north island new zealand road trip itinerary

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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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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New Zealand North Island Itinerary: 2-Week Road Trip

If you’re planning to visit New Zealand’s North Island, you’re in for an amazing experience. There are so many unique and memorable things to do in the North Island.

If you only have a couple of weeks (or less), it can feel like a daunting task choosing what to see and what to skip. That’s where I come in! I’ve lived in New Zealand for two decades and have done multiple trips around the North Island over the years.

This 2-week New Zealand North Island itinerary is based on all the best spots from our own experiences! From amazing beaches, water activities and boat tours to glowing insects, geothermal wonders, world-class hikes and the country’s finest wine regions.

It includes all the best things to see and do, where to eat and places to stay for each location, plus the optimal route to take so you can make the most of your time.

Ready to plan the trip of your dreams? Let’s dive in!

» Read Next: Packing List for New Zealand: What to Wear & Pack

Table of Contents

North Island Itinerary Overview 

This North Island itinerary will take you from Auckland to the Far North and then south to Wellington.

For those arriving at Wellington International Airport or starting with our New Zealand South Island itinerary and taking the ferry from Picton, you can follow this itinerary in reverse starting in Wellington.  

You’ll need a vehicle for this itinerary, and it doesn’t matter whether you rent a car or campervan. I’ve included where to stay for both options. Campermate and DOC are good resources for freedom camping sites.

Who is this itinerary for?

This itinerary is for people who are planning to drive around the North Island and want to see a mixture of New Zealand’s top attractions and authentic experiences out in nature.

You’ll be driving each day and will need to be familiar with New Zealand’s road rules and comfortable navigating the sometimes narrow and winding roads.

This itinerary covers a lot of ground, so it’s best suited for the summer months (November to April) when daylight hours are longer and those who don’t mind starting the day early.

How many days do I need on the North Island?

You can have a great trip with any amount of travel time, but you’ll need to be selective about how you spend your time. Two weeks is a good amount of time to see a lot of what the North Island has to offer including the best highlights.

Our top New Zealand travel tip is don’t try to do everything. We’ve listed a range of things to do in each location to suit a variety of travel styles and budgets. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most so that you can take the time to enjoy them.

I’ve included suggestions on how to shorten or lengthen this two-week itinerary at the end.

North Island Road Trip Overview

Day 1-2 : Auckland & Waiheke Island 

Day 3 : Paihia 

Day 4 : Bay of Islands (stay Paihia) 

Day 5 : Cape Reinga (stay Kaitaia) 

Day 6 : Piha Beach (via Waipoua Forest) 

Day 7 : Coromandel 

Day 8 : Waitomo (via Hobbiton) 

Day 9 : Rotorua 

Day 10 : Taupō 

Day 11 : Tongariro National Park (optional)

Day 12 : Hawkes Bay 

Day 13 : Martinborough 

Day 14 : Wellington 

14-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary 

Auckland is an ideal place to start your North Island road trip. It’s New Zealand’s largest city and most international flights arrive at Auckland International Airport. 

I recommend grabbing a SIM Card at the airport so you have access to this itinerary while on the road.

I’ve provided estimates for drive times and the time needed for stops and activities to help with your planning. Please note these timeframes are a guide only and subject to traffic, weather conditions and your preferred pace. 

Day 1 – Auckland

These first two days in Auckland are all about easing into your trip with some of Auckland’s highlights before hitting the road.

You can follow our one-day Auckland itinerary or check out the top attractions listed below. These top Auckland tours , are another great way to see the city in a short amount of time.

Sky Tower (1-2 hours)

The Sky Tower is an iconic landmark in the city skyline. There are three viewing platforms at the top of the tower where you can see panoramic views of the city and Hauraki Gulf. You can even jump off or walk around the top of the tower if you’re looking for a thrill.

Due to its popularity, the Sky Tower is a good place to visit in the morning. It opens at 9:30am and we recommend booking your tickets in advance to skip the line.

Auckland Museum (2-3 hours)

The Auckland Museum is a beautiful museum located in the Domain, a 30-minute walk or short bus ride from the city center. It houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing New Zealand’s history and culture.

The museum is open daily from 10am and from 9am on Saturday and Sunday. You can secure your Auckland Museum General Admission ticket here .

There’s a nice café at the museum to stop for lunch.

Alternatively, you may be interested in visiting the Auckland Art Gallery or Maritime Museum, both located in the city center.

Mount Eden (1-1.5 hours)

Mount Eden is a dormant volcano and the highest natural point in Auckland with stunning views over the city and harbor.

It’s a 20-minute walk from the base to the top of the volcano. From here, you can see into the crater that is now covered in grass and stroll around the perimeter for different viewpoints around the city.

You can drive (about 15 minutes), take the bus or hop in an Uber or taxi to get there. If you drive yourself, there’s a small parking lot at the base in Tahaki Reserve or you can usually find parking along one of the side roads.  

Viaduct (2+ hours)

The Viaduct is where you’ll find the largest concentration of bars and restaurants lining the U-shaped marina. This is also where the Maritime Museum is located.

It’s a nice walk across the pedestrian bridge over to Wynyard Quarter and further along to Silo Park.

This is a great area to have dinner. We like Saint Alice for pizza and elevated views over the marina and White & Wong’s for vibrant fusion cuisine. Try to get a table on their outside veranda if it’s a nice day.

The Viaduct is also where you can experience Auckland’s nightlife . Try Dr Rudi’s for craft beer with marina views, HQ for a local pub experience or Parasol & Swing for delicious cocktails.

Where to Eat in Auckland

Here are some other great areas for dining out in Auckland from casual to fine dining.

Viaduct: For upscale dining on the water, try Oyster & Chop or Soul Bar for fresh seafood or Bivacco for delicious Italian cuisine.

Britomart: A nice area near the waterfront with a selection of restaurants and bars. Try Amano for rustic Italian.

Commercial Bay : Features an upscale food hall and restaurants near the waterfront offering cuisine from all around the world.

SkyCity: At the top of the tower, Orbit revolves as you dine, and The Sugar Club is modern and chic with dishes made for sharing. For casual, there’s Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar just across from the tower. It’s a favorite place for locals, myself included.

Fine Dining: Try Sidart Restaurant for New Zealand dishes with wine pairings, The Grove for a degustation of New Zealand food with a French twist or Sails Restaurant for its contemporary surf and turf menu.

Where to Stay in Auckland (2 Nights)

Campervan: Takapuna Beach Holiday Park

Budget-Friendly Stay: LYLO Auckland

Mid-Range Stay: Holiday Inn Express

High-End Stay: The Hotel Britomart (I love this hotel, cannot recommend enough)

Or check out our guide on the best areas to stay in Auckland for more great options.

Day 1 Summary and a suggested timetable

9:30am: Explore the Sky Tower

11:30am: Visit the Auckland Museum + lunch

2:30pm: Travel to Mt Eden

3:00pm: Climb to the top of Mt Eden volcano

5:00pm: Walk around the Viaduct

Day 2 – Waiheke Island

The highlight of day 2 is a trip to Waiheke Island , the ‘island of wine’. It’s covered in vineyards with over 30 wineries and cellar doors around the island.

There’s also secluded beaches, walking trails and activities such as ziplining on the island.

You’ll start by taking the 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island. The ferry boards by your place in line so I recommend getting to the ferry terminal early .

The wineries are spread out around the island so the best way to experience the island is by taking a winery tour.

I particularly like this Gourmet Food and Wine Tour because you can sample local artisan foods along with top local wineries, plus it includes a platter lunch.

If you prefer to explore Waiheke Island on your own you can hire a car, use the public bus or purchase a ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus .

Prefer adventure to wine tasting? This Zipline and Forest Walk Tour on Waiheke Island is good fun.

Alternatively, you can skip Waiheke and take the ferry or even join a kayak tour to Rangitoto Island . Then hike through lava fields to the top of this dormant volcano. There are fantastic views of the harbor and city from the top.

You can stay on Waiheke Island or another night in your Auckland hotel. If you stay on Waiheke Island, you’ll need to get an early ferry back to Auckland.

Where to Stay on Waiheke Island

Budget-Friendly Stay: Waiheke Backpackers Hostel

Mid-Range Stay: Cable Bay Views (we stayed here a couple of times, highly recommend)

High-End Stay: Delamore Lodge

Day 2 Summary and a suggested timetable

9:00am: Ferry to Waiheke Island

10:00am: Explore Waiheke Island

6:00pm: Walk around the Viaduct

Day 3 – Paihia, Northland 

Total Drive Time: 3.5-4 hours | Distance: 230km (143 miles) 

Hope you are feeling rested after a couple of days in Auckland, because today you are heading to sunny Northland.

Paihia is the gateway to the Bay of Islands which has plenty of fun things to see and do in the winterless north. We recommend making an early start for your journey north as it’s a bit of a drive. 

Note: This route has toll roads. You can find out how to pay online or at select service stations on the NZTA Government website .  

Stop 1: Whangarei Falls (30mins) 

Whangārei Falls is an iconic set of waterfalls standing at 26 meters tall. This waterfall was much bigger than I was expecting and a good place to stretch your legs. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the base of the falls.  

I suggest allocating 30 minutes for this stop. This will give you time to walk to the falls and grab a few snaps.  

Whangarei town center is a good place to stop for a quick lunch before the final one-hour drive to Paihia. There are plenty of cafés and fast-food restaurants to choose from.  

Stop 2: Paihia (final stop) 

Waitangi Treaty Grounds (2- 3 hours) 

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a historical site regarded as ‘the birthplace of New Zealand’. It’s where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by the British settlers and the native Māori people in 1840, thus establishing the country’s founding document.  

The grounds have museums, cultural performances, a carving studio, plus a traditional meeting house to explore. 

It’s open every day from 9am to 5pm. Entry is $30 NZD for adult NZ residents and $60 NZD per adult for international visitors. 

Take the Ferry to Russell (2-3 hours) 

Take a 15- minute ferry ride from Paihia to the historic township of Russell. Or you can drive around the coast.   

Russell is New Zealand’s first seaport and European settlement and retains its original layout and quaint architecture.

It’s a lovely place to walk around, visit New Zealand’s oldest church and end the day with dinner at iconic The Duke of Marlborough while watching the sunset over Kororareka Bay. 

Where to stay in Paihia (2 nights) 

Campervan: Falls Motel and Waterfront Campground

Budget-Friendly Stay:  Haka Lodge Bay of Islands (Paihia)

Mid-Range Stay: Admiral’s View Lodge & Motel 

High End Stay: Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel   

Day 3 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Auckland to Whangarei Falls

10:30am: Visit Whangarei Falls

11:00am: Early lunch in Whangarei

12:00pm: Drive Whangarei to Paihia

1:00pm: Explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds

3:30pm: Ferry to Russell

4:00pm: Walk around + Dinner in Russell

7:00pm: Ferry back to Paihia

Day 4 – Bay of Islands 

Now that you’ve explored the historic town of Russell and learned a bit about New Zealand history, it’s time to experience the real gem of the Bay of Islands. And the best way to do this is by boat! 

Bay of Islands Boat Cruise (4.5-6 hours) 

Spend your morning exploring the Bay of Islands on a boat tour. Take a cruise to one of the 144 islands, including hidden coves, beautiful sandy beaches, and the iconic hole in the rock.   

This Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour will take you around the isles with the opportunity to hop off and explore a couple of the remote islands. You’ll also drop anchor at the best spots for swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding.  

For a slightly longer tour on a larger boat, this Bay of Islands Island-Hopping Sailing Cruise is the way to go. This tour includes mostly the same but on a beautiful catamaran with a picnic lunch and an additional stop to a wildlife sanctuary.   

Paihia Town and Opua Forest Lookout Track (3+ hours) 

Spend the rest of day exploring Paihia’s town center. Take a walk along the Opua Forest Lookout Track for stunning views. Visit Haruru Falls and afterward stop at PhatHouse Brewing Co to sample a selection of craft beer.  

Stay in Paihia for another night.  

Day 4 Summary and a suggested timetable

10:00am: Bay of Islands Boat tour

4:00pm: Explore Paihia and Lookout Track

6:00pm: Visit Haruru Falls

7:00pm: Dinner at PhatHouse Brewing Co.

Day 5 – Cape Reinga 

Total Drive Time: 5.5 hours | Distance: 347km (215 miles) 

Today we are heading as far north as you can go in New Zealand, and you have a couple of options for the how to explore the awesome gems you’ll find up here.  

Day Tour from Paihia (11.5 hours) 

One option is to take this full day tour from Paihia and stay in Paihia for a third night. It’s a full 11-hour day that takes you to all the best spots, including a drive along the spectacular Ninety Mile Beach.  

Most rental car companies don’t allow you to drive their vehicles onto the beach for safety reasons. It’s only suitable for 4WD vehicles and the tide can be tricky to navigate so you don’t get stuck!   

If you want the full experience of driving along Ninety Mile Beach or just want a break from driving, a tour may be worth considering. 

Drive Yourself to Cape Reinga  

Otherwise, continue making your way north to wild beaches, massive sand dunes and a picturesque lighthouse perched on the tip of New Zealand.  

There aren’t any amenities after Kaitaia, so be sure to have enough fuel, water and food to get to Cape Reinga and back to Kaitaia. I recommend bringing a packed lunch for today. 

Stop 1: Ninety Mile Beach (1 hour) 

On your way to Cape Reinga, make a stop along Ninety Mile Beach to stretch your legs. It’s not actually 90-miles long as the name suggests, but an 88 kilometer (55 mile) stretch of pristine white sand.  

Although the beach is officially a highway (crazy I know) you’ll have to leave the rental in the parking lot and wander down the beach on foot. Plan to spend up to an hour walking the golden sands and taking in the scenery. 

Stop 2: Cape Reinga (1-1.5 hours) 

Cape Reinga sits at the top of New Zealand and is the furthest accessible point you can get, marked by a beautiful lighthouse.  

Look out from the cliff face and watch as the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide into one.  

Also keep an eye out for the old Pohutukawa tree at the tip of the cape. According to Māori belief, this 800-year-old tree is the point where the spirits of the deceased leap into the ocean and return to their ancestral homeland. 

On your way back to the parking lot take a quick detour to see the cliffs surrounding the area without the crowds. Follow the path to the right where it splits and go down the steps for spectacular cliffside views.  

Tapotupotu Campsite (optional)    

If you have a campervan and prefer to stay in Cape Reinga for the night, the Tapotupotu Campsite is a scenic Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite right next to the ocean. it’s an incredible spot with basic amenities for a real off the beaten path experience.  

Just bear in mind, if you stay here for the night, you’ll have an extra hour of driving time tomorrow which is already a big driving day. If you do stay, you may want to visit our next stop on the way to Cape Reinga, so you don’t have to backtrack. 

Stop 3: Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes (1 hour) 

We’ve saved the sand dunes for your way back because after a few trips down you’ll have sand coming out of places you didn’t know was possible!  

These giant sand dunes are truly impressive and so much fun to slide (or roll as the case may be) down. They go up to 150 meters tall and are steep. It’s hard work getting up there but once you’re at the top it feels like you’ve arrived in the desert.  

Be sure to get a sandboard from one of the vendors along the road. Climb as far up as you can then hop on the board and slide down. It’s good fun! 

After shaking out as much sand as you can, make your way to Kaitaia for the night. We recommend getting an early night because tomorrow is the biggest driving day for this North Island itinerary. 

Where to Eat in Kaitaia 

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and takeaway establishments along Commerce Street in Kaitaia. We had take out from Kai Thai Restaurant which was good. The portions were huge. I’ve also heard good things about Beachcomber Restaurant.   

Where to Stay in Kaitaia 

Campervan:  Norfolk Motel & Campervan Park

Budget-Friendly Stay: Beachcomber Lodge & Backpacker  

Mid-Range Stay: Kauri Lodge Motel

Day 5 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Paihia to Ninety Mile Beach

10.30am: Walk along Ninety Mile Beach

11.30am: Drive Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga

12.30pm: Explore Cape Reinga

2:00pm: Drive Cape Reinga to Sand Dunes

2:30pm: Sandboarding at the Sand Dunes

3:30pm: Drive Sand Dunes to Kaitaia

5.00pm: Arrive in Kaitaia

Day 6 – Piha Beach (via Waipoua Forest) 

Total Drive Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 400km (248 miles) 

Today you’ll be driving along the largely untouched west coast of the North Island. The scenic route from Kaitaia down the west coast to Auckland is a lot quieter than the main highway because it takes a little longer.  

It’s a big driving day and we recommend starting early. You can take the ferry from Kohukohu to Rawene instead of driving around, which will save you a considerable amount of time and distance. 

If you opted to take a tour to Cape Reinga and stayed in Paihia for an extra night, you can take SH12 to Waipoua Kauri Forest which will take a little under two hours.   

Stop 1: Waipoua Kauri Forest (20 minutes) 

The first major stop is to a huge forest that is home to many kauri trees, which are native to New Zealand’s North Island.  

Tane Mahuta (aka ‘Lord of the Forest’) is the most famous of them all. In Māori belief, this tree is considered a God. It’s estimated to be 2000 years old and is massive, standing 51 meters tall and a girth of 14 meters. Try to wrap your arms around that!  

The parking lot for Tana Mahuta is well signposted from SH12 and it’s an easy 5-minute walk from the parking lot. 

Stop 2: Kauri Walks (50 minutes) 

A few minutes’ drive down the road from Tane Mahuta is another nice walk where you can visit Te Matua Ngahere , meaning Father of the Forest, and the oldest and second largest living kauri tree in New Zealand. 

This walk starts from the Kauri Walks parking lot. Then, it’s a 20-minute walk through the beautiful, lush forest to Te Matua Ngahere. 

Stop 3: Dargaville (1 hour) 

Continue following the scenic highway through towering green forest and massive ferns until you reach Dargaville, the Kumara Capital of New Zealand. This historic town was built on the timber and gum industries until it was replaced by farming in the 1920s.  

It’s a good place to stop for lunch. This small coastal town offers a surprising selection of restaurants and cafes. Try Moa Bakery and Café for a fresh baked savory pie. 

From Dargaville, the rest of the drive back to Auckland is mainly through flat farmland. At Wellsford you have the option to carry on State Highway 1 for the most direct route or follow the scenic route (State Highway 16) to Piha Beach with an optional stop at Muriwai Beach.  

I recommend taking the direct route, otherwise you won’t get to Piha until the evening.

However, I’ve included the scenic route below with a stop at Muriwai Beach in case you prefer this option.  

Stop 4: Muriwai Beach (1 hour – optional) 

If you opt for the scenic route, you can stop at Muriwai Beach to see the Gannet Colony if you’re traveling between August and March . Note: The walking track to the Gannet Colony is currently closed due to cyclone damage. 

Head to the upper car park for elevated views over the black sands of Māori Bay and the rugged and picturesque coastline.  

Down on the beach there’s caves you can explore if it’s low tide and you can see the gannets flying around the rocks overhead. 

Stop 5: Piha Beach (final stop) 

The wild and rugged black sand beaches of Auckland’s west coast are magic, and we highly recommend spending the night here. Or you can head back to the city center and stay in the same place as day one. 

Food options are limited in Piha, so your best option is stop for dinner in Kumeu, which you’ll pass through after leaving Muriwai.  

Try the Huapai Tavern for classic pub food or Morepork BBQ for American style food. You’ll also find a variety of eateries along the main road for something quick and easy.

Once you arrive in Piha, take a walk along the black sand beach surrounded by rugged coastline. Follow the path up Lions Rock for elevated views over the beach. It’s a great spot for sunset, just be sure to climb down before dark. 

Where to Stay in Piha Beach 

Campervan: Domain Motor Camp 

Mid-Range Stay: Piha Beachstay Hostel

High-End Stay: Romantic Piha

Day 6 Summary and a suggested timetable

7:00am: Drive Kaitaia to Waipoua Forest

10:30am: Waipoua Kauri Forest

10:30am: Kauri Walks

11:30am: Drive Waipoua Forest to Dargaville

12:30pm: Lunch in Dargaville

1:30pm: Drive Dargaville to Muriwai Beach (optional)

4:00pm: Muriwai Beach (optional)

5:30pm: Dinner in Kumeu

7:30pm: Piha Beach

Day 7 – Coromandel 

Total Drive Time: 4.5 hours | Distance: 272km (169 miles) 

Today you’re heading to the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula with its secluded bays, pristine beaches and cliffside views.

Roads are both scenic and winding on the Coromandel Peninsula so allow extra time for a relaxed drive and photo stops. 

The total drive time and distance are based on the most direct route from Auckland to Hahei Beach and then down to Whangamatā via State Highway (SH) 1 and SH 25, since most activities listed below are on the east coast.  

Stop 1: Hahei Beach & Cathedral Cove (2-3 hours) 

Hahei Beach is an absolute gem and one of my favorite spots on the Coromandel. It’s a long white sandy beach with calm turquoise water. You can go for a walk, take a swim or enjoy snorkeling and sea kayaking in the pristine water. 

Cathedral Cove is known for the giant arched rock cavern that joins two pristine beaches. The walking track is currently closed but you can catch a water taxi from Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove which takes 10 minutes and runs every 30 minutes, no booking required.  

It costs $80 NZD per adult for a return trip which isn’t cheap, but you’ll get to enjoy this incredibly picturesque spot with a lot less crowds than there used to be.  

You can see updates about the track on the DOC website . 

Stop for lunch at one of the cafes in Hahei before heading to your next stop. 

Stop 3: Hot Water Beach (1-2 hours optional)    

Hot Water Beach is world-famous because you can dig your own natural hot pool during low tide, thanks to geothermal activity below the sand.

It’s certainly a unique attraction and with that comes a huge crowd. This beach is packed in that two hour window before and after low tide.  

If your timing doesn’t line up with low tide or you simply want to skip the crowds, continue to our next stop. It’s a good one!  

Stop 4: Donut Island (2 hours) 

Whenuakura Island is the official name for Donut Island, a large volcanic blow hole that has collapsed and created a turquoise lagoon in the center of the island. It’s surrounded by native fauna and volcanic cliff rock and pretty spectacular.  

You can paddleboard or kayak to the island from Whangamatā Beach. 

I highly recommend taking this guided kayaking tour to Donut Island because the wind and current can shift quickly, plus there is only one spot where you can enter the middle which they will help you find.  

The last tour departs at 3pm, so you will probably need to choose between Hot Water Beach and Donut Island unless you leave Auckland super early. 

Stop 5: Whangamatā (final stop) 

Check out the quirky boutique shops along main street and grab dinner at Soul Burger . They are one of my top 3 burgers in the country! 

Where to Stay in Whangamatā: 

Campervan: Wentworth Valley Campground  

Budget-Friendly Stay: Surf N Stay Whangamatā 

Mid-Range Stay: Palm Pacific Resort & Motel 

Day 7 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Piha to Hahei Beach

11.30am: Hahei Beach & Cathedral Cove

1:30pm: Drive Hahei Beach to Whangamatā

3:00pm: Kayak tour to Donut Island

5:00pm: Dinner in Whangamatā

Day 8 – Waitomo (via Hobbiton Village) 

Total Drive Time: 3 hours | Distance: 209km (130 miles) 

Today we are heading to the small town of Waitomo, known for its underground cave systems that are home to the unique glowworms. 

On the way, we’ll be stopping at the Hobbiton Move Set, a must-do experience for LOTR fans. If this isn’t for you, then skip this stop and enjoy a leisurely morning in Whangamatā. 

Stop 1: Paeroa (10 minutes) 

About an hour from Whangamatā you’ll come to the town of Paeroa, home of the famous New Zealand soft drink , Lemon and Paeroa (aka L&P). There’s a giant L&P bottle that sits at the entrance to the town.  

Make a pit stop and grab of snap of this iconic statue. Better yet, grab a bottle of L&P to try if you haven’t already. It’s sweet and refreshing. 

Stop 2: Hobbiton Movie Set (2.5-3 hours) 

Visit the Hobbiton Village Movie Set, just outside Matamata. This guided 2-hour tour takes you all around the village including to Hobbit Holes, the Shire Mill and finishes with a pint at the Green Dragon Inn.

Tours run throughout the day, every day but you’ll need to book your tickets in advance for entry.

The Shire’s Rest Café is a good place to stop for lunch after your tour.  

Stop 3: Waitomo Glowworm Caves (1.5 hours) 

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves is one of the top places to see glowworms in New Zealand. A guided boat tour is the best way to explore the underground cave system to see how thousands of luminous glowworms light the dark caverns.  

Tours run throughout the day but bookings are essential , and you need to be there 30 minutes before the start of your tour. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, this black water rafting tour inside the caves is a must-do and my preferred choice, highly recommend. You’ll need 3 hours in total for the black water rafting experience.

There’s also the Ruakuri Cave which is incredible. It provides a more immersive experience with a walking tour through Waitomo’s longest underground cave .

Stop 4: Marokopa Falls (1 hour) 

Marokopa Falls is an impressive 35-meter-high waterfall that cascades over a rockface and is surrounded by native tawa and nikau forest.

It’s a 35-minute drive past Waitomo and then a 20-minute walk from the parking lot. Worth a visit if you have some extra time before it gets dark. 

