where to visit new zealand north island

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25 BEST things to do in North Island (New Zealand)

Last updated on November 10, 2023 by Claire Robinson - this article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I get a small commission ( more )

Wondering where to go on your New Zealand itinerary?  Below is my selection of the 25 best things to do in New Zealand North island: best attractions, best views, best walks, best activities… All the must-see (in my opinion) with pictures to help you decide if you want to visit them.

Top 10 things to do in New Zealand North Island

Let’s start with my absolute top 10 favorites 

1. Admire Mt Taranaki – best view in NZ North island

• Why visit – You are going to see the picture above in many of my articles. I fell in love with Mt Taranaki and particularly this view. It combines the lush vegetation typical of New Zealand, a small lake and the snow-capped perfectly shaped volcanic cone – a postcard shot of North Island! I think I will print a puzzle out of it 🙂
• Location – West coast, Mt Taranaki rises near New Plymouth Rotorua to New Plymouth = 4h Auckland to New Plymouth = 4h40 This photo was taken at Lake Mangamahoe, 15min drive from New Plymouth
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access 30min to a couple of hours Easy access to the park – short walk uphill to the viewpoint
• Tips – Best at sunrise (but the park opens only at 7am) You can take pictures from the lake shore, or climb to the viewpoint from the small dam
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in New Plymouth

2. Be mesmerized by the colors of the Blue Spring

• Why visit – That was a fantastic surprise. I was not sure what to expect but I loved it. The place is mesmerizing: the colors, the movements, the clarity of the water… The water is so pure it supplies a lot of New Zealand bottled water. The natural filtering system happens over 50 to 100 years through the Mamaku plateau. There is a short and a longer walk along the spring and river See more photos
• Location – East of Rotorua Rotorua to Blue Spring = 30min drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  For the short walk, plan 1h return Free access – easy walking path but no shade
• Tips – Try visiting when the sun is shining so that colors are more intense and the water more sparkling 🙂
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Rotorua

3. Admire the geothermal paintings of the Earth

• Why visit – There are many geothermal valleys to visit around Taupo and Rotorua ( see my guide ). Orakei Korako was my absolute favorite and yet it is one of the least visited (because not right next door to Rotorua). I thing the silica terrace magnificent with so many intense colors. Plus the whole walk takes you to forest and to viewing platforms offering different viewpoints of the geothermal features. I could have stayed all day!
• Location – North of Taupo Taupo to Orakei = 30min drive Rotorua to Orakei = 55min drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Entrance for a fee – Small boat to cross the lake and reach the walking path Plan 1h30 to complete the loop but longer if you are as fascinated as I am well maintained path but 885 stairs (total up and down).  If you have knee problems, you can still do the terrace at the bottom which is fascinating More photos on my Orakei Korako article
• Tips – Take your time, look at the shades of colors, wait for the small geyser to spit, imagine shapes… and don’t miss the geothermal cave (a rare feature). Plus when you walk through the forest, listen for the birds. I find it incredible this co-living of geothermal activity and flora/fauna. You can pre-purchase your entrance ticket in your currency here
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Taupo

4. Admire Castlepoint from every angle

• Why visit – Castlepoint is a a detour off the main road so not many people take the time to visit, but it was one of my favorite coastal places in New Zealand. The cliffs have fascinating shapes creating a lagoon. Plus you can climb on both side: the lighthouse or the “castle” for amazing views of the beaches Find out more in my article about the Castle point scenic reserve
• Location – East coast, North of Wellington Wellington to Castlepoint = 2h30 drive Napier to Castlepoint = 3h45 drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access Plan to spend a night there to see the sunrise
• Tips – Be careful the place gets a lot of wind I recommend both walks: the climb to the lighthouse and the climb on the other side near the “castle” (200 stairs)
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the accommodations in Castlepoint

5. Hike in Tongariro

• Why visit – Tongariro is one of the most beautiful parks in New Zealand. It is an active volcanic area. There is a large choice of small walks and long hikes. The most famous is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing that takes all day. For a good walk with no technical difficulties, you can consider the Taranaki falls walk (2h) with great views of the volcanoes
• Location –  Around the village of Whakapapa, South of Lake Taupo Taupo to Whakapapa = 1h15 drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access Plan 2h to several days depending on your hiking wishes
• Tips – Even if you can’t walk, you can drive to Whakapapa village and continue above on the side of Mt Ruapehu for stunning views of the area
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Whakapapa

6. Go North to Cap Reinga – best things to do in upper north island

• Why visit – Cape Reinga is one of the most famous locations in NZ North island. It is the most Northern area of New Zealand.  It offers a mix of volcanic rocks and sand dunes. Plus from the charming lighthouse, you can see where the Tasman sea and the Pacific ocean meet.  See the things to do around Cape Reinga
• Location – North end of the island Kaitaia is the town at the base of the peninsula Kaitaia to Cape Reinga = 1h drive Paihia (Bay of islands) to Cape Reinga = 3h drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access – 2 carparks Plan 1h to enjoy the walk to the lighthouse The walking path is paved and well maintained (downhill on the way to the lighthouse)
• Tips – Check out the different signs about the nature and the culture of the area. You will be able to notice a lot of things and take in the spirituality of the place. If you love hiking, there are many options in the area
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Kaitaia

Need to rent a car in New Zealand ?

