National Park at the end of the afternoon and you feel like your legs can carry you again, drive to Waitomo. Get an early night, you must be exhausted. Waitomo is where you’re going caving tomorrow!

JunoHall Backpackers  

This hostel has campervan sites, dorms and private rooms. There is an attached petting zoo and the manager has an endless supply of jokes and always has a Lord of the Rings movie playing on the tv.

Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge

Located in the center of town but still completely surrounded by greenery and native trees. From the rooms, you have a beautiful view over the valley, and a delicious breakfast is included.

Woodlyn Park Motel  

QUIRKY & UNIQUE

This could be the coolest and most unique New Zealand North Island accommodation. Their rooms are all truly unique. How about a room that is built into an old airoplane?! Or a boat, a train carriage, or a hobbit hole?!

Day 11 – Waitomo

Driving distance: 330 km | driving time: 5 hours, 18 minutes

Waitomo is famous for its many cave systems. There are over 300 known caves in the area, and it is estimated that the total number of caves is even quite a bit higher. The main attraction in Waitomo isn’t the caves themselves though, but the glowworms that live in them. If you ask us, this is another New Zealand North Island must see.

Time to see what Waitomo is famous for. Book this black water rafting tour for the morning. We recommend going for the 3-hour tour rather than the 5-hour tour, as the 5-hour tour doesn’t really give you much more and is quite a bit more expensive. The tour will start with your guides explaining a bit about the caves, and dressing up in a wetsuit, gumboots and a fashionable helmet before going underground.

After a bit of crawling you’ll get to a spectacular sight; a hall FULL of glowworms. There are so many glowworms that their light is bright enough for the guides to take some pictures of you with them.

Then you get to the rafting part of the tour. Don’t expect something like the rafting in Rotorua, but leisurely floating under a sky of glowworms in an underground stream on an inflatable donut. Less thrilling, but absolutely not less interesting. The guides love joking around and will definitely keep you entertained while keeping everyone safe.

If you’re not a big fan of floating in the water or narrow caves, then this boat tour of the glowworm caves is a better choice for you.

Once you’ve emerged from underground again, drive to the Marakopa Falls . The 35-meter height of this waterfall is already quite something, but when you combine that with its width you’ve arguably got the most impressive waterfall on New Zealand’s North Island. The amount of water and the force the water comes down with is so big that you can feel the spray on the viewing platform, more than 100 meters away.

There is a fence behind the viewing platform, but you can easily skip it (through the massive gap right next to it, haha) to get closer to the waterfall. The path down can be quite slippery, so be careful, but it is worth it for a much better view of the waterfall. Depending on the time of day, you might even see a rainbow at the bottom of the falls.

Wipe the spray from the waterfall off your face, drive to Kawhia on the island’s west coast and park at the end of the road here . You might have heard about Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel, one of the big attractions in New Zealand’s North Island, and might also have wondered why we haven’t included in this itinerary. That is because we’re hardly exaggerating when we say that on a regular summer day there are more people than grains of sand there.

Fortunately, we found a far less crowded alternative, and that is the hot water beach in Kawhia where you’re going now.

Get your beach bag out, grab something you can dig with and walk over the sand dune to the beach. As you come down from the sand dune there is a pole sticking out of the sand. From this pole, walk in a straight line towards the water and keep an eye out for little bubbles in the sand or the smell of sulphur.

When you see bubbles or smell sulphur, just start digging! Once you’re about 30-40 centimeters deep, warm water comes up from the ground and you’ve got yourself your very own hot pool on the beach. After yesterday’s challenging hike your legs will thank you for this!

The next stop is the Three Sisters and Elephant Rock. These rock formations are only accessible around low tide, and if possible try to combine this with arriving just before sunset because that’s when they are a truly stunning view. Park your car at this car park on Clifton Road and follow the rocky coastline for about 5 minutes until you get to the beach.

When you get around the corner, you are met by the Three Sisters , standing where the beach meets the sea. These 25-meter high rock formations look a little bit like Te Hoho Rock at Cathedral Cove. Funny enough there are actually only two sisters still standing, and 20 years ago there were even four of them. Erosion has taken its toll and made two of them collapse in recent years.

Continue past the three sisters to get to Elephant Rock . This is a big rock that (you guessed it) resembles the shape of an elephant. It looks a bit disfigured, but this is again due to erosion. It used to look like the elephant had its trunk in the water, but a few years ago the poor thing lost its trunk to the sea.

Get back in your vehicle and drive another hour alongside the coast to New Plymouth, at the foot of the magnificent Mount Taranaki.

YHA SUnflower Lodge  

Located just out of the city center and surrounded by greenery, this hostel has both dorms and private rooms. It also has a sun lounge that looks out on Mount Taranaki.

Country Retreat Glamping  

MOST UNIQUE

Ever been glamping? This is your chance! And what better place than at the foot of the magnificent Mount Taranaki?! These luxurious tents out in nature are equipped with all necessary facilities.

Tivoli Homestay  

This stunning wooden mansion is located on the top of a hill just outside of New Plymouth’s center. From the big terrace, you have beautiful ocean views. The rooms are big, stylish and comfortable, and the included breakfast is incredible.Try the Eggs Benedict!

Lake Rotomanu – This is your best campervan option. It is located in a park right next to a beautiful lake and a few minutes walk from the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, which is a sightseeing option for tomorrow. Find it in the Campermate app.

Day 12 – Taranaki Peninsula

Driving distance: 105 km | driving time: 1 hour, 23 minutes

What you’ll do today depends on how you feel and what you want to see. If your legs feel fine again, then there is a 5-hour return hike on Mount Taranaki that is well worth the time. If you’re still sore then it is best to skip this hike. Instead, we can suggest a few spots to see Taranaki from, and some nice beaches that are perfect for a relaxing day.

If you’ve done some more research on spots to see, you most likely came across pictures of Mount Taranaki and its perfect reflection in the water. These pictures were taken on this hike. Getting there takes about 2,5 hours one way, and then the same way back. The elevation change is only gradual, but almost the whole track long. While it isn’t nearly as straining as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, it is not a leisure walk in the park. So don’t forget to wear proper hiking gear and bring plenty of water and some snacks.

In the morning, drive towards the mountain and park in this car park at the end of Mangorei Road, this is where the track starts. The first 1,5 hours of the way leads you up through the forest. The forest is beautiful, but other than the forest there is nothing to see in this part. After you pass the Pouakai hut and reach the top of the ridge, Mount Taranaki peaks out and as you reach the saddle you can really see how HUGE this volcano is.

Another 20 minutes and you’re at the tarns. If you’re lucky enough to get a clear and wind still day, you get a perfect reflection of Mount Taranaki in the water. Get your Instagram shot, have a snack by the water and return back the way you came.

If you’ve decided not to hike up to the Pouakai Tarns, then start your morning with a stroll in New Plymouth. This small city is full of quirky coffee shops. Just pick one that catches your eye and go in for breakfast. New Plymouth is known for its art scene, and many coffee shops double as art galleries to allow local artists to showcase their work.

Still want a nice view and a decent picture of Mount Taranaki? Then go to the Te Rewa Rewa Bridge . The shape of this bridge is made to look like a breaking wave, and if you look straight across it from the northern side it perfectly frames Mount Taranaki. The bridge lies next to a nice park with a lake, and it is also the start of the coastal walk to New Plymouth.

Another option is to go to Lake Mangamahoe . This lake feels a bit like a hidden oasis in the middle of a forest. From the northern shore of the lake, you have an incredible view on Mount Taranaki over the water.

Just don’t make the same mistake we made and don’t get into the water of the lake. We took our paddleboards out on the lake, but then a DOC ranger came to take us out and told us that going in the lake is prohibited. Apparently this lake is used as New Plymouth’s water supply, whoops…

Highway 45 going west from New Plymouth, alongside the coast of the Taranaki Peninsula, is known as the Surf Highway . On top of awesome surf break after surf break, this coast is also known for its beautiful black sand beaches. The nicest beaches along the way are Oakura Beach, Opunake Beach, and Ohawe Beach.

Another worthwhile stop is at the Cape Egmont Lighthouse. Looking from the coast inland you get an amazing photo opportunity with the lighthouse in the foreground and Mount Taranaki in the back.

Wheatly Downs Farmstay  

Located in the middle of a massive farm with wide-open views on Mount Taranaki. They offer dorms, private rooms and self-contained chalets. If you’re there in spring you can help feed the calves if you like.

Kerry Lane Motel

This 4-star motel located just outside of Hawera’s center is surrounded by big gardens with farm animals. The motel has a hot tub with an unobstructed view on Mount Taranaki.

Tairoa Lodge  

AMAZING BREAKFAST

Big wooden house in the middle of a beautiful estate. They offer spacious, elegantly furnished rooms, a big terrace, and an outdoor swimming pool. A delicious breakfast is included.

Day 13 – Drive to Wellington

Driving distance: 282 km | driving time: 3 hours, 35 minutes

Today you’ll make your way down alongside the coast to Wellington, the last stop of your New Zealand North Island road trip. You’ll pass a few interesting spots and beaches, and the Kapiti coast with Kapiti Island just off the shore.

Have an easy morning, maybe go to the beach for a bit and then drive to Whanganui. The town of Whanganui itself isn’t all that much, but it the Whanganui Regional Museum is worth a visit. This museum has a lot on the history of New Zealand’s flora and fauna. Have you ever heard of the Moa ? A massive ostrich-like bird that reached almost four meters in height and was hunted to extinction by the Māori people. Well, they show loads about the Moa here. They have a giant waka in the center of the museum, and something that can only be described as a mad scientist’s lab.

Have some lunch in Whanganui, and drive on to the Kapiti Coast . The Kapiti coast consists of 40 kilometers of uninterrupted beaches. The west coast is notorious for strong riptide and undercurrents, which makes that not all the beaches are suitable for swimming, but most of them are beautiful and tranquil.

You can either explore the beaches on the mainland or hop over to Kapiti Island. This island is a predator-free bird sanctuary 5 kilometers off the coast and a must do for all bird watchers. Take this tour to get acquainted with the native birdlife.

Otaki Beach is known for its epic surf and always has a surf watch in summer. Peka Peka Beach is the smallest town on the Kapiti Coast but has the most beautiful beach. Waikanae Beach is the best beach for swimming and has the best views of Kapiti Island.

After all that beach hopping in the past few days, you’ve probably seen enough beaches for a while. Brush off the sand and drive to Wellington for the last day of this itinerary.

Hotel Waterloo And Backpackers

This hostel in the city center has dorms and private rooms for great prices. They host activities and games in their bar for those interested. Value for money you won’t find anything better in Wellington.

Astelia APartment Hotel  

Located in the center of town, a few minutes walk away from Civic Square and the wharf. These spacious and modern apartments are perfect if you want a quiet night and a good sleep.

InterContinental Wellington

MOST LUXURIOUS

The InterContinental brand is known all over the world for its excellence. In this case, you get a 5-star luxury hotel located on the city’s waterfront. Big and elegant rooms, a fitness center, indoor heated pool and spa, two bars and an award-winning restaurant. Pure luxury!

Owhiro Bay or Evans Bay – These free campervan parking sites are your best campervan option. Combined they have 67 parking spots, but they tend to fill up fast. Have a look at the suggestions above as a back-up. Find both in the Campermate app.

Day 14 – Wellington

Welcome to New Zealand’s capital, also known as Windy Welly or Wellywood!

The nickname Windy Welly comes very simply from Wellington being very windy. Wellington lies on a point of land sticking out into the Cook Strait. The Roaring Forties, strong westerly winds found below 40 degrees latitude on the Southern Hemisphere, push through the Cook Strait even stronger, making Wellington extremely windy.

The nickname Wellywood comes from the massive film production business that was established in Wellington by Peter Jackson for the Lord of the Rings movies.

Whichever name you use for Wellington, it is a buzzing city with lots to do and see, with great food culture, and generally just one of the nicest cities in New Zealand’s North Island if you ask us!

Driving around Welly in a campervan and finding parking can be a challenge so we recommend you rent these e-bikes to explore without a headache, or book this sightseeing tour for a fuss-free experience.

Are you a Lord of the Rings fan? Then you have to check out the Weta Cave, or better yet, join this LOTR tour for the ultimate Middleearth experience.

The Weta Cave is part of the Weta Workshop where all special effects, most of the props and costumes for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Movies were made. After filming, the Weta Cave was opened to show visitors the making of special effects and props, and where many of the props used in the movies are displayed. Make sure to book your tickets for the Weta Workshop in advance.

Drive up Mount Victoria (or walk up if you’re in for a bit of a workout) and stop at the Mount Victoria Lookout . This lookout provides unobstructed 360-degree views over the city and the harbour. On a clear and less windy day, you can even see New Zealand’s South Island from here! On a windy day, Mount Victoria is as windy as it gets and walking uphill will be a real struggle. Oh, and don’t wear a hat or a cap up here. Tom lost his to the wind basically the second he stepped out of the car.

This museum is housed in a beautifully designed building on the waterfront in the center of Wellington and houses a permanent exhibition on the Māori people, New Zealand’s incredible wildlife, and the earthquakes that regularly terrorize the country. It also has an earthquake simulator that lets you experience just how severe the 2011 earthquake that laid waste to Christchurch and cost the lives of 185 people was.

One of the things we love the most about Wellington is the many bars and craft beer breweries! Take a walk around the wharf and sit down at one of the many bars (like on the massive lawn in front of St John’s ) or head into town to visit one of the many craft beer breweries.

Our favourite one is The Garage Project . As the name suggests, they started brewing beer in their garage (and still kinda do) and the beer they make is just yummy! Even though they’ve grown quite a bit since then, they still have a bit of this underground microbrewery vibe.

We also like the Whistling Sisters brewery that is more centrally located. A bit further out of town you’ll find the Parrotdog Brewery . Their beers are delicious and the name is just hilarious. There are many more breweries to choose from in Wellington, and if you’re a craft beer enthusiast like us you’ll love this Craft Brewery Tour .