Stop 5: Waitomo (final stop) 

Head back to the peaceful rural town of Waitomo for the night. For dinner try the HUHU Café or Tomo Bar & Eatery .  

Where to Stay in Waitomo 

Campervan: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park (they also have motel rooms and cabins) 

Budget-Friendly Stay: JunoHall Backpackers  

Mid-Range Stay: Waitomo Village Chalets  

Day 8 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Whangamata to Hobbiton Movie Set

10:30am: Hobbiton Movie Set

1:00pm: Drive Hobbiton to Waitomo

3:00pm: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

5:00pm: Marokopa Falls (optional)

6:30pm: Waitomo

Day 9 – Rotorua 

Total Drive Time: 2 hours | Distance: 139km (86 miles) 

Ready to experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua? Don’t let the rotten egg smell put you off. It’s a truly unique place that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the world.  

With so many great things to see and do, I’m listing the top activities so you can pick and choose how you spend your time in Rotorua. 

Hell’s Gate (1-3 hours) 

Visit Hell’s gate to experience boiling hot pools, Sulphur rocks and erupting waters at New Zealand’s most active geothermal reserve.

Dip your feet in a genuine mud pool or go for the full experience with a thermal mud bath and sulphur spa . Just bring an old bathing suit, they’re never quite the same after.

ZORB Rotorua (1 hour) 

Zorbing is where you get inside a big, wet inflatable ball and roll down a hill, and Rotorua is where this bizarre activity started. It’ll probably be the most hilarious (and expensive) 3 minutes of your life, but so worth it. Bookings are essential . 

White Water Rafting (2.5 hours) 

Thrill seekers may want to try the Kaituna Rafting experience . Learn the history of the Kaituna River from expert guides as you make you way down the river, over rapids and small waterfalls, and ultimately the 7-meter high Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. It’s a must-do for adventure lovers. 

Skyline Rotorua (2 hours) 

Skyline Rotorua is the go-to place for fun adventures for the whole family. You can ride the gondola for spectacular views over Mt Ngongotaha and Lake Rotorua, zip down the luge, zipline through the Redwood Forest or try the adrenaline pumping Skyswing.

The amount of time you spend here will depend on the number of activities you do and how crowded it is. There’s also a Skyline in Queenstown in case you don’t get a chance to do it here and are heading to the South Island next. 

Rotorua Tree Top Walks (45 mins) 

The Redwoods Treewalk is where you can walk across a series of suspended bridges and platforms amongst the giant redwood trees of the Whakarewarewa Forest.

At night the forest lights up with lanterns and art installations for an enchanting experience. They are open until 10:30pm during summer and until 9:30pm in winter. 

Tamaki Māori Village (4-hours) 

An evening at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Māori Village) is must-do cultural experience. Over the course of the evening, you’ll get to know Māori song, tradition, and kai (food) through interactive experiences in this fully recreated traditional Māori Village.

It’s recognized as one of the Top 10 Experiences in the World. We recommend booking your Te Pā Tū tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Geothermal Spa (1-2 hours) 

Relax in one of Rotorua’s famous spa pools. The Polynesian Spa and Secret Spot are both good options.  

The Polynesian Spa is the original and a larger complex. There is a large indoor pool and 5 mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua filled with geothermal water, plus a cold plunge.  Book your Polynesian Spa experience and let the day melt away.

The Secret Spot is smaller and more intimate. Each guest gets their own cedar hot tub filled with forest spring water that is heated and freshly circulated for each visitor. The tubs are lined up amongst native plants for a serene and relaxing experience.  Reserve your spot here .

Where to Eat in Rotorua 

Eat Street is Rotorua’s food haven, where you’ll find a dozen or so restaurants and bars lining the street offering everything from Thai to Italian. We particularly like BREW | Craft Beer Pub for good casual food and craft beer. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

Campervan: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park 

Budget-Friendly Stay: Crashpalace Backpackers  

Mid-Range Stay: Jet Park Hotel

High-End Stay: Karanda B&B

Day 9 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Waitomo to Rotorua

10:00am: Zorb or Treetop Walk

11:30am: White-Water Rafting

2:00pm: Hell’s Gate or free time in town

5:00pm: Te Pa Tu Cultural Experience

9:30pm: Geothermal Spa or Redwood Treetop Walk

Day 10 – Taupō 

Total Drive Time: 1 hour | Distance: 80km (50 miles) 

Today we are making the short drive to Taupō, with some fantastic stops along the way. Taupō is a small town that lies on the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake.

The lake is actually the caldera of a supervolcano which is responsible for a lot of the geothermal activity in the area, like you’ll see at this first stop.

Stop 1: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (2 hours) 

On your way to Taupō, visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and take one of the many walking tracks to experience this geothermal park.  

Each track can take from 45 – 90 minutes as they wind their way through unique and world-famous attractions like the Champagne Pool, bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and volcanic craters.  

The Lady Know Geyser goes off at 10.15am daily reaching heights of up to 20 meters. Be sure to arrive by 10am to see this spectacular feature. You can book you tickets in advance to save time.

Stop 2: Huka Falls (10 minutes) 

Stop at Huka Falls just before Taupō and take the short walk across the bridge to access the lookout. From here, you can watch as more than 220,000 liters of crystal blue water thunder over the 11m cliff face every second.  

Stop 3: Taupō (final stop) 

Taupō is your final stop for today. There’s plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes in Taupō to grab some lunch. The Two Mile Bay Sailing Club does awesome pizzas with outdoor seating. 

Māori Rock Carvings (2-4 hours) 

After lunch take a scenic cruise around the blue waters of Lake Taupo to see the extraordinary Maori Rock Carvings, accessible only by water.

The massive carvings are the work of a local master carver from the 1970s. They depict Ngatoroirangi – a visionary Maori navigator who guided the local tribes to Taupo over 1000 years ago.  

We like this Eco Sailing Cruise on New Zealand’s only electric yacht. You’ll explore the rock carvings at Mine Bay and several other bays during the 2.5-hour cruise with a complimentary drink. You can even go for a swim. 

Or this Half-Day Kayak to the Māori Rock Carvings is a fun way to see the rock carvings, and my preferred option. You can get up close to the carvings and explore tiny inlets along the way, plus a chance to swim or go rock jumping. This one starts at 1:30pm and lasts for 4 hours.  

Hot Water Beach (1 hour) 

Did you know there’s a Hot Water Beach in Taupo ? In case you missed the chance to dig your own hot pool at Coromandel, you can dig one on the shores of Lake Taupo without the crowds. You can find it along the Great Lake Pathway. Just dip a toe first, it can be hot.  

Otumuheke Spa Park (1 hour)

End the day with a relaxing soak in these natural hot pools. The Otumuheke Spa Park is where hot water from the ground creates a stream that flows into the Waikato River.

Find a spot close to where the stream meets the river and dip a toe until you find a comfortable temperature. Just be sure to avoid where the water bubbles up because it’s very hot and can cause serious burns.

Also, don’t put your head under water as there can be certain bacteria that thrive in the warm temperatures that can cause serious illness.

To get here, park in the County Avenue carpark and follow the path to Otumuheke Spa Park . Oh, and did I mention it’s free!

Where to Eat in Taupo 

There’s plenty of restaurants to chose from in Taupo town center. Try The Bistro for a nice sit-down meal, Jimmy Coops Lakehouse for good burgers with outdoor seating or grab fish and chips to go from the Grasshopper and eat it by the lake. 

Where to Stay in Taupo 

Campervan:  Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park  

Budget-Friendly Stay:  Finlay Jack’s Backpackers  

Mid-Range Stay:  Chevron Motel 

High-End Stay: Sacred Waters Taupo

Day 10 Summary and a suggested timetable

9:00am: Drive Rotorua to Wai-O-Tapu

9:30am: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

11:30am: Drive Wai-O-Tapu to Taupo

12:00pm: Huku Falls

12:30pm: Taupo (lunch)

1:30pm: Māori Rock Carvings

5:30pm: Hot Water Beach or Otumuheke Spa Park

Day 11 – Tongariro National Park 

Total Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Distance: 100km (62 miles) 

This next stop is an action-packed adventure around Tongariro National Park. Be sure to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.

If you prefer, you can skip this stop and spend an extra day in Rotorua or Taupo, or head straight to Napier for a relaxing day among vineyards instead of hiking through ancient lava flows. 

Tongariro National Park encompasses three volcanoes and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Choose from the following walks to experience emerald lakes, steaming volcanic crates, ancient lava flows and Mt Doom!  

Tongariro Alpine Crossing (7-9 hours) 

Regarded as one of the best hikes in the world and the most popular hike in the North Island. At 19.4 kilometers long, over exposed and steep terrain, it’s not for the faint hearted but arguably one of the most rewarding experiences. 

The walk takes about 7-9 hours in total and can only be walked as a one-way track. This means you’ll have to arrange for return transportation.

The best option is to get a park and ride from Ketetahi , located close to the end of the crossing, which gets you a one-way shuttle service from there to the start of the crossing. This way your car is waiting for you at the end of the hike.  

Tama Lakes Walk (6 hours) 

A scenic alternative to the Tongariro Crossing without the crowds. This 17.6-kilometer walk takes you through tussock and alpine herb fields until you reach the emerald waters of the Tama Lakes, one of New Zealand’s most iconic geographic attractions. 

Taranaki Falls Walk (1 hour) 

An easy loop walk that takes you to some of the Park’s best sites, including the 20-meter-tall Taranaki Falls, which tumbles spectacularly over the edge of a 15,000-year-old lava flow. 

Tawhai Falls (5 minutes) 

A quick walk to a pretty waterfall which featured in Lord of the Rings. 

After your walk, you can drive back to Taupo and stay at the same place (book 2 nights) or stay in Tongariro National Park. 

Where to Stay in Tongariro National Park 

Campervan & Budget: National Park Alpine Lodge

Mid-Range Stay: Plateau Lodge (they offer a shuttle service to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing)

Day 11 Summary and a suggested timetable

6:30am: Drive Taupo to Tongariro

8:30am: Shuttle to the start of the crossing

5:30pm: Pick up car at end of track

7:00pm: Drive to Taupo or stay in Tongariro

Day 12 – Napier & Hawkes Bay 

Total Drive Time: 2.5 hours (from Taupo) | Distance: 165km (102 miles) 

Today we’re heading over the mountain range to the beautiful Hawkes Bay, a renowned wine-producing region of New Zealand. 

There’s plenty of things to do in Hawkes Bay whether you enjoy wine tasting, hiking or nature. Here’s a list of activities so you can choose what suits you best.  

Stop 1: Napier  

Art Deco Trail (2 hours) 

Explore the beautiful town of Napier, the art deco capital of New Zealand. Take a walk along Marine Parade to see the art deco landmarks and architecture the city is known for along with beautiful views of coast.

There’s plenty of places to stop for lunch in Napier. We had a nice sandwich from That Sandwich Place for something quick and easy. 

Bike Tour (1-6 hours) 

Rent an E-bike and explore the incredible network of cycle trails. It’s also a great way to visit some of the many wineries in the region.

You’ll get a map for a self-guided tour that takes you to a selection of wineries and other points of interest including breweries, classic kiwi pubs, wildlife estuaries and seaside pathways. 

Stop 2: Havelock North (final stop) 

Wine Tasting (2-6 hours) 

Havelock North is home to some of New Zealand’s best Wineries & Cellar Doors. Here are some of our top choices.

Craggy Range Winery: Set at the foot of Te Mata Peak, this stunning Cellar Door offers a relaxed and intimate tasting experience and exceptional restaurant. I like the Te Muna Road Pinot Noir and Te Kahau, a Bordeaux style blend. 

Te Mata Estate: Established in 1896 and one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries open for walk-in wine tastings and cellar doors. I love the Gamay Noir. 

Heretaunga Wine Studio: An interactive experience offering a range of wine varietals and exclusive samples straight from the barrel. Their studio theatre offers an immersive audio-visual treat. Try the Heretaunga Syrah. This is a good one to end the day, it’s open until 9pm.  

Cape Kidnappers (3 hours) 

Cape Kidnappers is a beautiful reserve and home to Gannet Colonies. It’s worth a visit if you didn’t get to see the Muriwai Gannet Colony in Auckland.  

The beach walk has reopened following a significant landslide but risk of rockfall and further slips remains high. The best way to see the Gannet Colony is to take this Gannet Safaris Overland Tour across a private farm.  

Tours run twice daily from September to April . You’ll learn about the area and these unique birds from an expert (and entertaining guide). The scenery is breathtaking and for many, a highlight of their North Island itinerary.  

Te Mata Peak (2 hours) 

Hike up Te Mata Peak for a chance to see incredible 360-degree views of Hawke’s Bay and the Heretaunga Plains. 

There are a series of well-graded tracks that vary in length and difficulty. For experienced hikers, it’s about a 2-hour return walk from the Main Gates Car Park to the summit on the blue trail. Just make sure you’re back by 10pm when the gates close.

Alternatively, you can drive to the summit. Just a heads up, the road is narrow and winding with a steep drop off in parts. It gets a little scary near the top with one way sections so do take care.

Where to eat in Havelock North 

For dinner, head to Alessandro’s Pizzeria for good Italian food, our preferred choice. We’ve also heard good things about Deliciosa Restaurant .  

Where to Stay in Havelock North:  

Campervan & Budget: Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park  (10 minutes from Havelock North)

Mid-Range Stay:  Guest House on Guthrie 

High-End Stay: Porters Boutique Hotel   

Day 12 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Taupo to Napier

10:00am: Art Deco Trail or Bike Tour

1:00pm: Drive Napier to Havelock North

1:30pm: Wine Tasting or Cape Kidnappers

5:30pm: Te Mata Peak

Day 13 – Martinborough 

Total Drive Time: 3 hours 15 min | Distance: 250km (155 miles) 

Today we’re heading to the underrated town of Martinborough, another top wine-producing region with a charming small town feel and one of the country’s best kept secrets nearby.

Stop 1: Greytown (30 minutes) 

On your way to Martinborough, stop in the small town of Greytown to stretch your legs and explore the cute boutique shops housed in restored Victorian buildings along the high street.  

Stop 2: Martinborough (final stop) 

Martinborough is a little gem with a population of just 2000-ish people. The town is loosely shaped on the Union Jack with a square at its center and various roads named after the travels of the towns founder, John Martin. 

You have a few options for how to spend your time here.  

Explore the Town Center (1-2 hours) 

Martinborough town center has a hipster flair but with a small-town charm. The shops are all super cute, even the butcher shop. Explore the fresh cafes with vibrant mural walls, rustic bakeries and boutique shops selling unique items.  

Hire a Bike (2-4 hours) 

There are over 60 vineyards on your doorstep, regarded as some of the best in the country. Being a compact area with relatively flat terrain, renting a bike is a great way to explore the cellar doors on a warm sunny day. 

Patuna Chasm (3 hours)

The Patuna Chasm is that best kept secret I mentioned, located 20 minutes’ outside Martinborough.

It’s a huge chasm carved out of limestone where you can walk through the clear stream at the bottom of the chasm to see the impressive rock formations, stalactites and fossils.

The Patuna Chasm is open from November until March . It’s on private land so you’ll need to book through Patuna Farm Adventures for access.

Visit The Runholder (3 hours) 

The Runholder is home to Te Kairanga wine, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin, and a mere four minutes from Martinborough town center. Housed in a slick black barn amongst the vineyards, The Runholder has a light and airy contemporary design, a huge tasting room and an open plan dining area.  

Book in for lunch (or dinner on Friday and Saturdays) and wine tasting. Then head downstairs for a behind-the-scenes tour of the modern wine cave.

Finish off the day with gin tasting and learn about the impressive story and meticulous care that goes into producing Lighthouse Gin. 

Putangirua Pinnacles (4 hours) 

Note: The Putangirua Pinnacles track is closed due a large slip. Check the DOC website for updates.

For something a little off the beaten path, the Putangirua Pinnacles are a 1-hour drive from Martinborough. These ancient spires jut out of the forest providing a dramatic landscape.  

There are tracks where you can hike to the lookout and get right up close to these giant formations. It should take around 2 hours all up to see the pinnacles. Wear sturdy shoes, the gravel can be slippery.

Where to Eat in Martinborough 

For dinner you could try Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery , or the York Bistro located in Parehua Resort. For a light meal, Martinborough Brewery has a good snack and beer menu. 

Where to Stay in Martinborough 

Campervan: Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park

Mid-Range Stay: The Vicarage Martinborough

High-End Stay: Parehua Resort  

Day 13 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Havelock North to Greytown

11:00am: Greytown

11:30am: Greytown to Martinborough

12:00pm: Explore town center

1:00pm: The Runholder (lunch & wine tasting) or Patuna Chasm

6:00pm: Dinner in Martinborough

Day 14 – Wellington 

Total Drive Time: 1 hour 17 min | Distance: 82km (51 miles) 

Your final day starts with a short drive over the winding Remutaka Range to Wellington, New Zealand’s capitol city and the final stop on this North Island itinerary.  

Here are some of the top ways to spend your time in Wellington. 

Te Papa (2-3 hours) 

Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum where you can explore everything from Māori and European settlement to Giant Squids. There’s plenty of interactive displays and activities, including an earthquake simulation.  

It’s open daily from 10am-6pm. You can explore the museum on your own or take a one hour guided tour to see the highlights. Entry is free for everyone, although charges apply for some short-term exhibitions and special events.  

Wellington Cable Car (1 hour) 

Ride the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the top of Kelburn for spectacular views of the city and harbor. The ride takes only a few minutes and there’s a Cable Car Museum and Botanic Gardens at the top.

Once you’re finished exploring you can ride the cable car or walk back to Lambton Quay. 

Zealandia (2-3 hours) 

Zealandia is an urban sanctuary located on the outskirts of the CBD where you can see native birds and wildlife. It’s a 10-minute drive or there’s a free shuttle you can take from the Wellington isite at top of the Cable Car. 

This ecosanctuary has reintroduced 18 native species into the region. You can walk the beautiful grounds on your own or take a tour. Keep a look out for native birds such as the tui, kaka and kereru and reptiles such as the tuatara.  

Cuba Street (1-2 hours) 

Cuba Street is a historic part of Wellington with old buildings and a bohemian vibe. It’s nice to walk around the pedestrian only walkways. There’s an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and art galleries.

Wellington is known for fantastic coffee roasters so be sure to stop at one of the cafes if you’re a coffee lover. We had a nice meal and great coffee at Fidel’s Café on Cuba Street. 

Mount Victoria (1.5 hours) 

The Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway is a 4.2km (2.6km) walkway that climbs through pine forests to a lookout point that offers spectacular views of Wellington Harbor and the city. 

It’s an easy well-maintained path that starts from Courtenay Place with a steep bit through the town belt. You can return the same way or loop down to return to Oriental Bay.  

Where to Eat & Drink in Wellington 

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants in Wellington.  

For lunch we like the Dockside Restaurant & Bar and the Crab Shack . Both have outdoor seating on the wharf.  

For dinner, Charley Noble specializes in delicious wood-fired dishes. Or Burger Liquor is good for a casual meal. 

If you like craft beer, be sure to check out the craft breweries around town. The Garage Project and Parrotdog Brewery is a good place to start.

Where to stay in Wellington

Campervan: Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park

Budget-Friendly Stay:  Trek Global Backpackers

Mid-Range Stay:  West Plaza Hotel 

Luxury Stay:  Intercontinental Wellington 

Day 14 Summary and a suggested timetable

9:00am: Drive Martinborough to Wellington

10:30am: Te Papa

12:30pm: Cuba Street

1:30pm: Wellington Cable Car

2:30pm: Zealandia

4:30pm: Mount Victoria

6:30pm: Dinner/Craft Beer Brewery

10 Day and 3-Week North Island Road Trip

10-day north island itinerary .

If you have 10 days on the North Island, then follow this itinerary but skip going north of Auckland (days 3, 4, 5, and 6). Start with days 1 and 2 in Auckland then to go straight to day 7.  

3-Week North Island Itinerary  

If you have more than two weeks – Fantastic! You can see even more unique places and some of the more remote areas of New Zealand’s North Island.  

We recommend changing the route from day 8 and adding some stops as follows:  

Day 1-7 same as above – Day 8 Tauranga – Day 9 Waitomo (via Hobbiton) – Day 10-11 Taranaki – Day 12-13 Tongariro National Park (via Forgotten World Highway) – Day 14 Taupo – Day 15-16 Rotorua – Day 17 Napier (Hawkes Bay) – Day 18 Masterton/Castle Point – Day 19 Martinborough – Day 20-21 Wellington.  

New Zealand North Island Road Trip Planning Guide & FAQ 

Best time to visit new zealand’s north island .

The best time to travel around the North Island is between late October and early May (Spring, Summer, and Autumn). This gives you the most daylight hours, warmer days and relatively stable weather, although we get rainy days throughout the year on the North Island.  

December to February (summer) is peak travel season and school holidays in New Zealand. It’s a fantastic time of year with summer vibes in full swing, although It’s worth noting the roads will be busier and there will be more people around in general. 

Be sure to book activities, car rentals and accommodation as early as possible if you plan to visit in the summer months. 

November (late spring) is a great time to visit the North Island, the weather is getting warmer, days longer and the summer holidays haven’t started yet so it’s not too busy.

March / April (autumn) is my personal favorite time to travel New Zealand, with less crowds and comfortable temperatures for hiking.

The winter months of June to August are an ideal time to visit if you are here for the winter sports. Mount Ruapehu is the best place for skiiing on the North Island. Away from the mountains, the crowds have gone and the cost of car rentals and accommodation are at their lowest.

What to Pack for the North Island 

Layers are you best bet as the weather in New Zealand is changeable. How many layers will depend on the time of year and areas you’ll be visiting.

Here are some other top things to bring on your North Island road trip.

• Sturdy walking shoes / hiking boots
• Waterproof jacket
• High deet insect repellent
• Head torch / flashlight
• Quick dry towel
• Travel first aid kit
• Water bottle

Tips for Driving in New Zealand

• New Zealand drives on the left side of the road.
• Outside of the cities, roads can be narrow, winding with steep drop offs and sometimes gravel. Allow for more time than stated on maps and take lots of breaks.
• Road conditions can vary and maximum speed limits aren’t always safe. Take your time and use pull over bays to let traffic pass when needed (it’s common to do that here and you’ll probably get a ‘toot’ of thanks).
• You can keep an eye on road closures or alerts on the NZTA website .
• Mobile reception can be patchy in places, if you’re traveling with others get two SIM cards on two different networks for the best chance of continuous coverage. Spark, 2Degrees and One NZ (formerly Vodafone) are all different networks.

Picking up your rental car 

There are over a dozen car and campervan rental companies based in or near Auckland airport. This makes it easy if you plan on picking up your vehicle as soon as you arrive.  

Another option is to book your vehicle starting from day 3 and arrange to pick it up in Auckland City. Many companies have locations based in the city center in addition to the airport.

You won’t necessarily need a car to get around for the first two days in Auckland so this will save you money on rental and parking costs. Many hotels charge extra for parking, and it can be expensive. Plus, Auckland traffic is a pain.  

If you are getting a campervan, the cost of staying in a hotel for a couple of nights may be a little more expensive than your daily rate for the campervan, but you’ll be able to explore the city without trying to find parking and having to travel back to a campground or holiday park each night. 

Same goes for Wellington. Provided you aren’t traveling in your campervan via the ferry to the South Island, you may want to return your campervan before heading into central Wellington.

Getting from the Airport to Auckland City 

You have few options to get from the airport to the city center (aka Auckland CBD) if you don’t pick up your rental car from the airport. The airport is located about a 30–60-minute drive (depending on traffic) from city center.  

Taxi/Uber: Ask if they have a fixed fare rate to the CBD. Expect to pay around $70 to $80 for a fixed fare with Alert Taxis and Auckland Co-op Taxis (Corporate Cabs is more expensive). Uber is normally cheaper unless there is a surge in peak times.  

SkyDrive: An express bus service between the Auckland International Airport and SkyCity. A one-way ticket costs $18 per adult.  

Super Shuttle : A shared transfer in a minivan with one-way bookings starting at $36 for one person plus $8 for each extra person in the same group. 

Heading to the South Island Next?

Fantastic! You’re in for a who new adventure. The South is very different but equally impressive. Our 2-week New Zealand South Island itinerary will take you on a loop around the island with a mix of experiences from top attractions to off-the-beaten-path experiences in nature.

You can fly from Wellington to Christchurch and pick up a fresh rental vehicle for your South Island road trip. Or you can take your vehicle and cross over to the South Island by ferry.

There are two ferry companies that operate the crossing between Wellington and Picton, Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries and the Interislander . 

There is little difference between the two, although the Interislander has larger boats and more sailings per day. Both are comparable in price which varies depending on the day and time of sailing. 

Be sure to check if your rental car company allows their vehicles on the ferry before making your booking. Some companies don’t allow their vehicles on the ferry and have depots in both Wellington and Picton for you to drop off and pick up their vehicles, in which case you’d book as a walk-on passenger.

Wrapping Up

That’s a wrap on this New Zealand North Island itinerary. Thanks for reading! I hope you have an amazing time on your North Island road trip.

Travel Planning Guide

🚗 Where should I book my rental car?

Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.