• Compare prices on my favorite platform:   Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
• Prefer a car with enough power for the mountain areas
• Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind! 
• Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!

See all my tips

7. Walk inside a natural cathedral at Cathedral Cove

• Why visit – Probably one of the most famous beaches in New Zealand It offers a giant archway that feels like a Cathedral More photos and info on my Cathedral Cove article
• Location – Coromandel peninsula, East Coast, near the town of Hahei North of Tauranga Hamilton to Cathedral Cove = 2h20 drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Accessible at low tide Free access – Plan 2h Parking is not open anymore (Shuttle from Hahei or 30min extra walk from Hahei)
• Tips – Go before low tide to have plenty of time to explore Pay attention to the forest and look for the birds
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Hahei

8. Be disgusted and fascinated by glowworms at Waitomo

• Why visit – I love caves a lot. Waitomo is the most famous cave system in New Zealand. Most people only go to the main cave (with the short boat ride under the glowworms) but there are many more options. You can enjoy stalactites, stalagmites, and the phenomenon of the glowworms which create a star-full-sky-like show when the caves are dark. You will also learn about those animals and how it happens, which will make it less dreamy… LOL
• Location – West of Rotorua, South of Hamilton, Road 3 Rotorua to Waitomo =1h45 drive Auckland to Waitomo = 2h30 drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  All cave entrance for a fee – combined tickets possible Plan 1h for one cave or a full day to do severals All level of difficulties from easy walking to black water rafting
• Tips – My favorite cave is Ruakuri Waitomo is the most famous with the boat ride under the glowworms (but it is extremely crowded and the boat ride is very very short)
• Where to stay nearby – Check out accommodations in Waitomo

9. Don’t drink the champagne pool

• Why visit – This tops 10 best things to do in North Island New Zealand deserves another geothermal feature. It is truly a highlight of this island. My choice is for Champagne pool. You have probably seen it before as it is the most photographed of all. And it deserves it. The shape and color are fascinating! See more pictures
• Location – Wai-o-tapu geothermal valley near Rotorua Rotorua to Wai-o-tapu = 25min drive Taupo to Wai-o-tapu = 40min drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Entrance for a fee Well maintained paths with easy to moderate loops Plan 2 to 3 hours
• Tips – Be amazed by all the crazy colors around the area Don’t miss the nearby Lady Knox geyser (eruption provoked at 10:15 daily)

10. Walk under a natural bridge

• Why visit – Most people visiting Waitomo stop at the caves. However you can keep driving West to a beautiful waterfall and a natural bridge. Both are worth a stop but the Mangapohue natural bridge became one of my favorite places in North Island NZ. The arch is 17m high (56ft) and opened on each side, hence the name “bridge”.
• Location – West of Waitomo (30min drive) – narrow road
• Access / Cost / Time –  25min return walk – easy and well maintained Free access
• Tips – You can also come at night with a flashlight (for the path). Locals have told me that there are glowworms on the roof of the bridge

North Island New Zealand Tourism Map

Want a general idea of where those top 10 attractions in New Zealand North Island are located? Below is my NZ tourism maps with those 10 to help you plan your road trip :

Want more of the best things to do in New Zealand North Island? The complete maps with my selection of the most amazing attractions in New Zealand North island are available in my eBooks:

Plan your dream trip to New Zealand with my guides!

• 12 easy-to-plan maps
• 200+ pre-selected locations
• GPS coordinates 
• Useful planning tips
• 285+ large photos 

• 6 easy-to-plan maps
• 90+ pre-selected locations
• 150+ large photos 

6 Coastal highlights in the North Island of New Zealand 

11. walk on water with the tolaga wharf.

