North Island NZ Itinerary: 7, 10 & 14 Day Trip Plans
Last updated on July 11th, 2026 at 10:00 am
A road trip is generally the easiest way to see and experience the diversity of what the North Island of New Zealand has to offer. From beaches in the north to geothermal landscapes and volcanic scenery in the middle to the cool little city of Wellington in the south. These road trip itineraries I suggest cover the classic routes and allow for driving times in New Zealand – giving you flexible 7-day and 10-day road trip options, and ideas for longer trips.
If you are traveling without a car or camper, it is still absolutely possible to see the sights using buses and tours. I also have a section below covering itineraries and how to get around for travelers without a car.
I have written these itineraries to be ideal for all travelers, with or without a car, and especially if you are a first-time visitor. Message me or comment below if you have any questions!
First a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels,and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!
Plan for your trip
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use Booking.com or DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental sites
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator, GetYourGuide, or Eatwith. And here in New Zealand I always check Bookme as it has good discounts on many attractions.
Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!
On with the North Island itineraries…..
This is quite a long post so I have split it into the following sections:
- 7-Day Classic North Island NZ Road Trip Itinerary
- 10-Day Classic North Island NZ Road Trip Itinerary
- Alternative 7-10 Day North Island Road Trip Itinerary (driving to the north)
- Alternative 7-10 Day North Island Road Trip Itinerary (to the south)
- 7-10 day itinerary without a car
- If you have 14 days and longer for your trip
- Driving Distances & Travel Times
- General Tips when planning your North Island trip
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Where to stay – key locations
- Related Posts
What Is the Best North Island NZ Itinerary?
The best North Island NZ itinerary depends on your timeframe, but most travelers follow a classic loop or north-to-south route that includes Auckland, Waitomo, Rotorua, Taupō, Tongariro National Park, and hopefully some beach or coast time. My 7–10 day trips aim to balance driving time with sightseeing.
7-Day Classic North Island NZ Road Trip Itinerary
7-Day Classic North Island NZ Road Trip – Quick Overview
The itinerary in brief:
Day 1 – Auckland / Day 2 – Hamilton Gardens and Hobbiton / Days 3 and 4 – Rotorua
Day 5 – Taupō / Day 6 – Tongariro National Park / Day 7 – Return to Auckland via Waitomo!
7-Day Classic North Island Road Trip Itinerary (Day-by-Day details)
I recommend a loop from Auckland to the central North Island geothermal and volcanic areas and back to Auckland. I do not recommend driving to Wellington as it is a lot of driving time and you will not really get the benefits from it.
Day 1 – Auckland
Arrive in Auckland. Walk around the Mt Eden volcano cone and take in the views. Walk the coastline around the beaches from the scenic viewpoint on Tamaki Drive to Mission Bay, Kohimaramara and St Heliers beaches. Swim time.
Good options for other things to do and see, depending on your time are:
- Head up the Sky Tower for views across the city (and a meal if you feel like dining). If you are feeling adventurous enough you can do the 192 meter high skywalk and the Skyjump too!
- Go on a half day City Tour, or take a Small-Group History & Culture Walking Tour. Alternatively a self guided Walking Tour of Auckland’s Hidden Stories.
- In the evening take a 5-star Auckland City Lights Night Kayaking Tour – highly recommended for a unique perspective and a great fun way to see the city.
Day 2 – Hamilton and Hobbiton to Rotorua
Drive to Hamilton and visit the fascinating Hamilton Gardens that sit on what was once a rubbish tip. (Don’t miss the futuristic garden.) Note – I don’t recommend taking a tour as it is not needed and adds little value.
Carry on to Middle Earth and take a tour of Hobbiton. If you want to do the banquet dinner – book ahead.
Drive to Rotorua for the night.
If you are not interested in either the gardens or Hobbiton, drive through to Rotorua and spend extra time at one or some of the other places on the itinerary, or a great alternative is to spend a day on Waiheke Island enjoying the beaches or wineries after a ferry ride out from Auckland.