🚐 What about a campervan?

Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic , which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.

🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?

For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.

🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?

For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com .

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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.

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10 DAY NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY (2024): THE ULTIMATE NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP!

LOOKING TO PLAN THE ULTIMATE 10 DAY NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY?

During the beginning of our self-driven road trip around New Zealand, we were lucky enough to first spend a wonderful 10 days exploring the exotic North Island.

We headed north out from Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula, before heading progressively south down to Rotorua, Waitomo, Tongariro, Taranaki before 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 .

Since returning from our trip, we have used our experience on the North Island to re-craft and perfect the ultimate 10 day North Island itinerary, detailed for you below:

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

MORNING: ARRIVE & PICK UP CAMPER VAN Pick up your rented Britz campervan from the Auckland branch and immediately make your way out of the city towards the rolling hills of the Coromandel Peninsula, the first destination on your North Island itinerary.

Drive 1 hour 30 minutes (107km) before stopping off on route at your first supermarket, Pak N Save in Thames (a small town just before the Coromandel Peninsula) to do your first food shop!

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 One of the best things to do in Coromandel town is the Driving Creek railway , an idyllic train ride through the rainforest. Feeling adventurous? Opt for the epic zip-line experience at the top! It is highly recommended to pre-book your ticket in advance.

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

EVENING: SUNSET AT KAURI TRAIL SCENIC SPOT Seal the day off with an epic sunset! Walk 10 to 15 minutes along the relatively flat Kauri Block Walk until you reach this scenic spot . Indulge in your first panoramic view of New Zealand’s beauty, with glittering blue waters and secluded beach coves.

WHERE TO STAY IN COROMANDEL WITH YOUR CAMPER VAN:

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

Here are the top powered 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

EARLY MORNING: DRIVE TO HAHEI VILLAGE 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. You could stop off for refreshments at Kūaotunu Beach on route!

EARLY AFTERNOON: EXPLORE CATHEDRAL COVE WITH A GUIDED TOUR

Updated 2024 : We had originally suggested to complete the scenic clifftop walking trail from Hahei to Cathedral Cove. Unfortunately, since we visited this track has now been closed for a prolonged period due to safety and subsidence concerns.

Thankfully, it is still possible to get round to Cathedral Cove from Hahei village in 2024. Book onto one of the many brilliant water-based guided tours, including these top options we found below:

• One Hour Cathedral Cove Boat Tour in Hahei
• Glass Bottom Boat Whitianga Cathedral Cove Cruise
• Cathedral Cove Coast and Cave Activity
• Morning Glory Chilled out Sail (3.5hrs)

Top Tip : We recommend using this  free visitor parking lot when visiting Hahei. We were surprised by how big this car park, plus grateful that it has free toilets too!

LATE 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 geothermal 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!

We soon discovered that 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. We dug a hole for ages before realising the water that was coming through we in fact very cold!

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 at Hot Water beach if you are not planning on staying in the area.

Top Tip : You will need a big spade to dig! You can rent one from the majority of Holiday Parks in the area. We personally stayed at the TOP 10 Hot Water Beach holiday park (a 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. As you enter the beach from the car park, turn left and it is the area between the large cliff faces and the sea. You’ll most likely see other people there already to know you’re in the right spot.

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 CAMPER VAN:

PAID CAMPSITE OPTIONS:

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

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 next 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 amazing large waterfall in all its glory, as shown in the photograph below. This photograph was taken by our good friend Helen, who has recently completed her own North Island itinerary!

AFTERNOON: EXPLORE ROTORUA TOWN 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! Strangely enough, you do actually get used to it after a while!

Spend leisurely afternoon walking around the town and its central lake, Lake Rotorua. Top things to do in Rotorua town are:

• Walk the Rotorua Lakefront Boardwalk .
• See crystal clear waters at Hamurana Springs .
• Visit Kuirau Park geothermal gardens (free).
• Ride up the gondola to Skyline Luge .
• Indulge in a spa afternoon at the world famous 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 CAMPER VAN:

COSY COTTAGE THERMAL HOLIDAY PARK 📍

ALL SEASONS HOLIDAY PARK 📍

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, first heading to the Wai-O-Tapu Welcome Centre and ticket office (opens at 8.30am) to buy the combined “Thermal Park & Lady Knox Geyser” ticket, priced at $45 NZD in 2024 for an adult.

Head back up the road to first wait at Lady Knox Geyser for the explosion, which happens once a day at roughly 10.50am!

Afterwards, drive back down to the main car park for the Geothermal Wonderland.

Follow the parks trail of violently bubbling hot pools of all colours (from orange, pink and even bright green!).

We would strongly advise not to eat anything before you wander the park, especially if you don’t have a strong stomach! The sulphur smell can be a bit overbearing at times! Poor Liam felt sick most of the time during our visit.

Top Tip : The park takes around 1 to 1.5 hours to complete. There is a gift shop, toilets and large parking lot 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 and closest place to park is here near the iSite Visitor Centre . This is where you also buy your tickets for the Redwoods Bridge Walk.

EVENING: MITAI MĀORI VILLAGE EVENING EXPERIENCE An absolute must in Rotorua is the “Badge of Excellence” rated Mitai Māori Village experience , an epic activity giving an authentic insight into the thrilling Māori culture and history.

Be mesmerised by authentic Haka and Poi dances plus acting displays involving weapons, warriors, traditional dress, ancient canoe paddling and more!

Top Tip : You can arrange pick up / drop off from your Rotorua campground with the tour operator, Mitai Maori Village , for free. Pre-arrange this in advance before you travel.

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 officially come true! Leave Rotorua early and drive 55 minutes (69km) to The Shire’s Rest in the small village of Matamata for the Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest .

Check in, await your group shuttle bus and arrive at the film set!

I, Jordie, have been a huge Lord of the Rings fan since childhood, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The detailing is breathtaking, from the 40+ hobbit hole facades, washing lines, Shire community posters, fishing rods, and even real vegetable patches. It truly looks like you stepped into the real Shire.

My favourite part was taking 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 10 day North Island itinerary.

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 this Hobbiton™ Movie Set Walking Tour from Shires Rest! 🧙‍♂🌋

AFTERNOON: WAITOMO GLOWWORM CAVES TOUR After your Hobbiton tour, immediately drive 1 hour 15 minutes (88km) to Waitomo to discover a magical hidden underworld on this  Waitomo Glowworm Caves guided tour . Pre-book in advance for a seamless transition on arrival and to avoid any unexpected crowds.

On the tour, you’ll enter the delicate cave formations, descending further into eery but super peaceful darkness. Half way down you’ll reach the tallest cave chamber, known as ‘The Cathedral’, which is famous for its incredible acoustics.

What we loved about this tour was the unexpected song that our tour guide sung in The Cathedral to show us the jaw-dropping acoustics. It literally gave us goosebumps! From this point onwards, a calm silence is required from everyone as we reach the glowworms, as they are very sensitive to sound.

Step into the row boat and prepare to be stunned as you glide through the short section of cave. You will see thousands of glowworms illuminating above you sparkling like the night sky before concluding your tour at the end.

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

Top Tip : It is forbidden to take any photographs or videos at all in the caves to not disturb the sensitive glow worms or 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 21 day South Island itinerary ! 

Click to book your Waitomo Glowworm Caves tour! 🌌🐛

WHERE TO STAY IN WAITOMO WITH YOUR CAMPER VAN:

YHA JUNO HALL, WAITOMO 📍 Our experience: Powered site, 5 to 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 day 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! There is also the famous ‘LOVETAUPO’ sign next to the lake where you can take your photograph.

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. Here are a few of the top tours we spotted for you:

• Māori Rock Carvings Eco Sailing Taupo (2.5 hours)
• The Māori Carvings Half Day Kayak (4 hours)

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.

EVENING: DRIVE TO NATIONAL PARK VILLAGE After a full day exploring Taupo, drive 1 hour 25 minutes (101km) from Taupo to the tiny village of National Park for the night. This is the closest base for the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike, which you will be doing tomorrow.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing will require a very early start tomorrow (the trail is approx 8 hours long), which is why we strongly suggest to stay in National Park the night before.

There are two places to stay for camper vans, the paid powered campsite called Manowhenua Lodge , and the freedom camping spot KiwiCamp Tongariro .

WHERE TO STAY IN NATIONAL PARK WITH YOUR CAMPER VAN:

PAID CAMPSITES OPTION:

MANOWHENUA LODGE 📍

FREEDOM CAMPING OPTION:

KIWICAMP TONGARIRO 📍

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

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.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing during the Spring / Summer: A freedom hike just requires you to pre-book a shuttle to drop off / pick up from the two different sides of the mountain. You can easily book these shuttles in advance through your camp ground Reception desk the night before. If you want to ensure it is all pre-booked before you arrive, contact the Tongariro Crossing Shuttles directly here .

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, which was the case when we visited the North Island during the month of August.

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

An adult ticket is $295 each (2024 prices), including return transfers, all safety equipment (fleeces, pants, shoes, tops, pick axe, cramp-ons, helmets, sunglasses, etc) and extremely friendly professional guides, who kept us safe and provided us with the most memorable tour on our own 10 day North Island itinerary.

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 CAMPER VAN:

STRATFORD KIWI MOTELS AND HOLIDAY PARK📍

FREEDOM CAMPING OPTIONS:

MANGAORAKA CAR PARK 📍

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

DAY 9: DRIVE TO WELLINGTON, MOUNT VICTORIA & CUBA STREET

EARLY 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 Once you’re all parked up, head to Mount Victoria Park. For the best panoramic views of Wellington, go to the Mount Victoria Lookout . On a clear day, you can clearly see airplanes land and take off from Wellington Airport’s runway.

Attention my Lord of The Rings fans, there’s one more stop to cover before you leave! Mount Victoria forest is also home to the filming location of Hobbits Hideaway . Find a park map and follow the Hataitai-City route walking route to reach this spot.

We were surprised to find out on arrival that the tree root in the movie is actually superimposed! Check out our comparison photograph we took below:

AFTERNOON: VISIT CUBA STREET Wander into the city for dinner. Keep your eyes peeled for all of Wellington’s quirky details, like whacky street art, rainbow zebra crossings and even the traffic lights figures doing the Haka!

A great place to start is Cuba Street , the short section sat between Ghuznee and Manners Street. Here, find delightful independent shops to browse and a funky water bucket fountain.

Top Tip: If you loved these WETA Workshop figures, you can see even 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!

WHERE TO STAY IN WELLINGTON WITH YOUR CAMPER VAN:

TOP 10 WELLINGTON HOLIDAY PARK 📍 17 minute drive from Wellington city centre, opposite side of the lake.

EVANS BAY MARINA CAR PARK 📍 Our experience: The only camping ground near to Wellington city centre. 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 & TE PAPA MUSEUM

MORNING: HOP ON THE WELLINGTON CABLE CAR Jump aboard the infamous Wellington red Cable Car, disembarking at the last stop, Kelburn. At the top, wander the free botanical gardens, or visit the space education centre (open Tuesday, Friday evenings and all day weekends) or the free small Cable Car museum.

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.

EARLY AFTERNOON: ZEALANDIA ECO SANCTUARY You can also catch the shuttle bus to Zealandia Eco Sanctuary, nestled just outside of Wellington. This lush forest paradise is home to over 40 rare species of native New Zealand birds and wildlife, including the hihi, kākāriki and takahē!

Pre-book this 5* rated ‘ Small Group Daytime 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour at Zealandia ‘ guided tour to avoid disappointment!

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 this ‘Small Group Daytime 2-Hour Eco Wildlife Tour at Zealandia ‘ guided tour! 🥝🐦🦜🦋

LATE AFTERNOON: TE PAPA WATERFRONT MUSEUM Arriving back to Wellington, if you have time pop into the free Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa along the waterfront. Out of the 6 levels, we recommend Level 2 in particular to see the 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.

Leaving Te Papa museum, opt for a scenic stroll along Oriental Bay to wind down your evening.

DAY 11: INTERISLANDER FERRY TO SOUTH ISLAND

And that’s it! You have officially completed our self-drive 10 day North Island 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 .

Click book all your North Island hotel s in one place!

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

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: 10 DAY NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY

To conclude, while this 10 day North Island itinerary 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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The Ultimate New Zealand North Island Itinerary: Road Trips from 2 Days to 2 Weeks

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

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

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

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

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

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

North Island Itinerary Suggestions

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Day North Island Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

1 Week North Island Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10 Day North Island Itinerary

This is the Auckland to Wellington itinerary I detail below.

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

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

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

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

2 Week North Island Itinerary

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

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

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

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

3 week+ North Island Road Trips

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

This route includes many New Zealand must see destinations .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cathedral Cove

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Shakespeare Cliff Lookout

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

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

Hot Water Beach

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

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

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

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

Drive to Coromandel Town

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hahei Accommodation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blue Spring Putaruru

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wairakei Terraces Thermal Spa

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

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

Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kerosene Creek

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

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

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

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

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

Spa Park and Huka Falls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Taupo Accommodation

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

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

For alternatives search for more holiday rentals in Taupo here .

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

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

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

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

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

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

Te Awanga Estate

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

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

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

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

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

Te Awanga Beach

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

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

Elephant Hill Winery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Clearview Estate Winery

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Havelock North

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

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

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

Craggy Range Winery

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

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

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

Te Mata Peak

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

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

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

Ocean Beach

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

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

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

Hawke’s Bay Accommodation

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out these other scenic Wellington walks .

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

Wellington Accommodation

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

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

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

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

Tongariro National Park

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

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

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

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

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

Our picks for the area include:

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

New Plymouth and Taranaki

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Waiheke Island

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

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

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

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

Bay of Islands

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

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

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

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

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

Read more of our tips for exploring beautiful New Zealand.

• 25 Beautiful Places to Visit in New Zealand

North Island

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

South Island

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

Enjoyed this post? Pin for later!

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

Reply ↓

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

Thanks & all the best

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

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

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

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

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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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2 Week New Zealand North Island Itinerary (2024 Guide)

Planning your New Zealand North Island Itinerary?

This 2-week New Zealand itinerary is exactly what you need to explore all the famous sites and a few hidden gems that the North Island has to offer.

There is no wrong or right way to plan a North Island road trip as it all depends on what you’re interested in seeing and doing, and how fast or slow you wish to travel.

Lucky for you, New Zealand is such a diverse country with something for everyone to enjoy at any pace.

This 2 week New Zealand North Island itinerary includes a mix of cities, beaches, hikes, waterfalls, and other major tourist attractions to suit all types of travelers!

Table of Contents

QUICK ANSWERS: NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY

Before diving into the detailed itinerary, below you’ll find some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

HOW TO GET AROUND NEW ZEALAND?

For the ultimate New Zealand experience, traveling by campervan is the way to go! Campervans offer unlimited freedom and flexibility.

You have the ability to pick your own travel route and sleep inside the van each night which is a cost-effective way to do a North Island New Zealand road trip.

Even better, there are so many scenic spots where you can pull up for a picnic or spend the night by the seaside at your favorite beach.

Alternatively, you can rent a car in New Zealand and stay in hotels in each location which I have outlined in this post.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT NEW ZEALAND?

The best time to visit New Zealand is from December to April when the days are long and often sunny.

The peak summer months (December to February) are ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, hiking, and swimming at the beach.

The winter is also a nice alternative for going skiing or mountaineering, but bear in mind that it’s not as convenient to drive around as you may experience some road closures.

Winter in New Zealand is from June to August, however, the cold temperatures, especially in the south island, can still be felt in October.

HOW MANY DAYS IN NEW ZEALAND?

For the best holiday in New Zealand, it’s best to plan a trip for at least one month.

A 1-month itinerary for New Zealand gives you enough time to explore the diverse beauty of both the North and South islands.

However, a two-week itinerary focused on either the North Island or South Island is indeed possible and you’ll still get to experience a lot.

Three weeks in New Zealand can give you a taste of both islands and you can squeeze in many fantastic activities.

NORTH ISLAND VS SOUTH ISLAND – WHICH IS BETTER?

The North Island is known for its subtropical temperatures, sandy beaches, and pristine lakes. It’s also home to an impressive array of geothermal activity.

On the other hand, the South Island is larger than the North Island and overall very beautiful, arguably more beautiful than the North.

It has a gorgeous coastline and offers more variety of landscapes and alpine regions.

If you’re traveling to both islands on a tight schedule, I would recommend spending fewer days on the North Island and more days on the South Island.

But to answer the question, either one is better than the other as they are so vastly unique in their own way. It just depends on what your interests are and what type of New Zealand experience you would like to have.

WHERE CAN I RENT A CAMPERVAN IN NEW ZEALAND?

I personally rented my campervan with Travellers Autobarn as they are one of the most reputable and affordable campervan hire companies in the country.

Whether you’re looking for campervan hire in New Zealand , campervan hire in Auckland , or even campervan hire in the south island, Travellers Autobarn has you covered.

Their campervans feature a seating area and table that transforms into a double bed, a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable bedding, a heater for the winter, USB power outlets, 240V power when hooked up to electricity, lots of storage, and much more.

Travellers Autobarn also offers campervan hire in Australia and campervan rental in USA if you’re looking to do a southwest USA road trip!

NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY NEW ZEALAND – OVERVIEW

To help you plan your 2-week New Zealand itinerary, this is the North Island road trip route I took in a clockwise direction, starting and ending in Auckland.

I highly recommend this route if you want to see the best of what North Island New Zealand has to offer.

Please note that I traveled around the North Island in a campervan (more on that below) and stayed mostly at campervan parks and the occasional freedom camping sites.

However, you can still follow this exact itinerary if you plan to rent a car and stay at hotels along the way. I have outlined the best hotels to stay in each location.

Here is a quick glance at how to spend 2 weeks in New Zealand on the North Island.

AUCKLAND TO AUCKLAND

• Day 1: Arrive in Auckland & pick up campervan / rental car
• Day 2: Drive to Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 3: New Chums Beach, Cathedral Cove, & Hot Water Beach
• Day 4: Coromandel & Mount Maunganui
• Day 5: Hobbiton Tour & Rotorua
• Day 6: Rotorua
• Day 7: Lake Taupo
• Day 8: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Day 9: Tongariro National Park
• Day 10: Forgotten World Highway to Egmont National Park
• Day 11: Egmont National Park (Mt Taranaki) & Pouakai Tarn Hike
• Day 12: New Plymouth
• Day 13: Three Sisters & Waitomo Caves
• Day 14: Depart from Auckland

NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND ROUTE MAP

ALTERNATIVE ROUTES – 2 WEEK NEW ZEALAND ITINERARY

Auckland to wellington.

If you plan to depart from Wellington or visit the South Island after your North Island New Zealand itinerary, then this route may be more suitable as you’ll head toward Wellington.

For the Auckland to Wellington route, follow the same itinerary above, except on Day 12 after visiting Egmont National Park you can head south toward Wellington.

• Day 12: Whanganui, Waitarere Beach, overnight in Paraparaumu
• Day 13: Explore Wellington
• Day 14: Depart from Wellington Airport or take the ferry to South Island

NORTHLAND – NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY NEW ZEALAND

Northland is the entire subtropical region above Auckland that often gets skipped by travelers, which is a shame because it’s absolutely beautiful and there are endless things to do.

You’ve got the Bay of Islands and its secluded beaches, sandboarding the dunes on Ninety Mile Beach, Cape Reinga the northernmost tip of New Zealand, and much much more!

If you’re up for a less-traveled New Zealand route, here is a suggested itinerary you could take.

It’s similar to the Auckland to Auckland itinerary above, however, you’ll head to Northland for the first week before heading south to continue from Coromandel.

• Day 2: Drive to Paihia (Bay of Islands)
• Day 3: Bay of Islands
• Day 4: Cape Reinga (northernmost tip of New Zealand)
• Day 5: Ninety Mile Beach
• Day 6: Whangarei (to break up the drive)
• Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula
• Day 8: Hobbiton Tour & Mount Maunganui
• Day 9: Rotorua
• Day 10: Lake Taupo
• Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Day 12: Tongariro National Park
• Day 13: Waitomo Caves

2-WEEK NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY

This 2-week New Zealand North Island itinerary is here to provide you with all the info you need for the ultimate getaway to this amazing country.

From exploring Auckland city to climbing volcanoes in Tongariro National Park and soaking in natural hot water springs, this two weeks North Island itinerary New Zealand has it all!

So if you’re ready to be awestruck by breathtaking views and experience the adventure of a lifetime – read on!

DAY 1: FLY INTO AUCKLAND

Auckland is the gateway to North Island New Zealand, and thus a great place to kick off your two-week holiday!

There’s no shortage of things to see and do in Auckland, so you’ll want to make the most of your first day in New Zealand’s largest city.

THINGS TO DO IN AUCKLAND

Once you’ve checked in at your hotel or campervan site, it’s time to explore one of Auckland’s major attractions – Mount Eden.

This dormant volcano has been providing incredible views of the city since at least 1450 AD when Maori people lived on its slopes.

If you’d rather explore the city instead of climbing Mount Eden, then I recommend visiting the Auckland Art Gallery, checking out the Auckland War Memorial Museum, and trying the delicious food.

Note that both museums close at 5 PM, so you’ll want to plan accordingly.

Food-wise, I suggest you have dinner at Burger Geek for some comfort food or to Ahi for some delicious local cuisine – Yum!

Finally, head back to your hotel or campervan for the night before a long driving day tomorrow!

HOW TO GET FROM AUCKLAND AIRPORT TO AUCKLAND CITY

If you have pre-booked your campervan or rental car, it’s likely the pick-up location is at or near Auckland Aiport, and from here you can make your way into the city.

Alternatively, there are other transportation options to the city if you wish to pick up your campervan or car rental on day 2 of your itinerary.

Transport from Auckland Airport to Auckland City:

• Take the SkyDrive Express – from $16
• Take the train to Britomart – from $5.40
• Book a taxi – Between $75 and $90
• Order an Uber – Approx. $50

With either option, you’ll be in the city center within 40 minutes – it’s only 25 km (15 mi) away.

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CAMPERVAN PARKS NEAR AUCKLAND

See the list below for recommended campervan parks near Auckland City:

• Avondale Motor Park
• Takapuna Beach Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS IN AUCKLAND

Auckland has hundreds of hotels to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

Below you’ll find properties suitable for luxury travelers, budget backpackers, and everyone in between.

LUXURY: PARK HYATT AUCKLAND

MID RANGE: RAMADA SUITES

BUDGET: THE ATTIC BACKPACKERS

DAY 2: COROMANDEL PENINSULA

Buckle up for Day 2 of this New Zealand North Island itinerary as you journey to the captivating Coromandel Peninsula – brace yourselves for a scenic adventure!

If you already have your campervan or rental car, you can head directly from Auckland City to Coromandel.

However, if you are picking up a set of wheels on day 2 of this itinerary, you’ll first have to get your vehicle from the respective pick-up location in Auckland and then make tracks to Coromandel.

ARRIVING IN COROMANDEL

It’s approximately a 2-hour drive (126 km/78 miles) from Auckland to Coromandel, and the first town you will come to is Thames.

It’s a small town located at the southwestern end of the Coromandel Peninsula, ready to welcome you with its gold-mining heritage.

Perhaps you’d like to stretch your legs and explore the town’s mining museums or meander around Grahamstown, Thames’ quaint old town.

Don’t forget to fuel up on some delicious fish and chips before continuing north on the coastal journey.

CHECK OUT WYUNA BAY & SHELLY BEACH

When you reach the tip of the peninsula, you’ll have good fun beach-hopping between Wyuna Bay and Shelly Beach.

Wyuna Bay’s secluded coastline offers tranquil waters perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding, while Shelly Beach boasts a beautiful bay for a relaxing afternoon.

I recommend spending the night here in North Coromandel to rest up before day 3 of your North Island road trip.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN COROMANDEL

For your first night in Coromandel, I recommend staying at one of the below campervan parks which are located around the northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula:

• Coromandel Top 10 Holiday Park
• Shelley Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
• Long Bay Motor Camp

BEST HOTELS IN COROMANDEL TOWN

Coromandel Town has dozens of hotels to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: COROMANDEL APARTMENTS

MID RANGE: COROMANDEL SEAVIEW MOTEL

BUDGET: WAIOTAHI VALLEY LODGE

DAY 3: NEW CHUMS BEACH, CATHEDRAL COVE, & HOT WATER BEACH

Rise and shine on day 3 of your 14-day North Island New Zealand itinerary as you head over from Coromandel Town to the picturesque east coast of the peninsula.

Start your day visiting New Chums Beach, then continue south along Coromandel’s east coast to Cathedral Cove and the ever-so-popular, Hot Water Beach.

Here is some useful information about each of these locations.

New Chums Beach

To start your day, gear up for a moderately challenging hike to the breathtaking New Chums Beach.

Known for its pristine, golden sands and crystal-clear waters, this beach remains unspoiled and undeveloped, making it a true hidden gem.

The 1-kilometer walk takes you through native bush, mangroves, and a rocky headland, so don’t forget to wear sturdy shoes and bring along plenty of water and snacks.

Cathedral Cove

After a scenic hike and a refreshing swim at New Chums Beach, continue your southward journey to the iconic Cathedral Cove.