• Why visit – The coast North of Gisborne is filled with beautiful sandy beaches.  At Tolaga bay you can walk on the longest wharf in New Zealand for great views of the cliffs. It is 660m long (2165ft)
• Location – East coast, in Tolaga bay, North of Gisborne Gisborne to Tolaga Bay = 45min drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access – Easy walk Plan 45 min
• Tips – Don’t only walk on the wharf. Also get under it for great perspectives Plus don’t miss the Cook cove walk nearby (see #20 in this article)
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Gisborne

12. Watch sunrise at Gisborne

• Why visit – Gisborne is known as the first city where the sun rises each day (Not the first point, but the first official city). So let’s get up early and appreciate the start of a new day!
• Location – East Coast Napier to Gisborne = 3h drive Rotorua to Gisborne = 4h drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access – Spend a night in Gisborne to enjoy the sunrise Easy access to the beach. walkable city
• Tips – The main Gisborne beach is quite long. It is a great place for a morning walk.

13. Climb a crazy staircase at Cape Palliser

• Why visit – Cape Palliser is located on the Wild South East coast of North Island – Hills roll unto black sand beaches and turquoise water. The colors in the area are stunning and by climbing to the lighthouse you will get wonderful perspectives. Read my article
• Location – South coast, east of Wellington Wellington to Cape Palliser = 1h40
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access Last 3km are a gravel road – 252 stairs to the lighthouse’s viewpoint
• Tips –  Don’t miss the seals on the rocks by the water
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Martinborough

14. Sail in the Bay of Islands

• Why visit – The Bay of Islands is one of the most famous destinations in New Zealand North Island. Golden beaches, crystal waters, dolphins, seals and many many islands to explore… I even saw a penguin swimming!
• Location – North East Coast – main city Paihia Auckland to Paihia = 3h drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Cost of a boat tour in the bay of islands Plan at least half a day
• Tips – See the many options to cruise around the bay of islands
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Paihia

15. Soak in Hot Water

• Why visit – Who needs a spa when you can dig in a beach, and build your own castle filled with really hot water. This is a fun experience to have, especially if you run after in the cold ocean 
• Location   Coromandel peninsula, East coast Hamilton to Hot water beach = 2h15 drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Short walk to reach the area where the water is hot Free access, you can rent spades Plan 2h to dig and enjoy
• Tips – Combine hot water beach with Cathedral cove. Nice place for sunrise It is quite long to dig, so suggest to team up with other people
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the accommodations in Hot Water Beach

16. Watch the lion at Piha Beach

• Why visit – Piha is one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. It is a long and deep stretch of black sand with steep cliffs. In the middle stand proudly the lion rock. There are many areas to explore on the beach and you can also get up on the cliffs for impressive views.
• Location – West coast, West of Auckland Auckland to Piha = 45min drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access. Large beach, plan at least 2h, but I recommend half a day with sunset
• Tips – Visit at low tide to walk in the canyon formed with Taitomo island Walk up to the Tasman viewpoint where you can clearly see the lion shape of the middle rock
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the accommodations in Piha

Where to stay in New Zealand ?

My favorites on North Iceland:

• In Auckland, to explore the vibrant city –  see best rated accommodations
• In Rotorua, to visit the geothermal parks –  see best rated accommodations
• In Wellington, to feel the vibe of the capital city –  see best rated accommodations
• In New Plymouth, to admire Mount Taranaki –  see best rated accommodations

My favorites on South Island:

• In Kaikoura, for dolphins and whales –  see best rated accommodations
• In Queenstown, for the mountains –  see best rated accommodations
• In Dunedin, to explore the Catlins –  see best rated accommodations
• In Lake Tekapo, to admire Lake Pukaki, Mount cook and the Dark Sky –  see accommodations

4 Best places to visit in New Zealand North Island – short walks 

17. putangirua pinnacles.

• Why visit – The Putangirua Pinnacles are an impressive geological features. It is not as colorful as I would have loved but their size is impressive. You can walk right in the river bed to be surrounded by those giants And if you are a fan of Lord of the Ring… See more photos
• Location – South coast, East of Wellington Wellington to Pinnacle carpark = 1h40
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access but difficult walk in the river bed (without shade) Plan 2h via river bed only or 3h if doing the loop with the lookout
• Tips – Wear hiking boot and bring walking poles

18. Get to the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls

• Why visit – What a charming water waterfall! Bridal Veil falls is often a favorite for NZ visitors. I think what makes it great is that there are viewing platforms at all levels: right above, at the top on the side, at middle level and at the bottom. You can admire it from so many angles! See more photos
• Location – Near Raglan, West coast Rotorua to Bridal Veil Falls = 2h20 drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access – well maintain path – Plan 45min to see all the platforms 261 stairs to the bottom (to climb back up after) Or if the staircase is too much for you, you can only see it from the top platform (as per the photo above)
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Raglan

