NZ North Island Itinerary – 8 Wonderful Road Trip Stops

The Ultimate NZ North Island Itinerary

This NZ North Island itinerary highlights some of the best things you can do in this enchanting country. If you are planning an NZ North Island road trip, you are in the right place. New Zealand has one of the world’s lowest population in the world and bursts with vibrancy and raw beauty at every turn. Many people visit New Zealand to go to the South Island, but we believe that the North Island is spectacular too.

There are so many wonderful things to do on the North Island, it’s full of geothermal wonders, crazy cities, different landscapes and sensational national parks. The North Island may be smaller than the South, but it is home to the majority of New Zealand’s population and you can enjoy the country throughout the years. We have a New Zealand South Island Itinerary too. We love the country, can you tell?

If you have heard that New Zealand is an expensive country, then you have heard correctly. But do not let this deter you from visiting. If you have been saving up for months to do the adventure activities, then you will be in for a treat. And if not, you’ll still be in for a treat – because New Zealand has so many natural wonders to enjoy –you can certainly see the best of the North Island on a budget. 

How to get to the North Island

As New Zealand is so remote, the most convenient away to arrive is by air. The main airport on the North Island is Auckland International Airport. It is serviced by Air New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines amongst others. You can also fly into Wellington but there will not be as many direct flights. 

From Auckland Airport to the city, you can catch an Uber or get the SkyBus (the cheaper option). Alternatively, if you want to begin your road trip right away, you should pick up your vehicle directly from the airport!

How to get around for your NZ North Island Road Trip

There are several options to get around on your NZ north island itinerary. A good idea is to think about how you like to travel, who you are planning on travelling with or if you are going solo and how much money you have. Luckily, New Zealand is an easy country to travel around. Here are some of the options:

The Kiwi Experience Bus: a perfect option for those who cannot drive, who don’t want to move or are travelling solo. It is the biggest and most popular bus for backpackers in New Zealand. It is good to know that these buses seat 55 people, so are quite large and have a party reputation.

Stray Travel: similar to the Kiwi Experience, but they have smaller buses. This would suit a more mature or older traveller, someone that doesn’t want to play games or drink a lot. 

Car or Campervan:

The most popular way to get around is to hire your own vehicle due to the flexibility and camping options it offers. Prices can be expensive though, depending on whether you are making a round trip or you want to drop the vehicle off at a different location. The price will also depend on how far in advance you book and whether or not you’re going in peak season. 

If you have a toilet onboard your campervan, you will still be able to find lots of places to camp for free. However, if you don’t or you have a tent, it is a good idea to stay at the Department of Conservation Campsites. Some are free, and others cost up to $15. There are also plenty of holiday parks, which have a lot more facilities. We stayed in a mixture. 

Hitchhiking:

Hitchhiking is one of the main ways to get around New Zealand and is known to be safe and easy. This is a great option if you’re a solo traveller looking to save money or if you are in a pair. Any more than 2 people may struggle though. We actually picked up some Swiss twins who were hitchhiking and they told us the longest they waited for a ride was 15-minutes. 

New Zealand North Island Map

When is the best time to go to the North Island New Zealand?

The best time to go on an NZ North Island road trip depends on your budget and what you want to see and do. The summer months of December to February are the hottest, busiest and consequently, most expensive months. The options for those looking for something more affordable are to travel in the shoulder season, from September and October and March and April. However, no matter when you visit, you should prepare for different types of weather.  

Why not time your visit to coincide with a festival?

Pasifika Festival: in summer, Auckland hosts the biggest Polynesian party to celebrate the Pacific Islands’ culture. Expect to find food, fun and live music. 

Wellington Summer City: this is a 3-month long festival from Jan-March where you can expect to find concerts, dances and cultural attractions (over 100 events). 

Planning your NZ North Island Road Trip

A common question about the NZ North Island itinerary is what route should I take? You will find many guides suggesting different routes. The route we have planned is perfect if you are doing a return trip to Auckland. However, it is definitely possible to follow this itinerary starting from other spots, including Wellington. 

If you are getting the ferry to the South Island, you can follow this guide until Wellington and then begin again when you depart the South Island back to Auckland. 