Day 3 – Rotorua
The top priority is to visit the geothermal attractions – I recommend this Small Group Morning Tour of Waimangu and Wai O Tapu.
If you don’t want a tour to the big geothermal spots, you can take a walk around Kuirau Park in the middle of town and see the bubbling mud pools and bathe your feet in the thermal foot baths. Carry on to the Prince’s Gate and Government Gardens with its impressive building. From there you can walk around the lakefront and see the geothermal activity at Sulphur Point and around the lakefront.
Visit the kiwi hatchery in the afternoon, or visit the Redwoods (perhaps trying the Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure), or other walking areas nearby.
Enjoy the Māori culture and food in the evening with this Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū.
Note : Check here for any deals on these activities on BookMe NZ!
Day 4 – Rotorua
Rotorua is the adventure and experience capital of the North Island so there are plenty of options of things to do while you are here. Try some adventure activities – get a taste for white water rafting or white water sledging, or maybe forest ziplining in the morning.
Alternatively there is another Māori cultural experience with the Voyages of Māori at Mitai Māori Village. And if you would like to hike in the geothermal area, the 4-5 hour Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience is excellent.
Another experience that is very New Zealand is the Agrodome Farm Experience and a good way to spend part of your day.
And of course at some point you want to try a spa – the Secret Spot Hot Tubs are very popular, as is the Polynesian Spa. both are very different. You can also have a short spa on the Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk. If you want a very real and authentic hot springs experience, then visit the Waitangi Soda Springs. This is privately owned, has very basic change rooms and costs $10 cash to enter (at the time of writing), but it is a very raw and less touristed option. It is currently open 6-10am and 4-9pm.
In the evening, you can have more fun on this Glow Worm Kayak Tour or this Nocturnal Glow-Worm Adventure Tour in the forest. And of course I have an alternative for you – the Redwoods Altitude, Nighttime Fast Pass, & Treewalk (but note I recommend you only do this if it is dark – then it is really magical!)
So as you can see there is a lot to do in Rotorua! More details of things to do are in Rotorua – the adventure and experience capital of the North Island
Day 5 – Taupo
Drive to Taupo, but stop at either Kerosene Creek, or the Hot ‘n’ Cold River on the way. These are both (free) natural river swimming spots where hot springs warm the water.
Stop at the Huka Falls just before Taupo. Take the short walk across the bridge and watch the falls thunder down the narrow chute into the Waikato River. Its a must-stop spot. A great way to see the falls is from a jet boat ride, or a helicopter flight!
In Taupo enjoy swimming in the lake, the views to the volcanic mountains past the far end of the lake, and again you can swim in natural hot water spots. The most popular is the Otumuheke Stream.
A popular thing to do in Taupo is get out on the lake and to see the Māori Rock Carvings. There is a lovely cruise on the lake on the Ernest Kemp – Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise, or you could get more active and go on a Māori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour. Another adventure for some is to go skydiving over the lake – its up to you!
My absolute favorite commercial hot pools in NZ are also in Taupo – at the Wairakei Terraces – Thermal Hot Pools. It’s adults only and it has a good range of temperatures for all preferences.
Stay the night in Taupo or drive to Turangi and stay there.
More details of things to do in Taupo are in The Best Adventures to have in Taupō, North Island, New Zealand!
Day 6 – Tongariro National Park
Drive to Tongariro National park and take some of the shorter walks in this volcanic park. There are many short ones you can find on AllTrails, for example Tawhai Pools (Gollum’s Pool to Lord of the Rings fans), the Taranaki Falls Walk and the Silica Rapids Loop Walk. Check on AllTrails for great walks in the area.
Alternatively, get here very early in the morning and do the famous Tongariro Crossing. You do need to have a car park and shuttle as its a one-way track. Its a long, but very rewarding walk through the volcanic plateau and turquoise volcanic lakes.
Other great options are going on the Sky Waka Gondola Ride for great views over the volcanic area, or going on a white water rafting adventure.