19. Explore the Kauri Forest

• Why visit – I love trees. Do you? If you are like me, make the detour to the North West coast of New Zealand North island. This is where you will find a forest of Kauri trees. The largest is Tane Mahuta. It is estimated to be 1250 to 2500 years old. And it is 51,5m (1690ft) high with a trunk girth of 13,8m (453ft). Benches have been set up for you to take a moment and admire it.
• Location – North west coast, South of Hokianga harbour Paihia to Tane Mahuta = 1h35 drive Whangarei to Tane Mahuta = 1h45 drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access 10min return walk to Tane Mahuta Or longer walks through the forest
• Tips – Don’t hesitate to ask questions to the keepers. They are maoris and can tell you all about the culture around those trees.
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the accommodations in Opononi

20. Walk to Cooks Cove

• Why visit – The rugged coastline, the scenery… I think the photo is self-explanatory
• Location – The Cooks Cove Walkway is located East coast, in Tolaga bay, North of Gisborne Gisborne to Tolaga Bay = 45min drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access 1h return for the lookout – Plan half a day for a walk to the cove and return (2h30 return walk)
• Tips – You don’t have to do the complete walk. You can stop at the viewing platform at 120m above sea level

And keep track of your own trip!

3 Fun activities in North Island New Zealand

21. sandboard on giant sand dunes at te paki.

• Why visit – The beautiful sand dunes reach 100m in height (328ft) right by the ocean. With the red river at the bottom and the greenery all around, the contrasts are spectaculars. And who does not like sandboarding?
• Location – Northern peninsula, just South of Cape Reinga Kaitaia to Te Paki sand dunes – 1h25 drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  The last 3.5km are a gravel road Free access – you can rent sandboard You can admire them from the bottom or cross the river and climb them
• Tips – Make sure to bring plenty of water. Climbing sand dunes is exhausting and there is no shade

22. Admire geyser at Te Puia

• Why visit – The powerful jet of the Pohutu geyser can reach 30m (98ft) and it is regular with eruptions once or twice per hour. Plus the terrace under it looks like another planet!
• Location – In Rotorua, center of North Island Auckland to Rotorua = 3h drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Entrance for a fee Plan 1h if only enjoying the lower part with the geyser, Plan 2h for the complete tour, and longer if watching a Maori show Easy path to the geyser – loose gravel and slopes for the rest of the walk
• Pre-purchase your entrance ticket in your currency here
• Tips – Try going early morning to avoid the crowds. It is a popular place

23. Get wet in Rere Falls and slide on Rere Slide

• Why visit – This place is so much fun. I really enjoyed it. Especially with with the sun making the falls sparkle. The falls are 20m wide and 10m high. And there is a small slope at the bottom. People enjoy climbing it to take a natural shower 
• Location – Inland from Gisborne (East coast) Gisborne to Rere falls = 45min drive (and a beautiful drive!)
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free access 10min to  half a day depending how much you want to stay and have fun
• Tips – And drive a little further on the road to reach the 60m long natural rock water slide! (but bring a boogie board or an inflatable mattress)

I don’t drink coffee

But I also like other drinks and sweets! Do you like the free content you find on my blog? All my tips and practical information, without intrusive advertising…

What to do in New Zealand North Island – 2 other suggestions

24. te papa museum.

• Why visit – I am not much of a museum person, but the Te Papa in Wellington is worth a visit.
• Location – Wellington, South coast
• Access / Cost / Time –  Free entry – Plan 1h to several days LOL The whole exhibit on the Maori culture is worth some time
• Tips –  Don’t miss the rooftop terrace with views of the city
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Wellington

25. White Kiwi at Pukaha Wildlife centre

• Why visit – There are several wildlife center worth visiting in New Zealand This one is not the best in terms of freedom of animals but this is a great place to learn about the NZ birds. The team is great. And you can see a white Kiwi bird which is rare (no, it is not albino)
• Location – It is a great place to cut the drive to or from Wellington  Wellington to Puhaka = 1h45 drive
• Access / Cost / Time –  Entrance for a fee Plan at least 1h30 Easy walk around
• Tips – Don’t miss the explanation by a volunteer about the Kiwis!
• Where to stay nearby – Check out the best rated accommodations in Masterton

Planning a North Island New Zealand Road Trip itinerary

Must-see new zealand south island destinations.

When planning your trip I think the unmissable destinations / regions are : The Rotorua geothermal wonderlands, Cape Reinga and the sand dunes, Waitomo and its glowworms, Tongariro National Park and Mt Taranaki. But I have been blown away everywhere, so it is really difficult to tell you where not to go…

Planning your NZ North Island road trip

Tips to consider when planning your Road Trip itinerary around North Island NZ:

• The roads in North island are very sinuous (a lot more than South island) – driving times are thus longer
• For beaches, the Northern area with Paihia and all the bays is the best
• Although if you want black sand beaches, you have to head West of Auckland
• For geothermal activities head to RotoruaFor hiking, Tongariro and Taranaki are wonderful
• You can have a look at my suggested itineraries around North Island
• and check out my eBooks with practical maps to help you plan your NZ road trip:

Things to do in New Zealand South Island – Intro

North island also has a lot off amazing things to do with volcanoes, geothermal wonderlands and coastal landscapes. You can check out my Top 25 .