  Read Next: 20 secrets nobody tells you about travelling in New Zealand

So that’s it, the end of this New Zealand North Island road trip itinerary! So what’s next? What to do if this is the end of your New Zealand trip, and what to do if you’re going to the South Island?

Pack up your stuff and go to your car or campervan rental company. All the bigger rental companies have locations both in Auckland and Wellington, and in Wellington, most of them are conveniently located near the airport. Go to the airport and fly home or to your next destination.

That’s awesome, good for you! New Zealand’s South Island is possibly even more scenic than the North Island. The easiest way to get to the South Island (and the only way to take your vehicle with you) is by ferry.

There are two New Zealand North to South Island ferry companies that can take you there, and it doesn’t really matter which one you pick as they are very similar and equally priced, just make sure you drive to the correct one as they each depart from a different port.

• Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry – They have a small cinema aboard this ferry where they play movies. The Bluebridge ferry terminal is located at 50 Waterloo Quay , Pipitea, Wellington.
• Interislander Cook Strait Ferry – They have free Wi-Fi on board, which in all honestly is too slow to be of any use. The Interislander ferry terminal is located at Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington.

Read next: NZ South Island itinerary

3-week North Island Itinerary

If you have more than two weeks to spend for your New Zealand North Island road trip you can add some stops to the above itinerary.

Below we’ve listed some suggestions of places that would be a great addition to your trip. If want to add these extra days, we recommend changing your route to make it more efficient.

The optimal route, in this case, would be the same up until day 8, and then from Hobbiton change the route as follows: Hobbiton – Waitomo – Taranaki – Forgotten World Highway – Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Taupo – Rotorua – Gisborne – Napier & Hastings – Castlepoint – Putangirua Pinnacles – Wellington.

This is basically the same route we took ourselves, except that we travelled it veeeery slow and spent over three months exploring everything around. If you have three months too, lucky you! If you don’t, then three weeks is enough for this route.

3-week itinerary overview

Days 1-8 – As above Day 9 – Waitomo Day 10 – Taranaki Peninsula Day 11 – Forgotten World Highway Day 12 – Tongariro Alpine Crossing Day 13 – Taupo Days 14 & 15 – Rotorua Day 16 – Drive to Gisborne Day 17 – Gisborne Day 18 – Napier & Hastings Day 19 – Castlepoint Day 20 – Putangirua Pinnacles Day 21 – Wellington    

State Highway 43 is more commonly known as the Forgotten World Highway. This 148 kilometer long road winds its way from Stratford near Mount Taranaki over green rolling hills, through dense rainforest, and past impressive rocky cliffsides to Taumarunui close to National Park. While 148 kilometers doesn’t seem that long, driving it will take you all day. This is because the road goes up and down over the many hills in the region, most of the time you’re driving on gravel roads, and there are plenty of (peculiar) things to see along the way.

The most peculiar thing on the Forgotten World Highway is Whangamomona . This tiny settlement of only a few dozen buildings declared itself an independent republic in 1989, and now has its own government and president. In the center of town stands the Whangamomona Hotel, where you can get your passport stamped.

The second peculiar thing is the Moki Tunnel . The Forgotten World Highway is a two-lane and two-way road all the way, except for the Moki Tunnel. This 180-meter long tunnel was carved out by hand, and is only wide enough for one vehicle. You better check if no one is in from the other side as you enter, or you might get stuck in the middle!

The last point of interest is the Mount Damper Falls . Driving there is about an hour detour off the Forgotten World Highway, and then another hour return walk over private farmland full of sheep to the waterfall, but it is more than worth the extra time. With a 74 meter drop, this is one of the highest waterfalls on New Zealand’s North Island, and after some rainfall, it is a truly spectacular sight.

Gisborne is New Zealand’s most eastern city, and it is the first city in the world to see the sunrise! Apart from getting up early to be able to brag to your friends that you saw the sunrise before anyone else, there is enough to do in Gisborne to fill a few days.

Another good thing that comes from Gisborne being located on this eastern peninsula is a pumping surf. If you’re into surfing then this is an amazing place to get your surfboard (and wetsuit because the water is cold) out as it is regarded as one of the best places for surfing on New Zealand’s North Island

The coolest thing we found around Gisborne is the Rere Rockslides and Rere Falls, about 45 minutes from Gisborne. Here you’ll find a big, curtain-like waterfall that you can walk behind, to then jump through the waterfall into its plunge pool.

The real attraction, however, is a short drive upstream from the waterfall, where the water has polished the rocks into a 60-meter long natural slide. Bring a bodyboard or an air mattress and speed down on the rocks. When you’re done with all this fun head south to Haweks Bay to indulge at one of the many wineries in the area.

Napier and Hastings are well known for their wineries, possibly even more so than Gisborne. Visiting a winery is always a good idea, but how about visiting multiple in a row, without having to worry about drunk driving? Book this bicycle tour if you feel like you nee a bit of exercise or join this wine tasting tour for a lazier and more comfortable experience.

Both tours take you through the beautiful Hawke’s Bay region and visit multiple wineries where you can sample some of their delicious wines.

Next up is Napier itself. Napier is known as the art deco capital of the South buildings and landmarks that make the town so interesting. Take a stroll through the quirky city center, join this guided Art Deco tour or explore by vintage car to be transported back in time.

Then head to Te Mata Peak just south of Hastings. If you feel like hiking, then walk up as it is a beautiful walk, but if you’re feeling lazy you can just drive to the top (which is what we did). From the top, you have an incredible 360 degrees view over Hawke’s Bay and all its rolling hills, green fields, and vineyards.

Castlepoint is a small town at the end of a long road, leading away from anything else, but it is honestly the most worthwhile detour you can make on New Zealand’s North Island. This off the beaten path location is absolutely stunning. We decided to go to Castlepoint, thinking we’d have a quick look and turn back in a matter of hours, but got completely mesmerized by the scenery and ended up staying for three days.

So why is Castlepoint so special? Well, for starters it has a beautiful, long, sandy beach. But what makes it one New Zealand’s top 10 most loved beaches is actually the surrounding scenery. Read all about Castlepoint here , and we’ll guarantee that you’ll want to make the detour as well.

Close to the South Island’s most southern point; Cape Palliser, you’ll find the Putangirua Pinnacles . This otherwordly landscape of gravel pillars is seven million years old, and are arguably the most awesome rock formations in New Zealand.

A two-hour loop track takes you up through the forest to a platform overlooking the Pinnacles and then takes you down to walk in between these giants. You get a bit of an eerie feeling when you walk past all these barren rocks, which makes you understand why this location was chosen to film the Dimholt Road in The Lord of the Rings – Return of the King.

Typical costs of travelling in New Zealand

The costs of travelling in New Zealand are greatly determined by your choice in travelling by campervan, or by car. A campervan costs a lot more to rent per day, but you can save a lot by sleeping in campsites and cooking your own food, whereas with a car your accommodation and food costs are a lot higher.

The cost breakdown below is based on eating one meal in a restaurant per day and cooking the rest yourself, and doing some of the activities that we suggested in the itinerary. The difference between 175 and 225 NZD per person per day comes down to what type of car/campervan you choose and the type of accommodation you stay in.

Suggested New Zealand road trip budget: 175 – 225 NZD per person per day as a couple

Cost breakdown  

HOTEL: 80 – 300 NZD / NIGHT HOSTEL: 20 – 30 NZD / NIGHT/ PP CAMPSITE: 0 – 30 NZD / NIGHT GROCERIES: 5 – 10 NZD / MEAL / PP RESTAURANT: 20 – 40 NZD / MEAL / PP ACTIVITIES: 20 – 300 NZD CAMPERVAN RENTAL: 100 – 300 NZD / DAY CAR RENTAL: 50 – 100 ND / DAY DIESEL: 1,65 NZD / LITER PETROL: 2,39 NZD / LITER  

• Cook your own meals as much as you can. Al lot of accommodations have a kitchenette and your campervan will come with a cooker. Campsites often have cooking facilities too and you can find free or coin-operated barbeques in parks around the country.
• Do your grocery shopping at PAK’nSAVE. We found this to be the cheapest supermarket chain in New Zealand, but they only have stores in the bigger towns. FourSquare is generally the most expensive one. We also found that grocery prices can vary a lot depending on your location, so we recommend to stock up in the bigger cities and less touristic places as they tend to be cheaper.
• If you’re renting a campervan, stay in free campsited where you can.
• When eating out, check First table for 50% off on food at restaurants. They have a big variety of participating restaurants you can choose from. You need to book the table in advance via their website. The reservation is 5-10NZD and you get 50% off on your meals, but not drinks. We used this quite a bit to eat at some very nice restaurants, without having to pay top dollar for it.

By now we’ve probably made it clear that you really need your own transportation in New Zealand, and one of the main things to be aware of when driving in New Zealand is that they drive on the left side of the road .

The next thing to keep in mind is that New Zealand roads are different and you should always account for some extra time when driving from A to B. The roads are often steep, windy and narrow, there are one-lane bridges everywhere, roads are hardly ever more than two lanes and gravel roads are a common occurrence. Take your time, stop regularly (which is not a punishment with all that beautiful scenery) and don’t see maximum speeds as a target, because there are often unsafe.

That being said, let’s talk about the best way to get around in New Zealand; in a campervan! Not only does it help you cut down on costs as we explained before, but you also don’t have to pack and unpack all the time, you always have your home with you in bad weather, and it gives you a lot more freedom to go where you want to go. We’ve converted our own campervan and travelled around New Zealand in it for a year, so we can tell you from personal experience why a campervan is the best way to travel New Zealand .

The best time to visit New Zealand all depends on what you prefer. The weather, cost of travelling, amount of people and even how the landscapes look is different in every season of the year. The weather in New Zealand’s North Island is subtropical to temperate. In summer temperatures go up to around 30 degrees celsius, and in winter they go down to around 0 degrees celcius, with snow and ice on higher altitudes.

SPRING: September, October & November – With spring starts the hiking and outdoor adventuring season as temperatures start to rise and the country is in full bloom. Funnily enough, the lakes and rivers are the coldest in spring, as they fill up with melting water from snow in the mountains. New Zealand is the greenest in spring, and the prices for vehicle rental and accommodation are relatively low. Spring is best if you like mild temperatures but don’t mind the occasional rain shower, like to see New Zealand in its fairytale-like state and want to avoid the crowds.

SUMMER: December, January & February – Summer is high season in New Zealand. This means that higher amounts of people and higher prices come along with the higher temperatures. Summer is the best season to spot most of New Zealand’s incredible wildlife and to visit New Zealand’s beaches. Go to New Zealand during summer is you want high temperatures, don’t mind crowds or just actually want to meet people, and don’t mind paying more for vehicle rental and accommodation.

AUTUMN: March, April, May – Autumn is great for hiking and outdoor activities. The country changes to autumn colours and the days are still relatively long with pleasant temperatures. Most of the crowds have left and with them the high prices as well. Autumn is best if you want to focus on outdoor activities without overheating in the summer sun.

WINTER: June, July, August – When it comes to tourism, winter in New Zealand has one focus: Winter sports. With snow on almost every mountain, skiing and snowboarding is what it is all about in New Zealand during winter. Outside of the winter resort areas, all the crowds are gone, and vehicle and accommodation prices are half of what they are in summer. Winter is great is you want to save money and avoid the crowds or if you want to go skiing. For skiing in New Zealand’s North Island; check out Mount Ruapehu.

New Zealand is not your typical holiday destination, so what you should pack isn’t typical either. Of course there are the basics like our clothes and toiletries but be sure to put some thought in what you’re going to need specifically for New Zealand, like your hiking gear, an extra sweater and rain jacket for the unpredictable weather, a daypack, your camera gear, and plenty of insect repellent.

  Read Next: New Zealand Packing List

If you’re travelling with someone, we recommend to each get a SIM card from a different provider. Mobile reception in New Zealand is patchy to say the least, and when one provider doesn’t have any coverage, the other one often does. This gives you the biggest chance of at least one of you having reception. We went with Spark and 2degrees and this combination worked well for us.

We found that fuel is the cheapest around Taupo and Rotorua. So it is a good idea to fuel up as much as you can before leaving this region.

ACC covers you for accidents but if you get sick or loose your luggage or anything else happens, you’ll need a good insurance to cover it for you. We always get insured before we leave and Travel Insurance Masters is our go to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.

Download the Campermate app – This app shows you where (free) campsites on New Zealand’s North Island are, where facilities like public toilets, water taps are, and even gives you suggestions on things to see nearby.

Download the Maps.me app and download the map of New Zealand in the app – This navigation app works without any data, as long as you have a GPS signal. This is great for when you’re in an area without mobile coverage.

Learn from our experience and read our breakdown of New Zealand’s good, bad, and ugly .

Good travel insurance is an absolute must when travelling abroad, and we’ve learned that the hard way!

ACC in New Zealand covers you for accidents but if you get sick or loose your luggage or anything else happens, you’ll need a good insurance to cover it for you.

We always get insured before we leave and Travel Insurance Masters is our go to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.

The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria so you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need!

You can get your quote & provider recommendations here .

New Zealand is a really easy country to travel in. It is safe, the people are friendly and helpful, and there are facilities for travellers everywhere. The country caters really well to travellers, and this shows in the increasing amount of visitors the country welcomes each year. Because New Zealand is not densely populated and has all these vast areas of rugged landscape, it is easy to get off the beaten path, but if you stick to the main touristic hotspots you can still expect some crowds.

New Zealand’s North Island is an amazing place full of culture and the most beautiful sceneries. Following this New Zealand North Island road trip itinerary will be the adventure of a lifetime, but a real New Zealand road trip isn’t complete without including New Zealand’s South Island, which is possibly even more impressive!