This natural attraction features a massive limestone archway that connects two secluded beaches.

The area is part of the Te Whanganui-a-Hei Marine Reserve, with abundant marine life and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

Cathedral Cove can be reached on foot at a distance of 2.5 km one way from the car park, taking approximately 30 – 45 minutes.

Alternatively, you can rent a kayak or book a boat tour of Cathedral Cove and make the day even more fun!

Another top-rated activity that might interest you is the ultimate thrills tour in Cathedral Cove .

Hot Water Beach

End your day on a high note by visiting the famous Hot Water Beach.

Known for its unique geothermal activity, natural hot springs bubble up through the sands, allowing you to create your own spa-like experience right on the shoreline.

The best time to enjoy this phenomenon is around two hours on either side of low tide, so check local tide charts beforehand to ensure you arrive at the optimal time.

You will need to rent a shovel from one of the nearby rental shops or accommodation providers, as creating this natural spa involves digging a shallow hole in the sand near the water’s edge.

After that, get back to your campervan or spend the night in a hotel, and reminisce about what an awesome day that was!

CAMPERVAN PARKS NEAR HOT WATER BEACH

The best campervan park just 5 minutes walk from Hot Water Beach is the Top 10 Holiday Park listed below. They also offer shovel rentals for $5!

• Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS NEAR HOT WATER BEACH

There are a few hotels to choose from near Hot Water Beach.

LUXURY: HOT WATER BEACH BURE WAI

MID RANGE: HAHEI BEACH RESORT

DAY 4: COROMANDEL & MOUNT MAUNGANUI

On Day 4 of your New Zealand North Island itinerary, some amazing places shouldn’t be skipped while you’re still in Coromandel.

Heading south from Hot Water Beach, here’s a suggested one-day itinerary of spots to visit along the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula as you make your way to Mount Maunganui.

Mount Paku Summit

Your first stop should be Mount Paku Summit, which is a short 15-minute hike up to the top of a volcanic peak.

From here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape!

Whangamata Beach

Next up is Whangamata Beach, where you can stop for lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes in the area, including Indian, Italian, and a bakery with almond croissants to die for!

This beach is known for its crystal-clear waters and golden sands, which make it a popular spot for swimming and surfing if that’s your thing.

If not, you could rent a kayak and head to Donut Island for a short adventure, how cool!

Karangahake Gorge

After lunch, continue your drive towards Karangahake Gorge, a historic gold-mining area that’s now a scenic reserve with many trails and even a biking trail.

Take a walk along the walking tracks that follow the old railway lines and explore the tunnels and bridges that were once used to transport gold from the mines.

At the end of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, scenic waterfall where you can chill for a while.

There are two large parking lots with a seating area, some tables to have a snack or drink, and even restrooms if you need the loo.

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Mount Maunganui

From Karangahake Gorge, it’s only a 1-hour drive to Mount Maunganui, where you can spend the rest of your day exploring the town and its attractions.

I have listed some of the best things to do in Mount Maunganui below:

Maunganui Beach

The most popular spot in Mount Maunganui is undoubtedly Maunganui Beach, a long stretch of white sand that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat and drink after a day in the sun.

If you have a drone, that’s your chance to take it out and shoot great photos!

Mount Maunganui Hike

If you’re feeling active, Mount Maunganui is a popular hike that takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach the summit and requires some level of fitness, but you don’t need to be an expert in any way!

Two scenic tracks lead to the summit, which stands 232 meters high and offers breathtaking views of Tauranga Harbour, beaches, and the city.

The most direct way to get to the top is via the trailhead located right by the main beach.

Don’t forget to take your water bottle with you for the hike as you’ll get pretty thirsty on the way!

I recommend coming here for sunset or sunrise the morning after – you definitely won’t regret it!

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Mount Hot Pools

The Mount Hot Pools in Mount Maunganui is a great place to relax and unwind after a long day of adventures.

With the majestic Mount as your backdrop, you can soak in the only hot ocean water complex in the world!

The pools are heated to 39°C, making them perfect for soothing away any body aches, especially after driving for a few days.

Entrance Fees:

• Adults: NZ $20
• Senior 65+: NZ $13.50
• Child 3-15: NZ $13.50
• Child under 3: FREE
• Family: NZ $53.50

Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday: 7 am – 10 pm, Sunday & Public Holidays: 8 am – 10 pm

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN MOUNT MAUNGANUI

There are two campervan parks located right by the beach in Mt Maunganui and spaces are limited so it’s best to book well in advance.

• Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park
• Cozy Corner Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS IN MOUNT MAUNGANUI

Mount Maunganui has several hotels to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: CAPRI ON PILOT BAY

MID RANGE: GATEWAY MOTOR INN

BUDGET: MOUNT BACKPACKERS

DAY 5: HOBBITON TOUR & ROTORUA

On this day of your New Zealand North Island road trip adventure, you will head to Matamata which is where the famous Hobbiton Tour is located.

After that, you’ll drive about an hour from Matamata to Rotorua, a region with endless adventurous activities to keep you entertained.

Hobbiton Tour

Matamata is a great location to visit for one main reason: the Hobbiton Movie Set .

Here, you will join a guided tour of this magical movie set, immersing yourself in the fantastical world of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.

As you explore the set, you will truly feel as if you have entered the Shire, with its intricate and charming hobbit holes, picturesque gardens, and rustic countryside charm.

The tour also includes a complimentary drink at The Green Dragon Inn, and you can indulge in quaint Middle-earth-inspired delights.

Please note that Hobbiton is the most popular attraction in New Zealand so be sure to book online in advance so you don’t miss out!

Click the button below to book the Hobbiton Movie Set Guided 2-Hour Walking Tour .

After the Hobbiton Tour, continue your North Island itinerary New Zealand to Rotorua, a city located on the southern shore of Lake Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty region.

Rotorua is known for its active geothermal landscape, Maori culture, and outdoor adventure activities.

You can spend the afternoon exploring some of the many attractions which I have outlined below.

Okere Falls

Okere Falls, located on the Kaituna River, is known for its seven cascading waterfalls and pools that flow through the gorge.

The waterfalls are located on the northern end of Lake Rotorua so it’s best to stop here first before continuing into the main town.

Although you can’t go swimming in this section of the Kaituna River, you can simply admire the series of falls from the viewpoints along a rainforest track.

Some options for experiencing Okere Falls include going on a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure or booking a zip-lining tour .

What a cool break from driving around on this North Island itinerary!

The Redwoods Walk

The Redwoods Walk is a must-visit attraction in Rotorua, perfect for romantic strolls, leisurely cycling, and adventurous hikes.

This stunning loop track winds through 700 to 800-year-old redwood trees, showcasing the grandeur of the area’s untouched natural landscapes.

It’s a great way to take in the breathtaking surroundings as you walk or cycle along one of the two paths.

Along the way, make sure not to miss the sculptures; these carvings have been created by local artists and provide an insight into the culture of this beautiful region.

Sulphur Point

Best known for its impressive geothermal activity, Sulphur Point includes mud pool attractions, hot springs, and steam vents that constantly bellow smoke due to the volcanic heat.

There’s also the amazing sulfur lake – very unique to this spot – where you can admire blue and yellow algae floating around.

Aside from its geothermal area, Sulphur Point has plenty of lovely walkways and gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Polynesian Spa

The Polynesian Spa offers a world-class experience to relax and unwind in therapeutic mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua.

Visitors can also indulge in various traditional treatments offered by the spa along with receiving multiple health benefits from volcanic hot springs.

There are different packages on offer, from Geothermal Mud Therapy to bathing packages and much more.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN ROTORUA

There are numerous campervan parks in Rotorua to choose from for your 2-night stay, and these are the top three that I recommend:

• Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park
• All Seasons Holiday Park
• Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS IN ROTORUA

Rotorua has countless hotels on offer so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay for 2 nights.

LUXURY: REGAL PALMS RESORT

MID RANGE: BEST WESTERN BRAESIDE ROTORUA

BUDGET: ROCK SOLID BACKPACKERS

DAY 6: ROTORUA

For your second day in Rotorua, there are many fun-fuelled activities and cultural experiences to try.

Of course, while you may want to chill a little, I have listed some options below that you can choose from to have a fantastic day ahead!

Skyline Rotorua

First up, Skyline Rotorua offers breathtaking views of the city and Lake Rotorua.

Hop on the gondola and enjoy the ride up to the top of Mount Ngongotaha. Here you’ll find activities like ziplining, luging, and mountain biking.

Apart from that, you’ll find a restaurant and even a winery to sip on a glass of local wine while taking in the views.

I recommend booking your tickets in advance to be guaranteed the best rate and jump the queue!

Te Puia Geothermal Park

Next, head over to Te Puia Geothermal Park, where you’ll witness the power and beauty of nature like never before.

This 70-hectare geothermal park is home to bubbling mud pools, steaming vents, and the famous Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day.

Te Puia also houses a traditional Maori village, where you can learn about the culture and history of the Maori people.

When coming here, I recommend booking a guided tour that offers a mix of culture, geyser, nature, the three craft schools, and the Mario marae.

Whitewater River Rafting

Make it a day to remember with this 3-hour activity and sign up for whitewater river rafting on the Kaituna River.

Get your adrenaline going as you paddle through dramatic rainforest gorges and over thrilling whitewater rapids.

Hold on tight as you take a run down the mighty Tutea Falls and leap off dizzying cliff sides like a daredevil.

Of course, all the necessary gear such as wetsuits, booties, and helmets are provided, so all you need is courage!

Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village

For a deeper understanding of Maori culture, Whakarewarewa – The Living Maori Village , is not to be missed when in Rotorua.

This village has been inhabited by the local Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao people for over 700 years and is a living example of Maori customs and traditions.

You can watch cultural performances, learn about the art of weaving, and even try traditional hangi cuisine, which is cooked underground using heated rocks.

If you’re feeling brave, take a trip to Hells Gate – New Zealand’s most active geothermal field.

This otherworldly landscape boasts steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and even a “Devil’s Bath” – a bright green hot pool due to its high sulfur content.

You can also try a mud bath or sulfur spa, which is said to have therapeutic benefits for the skin and body.

Simply put, you can’t skip Hell’s Gate when visiting Rotorua!

Jet Boat Tour on Lake Rotorua

And if you still have some adrenaline left to burn, hop on a jet boat and experience the thrill of speed and spins on Lake Rotorua.

Zip around Lake Rotorua at exhilarating speeds as an expert driver provides a thrilling tour of the area.

You’ll be able to take in iconic landmarks like Mokoia Island, Sulphur Bay, and Kawaha Point from an entirely different perspective.

These boats can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and will take you on a 30-minute tour around the lake and its islands.

Are you ready to experience the most unique activity on your North Island New Zealand itinerary?

Then be sure to book a Zorb ball ride at Mount Ngongotaha in Rotorua. Whether you try the straight, curvy, or harness route, you’re sure to have a blast!

Enjoy stunning views of Lake Rotorua, Mokoia Island, and Mount Tarawera as you slip and slide around inside your inflatable ball – how cool!

DAY 7: TAUPO

On day 7 of your 2 week New Zealand itinerary, depart Rotorua early morning and head towards Taupo.

MUST READ: 25 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN TAUPO

The distance between the two cities is around 80 km and the drive will take you approximately 1 hour.

Be sure to take Highway 5 from Rotorua and along the way stop at Kerosene Creek, a geothermally heated stream and falls where you can bathe and relax for an hour or so.

THINGS TO DO IN TAUPO

Continuing to Taupo, you have a full day to explore the attractions in the area. Here are the top sights to add to your itinerary:

A natural wonder that you shouldn’t miss out on, Huka Falls is a must-see when you travel North Island New Zealand.

Huka Falls is located just north of Taupo town, boasting an incredible force of water flow at 220,000 liters per second, and the falls are 11 meters high!

Witness the turquoise blue water as it rushes through the narrow cliff base and over the waterfall, creating a breathtaking scene.

And in case you want a unique experience, I suggest you book this amazing 30-minute Huka Falls Jet Boat Ride – you can’t do better than that!

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa is a unique and special experience located in the Wairakei geothermal area of Taupo.

And if you didn’t have time to stop by the Te Puia Geothermal Park or Hells Gate in Rotorua, then this is your chance to get a similar experience!

Wairakei Terraces & Thermal Health Spa gives you the opportunity to soak in mineral-rich geothermal waters, which are said to have healing and curing properties.

The terraces were formed over years of mineral deposits and are a shining example of the natural beauty of Taupo.

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Maori Rock Carvings

This North Island itinerary so far has been a mix of culture and fun-filled activities, and the Maori Rock Carvings are here to impress!

Located in the Western Bays of Lake Taupo, these 14-meter high carvings were created by carver Matahi Brightwell and reflect his ancestry.

The best way to see the carvings is by jumping on a sailing boat for a couple of hours to explore the lake and the impressive artwork.

Take a photo at the #LOVETAUPO sign

Just beside the Lake Taupo Visitor Centre is the iconic #LOVETAUPO sign, a perfect location for a photo op.

Of course, the sign represents the love for Taupo and its natural wonders and has become a popular spot to capture memories.

Skydive Taupo

Take your adrenaline rush to new heights with a tandem skydive over stunning Lake Taupo!

Choose from 12,000, 15,000, or 18,500 feet of free fall and experience pure exhilaration.

During the jump, you can take in majestic views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe while gliding back down to the ground.

Plus, enjoy complimentary transport in a bright yellow stretch Hummer to get the adventure started out right!

Skydiving is an unforgettable way to explore beautiful Taupo – don’t miss it!

PREPARATION FOR TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

Before the day comes to an end in Taupo, you’ll want to prepare for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for the following day.

I suggest going to the supermarket in Taupo and buying snacks, extra water bottles, and other essentials for the hike.

You’ll also have to purchase your Tongariro shuttle bus tickets in advance. I recommend booking your tickets online or you can purchase them from the Taupo Visitor Center upon arrival in Taupo.

I’ve included more detailed info about the shuttle bus system below.

WHERE TO STAY IN TAUPO

You want to stay as close as possible to Ketetahi Car Park which is the shuttle pick-up point for the Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park.

I recommend staying in or near the town of Turangi, which is located on the southern end of Lake Taupo and just 15 minutes drive to reach Ketetahi Car Park where the Tongariro Alpine Crossing adventure begins.

Other nearby towns include Whakapapa Village and Ohakune.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN TAUPO

I personally stayed at Motutere Bay Top 10 Holiday Park (which is a little further away about 35 minutes drive to Ketetahi Car Park) but the powered sites for the campervan on the lakeside were hard to beat!

If you’d like to freedom camp in your campervan the night before embarking on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, you’ll find plenty of DOC Freedom Campsites in the Kaimanawa Forest Park, which is quite close to the Ketetahi Car Park.

Get the Rankers App and search availability for these campsites.

BEST HOTELS NEAR THE TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

Luxury: oreti village resort.

MID RANGE: MOE MARIE SLEEP PEACEFULLY

BUDGET: SKOTEL ALPINE RESORT

DAY 8: TONGARIRO ALPINE CROSSING

If you’re the adventurous type, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing should definitely be on your North Island New Zealand itinerary.

The 19.4-kilometer trek will take you through breathtaking landscapes, including volcanic craters, steam vents, hot springs, and mesmerizing forests.

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered one of the world’s best one-day walks and will undoubtedly be the highlight of your trip.

What To Pack For The Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The weather can be unpredictable throughout the year, so it’s recommended that you pack wisely.

Pack enough food and water, warm clothing, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, rain gear, and comfortable hiking boots or shoes.

Of course, don’t forget your camera as you’ll take awesome photos on the way!

What To Expect On The Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the world.

The trail is well-marked, but you should pay attention to the weather forecast and any advisory warnings from authorities.

The challenging hike is worth it, and at the end of the walk, you will be rewarded with a fantastic view of the serene and tranquil Lake Rotoaira.

Most hikers take between 6-8 hours to complete the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, but it can take up to 10 hours for less experienced walkers or those who like to take their time.

You will have anywhere between 9 and 11 hours of sunlight during the trek, so you should be able to do it before dusk.

To complete the trek, you should have a medium to high level of fitness, I do not recommend beginners to attempt it, as you may not complete it by sunset.

Where To Park Your Car At The Tongariro Alpine Crossing?

The Tongariro Crossing starts at the end of Mangatepopo Road and ends at Ketetahi Parking Lot.

Click here to see the exact location of the Ketetahi Parking lot on Google maps.

For this reason, I recommend parking your car/campervan at Ketetahi Parking Lot and take a shuttle bus to the trailhead on Mangatepopo Road.

The end of the trail will bring you back to the Ketetahi Parking Lot.

Should You Trek The Tongariro Alpine Crossing On Your Own?

You definitely can trek the Tongariro Crossing on your own, as this is what most travelers do.

However, by going on a guided hike , you’ll be with an expert trekker who will show you the path, tell you unique stories, and show you the best photo spots!

Also, it’s worth noting that, when booking a tour, appropriate clothing and gear are included, so you won’t need to buy your own, which is a massive plus.

DAY 9: TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

After completing the Alpine Crossing, I highly recommend sticking around in Tongariro National Park for another full day.

Tongariro NP is a World Heritage Site and is home to some of the most stunning natural features in New Zealand.

The park is famous for its three active volcanoes, Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, and Ruapehu.

Needless to say, you can enjoy countless activities here, from hiking and riding a bicycle in the summertime to skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

The park is open all year round, but the best time to visit is during the spring, summer, and autumn months.

THINGS TO DO IN TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

Ski mt ruapehu.

Mt Ruapehu is the largest active volcano in New Zealand, and it’s also home to two of the most popular winter ski resorts in the country.

Whakapapa and Turoa offer ski and snowboard slopes for all levels of ability, as well as a range of other winter activities like tubing, tobogganing, and snowshoeing.

The skiing season typically runs from June to October, but it’s best to check the snow reports before planning a ski trip if you’re coming specifically for this.

If you’re looking for another spectacular hike, the Tama Lakes trail is a great alternative to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.

It’s a 17-kilometer round trip hike that takes approximately 6 hours and takes you through picturesque forests, waterfalls, and finally to the stunning Tama Lakes.

The lakes are formed from volcanic craters and have crystal-clear waters, which makes it a perfect location for a picnic lunch or a refreshing swim.

There are several bike trails in the Tongariro National Park ranging from easy to advanced and the most popular is the Old Coach Road trail.

The Old Coach Road is an intermediate-level trail that takes you through historic railway tunnels, suspension bridges, and beautiful bush landscapes.

It’s a 15-kilometer ride that takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.

You can rent a bike at the National Park and start the trail on Matapuna Road in Horopito or Ohakune Railway Station – both spots have signs indicating the trail, so it’s easy to find.

Tawhai Falls

Tawhai Falls is an easily accessible waterfall that’s a short walk from the main road. It featured in the Lord of Rings movies, where it was the backdrop for Gollum catching fish.

The waterfall cascades over a rocky outcrop into a pristine pool below, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing dip on hot summer days.

The waterfall is 13 meters high, which is great for photographers, and it’s easy to reach, so you don’t need to be particularly fit!

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Mangawhero Falls

Mangawhero Falls were also used in the Lord of the Rings movies, where it represented the cliff of the Dwimorberg, where Aragorn races his horse to the top.

The waterfall is 25 meters high and has a grand viewing platform from which to take that perfect photo.

On top of being an incredible stop on the circuit, it’s just as majestic in the summer and winter, and I couldn’t recommend it enough!

Full Blog Post: Mangawhero Falls New Zealand

Taranaki Falls

Another waterfall you shouldn’t miss is Taranaki Falls .

The waterfall drops 20 meters over a volcanic cliff into a deep pool below, surrounded by lush native forest. It’s a popular photography spot and a great place to relax after a short 1-hour hike.

Full Blog Post: Taranaki Falls Walk

DAY 10: FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY TO EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

After spending some time exploring the natural wonders of Tongariro National Park, it’s time to hit the road and make your way to Egmont National Park via the Forgotten World Highway.

The Forgotten World Highway spans 155km and runs between Stratford and Taumarunui, passing through remote and rugged landscapes that are perfect for exploring.

You’ll see rolling hills dotted with sheep, rivers, and streams carving through deep valleys, and misty forests that teem with wildlife.

It takes around 2.5 hours – 3 hours to get from Tongariro National Park to Egmont National Park.

THINGS TO DO IN EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

Wilkies pool.

As the day draws to a close, you’ll arrive at Egmont National Park, and one must-visit destination is Wilkies Pool, a hidden gem that lies on the eastern side of Mount Taranaki.

This emerald-green pool is fed by a series of waterfalls and is surrounded by lush greenery and towering trees.

Take a dip in the refreshing water, or sit back and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

To get to Wilkies Pool, you’ll have to hike a lovely trail in the middle of the forest and it’ll take around 90 minutes to complete, so don’t forget to bring your water bottle.

Dawson’s Falls

Another highlight of Egmont National Park is Dawson’s Falls, a towering waterfall cascading from over 28 meters.

Several walking tracks around offer fantastic views of the falls, as well as the surrounding landscapes.

As the sun sets, make your way to Kent Road, a spot that offers some of the most spectacular views of Mount Taranaki.

Here, you’ll be able to capture some breathtaking photos as the colors of the sky change and the mountain is bathed in golden light.

Lake Mangamahoe

Finally, wrap up your day with a visit to Lake Mangamahoe, a stunning lake that’s surrounded by lush forests.

This peaceful setting is perfect for ending your day with a gentle stroll or a relaxing picnic as you take in the natural beauty of the area.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

If you’re traveling in a campervan, I recommend spending the night at one of these campervan sites:

• Stratford Motel & Holiday Park
• North Egmont Car Park
• Dawson Falls Car Park

BEST HOTELS IN EGMONT NATIONAL PARK

If you’re traveling in a rental car and need to book a hotel for the night, these are the ones I recommend.

LUXURY: AMITY COURT MOTEL

MID RANGE: PATUHA RAINFOREST RETREAT

BUDGET: NGATI RUANUI STRATFORD MOUNTAIN HOUSE

DAY 11: EGMONT NATIONAL PARK (MT TARANAKI) & POUAKAI TARN HIKE

The Pouakai Tarn Hike is one of the most popular hikes in the park and offers breathtaking views of Mount Taranaki.

It’s a challenging 5 – 6 hour trek that starts from the North Egmont Visitor Centre and ends at Pouakai Hut.

Another alternative trail to reach Pouakai Tarn is the Mangorei Track Trailhead . This route takes about 2 hours one way with a steep incline.

Before starting the hike, it’s important to prepare enough food and water to sustain you for the duration of the hike. You can easily drive into New Plymouth City to pick up supplies.

You’ll also need a sleeping bag and pillow if you plan on staying overnight at the Pouakai Hut.

The hike itself is not for the faint of heart. It’s a steep uphill climb that will take you through a variety of terrains, including forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows.

The view of Mount Taranaki from the Pouakai Tarn is 100% worth every drop of sweat to get here!

Full Blog Post: Pouakai Tarns Hike

STAY OVERNIGHT AT POUAKAI HUT

As mentioned earlier, there’s a hut available for hikers to stay in overnight and it’s near the Pouakai Tarn reflective viewpoint of Mount Taranaki.

The Pouakai Hut is a basic alpine hut with 16 bunk beds, a fireplace, a communal kitchen, and drop toilets.

Bookings for the Pouakai Hut are essential and the cost is $15 per night. Click here to book online in advance.

DAY 12: NEW PLYMOUTH

After an overnight stay in Pouakai Hut, and once you’ve completed the hike back down, make your way to New Plymouth, which is only a short 20 to 30-minute drive away.

THINGS TO DO IN NEW PLYMOUTH

Paritutu rock.

Paritutu Rock is a volcanic remnant that towers over the surrounding landscape, offering stunning views of the city and the Tasman Sea

It’s a popular spot for rock climbing or hiking, but don’t worry, getting to the top only takes about 15 minutes!

Oakura Beach

After visiting Paritutu Rock, take a 20-minute drive south to Oakura Beach, a beautiful black sand beach that is perfect for surfing and beach bumming.

This popular beach is known for its consistent waves, and it’s ideal for beginners and experienced surfers.

You can still enjoy the picturesque scenery and work on your tan if you’re not a surfer.

New Plymouth Coastal Walkway

Before ending your day, make sure you head to the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. This scenic walkway is 12.7 km long and offers stunning views of the coast and the city.

The walkway is easy to access, and it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels. You can walk, jog, or cycle, and take in its panoramic views.

Go Shopping

That’s not it – New Plymouth is also a great place for shopping. The city has a vibrant and bustling shopping scene, with many stores, boutiques, and markets.

Alternatively, you could visit Centre City Shopping Centre, which boasts dozens of retail stores and a food court.

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CAMPERVAN PARKS IN NEW PLYMOUTH

When searching for campervan parks in New Plymouth, these are the ones I recommend spending one night:

• Belt Road Seaside Holiday Park
• New Plymouth Top 10 Holiday Park
• Back Beach Car Park (Freedom Camp Spot)

BEST HOTELS IN NEW PLYMOUTH

New Plymouth has dozens of hotels to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: KING & QUEEN HOTEL SUITES

MID RANGE: FLAMINGO MOTEL

BUDGET: DUCKS & DRAKES BOUTIQUE MOTEL

DAY 13: THREE SISTERS & WAITOMO CAVES

On the second-last day of your 2 week North Island itinerary, is time to start making your way back north toward Auckland, spending one night in Waitomo to break up the drive.