Day 7 – Return to Auckland via Waitomo
Return to Auckland via the beautiful Waitomo Caves and their thousands of glowworms. This is a longer driving day, but the visit to Waitomo Caves will break it up well. Book ahead for your visit to the caves. These are my top picks for tours – whether you are more adventurous or more chill:
- 3-Hour Private Photography Tour in Waitomo Caves
- Waitomo Caves Black Abyss Ultimate Caving Experience (see the pics below)
- Waitomo Caves Labyrinth Black Water Rafting Experience
Fly home.
Don’t forget to check BookmeNZ for great deals on any of these activities above!
10-Day Classic North Island NZ Road Trip Itinerary
10-Day Classic North Island NZ Road Trip – Quick Overview
The itinerary in brief:
Day 1 – Auckland / Day 2 – Waiheke Island / Day 3 – Hamilton and Hobbiton /
Day 4 – Whangamata or Mount Maunganui / Days 5 and 6 – Rotorua & geothermal attractions
Day 7 – Taupō / Day 8 – Tongariro National Park / Day 9 – Tongariro National Park or drive to Wellington / Day 10 – Waitomo and return to Auckland or Wellington.
10-Day Classic North Island NZ Road Trip Itinerary (Day-by-Day)
With 10 days you have more time and can choose to do a loop from Auckland back to Auckland or travel from Auckland to Wellington (or vice versa of course).
Day 1 – Auckland
Arrive in Auckland. Follow the plans for Day 1 – Auckland in the 7-day itinerary above.
Day 2 – Waiheke island
Spend a day on Waiheke Island enjoying the beaches or wineries after a ferry ride out from Auckland through the islands of the gulf.
Day 3 – Hamilton and Hobbiton to Rotorua
Drive south to Hamilton and beyond. Follow the plans for Day 2 – Hamilton and Hobbiton to Rotorua in the Classic 7-day itinerary above. Instead of driving to Rotorua, drive to Whangamata or Tauranga and “The Mount.”
Day 4 – Whangamata or Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
Enjoy the beaches at Whangamata, at the lower end of the Coromandel Peninsula. A lovely option is to kayak to an island in the bay as well. And / or drive to Tauranga and Mount Maunganui where you can enjoy the beach and climb “The Mount” for views – and a bit of exercise! If you are feeling adventurous you can try skydiving and
Days 5 & 6 – Rotorua & geothermal attractions
Enjoy the adventure and experience capital of the North Island – follow the plans for Days 3 and 4 – Rotorua in the 7-day itinerary above.
Note : Don’t forget to check for any deals on these activities on BookMe NZ!
Day 7 – Taupo
Drive to Taupo – again follow the plans for Day 5 – Taupo in the 7-day itinerary above.
Day 8 – Tongariro National Park
Drive to Tongariro National park. Follow the plans for Day 6 – Tongariro in the 7-day itinerary above. But you will also have time to go on a very pleasant approximately 2-hour forest and lake walk on the way to the park at Lake Rotopounamu. (Use this AllTrails link for the route as there are other Lake Rotopounamus in the country!)
Day 9 – Tongariro National Park or drive to Wellington
Spend more time in Tongariro National Park walking, rafting or on the gondola.
OR
If you want to go to Wellington, drive through to Wellington today. Its a longer drive so you might decide to stop at the Kapiti Coast for the night and enjoy seeing kiwis in the night at the Kiwi Night Encounter at Nga Manu Nature Reserve.
Day 10 – Return to Auckland via Waitomo / Wellington
Return to Auckland via the beautiful Waitomo Caves and their thousands of glowworms. This is a longer driving day, but the visit to the magical Waitomo Caves will break it up well. You have options for visiting the caves in more or less adventurous ways: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour will take you through the caves on a small boat. The more adventurous Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour will have you tubing through caves and jumping small waterfalls etc. And if you want the Black Abyss Experience it will include abseiling and a zip-line!
Do book ahead for your visit to the caves in the summer season.
OR
Spend the day in Wellington. A city highlights tour for a half day or full day depending on your flight is a good way to see the city. If you do the half day and have time spare it would be good to spend at Te Papa Museum, or at Weta Workshops – made famous by Lord of the Rings. Alternatively spend the day on this Original LOTR Full-Day Tour.