NZ South Island: New Zealand South Island Road trip – 2 & 3 week itinerary

Auckland: Auckland Itinerary Where to stay in Auckland Best Day Trips from Auckland

Rotorua: Rotorua itinerary Where to stay in Rotorua

Coromandel Peninsula: Coromandel Peninsula road trip Cathedral Cove guide Where to stay on the Coromandel

Skydiving in New Zealand

All you need to know about NZ – good, bad, ugly

Zi @Craving Adventure

Zi is the Founder and Editor in Chief behind Craving Adventure.

19 Comments

This blog was amazing… I came here for Waitomo info because those caves are on my bucket list. However, it was almost as if each place you listed was even cooler & more beautiful than the last. Pinning & saving this blog for when I make it to NZ.

Hi Shelley, that’s great! The Waitomo caves are heaps of fun, but there is so much more amazing stuff to do around that it would be a shame to miss out. Super glad that we were able to inspire you!

Your photos are so beautiful and always grab my attention! Great post and so many stunning recommendations for a holiday in North Island!

Thank you so much Cass, that is such a nice compliment!! We could honestly easily write about enough places on the North Island to double the length of this blog haha, there is just sooooo much out there that is worth seeing.

What an amazing blogpost!! I absolutely loved reading it and to see how much time and effort went into creating this one. The design and lay-out is so clear and it’s easy to navigate. I’ve wanted to travel to New Zealand for YEARS but it’s so far away from the Netherlands. I just graduated university and hopefully have a job soon. I can’t wait to save my money and plan a trip in the future! Will definitely do a full-on road trip for at least the 2 weeks you suggested.

Yay, we are so happy to read your comment, Melissa! And super awesome that New Zealand is so high on your list. We know exactly what you mean, Tom is from the Netherlands too and it is just so far away that we feel we can’t justify going unless we can spend at least multiple weeks there. Then in our case, it turned into multiple years, haha Let us know when you’re making the actual plans to go, we’d love to help!

Love your pictures and the details in your itinerary 🙂 I love it when blogs have maps with the path highlighted. It’s an essential to plan a road trip!

Thanks Lekha! We love adding little design bit like those maps. Glad to know that they help!

New Zealand is stunning! This is a great itinerary to follow.

Thank you Rebecca, New Zealand sure is! We just can’t get enough, even after already spending so much time in New Zealand, haha!

Cool road trip. We still haven’t made it to Taranaki yet. Good suggestions here.

Thank you, Rhonda! Taranaki is such an incredible mountain and the region as a whole is just beautiful. Definitely worth a visit when you get the chance next time!

Such a comprehensive road-trip itinerary! You covered all potential questions…and loved the photos. New Zealand is beautiful! Pinning for a future visit!

Thank you so much! Hopefully, New Zealand opens its borders again soon so you get to visit! We can’t wait to go back either.

This article provides details about new Zealand north island road trip . This blog happens to be one of the best blog, which give proper details about it. I enjoyed reading this blog and would suggest others too, and you would get to read about it in this link.

I would love to go on a longer road trip like this! There are so many incredible locations to stop at – thanks for all of the tips!

I love your guys map. Did you guys created? or someone did the edition? thanks

Hi. I plan to visit NZ for the 3rd time and this time will bring group, family and friends. We are from Indonesia and most of us are above 55 years. We need sugestion which place should we skip from your list. And whether campervan is easy enough to handle. Thank you. This article is awesome.

Hi, so glad you found this article helpful! A campervan is a fantastic way of exploring New Zealand and there’s plenty of campsites for you to choose from. however, if you don’t feel comfortable driving one you might consider opting for a car instead. Some roads can get quite narrow, steep and windy. As per what places to skip – that’s a tough one to answer and it will depend on how much time you have, what your interests are as well as your traveling style and fitness level.

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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

• Work with Me

A Perfect New Zealand North Island Itinerary for 7-10 Days

Bubbling geysers, luminous coloured lakes, active volcanoes, rolling hills and beautiful beaches; New Zealand’s North Island is an incredibly diverse and interesting place to visit.

In this 7 day New Zealand North Island itinerary , you will learn about Maori culture and geothermal activity, trek the infamous Tongariro crossing and then spend time relaxing in the beautiful Bay of Islands.

This New Zealand North Island 7 day itinerary will be fast paced and if you have additional days then you can take your time or visit additional places. I have also included a 10 day North Island Itinerary alternative for those of you who do have more time to explore!

But if you are short of time and want to see New Zealand’s North Islands highlights in a hurry, then this 7 day North Island itinerary is for you!

The best way to explore New Zealand is to take a road trip. There are far too many beautiful locations to restrict yourself to exploring just one. So whether you hop on a group tour, a hop-on-hop-off bus or you hire a car or campervan, you are bound to have an amazing New Zealand road trip to remember!

• A 2 week New Zealand South Island Itinerary

New Zealand North Island vs South Island

• A Really Awesome New Zealand Bucket List

What you can expect from this article...

• 1 Should you follow this 7 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary?
• 2 An Overview of your 7 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary
• 3 When is the Best Time to Travel to New Zealand’s North Island?
• 4.1 Ways to Travel in New Zealand
• 4.2 Hop On Hop Off Tour
• 4.3 Take a Small Adventure Group Tour
• 4.4 Hire a Campervan
• 4.5 Hire a Car and Stay in Hotels and Hostels
• 5.1 Day 1 Auckland to Tongariro via Raglan and Waitomo Caves.
• 5.2 Day 2 The Tongariro Crossing
• 5.3 Day 3 Lake Taupo and Huka Falls
• 5.4 Day 4 Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua and Whakarewarewa Maori village
• 5.5 Day 5 Visit Hobbiton, Matamata
• 5.6 Day 6 The Coromandel Peninsula
• 5.7 Day 7 Auckland
• 6.1 Day 7-9 The Bay of Islands
• 6.2 Day 10 Return to Auckland
• 7 What to Pack for a Road Trip in New Zealand

Should you follow this 7 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary?

This 7 day North Island itinerary is not for everyone but I believe it would be a brilliant road trip for anyone who doesn’t mind a fairly fast-paced trip and wants to see a lot in a short time. Is it right for you?

No , if you want to indulge in daily lie-in’s, don’t like driving or you want to try out New Zealand’s nightlife.

Yes , if you want to sample a lot in a short time, want to focus on the landscapes not the cities, you don’t mind early mornings and are not averse to driving.

This New Zealand North Island itinerary does not by any means cover all the highlights North Island has to offer in just 7 days. However, in my opinion, it covers most of the best or most unusual places and will give you a taste for New Zealand and hopefully have you booking a return trip to explore more!

If you have a few extra days then I highly recommend following the 10 days New Zealand North Island Itinerary, also included.

Let’s start with an overview of this 1 week New Zealand North island itinerary to whet your appetite…

An Overview of your 7 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary

• Day 1 Raglan & Waitomo Caves
• Day 2 Tongariro Crossing
• Day 3 Lake Taupo & Huka Falls
• Day 4 Wai-o-Tapu geothermal park & Whakarewarewa Maori village
• Day 5 Hobbiton, Matamata
• Day 6 Coromandel Peninsula

Day 7 Auckland

If you have extra days, turn it into a 10 day New Zealand North island itinerary …

• Day 7-9 Bay of Islands
• Day 10 – Auckland

And now for the practicalities…

When is the Best Time to Travel to New Zealand’s North Island?

In general the weather is milder and more pleasant in New Zealand’s north island than in the South. To make the most of the North island’s beautiful beaches, I’d recommend travelling in the summer when the weather is likely to be warm and sunny.

Even though New Zealand appears close to Australia on the map, do not expect scorching hot summers in New Zealand. The climate is not dissimilar to that of the UK’s!

How to Get around New Zealand’s North Island

The best way to see New Zealand is on a road trip like in this New Zealand North Island itinerary. There are different ways to take a road trip in New Zealand depending on your travel style and budget.

Ways to Travel in New Zealand

• Hop on Hop Off Tour , stopping off in hostels along the way
• Organised Small group adventure trip
• Hire a campervan & stay at campsites
• Hire a car & stay in hostels & hotels

Hop On Hop Off Tour

If you’re looking to keep your New Zealand North island itinerary as budget as possible, then this may be the option for you. With hop on hop off passes, for example, the Kiwi Experience , you choose how long you want to stay at each location before rejoining the bus tour. It’s a sociable way to travel especially for solo travellers in New Zealand however it’s also not as flexible as you are restricted by the specific bus stops.

Take a Small Adventure Group Tour

Companies like G Adventures and Intrepid Travel are a great way to travel if you are a solo traveller.

With small groups of 10-15 like-minded people, all your transport and accommodation is organised. Sometimes, it actually works out cheaper to travel on a group tour if you are on your own.

Usually, some meals and activities are included but there’s also plenty of free time to do your own thing .

G Adventures runs a few similar trips to this New Zealand North island itinerary. For example this 8 day North Island multisport trip or this 10 day trip which includes the Bay of Islands .

Hire a Campervan

This is how I travelled the North Island and I think it’s the best way especially if you are travelling as a couple or with a friend. The best thing about travelling by campervan is the freedom it affords you. See a nice view? Pull over and have a picnic…

I suggest staying alternate nights at campsites with facilities and DOC sites so you can take a shower but save money on the nights where you camp for free or cheap at DOC campsites .

It’s best to shop around for campervan hire to get a good deal. You’ll also need to decide what level of comfort is acceptable to you as campervans come in all shapes and sizes from shoestring to luxury.

Wicked Campers are a great budget options but they’re not very spacious so you’ll be cooking outside with the car boot door as your rain cover.

The campervan we chose was slightly more spacious with a built-in kitchen and a seating area turned into a bed at night but there were no toilet facilities so we always chose campsites accordingly.

You could splash out on a fancy motorhome with a shower and toilet inside if you can afford it. This does also mean you can save a little by staying mostly at budget or free DOC sites.

Hire a Car and Stay in Hotels and Hostels

Hiring a car still allows you to be flexible and may suit those that who prefer some creature comforts! If you are happy to stay in fairly budget hostels, it may also work out cheaper. Remember, you may need to book ahead of time if you are travelling in peak season.

Find out how much it costs to travel New Zealand

Okay, time to get to the good bit…

A New Zealand North Island Itinerary for 7 Days

Day 1 auckland to tongariro via raglan and waitomo caves..

Drive Time 3hr 20 to Waitomo a further 2 hours to Tongariro.

Drive distance 240 km / 400km (this is your longest drive day – phew!)

Things to Do at Raglan and Waitomo caves

Chances are you’ll be flying into Auckland as it’s New Zealand’s biggest airport. Whilst Auckland is a nice city, you don’t really come to New Zealand for the cities so unless you have extra time, I’d head straight out to see New Zealand’s great outdoors instead!

Heading South of Auckland, I’d suggest stopping for some breakfast and a stroll along the beach at Raglan. This cute little town is a famous surf spot in New Zealand and has a bit of a hippy feel to it.

You should then reach Waitomo Caves by midday. Choose between taking a relaxing boat trip through the caves to spot the luminescent glow worms or you could take a more adventurous black water rafting trip or even the caving tour which includes ziplining and abseiling for the ultimate adventure.

You have a choice here either to stay near Waitomo Caves or push on to your next destination, Tongariro National Park. I would advise you try and push on as day 2 is a big one with an early start!

Day 2 The Tongariro Crossing

Today is your chance to traverse one of the world’s most renowned one day hikes, the Tongariro Crossing . Set in New Zealand’s oldest national park, the 3 volcanic peaks of Ngauruhoe, Tongariro and Ruapehu are part of a world heritage site. This 19.4km trek which will take you past active volcanoes and bright aqua crater lakes will take around 6-8 hours. I suggest you get up early to make the most of it.

The car park only allows parking for 4 hours so you will need to arrange a shuttle bus. To arrange a shuttle transfer to and from your hotel, click here .

Sadly, when I was there the path was closed due to a recent eruption. If this happens to you, I would recommend taking a micro flight. Seeing it from the air was just spectacular – we could still see smoke billowing from the crater!

If you have the time and the funds, I would recommend trying to see it both by foot and by air as you’ll get completely different perspectives. Today will no doubt be a highlight of your New Zealand North Island itinerary.

Where to Stay near Tongariro National Park

DOC campsite Mangahuia Campsite

Campsite with facilities Ohakune Top 10 Campsite

Budget hostel LKNZ Lodge

Mid-budget Beech Tree Lodge

Luxury Chateau Tongariro Hotel

Day 3 Lake Taupo and Huka Falls

Drive Time 1 hr

Drive Distance 65km

Lake Taupo covering 616 square kilometres, is New Zealand’s largest lake and attracts visitors for its hiking, boating and river rafting opportunities. It’s a popular place for adrenaline activities like Sky diving and Bungy jumping!

For a more leisurely day out, you could take a sailing trip out to see some Maori rock carvings. There’s also the opportunity to kayak there instead. For the ultimate relaxation day, head to DeBretts Spa resort.

Huka Falls, just a 1-hour hike from Taupo, is definitely worth a visit. What it lacks in height, it makes up for in power. This turquoise waterfall on the River Waikato has 22000 litres of water passing through every second!

You can hike from Taupo town or drive and park in the visitor’s car park. Take a gentle stroll along the river and admire the force of the falls from the pedestrian bridge.

If you want to get even closer to the falls, why not take a Jet Boat ride from Taupo ?

Things to do near Lake Taupo

• Tandem skydive
• Sailing trip
• Kayaking trip
• White water rafting
• DeBretts Spa resort
• Jet Boat from Taupo
• Bungee and white water rafting day out

Where to Stay near Taupo

DOC campsite Clements’s Clearing (nb, this is 27 km out of town)

Campsite with facilities Lake Taupo Holiday Resort

Budget hostel Riverstone Backpackers

Mid-budget Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

Luxury T e Moenga Lodge

Day 4 Wai-O-Tapu, Rotorua and Whakarewarewa Maori village

Drive Time 1 hour

Drive Distance 85Km

Things to Do in Wai-O-Tapu and Rotorua

This will be a busy day so I recommend getting up early!

Your first stop is Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Park , New Zealand’s most colourful geothermal area showcasing volcanic craters with bubbling mud, steaming vents and bright coloured lakes in surreal colours.