A couple of must-visit attractions in between New Plymouth and Auckland are the Three Sisters and Waitomo Caves.

Three Sisters

About 1-hour drive north of New Plymouth, be sure to stop at the Three Sisters along the way to Waitomo.

Boasting 25-meter-tall rock formations along the coastline, and distance views of Mount Taranaki, you will be left in awe of this natural phenomenon.

The Three Sisters can only be reached on low tide and it takes about 10 minutes to reach the spot by walking from the car park along the river’s edge.

Alternatively, you can marvel at this epic landscape from the Three Sisters Lookout .

Waitomo Caves

Waitomo is a village in the Waikato region, known for its extensive underground cave systems that play home to thousands of glowworms.

One of the best ways to explore Waitomo Caves is by blackwater rafting with The Legendary Blackwater Rafting Co .

This thrilling 3-hour experience takes you through the fascinating cave system where you can marvel at thousands of tiny glow worms illuminating the caves like a starry night sky.

If you’re not keen on blackwater rafting, there are other tours available which I have listed below;

• Waitomo Caves Boat Tour
• Waitomo Caves Walking Tour

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN WAITOMO

These are the top-rated campervan parks in Waitomo to spend the night:

• Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park
• Otorohanga Kiwi Holiday Park

BEST HOTELS IN WAITOMO

The Waitomo area has a few accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: WAITOMO GOLF RIDGE

MID-RANGE: WAITOMO LODGE

BUDGET: CAVES MOTOR INN

DAY 14: DEPARTURE FROM AUCKLAND

As your adventure across North Island comes to an end, you have two options for your last day, depending on your onward plans.

The options are:

• Going back to Auckland and flying out
• Heading to Wellington and either flying out or continuing to the South Island

OPTION 1: BACK TO AUCKLAND

If you need to catch a flight back home or to your next destination, you can head back to Auckland and return your campervan or rental car.

The distance from Waitomo to Auckland is approximately 200km and takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Depending on your schedule, you could stop into Raglan Beach on the way for lunch, perhaps spend some more time roaming around Auckland City, or if you have a couple more days up your sleeve, take a trip over to Waiheke Island.

OPTION 2: GO TO WELLINGTON

For those with a little more time, make your way down to Wellington.

This vibrant capital city offers plenty to see and do such as;

• A visit to Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum.
• Take a walk along the picturesque Wellington waterfront.
• Head up to the top of Mount Victoria for stunning panoramic views.

Related Article: 2 Week South Island New Zealand Itinerary

WELLINGTON TO SOUTH ISLAND

If you’re traveling overland and continuing your travels to the South Island of New Zealand you can take the ferry from Wellington to Picton .

The Interislander Ferry is a 3-hour cruise across the Cook Strait, departing from Wellington Ferry Terminal.

The ferry tends to fill up fast, especially during peak season from December – February, so make sure to book the ferry online well in advance.

CAMPERVAN PARKS IN WELLINGTON

• Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park
• Cuba Street Motorhome Park

BEST HOTELS IN WELLINGTON

Wellington has hundreds of accommodations to choose from, so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit.

LUXURY: INTERCONTINENTAL WELLINGTON

MID-RANGE: RAMADA BY WYNDHAM WELLINGTON

BUDGET: THE MARION HOSTEL

TRAVEL TIPS: NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP

Here are some handy travel tips and things to know before you begin your 14 day New Zealand itinerary.

BEST APPS FOR A NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND ROAD TRIP

When planning your New Zealand North Island road trip, several apps can make your journey even more pleasant and convenient.

From having an accurate weather forecast to finding the best camping locations and even hiking trails, these apps will come in handy.

Among the best apps for a New Zealand road trip are:

• MetService (Weather)
• Maps.me (GPS)
• Google Maps (GPS)
• Spotify (Music)
• Great Rides (Biking trails)
• Great Hikes (Hiking trails)
• Rankers Camping NZ (Camping Locations)
• CamperMate (Camping spots, details, and more)

FREEDOM CAMPING IN NEW ZEALAND

Freedom camping in New Zealand is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation.

There are many sites and apps available to help you find freedom camping locations all across the country, but I recommend Freedom Camping and CamperMate , which list dozens of locations around New Zealand.

CamperMate is one of the most popular apps for finding both free and paid campgrounds in New Zealand. It includes information on sites such as facilities, activities, and even nearby attractions.

When going off-grid, be sure to buy enough water, food, and snacks for the road, especially if you plan to sleep in your campervan for a few days!

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Firstly, WiFi isn’t available everywhere, and for this reason, you will want to get a local SIM card when you arrive at Auckland Airport or purchase an eSIM .

Secondly, I suggest you buy groceries at PAK ‘n’ SAVE, which is much cheaper than other stores around the country.

Also, most tours and entrance tickets sell out super fast so I suggest booking online on Viator in advance and being guaranteed the best rates.

More New Zealand Travel Guides

Click the button below to view all articles related to New Zealand!

WHAT TO PACK FOR NEW ZEALAND

When visiting New Zealand, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

Must-Have Travel Essentials

Hidden money wallet.

Keep your cash and other valuables safe with this anti-theft hidden money wallet!

Reusable Water Bottle

The GRAYL GeoPress is the best reusable bottle that allows you to purify water from anywhere!

Travel Backpack

The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use!

Quick-Dry Travel Towel

The most compact, lightweight, and quick-dry towel for traveling!

Portable PowerBank

Keep your phone, laptop, and accessories charged while you’re on the go with the Anker PowerBank!

FINAL THOUGHTS – ITINERARY NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND

I hope you enjoyed reading this North Island New Zealand road trip article, and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join  Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe  on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

Search and book accommodation worldwide.

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.

Search all rental cars in your next destination.

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback  at no extra cost to you  and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically .

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New Zealand Itinerary: An Epic 18-Day Road Trip

If you are looking for inspiration, inspired to travel, or actually planning a New Zealand road trip, you’re in the right place. This blog post gives an extremely detailed account of our New Zealand itinerary, including drive times, stunning landscapes, beautiful places to stay, must-try restaurants and foods, activities, and suggestions on what you can do.

The New Zealand Road Trip Begins

New Zealand is comprised of two islands: North Island and South Island (we were amazed at the lack of creativity at first, but why not! It is intuitive and, therefore, easy to remember). We did a road trip spanning 18 days across both islands. Trust me, this small country has so much to offer that even 18 days were insufficient. You should plan your trip for three to four weeks, at least, starting in the North Island and ending in the South Island.

The North Island is a land of cosmopolitan cities, rolling green meadows, a plethora of stunning beaches, active volcanoes, and geothermal wonders! Home to 76% of New Zealand’s population, it comprises New Zealand’s largest city, Auckland, and harbour-side capital, Wellington.

Click on the interactive map below to explore the New Zealand-North Island road trip route.

North Island Route

Day 1: auckland.

We landed in Auckland in the morning after completing a 24-hour journey. You will also probably get there after a long and tiring journey (unless you are travelling from Australia), as New Zealand is quite remote. So, get some sleep and prepare for the road trip.

Mentioned below are things to get sorted out on day one, along with some helpful tips.

First, purchase a SIM card. We bought a Spark Sim at the airport before customs. We had read extensively about the not-so-fast and expensive Wi-Fi in the country, so decided to get a plan with 25 GB. In retrospect, I think a plan with 10 GB is good enough. You have options of Skinny, Vodafone and 2 Degrees as well. The price difference between operators isn’t that much for travel sims. You can check their websites beforehand.

New Zealand is very protective of its beautiful natural environment and rightly so. Bringing in certain products like seeds, fruits, vegetables, bugs, dairy, anything carrying soil, etc. pose a biosecurity risk and attract a fine of $400. We did not carry any food whatsoever to be on the safe side and cleaned our soiled shoes beforehand. Be careful of what you carry, read the guidelines  here .

Rental Car Pick Up

We had pre-booked our car through  Omega Car Rentals . On exiting the airport, the Omega Shuttle took us to their office where we finally laid eyes on our spacious ride for North Island. We made sure to book a car with enough boot space to fit two medium-size suitcases so that we could leave our luggage there and not fret over possible theft.We picked up our car first thing on day one for convenience. However, some people choose to pick theirs up on day two, just before they start their trip from the city, thereby saving on the rental cost. The choice is yours!

Note: We opted to travel by car and stay in hotels/B&Bs as we were on our honeymoon. You have an option to rent a camper car/campervan and take advantage of holiday parks and camping sites at picture-perfect locations.

You cannot camp/park wherever you wish in New Zealand. Freedom camping is prohibited unless your van is certified self-contained (has a toilet and can hold freshwater and wastewater for 3 days).

Accommodation

Stay in the heart of Auckland so that everything is accessible on foot. Finding free parking will only cause you distress. We stayed at  Four Points by Sheraton  at Queen Street and were walking distance from the hustle-bustle. You could also find a place near Victoria street in case you want to be really close to a Countdown grocery store and avoid the walk.

Groceries/Snacks

You are going to be on the move constantly. Therefore, we recommend that you have enough food by your side to keep hunger at bay. Carry ready-to-eat meals because eating every meal at a restaurant will only create a crater-sized hole in your pocket. Also, you will have plenty of picturesque locations to stop along the way, so you can enjoy meals on pre-installed picnic tables and benches. 

We bought juice, fruits, cheese, wine, chips, cookies, muesli bars, croissants, bread, bread spread, and some ready to eat meals.

Things that took us by surprise:

1. New Zealand has long days in summer. The sun sets around 8:30 pm – 9:30 pm. I know this seems evident to most but for us Indians it is bizarre. 2. Most restaurants close between 8 pm – 9 pm. We went to a restaurant in Auckland that was open after 9 pm where we had to choose from a night menu with very limited options. So either have early dinners or call the restaurant beforehand to confirm timings and menu options.

Day 2: Muriwai Beach and Coromandel Peninsula

Auckland to muriwai- 42 km (40 minutes).

It had been raining in Auckland which made us quite sad. However, as we drove out of Auckland, the rain faded to gloomy weather (Yay! at least no rains!) with small picturesque villages and farms dotting the way. Not even a few minutes into the road trip, all we wanted to do was stop and take it all in – the peace and quiet coupled with beauty in every direction but we kept going.

We got out of our car at the Muriwai parking and bam! the wind hit hard, pushing us back in our car. Seems like not all summers are still and sunny. We had to put on our  windbreaker jackets , our saviour on this trip. Do not go without one!

Muriwai had extremely strong winds and loud crashing waves on this cloudy day. The beach had people running toward the ocean in their surf suits carrying large crescent-shaped colourful kites. Some were already blowing in the wind while kite-surfing.

We didn’t stay for long due to the weather and couldn’t see the Gannet bird colony, but if you do decide to visit, don’t miss them on the cliff tops.

Muriwai to Hahei- 213 km (3 hours 10 minutes)

Roads to the pretty village of Hahei are super twisty. The road signs just couldn’t make up their mind on how many kilometres would be curvy- next 5 km, next 5 km, next 5 km- it just went on. We chose Hahei for our stay at the Coromandel Peninsula as it gives easy access to Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.

We ate at  Pour House , one of Hahei’s few places to eat. It was the place I tried fish and chips, a Kiwi staple, and I was blown away. Do try their crunchy but light-weight fish that just melts in the mouth! In the evening, we decided to go to Hot Water Beach where you can dig your own spa pool.

Plan to go here two hours either side of low tide. Check out  low tide timings  beforehand.

Shovel in hand, we set out to dig our hot pool (we got the shovel from our Airbnb, however, you can even rent them from cafes near the beach). The beach already had about 50 people, some struggling with the shovel and some who had succeeded with the shovel. Finding the perfect combination of hot and cold is a long yet worthwhile process. If you are lucky enough like us then you might find an abandoned pool that is just perfect.

Alternative: Auckland to Hahei- 175 km (2 hours 20 minutes)

Muriwai Beach can be skipped as it is not an out of the world experience and is in the opposite direction of the Coromandel Peninsula. Instead, spend a little extra time in Auckland strolling around Brito Street and also try  Giapo’s  innovative ice-creams. If you’re an ardent wine-lover you can extend your time in Auckland by a day and take a day trip to the Waiheke Island Wineries .

You can also head straight to the Coromandel area- chill at Hahei Beach, walk or do a boat tour to Cathedral Cove, go snorkelling, hire a bicycle. There is just so much to do here.

Accommodation : Hahei Getaway  is walking distance from Hahei Beach, has all possible amenities, and the most beautiful reading spot – a hammock between two perfectly round-shaped trees.

Day 3: Hobbiton and Rotorua

Woke up early for a tour with  Cathedral Cove Kayak Tours . We kayaked to Cathedral Cove from Hahei Beach in a small group of 5 kayaks while juggling between lending an ear to our guide about the fascinating history of the area and being in awe of the coastline. Spent half an hour at the cove clicking pictures and enjoying hot chocolate and cookies provided by the kayak company, before kayaking back to our starting point.

We chose to kayak but you can also choose the free option- walk to Cathedral Cove from Hahei Beach. It takes about 30 mins to an hour depending on how many stops you make to enjoy the view. Also, note that Cathedral Cove does not have any eateries so carry your own water and food.

If you want to do a kayak tour but not the Cathedral Cove one, they also have other options like the Remote Coast Tour  and Full Day Tour .

Hahei to Hobbiton- 163 km (2 hours 15 minutes)

Kiwi film director Peter Jackson found the perfect farm to build ‘The Shire’ for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ movies more than 20 years back. After the filming of the LOTR movies, the set was brought down and the farm was returned to its original state. Later, the set was built to last for ‘The Hobbit’ movies and guided tours hence began in 2012 in the place popularly known as ‘Hobbiton’.

The tour takes you through the 12-acre property with a guide telling you interesting facts and stories about the set and movies all along. There are plenty of pretty picture opportunities in this immensely green hobbit land. The 2-hour tour ends at the Green Dragon with a free drink.

Note: Tours leave every 10-15 minutes though booking timings online are limited. Do pre-book this experience  here  as it sells out.

Matamata to Rotorua- 71 km (1 hour)

Rotorua is mainly known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Everyone says you’ll be able to smell Sulphur in the air throughout the city but we were happy that our nostrils failed us.

It was a long and tiring day, and we got to Rotorua around dinner time. We ended up at  Eat Street  for dinner as suggested by our Airbnb Host. It is a short street lined with restaurants serving different cuisines. We ate at  Atticus Finch  (Yes! Like the character from you know which book) and the food was brilliant.

The vibe of the street is so lively, we went here the next day as well. Do dine here at least once!

Alternative: Hahei to Rotorua- 217 km (3 hours)

You should visit the Hobbiton if you want to step into another world or if you’re a LOTR fan. However, if guided tours are not your thing, skip this and head directly to Rotorua where abundant activities await.

You can visit one of the many geothermal parks, head to  Polynesian Spa  for a relaxing soak in natural spring water, or visit a Maori village and try Hangi (traditional Maori food). After sunset, do the  Redwoods Nightlights Treewalk . Go through the various activities available in Rotorua and book them  here .

  Accommodation : We stayed in a private room at the Airbnb  Lake Views Paradise and Tranquility . We absolutely loved our stay as our hosts were super kind and friendly. This was definitely our most memorable stay during our road trip in New Zealand.

Day 4: Geothermal Exploration in Rotorua

There is so much to do in Rotorua it is hard to decide and fit it all in one day. Unfortunately, we were there on a rainy day so we didn’t end up doing as much as we would have liked. 

We started with  Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland  which is a 30-minute (31 km) drive from Rotorua. The occasional touch of the wind, the heat of the steam rising from the hot pools, the various colours of the pools and the smell of sulphur tantalise all your senses while you walk through the 18 sq. km. active geothermal park. The park also has mud pools and a geyser, Lady Knox, with an eruption height of 10-20 meters. With a little manual intervention, the geyser erupts at 10:15 am every day. Visit the park accordingly! You also have the option of coming back the next day to watch the geyser erupt.

After lunch, we went to  Polynesian Spa  which has several natural geothermal spring water pools with different temperatures. It has public, private pools and packages that provide a combination of both. We took a package which gave us 30 minutes in a sky-view private pool and unlimited time at the public pools. The pools can get very crowded in the evening so plan for a morning visit. We were lucky to find it relatively empty as it was drizzling, but as soon as the drizzle stopped, the place filled up.

We spent only one day in Rotorua, but I think one should set aside two days to be able to enjoy the city fully.

Day 5: Waitomo and Taupo

Since we were unable to do the  Redwoods Treewalk  by night, we decided to do it by day, before we set off towards Waitomo. We headed towards Redwoods at about 10 a.m. and took a nice 40-minute stroll on bridges suspended high above the forest floor on humongous 118-year old redwood trees.

Rotorua to Waitomo- 140 km (2 hours)

The  Waitomo Glowworm Caves  are famous for worms that emit light, illuminating the dark caves like the night sky. They are unique to this part of the world, hence this activity is a must-do if nature fascinates you.

We thoroughly enjoyed this 30-45 minute tour, although it was a guided one. There was such an authentic feel to it because the guide showing us the cave was a descendent of the Maori Chief who originally explored the cave. We were fascinated by the way the guide navigated the boat in darkness using ropes that were pre-installed in the cave, thereby making no noise whatsoever.

Note: This is a commercialised experience with tours running every 30 minutes. You are not allowed to use your cameras when inside the cave as this may damage the ecology of the cave. In case you don’t want to make the detour to Waitomo, or you’re more of the ‘I don’t want to do touristy things kind’ but still want to see the worms, there are caves you could visit in other parts of the country. However, they may be less accessible.

Waitomo to Taupo- 150 km (2 hours)

We drove to Taupo and took a walk around Huka Falls which is famous for the incredible volume of water gushing through a 15-metre wide gorge. It is just a 10-minute walk from the car park to the lookout point on turning left from the bridge.

Alternative: Rotorua to Taupo- 82 km (1 hour)

A good way to avoid taking the detour to Waitomo would be to see the  glowworm cave in Te Anau  (South Island) instead if you’re planning to spend a night there. There isn’t much to do in Te Anau, therefore, it will be a worthwhile use of your time. Other schedules for this day could be:

• Spend more time in Rotorua to do the plethora of activities available there-  Maori shows ,  zorbing , more geothermal parks and pools,  gondola and luge ride , etc. Head to Taupo in the evening.
• Drive toward Taupo in the morning and make a midway stop at  Waimangu Volcanic Valley .
• Head straight to Taupo and spend some time by Lake Taupo. Check out the  Mine Bay Maori Carvings  and visit  Orakei Korako Geothermal Park .
• Divide your time between both cities- Spend 1 st  half of your day in Rotorua and 2 nd  half in Taupo.

Accommodation: We stayed outside of Taupo in Kinloch since we had a car and we were really taken to the  Kinloch Farmstay Retreat Airbnb  (read chance to meet cute sheep). Kinloch has a restaurant or two, so if you want more options then you can drive to Taupo which will take 20 minutes.

Day 6: Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike

Kinloch to ketetahi car park- 88 km (1 hour 10 minutes).

The most awaited part of the trip had finally arrived- the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Day Hike, known to be one of the best day hikes in the world. It also has dual status as a World Heritage Site for its natural and cultural significance.

This 19.4 km hike takes you through volcanic terrain with solidified lava flats, red craters, emerald lakes, steam vents, and not to mention, the famous Mount Doom (aka Mount Ngauruhoe) featured in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ movies.

We woke up at 4 am to board our pre-booked Tongariro Shuttle at the Ketetahi car park at 6:30 am which took us to the start of the Tongariro hike. A shuttle is required as it is a point to point hike starting at the Mangatepopo car park and ending at Ketetahi Car Park.

It takes about 6-8 hours to complete the hike. However, it took us 10 hours as we took a ton of breaks for pictures and rest. Also, we decided to hike in regular sports shoes as we had underestimated the difficulty level. Do not do this hike without a sturdy pair of  hiking shoes  as it is a strenuous trek with high chances of getting injured without proper gear.

Despite the early start, hike difficulty level, fear for our lives and subsequent body aches, it was the highlight of our New Zealand road trip. Walking inside and on the edges of craters and around an active volcano which last erupted in 2012 was an experience we will recall time and again. The views were stunning, unlike anything we had ever seen before.

Day 7: Wellington

Taupo to wellington- 371 km (5 hours).

We woke up late with just enough time to pack and leave by checkout time, which is 10 am everywhere in New Zealand. So grateful for this as we were compelled to start our days early! We reached Wellington after a long drive only to find road closures around our hotel. Due to this, we ended up spending lots of time trying to find the hotel designated parking and our way to the hotel. As a result of this delay, we could not visit  Weta Cave , a creative design and physical effects facility that made movies like ‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ come to life. The Weta Cave houses props, creatures, costumes, vehicles etc. created for the movies.

Friends had told us Wellington’s vibe is amazing. Unfortunately, we were here during the week before Christmas so most shops and restaurants were closed till Boxing Day.

If you aren’t visiting during said time, take a stroll through Cuba street. It is a walking street known for its world-class cafés, bars and restaurants, quirky stores and a somewhat bohemian feel. Also, visit the  Te Papa Museum , an interactive national museum that immerses you in New Zealand’s unique history. If you’re considering staying for longer, read this list of  15 Things to Do in Wellington , so you don’t miss anything this city has to offer.

 Accommodation :  Astelia Apartment Hotel , has a great location and really spacious rooms. Would love to stay here again.

If you’re planning to add South Island as well to your New Zealand itinerary (which you most definitely should), then continue reading  11 Days in Spectacular South Island .

• All distances and drive times mentioned are as per Google Maps. They may differ depending on road conditions, traffic etc.
• All images are clicked on the  iPhone 11  or  Pixel 3A . We our in the process of getting our first full-frame camera, the  Sony Alpha 7MIII
• All accommodations mentioned have parking available either on or off street.
• This blog post has affiliate links that enable us to earn a small commission when you make a purchase, with no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and activities we like and those that might interest you.

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North Island 1 Week (7 Days) Road Trip Itinerary (Auckland to Wellington)

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, 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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New Zealand’s North and South Island: Two Week Self Drive Road Trip Itinerary

• August 8, 2023
• New Zealand Itineraries

24 Comments

Whilst I would recommend to anyone who is asking for my personal opinion to just stick to the South Island if you’ve got 2 weeks or less, some of you might still insist on seeing both islands.

Whilst ambitious it can still be done. I’ve taken a lot of time to design a two week itinerary around the North and South Islands that will maximize your experience without leaving you feeling stressed.

Two Week New Zealand North and South Islands Itinerary Overview

This itinerary  starts in Auckland  and then takes you through some of  the most photogenic spots of the North Island.   After 6 days you will need to catch another flight from Auckland to Christchurch on the south island and pick up your second rental car.

You will then spend 8 days traveling through the best spots on the South Island. The itinerary  finishes in Queenstown,  from where you can fly back to Auckland or, if you came from Australia, then book your return flight directly out of Queenstown.

Check out my other New Zealand road trip itineraries here

Do you only have one week or are interested in only seeing the South Island?  Browse through my other itineraries ! I am sure you will find something just for you! 

• A four to eight-week route on both of New Zealand’s Islands  
• A 10-day route through South Island’s diverse landscapes
• A two-week route on the South Island designed for hikers – Reader’s favorite!
• A whistle-stop one-week tour of the South Island

How to get around New Zealand on your road trip

Option 1: hire a rental car

The best way is to simply hire a car in Auckland for the first leg of the trip and then the second car in Christchurch with a drop-off in Queenstown for the second part.

Don’t worry about dropping the car off at a different location. Companies in New Zealand are really well accustomed to it and it won’t cost a lot more. In fact, it will probably save you some money. Check for the best car rental deals with  Discover Cars.  It will give you a drop-off option at a different airport than pick-up, plus their customer service is excellent!

This is more economical and faster than crossing over by ferry. Not only it will save you at least a day of driving, but also the money spent on gas if you had to add all those kilometers to your trip. 

One-way flights from Auckland to Christchurch can be purchased for as low as 50 bucks. The ferry costs 250 dollars for a car, that’s 5 times more expensive! 

Option 2: hire a motorhome

Another great option for road trips around New Zealand, chosen by many travelers every year is renting a motorhome. A great search engine that compiles many camper van rental companies in New Zealand is the M o torhome Republic . It’s way easier than checking each and every one separately.

Companies like Britz, Mighty, Jucy, Apollo, and Maui are the leaders when it comes to motorhomes and can all be found on this website. 

If you decided on the latter read  my guide to motorhome travel in New Zealand.

TIP: Your total driving distance along this itinerary is  ca. 1730 kilometers or 1070 miles.  This excludes the flight between the islands.

New Zealand two-week road trip itinerary part 1: North Island

As I mentioned earlier  starting your trip in Auckland  will not only be the most economical way to do it, but Auckland is also very well connected to the places you will visit on the first part of this trip

Day 1 Auckland

Auckland is the biggest New Zealand city, but I don’t want to waste your time on cities when there is so much amazing nature to experience!

