If youโre planning a New Zealand North Island itinerary, this guide offers flexible routes for 5 days, 7 days, 10 days, and 2 weeks. Whether itโs your first visit or a return trip, these itineraries balance iconic highlights with lesser-known local gems.
We have road tripped through the North Island three times, exploring from the very top (Cape Reinga in Northland) to Wellington. We know what it’s like to travel with kids, but we also know what it’s like to do this as a couple.
When we travel, we also enjoy balancing outdoor adventures (hiking, bungee jumping, kayaking, etc.) with wine tastings, gourmet dinners, and visits to cultural and historic sites. The North Island is ideal for all these activities.
We also love finding hidden gems that we can share with you, whether it be local restaurant or a secluded beach. Throughout our guides, we’ll share these places with you.
Rather than writing one set itinerary, this guide contains five different North Island itineraries. These itineraries include what we think are the best places to visit on the North Island, based on our extensive experience here.
These itineraries range from 5 to 14 days. Most of them travel point-to-point through the North Island, making it easy to add the South Island if you’re planning a longer trip to New Zealand. You can spend all your time in New Zealand on the North Island or combine one of these itineraries with a visit to the South Island.
About These Itineraries
These itineraries can be done all year. In the winter months, you can go skiing instead of hiking.
You will need to rent a car or campervan. This gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and allows you to get to some more remote locations.
We have a lot of information about New Zealand on our website. Rather than getting into the details of things to do in Auckland, Wellington, the Coromandel Peninsula, etc., we provide the links to each of these guides. You can see all of our guides on our New Zealand Travel Guide.
November 2025 Update: Added links to our new guides on New Zealand, added weather graphs, expanded the FAQ section, added more travel tips and details throughout the itinerary.
How Many Days Should You Spend on the North Island of New Zealand?
At a minimum, plan on spending 5 days on the North Island. This gives you just enough time to visit Auckland or Wellington, and either venture north to Northland and the Bay of Islands, or visit Hobbiton, the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and the geothermal areas around Taupล and Rotorua.
It takes 2 weeks or longer to road trip through the North Island of New Zealand. If you want to visit everything listed in our Best Things to Do in the North Island article, plan on spending at least 2 weeks on the North Island.
On our first trip to New Zealand, we had 10 days on the North Island. After visiting the South Island, we rode the ferry to Wellington and then road tripped north to Auckland, visiting Tongariro, Taupล, Rotorua, Waitomo, and Hobbiton along the way.
We missed seeing the Bay of Islands and the Coromandel Peninsula, so those were #1 and #2 on our list when we returned to New Zealand. Several years again, Tim and I took a 5 week road trip through New Zealand, with about 2 weeks of that time on the North Island. We skipped over places we had already visited, so we could focus on Auckland, Coromandel, and Northland.
And even then, we couldn’t get to everything. On our third trip to the North Island, Tim and Tyler spent some time hiking Mount Taranaki and visiting New Plymouth (Tim raves about the restaurants in New Plymouth).
So, as you can see, you need A LOT of time to visit the North Island.
And guess what, there is even more to do on the South Island. When planning your time on the North Island, you have to factor in how much time you have in total to visit New Zealand.
VERDICT: I would love to recommend our 14-day North Island Itinerary to see the best of the island. However, if you only have this one trip to New Zealand and don’t have 4 to 6 weeks available, choose one of the shorter itineraries (7 to 10 days works well) so you can also ideally spend at least 2 weeks on the South Island.
New Zealand North Island Itinerary Suggestions
Here are links to the five different North Island itineraries. Each itinerary has a map and links to our more detailed guides.
- 5 Days on the North Island: Auckland, Bay of Islands & Cape Reinga
- 5 Days on the North Island: Auckland to Wellington
- 7 Days on the North Island: Auckland, Tongariro & Wellington
- 10 Days on the North Island: Auckland, Coromandel, Tongariro & Wellington
- 14 Days on the North Island: Auckland, Northland, & Wellington
5 Day North Island Itinerary: Auckland & Northland
HIGHLIGHTS: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga, Paihia, Russell, Ninety Mile Beach, Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes
This itinerary starts and ends in Auckland. You will travel north to the northernmost part of New Zealand, visiting the Bay of Islands and driving the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to Cape Reinga.