And if you are limited time and need to choose between North and South island, you can also read my comparison article to help you decide.

Want to see more of New Zealand?

• New Zealand North Island vs South Island – read article
• New Zealand in 50 photos – read article
• 20 Best waterfalls in New Zealand – read article
• 15 most beautiful beaches in New Zealand – read article
• New Zealand hidden gems – read article
• How to plan a New Zealand road trip – read article
• New Zealand 2 week itinerary – read article

Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?

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BEST THINGS TO DO IN NEW ZELAND SOUTH ISLAND

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The Ultimate New Zealand North Island Itinerary | Trip Highlights & Travel Tips

Kia Ora and welcome to Aotearoa!  If you’re looking for a New Zealand North Island Itinerary and travel guide, then you’ve definitely come to the right place!  

Now when I have a desire to travel to New Zealand, I always find myself with a dilemma which bugs me every time…which island should I go to?   Should I head to the South Island for the wintery slopes of the Southern Alps, or should I bask in the sun of the Bay of Islands?   Personally, I typically lean towards the South Island and having been there countless times has me thinking about the myriad of things that can be seen and explored on New Zealand’s North Island.

Sunset in the Bay of Islands

SO before you book those tickets to the popular and mountainous Queenstown, why not consider diverting to Wellington or Auckland to kick off your New Zealand adventure? With the might of Tongariro National Parks active volcanoes to Raglan’s famous surf breaks to the stunning coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, the North Island dramatic landscapes, climate, and culture show why this place just has to be on your list!  

I’ve put together this North Island travel guide, and it’ll go over the most popular destinations, give accommodation recommendations, and will answer pretty much all the questions you have about traveling in this undeniably scenic region of the world.  All I know is that the  North Island certainly is a must, and will absolutely blow your mind! 

Also, be sure to check out my article, “ Top 15 Music Festivals in New Zealand To Experience Before You Die ” to see if there are any epic parties during your dates!

How to get around the North Island of New Zealand 

Having traveled around New Zealand by rental car and bus –  I think both have their pros and cons, but in the end of the day, hiring a car or campervan is the best option! 

A car simply allows so much better access to those destinations that are off the beaten path, and places that a bus tour will not take you. As well, b us travel in New Zealand tends to take a lot longer between tourist destinations. For example; a bus trip from Queenstown to Franz Josef on the South Island will take 7 to 8 hours, while a car trip will take 4.5 hours. 

One of the more popular travel options in New Zealand is renting campervans, and embracing the #VanLife lifestyle! It’s an adventure on it’s own, will save heaps of money, and will provide tons of freedom for the longer trips!  Check out this article, “ The ultimate guide to travel by campervan in New Zealand ” for some more information on the subject.  It’ll go over pretty much everything you need.  

It’s actually a dream trip of mine to live in a campervan and drive around New Zealand for 3-6 months! 

New Zealand also has a great option of airports and carriers so flying is also an option (for shorter trips), but can actually be expensive to fly between cities and regional areas.   

Where Should I Start My N orth Island New Zealand Road Trip…?

Depends on where your flight comes in from and that generally will Auckland or Wellington. Personally, I would start and finish in Wellington and go something like this;

New Zealand Itinerary & Route Suggestions

Wellington – New Plymouth – Waitomo – Raglan – Auckland – Waiheke Island – Bay of Islands – Cape Reinga – Coromandel Peninsula – Tauranga – Rotorua – Tongariro National Park – Taupo – Hawke’s Bay – Wellington

To see all of these destinations would take one month and to see in-depth allow 2 months. If you’ve got limited time, take a read through the places to 

Places to Visit in New Zealand North Island

There really are some truly stunning places packed into a relatively small island, and it’s guaranteed to be a trip you’ll never forget!

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is pretty much the starting tip of New Zealand, so what better way to start off this epic North Island adventure than by standing on the edge of the country, literally! 

At the very tip of the North Island is New Zealand’s 2 nd most northerly point (kind of a trick) where the waters of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean combine to create a spectacle of blue hues. Getting to the edge of Cape Reinga and to the base of Cape Reinga Lighthouse is simple and very beautiful with a short downhill walk from the nearby carpark. 

Sunrises and sunsets from Cape Reinga are exceptional even if it means getting up in the early hours of the morning, it will be worth it.