If you fly in the afternoon or evening I would recommend staying overnight and setting off on your road trip early the next day. In the meantime, you can visit some cool photo spots in Auckland with Mount Eden being my favorite .

Take it easy on your first day, you have quite a lot ahead of you in the next two weeks! I am sure the time difference will wreak havoc on your body, so getting some proper sleep is essential.

Accommodation options in Auckland on night 1

Haka Lodge Backpackers

What guests loved about it

Perfect place to stay and interact with other travelers, well-equipped kitchen, comfy lounge area, privacy curtains in the bunk rooms

Roomie Apartment Hotel

Clean rooms with comfortable beds, cute finishing touches, great location, easy to get to from any direction

For Luxury Fans

Hotel Fitzroy

Friendly and welcoming staff, small boutique hotel with great facilities, tasty breakfast

Day 2-4 Taupo

• Distance from Auckland to Taupo:  270 km / 168 miles
• Duration:  3,5 hours

On your second day head towards  Taupo,  a little town nestled on the shore of New Zealand’s biggest lake of the same name. You can choose the direct route from Auckland to Taupo (275 km/4 hours) or a slightly longer route past Waitomo and visit the world-famous glowworm caves.

New Zealand Glowworms are an endemic species found only in New Zealand and as the name indicates they are worms that glow in the dark and by doing so attract their prey.

I have visited a few glow worm caves in New Zealand and have to say, they are fascinating. The best way I can describe them is by saying that they look like little stars glued onto a ceiling.

My friends Jordan and Jenna have captured this  beautiful timelapse video  of the glowworms. See it for yourself! 

There are a few companies that operate tours within these caves with Legendary Black Water rafting being the leader.

Best things to do around Taupo

Tongariro crossing day hike (day 3).

When you find yourself touring around New Zealand’s North Island there is one place you absolutely can’t miss and that’s The Tongariro Crossing.

It’s the most famous of the  day hikes on New Zealand’s North Island . It takes you through spectacular scenery amongst 3 active volcanoes: Ngauruhoe (also known as Mount Doom from Lord Of The Rings), Tongariro, and Ruapehu.

The Tongariro crossing can also be done as a whole circuit, called  Tongariro Northern Circuit . It takes 3-4 days to complete and will require staying in alpine huts or camping. However, most people settle for a 19.4 km long, day journey.  

Doing the hike will require some planning ahead. Tongariro National Park is a very remote area and the day hike itself is a one-way journey.

A lot of visitors organize transport from Taupo to the start of the hike, which then picks you up at the finish line and brings you back to Taupo. The shuttle journey will take around 1 hour and if your time is limited that’s your best option. 

TIP: Between October and April there is a 4-hour time restriction for private vehicles at the Mangatepopo Road end – the starting point for the crossing. People wanting to do the entire hike, which takes an average of 7-8 hours, will need to use shuttle transport. 

Best Places To Stay In Taupo on Nights 2 & 3

Alpine Lake Motel

Very clean, quiet setting, some rooms have private courtyards, spa bath

Hilltop Whakaipo Estate

“Fabulous farm life experience but in luxury”, very friendly and personable hosts, stunning location overlooking the lake

“Experience of a lifetime”, the ideal place to relax and unwind in an idyllic setting, artwork paying homage to the significant history of the property

Day 4-5 Rotorua

• Distance from Taupo to Rotorua:  82 km / 50 miles
• Duration:  1 hour

Renowned for its geothermal activity and intense egg-like sulfur smell Rotorua is a must-see for any visitor to the North Island. This place is also known to be the best spot for  experiencing the native Maori culture. 

Best things to do around Rotorua

Take a stroll through the whakarewarewa redwood forest.

I hope your tongue is still ok after pronouncing it. Though the giant Californian Redwoods are not native to New Zealand and the forest was planted here in 1901. 

Since then it became a big part of the natural landscape of Rotorua and a walk through this beautiful forest definitely won’t disappoint. The hikes are only a few minutes away from the town center and are easily accessible by car.

White water rafting

Rotorua was the first place where I tried rafting and I was hooked. I could hardly contain my excitement when we were about to raft down the world-renowned 7-meter Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the World!

I am not going to lie, it was a bit scary, but my team all managed to stay in the boat. Check availabilities below.

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland near Rotorua  is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s high geothermal activity.

There are lots of interesting pools, cauldrons, and the famous erupting Lady Knox Geyser. At 32.50$ it’s a bargain.  

Tamaki Maori Village

Learn about the Maori culture and listen to the beautiful folk songs followed by a traditional dinner fest. See the recap of my personal experience  here  and check the availability below.

White Island – A Stratovolcano 

Rotorua is only an hour’s drive from Whakatane. This little coastal town is the gateway to White Island – New Zealand’s most active volcano, which you can visit and walk on! Tours operate from Rotorua with a shuttle service provided daily. *

Important! Please note that due to the 2019 tragic eruption, currently, the only way to see White Island is from the air.

Best places to stay in Rotorua on night 4

Ambassador Thermal Motel

Great spa pool, great location, close to town and local attractions, basic but comfortable rooms with everything one needs for an enjoyable stay

Karanda BnB

Homely atmosphere and the warm welcome from the local hosts, beautiful views over Rotorua both day and night, excellent interiors

Peppers On The Point Lake

Fantastic views of Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island, a secluded location yet still close to the main attractions, veggie garden

Day 5-6 Hobbiton & Coromandel

• Distance from Rotorua to Hahei:  215 km / 134 miles 
• Duration:  3 hours

It’s time to escape the smell of Sulphur and experience New Zealand’s coast for the first time!

From Rotorua drive towards Hahei – a little town on the Coromandel Peninsula. Take the route through Matamata and stop at the most famous movie set in the world – Hobbiton.

I still think, that at 80 dollars it is the most overpriced tourist attraction in the whole of New Zealand, but personally, I don’t regret spending it. I found the tour very interesting and as a massive Lord Of The Rings fan, I am glad I didn’t miss out.

Best things to do around Coromandel

If you are not interested in visiting Hobbiton just drive straight to Hahei, the gateway to discovering the Coromandel Peninsula. There are a fair few things you can do around here without breaking your wallet. 

Hot Water Beach

This natural phenomenon was only discovered recently, but it is certainly a very popular spot amongst tourists and can get ridiculously busy. What’s the big deal you may wonder?

Because of New Zealand’s geothermal activity, hot water beach is one of the few places in New Zealand, where you can dig out your own hot spring and sit in it enjoying the views of the sea.

Make sure to check out the tides first. The nearby hotels and campsites will have them enlisted at reception. 

It’s only possible to dig at low tide. Once the tide comes in it washes everything away. You can rent shovels at nearby cafes for just a few bucks. Few bucks well spent if you ask me. 

Cathedral Cove

One of  the most photogenic spots on the North Island  is Cathedral Cove – a marine reserve located on the peninsula. The place is named after the cave accessible by a short hike or kayak.

The start of the trail is only minutes away from Hahei. This place gets really busy so to maximize your experience hike to the Cove early in the morning or late in the afternoon after the crowds subside.

It takes around 1 hour (one way)  to complete the whole walk, not including the time you will spend exploring.

From Hahei, it’s about a 2-hour drive back to Auckland. Drop off your rental car and catch a domestic flight to the South Island. 

Best Places to stay around Hahei in Coromandel on night 5

Tatahi Cove Guest House

Only 1-hour walk to Cathedral Cove, clean and comfortable rooms, close to shops, restaurants, and a cafe

The Church Accommodation

Cottages with porches have garden access, close access to the beaches, and shovels on offer for use at the hot water beach

Ponga Eco-Lodge

Outdoor spa

Modern apartments with a tree-house feeling, a great deck for enjoying the landscapes and surrounding nature, and the stars at night

New Zealand Two-week road trip part 2: South Island

I hope you’ve liked what you’ve seen thus far. It’s time for the South Island now, and let me tell you, if you liked the North you will absolutely love the South.

From Auckland, you can catch a flight to Christchurch, and then follow my favorite route through Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook NP, Wanaka, Queenstown, and Fiordland NP.  

If you need to catch an international flight out of New Zealand at the end of your road trip, then consider doing this route by  starting in Queenstown and finishing in Christchurch.

Christchurch does have an International Airport, whereas Queenstown has only connecting flights within New Zealand and Australia.

Day 6-7 Christchurch and Tekapo

• Distance from Christchurch to Tekapo : 220 km / 136 miles 

I hope your flight was relatively early in the day. Pick up your second rental in Christchurch and head straight over to Tekapo. I personally don’t recommend staying in Christchurch longer than necessary.

The effects of the terrible earthquake that destroyed it in 2010 can still be seen to this date.

Besides, I always tell people, who ask for my advice, that they didn’t come to New Zealand to visit cities but to see its spectacular nature, and this itinerary is designed just for that.

Tekapo is a small town located on the shore of a beautiful turquoise lake of the same name. Due to its isolation from the light pollution of big cities, in 2012 it was named the World’s largest Dark Sky Reserve. 

What to do in Tekapo?

Star gazing.

Star gazing is generally incredible in all of New Zealand as long as you are in a dark spot away from city lights, but due to Lake Tekapo being the first International Dark Sky Reserve in the Southern Hemisphere.

It offers unparalleled views of the stars and planets. The Milky Way is easily viewable with your bare eyes!! 

The Church of the Good Shepherd

Within walking distance of the town center, The Church of the Good Shepherd is a very photogenic beautiful little chapel situated close to the shore of the lake.

Be warned though, it’s very popular. If you want to get a good spot arrive early and be prepared to wait for your perfect shot.

Mount John Observatory

15 minutes uphill drive further along State Highway 8 out of town leads you toward Mount John Observatory.

Complete with night sky tours, an awesome Astro cafe, and the opportunity to look through really really big telescopes at night. The views of Lake Tekapo from up there are breathtaking, but the windy road that leads to the top is not for the fainthearted. 

Lupin Flowers (seasonal)

Unfortunately, this isn’t a year-round phenomenon, they are only in bloom for around 6 weeks from mid-November until the start of the new year.

Technically Lupin flowers are just weeds that had spread around the island like a disease creating danger to native species of plants.

With that said no one can deny that Lupin flowers in bloom create fantastic scenery where everything goes into a beautiful shade of pink and purple.

They can be found all over the place from the shoreline of Lake Tekapo, along the roadside to Mount Cook, and all around the surrounding meadows.

Where to stay in Tekapo on night 6

Tailor Made Tekapo

Wonderful and very considerate owners, easy check-in and check-out process, clean and well-organized communal kitchen

Alpine Lodges

Offers great privacy, farm animals are around, the cabins are comfortable and well-stocked

Aldourie Lodge

Quaint, charming, and cozy, the library room, the kitchen and lounge area has wonderful views, a beautiful garden setting

Day 7-8 Mount Cook National Park

• Distance from Tekapo to Mount Cook Village:  105 km / 65 miles  
• Driving time: 90 mins

The next stop on your epic journey will be my favorite place in New Zealand – Mount Cook National Park. The home to the country’s highest mountain, it’s a hiker’s and photographer’s paradise.

Stay the night at the Mount Cook village or White Horse Hill campground located around 5 minutes from the town. There are no supermarkets in this area, so make sure to buy whatever you may need before you leave Tekapo. 

What to do in Mount Cook National Park?

Since Mount Cook National Park is one of the most sought-after destinations in New Zealand I have decided to write a whole guide about the best hikes, activities, and places to stay here. 

I think visiting for a day is an absolute minimum. If you have an extra day to spare on your holiday and don’t know where to spend it, this is the place! 

Head over to my  first-timer’s and hiker’s guide to Mount Cook National Park  for more information.  

Where to stay in Mount Cook National Park on night 7

Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Lodge

Close access to the DOC information center, well-stocked kitchenettes, amazing views over the mountains

Aoraki Court Motel

Nice design and decorations, guests recommend booking rooms with numbers 23-26 for the best mountain views, the size of the rooms was larger than expected

The Hermitage

The magnificent views of Mount Cook from the bar and restaurant area as well as the rooms, lovely staff, great buffet dinners

TIP:  Accommodation in Mount Cook village is scarce and tends to be booked out in the high season. Make sure to make your reservation as far in advance as you can to avoid disappointment. If you can’t find anything in Mount Cook, the little town of Twizel will be your next best option. 

Day 8-10 Wanaka

• Distance between Mount Cook village and Wanaka:  200 km / 124 miles
• Duration:  2 hours 15 min

On the way south from Mount Cook and after 2.5 hours of  some of the best roads in the country,  including the famous Lindis Pass, you’ll eventually arrive in Wanaka.

The little sister of Queenstown has become more popular but for different reasons. 

Although it has some of the best ski fields in the southern hemisphere, it’s not really that famous for adventure sports. What Wanaka is known for, thanks to Instagram I may add, are the two locations pictured above and below: Mount Roy and the lone willow tree. 

Best things to do in Wanaka

If you came to New Zealand to admire its nature, hiking is the best way to do it. Not only it is free, but getting to the top of a mountain will give you a chance to see New Zealand from above.

Wanaka has plenty of hikes to choose from and I enlisted some of  my favorite hikes around Wanaka  in a separate post.

Capture the beauty of ‘That Wanaka Tree ‘

Though a bit infamous amongst some of the locals due to the crowds that it attracts, this lone willow tree standing on the shore of the lake is definitely the photographer’s favorite.

If you love taking photos just as I do you should add this spot to your list, but don’t worry. If scrambling for a spot isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternative  spots in Wanaka where you can capture stunning photographs. 

Take a drive along the Mount Aspiring Road

If you are not so much into hiking, there are loads of other spots that are easily accessible by car and don’t require much effort. One of them is the scenic drive through Mount Aspiring National Park.

Bear in mind though, that halfway along the route, there will be few fords to cross, therefore it’s only recommended if you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Wanaka Self-Guide MTB Tour

Biking from Lake Hawea back to Wanaka is the ultimate bike route in this region After renting your bike in Wanaka you will be transported to the nearby town of Hawea where you will start your ride on the serene Hawea River Track, surrounded by mountains.

This biking experience promises an unbeatable blend of scenic beauty and enjoyable moments and it was one of my favorite experiences in Wanaka. Make sure to grab an ice cream cone from Patagonia ice cream shop once you finish the ride.

Where to stay in Wanaka on nights 8 & 9

Altamont Lodge

Well-equipped kitchen and common areas, cozy rooms with wood paneling on the walls, lounge room with garden views

Lakeside Apartments

Smart furnishing and decorations, spacious and sunny bedrooms, amazing balcony and terrace views

Wanaka Luxury Apartments

New and clean facilities, great location, well-designed layout of the apartments

Day 10-12 Te Anau & Fiordland National Park

• Distance between Wanaka and Te Anau:  230km / 143 miles
• Duration:  3 hours 

Next on the itinerary is the journey to Milford Sound via Te Anau. Don’t worry we aren’t missing out on Queenstown, which you will pass on the way to Te Anau. 

We’re just breaking up the journey. It makes more sense to visit Milford Sound first and then come back to Queenstown.

This road trip is well-designed, so don’t worry I am not wasting your time. If you have less than 2 weeks to see New Zealand you can shorten your journey and just stay in Queenstown.

From here you can book yourself onto a flight or a day-long bus journey to Milford Sound and let someone else take you there! I covered this option in a separate  post dedicated to Milford Sound.

When driving from Wanaka to Te Anau via Queenstown I suggest going over the more scenic Crown Range Road.

If you are traveling in the winter season, check the weather conditions first. You might also have to carry snow chains, so make sure your rental is equipped with them.

Once you pass Queenstown you will drive towards Te Anau through a beautiful stretch of road called the Devil’s Staircase along the Remarkables Mountain Range. Make sure to keep your eyes on the road though! This is a very bendy part of the journey.

When you get to Te Anau check into your accommodation and take a break. You can go on a stroll around the lake in the evening and recharge your batteries before the big day tomorrow!

TIP: If you are not keen on driving that much or you want to shave a couple of days off the itinerary, head straight to Queenstown and just go on a day trip from Queenstown to Milford Sound.

Best things to do in Fiordland National Park

• Distance between Te Anau and Milford Sound:  120km /75 miles
• Duration:  1,5 hours – 3 hours 

Scenic cruise around the Fjords

A must-do whilst you’re here is a cruise around the Fjords. There are few companies running the cruises offering a similar service at a similar price.

Remember to pack a raincoat with you even if it’s perfectly sunny outside as all of the drivers like to get up close and personal with the waterfalls! With that said don’t expect it to be sunny. Fiordland National Park is the rainiest part of New Zealand.

Scenic flight

Milford Sound is undeniably one of the best places for a scenic flight in New Zealand. There are a few different options for scenic flights around Milford Sound. Whether you want to go over the coastline or around the mountains or do a bit of both which I really recommend.

IMPORTANT:  The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound does close some days during the winter due to snowfall. Always check the weather conditions with  DOC  first before you set off. Sometimes snow chains are also required. Make sure your rental vehicle is equipped with them before you hit the road!

Where to stay in Te Anau on nights 10 & 11

Asure Explored Motel

Large, clean, and comfortable rooms, lovely garden setting, welcoming and friendly owners

Dunluce Boutique Accommodation

What guests loved about it, the homely atmosphere, homecooked breakfasts, practicality and the decor of the rooms, picturesque location

Fiordland Lodge

The lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the mountains, a huge and cozy fireplace, a different restaurant menu set daily

Day 12-14 Queenstown

• Distance from Te Anau to Queenstown : 172 km / 107 miles
• Duration:  2 hours

Best things to do in Queenstown

Now, where do I start with Queenstown? I hope you planned enough money for your budget because whether it’s Bungy Jumping, skydiving, or a leisurely cruise on Lake Wakatipu on board TSS Earnslaw, you are going to be doing stuff here.

I spent a total of 7 months living and working in Queenstown and wrote separate posts on the best photography spots ,  must-do activities , and awesome  hiking in Queenstown , that should help you plan your stay in this beautiful mountain town

Where to stay in Queenstown on nights 12 & 13

Driftaway Queenstown

Modern furnishings and bedding, well-equipped common areas, and access to restaurants within walking distance

The Canyons B&B

Quiet surroundings with beautiful views of the canyon, lovely and helpful staff, soaking in a jacuzzi under the stars

The Rees Hotel

Very attentive staff, cozy fireplace, excellent menu choices, complimentary shuttle service to downtown Queenstown

Important tips for your New Zealand road trip

• Within the peak season December through March, I highly recommend booking your accommodation and car/camper as far in advance as you can. New Zealand receives a lot of visitors in the peak season and the last thing you want to do is stress about where you are going to sleep on your holiday of a lifetime!
• If you are traveling in the winter months end of June – September then make sure your accommodation in Queenstown and Wanaka is booked in advance. Those are ski season months and both of those places are famous and busy ski towns.
• To check roads and hiking trails conditions, especially in the winter months, go to New Zealand’s  Department of Conservation website
• Every town on this itinerary has an I-site – tourist information center, where you can pick up maps and information about the areas and hikes
• Download the Camper Mate travel app  for finding the cheapest campsites on the island

Support my site

If you found the articles in my New Zealand Guide useful please consider supporting my work by booking hotels, rental cars, or activities through my affiliate links. The price for you stays the same and I receive a small commission. Thank you!

• Book a rental car with Discover Cars
• Reserve a campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Find hotels with Booking.com
• Book your tours & activities with Get Your Guide

P.S . If you have any questions, post them in the comments below. I answer all comments personally.

Hi! I am the photographer and creator of www.inafarawayland.com. I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe since I turned 18. A few years ago, during one of my trips to Scotland, I bought my first DSLR and my adventure with photography began. When I am not stuck to my computer editing photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the mountains.

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• 12 Comments

Howdy – thanks for putting this together. Is there any was it can be downloaded and printed for us old folks that like to read off paper?

Hi Tim 🙂 Yes you can print it out directly from your web browser. I use mac and google chrome (or command + p on PC it would be crtl + p). I choose file and print. A window pops up where I can save the page as PDF file. Then once saved I can open it and print it (just choose the pages that you won’t to print (for example from 1-30), otherwise even the entire comment section will be printed which totals in over 60 pages). I hope that helps.

Planning a 2-week trip to both North and South Islands roughly using your itinerary as the guide. Family of 4 adults from San Francisco, CA. Parents are 64 and 67 (moderately active in reasonable health). Boys are 28 and 30.

We wonder if we should include Milford Track into the itinerary. Will it be physically too difficult? What would be the best time of the year? How about last week of November or first week of December (Spring in NZ)? Will Fall (April-May) be better?

How do we go about booking with Department of Conservation? How far in advance?

If we cannot walk Milford Sound, should we consider Gertrude Saddle or something similar for an equivalent experience of Fiordland National Park? Any thoughts?

Hi Al. Thanks for stopping by and following my itinerary. The Milford Track isn’t an overly demanding trek when the weather is good, but during wet weather (which is common in Fiordland) it can get slippery. I cannot tell you for sure if you would be able to walk it or not because I simply don’t know your parents abilities. I do remember having one Australian couple walking with their mum and they were very slow, to the point that on day 3 the ranger had to go out to help them out get down from the pass. The next day my then partner offered to carry her backpack to make her trip easier. I am not sure if they completely overestimated their own abilites but they certainly should not have been there. With that said my 60 year old dad walked Alta Via 1 across the Dolomites with me which was a lot harder and longer and did just fine. He did run half marathon that same year though. I often meet 60-70 year olds in the mountains who surprise me with their vigor, but I would call them very fit rather than moderately fit as you describe your parents. As for the time of the year Autumn is less rainy than spring in the mountains. I did the Milford Track in April and was very lucky with weather. As for bookings you need to keep your hand on the pulse and book the track right when the reservations open. It’s like booking tickets to a famous festival. They all dissapear very quickly. The reservations usually open a few months in advance for the next season. A much easier hike in the Fiordland is the hike to Lake Marian. Getrude Saddle has way too many chains and places where one could slip easily. it is harder than any part of the Milford Track. I hope that helps!

Thanks for the detailed itinerary! I’m just in the beginning stages of planning a trip. I’m wondering what the weather is like in September, October and early November as we are debating which month would be best to go for two weeks. We are big into the outdoors, nature and would be doing a lot of hiking and driving. Additionally, approximately what would be an average budget per person for the itinerary above for two weeks in NZ? Thanks!

Hi Katie, If your objective is to hike then you should go no earlier than November. That’s when the hiking season starts. New Zealand has a very mild climate. As for budget, this is a very broad questions and depends on so many things from what car you want to get to whether you plan on staying in hostels vs hotels to cooking for yourself vs going out, that I am afraid I won’t be able to answer it. New Zealand isn’t a cheap country to travel around.

I just would like to say I love your blog and the itineraries. I just bought tickets to NZ and we will be there it March for 3 weeks. I will definitely follow your itineraries. Jasper is beautiful! Edyta

Hi Edyta! Thanks so much for your amazing feedback. Have an amazing time in New Zealand. I am sure you will love it!

Hi Marta !!! First of all thank you for your hard work. I am going in two weeks and we were wondering where we can see wild life animals in freedom like seals or sheeps (love them), we are visiting both islands. Thank you so much.

Hi Marta. Thanks for visiting. You can see the seals along the coastline. You can often spot Dolphins and seals in Milford Sound on the cruise. As for sheep, well I wouldn’t consider them a wildlife and they are everywhere.

This looks incredible! I cannot wait to go next March 2025 and am going to follow this to a tee!

Hi Lisa! I am so glad to hear you find it helpful. Please consider supporting my site by using the affiliate links when booking your holiday. Happy travels!

hi thanks for the detailed explanation. I am planning to travel NZ from North to South Island in early Oct 2024 (3 people in total). Please help me in answering some of the questions below. I understand they are many but it will be really helpful.

1. What is the cheapest and best way to explore? 2. Is it campervan + holiday parks or car rental + air bnbs/hostels? 3. I would like to have it as budget friendly as possible. I feel campervan would be a good option as I can cook and save money on meals. 4. But do you think cooking daily on campervan is something possible? I believe we can cook on some of the holiday parks where we have kitchen facilities. Please correct me if I am wrong. 5.Are kitchen facilities available in all holiday parks and freedom campsites? 6.Will I get the information of kitchen facilities in the application? 7.Also how about the fuel consumption for campervan vs car rental? Can you give a rough ball park of consumption litres of gasoline for 1000kms of travel in campervan and car rental so that it would be easier for comparison? 8.Incase if I am planning to go with car rentals and hostels, is it easier to find hostels in all the main areas?

Thank you so much for the information and hard work

Hi Ranjith. Here are the answers: 1+2: If you are a single person the hostels, if you are travelling with at least 2+ people then a campervan 3: You can also cook in hostels 4. Yes cooking daily in a campervan is possible but you will have to visit supermarkets more often because storing a lot of food is tricky 5. Holiday parks yes but DOC campsites no 6. Yes in the Campermate app you will get the info about the facilities. I also recommend reading reviews left by other travellers 7. It is so highly dependent on the campervan and the style of driving, that it is impossible for me to answer this questions. Generally the bigger the car the more it consumes 8. Hostels are everywhere around NZ so it shouldn’t be a problem.

I hope that helps! I hope you consider supporting my website. If you need more advice please use my trip planning advice services .