Fly home.
Don’t forget to check BookmeNZ for great deals on any of these activities above!
Alternative 7-10 Day North Island Road Trip Itinerary (driving to the north)
Day 1 – Auckland
Follow the plans for Day 1 – Auckland in the Classic 7-day itinerary above.
Day 2 – Waiheke Island
Follow the plans for Day 2 – Waiheke Island in the Classic 10-day itinerary above
OR
Drive north to Whangarei and travel around at a more relaxed pace – or spend a night exploring the Whangarei area.
Day 3 – Whangarei to Bay of Islands
Drive to Paihia via the Waipu Caves and Whangarei. The Waipu Caves are a lovely (free) stop with pretty cave formations and many glow worms. In Whangarei see the Hundertwasser Art Gallery and maybe try the Trike Tour to Waterfalls, Beaches & More. If you decide to skip Waiheke Island and have a day here, there is also a great walk up the Mount Manaia Track and lovely beaches out on the Whangarei Heads and Bream Head in the same area.
Day 4 – Bay of Islands
Spend a day on the water in the islands visiting them and the “Hole in the Rock” – there are many options to choose from!
You can also check Bookme – for a deal on a trip to the Hole in the Rock or other great deals!
Day 5 – Paihia and Waitangi
Spend more time in Paihia enjoying the activities there and at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds with this Waitangi Treaty Grounds Combo Pass – which includes experiencing a traditional hāngī (food) and Māori concert.
Day 6 – Russell and / or Kerikeri
Take the ferry to Russell, visit Flagstaff Hill and sample the local oysters. Visit Kerkeri and the the oldest building in New Zealand as well as the nearby Māori pa. Get more details in What to do in Kerikeri!
Day 7 – Omapere and Waipoua forest
Return to Auckland via Omapere and the Waipoua Forest and its huge kauri trees. Soon after Omapere stop at the Pakia Hill Lookout for a short walk and stunning views. Stop at the Kauri Museum on the way back to Auckland after visiting the forest.
If you have 10 days?
To extend this to 10 days, you can add from these options (or any other things that interest you)
Extra Day(s) option 1
Drive to Cape Reinga from the Bay of Islands. There are a few walking options there – to the lighthouse or even to Cape Maria van Diemen. Stop for some fun at the Te Paki sand dunes, visit beautiful Spirits Bay, and spend a night near the Karikari Peninsula and its beautiful beaches and the Coco Cola Lake.
Another option is to take a day trip from Paihia so you don’t have to drive yourself and you get to drive along 90 mile beach – which is actually an official highway!
Extra Day(s) option 2
Spend more time in Russell and the Bay of Islands so you are not rushing through the area and have time to enjoy the water activities and general area. See plenty of options in The must-see things to do in the Bay of Islands and 10 Fun and Exciting things to do in Paihia.
Extra Day(s) option 3
Spend another day or two in Auckland and spend a day on Waiheke Island and another visiting the wildlife on Tiritiri Matangi island or the beaches and waterfalls on the west coast. You can even go kiwi watching at night.
Don’t forget to check BookmeNZ for great deals on any of these activities above!
Alternative 7-10 Day North Island Road Trip Itinerary (to the south)
Day 1 – Auckland
Follow the plans for Day 1 – Auckland in the Classic 7-day itinerary above.
Day 2 – Coromandel Peninsula – Cathedral Cove
Drive to the Coromandel Peninsula and explore some of the key sights like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. There are some great tours from Whitianga or Hahei to Cathedral Cove which will save you some driving time! Otherwise you can walk to Cathedral Cove from Hahei on this trail!
- Sailing Trip to Cathedral Cove
- Cathedral Cove Cruise with Snorkeling
- Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise
Or from Hahei
Day 3 – Coromandel to Whangamata
Spend more time on the peninsula and / or at the lovely beach village of Whangamata.