It will take between 45 and 90 minutes to walk around the park but you should allow longer if you are visiting Lady Knox Geyser which erupts at 10.15 every morning. I recommend getting there for about 9.30 to get your ticket and get a good spot to see this impressive eruption!

Next stop is Rotorua where you can spend the afternoon.

The main highlight here is Whakarewarewa Maori living village , a showcase of culture and heritage of the Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people. The centre is owned and operated by those who live there.

Sample their traditional Maori hangi food cooked in the steam from the geothermal water or even better, try the delicious hangi pie.

Attend a cultural performance to see and hear about Maori songs, games, dance and see the world famous Haka being performed.

You will want to allocate 2-3 hours for visiting Whakarewarewa village. If you have time left over, you may wish to visit Rotorua Museum or take a relaxing mud bath at Hells Gate .

Please note Rotorua museum is closed for stengthening against potential earthquakes. Please check before you visit if it has opened yet. The government gardens remain open for you to enjoy.

In the evening, you could also consider visiting Redwoods TreeWalk which is lit up at night with beautiful coloured lights and lanterns.

Where to Stay near Rotorua

DOC campsite Lake Okareka Campsite

Campsite with facilities Rotorua Top 10 Holiday Park

Budget hostel Funky Green Voyager

Mid-budget Silver Fern Rotorua

Luxury City Lights Boutique Hotel

Day 5 Visit Hobbiton, Matamata

Drive Time 50 minutes + 1 hr 30

Drive Distance 70 Km + 160 Km

Visiting Hobbiton

If you are a fan of the Lord of The Rings and Hobbit films, then you are going to love this day trip to visit the Hobbiton movie set .

There are 5 tours a day (you can only visit on a tour) and you should book early as these sell out fast. You can book yours here .

Hobbiton can be found on a 1250 acre working sheep farm near Matamata. Guided tours will allow you to take plenty of photos of the iconic hobbit holes all whilst being told fascinating facts about the film production by your guide. (I won’t tell you here and spoil the surprise but let me tell you, it’s amazing the lengths they go to in order to have the perfect set…)

The tour culminates in a trip to the charming Green Dragon Pub where you can order a complimentary hobbit mug of cider or ginger beer. Don’t forget to stop for a ‘second breakfast’ at The Shires Rest after your tour of Hobbiton!

Since you’ll have some free time this afternoon, I recommend driving to the Coromandel Peninsula so that you can have a full day of relaxation the next day, enjoying this beautiful part of New Zealand’s coastline.

Where to Stay near Coromandel

DOC campsite Waiokawau Bay Campsite (42km north of Coromandel)

Campsite with facilities Coromandel Top 10 Holiday Park

Budget hostel Tidewater Tourist Park

Mid-budget H ush Boutique Accommodation

Luxury Coromandel Views Bed and Breakfast

Day 6 The Coromandel Peninsula

Drive Time 2 hr 45minutes

Drive Distance 150 km

Things to do at the Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is famous for its beautiful beaches but also has rainforest walks, waterfalls and hot springs to offer. You could easily spend several days exploring this pretty part of New Zealand but I recommend you stick to the highlights since you just have one day to explore.

The three biggest beach highlights in this region are Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach and New Chums Beach. You have a couple of options here, depending on how much driving you are happy to do.

A road trip visiting all three of these locations will be a 2 hr 45 minute round trip which will comfortably allow you a few hours at each place providing you get an early start. In this case, you should base yourself at Coromandel town.

However, if you want a chilled out day, you could focus just on Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, which are close to each other, and stay more locally. For example at Tatahi Backpackers or at Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort .

Another option would be to base yourself in Coromandel town but skip the driving for a day and take a tour to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach . You then have the option to visit New Chums early the next day before the crowds arrive and before you head for Auckland.

Cathedral Cove A stunning beach with white sand, turquoise water and white rock formations which was featured in the Chronicles of Narnia film. It’s a little slice of New Zealand paradise!

Hot Water Beach Pockets of hot water are accessible during low tide. Dig yourself a trench and enjoy a natural warm bath. There are glow worms along the walkway to the beach so if you go for sunset, you might get to see some glowing in the dark on the way back.

New Chums Beach Voted as one of New Zealand’s top 10 beautiful beaches. It’s a protected beach with no cafes, shops hotels or campsites so you may want to pack a picnic.

It’s time to head back to where this new Zealand North Island Itinerary began, Auckland. You could opt to spend the day exploring this cosmopolitan city starting with a city tour stopping by Auckland museum (complete with cultural performance) followed by a trip up the Sky Tower for dinner with a 360-degree view.

If you’re an adrenaline junkie who’s still not done with adventure activities, there are plenty on offer in Auckland too. You could take a tandem skydive , take a sky jump off the sky tower, do a harbour bridge climb or bungee jump off the bridge .

Alternatively, you could hop on a ferry and spend the day exploring Waiheke island with its rolling hills, forests, pretty bays and wineries. Perhaps take a food and wine tour ?

Where to Stay near Auckland

DOC campsite (No DOC campsites except those only accessible by boat)

Campsite with facilities Orere Point Top 10 Campsite

Budget hostel Hobson Lodge

Mid-budget Kohimarama Beach Oasis

Luxury Hotel Grand Windsor McGallery

Your New Zealand North Island Itinerary for 10 Days

If you have more time to enjoy the North island, then take this opportunity to visit The bay of Islands. On day 7, instead of heading to Auckland, head North to (Paiia.)

Day 7-9 The Bay of Islands

Drive Time 3 hours

Drive Distance 230 km

What to do in The Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is renowned for its beauty. On mainland, you’ll find subtropical rainforest, rivers and coastal paths. But the real attraction is the 144 subtropical islands with their pretty coves and unspoilt beaches.

The Bay of Islands is best explored by taking an island hopping sailing trip . I would also recommend a wild dolphin swimming experience .

You could also consider taking a trip to the far North to visit Cape Regina and the stunning 90-mile beach where you can also try sand boarding on the many dunes.

Now, of course, its New Zealand so there’s always adventure activities on offer. Why not give parasailing a whirl? Or for something more relaxing, take a sunset cruise.

Where to Stay near The Bay of Islands

DOC campsite Puketi Recreation Area Campsite

Campsite with facilities Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park

Budget hostel The Retreat

Mid-budget Admirals View Lodge

Luxury The Waterfront Suites Heritage Collection

Day 10 Return to Auckland

Sadly, it’s time to end your idilyic stay near the Bay of Islands and return to Auckland where your trips ends . If you set off in the morning, you may have a few hours to explore the city depending on when your flight departs.

What to Pack for a Road Trip in New Zealand

1. Decent insurance. This is so important when you are visiting New Zealand. You need to make sure it will cover you for adventure activities that New Zealand has on offer like kayaking, bungee jumping, sky diving & cycling. I recommend Nomads for adventure travel insurance .

2. A good lightweight raincoat , Heads up, it rains a lot in New Zealand! Though perhaps not quite as much on the North Island when compared to the South. I have a Patagonia jacket which has been brilliant the past 6 years!

3. Decent hiking boot s which can keep your feet both comfy and dry. I always use Salomon boots and recommend them for anyone who does a lot of hiking especially if you have flat feet as they have orthotics built in – SO comfy! I’ve had various cheaper boots in the past but once I invested in these, I never looked back! I’ve not had a single blister yet..!

3. DEET mosquito repellant . I was surprised by how many mozzies there were here. So definitely bring DEET. Don’t scrimp on your mozzie repellant – use the good stuff.

4. A Waterproof Phone Cover You will need one of these when you go if you go kayaking! Also handy for boat trips in the Bay of Islands

7. A Quick Dry Antibacterial Towel which will dry quickly so you can use it on the go for the various water activities on offer. I love these colourful ones from Dock & Bay.

8. A Head torch . If you are planning to stay at any campsites, don’t forget a head torch . You’ll be glad of this at night when you need a trip to the toilet!

9. A dry bag to keep your belongings dry if you go kayaking

10. Anti-theft Bag or a padlock to keep your belongings safe on bus journeys and in hostels. You can actually get some really pretty anti-theft bags like this one…

Check out this list of the nicest anti theft bags for travel

11. A Power bank to stay connected on long journeys where you may not have access to plug sockets. This powerful power bank can also be solar charged which is especially handy for camping trips.

12. A Kindle – essential for long bus journeys or car trips if you’re not the driver. I wouldn’t go backpacking without my kindle .

13. A Water To Go Bottle – these clever bottles filter the water as your drink allowing you to drink from any river or tap helping you save mon ey and stay healthy. I have two but prefer the slightly larger 750ml bottle. You can get a 15% discount if you use the code GLOBETROTTERGP at checkout.

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• New Zealand North Island or South Island?

Hopefully, this New Zealand North Island Itinerary for 7 days has helped to give you some inspiration for your trip to New Zealand. You’re going to have such an amazing time!

If you have any questions, feel free to pop them in the comments section and I’ll do my best to answer them!

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The ultimate 8 day iceland ring road itinerary, 10 days in vietnam: an awesome 10 day vietnam itinerary, this post has 3 comments.

Great Blog! New Zealand is a fantastic place and a better option rather than going to places where you do not feel comfortable. If you are a first time traveler for a trip to New Zealand, you must know about your interests, budget and the places. Thanks for sharing these valuable tips!

Love your post! My new husband and I are trying to plan a honeymoon to New Zealand! Can you email me so we can connect? Thanks!!

Great Blog 🙂 . I really liked your pictures from Cathedral Cove. This place looks like a dream! I recently went to visit this place however the weather was not in my favor and I definitely didn’t have views like this. New Zealand is such an incredible place to travel.

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The Ultimate 10-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary (2024)

Experience the highlights of New Zealand’s North Island in 10 days on this efficient, scenery-packed road trip itinerary.

Planning a North Island itinerary can feel like a daunting task.  

There’s so much to choose from, and it’s overwhelming to know where to go.

To make matters worse, a lot of the itineraries out there either recommend a completely unrealistic route or don’t include many details (like where to eat! and hidden gems!) that will make your trip special.

That’s where this guide will help!

I live in New Zealand and spend nearly every weekend and holiday travelling around the country.

I’m here to help you plan the best trip possible because the North Island is epic, and I don’t want you to miss out on experiencing its magic! 

This itinerary will take you through some of the North Island’s most beautiful highlights, including vineyards, glow worm caves, volcanic mountains, hot springs, and beaches.

Get excited, because this is going to be the trip of a lifetime!

So let’s get to it, shall we? Read on to discover the ultimate 10-day North Island itinerary.

* Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links to trusted partners. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. I really appreciate your support!

Table of Contents

Map of this 10-Day North Island Itinerary

Where to Hire (Rent) a Car for your North Island Road Trip

This itinerary is best suited for a road trip, whether you’re in a car or campervan.

🚗 Car hire : I recommend using Rentalcars.com to easily compare prices and vehicle models from all of the top NZ car rental companies. They do all of the homework for you so you don’t have to spend hours (and open 10+ tabs) to find the best deals!

🚐 Campervan Hire : I’m a big fan of JUCY , Travellers Autobarn , and Spaceships for campervan rentals. I also use Motorhome Republic to compare prices on campervans in NZ.

The Best 10-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary

🗓 days 1-2: auckland & waiheke island.

Start your 10-day North Island itinerary in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and the first point of entry for most international visitors.

You’re likely going to be tired after a long flight, so let’s keep the next two days easy.

Instead of grabbing your rental car or campervan now, wait until Day 3. 

You won’t need a car in Auckland, and it’s easy to take an Uber or Super Shuttle from the Auckland Airport into the city. It’s good to let someone else do the driving while you recharge a bit.

On Day 1, I recommend exploring Auckland, mostly on foot—walking is a great way to work off jetlag, after all, and it’s also the best way to get to know Auckland! 

Then on Day 2, head to Waiheke Island for a fantastic day trip from Auckland.

✅ Things to do in Auckland

• Walk along the Viaduct Harbour & Westhaven Path . This urban walk is simply gorgeous and will take you past the Auckland Harbour, where you can pop into any bars or eateries that strike your fancy and peek at all of the fancy yachts in the harbour.
• Hike up Mount Eden (Maungawhau) , a volcanic cone with some of the best views of the city. From the city centre, it’s a short Uber ride to the base of Mount Eden, and the hike itself takes about 30-45 minutes round-trip.
• See the Sky Tower, an iconic part of the Auckland cityscape. If you want to experience some of the most incredible views in the city, a trip up the Sky Tower is a popular option.
• Movie buffs won’t want to miss Wētā Unleashed . This interactive tour is run by the Academy Award-winning Wētā Workshop, the studio responsible for special effects, costumes, and props from some seriously amazing films like the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
• Explore the High Street and Britomart Districts, where you’ll find a vast selection of boutique shops, cute cafes and international eateries. 
• Have breakfast at Daily Bread or Chuffed . For a casual lunch/dinner, head to Federal Delicatessen or the upscale food court in the Commercial Bay precinct. If you’re after a special meal, Hello Beasty is an excellent choice.

✅ Things to do on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is known for its wineries, beaches, and laid-back vibe. It takes just a 45-minute ferry ride to get from Auckland to Waiheke. 

The ferry ride itself is spectacular: you’ll glide across the sparkling Hauraki Gulf whilst taking in views of Auckland City and its surrounding landscape.

Once you get to Waiheke Island, you’ll have multiple options for how to spend the day. Here are some suggestions for you!

• Go wine tasting! Waiheke is known as the island of wine, and sampling some of the local drops is a sure way to get into vacation mode. I love Stonyridge , Batch , and Mudbrick vineyards in particular. 
• Visit Waiheke’s gorgeous beaches— Oneroa Beach , Onetangi Beach , & Palm Beach are all lovely.
• Zipline through native forest at EcoZip Adventures .
• Explore the charming village of Oneroa, and make sure to get a gelato at Island Gelato while there!
• Sample some Waiheke Island craft beers at Alibi Brewing Company , Waiheke Brewing , or the Heke .
• Lace up your boots and go for a hike along Waiheke’s scenic walking trails .