BEST FOR: This itinerary is best for those who want to get off the beaten track (many of the North Islandโs most popular sights are south of Auckland) and those who have visited New Zealand on a prior trip but didnโt have enough time to explore this part of the island.
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland, visit Auckland
Day 2: Drive to Paihia
Day 3: Bay of Islands Cruise
Day 4: Cape Reinga
Day 5: Drive to Auckland, afternoon in Auckland
New Zealand North Island Itinerary Map: 5 Days Auckland and Cape Reinga
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Today is a low-key day. If you get in early and have lots of energy, spend the day touring Auckland. If your flight gets in late, or you arrive on a long overnight flight (like we did from the USA), you most likely will be feeling wiped out.
For a list of things to do, restaurants, and hotel recommendations, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in Auckland.
Auckland
Day 2: Drive to Paihia
Paihia is a small town on the North Island that is the gateway to the Bay of Islands.
From Auckland, you can drive straight to Paihia (230 km, 3 hours) or visit some sights on the North Island along the drive. Here are two options:
The Waitฤkere Ranges
Sitting west of Auckland is a gorgeous stretch of coastline. Spend several hours at Karekare Beach, Piha Beach, or Te Henga (Bethells Beach) before driving to Paihia.
Karekare Beach
Tane Mahuta & Signal Station
From Auckland, drive to Tane Mahuta, New Zealandโs largest tree. Itโs a 3-hour drive to get here, followed by a short walk to see the tree. Just a few minutes down the road is Te Matua Ngahere, the second largest tree in New Zealand.
Tane Mahuta
Continue north, taking the optional detour to Waimamaku Beach. Then drive to Signal Station and take a short walk out to the tip of the peninsula for stunning coastal views.
The view from the Signal Station Track
Finally, you have the option to visit the Koutu Boulders. These are similar to the Moeraki Boulders on the South Island. To get here, park at the Koutu Boulders Car Park in Opononi and it is a 5-minute walk to the boulders.
Koutu Boulders
Then, drive to Paihia and have dinner.
Sleep in Paihia. For hotel and restaurant recommendations, take a look at our guide Things to Do in Paihia.
This drive from Auckland to Paihia is 375 km and takes five and a half hours without stops.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: There is a long list of things to do on in Northland, New Zealand, which can all be added onto this itinerary. For the full list, check out our guide Things to Do in Northland.
Our Guides to Northland
15 Unique Things to Do in Northland, New Zealand
This guide features the best things to do in Northland, from journeying to the far north at Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua) and sandboarding the Te Paki Sand Dunes, to exploring the stunning Bay of Islands and witnessing the giant ancient Kauri trees in Waipoua Forest. We’ll also provide a map, our itinerary, and whether […]
Best Things to Do in Paihia: Gateway to the Bay of Islands
The small town of Paihia is known as the gateway to the Bay of Islands. One of the best things to do in Paihia is to take a boat tour of the Bay of Islands, but you can also visit the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds, go wine tasting, go skydiving, spend some time in the […]
How to Visit the Bay of Islands | Things to Do & Best Tours
The Bay of Islands is a popular stop when exploring New Zealandโs North Island. Located near Paihia, and consisting of 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is known for its beautiful blue water, dramatic shorelines, and picturesque coves. The best way to experience the Bay of Islands is via a boat or helicopter tour. There […]
Day 3: Bay of Islands Cruise
One of the best things to do on the North Island of New Zealand is to visit the Bay of Islands. These 144 islands dot the coastline of New Zealand near Paihia. You can visit them on a boat cruise or see them from the sky in a helicopter.
Bay of Islands
Boat tours last a half to a full day. With your remaining time, visit the sights in and around Paihia. We recommend touring the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to learn about an important piece of New Zealand history, visiting Russell (the first European settlement in New Zealand), and go wine tasting. Get the full list in our guide to Paihia.
Sleep in Paihia.
Day 4: Cape Reinga
If you like scenic drives and stunning coastal scenery, this just may be your favorite day of this itinerary. Itโs a big driving day but you get to see a quieter part of New Zealand that many visitors miss. For things to see and do, refer to our guide to Northland.