Ninety Mile Beach 

The name says it all, Ninety Mile Beach except the fact that it’s not quite 90 miles long. So long as you know what you are doing, driving along Ninety Mile Beach is allowed just make sure that you are abiding by the Department of Conservations laws.  

Further north of Ninety Mile Beach is Te Paki Recreation Reserve, an area dominated by towering sand dunes. Clambering to the top takes 10 to 15 minutes but the way down is a whole lot quicker and if you have a body board handy, you’ll be breaking speed records in no time.

Best Stay : Ninety Mile Beach is all about camping and the best spots are located at Tapotuputo Bay and Rarawa Beach . Camping is $10 NZD per person and needs to be paid to the Department of Conservation.

Bay of Islands 

The South Island has the stunning Abel Tasman National Park, but the North Island has the Bay of Islands, a piece of paradise only a few hours’ drive north of Auckland. 

With 150 islands scattered around the bay, kayaking, sailing and seafood as never looked so good! Just to see everything in the Bay of Islands requires at least 1 week so the best starting point is Paihia, a cruisy coastal town centre to the surrounding islands. 

Paihia is the gateway to the rest of the islands including that of Russell, formerly the capital of New Zealand. Russell is one of the more relaxing coastal towns with an old school charm from shore to street. If you fancy checking out Russell, you’ll need to get a water taxi from Paihia which costs a few NZD each way taking about 15 minutes.

For access to islands and those epic remote beaches situated throughout the Bay of Islands, check with the local i-SITE (information centre) for information on tours in the area.

Best Stay : Peppertree Lodge is a chilled out stay with rates from $25 for a dorm room located in Paihia. 

Auckland is quite a unique place given the fact it almost surrounded by water of the Hauraki Gulf, Waitemata Harbour and the Manakua Harbour to the south and in the middle of it all, an ancient volcano known as Mount Eden or Maungawhau.

While I have never been a fan of Auckland but once you dig beneath the surface, there are some pretty awesome things you can do while in New Zealand’s biggest city.

Here’s my Top 5 Things to do in Auckland:

• Enjoy sunset from Mount Eden or One Tree Hill.  Rising 182 meters above Auckland is a dormant volcano which sounds pretty scary considering it is near the center of the city but don’t worry, scientists predicted it will only erupt once and that happened some 600 years ago. Getting to the top is simple with a walking track looping around the ancient volcano. 
• Stroll along Waitemata Harbour. Auckland has a lot of wharfs given its seaside position and if you have a moment during your North Island visit, the night is the best time to take a stroll along the harbor as most of the wharfs are decorated with lights especially Princes Wharf. 
• Having a brew in Vulcan Lane. Sorry but New Zealand has the best beer in the world hands down so why not head to Vulcan Lane to try some of the finest beers this country has to offer? Vulcan Lane is a hip place to spend a Sunday afternoon with an array of modern to historical looking buildings that will provide some sort of concoction to please your taste buds.  My go to beers in New Zealand are Monteith’s, Emerson’s and Harrington’s . Wine from New Zealand is beyond exceptional so check local menu’s in Vulcan Lane to try some fine wine.
• Goat Island Marine Reserve – what’s a trip to Auckland if you aren’t out and about exploring its neighboring suburbs and districts? Goat Island might be the ‘ greatest of all time’ with the North Island’s finest array of fish even the occasional Orca! Goat Island is the perfect day trip out of Auckland so get your snorkels and budgie smugglers on and go for a paddle!
• Rangitoto Island – if Waiheke Island is too chill for you, why not upgrade to a flight around an active volcanic island or if you feel like hiking to ancient lava tubes then head to www.rangitoto.org or www.doc.govt.nz for more information!

Best Stay : Auckland is backpacker central especially near the harbour. Hostels can be jam packed and rowdy in Auckland so it’s best to avoid and go for something like the Kiwi International Hotel with prices starting at $59 NZD a night.

Waiheke Island

If Auckland isn’t your thing, Waiheke Island is only a short boat ride away from the cities harbor. 

Only 35 minutes north-east of the city by boat, Waiheke Island is the place to chill by the beach without the hassle of crowds, cars and the rush of Auckland. Waiheke Island is all water and wine with a fantastic array of beaches to soak in that precious sun or if you prefer to sip wine under the sun, there are some of the finest wines produced awaiting your taste buds. 

Waiheke Island is known for its bliss coastal walks of which weave and wind to secluded beaches, through native forests and you wouldn’t even know that the hustle and bustle of Auckland is a mere peak over the horizon.

Got plenty of time? To get around and see Waiheke Island in all of its glory would require 3 days minimum however in one day, there are so many things to do and see!

Best Stay : Kina Backpackers standard rate is $28 NZD for a decent position on Waiheke Island.