🚌 Tip: the easiest way to get around Waiheke Island is to book this hop-on, hop-off bus ! Alternatively, you can take the public bus for the cheapest option. If you plan to take the public bus, make sure to purchase an AT HOP bus card in Auckland before getting on the ferry to Waiheke.

➡️ Where to Stay in Auckland

Note : Auckland is the only location in this itinerary where I haven’t given a camping option, because I think it’s best to stay in a hotel or other accommodation in Auckland. If you’re hiring a campervan, pick it up on Day 3 and start camping on the North Island from then on!

🛏 Budget: LyLo LyLo is a hip hostel located right in the heart of Auckland’s city centre. Not your average backpacker’s hostel, LyLo offers modern, clean accommodation ranging from shared rooms (with cosy sleeping pods) and private rooms with either shared or ensuite bathrooms.

🛏 Mid-range: M Social  The M Social is, hands-down, my top hotel choice in Auckland. The location is absolutely perfect for exploring Auckland, and the rooms are faultless. I recommend splurging a bit on a room with a view so you can watch the ferries go in and out of the harbour. 

🛏 High-end: Park Hyatt Stay right by Auckland’s waterfront at this luxurious hotel, which overlooks the Waitematā Harbour and has everything you need for a fabulous stay.

🗓 Days 3-4: Coromandel Peninsula (Hahei)

// Driving time from Auckland to Hahei: 2 hours 30 minutes ( Directions )

Today, it’s time to hit the road!

Get an early start to the day and fuel up with a quick breakfast—my choice would be a pastry (usually a ham & cheese croissant) and flat white from Daily Bread. 

After breakfast, pick up your rental car or campervan. Depending on where you’ve hired your vehicle from, you may need to hop in an Uber to get to your car rental depot.

After getting your vehicle sorted, make sure you have your Google Maps directions all plugged in and ready to go—and now it’s time for your road trip!

Your destination today is Hahei on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula , where you’ll stay for the next two nights in blissful beach paradise. 

Tip : if you need to stock up on gear or do a big grocery shop, you’ll find the best selection in Auckland. Here are some places you might find helpful:

• Pak ‘n Save : If you need to do a big grocery shop, head to a Pak ‘n Save supermarket. Pak ‘n Saves are huge supermarkets that usually have the cheapest prices for groceries in NZ.
• Kmart or the Warehouse : For budget-friendly road trip items (like a chilly bin/cooler) or anything else you forgot to bring with you, head to a Kmart or Warehouse store. I’d compare them to Target or Walmart stores in the USA.  Kmart is my usual go-to, but either will do the job.

📍 Stops on the Drive from Auckland to Hahei

• Thames: You don’t need to go out of your way to visit Thames, but I’m mentioning it here if you need a bathroom break or didn’t get groceries/gear in Auckland. Thames is the last chance to pop into a supermarket or Warehouse store before reaching Hahei.
• Tairua: Visit the Tairua surf beach to check the waves, and stretch your legs by walking up to the summit of Mount Paku . This 30-minute (round-trip) walk climbs up to the summit of the volcanic peak Mount Paku and offers gorgeous views over the Tairua harbour mouth and surrounding beaches. 
• Colenso Country Cafe : If you’re in need of some lunch at this point, visit this lovely cafe and enjoy a meal in their sunny garden. They grow a lot of their own produce and the food is fantastic.
• The Family / Hot Water Beach Brewing : This awesome family-run brewery is located in Whenuakite, just 10 minutes before reaching Hahei. It’s a great spot to grab a pint and snack, but of course indulge safely if you’re the driver on this trip! 

✅ Things to do in and around Hahei

• See Cathedral Cove , the most famous beach in the Coromandel. Unfortunately, the track to walk to Cathedral Cove is closed indefinitely due to cyclone damage. However, you can still see Cathedral Cove by taking a boat tour or kayak tour!

➡️ Since you can’t currently walk to Cathedral Cove, I recommend booking one of these Cathedral Cove tours, which depart from Hahei Beach ⤵️ ⛵️ A one-hour Hahei Explorer Cathedral Cove Boat Tour is the easiest way to see Cathedral Cove, especially if you have limited time! 🛶 Fancy something more active? A kayaking tour with Cathedral Cove Kayaks is an epic way to get out on the water and see Cathedral Cove (and potentially marine life, too!).

• Dig a hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach . To access the hot water, you’ll need to visit the beach within 2 hours on either side of low tide. Hire a spade (shovel) from Hottie’s Cafe or the Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.
• Walk up to the Te Pare Point Reserve , a historic fortified Māori settlement. At the summit, you’ll be met with sweeping ocean views stretching over the Cathedral Cove marine reserve.
• Hang out at Hahei Beach . Beach walks here are glorious!
• Shop for local goodies at Cove , a beautiful boutique store in Hahei.
• Day trip to New Chums Beach , a pristine hike-in beach with white sand and crystal-clear water. Another favourite Coromandel beach of mine is Lonely Bay, which is just a 15-minute drive from Hahei.
• Get breakfast at Little Blue Kitchen (they make great breakfast burritos & bagels!) or Hahei Beach Cafe . For dinner, head to Pour House for a house-brewed craft beer or cider and thin-crust pizza.

➡️ Where to Stay in Hahei

🛏 Mid-range: Tatahi Lodge   This laid-back lodge has great vibes and beautiful grounds – the lush gardens here are just lovely. Choose from a 2-person studio or 2-bedroom units for a larger group. The property is right in town and it’s just a 5-minute walk from here to Hahei Beach.

🛏 Mid-range: The Church Accommodation Hahei The unique Church Hotel was built around a reconstructed early-1900s church and has private cottages set amidst native bush. You’ll have options here, including 2-person cabins with or without kitchenettes, or a 3-bedroom holiday house. There’s an excellent restaurant on the property, too, and you’ll be within walking distance of Hahei Beach.

⛺️ Camping: Hahei Beach Resort  One of the best campgrounds in the Coromandel , the Hahei Beach Resort is located in an epic beachfront location and has tons of amazing amenities (including hot tubs for hire!). 

🗓 Day 5: Mount Maunganui

// Driving time from Hahei to Mount Maunganui: 2 hours 45 minutes ( Directions )

Today, you’ll be making your way from one beach town to another, all while stopping at several other beach towns on the way!

Honestly, the beaches along this drive are some of the best beaches on the North Island, so take your time and enjoy them! 

There are also some excellent coastal walks and delicious eateries to try, so today is really going to be something special.

📍 Stops on the Drive from the Coromandel to Mount Maunganui

• Whangamatā: This charming coastal town is set next to a popular surf beach . Stop here for a beach walk (or swim!) and lunch at Port Road Project or Soul Burger . Another popular activity here is kayaking to Whenuakura (Donut Island).
• Waihi Beach: Yet another cute town set next to a gorgeous beach, Waihi Beach is a great place to go for a beach walk or peruse the cute shops and cafes in town. Hikers will love the 45-minute (one-way) coastal walk from Waihi Beach to Orokawa Bay , a hidden beach paradise. 

✅ Things to do in Mount Maunganui

• Hike to the summit of Mount Maunganui’s namesake volcanic cone, also known as “Mauao” by locals. Or, for an easier hike, walk around the Mount Maunganui Base Track. Both of these Mount Maunganui walks are super stunning!
• Hang out at the beach! Head to the Mount Main Beach for surfing opportunities and long beach walks; for a sheltered swimming bay, visit Pilot Bay Beach.
• Soak in the Mount Maunganui hot pools , which are located at the base of Mauao and contain heated saltwater. 
• Go shopping on the Mount Main Street, where you’ll find lots of cute local shops. My favourite shop in Mount Maunganui is the Paper Plane Store , which is a perfect place to pick up a local souvenir that’s a little out of the ordinary.
• Eat & drink your way around town! For brunch, go to the General (their Turkish eggs are divine), and Rice Rice Baby is my favourite spot for a delicious Vietnamese dinner. 
• Fancy a craft beer? Then head to the Rising Tide ,  located a 5-minute drive from the town centre. They have an incredible selection of locally-made craft beers and serve up excellent dumplings, too!

➡️ Where to Stay in Mount Maunganui

🛏 Mid-range: The Mission Belle Motel My #1 accommodation option in the Mount is always the Mission Belle Motel. Their rooms and clean and modern, the location couldn’t be better, and the owners are lovely. Kitchenettes are the icing on the cake.

🛏 Mid-range: Quest Mount Maunganui An excellent location and new, modern rooms make the Quest one of the best places to stay in the Mount.

⛺️ Camping: Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park Camp right in the heart of Mount Maunganui at this beachfront holiday park, which is located at the base of Mauao and is just steps away from town.

🗓 Day 6: Rotorua (via Hobbiton)

// Driving time from Mount Maunganui to Rotorua via Hobbiton: 2 hours ( Directions )

Today, you’ll be heading inland to one of New Zealand’s most unique destinations: Rotorua.

Rotorua is known for its Māori culture and geothermal activity, including hot springs, geysers, and mud pools. 

It’s also a major tourism hub for the North Island, with so many activities on offer you could honestly spend a whole week here and not get bored. 

Here’s where to stop on the drive today, plus what to do once you get to Rotorua.

📍 Stops on the Drive from Mount Maunganui to Rotorua

• Hobbiton: A must-do on most North Island itineraries, take a walking tour of the famous Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings films. It looks just like it does in the movies! The setting is gorgeous, too, amidst sheep-covered pastures and rolling green hills. 

🌟 Tip : make sure to book your Hobbiton tickets well in advance, because they often sell out.

• Tirau: Stop in Tirau for a lunch break—I recommend the Baker for a meat (or veggie) pie and sweet treat!
• Putāruru Blue Springs (Te Waihou Walkway): Hike along the stunning Te Waihou Walkway to see the Putāruru Blue Springs , which have incredibly clear, blue water and look like something out of a fairytale. ( Note: the Te Waihou Walkway is closed until Spring 2024, so I’ve included it here just for future planning purposes! ).
• Over the Moon Dairy : Sample delicious locally-made cheese and purchase some goodies for road trip snacks.

✅ Things to Do in Rotorua

There is honestly so much to do in Rotorua, and you won’t be able to do it all on a short visit.  But that’s okay—here are some ideas, and you can pick and choose what appeals to you most!

• Walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest (it’s gorgeous, and free), or book a treetop walk.
• Stroll around Kuirau Park, which is one of the best free attractions in Rotorua and will give you a taste of the area’s geothermal activity.
• If adrenaline activities are your thing, there’s a lot of that here—you can book a ziplining experience , go white water rafting , or try zorbing . 
• Soak in the soothing hot springs of the Polynesian Spa .
• Have dinner out at one of Rotorua’s excellent restaurants—I recommend Abracadabra or  Atticus Finch for sharing plates & cocktails, or Sabroso for some of the best Mexican food (and margaritas!) you’ll find in NZ.

➡️ Where to Stay in Rotorua

🛏 Mid-range: Aura Accommodation Aura Accommodation is my go-to motel in Rotorua. The location is within walking distance of town, the staff are super friendly, and there are onsite hot pools to enjoy!

🛏 Mid-range: Kings on Peace Apartments These modern apartments are located in a quiet, residential part of Rotorua and have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including private decks, a spa pool, laundry facilities, BBQs, and fully-equipped kitchens.

⛺️ Camping: Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park The Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park is located a bit out of town, but the lakefront setting is so peaceful and pretty that it’s worth it! This is by far my favourite campground in Rotorua. Make sure to ask at the front desk about the glow worm walk nearby!

🗓 Days 7-8: Tongariro National Park

// Driving time from Rotorua to Tongariro National Park: 2 hours 15 minutes ( Directions )

Today, you’re heading to the mountains! 

Your destination will be Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage site and the oldest national park in New Zealand. 

Along the way, you’ll travel through geothermal wonders and will visit beautiful Lake Taupō. 

It’s going to be an epic day filled with so much to see, so you’ll want to get an early start.

📍 Stops on the Drive from Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

• Visit a geothermal park—choose from Te Puia , Waimangu Volcanic Valley , or Wai-o-Tapu . For a free option, hike to the Crater Lake lookout on the Rainbow Mountain Track , which gives you gorgeous views over a turquoise geothermal lake.
• Soak in one of the many natural hot springs between Rotorua and Taupō . 
• Experience burbling geothermal mud at the free-to-see Mud Pool near Wai-o-Tapu.
• View the stunning blue water of Huka Falls .
• Stop in Taupō for a lunch break and lakeside stroll. Or consider a game of disc golf in Spa Park (BYO discs or hire from AJ Hackett Bungy)—follow your disc golf game with a soak in the free Otumuheke Stream Hot Pools ! Replete Cafe is the best spot for lunch in Taupō (their prawn linguine is incredible, and they have excellent cabinet food). If you have extra time, take a scenic cruise on Lake Taupō to see the Māori rock carvings at Mine Bay.

Note : There aren’t that many places to eat in Tongariro National Park, unless you stay in Ohakune. I recommend picking up groceries on the drive into the park, so you can self-cater. Pak ‘n Save in Taupo has the largest selection, or there’s a New World supermarket in Turangi.

✅ Things to do in Tongariro National Park

• Trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , one of the North Island’s best day hikes. You’ll need to book a shuttle to go to and from the crossing, which is a serious hike that takes between 6-8 hours and a good level of fitness.
• Or tackle one of the smaller hikes in Tongariro National Park— Taranaki Falls is a favourite of mine. Tama Lakes is a great alternative to the alpine crossing (and you can combine it with a visit to Taranaki Falls).
• Walk to Tawhai Falls to see one of Tongariro’s best waterfalls and a Lord of the Rings filming site—it featured as Gollum’s Pool and is a gorgeous spot, even if you’re not a LOTR fan!
• Visit Ohakune, the largest town in Tongariro National Park, and check out the carrot-themed playground, disc golf course, and—for a real treat—their open-air wood-fired hot tubs .