From Paihia, drive north to Ahipara. This town is one of the endpoints of Ninety Mile Beach. From this point you get a great view of the beach. If you have a 4WD vehicle, you can drive Ninety Mile Beach north to its other endpoint at Scott Point.
If you donโt have a 4WD, from Ahipara, drive north on State Highway 1 until it dead ends at Cape Reinga. This is as far north as you can go by car. At Cape Reinga, walk out to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse and look north. This is where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet. The views from this spot are amazing!
Cape Reinga
On the drive back to Paihia, visit two of our favorite places in Northland, Tapotupotu Beach (a secluded, remote beach near Cape Reinga) and the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes. At the sand dunes, you can hike to the highest point for more spectacular views or rent a sandboard and go sledding on the dunes.
Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes
Return to Paihia and have dinner. Sleep in Paihia.
DID YOU KNOW? The Twin Coast Discovery Highway is an 800 km/500-mile driving loop in Northland. On this itinerary, you will drive most of this highway, if you add on Tane Mahuta and the Signal Station Track on day 3.
Day 5: Drive to Auckland
Today, return to Auckland. It is a 3-hour drive. You have the option to spend the morning in Paihia, visiting the sights in Paihia and nearby Kerikeri, or driving to Auckland in the morning and spending the afternoon in Auckland.
Sleep in Auckland.
If you happen to have an extra day, we recommend day tripping to Waiheke Island from Auckland. This is one of our favorite experiences in New Zealand and is a great option for foodies and wine lovers. You can do this at the beginning or end of this itinerary.
5 Day North Island Itinerary: Auckland to Wellington
HIGHLIGHTS: Auckland, Wellington, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupล, geothermal areas
This quick point-to-point itinerary connects Auckland to Wellington with a few key sites in between.
BEST FOR: Itโs great for those planning a trip to both islands of New Zealand. This itinerary sets you up to cross the Cook Strait and enter the South Island at the end of the 5 days. Or, do it in reverse. Visit the South Island, cross the Cook Strait, and then travel from Wellington to Auckland.
Overview of this 5 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton
Day 3: Rotorua
Day 4: Taupล
Day 5: Wellington
New Zealand North Island Itinerary Map: 5 Days Auckland to Wellington
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Today is a low-key day. If you get in early and have lots of energy, spend the day touring Auckland. If your flight gets in late, or you arrive on a long overnight flight (like we did from the USA), thereโs a good chance youโll be exhausted.
For a list of things to do, restaurants, and hotel recommendations, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in Auckland.
Day 2: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton
Today you get to visit two of the North Islandโs must-see spots for first time visitors to New Zealand, the glowworm caves and Hobbiton.
Glowworm Caves in Waitomo
In the morning, make the drive to Waitomo (200 km, 2.5 hours). In Waitomo, there are several ways to see the glowworms.
Waitomo Glowworm Caves is the most popular option. Tours of this cave run all day, last about 45 minutes to an hour, and it is the best option if you want to see some glowworms on a quick visit. Photography is not allowed.
At Ruakari Cave, just down the street from Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you can take a 1.5-hour guided tour of the cave. Photography is allowed but is very challenging since the caves are almost completely dark.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: We visited both, and if you just want to see some glowworms, we recommend Waitomo Glowworm Caves. Tours are quick and run frequently all day, so it’s easier to fit into your itinerary.
You also have the option to go black water rafting. This thrilling experience is 3 to 5 hours (depending on the tour) and involves hiking and tubing through the underwater caves. You will also see thousands of glowworms in the cave. Fitting in black water rafting is a lot to do today, but possible if you book the first tour of the day.
We did this on our second visit to New Zealand, and it’s definitely one of the country’s most unique experiences.
Learn more about the glowworm caves and blackwater rafting in our guide to the Waitomo Caves.
Blackwater Rafting | photo courtesy of Legendary Black Water Rafting Co.
Hobbiton
From the Waitomo Caves, it takes an hour and fifteen minute to drive to Hobbiton. This filming site for the LoTR and The Hobbit Trilogies is a must-have experience, especially if you are here with kids or a fan of these movies.