Coromandel Peninsula 

One moment you are zooming along New Zealand’s main highway and the next you find yourself on the Coromandel Peninsula the North Island’s equivalent of the Otago Peninsula. 

The “Coro” as I like to call it is one of the most underrated places on the North Island, maybe even New Zealand with cool coastal towns that coexist with a stunning backdrop of hilly mountains of the Coromandel Range which is home to the spires of The Pinnacles where you can get the best views of the peninsula, you’ll just have to put on your hiking boots and go for an explore!

From the quirky Thames to Coromandel Town on the west coast of the peninsula, sleepy fishing and farming villages are worth stopping by for a coffee or a yarn with the locals and if you get the chance, delve into some of New Zealand’s freshest seafood’s. There are quite a few coastal strolls to do while in Coro Town, so be sure to venture out of the town and check out Coromandel Harbour.

Crossing the peninsula from east to west can be quite nervy but beautiful in parts as the Pacific Ocean becomes visible along with farmland that greets the sea. Whitianga is the perfect summer destination and a popular spot for locals on holidays.   Like most places on The Coromandel, fishing is huge so head to an i-SITE for more information on how you can get out onto the waters of Mercury Bay. 

Best Stay : Tui Lodge is a great little farm stay located just out of Coromandel Town. Pricing’s start from $28 a night to $70 for a private, country style room and if you’re lucky you’ll get to pat a sheep!

Hot Water Beach

Without doubt, the number one destination in the Coromandel for tourists and locals a like. Hot Water Beach is as the name says…a hot water beach. Hot Water Beach is known for producing hot water from underneath its sands where deep fissures seep water into the sand which makes it way to the surface. 

The hot water is best accessed by the use of a shovel and 2 hours each side of low tide. Watch the YouTube video below for a bit more information on this unique tourist hotspot! 

Best Stay : Hot Water Beach has very little choice for sleeping arrangements so a Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park goes reasonably well for prices starting at $18 for a campsite and $30 for a dorm room.

Just make sure you read through this article “ When to Visit Hot Water Beach | A New Zealand Must Do ” before you go! It’ll provide all the information ya need!

Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove might be the most photographed spot in the North Island and for good reasons. Cathedral Cove is a huge natural stone arch tucked away into the corner of the beach all with waterfalls, crashing waves and multicolored sands. 

Getting to Cathedral Cove takes 30 to 45 minutes via foot from a nearby carpark. 

Best Stay : No options at Cathedral Cove so go for your nearest town such as Whitianga or Coromandel Town.

Situated on the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga might be the North Island’s best-kept secret. 

Adding Tauranga to your North Island itinerary is a must do especially if you are out and about exploring the Coromandel Peninsula. Tauranga is a quick 2 hour drive south east of Auckland and oh boy its worth checking out the iconic Bay of Plenty, a myriad of beaches, surf breaks where some of the most relaxed locals in New Zealand live.

Tauranga is the spot to go if you love kayaking, surfing, mountain biking and fine dining!

Just across the bay is Mount Maunganui, known to the locals as ‘the mount’, Mount Maunganui is a suburb of Tauranga to which has an exceptional headland that provides 360 degree views including the Bay of Plenty, the township of Tauranga, Tauranga Harbour and the 70 kilometre long Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park to the west.

Getting to the top of Mount Manganui takes 1 hour in total or if you prefer to walk around the base, 45 minutes is required.

Best Stay : Pacific Coast Lodge & Backpackers rates start from $27 NZD for a dorm room located on Maunganui Road.

Rotorua 

There’s really no other way to put it than this; Rotorua you really, really smell. If you disembark your bus or exit your vehicle, the first thing you’ll notice is a smell wafting through the air and no it’s not rotten eggs in fact its Sulphur being emitted from geothermal vents scattered around the city.

To get an understanding into why locals reside in Rotorua, spend half a day roaming Whakarewarewa Village which is a traditional Maori village perched on the edges of thermal baths. At certain times of the day, a geyser like vent builds up pressure and bursts out a huge amount of water into the sky! 

Entry to the village cost $35 NZD for an adult. 

Rotorua is also the adventure capital of the North Island so put it on your itinerary! The best activities are mountain biking which is said to be better than mountain biking in Queenstown by a long shot with 100 kilometres of trails winding through New Zealand’s finest forests. 

White water rafting is exceptional as you get to plunge off a 7 metre waterfall so hold on tight! There are countless companies running tours on the Kaituna, Rangitaiki and Wairoa Rivers so depending on how hardcore you want your experience to be, choose wisely!

Best Stay : Crash Palace rates start at $22 for a dorm and $65 for a double which is epic value, located on Hinemaru Street.