➡️ Where to Stay in Tongariro National Park

Tip: If you’re planning to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, I highly recommend that you stay in either Whakapapa or National Park, where you can easily catch a shuttle to access the crossing. Tongariro Alpine Crossing Shuttles (a good, reliable shuttle service) have pickup points near the below campsite and accommodation options.

🛏 Mid-Range: Plateau Lodge The Plateau Lodge is my top choice for accommodation in National Park. You’ll have access to a shared kitchen when you stay here, making it easy to prepare meals. Their King Studio Pod is my favourite option—it has an outdoor bath, which is a massive treat after hiking.

🛏 Mid-range: Parkview Apartments These comfortable two-bedroom apartments are a great option for families. The apartments have fully-equipped kitchens, fireplaces, and amazing views to boot!

⛺️ Camping : Mangahuia DOC Campsite or the Whakapapa Holiday Park Both of these campsites are in beautiful, beech tree-fringed settings—if you want a hot shower after a day of hiking, though, then go with the holiday park! Definitely book either in advance, as these are two of the most popular camping grounds in Tongariro National Park.

🗓 Day 9: Raglan

// Driving time from Tongariro National Park to Raglan: 3.5 hours ( Directions )

After some time in the mountains, you’ll make your way back to the coast. 

Today you’ll journey to Raglan , a relaxed West Coast surf town with gorgeous black sand beaches and creative vibes.

My partner is a surfer so he and I have spent quite a lot of time in Raglan over the years.

However, even if you don’t surf, it’s still a wonderful town to spend some time in (I’m not a surfer but love visiting Raglan nonetheless!).

Along the way, you’ll get to stop at another highlight for many visitors to the North Island: the Waitomo glow worm caves!

Here’s how to spend the day.

📍 Stops on the Drive from Tongariro National Park to Raglan

• Waitomo Glow Worm Caves: Cruise along an underground river with sparkling glow worms lighting the way. This magical experience is popular for good reason, so I do recommend that you book your tickets in advance.
• Hamilton Gardens (detour):  Make a slight detour to visit the Hamilton Gardens , which are completely free and well worth seeing. These impressive themed gardens are a delight—allocate at least an hour to wander through them, as there’s a lot to see!

✅ Things to do in Raglan

• Visit Bridalveil Falls , one of the North Island’s best waterfalls. Bridalveil Falls is located a 15-minute drive from Raglan, so you may wish to visit it on the drive into town instead.
• Go surfing or simply watch the surfers at Manu Bay . If you’re keen for a surf lesson, contact Raglan Surf School .
• Enjoy a long beach stroll at Ngarunui Beach , a beautiful black sand beach.
• Pop into the boutique shops in Raglan. I love Tony Sly for pottery, and Artisan & Merchant for locally-made clothing and housewares.
• Have dinner at the amazing Ulo’s Kitchen (seriously—don’t miss it!), or head to the Raglan Wharf for fish ‘n chips by the sea at Raglan Fish .
• Relax on a sunset harbour cruise , or just watch a sunset from the beach for the final night on your 10-day North Island itinerary.

➡️ Where to Stay in Raglan

🛏 Mid-range motel: Raglan Sunset Motel The Raglan Sunset Motel offers great-value rooms in a convenient town centre location. This is my go-to motel when I visit Raglan.

🛏 Mid-range apartments: Bow Street Studios For something a bit more boutique in feel, check out the Bow Street Studios. They offer waterfront apartments and a historic cottage, all perfectly located right in town so you can walk to Raglan’s shops, cafes, and restaurants. 

⛺️ Camping: Raglan Holiday Park The Raglan Holiday Park is the best place to go camping in Raglan. This campground is located by the beach and within walking distance of town, making it so convenient to explore Raglan at your leisure!

🗓 Day 10: Return to Auckland

// Driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes (or more with traffic) ( Directions )

The time has come to make your way back to Auckland.

Head straight to the Auckland Airport to return your hire car or campervan and complete your 10-Day North Island road trip.

Before hitting the road, though, grab breakfast and coffee in Raglan—I recommend the Shack or Wyld .

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. 

Without traffic, the drive from Raglan to the Auckland Airport takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

If you’re travelling during peak commuter hours (between 7 am to 9 am or 4 pm to 6 pm), give yourself even more time in case there’s traffic.

Best Time of Year for this 10-Day North Island Road Trip

This trip is best completed between October through April, which coincides with Spring through Autumn in New Zealand.

While you can still do this trip in winter, I’d omit Tongariro National Park and swap it with an extra night or two in Rotorua and/or a night in Taupō, unless you plan to go skiing at Mt Ruapehu.

More North Island Itinerary Options

If you’d prefer to road trip one-way from Auckland to Wellington, simply swap Day 9 (Raglan) for a night in Wellington. There are so many great things to do in Wellington ! From Tongariro National Park, it’s about a 4-hour drive to Wellington.

Then to continue the adventure, you could take the ferry from Wellington to Picton and continue on a road trip from Picton to Queenstown !

And if you have more time for the North Island, consider adding a visit to either Napier —known for its wineries and art deco architecture—or New Plymouth , where you’ll find black sand beaches and more mountain scenery.

Thanks for Reading my 10-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary!

I hope it’s helped you plan an epic trip. As always, please leave a comment or send me an email if you have any questions about this post (or about NZ travel in general), and I’ll be happy to help!

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North Island 1 Week (7 Days) Road Trip Itinerary (Auckland to Wellington)

The ultimate 1-week north island road trip itinerary (starting in auckland and ending in wellington).

We won’t go over the whole spiel of how travelling the North Island in one week isn’t enough time. We get it, that’s how much time you have. If you are prepared to do a lot of driving and have a super action-packed trip in New Zealand then you’re ready to do the North Island in seven days!

The 7-day North Island itinerary below covers most of the major highlights of the North Island, incorporating a bit of everything from mountain landscapes, coastal landscapes, adrenaline activities, natural wonders, wildlife, culture and the city. This one-week in the North Island itinerary also offers you a choice of different types of activities you can do each day, as well as various accommodations to consider. We’ll also give you some bonus power tips on renting a car for one week in New Zealand, just because we’re nice like that.

North Island Road Trip Itinerary for 1 Week (7 Days): Overview

• Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei (Coromandel)
• Day 2 – Hahei to Waitomo (via Karangahake Gorge)
• Day 3 – Waitomo to Rotorua (via Hobbiton)
• Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo or Tongariro National Park
• Day 5 – Explore Taupo or Tongariro National Park
• Day 6 – Tongariro National Park to Wellington
• Day 7 – Explore Wellington + Departure

Renting a Car or Campervan for 1 Week on the North Island

Travelling for one week on the North Island and looking for the perfect road trip itinerary? Renting a car or campervan is going to be the best way to squeeze everything you want into one week on the North Island. This means no waiting around for buses and gives you the freedom to hit all the incredible North Island destinations listed below.

For a car or campervan rental in the North Island, consider the following:

• Choose a rental company with a low or no one-way fee. The itinerary below means you will pick up a rental vehicle in Auckland and drop it off in Wellington. Most car rental companies will charge a one-way fee for this.
• Consider car relocation. See if there are any car relocation deals at your time of travel between Auckland and Wellington for as little as NZ$1 a day! Find out more in our Car Relocation Guide to New Zealand .
• Use a car rental company based at Auckland Airport. And make sure the “premium location fee” is fair (less than NZ$30) and offers a free shuttle to their depot.

For a complete comparison of rental companies, check out The Best Car Rental Companies in Auckland and  The Best Motorhome & Campervan Rentals in Auckland .

Alternative Transport: 7-Day Bus Tours of the North Island

For travellers who would rather let someone else do the driving, escorted bus tours are a great option to take you around the North Island. Some of the tour companies that offer 7-day tours of the North Island are listed in  The 7 Best 7-Day Tours of the North Island . Plus, see   How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand for more ways to experience the North Island without a car.

Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei (Coromandel)

Drive time: 2 hrs 15 mins

You’ve arrived at Auckland Airport ! Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, it’s time to hit the road to Hahei in the Coromandel Peninsula ! Why leave the city so soon? Well, we’re guessing you have come to New Zealand to see the natural beauty of the country; not the city life. So for the first day of your road trip, go check out some of the stunning coastal scenery and beaches of the North Island.

Things to Do in Hahei

These are pretty relaxing and accessible activities/sights to see for your first day in New Zealand:

• Hike to the famous Cathedral Cove and its beach with white cliffs and a giant coastal arch
• Take a boat tour with Hahei Explorer to Cathedral Cove
• Explore beaches and islands with Cathedral Cove Kayaks
• Go to Hot Water Beach at low tide to dig yourself a hot pool in the sand.

For more ideas, head to the  25 Best Things to Do in The Coromandel .

Accommodation in Hahei

• Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Hahei Holiday Resort
• Tatahi Back Packer

See more like this in the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel .

• The Church Accommodation
• Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
• Hahei Beach Apartment

For more mid-range stays, take a look at the  15 Best Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel .

Day 2 – Hahei to Waitomo (via Karangahake Gorge)

Drive time: 3 hours

Your final destination today is Waitomo , famous for its glowworms and caving activities. 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.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the Waitomo caves tomorrow morning, but if you just can’t wait, here are some options:

Things to Do in Waitomo

• Explore the Waitomo caves with one of the 8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours
• Do a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave  or the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Do the Ruakuri Bush Walk  at night to see glowworms
• Go on a caving adventure with Waitomo Adventures , The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. (more info on Viator and Klook ) or Cave World Waitomo .

Check out the  15 Best Things to Do in Waitomo for more recommendations.

Accommodation in Waitomo

• Juno Hall Backpackers
• Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge

Learn more in the  10 Best Budget Accommodations in Waitomo .

• Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B
• Woodlyn Park Motel

See more options in the  10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Waitomo .

Day 3 – Waitomo to Rotorua (via Hobbiton)

Drive time: 1 hr 50 mins

If you want to do one of the caving activities in Waitomo  or didn’t get to do one of the Waitomo activities yesterday, this morning would be a great time to do so! Join one of the caving operators in Waitomo, throw on a sexy wetsuit and tube/abseil/climb your way through the Waitomo Caves – compare all of your options in the 8 Best Waitomo Cave Tours .

Once the adventure is over, it’s time to hit the road to Rotorua . Depending on what you prefer, there are things to do along the way to Rotorua, such as Hobbiton in Matamata , or save some time for more things to do in Rotorua this evening.

Things to Do on the Road to Rotorua

• Stop by Otorohanga to see a kiwi bird in the kiwi house or quickly learn a bit of New Zealand history down the Ed Hillary Walkway
• See the Arapuni Swing Bridge , a huge suspension bridge crossing New Zealand’s longest river
• Do the Te Waihou Walkway  to the Putaruru Blue Spring to see some of the purest and clearest water flowing in a stream
• Take a detour to Matamata to visit The Hobbiton Movie Set (more info on  Viator and  Klook ) . This will add an extra 30 minutes to your drive time.

Things to Do in Rotorua

If you get to Rotorua with time to spare, 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  or  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
• Go for a bite to eat on Eat Streat and beyond
• See the forest decorated on the Redwoods Treewalk
• Have a race on the night Luge at Skyline Gondola .

For more recommendations, check out the  25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua .

Accommodation in Rotorua

• Holdens Bay Holiday Park
• BKs Rotorua
• Rock Solid Backpackers

For more options, check out the  20 Best Budget Accommodations in Rotorua .

• Kings On Peace
• Silver Fern Rotorua
• Aura Accommodation

See more stays in  The 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua .

• Pullman Rotorua
• Regent of Rotorua
• Ngamihi Lodge

More lavish finds are available in the  20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Rotorua .

Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupo or Tongariro National Park

Drive time: 1 hour to Taupo or 2 hr 15 mins to National Park Village

Today, spend some time doing awesome stuff in Rotorua before hitting the road. But why the crazy drive time? Well, if you are into hiking and landscapes, then we suggest that you pass through the town of Taupo and base yourself in the Tongariro National Park so that tomorrow morning, you can tackle the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or another hike in the national park .

However, we know long hikes are not for everyone, so another option is to stay in Taupo which has a huge variety of activities on offer. Find out more about what there is to do in either Taupo or Tongariro National Park in tomorrow’s section. Before then, you have a day in Rotorua to enjoy before hitting the road!

• 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, go luging from the top of the Skyline Gondola , hike or mountain bike in the Redwood Forest , jet boat or do a freefall experience at the Velocity Valley , and so much more!
• See native New Zealand wildlife at Wingspan or National Kiwi Hatchery (more info on Viator and Klook ) .

Again, we have a lot more recommendations in the 25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua .

Accommodation in Taupo

For those who decide to stay in Taupo, here are your best accommodation options:

• Haka Lodge Taupo
• Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
• Chevron Motel

Check out more options over at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Taupo .

• Millennium Hotel Lake Taupo
• Suncourt Hotel

For more, check out the  20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Taupo .

• Hilton Lake Taupo
• Flying Trout Boutique Lodge

Discover more upscale finds in the  15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Taupo .

Accommodation in National Park Village

Get closer to the Tongariro Crossing by staying at one of these accommodations:

• National Park Backpackers
• Howards Mountain Lodge
• The Crossing Backpackers

See more options in the  7 Best Hostels in National Park Village & Whakapapa .

• Plateau Lodge
• The Park Hotel
• Tongariro Crossing Lodge

Day 5 – Taupo or Tongariro National Park

Spend the whole day in Taupo or Tongariro National Park doing awesome activities. There’s no driving to do today other than to your chosen activity. Plus, you can stay in the same accommodation as last night.

Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing , taking you over the volcanoes of the central North Island. The 6-8-hour hike is one-way and requires some planning in terms of transport and keeping safe; take a look at our Guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to work out a plan
• Ski or snowboard at Whakapapa Ski Field in winter
• Choose from other hikes in Tongariro National Park, such as Tawhai Falls , Silica Rapids and Taranaki Falls
• Discover the birthplace of the Haka at the historical Opotaka .