Hi Marta, I’m planning to travel in August. Do you think should I miss some areas of your itinerary due to the weather or is it possible to visit everywhere in August? Thanks for your help 🙂 Regards

Hi Nadia, In general you can visit all areas in August, but you won’t be able to do all the hikes. You can skip Taupo because you won’t be able to do the Tongariro Crossing. On the south Island you can visit all places, but I would recommend doing a bus trip to Milford Sound from Queenstown instead of driving there yourself. Also make sure your rental car is equipped with snow chains just in case. You only carry them in the trunk of your car and use them when really needed! I hope that helps.

Hello thanks so much for this lovely itinerary. Any pro tips on making the trip budget friendly?

Also wanted to ask if we do not take the Milford Sound flight, is it still worth to go and stay at?

Hi Ankita. Thanks for visiting. I think self catering (cooking your own meals along the way) is the best way to help budget the trip a bit better. I didn’t find the food in New Zealand extraordinary. The restaurants are expensive and there are way too many fast food places which is a waste of money. Other than that don’t be afraid to splurge on some activities etc. New Zealand is special. No need to fly to Milford Sound, you can drive there or take the bus from Queenstown. There are plenty of companies that offer bus-ferry-bus options from Queenstown to Milford Sound and back. You can read all about it in my guide to Milford Sound .

I’m following your itinerary for my trip in coming March.

Yey! I am so stoked to hear this. I hope you will have an amazing time! Let me know if you have any questions. Happy travels!

My trip is in October, hope the season would be good, Spring. I have a question, are we able to drive from Auckland to Christchurch then to Queenstown. Your guidance would be great. Thank you

Hi Selvi, Thanks for visiting. You can drive from Auckland to Christchurch (you will have to take the ferry in Wellington to get to the South Island). You will be adding quite a few kilometres to your itinerary though. Let me know if you have more questions.

Absolutely breathtaking views. My bucket list always. My question is How would be March? Is it too hot. Or May would be ideal. And can kids do glacier hiking?

Hi Kaveri! Thanks for visiting. March is a great month for traveling to New Zealand, much better than May. New Zealand has a rather temperate climate so you don’t have to worry about it being too hot. May is already low shoulder season, kind of like November when compared to the Northern Hemisphere. I wouldn’t advise traveling in May, especially on the South Island. As for glacie hiking. Whilst there is definitely age restriction, normally older kids can go with no issues. It really depends on how old your kids are. I hope that helps!

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The Ultimate New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

With its snow-capped mountains, ancient glaciers, rolling verdant hills, incredibly friendly locals, and abundant world-class wine, New Zealand is as wonderful as you’ve heard. In fact, take what you’ve heard and times it by ten. Because New Zealand will simply blow your mind when you visit.

People think because it’s a small country, you can see it all in two weeks. Unfortunately, that’s not true. There’s a lot to do here. From the north island to the south island, you need a lot of time here to see the highlights. You could literally fill months with activities and still only scratch the surface. New Zealand may be small but it punches above its weight with things to do.

But what if you don’t have months? What do you do then? What route do you take? What island should you start with? Where do you go?

Or what if you do have a month to spend? Then what? Where do you begin planning your New Zealand itinerary?

Below are my suggested itineraries that can help you plan your New Zealand road trip for maximum efficiency. Whether you have two weeks, one month, or even longer, these itineraries will ensure that you see the highlights and get off the beaten path.

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

New Zealand Itinerary Highlights

Choosing the right vehicle.

• Two-Week North Island Route
• Two-Week South Island Route
• One Month Itinerary
• Things to Remember

Note : Two weeks is the minimum recommended time for a New Zealand road trip. There’s so much to see and do here, yet you still don’t want to be rushed or spend all your time in the car. If you only have two weeks, focus on one island.  

• Hike the Franz Josef Glacier
• See the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Visit Hobbiton
• Experience a Maori Cultural Show
• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
• Go skydiving or bungy jumping
• Explore Fiordland National Park

Want more info on these activities (and many others)? I cover them all below!  

• Travellers Autobarn
• Wicked Campers

Prices vary a lot. Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick up the vehicle, if you are dropping it off at a different place, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (in the high season, prices seem to double!).

If living out of a van for a few weeks doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, simply rent a normal car and book accommodation along the way. To book a car, check out Discover Cars , which searches rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.

If you plan to drive New Zealand, you can use this widget to get a free quote for your car rental:

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week North Island Route

Days 1–2: auckland.

Spend some time hanging out on the Auckland Domain, go snorkelling on Goat Island , and if you love wine like I do, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island .

For a list of more things to do in Auckland, check out my guide to the city!

Where to Stay : The Albion – This historic accommodation began as a “pub hotel” in the 19th century. Today there’s still a nice old tavern in the hotel. The rooms are comfortable and the place is quiet.

Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

While you’re here you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (one of the most important historical sites in the country), explore Cape Reinga (the northernmost point of New Zealand), and see wild dolphins on a boat tour .

For a list of more things to do in Bay of Islands, check out my complete guide!

Where to Stay : Haka Lodge – Located in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a lot of common spaces, a large kitchen, and great views over the harbor. Everything is super clean and the beds are comfortable. It’s a good place to meet people.

Day 5: Hobbiton

To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour that starts with a drive through the owner’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, offering epic views over the Kaimai Range. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn. Tours start at 89 NZD.

Where to Stay : Cosy Country Stay B&B – This is a cute bed-and-breakfast located in Matamata just a few miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are fantastic, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil, with roaming cats and goats for added atmosphere.

Days 6–7: Rotorua

The Maori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. This is the best area to learn about Maori history and culture . Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural show while you’re here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience is the one I attended).

The region is also known for its geothermal activity, and the dynamic landscape makes for exciting nature walks, trips to smelly sulfuric geysers, and soaks in luxury spas with water from the hot springs.

Where to Stay : Rock Solid Backpackers – This is a centrally located hostel with an expansive array of facilities, including a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.

Day 8: Waitomo

You can walk, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them. A 45-minute rafting trip is the standard visit, but if you want to go abseiling (also known as rappelling) there’s a five-hour option too. Prices start at 55 NZD for a boat tour and 195 NZD for extended tours with abseiling.

For a complete list of things to do in Waitomo, check out my guide on the town.

Where to Stay : Juno Hall – Close to the glowworm caves, Juno Hall has a swimming pool and tennis court on-site. There’s a large kitchen as well as an outdoor grill for barbecuing.

Days 9-10: Taupo

It’s also one of the best places to go skydiving in New Zealand thanks to the views and clear skies (though I didn’t do this while I was there).

I loved the small-town feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and being able to do so many hikes. I could have stayed here for weeks.

For a list of more things to do in Taupo, check out my guide!

Where to Stay : Finlay Jack’s has a huge kitchen, a big common room, a spacious patio with BBQs, fun and welcoming staff, bike rentals, and a super friendly hostel dog. Everything in the hostel is updated, with new, modern pod-style beds so you can get a great night’s sleep. In short, everything a backpacker or budget traveler would want from a hostel.

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

As you wind your way through Tongariro National Park, you’ll walk through volcanic terrain (including where Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), past high peaks and sulfur lakes, and end the day in a dense forest. It’s easy in parts (the beginning and end) and steep in others (especially the portion after “Mount Doom”), so you’ll get a good mix of difficulty levels.

Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, toilet paper, and a sweater or jacket (the weather can change rapidly). Expect to pay around 50 NZD per person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the trail or 325 NZD for a full-day guided hike .

Where to Stay : National Park Alpine Lodge – Located in National Park Village (the best place to stay if doing the trek), this lodge features budget-friendly private rooms, a communal kitchen and common area (with a cozy fireplace for cold nights!), and a helpful staff.

Otherwise, you can stay in Taupo, which is where people usually base themselves when they do this trek.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Be sure to visit Te Papa (New Zealand’s national museum), ride the cable car to the Cable Car Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award–winning props and special effects studio).

For a list of more things to do in Wellington, check out my detailed guide to the city.

Where to Stay : The Marion – This boutique hostel is just blocks away from everything you’ll want to see. It’s cozy, with comfy beds and large bathrooms, and the staff really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It’s a clean, social spot to relax and meet other travelers.

If you’ve only got two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you can fly out of the airport here to wherever you need to go next. If you have more time, you’ll take the car ferry (around 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to continue your trip (in which case, follow the following two-week South Island itinerary, but in reverse).  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week South Island Route

If you choose the South Island for your two-week road trip, start in Queenstown. Even if your international flight lands in Auckland on the North Island, you can easily get a cheap flight to Queenstown. Queenstown also has direct flights to many major cities in Australia if your trip to New Zealand is part of a larger adventure in Oceania.

Days 1-3: Queenstown

Known as “the adventure capital of New Zealand” (it’s the launching pad for every sort of adventure activity you can think of), Queenstown lives up to the hype. Even though it has become hugely popular, I cannot express my love of Queenstown enough. I love sitting by the lake, watching the sunset with a bottle of wine, and hiking the nearby trails.

Explore nearby vineyards, enjoy the waters of Lake Wakatipu, or go bungy jumping, ziplining, rafting, or skydiving . There’s a lot to do here.

For a list of more things to do in Queenstown, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Nomads Queenstown – Most rooms have balconies, the showers have excellent water pressure, and the pillows are thick. There are activities every night and a free dinner and quiz night on Sunday. Overall, this is a great place to stay.

Days 4-6: Fiordland

Milford Sound is an amazing fjord that’s best known for the towering Mitre Peak and its surrounding rainforest. You can walk the wooded trail along the sandy shore for perfect views of the peak, or take the Chasm Walk on the Cleddau River to get close to powerful waterfalls.

The fjord itself is home to seal and penguin colonies. You can often see pods of dolphins frolicking in the waters too. Explore by boat and check out the Milford Discovery Centre and Underwater Observatory to see rare black coral and other underwater life. Southern Discoveries is the only company doing cruises that include the Underwater Observatory. Cruises start from 165 NZD .

While less well-known than Milford, Doubtful Sound is the deepest and second-largest fjord in the country. You can only get to Doubtful via boat. A wilderness cruise of Doubtful Sound costs 299 NZD.

Where to Stay : Milford Sound Lodge – This is quite literally the only place to stay within about 50 kilometers (31 miles). It’s not cheap, but the views are unmatched, the complimentary breakfast is delicious, and the contemporary rooms are cozy yet modern. Otherwise, if you have a car, you can stay in the closest town, Te Anau where you’ll find cheaper accommodation.

Days 7-8: Wanaka

For a list of more things to do in Wanaka, check out my detailed city guide.

Where to Stay : Mountain View Backpackers – This hostel has a huge outdoor space with a grill, space to lie in the sun, and a big table to congregate around (there were many enjoyable nights spent drinking wine outdoors).

Day 9: Franz Josef Glacier

Hiking the glaciers here is an unforgettable experience. Sadly, because they have receded and are melting quickly due to climate change, the caves and walks have been shut down. Now, the only way to trek on the glaciers is via heli-hike ( an epic half-day or full-day helicopter/hiking experience ). These are expensive (500 NZD), but the helicopter ride, trekking, and experience as a whole are worth the price in my opinion.

Conversely, you can just hike to the glacier face and take photos from a distance. There are tons of viewing points (and you’ll see photos of just how far the glaciers have receded over the years).

Where to Stay : Chateau Backpacker & Motels – Just a ten-minute drive from the glacier, this lodging offers free homemade soup every night, free breakfast (homemade waffles and pancakes!), two communal kitchens, and a hot tub.

Days 10–11: Abel Tasman National Park

The best way to see the park is by kayak, so you can explore the little coves and beaches that really make the area special. Full-day rentals start at around 110 NZD, or you can join a guided kayaking tour starting at 190 NZD. You can also take a scenic cruise around the park for 95 NZD.

Where to Stay : Marahau Beach Camp – Offers both dormitories and small private cottages, a communal kitchen, and a seasonal restaurant. There are also tent and campervan sites if you want to save money.

From here, pick your last stop: either drive onwards to Christchurch and end there or take the ferry over to Wellington (an adventure in and of itself!) and end there. Either way, you’ll be able to catch a cheap and quick flight back to Auckland for your international flight home.

If you’re heading to Christchurch, keep reading. If you’d like to visit Wellington, scroll back up and follow the tips in the North Island itinerary section.

Days 12-14: Christchurch

While there’s not a lot “to do” per se, the vibe here is really relaxed, and it’s worth not rushing through if you aren’t short on time. Be sure to ride the gondola , visit the Canterbury Museum, and tour Quake City (a unique and interactive museum that recounts personal stories from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes).

For a list of more things to do in Christchurch, check out my city guide.

Where to Stay : Urbanz – This is an awesome hostel located in downtown Christchurch with friendly staff and a huge kitchen. There’s also a hostel bar, a pool table, fast Wi-Fi, laundry, movies, and comfy couches, as well as a parking lot.

If you need to get back to Queenstown, it’s a 6 hour drive from here. Alternatively, you can fly to Auckland. The flight is just over an hour and tickets can be found for as low as 65 NZD if you book in advance.  

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary: One Month

Again, these are just recommended itineraries — I encourage you to adapt as needed!  

Things to Remember When Road-Tripping New Zealand

To help you make the most of your road trip, please remember the following rules:

• Traffic flows on the left here (not the right, like in the US or Canada).
• You must always park your car in the direction that traffic is going (or risk a fine).
• There are plenty of pull-off points for taking photos — use them instead of stopping at a random spot along the side of the road, which can be quite dangerous given how tight the roads are here.
• Roads here are winding, so remember that it might take longer than you expect to cover a particular distance.
• As long as your current and valid driver’s license is in English, you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit.
• If you’re traveling by campervan, use the CamperMate app to find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable country, loaded with epic landscapes, friendly Kiwis, and a rich culture. Due to its remote location, visiting is usually a once-in-a-lifetime trip for most travelers. Taking a road trip is the best way to make the most of your time here, tailoring your itinerary to your own preferences and New Zealand bucket list.

Book Your Trip to New Zealand: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

If you’re looking for specific places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand .

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on New Zealand? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on New Zealand for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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New Zealand itineraries

Hello from Kaikoura, Christchurch - Canterbury

By Miles Holden

Whether you're visiting New Zealand for a few days or a few months, you'll find ideas here to help you plan your trip.

Where to go in New Zealand

Take a look at these itineraries for the North Island, South Island, and all of New Zealand. Choose trips to suit your interests and how much time you have.or.

North Island trips

Your North Island itinerary can take in volcanoes, bubbling mud pools and shooting geysers, lazing on idyllic islands and exploring exciting metropolises.

South Island trips

Home to 10 of New Zealand's 14 national parks, the South Island is known for its jaw-dropping alpine scenery, icy glaciers and fun wildlife experiences.

How long does it take to travel New Zealand?

New Zealand is a relatively compact country, so you can see most of the country's highlights in two weeks. To explore more of the regions and get off the beaten track, you could easily spend three weeks or more exploring. 

Whether you are going for just a weekend, or for a whole month, you can find an itinerary to suit you. 

Plan a New Zealand road trip

New Zealand has some of the greatest scenic drives in the world. Picture yourself cruising down the West Coast of the South Island, stopping to look at the Pancake Rocks and Franz Josef Glacier. Or, driving from Christchurch to Queenstown via scenic wonders such as Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki. Or making your way to the tip of the North Island on the Twin Coast Discovery highway. 

Find out what you need to know if you plan on driving around New Zealand. 

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Find an itinerary by clicking on the area you want to visit

The BEST New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary in 2024

• Last Updated: February 5, 2024

Read on for an epic New Zealand road trip itinerary for a bucket list journey of a lifetime!

New Zealand is spectacular. At times it seems as though there is picture-postcard scenery at every turn.

For many travellers, a New Zealand road trip is pretty close to the top of their travel bucket list.

Whether you’re hiring a campervan or car, exploring New Zealand with your own set of wheels is the best way to experience this rather stunning area of our planet. 

The North Island and the South Island both offer incredible scenery and attractions for a New Zealand road trip.

Whether you plan to explore one or both islands, we’re going to dive into the top things to see and do in New Zealand for an epic road trip.

Table of Contents

Where to Start Your New Zealand Road Trip

Driving in new zealand , hiring or buying a vehicle, responsible travel in new zealand, how long is this new zealand road trip , bay of islands and the northland, coromandel peninsula , mount maunganui and rotorua , lake taupo and the tongariro national park , waitomo and the forgotten world highway ,  mount taranaki to wellington , ferry crossing from wellington to picton, picton to the abel tasman national park , abel tasman national park to kaikoura, kaikoura to the west coast via the arthurs pass national park , hokitika to haast , haast to wanaka, wanaka to queenstown, queenstown to milford sound or doubtful sound, the sounds to the catlins national park , catlins national park to the otago peninsula , otago peninsula to mount cook , mount cook to akaroa, akaroa to christchurch , planning your new zealand road trip.

Before you can get started on your New Zealand road trip we want to walk you through a few decisions you’ll need to make.

We’ll discuss transport and safety on the roads, as well as responsible travel. We want to provide you with a little information that will make your road trip safer and more enjoyable.

Then we’ll talk about the highlights of both the North Island and the South Island of New Zealand so you can plan your road trip itinerary!

Most people will fly into Auckland on the North Island and make their way south, or fly into Christchurch on the South Island and make their way north or further south.

For this New Zealand road trip itinerary, we’re going to start in Auckland and finish up in Christchurch .

However, this any New Zealand road trip itineraries can also be done in reverse. The Christchurch to Auckland route can sometimes result in cheaper rental fees due to it being less popular than Auckland to Christchurch.

Before embarking on a New Zealand road trip it’s worth doing some research to get to know the road system a little better.

First, in New Zealand, you drive on the left-hand side of the road. This is not a great surprise as it was formerly part of the British Empire.

Second, you should expect the roads to be narrow and very windy. Driving in New Zealand is not like driving on the open highways of the USA or Australia.

Expect journeys to take much longer than they would in your home country. 

Roads are in excellent condition and people in New Zealand are generally very courteous drivers.

However, during peak travel seasons don’t be surprised if you find yourself behind a huge 6 berth camper van at some point. 

Road conditions are a super important thing to consider when planning a road trip anywhere, but especially in New Zealand!

This really depends on how long you will be in New Zealand. If you’re buying a vehicle you will need to add time to the beginning and end of your road trip.

Generally, if you are in New Zealand for 6 weeks or less it’s not really going to be cost or time effective to buy a vehicle.

If you have longer than that, however, buying may be the best option.

So get the calculator out and start the number crunching. 

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars , which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

“Freedom camping” is limited to certain locations and self-contained vehicles.

If you’re self-contained, this means that you can go for three days or more without dumping waste or water, have a toilet, fresh and wastewater storage and a rubbish bin with a lid. 

There are clear signs where you can and cannot freedom camp and what the vehicle requirements are.

Sadly there are a small number of people that continue to spoil it for everyone by freedom camping where they shouldn’t.

Or they freedom camp in vehicles which are not self-contained or they leave their rubbish for someone else to clear up.

Please don’t be one of these people. 

New Zealand road trip itineraries can last as long or short as you want. We want to share some awesome road-tripping ideas from across the country that can be pieced together as you see fit.

We also have a New Zealand itinerary post that takes you through 1, 2 and 3-week itineraries. You may find this useful in planning how much time to spend in which destinations throughout. Check it out !  

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads .

New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary – North Island

You’ll begin this New Zealand road trip itinerary on the North Island in Auckland. From here we’ll take you the length of both islands.

Click here for a Google Map of the North Island road trip itinerary

Spend your first couple of days getting over the jet lag and exploring New Zealand’s largest city. Check out the Sky Tower as well as the Auckland Museum and Art Gallery.  

Take a day to get out of the city and explore the city’s beaches and hiking routes before picking up the keys to your vehicle and heading out onto the open road. 

READ MORE: How to travel Auckland like a local !

From Auckland head north to the Bay of Islands. The towns of Paihia and Russell are big draws here.

However, en route make sure you visit the spectacular Tutukaka Coast .

This stunning stretch of coastline is rarely visited and with numerous deserted beaches and awesome views, it offers something very different from Paihia and Russell. 

From the Bay of Islands, you can continue heading north towards Cape Reinga and Ninety Mile Beach.

This off-the-beaten-track area of New Zealand is particularly breathtaking. However, it is noticeably economically depressed in parts.

The vast majority of people lack the time to make it this far as it’s another day’s drive from the Bay of Islands.

If you have the time it’s well worth it, but if your time is limited then you may wish to spend it elsewhere.

From the Bay of Islands, double back on yourself and loop around Auckland before arriving at the base of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Many people will skip this and head on to Taupo or Rotorua.

However, doing this will mean you will miss out on one of New Zealand’s most incredible yet secret destinations. 

One of the highlights of this part of New Zealand is quiet coastal roads that at points hug the ocean’s edge. As you begin to circle around the end of the peninsula you head up into the hills offering some lovely views. 

There is some stunning coastal scenery dotted along the peninsula. Cathedral Cove and the hot water beach to the south of it are particularly lovely spots on the eastern side of the peninsula.  

As you leave the Coromandel Peninsula head towards to small coastal town of Mount Maunganui to check out its gorgeous beach and the stunning views from the top of Mount Maunganui itself. 

After some time in the town of Mount Maunganui head over to New Zealand’s geothermal capital Rotorua.

On the way check out Te Rerekawau and Mclaren Falls , two excellent spots for a break from driving. 

From Rotorua hop on the Thermal Explorer Highway and head down towards Lake Taupo and the central region of New Zealand’s North Island 

READ MORE: Be sure to consider these things to do in Rotorua !

After following the Thermal Explorer Highway from Rotorua you will arrive at Lake Taupo, the North Island’s adventure capital.

Every New Zealand road trip must include a stop in Taupo. Its central location allows you to branch out to other areas of the North Island without having to double back on yourself.

After getting your fill of adrenaline activities in Taupo head towards the stunning Tongariro National Park along the south edge of the lake.

Expect stunning views, especially if you’re travelling around sunset. 

The Tongariro National Park is stunning and is home to numerous excellent hikes.

Make sure you base yourself around Whakapapa where there are several accommodation options including an excellent holiday park for those travelling in a campervan.

Whakapapa is the starting point for many hikes and is very close to Mangatepopo car park , the starting point for the Tongariro Crossing , regarded as one of the best one-day walks in the world

Check out our New Zealand itinerary and our article on the top 25 things to do in New Zealand for some additional suggestions on things to do in both Taupo and the Tongariro National Park. 

For this section of the road trip, there is a bit of doubling back on yourself. However, I promise it’s worth it. 

From the Tongariro National Park head north towards the tiny town of Waitomo just a stone’s throw from the town of Te Kuiti , which prides itself as being the sheep shearing capital of the world. 

Spend your time in Waitomo deep underground exploring the area’s caves , with the Lost World being the pick of the bunch. 

From Waitomo double back on yourself and head to the town Taumarunui and hop on the spectacular and rarely visited Forgotten World Highway .

Running through some gorgeous New Zealand countryside the highway ends in the town of Stratford , very close to Mount Taranaki.

With its almost perfect cone, Mount Taranaki reminds many of the more well-known Mount Fuji. The area is home to some spectacular hikes. 

From Mount Taranaki head towards the east coast and follow it all the way down New Zealand’s wet and windy capital, Wellington .

There are numerous tiny beach towns to stop at on the way, with windswept Hitamangi being a decent place to spend the night. 

If you’ve skipped the sections from Tongariro to Taranaki, then an alternative route is the rather lovely road that follows the Mangawhero and Whanganui Rivers all the way to the coast offering some spectacular scenery en route. 

Spend your time in Wellington at the Te Papa Museum to learn about New Zealand’s history.

Head up to Mount Victoria for some lovely views over the city. And spend at least one evening eating and drinking on Cuba Street .

READ MORE: Check out these other great things to do in Wellington !

New Zealand South Island Road Trip

New Zealand South Island road trips are more common and, honestly, more adventurous than those on the North Island.

But clearly, if you’re visiting New Zealand you should plan to see both the North and South Islands. If you’re short on time, however, and you can only visit one island, the South Island has more dramatic scenery and adventure activities.

Click here to check out a Google Map of the South Island road trip itinerary .

Park up on the ferry and get ready to enjoy some spectacular views as you come toward Picton through the Marlborough Sounds on your crossing to the South Island of New Zealand.

This is, of course, weather-dependent. I’ve done this crossing twice, once in the winter and once in the summer.

The former was a crossing of wind and rain and not much else. Check out this map of the South Island to provide some frame of reference for your trip and add to your itinerary beyond our recommendations below.

This section of our New Zealand South Island road trip is littered with some awesome stop-off points.

There are plenty of hikes and places to explore on the edge of the Marlborough Sounds as you follow the coast around reaching the small city of Nelson.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied here for a few days. 

Beyond Nelson, it’s a straight shot to Kaiteriteri , a town on the very edge of the Abel Tasman National Park.

There is plenty of great hiking through the park. But you should also consider kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park .

READ MORE: Be sure to add these things to do in Nelson while you’re there.

This area of New Zealand always leads to difficult decisions. Head straight to the West Coast via Murchison and the Buller Gorge, cut across the South Island via Hammer Springs, or loop back around via the Marlborough Wine Region. Decisions decisions. 