A good tour from there is this Donut Island Guided Kayaking Experience
Day 4 – Tauranga and Mount Maunganui
Drive to Mount Maunganui. Climb the Mount for great views, and consider going on a Half Day Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise.
Days 5 and 6 – Hobbiton and Rotorua
If you want to visit Hobbiton, drive from Mount Maunganui to Hobbiton before driving on to Rotorua. Take a tour of Hobbiton. If you want to do the banquet dinner – book ahead.
In Rotorua follow the plans for Days 3 and 4 – Rotorua in the 7-day itinerary above.
Day 7 – Waitomo Caves and Hamilton Gardens to Auckland
Drive from Rotorua to the Waitomo Caves. You have options for visiting the caves in more or less adventurous ways: The Waitomo Glowworm Caves Guided Tour will take you through the caves on a small boat. The more adventurous Black Water Rafting Experience Waitomo Caves Tour will have you tubing through caves and jumping small waterfalls etc. And if you want the Black Abyss Experience it will include abseiling and a zip-line!
Do book ahead for your visit to the caves in the summer season.
Carry on to visit the fascinating Hamilton Gardens that sit on what was once a rubbish tip. (Don’t miss the futuristic garden.)
Drive back to Auckland.
If you have 10 days?
To extend this to 10 days, you can add from these options (or any other things that interest you)
Extra Day(s) option 1
Spend three extra days visiting Taupo and Tongariro National Park. Follow the plans for Days 5 and 6 – in the Classic 7-day itinerary above.
Extra Day(s) option 2
Spend another day or two in the Coromandel Peninsula enjoying the beaches. And take time to visit Taupo before returning to Auckland via the Waitomo Caves.
Extra Day(s) option 3
Spend another day or two in Auckland and spend a day on Waiheke Island and another visiting the native birds and other wildlife on Tiritiri Matangi island or the beaches and waterfalls on the west coast. You can even go kiwi watching at night.
Don’t forget to check BookmeNZ – for great deals on any of these activities above!
7-10 day itinerary without a car
No car? Its ok – you can do a lot in 7-10 days without a car too. Using buses, tours and daytrip tours its quite easy to see the key sights. It can also be cheaper than hiring a car!
Day 1 – Auckland
Arrive in Auckland. Walk around the Mt Eden volcano cone and take in the views. Walk the coastline around the beaches from the scenic viewpoint on Tamaki Drive to Mission Bay, Kohimaramara and St Heliers beaches. Swim time.
Good options for other things to do and see, depending on your time are:
- In the evening take a 5-star Auckland City Lights Night Kayaking Tour – highly recommended for a unique perspective and a great fun way to see the city.
or
Take this trip and go kiwi watching at night. - Head up the Sky Tower for views across the city (and a meal if you feel like dining). If you are feeling adventurous enough you can do the 192 meter high skywalk and the Skyjump too!
- Go on a half day City Tour, or take a Small-Group History & Culture Walking Tour. Alternatively a self guided Walking Tour of Auckland’s Hidden Stories.
Day 2 – Hobbiton and Waitomo Glow-worm Caves
Take a day trip to see Hobbiton and the magical Waitomo caves. There are a lot of choices on both GetYourGuide and Viator. Book ahead if you want to do the dinner banquet, and in the summer book ahead for any of the day trips too.
Note: I recommend Hobbiton and Waitomo, or Waitomo and another attraction like the kiwis if you are not interested in Hobbiton, but not to go to Rotorua on a day trip unless you only have a couple of days in the North Island.
Day 3 – Waiheke island
Spend an easy day enjoying the gulf island scenery and the wineries or beaches on Waiheke Island – just a ferry ride away from Auckland. Alternatively, if you want to see the native bird life of New Zealand spend a day on Tiritiri Matangi island. Another great option i to visit the beaches and waterfalls on the west coast.
Day 4 – Rotorua
Take an Intercity bus to Rotorua. This is the adventure and experience capital of the North Island. With masses of options of things to do.
Try a fun or adventure activity for example:
- Visit the Redwoods (perhaps trying the Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure), or other walking areas nearby.