For more ideas, check out the  15 Best Things to Do in the Tongariro National Park .

Things to Do in Taupo

• Take a trip out on New Zealand’s largest lake , whether it’s fishing, kayaking, sailing, cruising or parasailing
• Bungy jump over the Waikato River with Taupo Bungy
• Do a skydive with Taupo Tandem Skydive
• Go on a white water rafting trip on the Tongariro River with Tongariro River Rafting
• Walk along the Waikato River to a natural hot pool at Spa Park , then onto Huka Falls
• Sail to the Maori Rock Carvings with Sail Barbary (more info on Viator and Klook ).

For more inspiration, take a look at the 20 Best Things to Do in Taupo .

Day 6 – Taupo or Tongariro National Park to Wellington

Drive time: 4 hours from National Park; 5 hours from Taupo

Your final destination today is the capital city of New Zealand! However, there’s plenty to do along the way to break up the 4-hour drive.

Things to Do on the Road to Wellington

• Stop by Ohakune for its walking and biking trails. Hire a bike and do the 2-hour Old Coach Road  or hike in the Mangawhero Forest (1 hour)
• Visit the National Army Museum in Waiouru
• Stop by Taihape , see the giant gumboot and do the short walk to the Mt Stewart Reserve lookout
• Do a quick detour to Palmerston North to check out the Wildbase Recovery Centre, the National Rugby Museum and Te Manawa Museum
• Check out the quirky town of Bulls and spot all the bull-related puns of the town
• Along the Kapiti Coast , stop by one of the beaches like Peka Peka Beach or Queen Elizabeth Park. Or take a tour to Kapiti Island to check out the native bird sanctuary.

Accommodation in Wellington

• Microtel by Wyndham Wellington
• The Dwellington
• Trinity Hotel

Need more options? Head to the  15 Best Budget Accommodations in Wellington .

• Willis Village
• U Boutique Hotel
• Quest on Thorndon

Check out The 50 Best Accommodations for all of your best options.

• InterContinental Wellington
• Rydges Wellington
• Sofitel Wellington

See more stays in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wellington .

Day 7 – Explore Wellington + Departure

It’s your last day on the North Island! New Zealand’s capital is a good place to end your time on the North Island not only because it has an international airport, but because there are actually a lot of things to do here! Choose from the following…

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 self-guided  Lord of the Rings tour or be guided by Xplor Tours
• 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 more as listed in the  25 Best Things to Do in Wellington .

Leaving the North Island

Finally, after a week on the North Island, it’s time to wrap this adventure up and head to Wellington Airport .

Remember to give yourself plenty of time to return your rental vehicle . There are connecting flights between Wellington and Auckland if you are flying out of Auckland .

Alternatively, take a train journey to Auckland with the Northern Explorer , which is more scenic and has a lower carbon footprint.

Goodbye from New Zealand! Next time, why not try the South Island in 1 Week: Road Trip Itinerary ?

More New Zealand Itineraries for 1 Week / 7 Days

That’s the end of our New Zealand North Island road trip itinerary for 1 week / 7 days starting in Auckland and ending in Wellington. If this itinerary didn’t take you fancy, see our alternative one-week itineraries:

• North Island 1 Week Road Trip Itinerary (Start/End Auckland)
• North Island Budget & Backpacking Itinerary: 1 Week
• North Island Luxury Itinerary: 1 Week
• North Island Food  Itinerary: 1 Week
• North Island Family Itinerary: 1 Week
• North Island Honeymoon & Romance Itinerary: 1 Week
• New Zealand in 1 Week : Road Trip Itinerary
• How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• 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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The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

The Ultimate Northland Road Trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga

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Despite living in the North Island of New Zealand for the majority of my life there, I only really started exploring Northland in the last ten years. I had seen so many photos of the famous lighthouse at Cape Reinga and Northland’s stunning beaches growing up and I thought that I was long overdue to see it all in the flesh.

And Northland wowed me more than I could have ever imagined.

The drive from Auckland to Cape Reinga is spectacular and there are so many incredible places to see along the way. Here are my favorite places to visit on a Northland road trip.

The Ultimate Northland Itinerary From Auckland to Cape Reinga

Check out my interactive map for the Ultimate Auckland to Cape Reinga Northland Road Trip.

Over my week-long Northland Itinerary, I camped, hiked, swam, and drove through New Zealand’s sub-tropical north.

It was all wonderful. 

Northland is a popular destination for tourists visiting the North Island and rightly so. The main stop is generally the Bay of Islands, with some people also making it from Auckland to Cape Reinga, before rushing back down to Auckland again.

Don’t get me wrong, if you only have a couple of days, The Bay of Islands is a great destination and it is stunning – you should definitely go there and it is on this list. But there is so much more to Northland.

In the short time that I had for my Northland Itinerary, I managed to visit so many incredible beaches and small towns and I was blown away by how exceedingly beautiful it is in this part of the world.

New Zealand isn’t well-known for its beaches, but Northland travel is alllll about the beaches.

After seeing the deserted white sands and turquoise waters of the beaches in the far north, I don’t think it will be long before everyone knows how amazing the beaches are in New Zealand.

I traveled from Auckland to Cape Reinga along the east coast of Northland, then headed back down to Auckland along the west coast – although you could do it either way. 

I listed the places I visited during my Northland Road Trip in the order I visited them, to help with your planning.

I hope to inspire you to visit this unique and picturesque region soon – before the rest of the world is let in on the secret too. This is a quintessential Northland travel itinerary in my opinion.

Pakiri Beach

Pakiri is a rugged long, sandy beach, popular with surfers and for horse riding along the sand.

Although not technically in Northland (Pakiri is in the Rodney District, which is part of Auckland), Pakiri is a great place to stop to break up your drive from Auckland City.

I strolled along a short section of the 14km beach, paddling in the translucent shallows and collecting multi-colored shells.

Where to Stay in Pakiri: Stay in a self-contained cabin at Leigh Central , or camp or stay in an apartment right on Pakiri Beach at Pakiri Beach Holiday Park .

For vacation rentals, stay at the cute Leigh family bach , or this classic Kiwi bach .

Whangarei Heads – Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach in the Whangarei Heads is one of the best beaches in Northland for its perfect-sized waves for jumping and bodysurfing, glorious clear water, giant sand dunes, and the short track up the headland for spectacular views over the beach and out to sea.

I love swimming here and the drive out there past small beachy communities, lush green forests, and volcanic peaks is something special unto itself. 

If you have time, you should check out Whangarei Falls too – it’s one of the most beautiful falls in New Zealand .

Where to Stay in Whangarei Heads: Stay near Whangarei Heads in a suite or cottage at Kauri Villas , or stay in Whangarei at The Cell Block Backpackers – in a former Police Station/Jail.

For vacation rentals, stay at this iconic Kiwi bach with sea and bush views, or at the Craypot Cabin on a peaceful lifestyle block.

The Tutukaka Coast is home to some of the best beaches in Northland. The white sand beaches of Tutukaka’s Whale Bay and Matapouri are surrounded by lush, green native bush and lapped by the blue-green waters of the South Pacific Ocean. 

The Tutukaka Coast was voted one of the best coastlines in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine in 2010, and when you see it you will see why. The slow pace and lack of crowds make it an ideal destination and a must for any Northland itinerary.

Some of the best diving in the World is just off-shore around the Poor Knights Islands . The Marina in the small settlement of Tutukaka is a beautiful place to eat dinner while watching the sunset.

I camped in Tutukaka and was amazed by all the stars lighting up the clear night sky.

Where to Stay on the Tutukaka Coast: Stay in an apartment and enjoy the pool and hot tub at Pacific Rendezvous Motel , or enjoy the views from your chalet at The Lighthouse Lookout .

For vacation rentals, stay at the Seahorse Studio , or this beautiful waterfront studio .

Bay of Islands

It’s the most obvious Northland itinerary stop and the most touristy – but I think it still has to be done. 

I loved taking the ferry over to Russell, the sleepy historic seaside town that was once known as the hellhole of the Pacific when it was the first capital of New Zealand.

It is a great place to spend a morning, checking out the shops and having a coffee or breakfast at one of the waterfront restaurants.

You have to get out on the water on an island or dolphin-watching tour – I did one that stopped at beautiful Urupukapuka Island , which is the largest of the 140 islands in the bay.

If you are interested in New Zealand history, you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum in Waitangi, the birthplace of New Zealand.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands: Stay at the beautiful, historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel on the waterfront in Russell, or stay at Pickled Parrot Backpackers in Paihia for a budget option.

For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy cottage in central Paihia, or the Allure Lodge Cottage on a bushland hill overlooking the ocean.

A lovely little town surrounded by orchards with some fantastic cafes. I stopped for lunch and nabbed a leisurely spot in a café garden – bliss.

There are some lovely beaches nearby as well and Kerikeri is a great spot to base yourself to visit upper Northland.

Visit the Stone Store – the oldest surviving stone building in New Zealand, and beautiful Rainbow Falls.

Where to Stay in Kerikeri: For a luxury option, stay at beautiful Moon Gate Villa which has an outdoor pool and lush garden, or at the popular Woodlands Motel which offers quality rooms at a low price, and also has an outdoor pool and beautiful gardens.

For vacation rentals, stay at lovely Kendall Cottage , or the charming Honeymoon Cottage on a citrus orchard.

Matauri Bay

This beach has to be seen to be believed. With turquoise waters and sugary white sand, it wouldn’t look out of place somewhere like French Polynesia or Fiji . It is undeveloped, there is no settlement there, just a couple of houses and a camping ground.

You first catch sight of the incredible beach as you crest a hill before the long drive down – be prepared to be wowed. You may not want to leave.

Where to Stay in Matauri Bay: Stay at gorgeous Crab Cove or at the magical Magic Cottages at Takou River .

For vacation rentals, stay at the Kingfisher Cottage with sea views, or this one-bedroom clifftop cottage with views over East Bay.

Tauranga Bay

A lovely beach with golden-tinged sands and clear water. It is a beautiful spot but I was more impressed by the other beaches I visited in Northland.

The competition was just too strong for Tauranga Bay to make it one of my favorite Northland beaches, but it is still definitely worth stopping at.

Where to Stay in Tauranga Bay: Camp at Tauranga Bay Holiday Park right on the beach which has cabins, tent, and RV sites, and motel units, or this one-bedroom clifftop cottage with views over East Bay.

A cute, seaside village that is a great place to stop for a wander. The pace of life is slow and the locals are friendly. The Mangonui Fish Shop claims to have the best fish and chips in New Zealand; I don’t know about that but they are pretty damn good.

There is something special about this little town, it has a calming effect on me. I have only ever stopped in Mangonui for a short time but I would love to linger for a while.

Where to Stay in Mangonui: By the Bay Beachfront Apartments for well-appointed apartments by the beach or a room at the historic Old Oak Boutique Hotel in a restored 1861 building just outside of town.

For vacation rentals, stay in this cute Kiwi beachfront bach , or this charming studio suite with beautiful views.

Matai Bay on the KariKari Peninsula is rugged and technicolored; a long, white beach that only had one other person on it when we visited in the height of summer.

It’s another perfect beach for peace, quiet, and reflection.

Where to Stay in Matai Bay: Stay at KariKari Lodge where breakfast is included or the Department of Conservation camping ground on a grassy peninsula above the beach with inspiring views.

For vacation rentals, stay at this renovated bach across the road from the beach, or this beachfront holiday home with ocean views.

Tapotupotu Bay

My Dad told me about this hidden bay, reached by a small side road near Cape Reinga, and I am SO glad that I visited. There is a beautiful beach (they all are up here) but what is really great about it is the unbelievably clear river flowing into the ocean.

You can jump in about 100 meters down and ride the fast-flowing river into the sea. So much fun! I wasn’t intending on swimming so was not wearing my bathing suit, I was too excited to go back to the car and get changed so I ended up just jumping in with my clothes on.

A definite highlight – I felt like a kid again.

Where to Stay in Tapotupotu Bay: Camp right by the beach at Tapotupotu Campsite , New Zealand’s most northern. It is basic but the location can’t be beaten.

Nearby vacation rentals are The Little Cottage by the beach in Houhora, of this spacious home in Ngataki.

Spirits Bay

It was a long, bumpy drive to get there but every bump was worth it. This isolated beach is made up of a slow curve of sand and lapped by pale blue water and surrounded by rounded, rocky peaks covered in lime-green grass.

The Maori believe that the spirits of their dead depart this world via Spirits Bay. It has an end-of-the-world feel to it.

I walked around a small black-rock island connected to the beach and along the sun-bleached sands. There was so much silence. It was blissful.

Where to Stay in Spirits Bay: Camp right on the beach at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite , a Department of Conservation campground with basic facilities.

Cape Reinga

I thought that it could be overrated. I thought that the tourist hoards would be off-putting. I didn’t think it could live up to the hype.

It did. By God, it did.

Cape Reinga is stunningly beautiful, and exploring the area is Northland travel at its finest.

A low mist lingered over the iconic New England-style lighthouse – one of the top Cape Reinga attractions.

Aquamarine waters raged far below us and the faint glimmer of impossibly white sands gleamed in the broadening sunlight, further along the sharp coastline.

I was in awe of the colors and the beauty.

After walking down to the lighthouse, I decided to do the short hike along a lofty ridgeline and down steep switchbacks to Te Werahi beach below.

Although short, at only about 90 minutes return, it was one of the most spectacular hikes I have ever done. The views were unsurpassable. And this was one of the Cape Reinga attractions that not many people bother experiencing – they are missing out.

I would love to do some of the longer hikes next time I visit.

There will definitely be a next time.

Where to Stay in Cape Reinga: The closest accommodation to Cape Reinga is the campgrounds in Spirits Bay and Tapotupotu Bay, otherwise stay at the Pukenui Lodge Motel which is a 40-minute drive away.

Ninety Mile Beach

Ninety Mile Beach is in fact only 88km long, but that is still long nonetheless. It is officially deemed a highway but is only really suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles. I didn’t risk it.