Since we’re planning to head to Kaikoura, we’re going to look at the latter two options (don’t worry we will get to the west coast I promise). 

If you’re a fan of wine and coastal scenery then head to Kaikoura via the Marlborough Wine Region stopping in at various vineyards along the way.

The alternative is to head for Hammer Springs via the Buller Gorge. Spend a night in Hammer Springs soaking in hot pools or just enjoying the scenery, then hot foot it down to Kaikoura. 

Kaikoura is one of the wildlife capitals of New Zealand. The vast majority of this can be found in the waters surrounding the peninsula which is home to a staggering array of wildlife.

Whether you want to watch whales and albatross, swim with dolphins, or kayak with seals it’s up to you. 

From Kaikoura head south and back to the West Coast via the stunning Arthurs Pass National Park .

Although this route does involve some extra kilometres on the road, I promise you it’s absolutely worth it. 

This gorgeous National Park is rarely visited in comparison to others in New Zealand. There are numerous hikes available as well as plenty of places to simply pull up and enjoy the scenery. 

The Jackson Retreat Alpine Holiday Park is a great option for those who want to spend a night in the area.

As well as spectacular views over the national park itself, the park also has its own glow worm trail and hike to a lovely waterfall. 

Coming via Arthurs Pass will spit you back onto the west coast just north of Hokitika , a town famous for its gorge and beaches.

If you want to can double back north along the west coast road toward Punakaiki and Westport before doubling back on yourself and heading back down towards Hokitika. 

From Hokitika, it’s a straight shot south down the wild west coast to the small town of Haast . On your way, you will pass through glacier country.

Around both the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers numerous short hikes offer some pretty amazing views. 

The views on the entire journey down are pretty spectacular, no doubt you’ll be stopping plenty of times to take photos. 

From Haast, you have 2 options. Follow the Haast Pass through to the beautiful Wanaka.

Or head due south to Jackson Bay , the end of the line on the west coast.

The latter of these offers empty roads and stunning desolate beaches. With small mountains jutting out of the land a couple of hundred metres from the ocean’s edge, the view when taking a dip is stunning.

If you head down to Jackson Bay then double for Haast and then take cross the Haast Pass through to Wanaka. 

The journey through the Haast Pass is full of stunning scenery, short hikes, and some gorgeous waterfalls with the blue pools being particularly beautiful.

Make sure you have a good pair of walking boots as Wanaka is full of awesome hiking trails offering some breathtaking views. 

Many people also choose to go hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park on the way to Wanaka.

READ MORE: Check out more activities in Wanaka .

Make sure your camera is charged because this drive is a beauty.

Taking you past the stunning Crown Range and The Remarkables as you enter Queenstown this journey is truly special. 

I’d also recommend heading up to the tiny town of Arrowtown which is in between Wanaka and Queenstown.

From Queenstown take a day trip up to the stunning little town of Glenorchy . This drive is also an absolute stunner. 

READ MORE: Be sure to add these great Queenstown activities to your itinerary!

No doubt about it, the drive from Queenstown to Te Anau is an absolute stunner.

From here the road splits; north to Milford Sound and South to Doubtful Sound.

From Te Anau to Milford Sound is probably more spectacular than the route down to the edges of Lake Manapouri from where Doubtful Sound cruises depart. 

Milford Sound is one of the most popular destinations in the country and is a must on a road trip of New Zealand’s South Island. Many people visit Milford Sound as a day trip from Queenstown.

But if you’re driving your own car on a road trip, you have the luxury of visiting Milford Sound on your own time and spending some time there. Then you can continue on after seeing the famous Milford Sound.

However, of the sounds, it is Doubtful Sound that I feel is the more spectacular of the two.

At 3 times the length and 10 times the area of its more well-known cousin, it is simply awe-inspiring. 

This gorgeous but rarely visited national park is bypassed by the main SH1 highway, enjoying a calm and carefree life far away from the majority of travellers that flock to New Zealand’s shores.

Winding country roads, breathtaking coastal scenery, and oodles of hiking trails are just the start of this part of your road trip.

Head down Curio Bay and Porpoise Bay to experience some of the park’s most famous residents – the curious Hectors Dolphins that are sometimes keen to come to socialise with swimmers. 

From the Catlins head to the gorgeous Otago Peninsula . This is another wildlife haven with albatross viewing and seal kayaking on offer.

At night head over to the Royal Albatross Centre to watch the Little Blue Penguins returning to their nests after a day hunting out in the open ocean. 

The eastern portions of the peninsula are home to some gorgeous beaches and equally stunning hiking trails which are well worth checking out. 

READ MORE: Plan to do some great hiking on the Otago Peninsula .

This gorgeous drive follows the coast up through the town of Omaru through Twizel and onto one of New Zealand’s most stunning sights – Mount Cook .

As you follow the coast up from the Otago Peninsula make sure you stop in at Omaru to check out the town’s funky steampunk vibe.

If you stay the night there is an additional Little Blue Penguin colony that you can observe in the evening.

From Omaru journey inland towards the small town of Twizel . This is a gateway to Mount Cook, with many using it as a stopping point to maximise the enjoyment of the drive to New Zealand’s highest peak.

This is because the drive along Lake Pukaki , towards Mount Cook is simply breathtaking, and maybe one of the most stunning drives in the country.

Therefore it makes sense to do it first thing in the morning when you have the best light and the fewest people.

The road up to Mount Cook is littered with stunning viewpoints. However, Peter’s lookout is probably the pick of the bunch. 

If you’re in a campervan make sure you head for the Whitehorse campsite . This awesome DOC site is the starting point for the Hooker Valley Trail and the Kea Point Track . 

Also, make sure you check out the hikes around the Tasman Glacier as well. 

This long but stunning drive takes you along the banks of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo. Lake Tekapo is one of New Zealand’s most gorgeous lakes.

Next you’ll head through the heart of Canterbury, and onto the Banks Peninsula , which is one of the most picturesque places in New Zealand. 

Along the south edge of Lake Pukaki stop in at the Alpine Salmon Shop to chow down on some excellent sashimi.

Make sure you check out the Church of the Good Shepherd on the banks of Lake Tekapo.

There are some rather lovely hikes in the area, plus some awesome stargazing to be had from the Mount John Observatory . 

There are a fair few quaint towns that you may want to stop in en route. The small town of Fairlie is famous for its bakery which serves some truly spectacular pies and close proximity to the Mount Dobson ski field.

The small town of Lake Tekapo is also a lovely place to stop. There are lots of hikes and a Dark Sky Reserve where you can stargaze.

If you’re here in the winter then Mount Hutt is another worthy skiing spot. However, you will definitely need snow chains on your tires. 

Bypass Christchurch and make a beeline for the small town of Akaroa , the main town on the stunning Banks Peninsula.

Spend a few days exploring the many hiking trails that crisscross the peninsula.

Head over to Okains Bay to explore and relax on this stunning and often deserted beach. 

If you fancy getting up close to some of the area’s wildlife there are some excellent dolphin swimming and watching tours .

Christchurch is the final stop on this New Zealand South Island road trip. A short drive from Akaroa, it certainly makes a pleasant change 

Christchurch is well known for its botanical gardens and cathedral. The latter is still being held up with a mixture of structural support and scaffolding after the 2011 earthquake.

It’s still fenced off, acting as a timely reminder of New Zealand’s precarious position at the hands of Mother Nature. 

READ MORE: Check out some of the best things to do in Christchurch !

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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Do you have any info on hotels , B&B’s to stay at in New Zealand, north and South Island?

Hi Marion, that is awesome you are travelling to NZ. Best to hop online and check out the reviews for places and see which one suits your budget and location. All the best and have a great trip.

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Clearly I'm not a Destination Expert, but I hope that some of what follows will be of interest and/or use to someone planning their visit.

This may end up quite lengthy, so I'll share our itinerary in separate posts below for ease of digestion!

So, in no particular order:

We booked flights , hotels in Auckland and Christchurch , car hire and ferries through Trailfinders (a UK travel agent) which gave us the protection of having booked a package holiday. The rest of the accommodation we booked through Booking dot com, with free cancellation allowing us to tweak a couple of the bookings. We booked everything nearly a year ago, and were glad we had because everywhere we went was full.

From reading this and other forums over the past year we expected the driving to be far more challenging than it actually was. The roads are nowhere near as twisty as we're used to in Europe, and certainly not as narrow as many parts of Wales. Traffic was generally light, roads are well signposted and well maintained.

However there are a lot of roadworks, which means a lot of loose chippings. We had a cracked windscreen within 3 days of setting off and realised that Avis hadn't given us any information on what to do (and they didn't answer our calls). Eventually we got it sorted, but next time I would make sure I was given information on what to do in the event of needing a windscreen repair along with the rest of the paperwork.

We used Google maps for directions and timings (also for finding cafes along the way), and found it excellent.

Our favourite stretches of road: SH6 north of Greymouth, and then again through the Buller Gorge, and the section between Fox Glacer and Franz Josef Glacier . The road out to Akaroa was probably the most "twisty", but not uncomfortably so for this driver.

Reserves and sanctuaries are beautiful, well-maintained (no litter, despite there being very few bins) and walks are well marked. We used the AllTrails app to find walks.

Public toilets are an revelation! They are everywhere, even in the most remote of locations, such as half way along the Forgotten World Highway, and not once was there no paper available.

We used credit cards mostly, but did need some cash and found the BNZ cashpoints had no charge (unlike the ANZ cashpoint we used first).

If you asked me if I would go to New Zealand again, the short answer is no. Long answer: We were incredibly lucky to be able to spend that long in the country, which gave us time to see and do everything we wanted to. We were also blessed with the weather - there was rain, but it usually came while we were in the car or sleeping. As a result, I don't feel I *need* to come back - there are other places I want to visit - and I can't believe we'd ever be so lucky with the weather again. That said if I'd had less than a month I'd almost certainly feel differently.

However, if you asked me if I would urge anyone else to visit, I would say absolutely! It's a beautiful country, lovely people, and very welcoming. And a bonus was being in a country where I didn't keep having to explain where or what Wales is ...

I'll probably think of something else as soon as I've posted this, in which case I'll add a post. Meanwhile, I'll drop our itinerary in posts below. Happy to share any further thoughts or experiences. I hope this is helpful to someone.

Diolch yn fawr, Aotearoa Seland Newydd - thank you very much Aotearoa New Zealand.

7 replies to this topic

Auckland - 2 nights

Tutukaka - 3

Mangonui - 2

Warkworth - 1

Waitomo - 1

Rotorua - 1

Stratford - 3

Wellington - 2

Nelson (Richmond) - 3 nights

Kaikoura - 2

Cromwell - 1

Dunedin - 3

Papatotara (Tuatapere) - 3

Te Anau - 3

Fox Glacier - 2

Franz Josef Glaceir - 2

Cape Foulwinds - 3

Arthur's Pass - 1

Christchurch - 2

I'm interested in reading the rest of your report. In the meantime, is this a typo, or did you really drive from Akaroa to Cromwell in one go?

"Akaroa - 2

Cromwell - 1"

There are typos that I'm annoyed about however! Glacier misspelled, and an apostrophe in the wrong place - though I can almost justify it because we were more than one visitor ;-)

This post has been removed at the author's request.

I t worked well for us because there were certain things we wanted to do and people to see.

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Love Exploring

New Zealand’s Most Beautiful Natural Wonders To Add To Your Bucket List

Posted: January 16, 2024 | Last updated: January 16, 2024

New Zealand nature

From the seismic, steaming landscapes of North Island to the uplifting vistas of the South Island, magical places abound in New Zealand. Its spellbinding scenery has starred in many a movie, famously doubling for Middle Earth in The Lord of the Rings. The forces of nature are perhaps more apparent in the Land of the Long White Cloud than anywhere else on Earth, creating technicolored geothermal lakes, smoking volcanoes, mighty glaciers and jaw-dropping fiords.

Click through the gallery for our round-up of the top 30 natural wonders in New Zealand...

Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park

The awe-inspiring proportions of Milford Sound are difficult to grasp. Its sheer mountainsides, ravines and precipitous waterfalls dwarf the cruise liners that come to visit this watery wonderland at the edge of the Southern Alps. Novelist Rudyard Kipling was so struck by the fiords, he described them as the eighth wonder of the world, and no trip to New Zealand’s South Island would be complete without taking a tour here. The fiord is best seen by boat, or scenic flights offer a bird's-eye view.

Franz Josef Glacier, West Coast

Flowing thousands of feet down from mountain peaks all the way to the ocean, the sheer scale of Franz Josef Glacier isn’t fully apparent until you come face-to-face with its base. The temperate New Zealand climate, low altitude, and proximity to the town of the same name make this frozen landscape of compacted blue ice easily accessible too – you can hike around its base and come within 2,460 feet of its terminal face, opt for a guided ice walk or sign up for some aerial sightseeing with a helicopter tour. 

Abel Tasman National Park, Golden Bay

Abel Tasman National Park is a lush coastal paradise near the top of South Island, indented with platinum bays and turquoise waters, with quirky geologic features like Split Apple Rock – which scientists believe was split by a natural phenomenon known as ‘ice wedging’ during an ice age more than 120 million years ago – sited just offshore. The park's bounty of unspoiled beaches include Torrent Bay and Kaiteriteri Beach, voted one of the top five in the world. Kayaking tours are a popular way to appreciate the area’s immense scenic beauty, or to explore on foot, you can follow the Abel Tasman track along the coast.

Blue Pools, Mount Aspiring National Park

The stunning aquamarine Blue Pools in Unesco-listed Mount Aspiring National Park are one of South Island’s scenic masterpieces. Sited at the point where the glacial Makarora River flows into Lake Wanaka, you can follow the beautiful forest trail of Blue Pools Track at Haast Pass to a suspension bridge crossing the pools, where the clear, cool water tempts swimmers, especially on sunny days. 

Orakei Korako, Waikato

To admire the seismic energy of Mother Nature without the crowds, take the ferry across Lake Ohakuri to the hidden valley of Orakei Korako Geothermal Park. Just as spectacular as Rotorua’s fizzing landscapes, the park’s gigantic, technicolor hot springs, geysers, and mud pools are a bubbling hot soup of geothermal activity. Close to Lake Taupo, the area makes a great addition to an itinerary exploring the region’s other highlights, including Waitomo Caves and Huka Falls.

Lake Tekapo, Canterbury

Lake Tekapo is a sight to behold. This turquoise lake in the Southern Alps, fringed by bright pink and purple lupins between November and February each year and surrounded by snow-capped peaks, is truly picturesque. The lake gets its intense color from glacier-grounded minerals suspended in the water. Part of a Unesco Dark Sky Reserve, turn your eyes skywards as night falls for some of the best views of space from Earth.

Elephant Rocks, North Otago

Part of a Unesco-listed geopark, New Zealand’s coast around North Otago is strewn with weird and wonderful geologic marvels that are well worth a stop at for a photo opp. Aptly-named for their smooth, gray humps and curves, Elephant Rocks appear like a herd of fossilized elephants grazing on the green hillsides, close to the Island Cliff-Duntroon road. The strange, weathered stones even formed the backdrop for scenes in the first The Chronicles of Narnia film.

Fox Glacier, West Coast

Another of New Zealand’s most spectacular and accessible icy wonders, the 13km-long Fox Glacier slopes down from 8,530 feet high in the Southern Alps into the ocean, close to the Franz Josef Glacier on the country’s west coast. At Fox Glacier Village, join guided tours and stay in accommodation that provides easy access to an Ice Age wilderness of frozen valleys, tunnels, and caves surrounded by forest. Ambitious explorers can even arrange a heli-hike to the peak of the glacier, or take in the magnificent view from the ground at Cook Flat Road, en route to Lake Matheson.

Huka Falls, Waikato

Natural hydro-power at its most impressive, Huka Falls funnels New Zealand’s longest river, the Waikato, into a steep and narrow ravine with more than 4,840 gallons of icy-blue water per second roaring over the edge. Right at the top of the falls, a footbridge above the spray offers magnificent views, while walking tracks lead to great vantage points along the river. To feel the sheer force of the falls from the water, board a cruise or take a jet boat tour.

Lake Taupo, Waikato

This sparkling freshwater-filled crater is New Zealand’s largest lake, measuring half the size of London and rimmed by epic scenery including stratovolcano Mount Ruapehu and Tongariro National Park. While there are boundless outdoor activities available at Taupo, kayaking to see the Maori rock carvings at Mine Bay is an absolute must. The spectacular Orakei Korako geothermal park and thundering Huka Falls are both close by too.

Kaitoke Regional Park, Greater Wellington

The bewitching beauty of Kaitoke Regional Park’s crystalline rivers and rainforests won it a part in the Lord of the Rings films, doubling as the elvish realm of Rivendell. Its untouched verdant valleys rushing with water are a natural haven that’s easy to explore on foot via the well-worn walking tracks that snake between ancient native trees. The forest canopy is home to a number of rare birds, including endemic kaka parrots and New Zealand falcons.

Moeraki boulders, Otago coast

These huge, bulbous anomalies scattering the sand of Koekohe Beach, between the towns of Moeraki and Hampden, add a different dimension to South Island’s scenic North Otago coast. Appearing like giant cannonballs up to 6.5 feet high, the geologic wonders look as though they were carved by human hands, but in fact they are made of calcified rock concreted together 65 million years ago and slowly released from the soft seabed by coastal erosion. Similar Koutu Boulders can be found around Hokianga Harbour on North Island.

Mount Cook, Christchurch-Canterbury

No list of New Zealand’s natural wonders would be complete without mentioning the country’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook, also commonly called Aoraki. A pure alpine wilderness of snowfields, glaciers, and vanishing peaks more than 9,840 feet high make up Mount Cook, which is surprisingly accessible to visitors. Walking trails fan out from the village, including a one-hour hike to view the spectacular Tasman Glacier. You may even encounter cheeky kea (mountain parrots) along the way.

Ninety Mile Beach, Northland

The iconic Ninety Mile Beach at the far northern tip of North Island is a wide band of seemingly endless golden sand, which, contrary to its name, is in fact 55 miles long. The beach is used as an official road at low tide, with buses offering tours along the beach. Boasting one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world, the beach is a haven for surfers, while beach activities also include bodyboarding down the sand dunes. The beach is also renowned for its stunning sunsets.

New Zealand Christmas Trees, Northland

The native Pohutukawa tree, also known as New Zealand’s Christmas Tree, is a unique natural feature common in the north of North Island but found all across the country. The wide-canopied trees burst into a profusion of scarlet blossoms every December around Christmas time, and have become synonymous with the festive period. The hardy evergreen is notable for growing in inhospitable spots too, clinging to cliffsides or transforming barren lava fields into a garden of life.

Pancake Rocks, West Coast

This stunning natural attraction at Dolomite Point near the village of Punakaiki on the South Island’s West Coast offers elemental entertainment at its best. Part of Paparoa National Park, named for its flat-packed layers of rock that look like stacks of giant pancakes teetering over the frothing ocean, the geology itself is awe-inspiring. But the power of its air and water vents, exploding suddenly into the sky, offers all the thrill of a fireworks display.

Pohutu Geyser, Rotorua

The Rotorua area is jam-packed with geologic marvels, but Pohutu Geyser towers above the rest – suddenly erupting boiling water 98 feet into the air at least once every hour to the delight of onlookers. The largest active geyser in the southern hemisphere, Pohutu is part of Te Puia’s Te Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley, full of bubbling pools and coursing elemental energy. Look out for the nearby Prince of Wales Feathers geyser, which always shoots water just before its bigger neighbor erupts.

Lake Matheson, West Coast

In Lake Matheson, nature has created a perfect mirror of South Island’s immense ancient forests and towering Southern Alps that form the island’s backbone. Also known as Reflection Lake, its serene, dark waters are a looking glass for two of New Zealand’s mightiest peaks – Mount Cook (Aoraki) and Mount Tasman – positioned just to the east. The lake was made when nearby Fox Glacier retreated and makes for an ideal stop on an itinerary mapping southern New Zealand’s natural wonders.

Sinbad Gully, Fiordland National Park

A lost world flanked by mountains and carved out by glaciers in Fiordland National Park, Sinbad Gully’s rivers and forests lay hidden for centuries. Hemmed in by the famous Mitre Peak on one side and Llawrenny Peaks on the other, the gully opens out into the jaw-dropping fiords of Milford Sound. Cut off from the world, nature has gone her own way here, creating strange species found nowhere else. The gully was the last mainland stronghold for the critically endangered Kakapo (pictured), a huge, cuddly, flightless parrot now only found on Codfish Island.

Aurora Australis, Queenstown

The South’s answer to the Northern Lights, the Aurora Australis is less well-known but its lime green and rosy light show is just as spectacular. One of the top places to view the curtain of electro-charged lights is around Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island, but the closer you can get to the South Pole, the better. Most Southern Lights shows occur during the Southern Hemisphere’s autumn and winter months, from March to September.

Sutherland Falls, Fiordland National Park

Fiordland National Park is one of the world’s largest protected areas, covering more than 5,000 square miles of pristine wilderness and harboring more than just a few spectacular sights. They include Sutherland Falls – the country’s highest waterfall – overflowing down steep cliffs from a lake more than half a kilometer above the valley floor. There are two ways to see the falls up close – hiking the renowned Milford Track or taking a scenic flight from nearby hubs such as Milford and Te Anau.

Snares Islands, Southern Ocean

Penguins are the chief inhabitants of the wild and untamed sub-Antarctic Snares, part of a protected World Heritage area that’s the last frontier between South Island and Antarctica. Here, yellow-eyed penguins run tracks through pristine forests and line the steep seaside cliffs alongside seals and seabirds. The remote, uninhabited islands are reachable by expedition cruises that take in the other islands and wildlife.

Waipoua Forest, Bay of Islands

This primordial world of towering ancient trees on the northern tip of New Zealand is the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland. It's home to Tane Mahuta – the Lord of the Forest – a 2,000-year-old sacred kauri tree that measures 14 feet around its trunk and almost 59 feet up to its first branch. That's young compared to another giant kauri tree found here: Te Matua Ngahere, meaning Father of the Forest, is estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,000 years old.

Te Waikoropupu Springs, Nelson Tasman

Te Waikoropupu Springs contain some of the clearest water ever measured and they are the largest cold freshwater springs in the southern hemisphere, releasing a staggering 3,000 gallons of water per second. Close to the town of Tanaka, a 1km-loop trail threads through the forest and across streams to a platform suspended above the still, crystalline water, where you gaze down into a blue-tinged underwater forest. Please note that swimming is forbidden here due to the springs’ spiritual significance to the Maori people.

Tongariro National Park, Manawatu-Whanganui

The epicenter of New Zealand’s volcanic wonders, Tongariro was the country’s first national park and won Unesco World Heritage status several decades ago. Crowned by three mighty volcanoes – Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro, which are part of the Pacific Ocean's Ring of Fire – the park encompasses a phenomenal landscape of craters, old lava flows, strange emerald lakes, and steaming vents. New Zealand’s best day hike – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – takes travelers to the highlights.

Tree Church, Waikato

Hidden among bucolic country gardens in the little hamlet of Ohaupo on New Zealand's North Island is a natural chapel formed from entwined trees guided by human hands. This living, breathing church is a monument to nature surrounded by mature oak and maple trees. It is open to visitors and can even host weddings of up to 100 people. The surrounding gardens include a hedge labyrinth and Monet-inspired pond.

Waitomo Caves, Waikato

A network of subterranean caves and rivers snakes beneath Waitomo’s verdant hills in New Zealand’s north-east, harbouring magical, glowing caverns. Tours by boat and on foot take visitors deep underground to witness the phenomena, with thousands of glow worms lighting the cave ceiling like a sea of white-blue stars. Above ground, the area has more not-to-be-missed natural marvels, including the beautiful Marokopa Falls and limestone Mangapohue Natural Bridge.

White Island, Bay of Plenty

New Zealand’s most active cone volcano, the imposing White Island (also known as Whakaari) forms part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and sits 30 miles offshore from North Island’s east coast. A sudden, explosive eruption in 2019 effectively ended guided tours to the island, but scenic flights over its steaming crater, sulfurous vents, and acid lakes are still available, taking off from nearby Whakatane, Rotorua, or Tauranga.

Bridal Veil Falls, Waikato

Picture-perfect Bridal Veil Falls is ensconced in a region of the North Island known for its natural attractions, including the must-see Waitomo Caves. A classic beauty dropping 180 feet over a hard volcanic lip into a deep pool framed by lush greenery, the falls are the perfect place to immerse in nature, with walkways leading through the forest and along the Pakoka River to viewing points at its top and base.

Waiotapu, Rotorua

This geothermal wonderland powered by Earth’s core was dubbed ‘Hellsgate’ by famous playwright George Bernard Shaw, due to its steaming landscape of colorful sulfurous springs. The highlight – Champagne Pool – appears like a giant artist’s palette of electric blue, orange and yellow. Surrounded by bubbling mud cauldrons, neon-green ponds, and spraying pools, visitors can lose themselves in the surreal scene by following the secure tracks around the site. Arrive before 10:15am to catch Lady Knox Geyser’s dramatic daily eruption.

Now check out more natural wonders around the world...

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