- Get a taste for white water rafting or white water sledging, or maybe forest ziplining
- Hike in the geothermal area with this 4-5 hour Mt Tarawera Guided Volcanic Crater Experience
Enjoy the Māori culture and food in the evening with this Cultural Experience & Seasonal Māori Cuisine at Te Pā Tū. An alternative Māori cultural experience is the Voyages of Māori at Mitai Māori Village. Or do both!
Day 5 – Rotorua
The top priority is to visit the geothermal attractions – I recommend this Small Group Morning Tour of Waimangu and Wai O Tapu.
If you don’t want a tour to the big geothermal spots, you can take a walk around Kuirau Park in the middle of town and see the bubbling mud pools and bathe your feet in the thermal foot baths. Carry on to the Prince’s Gate and Government Gardens with its impressive building. From there you can walk around the lakefront and see the geothermal activity at Sulphur Point and around the lakefront.
Other things to do in the afternoon include:
- Visit the kiwi hatchery
- Get some sheep and farm experience with the Agrodome Farm Experience
- And of course at some point you want to try a spa – the Secret Spot Hot Tubs are very popular, as is the Polynesian Spa. Both are very different. You can also have a short spa on the Hell’s Gate Outdoor Mud Spa & Guided Walk.
- In the evening, you can have more fun on this Glow Worm Kayak Tour or this Nocturnal Glow-Worm Adventure Tour in the forest.
OR
Try the Redwoods Altitude, Nighttime Fast Pass, & Treewalk (but note I recommend you only do this if it is dark – then it is really magical!)
So as you can see there is a lot to do in Rotorua and really its up to you how you choose to spend your time here. More details of things to do are in Rotorua – the adventure and experience capital of the North Island
Note : Always check for any great deals on these activities on BookMe NZ!
Day 6 – Taupo
Get the bus to Taupo.
Walk or taxi to the Huka Falls and watch the falls thunder down the narrow chute into the Waikato River. Its a must-see in Taupo. you can walk from town on the 6 km return (about 1.5–3 hours) Spa Park to Huka Falls track. Another great way to see the falls (without walking) is from a jet boat ride, or a helicopter flight!
In Taupo enjoy swimming in the lake, the views to the volcanic mountains past the far end of the lake, and again you can swim in natural hot water spots. The easiest to get to is at the Hot Water Beach.
A popular thing to do in Taupo is get out on the lake and to see the Māori Rock Carvings. These are not ancient but are impressive. The 14-meter-high carvings were created between 1976 and 1980 by master carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell and four assistants. The carvings depict the navigator Ngatoroirangi. They are only accessible from the water. There is a lovely cruise on the lake on the Ernest Kemp – Lake Taupo and Maori Rock Carvings Cruise, or you could get more active and go on a Māori Rock Carvings Kayaking Tour.
My absolute favorite commercial hot pools in NZ are also here in Taupo at the Wairakei Terraces – Thermal Hot Pools.
Notes:
Check for any good deals on these activities on BookMe NZ!
More details of things to do in Taupo are in The Best Adventures to have in Taupō, North Island, New Zealand!
Day 7 – Taupo and return to Auckland
Spend the morning in Taupo doing one of the activities above you haven’t done yet, or maybe even go skydiving, then get the bus back to Auckland.
To extend this 7-day trip to 10 days you can either spend more time in Rotorua and Taupo – perhaps doing the Tongariro Crossing using this convenient shuttle from Taupo, or do the following:
Day 8 and 9 – Bay of Islands
Spend the next two days on this small group tour to the Bay of Islands taking in the most important things to do there – 2-Day Bay of Islands Small Group Tour with Cruise
Day 10 – Auckland day trip
Spend your last day exploring more of Auckland or going on one of these great day trips:
- Private Auckland West Coast Tour Piha Beach and Karekare Falls
- Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach with Lunch from Auckland
- Muriwai Scenic Wine Tour from Auckland
- Rangitoto Island: Sea Kayak & Summit Hike Day Trip
If you have 14 days and longer for your trip
If you have the time, you can easily spend a month or more in the North Island before heading to the South! I do suggest adding the following key things to your longer itinerary. If you have 14 days then choose one or two of these extra things to do:
- Visit Northland – basic outlines are in the alternative itineraries above heading north from Auckland
- Visit the Coromandel – consider walking the (fab) Pinnacles track, but explore some of the coves and bays, like Cathedral Cove, and take your time (especially in the summer)
- Spend some time on a farm doing a Workaway to get to know quintessential kiwi farming life.