Tours of Hobbiton run all day and take about 2.5 hours. Get tour times, pricing, and make your reservation in advance on the official website.
We loved this experience from start to finish, taking photos in front of the Hobbit holes and having a drink at the Green Dragon.
You can see more photos of Hobbiton in our Hobbiton Photo Tour.
Hobbiton
Rotorua
After your tour of Hobbiton, drive to Rotorua (70 km, 1 hour). Have dinner in Rotorua (we recommend Poco Tapas and Wine or Mitai Maori Village if you want to watch a cultural performance and take part in a hangi, which is a traditional Maori meal).
Sleep in Rotorua. Get hotel recommendations in our article Best Things to Do in Rotorua.
Day 3: Rotorua
Today, spend the morning in Rotorua and then continue south to Taupล.
In Rotorua, there is a lot to do. If itโs your first time here, two essential experiences are the Whakarewarewa Forest and a visit to a geothermal area.
Redwood Forest
The Whakarewarewa Forest is a forest of giant coastal redwoods that have been growing next to Rotorua since the early 20th century. Visitors can walk the forest trails, go mountain biking, or experience the Redwoods Treewalk.
The Redwoods Treewalk is a series of 28 suspension bridges hover 20 meters above the forest floor. It’s our favorite experience in Rotorua. These bridges form a 700-meter loop and along this walk you get an incredible view of the Redwood trees. The walk takes about 30 minutes. Get pricing and hours on the official website.
Whakarewarewa Forest
Redwoods Treewalk
Te Puia
There are several geothermal areas to visit in Rotorua. Te Puia is one of the best.
Here you get to see Kiwi birds in the Kiwi Conservation Centre, see mud pools and steaming geysers on a short walk through the geothermal area, and see Maori-made sculptures and artwork. One of the highlights of the visit is seeing the Pลhutu geyser (the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere) which erupts twice an hour.
Pลhutu Geyser
Skyline Rotorua
Ride the gondola to Skyline Rotorua. Kids will love riding the Luge. Have lunch and do a wine tasting at Volcanic Hills Winery while enjoying panoramic views over Rotorua. I recommend making a reservation in advance.
This itinerary includes just a few of the things you can do in Rotorua. To see the full list, take a look at our guide to Rotorua.
Drive to Taupล
In the mid-afternoon, drive to Taupล (80 km, about one hour). On this drive, you will pass several geothermal areas. Pick one and then continue to Taupล.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is 20-minutes from Rotorua. This long, narrow valley is home to Frying Pan Lake (the worldโs largest hot spring), the Inferno Crater (a brilliantly blue lake), and Lake Rotomahana. A visit here lasts about 2 hours.
Inferno Crater, Waimangu Volcanic Valley
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland sits next to Waimangu Valley. It is often called New Zealandโs most colorful geothermal area. Here you can see Lady Knox Geyser, colorful hot springs, and the largest mud pool in New Zealand.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park. Boardwalk tracks lead to geysers, bubbling pools of mud, and steaming, colorful pools. This is one of our favorite geothermal parks in New Zealand. It is located about 30 minutes north of Taupล.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
Taupล
Have dinner and spend the night in Taupล. For restaurant and hotel recommendations, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in Taupล.
Day 4: Taupล
Spend the day in Taupo. Top experiences include taking a boat cruise on Lake Taupo to see the Mฤori Rock Carvings, relaxing in a natural hot water spa, mountain biking, going for a jet boat ride on the Waikato River, seeing Huka Falls, and even skydiving and bungy jumping. For the full list, read our article Best Things to Do in Taupล.
Sleep in Taupล.
Mฤori Rock Carvings
Day 5: Wellington
In the morning, drive to Wellington (375 km, 5 hours). On this drive, you will go past Tongariro National Park and have views of Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy).
Itโs a big detour, and wonโt leave much time today in Wellington, but you have the option to ride the Sky Waka Gondola to Mt. Ruapehu for views of the volcanic plateau.
Spend the remainder of the day in Wellington. For recommendations on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay, check out our guide Things to Do in Wellington.