It’s pretty cool to stand on Ninety Mile Beach and not see the end of it. The Te Paki sand dunes at the northern end of the beach are a great place to sandboard. I didn’t have the time to do it but it looked like fun.

Wandering amongst the dunes, it feels as if you are in the Sahara Desert. The cute beach town of Ahipara is a great base for the beach.

Where to Stay in Ahipara: Stay at the massive Ahipara Holiday Park which has campsites, cabins, and motel rooms, or at Ahipara Bay Motel which has rooms with sea-view balconies.

For vacation rentals, stay at the 90 Mile Paradise Apartment overlooking the beach and ocean, or this stunning eco cabin with beach views.

This tiny community in the remote Hokianga definitely surprised me. I took the ferry across the Hokianga Harbour from Kohu Kohu and decided to stay at the camping ground in Rawene after an exhausting day of driving.

Originally I had planned to stay further on in the small beach town of Opononi but I was exhausted. Rawene didn’t look like much when I was driving through the town center as the sky was darkening.

I had an excellent coffee at the trendy Boat Shed Café and loved the historic buildings and giant trees draped in vines. At times I felt I was in the Deep South USA rather than a tiny town in New Zealand.

Where to Stay in Rawene: Camp at Rawene Holiday Park , which offers campsites and cabins and is set amongst native bush overlooking the harbor with a fantastic pool. Alternatively, stay in the nearby beach town of Opononi at the Opononi Hotel .

For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy modern cottage with harbor views, or this beautiful apartment within walking distance of town.

Ngawha Hot Springs

The Ngawha Hot Springs is a great wet weather alternative if you get a bit of rain on your road trip like I did.

These rustic springs consist of many small hot pools of varying temperatures with silt-laden water, there is even mud you can lather all over yourself and wash off in one of the pools.

I had a great time there, chatting with locals and other visitors while relaxing in the hot waters.

Where to Stay at Ngawha: Stay at the neo-classical designed Left Bank in nearby Kaikohe which offers charming private rooms and backpacker dorms.

For vacation rentals, stay at this historic cottage on poles over the water in nearby Taheke, or this cozy mini home farm retreat .

Tane Mahuta

New Zealand’s largest known living Kauri tree, Tane Mahuta ’s sheer height, and girth are quite impressive and if you are driving through the Hokianga region of Northland, it is definitely worth stopping to see this impressive native tree.

Where to Stay for Tane Mahuta: Stay at the luxurious Waipoua Lodge . For vacation rentals, stay at this spacious house with harbor views at Omapere, or the peaceful Waiotemarama Healing Space holiday home.

Kai Iwi Lakes

I had sun every day of my Northland road trip except for the last day, which was the day I visited these famous freshwater dune lakes.

They didn’t look that impressive under the grey skies but I have been told that they are a stunning baby blue when the sun is shining. And the lake beach is white sand.

It is definitely somewhere I will need to revisit when it is sunny.

Where to Stay at the Kai Iwi Lakes: Stay at the Kai Iwi Lakes Resort right on the lake edge in an apartment rental or dorm, or a campsite.

For vacation rentals, stay at this two-bedroom property  close to the beach, or this Omamari Beach holiday house .

Northland should be on anyone’s New Zealand Trip Itinerary – it really is that amazing – and even if you don’t have a lot of time to explore, you can reach a number of amazing Northland destinations on a day trip from Auckland.

Did I inspire you to do a Northland Road Trip? Which place stands out to you the most?

The Best Travel Insurance for your Northland Road Trip

Make sure you get travel and health insurance before your trip, just to be on the safe side. Safety Wing  is my go-to and they are cheap and easy to claim with. 

Safety Wing also allows you to sign up when you are already traveling, unlike a lot of other travel insurance providers.

If you liked this post, check out some more of my North Island New Zealand content:

• The Very Best Things To Do in Coromandel Town
• The Best Cheap Eats in Auckland
• 26 Fun Things To Do in Auckland To Best Experience the City
• Fun Things To Do in Matakana, North Auckland
• Hiking the Hillary Trail on Auckland’s Wild West Coast
• Fun Things To Do on Waiheke Island: A Subtropical Island Paradise
• 8 Interesting Things To Do in Hamilton New Zealand
• 12 Fun Things To Do in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
• Hiking the Tongariro Northern Circuit: One of New Zealand’s Great Walks
• My Experience Glamping in the Wairarapa, New Zealand
• Exploring Hobbiton: My Dad’s Home Town

43 Comments on The Ultimate Northland Road Trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga

Thanks for all the tips. I’m just planning a trip myself.

Enjoy! Northland is a gorgeous part of the country

Hi Katie, I love how adventurous you are. Based on your itinerary I went off a little bit. My Northland highlight was Te Paki coastal track through Waitahora Lagoon and Pandora Campsite. Only accessible on foot from Spirit Bay to Cape Reinga Lighthouse. It is literally off the beaten track, no crowd, just you and nature. On the way back we found the best basic campground in Shipwreck bay. Only a handful of fun people, unforgettable.

https://nzjane.com/nine-places-to-camp-in-the-hokianga-ahipara-district-far-north/

I really want to do that hike – my brother did it and loved it. It’s definitely on my list for a future visit

Genuinely the perfect time to find this post as it’s my 1 year anniversary (can anniversaries be sad?) of moving out of NZ. Cape Reinga is so gorgeous and even though I called it Cape Regina for forever without realizing, I loved the spiritual significance of the place.

I’m glad to hear you made it there during your time in NZ Nina – it is a very spiritual and beautiful part of the country

My god New Zealand is gorgeous. I always kick myself for not visiting when I was living in Australia, but I’ll be back one day!

I hope you make it there one day Caitlin!

I loved this! When I was younger, we would always go camping in Tauranga Bay so I’m so happy this was on here! Loved all of your photos too, definitely shows off New Zealand’s beauty!

Thanks Jasmine, what a great spot to spend family holidays!

I want to visit NZ so badly! This looks like such a great road trip and so many beautiful spots! Can’t wait to use this guide one day 🙂

Thanks Kelly! Northland is a gorgeous part of New Zealand

The beaches in New Zealand are unbelievably beautiful! I would love to visit them when I’ll come to New Zealand. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Shany! New Zealand does have gorgeous beaches

New Zealand looks like such a dream! I can’t wait to visit. Thanks for such an informative post!

Thanks Shay, I hope you get to New Zealand one day

Thanka for sharing the less popular but gorgeous beaches. I will take note for when I visit. The Kauri tree is amazing.I’ve mainly been on the South Island so it’s great to know about great places in the north.

Both islands have so much beauty and are so different so I hope you get to the North Island one day too

New Zealand has been on my list for awhile. The Ninety Mile Beach looks ah-mazing! Would love to visit NZ soon. Such a great and detailed post.

Thanks, I hope you make it there once borders open again!

These stops all look so amazing! It makes me want to come to New Zealand even more.

I hope you make it there one day MacKenzie!

You are right! They are gorgeous beaches!!

We only had two weeks when we visited NZ, so we never made it up to the Northland. But seeing all this gorgeous scenery (and hot springs!) it looks like my cup of tea! If I can make it back to Kiwiland I’d love to explore this area.

Northland is a very good reason to come back!

I’ve bene to quite a few of these places. I spent nearly a month in the Bay of Islands, visiting Opua, Russell, Keri Keri, etc. We also stopped at Tutukaka, which I thought was just a freaking adorable town. Would like to go back and dive Poor Knight’s someday.

Nice! I would love to go up there for a month, I have done lots of short 4-8 day trips. I would love to dive in the Poor Knights Islands too.

Lovely article. Thanks for sharing. I am planning a trip to NZ and ETA is being introduced. Do you know whether its July or October? There is conflicting advise on websites

https://official-newzealand-eta.org/

I’m glad you enjoyed it. I just had a look at the website and it is confusing. I think either way it is only going to be a small charge. I would check back in July and see what the site says then.

I spent a month working and exploring a bit from kerkeri and had an awesome time, I didn’t get to do all of your list (and didn’t know about all of it either) but I can’t wait to go back and explore more!

Kerikeri would be a great base to explore from. I hope you make it back to do more exploring Gemma!

Wow! New Zeeland looks almost tropical! So beautiful!

The very north of New Zealand is subtropical so it’s very different than the Lord of the Rings mountain scenery in the South Island. I hope you get to experience it!

You really made me want to take this trip with your photos and descriptions.

Thanks Lauren! I hope you do make the trip – it’s a great one 🙂

THose beaches look so pristine! i never understood why everyone is going for australie when NZ is so close by. Sadly flight from europe take like 20 million hours – else i’d be there more often.

Oh and before i forget it. WHen i was a kid lighthouses were something magical for me. The idea of someone living high up and lonely in that small little tower and lightening the way for other ships was…uh..i guess romantic!

Australia is amazing too but they are scenically quite different so both worth a visit. There is definitely a romantiscism with lighthouses, one of the reasons I love them too 🙂

We are doing this journey next weekend and this post has got me so excited now! Can’t wait to see all this natural beauy ourselves 🙂

Enjoy! It is such a beautiful road trip with so many lovely beaches to stop off at 🙂

Wow, look at that beach! Added to my NZ travel list when we make it there.

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I have to say Matakana is one of the few spots I love returning to over and over in NZ, and luckily it’s so close to Auckland!

It’s amazing isn’t it! There is definitely something special about that little village 🙂

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Hello Everyone,

- Land in Christchurch in the morning and pick up car rental

- Hike Sugarloaf Scenic reserve- Specifically Mitchells Track

- Explore Christchurch

- Drive to Hokitika Via Arthurs Pass in Afternoon to stay the night in Hokitika

- Drive to Hokitika Gorge

- Drive to Franz Joseph to stay the night

Day 3 and 4 (have seen previous advice to leave 2 days here in case heli tour is cancelled):

- Franz Joseph Heli-hike tour

- Drive and see nearby Lake Matheson

- Minnehaha Nature walk at day (and night to view glow worms)

- Stay another night in Franz Joseph

- All Day drive to Wanaka with stops at Thunder creek and Blue pools.

- Stay night in Wanaka

- Wanaka Waterfall Climb Tour

- See Wanaka Tree

- Hike Roy's Peak

- Drive to Queenstown via Kawarau Gorge

- Stay night in Queenstown.

- Queenstown Activities- Shotover/Dart jet + Luge

- Explore Queenstown

- Coach daytrip to Milford Sound

- Hike Ben Lomond

- Visit Lake Wakatipu

- Drive and stay night in Mount cook

- Hooker Valley Track

- Visit Tasman Glacier Lake

- Drive to Lake Tekapo (stop at Lake Pukaki en route)

- See Lake Tekapo

- Stargazing at night or combo stargazing and hot-pool at night

- Drive back to christchurch to return car and fly out to Australia

I would appreciate any advice regarding my trips feasibility and if I should cut out certain POIs/activities especially given that the days are quite short (sunset around 5pm). Likewise I additionally wanted to know if I could combine certain days to overall improve efficiency and make the most of each day (is it really a necessity to have 2 days in FJ? How likely is the heli tour to be cancelled as otherwise day 2 in FJ would be quite slow..)

How is the weather like in late may on the South island?

10 replies to this topic

Blue Pools on Haast Road are still closed but lots of other scenic stops. I doubt you will have time to climb Ben Lomond then drive to Mount Cook on the same day in May although you will be fitter than me.

I suggest you sacrifice a day at FJG to spend your first N in Chch. You can do Sugar Loaf without a car too, by taking the #1 bus to The Sign of the Takahe at Cashmere & hiking from there.

As above - some overly long and not poosible days. I'd re-gig to something like the following...

Day 2: drive via Arthurs Pass -, stop for short hike - to Hokitika; perhaps include Hokitika Gorge too, time permitting

Day 3 visit Okarito and Franz Josef Glacier / township on way to Fox Glacier. Evening Minehaha walk

Day 4 heli hike; Lake Matheson

Day 5: Fox to Wānaka. Stops - Ships Creek, Fantail Falls, Thunder Creek

Day 6: Wanaka Waterfall Climb Tour (WILDWIRE?) - which option are you looking at? The 3hr or up to fullday??

Day 7: - Hike Roy's Peak

- Drive to Queenstown via Kawarau Gorge (WHY Kawarau Gorge? It's MUCH longer - and you'll be driving it again on the way from Queenstown to Mt Cook. Much better to go via Cardrona and Crown Range).

Day 8: coach - cruise - fly day trip to Milford Sound . Possible Shotover or Skippers Canyon Jet (fit whenever you have the time)

Stay Queenstown

Day 9: hike Ben Lomond; include Gondola and Luge stay Queenstown

Day 10: depart for Aoraki Mt Cook. Possible stops: Highlands Park, Cromwell; Lindis Pass; Omarama Clay Cliffs; High Country Salmon. Afternoon Tasman glacier Viewpoint; Kea Point for sunset. Stay Mt Cook Village

Day 11 Hooker Valley hike. Skiplane/ heli flight . Drive to/ stay Lake Tekapo - dark skies

Day 12: drive to Christchurch

Day 13: fly out.

Blending suggestions of Zhuhai and Pineapplepeasi will make for quite a memorable trip, but you are going to need to stay in places with great beds!

Hello S4183IZ,

Blue pools will be closed in May when I go? That's a shame I was looking forward to it.

Apologies, have made an error lake wakatipu is situated in and around Queensland- think it was just something on my list of to-dos that I accidentally added.

Can you combine the bennlomond hike with the life activities?

Stock up with supplies the day before at Hokitika or Franz Josef on the way through.

Hello greytravellerSydney,

Just to clarify is it better to do the helihike on Franz Joseph or fox glacier?

I did the Ben Lomond climb three times in my 20's, the first was in 1967, before the gondola was built so climbed from lake level. We would climb in the afternoon and come down for dinner at the top of the gondola. I have heard of people going up for sunrise. It is a great walk and you could combine with other activities but I do not think that would include driving to Mount Cook afterwards.

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