- Hike the Northern Circuit (for multi-day hikers and a favorite of mine) or the Pouakai Crossing (for overnight hikers or long day hikers).
- Do some off the beaten path hikes – read more in The 30 best short hikes in the North Island, or in, 12 great multi day hikes in the North Island (off the beaten path)
- Visit the Wairarapa or Kapiti Coast on your way to Wellington
If you did all that you could easily spend two months or more in the North Island. It really just depends on you and the time you have, the depth you want to go to, whether you like to do some hiking or day walking, and what your priorities are.
For longer itinerary options – also spend some time reading the Related Posts below!
Driving Distances & Travel Times
NZ looks like a small country but two things make it take longer than you would think to travel around! First, the scenery changes often and quickly and there are so many places to stop at that you could spend a lot longer than you think if you stopped at even some of them – a few examples are above.
Second, the roads in NZ aren’t great. Its pretty good between Auckland and Hamilton, but the National Highway 1 is mostly one lane each way, roads can be very windy, and it just generally takes longer than you think it will! These are example best driving times – without delays or any stops for most the itineraries above:
- Auckland to Hamilton Gardens – 1 hour 40 mins
- Hamilton to Hobbiton – 45 mins
- Hobbiton to Rotorua – 1 hour
- Hamilton to Mount Maunganui – 1 hour 45 mins
- Mount Maunganui to Rotorua – 1 hour
- Rotorua to Taupo – 1 hour
- Taupo to Waitomo – 2 hours
- Taupo to Tongariro National Park – 1 hour 45 mins
- Tongariro National Park to Waitomo – 2 hours 40 mins
- Waitomo to Auckland – 2 hours 30 mins
- Tongariro National Park to Wellington – 4 hours 45 mins
- Auckland to Whangarei – 2 hours 15 mins
- Whangarei to Paihia – 1 hour
- Paihia to Cape Reinga – 2 hours 45 mins
General Tips when planning your North Island trip
- Allow more time than you think for driving.
- Kiwis are on holiday all through January – by NZ standards it is very busy at the popular beaches and hiking spots. School goes back at the start of Feb. But I wouldn’t let this put you off – just be aware the kiwis will be out and about in summer too!
- March and April can also be good months to travel – although April is officially autumn its often pretty good weather – especially in the North Island it can still be good for beaches etc. and definitely good for hiking being a bit cooler!
- The weather is now very unpredictable in NZ and especially the North Island, have a plan but be prepared to change it if the weather causes serious disruption or is just going to be bad in the area you wanted. Make your bookings but check the forecasts a few days out before you trip and be prepared to change plans according to the weather. E.g. the North Island now gets hit by cyclones in the summer months which are not great if you are on a short 7 day trip!
- Book ahead for key attractions if peak season (summer from Dec to March) and try and book with a cancellation / date change option in case the weather is really causing issues. Hopefully it won’t!
- In relation to sun, be very aware that in NZ you will burn very quickly – even on a cloudy day. There is a hole in the ozone layer and so you burn – you really do! Sunblock, hats, sunglasses, lightweight long sleeve tops are your best friends!
- Stop and take some of the many short walks on the way – there are plenty. New Zealand is about the outdoors – be prepared to enjoy it!
Frequently Asked Questions about travel in the North Island
Q: Can you see the North Island in 7 days?
A: Yes and no, 7 days is enough to see the key highlights, 10 days is better for a relaxed pace and seeing a bit more. To really see the North Island in more depth at a more relaxed pace and off the beaten path, a month would be good.