Wellington
7 Day North Island Itinerary: Auckland to Tongariro to Wellington
HIGHLIGHTS: Auckland, Wellington, Tongariro National Park, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton, Taupo, Rotorua
This itinerary is similar to the 5-day itinerary above, but adds on two of our favorite experiences on the North Island: a day trip to Waiheke Island and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Not a hiker? Rather than hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, add a day in Wellington instead.
BEST FOR: Foodies and wine aficionados; I could return to Waiheke Island again and again to visit the wineries, beaches, and restaurants. This itinerary is also perfect for those who want to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or have more time in Wellington.
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Waiheke Island
Day 3: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton
Day 4: Rotorua
Day 5: Taupล
Day 6: Tongariro Alpine Crossing or Wellington
Day 7: Wellington
New Zealand North Island Itinerary Map: One Week Auckland to Wellington
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Arrive in Auckland, spend the afternoon in Auckland and sleep in Auckland.
Day 2: Waiheke Island
Day tripping to Waiheke Island was one of our favorite experiences in New Zealand. This island sits in the Hauraki Gulf, just a short ferry ride from Auckland. Things to do here include wine tastings, relaxing at the beach, hiking, ziplining, doing gin and olive oil tastings, and having lunch or dinner paired with a wine tasting.
Learn how to plan your visit with our article How to Plan the Perfect Waiheke Island Day Trip.
Waiheke Island
Gin tasting on Waiheke Island
Day 3: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton
Follow day 2, Waitomo Glowworm Caves and Hobbiton, in the 5-day itinerary above.
Day 4: Rotorua
Follow day 3 in the 5-day itinerary above.
Day 5: Taupล
Follow day 4 in the 5-day itinerary above.
This evening, you can sleep in Taupล or spend the night in Turangi, which puts you a little closer to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailhead (if you choose to do this hike). There are many more hotel and restaurant options in Taupล but staying in Turangi allows you to have a slightly later wake up time.
Day 6: Tongariro Alpine Crossing or Wellington
Today, you have a choice to make: hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or drive to Wellington (which gives you a full day in Wellington tomorrow).
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Like Waiheke Island, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is another one of our favorite activities in New Zealand. If you are a hiker, this is not to be missed. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is often called the best day hike in New Zealand, and one of the best in the world.
On this 19.4 km/12 mile point-to-point hike, you will walk in the shadow of Mt. Doom, walk through an almost lunar landscape, and watch as semi-dormant volcanoes smoke not too far off in the distance.
This hike takes 6 to 8 hours. You can spend the night in Taupo or Turangi. Itโs possible to drive to Wellington after the hike, just be prepared for a 5.5-hour drive in the afternoon and evening.
We did this hike when Tyler was 12 and Kara was 10. They loved it!
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Drive to Wellington
Option number two is to skip the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and drive to Wellington today. That gives you the afternoon today and a full day tomorrow in Wellington.
On this drive, you have the option to stop at the Sky Waka Gondola. Youโll have similar views as the Tongariro Alpine Crossing without the effort. Itโs a big detour, and wonโt leave much time today in Wellington, but it is an easy way to gaze out over the volcanoes at Tongariro National Park.
Day 7: Wellington
Spend the day in Wellington. For ideas on what to do and where to stay, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in Wellington.
Wellington Cable Car
Doing this Itinerary in the Opposite Direction
If you need to do this itinerary in the opposite direction (for example, you are on a bigger trip through New Zealand, starting on the South Island and ending on the North Island, here is this same itinerary in the opposite direction). If you plan to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike, you will only have the morning of day 1 to visit Wellington. You need to get to Turangi or Taupล the evening of the first day, to be at the trailhead the morning of day 2.
Day 1: Wellington (drive to Turangi in the afternoon if you plan to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing)
Day 2: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, drive to Taupล, sleep in Taupล
Day 3: Taupล, drive to Rotorua in the afternoon, sleep in Rotorua
Day 4: Rotorua, sleep Rotorua
Day 5: Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, sleep in Hamilton or Auckland
Day 6: Auckland
Day 7: Waiheke Island
10 Day North Island Itinerary: Auckland, Coromandel, Tongariro & Wellington
HIGHLIGHTS: Auckland, Waiheke Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton, Taupล, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington
This itinerary continues to build on the ones above. On this itinerary, you will follow the 7-day itinerary above, with three extra days to slow down a little bit, but also visit one or two more sights on the north island.