Travel Tips and Things to Know for an epic NZ North Island Itinerary

• Download CamperMate (free) or Wiki Camps NZ to find.
• Download an offline map. For example Maps.Me or Google Maps. For other useful travel apps, read our Top 10 Travel Apps Guide.
• Currency NZD ($) – have some cash ready for campsites.
• You will need a visa but many countries can visit visa-free, including the UK, US and most countries in the EU. You should still get an NZeTa and you can get this online for $12 or download the app and it costs $9. 
• Use BookMe to book your tickets for any tours you want to do and in the summer season, book in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Ultimate North Island Road Trip Itinerary

These are our suggested stops for a round trip from Auckland to Auckland. Remember, if you are going to the South Island via ferry, you will want to leave after Wellington! 

There are so many exciting things to do on a New Zealand North Island Itinerary so let’s dive in for our top 8 places that you simply cannot miss on your NZ North Island itinerary. Use this as a New Zealand road trip planner and we promise you will not be disappointed. 

The Top 8 places for your NZ North Island Itinerary

Auckland

Suggested Stay: 2-3 days

It’s a good idea to start your NZ north trip road trip to Auckland, New Zealand’s biggest city. It is located by the sea and is known as the ‘city of sails’. The surrounding scenery of Auckland city is serene and there is a lively atmosphere in the centre. You cannot miss Auckland on your New Zealand road trip.

The best things to do in Auckland:

• Auckland Museum – to educate yourself about Maori history.
• Wynyard Quarter –  to explore the waterfront district.
• Sky Tower (the tallest structure in the Southern Hemisphere) – you can jump off this 328m tall building.
• Auckland Art Gallery (free).
• Waiheke Island – 40-minutes ferry from the city (a great day trip).
• Climb Mount Eden.
• Queen’s Street.
• One Tree Hill.
• Devonport – a 12-minute ferry from the CBD.

Please read our 3 days in Auckland Guide and our Free Things to do in Auckland Guide for more detail about what to do for your Auckland itinerary – whatever your budget.

Do you have more time?

You can road trip Northland NZ  and the Bay of Islands before going to the next stop. The best things to see and do:

• Cape Regina – dunes, lighthouse, 90-mile beach.
• Paihia and Kerikeri – kayaking, dolphin and discovery cruise, Rainbow Falls (88m high waterfall). 
• Waipoua Forest- to see the oldest tree in New Zealand.

The Coromandel Peninsula

Suggested Stay: 2 days

Distance and time from Auckland: 169km – 2 hr 20-minutes

2 hours from Auckland, you will find the breathtaking Coromandel Peninsula. It has a sub-tropical climate and is a lovely place to relax and enjoy New Zealand’s beaches and coastline.

The best things to see and do in the Coromandel:

• Hot Water Beach – to dig your thermal bath (visit two hours on either side of low tide).
• Hike or kayak to Cathedral Cove (a marine reserve)
• Waiau Falls and Kauri Grove Walk
• Kuaotunu Beach – a great base to explore all the above.
• Karangahake Gorge – to enjoy the walking trails and explore an old mining town.

Rotorua

Suggested Stay: 1-2 days

Distance and time from the Coromandel Peninsula: 208km – 2 hours 50-minutes

There are so many exciting things to do in Rotorua, which sits on the Ring of Fire. Some of the best things to put on your Rotorua itinerary to do include:

• Kurisu Park 
• Te Puia
• Hobbiton – book your ticket in advance (we booked 3- weeks in advance) so you don’t miss out. Whether you’re a huge Lord of The Rings fan or not – this experience is incredible. Make sure you get a beer at the Green Dragon Inn.
• Craters of the Moon
• Skyline Rotorua – luge, gondola, and ziplines.
• Maori Village – immersive cultural experience.
• Wai-O-Tapu Geothermal Pools – a colourful volcanic area/

Taupo

Suggested Stay: 1- 2 days 

Distance and time from Rotorua: 80km – 55-minutes

Lake Taupo is the largest lake in New Zealand at 616sqkm – it’s as big as Singapore for scale. The lake is impressive and one of the most thrilling characteristics is Huka Falls, which is 1km from the lake. You will see 220,000 litres of water cascade over the 11m waterfall every second – it is truly spectacular and is next to the car park. If you walk down the trail from Huka Falls, you will reach the thermal springs, which show the peacefulness and serenity of the lake and is a great place to relax before a day hike. It is a 3-hour return trip and you follow the Waikato River.

Did you know that you can see Maori Rock Carvings in Lake Taupo? You can go on a tour to see them at the lake. Several companies offer this and you should look out for the Ngatoroirangi carvings – 14km above the waters. 