Q: Is it good to visit the North Island in winter?
A: Yes, it can be especially if you are doing a short highlights trip – there is the risk of more rain, and the days are shorter, but you can get beautiful fine (but colder) days as well. Winter is not ideal if you are spending a lot more time and enjoy the beach and coastal activities. Some activities are better in winter e.g enjoying soaking in the thermal pools, and views of the volcanoes in Tongariro National Park with snow cover are more attractive! However, snow on the mountains can stop some activities such as walking the Tongariro Crossing.
Q: The South Island is meant to be nicer. Is it worth visiting the North Island?
A: Yes, it is quite different from the South Island, there is more Māori culture and history, volcanoes instead of alps and more exciting geothermal activity than in the South Island. It is also better for coastal and island visits. There are some excellent hiking options in the North Island for those that have the time as well.
Where to stay – key locations
I use booking.com or for a hostel – Hostelworld to book all my accommodation. Below are a few good options for places to stay if you are not in a camper.
Auckland
Higher end – the Park Hyatt Auckland, or, InterContinental Auckland By IHG
Mid range – Hotel DeBrett or Hotel Grand Chancellor or Horizon By SkyCity
Budget and Backpackers – for a lovely homestay try Kiwi Heritage Homestay. For backpackers the LyLo Auckland and JO&JOE Auckland are both top-rated!
Tauranga
Higher end – a unique stay at Jungle Den, or Pukeko Lane
Mid Range – Academy Motor Inn or, CitySide Hotel Tauranga
Budget and backpacker – Coastal Calm Papamoa, or Arty Apartments
Rotorua
I personally love the Prince’s Gate Hotel. Aim for a room in the creaking old main building if you stay there – it is much more characterful than the modern rooms! It does have lower ratings than the following, which are my other suggestions (but I still love it):
Higher End – Treetops Lodge & Estate or On The Point – Lake Rotorua
Midrange – the very popular Oakridge Glamping, or, Cozy Lake side Oasis, or if you want a few farm animals around you (notably cute alpacas) then try the Hideaway of Rotorua.
Budget – Apex On Fenton Motel or Ripple Rotorua or take a private room at one of the hostels below.
Backpacker – Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park (dorms and thermal pools – the pick of the bunch!) or Rock Solid Backpackers or Downtown Backpackers
Taupo
High end – Lake Taupo Lodge or The Flying Trout Boutique Lodge
Mid Range – The Retreat or Baycrest Thermal Lodge (try the studio with thermal pool)
Budget – Acacia Lake View Motel, or, Seventy-Four on Ramsay, or a private room at Finlay Jacks Backpackers
Backpacker – Adventure Taupo Hostel or Finlay Jacks Backpackers (both good from my experience)
Turangi or Tongariro
High End / luxury – River Birches
Mid Range – Moe Marie Sleep Peacefully or Braxmere Lodge in Turangi and Tongariro Crossing Lodge at National Park
Budget and backpacker – Riverstone Lodge or Riverside Loft and Skotel Alpine Resort at Mt Ruapehu
Waitomo
Mid Range – Te Tiro Accommodation or Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge
Budget and Backpackers – YHA Waitomo Juno Hall Backpackers or Waitomo Village Chalets home of Kiwipaka
Paihia – Bay of Islands
Higher End – Tarlton’s Lodge or Sanctuary Palms
Mid Range – Pioneer Waterfront Apartments or ASURE Admirals View Motel or Bay Views Chalet
Budget – Ala Moana Motel or Rayya Suites
Backpackers – Peppertree Lodge or Haka House Bay of Islands
Villas and Houses – Paihia Lighthouse or Paihia Hilltop Villa
Wellington
Higher End – Ohtel Wellington, the Boulcott Suites, or for luxury – The Residence Suite at Bolton Hotel
Mid Range – The Intrepid Hotel, or Quest 256 Lambton, or Sojourn Apartment Hotel
Budget – Gilmer Apartment Hotel, or, Adina Citylife Wellington
Backpackers – Worldwide Backpackers, or, The Marion
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