Overview of this 10 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Waiheke Island
Day 3: Auckland & Coromandel Peninsula
Day 4: Coromandel Peninsula
Day 5: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton
Day 6: Rotorua
Day 7: Taupล
Day 8: Taupล
Day 9: Tongariro Alpine Crossing or Wellington
Day 10: Wellington
New Zealand North Island Itinerary Map: 10 Days Auckland to Wellington
Days 1 & 2: Auckland and Waiheke Island
Follow days 1 and 2 of the 7-day itinerary.
Day 3: Auckland & Coromandel Peninsula
Spend the morning in Auckland. In the afternoon, travel to the Coromandel Peninsula. From Auckland, it is a 230 km drive that takes about 3.5 hours.
On the Coromandel Peninsula, we recommend staying in Hahei or Cooks Beach. We stayed at Hahei Beach Bach, a small house that has a living room, kitchenette, bathroom, and bedroom. Itโs clean, quiet, colorful, and very nicely decorated and it is located just a short drive from Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach. For dinner, we highly recommend Kaizen in Cooks Beach.
Cathedral Cove Boat Tour | Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
Everything you need to know to plan a visit to Cathedral Cove, plus where to stay and where to eat.Day 4: Cathedral Cove & Hot Water Beach
Today, visit the coastal sights on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Cathedral Cove is one of the most picturesque places to visit on the North Island. To get to this iconic beach, take a boat tour or hike to the cove. A visit here lasts an hour or half of a day, depending on how you choose to get here and how long you want to spend on the beach. Learn more in our guide to Cathedral Cove.
Cathedral Cove
You also have enough time to visit Hot Water Beach. Bring a shovel, dig a hole, and relax in the warm waters that bubble up from the ground. Hot Water Beach is located just a few kilometers from Cathedral Cove.
This evening, you have a choice to make. You can spend another night on the Coromandel Peninsula, but you will then do a lot of driving tomorrow. Alternatively, drive to Hamilton and spend the night here, which breaks up the drive a little bit. It is a 185 km, 3-hour drive to Hamilton.
In Hamilton, we stayed at the Quantum Lodge Motor Inn and had a great experience. If you like Indian food, we had a wonderful meal at Pappadomz.
Day 5: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton
Visit Waitomo Glowworm Caves in the morning, followed by Hobbiton in the afternoon, and continue to Rotorua in the evening.
Hobbiton
If you spent last night in Hamilton, it is just an hour drive to Waitomo Caves, versus 3.5 hours from the Coromandel Peninsula. If you like the idea of black water rafting at the Waitomo Caves, itโs best to stay in Hamilton the night before.
For recommendations on where to stay and where to eat in Rotorua, take a look at our guide Things to Do in Rotorua.
Our Guides on Waitomo, Rotorua & Taupล
20 Amazing Things to Do in Taupล (+ Map, Photos & Tips)
Sitting on the shores of the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand is the small town of Taupล. Cruising the lake, mountain biking, hiking, skydiving, and jet boat riding top the list of things to do in Taupล. There are also geothermal areas to explore, thermal pools and spas to visit, and waterfalls to photograph. […]
20 Wonderful Things to Do in Rotorua, New Zealand
Discover the best things to do in Rotorua, from its geothermal wonders such as Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, to unique experiences like the Redwoods Treewalk and zorbing, as well as its cultural tours of Mฤori villages. One day is sufficient to see the main sights, but more time lets you visit several thermal […]
Waitomo Caves: Glowworms, Black Water Rafting & the Best Tours
This guide covers the best things to do in the Waitomo Caves, including how to see the glowworms and how to go black water rafting. It also covers the best tours, where to stay, and how to combine Waitomo Caves with another famous attraction on the North Island, Hobbiton. The Waitomo Caves are an underground […]
Day 6: Rotorua
Today, spend the morning in Rotorua and then continue south to Taupล.