Also, there are lots of adventure activities you can opt to do (if you’re seeking a thrill) and these include:

• HukaFalls Jet Boats
• Taupo Bungy Jump – 47m above the Waikato River

Tongariro National Park

Suggested Stay: one full day hike

Distance and time from Taupo: 75km – 1 hour

Tongariro is the oldest national park in the country and covers 80,000 hectares. There is no denying that the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (19.5km) is one of the world’s best day hikes you can go on in the world. Expect to see emerald lakes, craters, steaming vents and Mount Ngauruhoe, otherwise known as Mount Doom. The walk is free to do, but you will need to use a shuttle service or tour operator to reach the strat because it is a one-way hike. We booked ours with Tongariro Expeditions and it costs $35. 

A good tip for this part of your NZ North Island itinerary is to remember to check the volcanic activity and the weather in the area before you go and be prepared. 

There is also the option to go on multi-day hikes, including the 4-day trail – the Northern Circuit and the 6-day trail – The Mountain Track. The national park has New Zealand’s highest cafe ‘Knoll Ridge’ and has excellent ski areas, such as Ruapehu if you visit in winter. 

Wellington

Suggested Stay: 2 days

Distance and time from Tongariro National Park: 327km – 4-hours

There are many exciting things to do in Wellington, the windy capital city of New Zealand. It is the core of culture, art and history and should be high on your NZ North Island itinerary. 

The best things to do:

• Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (free to visit).
• Cuba Street – for bars, cafes and restaurants (visit Hannah’s Laneway).
• From the CBD, you can take a ride on Wellington’s Cable Car to reach the Wellington Botanic Gardens. 
• On Sunday mornings, visit the Harbourside Market.
• Mount Victoria Lookout (1-hour hike or a 15-minute drive from the city).

Mt Taranaki

Suggested Stay: 1 day

Distance and time from Wellington: 33km – 4 hours-20-minutes

Mt Taranaki is one of the most beautiful sights on your North Island itinerary. Unfortunately for us, the weather was not on our side. However, you will hopefully have better luck. The dormant volcano is perfectly symmetrical and is well worth a trip to see it, especially if you love photography. It last erupted in 1775 and is over 120,000 years old.

You can view it from Pouakai Tarn, which is a small lake that reflects Mt Taranaki splendidly on a clear day. You can hike here on the 25km Poukai Circuit or take the easier 5km one way, Mangorei Track. 

Waitomo

Suggested Stay: 1 day

Distance and time from Mt Taranaki: 212km – 2-hours-50-minutes

The most popular activity in Waitomo is a visit to the Glowworm Caves. These caves have a large population of Arachocampa Luminosa, which is a Glowworm species you can only find in New Zealand. The caves are 30-million years old and your visit will include learning about their history and enjoying the sight of the bioluminescent worms. 

You can go on the following tours:

• A boat ride through the caves (45-minutes).
• A guided walk to the Aranui Cave or the Ruakuri Cave.
• Black Water Rafting – abseil, zipline, tubing. 

If you don’t fancy the caves and still want to experience the area, we recommend following the road from the caves to find other natural wonders. Including Mangapohue Natural Bridge and Marokopa Falls, which are well-signposted and worth a stop on your NZ North Island itinerary if you are in the area. 

– Head back to Auckland –

Distance from Waitomo: 206km with a 2- hours-30-minutes driving time.

Final Comments on the NZ North Island itinerary

In short, if you follow this NZ North Island itinerary, you will have an epic trip. New Zealand has a reputation it deserves – adventure, beauty and culture, and the North Island New Zealand has it all. You know by now that there are so many exciting things you can see and do on one island. Hopefully, you now feel inspired to visit or return to the North Island. 

Have you ever visited NZ? What is your favourite place? Let us know in the comments. Are you visiting New Zealand on a longer trip? There is nothing like a New Zealand road trip. Be sure to check out our other New Zealand travel guides below for more help planning an awesome NZ North Island itinerary and some inspiration to visit:

New Zealand Itinerary 4 Weeks – One Amazing Month

Things to do in Auckland, New Zealand – 10 Free Ideas

Auckland New Zealand – The Complete 3 Day Guide

Visit New Zealand – 10 reasons to go

New Zealand on a budget – 10 Tips to Travel Cheaply

New Zealand South Island Itinerary

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Photo credit: averagelives.com and unsplash

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