A must-do in Rotorua is to visit the Whakarewarewa Forest, a forest of giant coastal redwoods. Visitors can walk the forest trails, go mountain biking, or experience the Redwoods Treewalk.
Te Puia is one of the top geothermal areas to visit in Rotorua. Here you get to see Kiwi birds in the Kiwi Conservation Centre, see mud pools and steaming geysers on a short walk through the geothermal area, and see Maori-made sculptures and artwork. One of the highlights of the visit is seeing the Pลhutu geyser (the largest geyser in the Southern Hemisphere) which erupts twice an hour.
Ride the gondola to Skyline Rotorua. Kids will love riding the Luge. Have lunch and do a wine tasting at Volcanic Hills Winery while enjoying panoramic views over Rotorua. I recommend making a reservation in advance.
These are just a few of the things you can do in Rotorua. To see the full list, take a look at our guide to Rotorua.
Drive to Taupล
In the mid-afternoon, drive to Taupล. On this drive, you will pass several geothermal areas (Waimangu Volcanic Valley, Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, and Orakei Korako Geothermal Park). Pick one and then continue to Taupล.
Have dinner and spend the night in Taupล. For restaurant and hotel recommendations, take a look at our article Best Things to Do in Taupล.
Days 7 & 8: Taupล
On this itinerary, we have two days in Taupล. There is a lot to do in Taupล, from boat tours, mountain biking, bungy jumping and skydiving, and relaxing the natural hot springs. Two days in Taupล gives you a little bit of time to slow down. Alternatively, you could use the extra time here, adding it to Wellington, if you would rather spend more time in Wellington.
Wairakei Terraces Thermal Spa, Taupล
For a list of things to do in Taupo, read our article Best Things to Do in Taupล.
On the evening of day 8, spend the night in Taupล, or transfer to Turangi, to be closer to the start of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, if you plan to do this hike.
Day 9: Tongariro Alpine Crossing or Wellington
Today, hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and continue to Wellington in the evening. Alternatively, you can drive straight to Wellington with the option to add on the Sky Waka Gondola along the drive.
Day 10: Wellington
Spend the day in Wellington. For ideas on what to do, check out our Guide to Wellington.
Doing this Itinerary in the Opposite Direction
If you need to do this itinerary in the opposite direction (for example, you are on a bigger trip through New Zealand, starting on the South Island and ending on the North Island, here is this same itinerary in the opposite direction). If you plan to do the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike, you will only have the morning of day 1 to visit Wellington. You need to get to Turangi or Taupล the evening of the first day, to be at the trailhead the morning of day 2.
Day 1: Wellington (drive to Turangi in the afternoon if you plan to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing)
Day 2: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, drive to Taupo, sleep in Taupล
Day 3: Taupล
Day 4: Taupล, drive to Rotorua
Day 5: Rotorua, sleep Rotorua
Day 6: Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, sleep in Hamilton
Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula, sleep in Hahei or Cooks Beach
Day 8: Drive to Auckland
Day 9: Waiheke Island
Day 10: Auckland
14 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary
Auckland, Northland, & Wellington
HIGHLIGHTS: Auckland, Cape Reinga, Ninety Mile Beach, Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes, Bay of Islands, Waiheke Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Hobbiton, Taupล, Rotorua, Tongariro National Park, Wellington
This itinerary is a combination of the 5-day itinerary to Cape Reinga and the 10 day itinerary. With two weeks on the North Island, you have just enough time to road trip from Auckland to Cape Reinga and down to Wellington.
Overview of the 14-day New Zealand North Island Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Drive to Paihia
Day 3: Bay of Islands Cruise
Day 4: Cape Reinga
Day 5: Drive to Auckland, afternoon in Auckland
Day 6: Waiheke Island
Day 7: Auckland & Coromandel Peninsula
Day 8: Coromandel Peninsula
Day 9: Waitomo Glowworm Caves & Hobbiton
Day 10: Rotorua
Day 11: Taupล
Day 12: Taupล
Day 13: Tongariro Alpine Crossing or Wellington
Day 14: Wellington
New Zealand North Island Itinerary Map: The Best of the North Island in 14 Days
For more details about each day, refer to the 5-day itinerary with Cape Reinga and the 10-day North Island Itinerary.
If you need to do this itinerary in the opposite direction, hereโs how to do it:
Day 1: Wellington (drive to Turangi in the afternoon if you plan to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing)
Day 2: Tongariro Alpine Crossing, drive to Taupล, sleep in Taupล
Day 3: Taupล
Day 4: Taupล, drive to Rotorua
Day 5: Rotorua, sleep Rotorua
Day 6: Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves, sleep in Hamilton
Day 7: Coromandel Peninsula, sleep in Hahei or Cooks Beach
Day 8: Drive to Auckland
Day 9: Waiheke Island
Day 10: Auckland
Day 11: Drive to Paihia
Day 12: Bay of Islands cruise
Day 13: Cape Reinga
Day 14: Drive to Auckland, afternoon in Auckland
With More Time
If you have more than two weeks, either add more time into the destinations along this itinerary (Wellington, Auckland, Taupล, and Paihia are all great places to spend more time) or add on a new spot.
Between Taupo and Wellington, you can add on Egmont National Park to photograph or climb Mount Taranaki.
From Wellington, you can day trip to the Martinborough wine region and the Putangirua Pinnacles.
From Auckland, day trip at to the Waitakere Ranges and spend the day at Karekare or Piha Beach.
If you like scuba diving, add a day or two to visit the Poor Knights Marine Reserve, which is an archipelago that sits just off the coast from Northland.
When is the Best Time to Visit the North Island?
Summer (December through February) is generally the best time to be here, with warmer, drier weather, but it is also the busiest time of year.
In autumn (March through May), temperatures cool off, as do the crowds, but rain chances increase. Fall colors make an appearance.
In the winter (June, July and August), the temperatures continue to cool. Snow will fall on the highest peaks but for the most part, the North Island doesnโt get snow like the South Island does. The North Island tends to stay a bit warmer, especially the farther north you go.
And finally, in the spring (September through November), temperatures warm up and flowers begin to bloom. In late spring, rainfall goes down but crowds start to rise.
We’ve visited the North Island in May (cool with many sunny days; we got lucky in that we didn’t get much rain), late April (a mix of sun and rain), and December (hot and sunny).
How to Plan a Trip to the South Island
Most likely, you are also considering a visit to the South Island. We also have extensive experience here, visiting the South Island over three trips to New Zealand.
Get started with our article Best Things to Do on the South Island.
We also have itineraries from one week to three weeks on the South Island, depending on how much time you have available.
The North Island is wonderful, but the South Island is our favorite of the two, so we recommend spending more time here. Here are several South Island itineraries to get you started. And you can see all 50+ of our New Zealand articles in our New Zealand Travel Guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth visiting the North Island of New Zealand?
With glowworm caves, giant sand dunes, wineries, stunning coastal landscapes, black sand beaches, geothermal areas to explore, Hobbiton, cultural experiences, and forests of redwoods and kauri trees, and small towns and large cities to visit, there is something here for everyone. The North Island is well worth visiting on your trip to New Zealand.
What are some must-see highlights to include on a North Island itinerary?
Top highlights include the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, Tongariro Alpine Crossing, Bay of Islands, Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Lake Taupล, Hobbiton Movie Set, and Wellingtonโs waterfront. For nature lovers, add the Coromandel Peninsula or Cape Reinga for stunning coastal views.
Where is the best place to start or end a North Island road trip?
Auckland and Wellington are good places to start and/or end a trip to the North Island. For international travelers, Auckland is typically the entrance point to New Zealand. Wellington is located on the Cook Strait, and ferries connect the North and South Islands. Traveling point-to-point between Auckland and Wellington is generally the most efficient way to visit the North Island.
If you have any questions about this New Zealand North Island itinerary or how to modify it, let us know in the comment section below.
Plan Your Trip to New Zealand
We have TONS more information about New Zealand in our New Zealand Travel Guide, including Auckland, Queenstown, Wanaka, Aoraki/Mount Cook, Franz Josef, Christchurch, Wellington, Taupล, and the Milford Sound.
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