Hawke’s Bay 

Hawke’s Bay encompasses Napier, Havelock, Hastings and Wairoa to the north . The Hawke’s Bay area is rich is culture, produce and environmentally wise. 

“Award-winning food and wine, outstanding architecture, and warm balmy days surrounded by magnificent landscapes waiting to be explored – Hawke’s Bay is pure paradise.

If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, I’d suggest embarking on the Te Mata Peak for the sunrise!  You’ll be rewarded with some pretty stunning views1

Napier holds the largest population with 60,000 odd kiwis. The town of Napier is a step back in time as most buildings were renovated and rebuilt in 1931 after an earthquake destroyed everything. 

New Zealand’s South Island has the Marlborough wine region , and the North Island has Hawke’s Bay, a literal slice of paradise home to some of the country’s finest wines. Around Hawke’s Bay, there are 25 winery and cellar doors where chardonnay and merlot top the list of the best wines in the region. 

If sipping on a chilled glass of grapes isn’t your thing, Wairoa is home to one of a few Great Walks of New Zealand and that being Lake Waikaremoana, an exceptional 46 kilometre tramp through pristine forests, mountains and wondrous lake views. For more on this track be sure to visit www.doc.govt.nz .  

Best Stay : Napier YHA is the spot to be with rates starting at $26 for a dorm room, located on Marine Parade, right next to the sea.

Waitomo to the naked eye is just a small town located in the middle of a few cow paddocks and craggy rock fields…but to see what Waitomo is all about, you’ll need to venture underground!

To start off your underground cave experience it is best to visit the Waitomo Caves Visitor Centre where information can be sought on all three of the caves available for exploration. 

The first of the 3 caves is Glowworm Cave which holds frequent tours to see the galaxy like array of glowworms dangling from the rocky ceiling above. 

Aranui Cave is the 2 nd cave but don’t expect to see glowworms, instead epic rock formations known as stalactites and stalagmites intrude every corner of this magnificent underground natural feature.

The 3 rd of the 3 caves is Ruakuri Cave and possibly the best of the 3 all with glowworms, waterfalls and trickling underground rivers. Ruakuri Cave is the best place to don the wetsuit and grab a tube to which a guide will take you deep underground to see glowworms from below, it’s truly magic!

If you are not a fan of heading underground, Waitomo offers a series of small hikes such as the Dundle Hill Walk which is privately owned and guided or if you just want to stretch your legs, the Waitomo Walkway is perfect.

Best Stay : Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park has an array of options for sleeping with rates starting at $23 for a campsite to $70 for a cabin. Accommodation is very limited in Waitomo.

When someone mentions New Zealand, the first thought that will pop into your head will most likely be Lord of the Rings.  

The Hobbiton without a doubt is the most famous place in the Lord of the Rings world known as Middle Earth . The set of The Hobbiton still stands today where guided tours can have you visiting the homes of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins to a feast fit for a Hobbit at the Green Dragon Inn. 

Tours start from $84 NZD for a standard 2 hour tour or if you want to include lunch, tours start from $120 NZD which run for 2.5 to 3 hours.

Best Stay : No accommodation, best bet is Rotorua or Hamilton as situated halfway between both cities.

Raglan is known for the best left-hand surf break in New Zealand maybe even the world making it a top destination of for surfers from all over the world but there’s more than just barrels and boards, Raglan is becoming the North Islands cuisine capital for organic food, forest walks including Bridal Veil Falls, an epic 55 metre waterfall!

Raglan is all about garden to plate or sea to plate without extensive food miles (the distance food travels from its origin to plate). Local Emma Galloway from www.mydarlinglemonthyme.com is an advocate for Raglan’s finest produces and has become a local hero for promoting the way food should be grown and consumed. Every second Sunday of the month, Raglan hosts the Raglan Creative Markets a place where you can see what local legend Emma has cooked up from homegrown produce!

Most tourists are ever so keen to pick up a board and head for the most famous of surf breaks but before you even consider dropping in on a wave of proportions, its best to get a lesson or two from a local professional with more mellow waves.

Hiking in Raglan is also a good way of seeing this beautiful region especially if the ocean is just that little bit too cold. Mount Karioi and Mount Pirongia both merge amongst the rugged coastline of Raglan to which a variety of tracks can be taken around these special mountains. Check www.doc.govt.nz   for track updates.

Best Stay : Raglan Backpackers is probably the most chilled backpackers in the country with rates starting from $27 NZD for a dorm.

Wellington is the furthest south you can go on the North Island, and the last stop before a scenic ferry ride across the Cook Strait could drop you off on the South Island.

Wellington is the capital of New Zealand  and home to nearly 200,000 kiwi’s (people not birds). Wellington often gets a bad name from its iconic often cyclonic winds with a multitude of features around the town named after these gales i.e. The Wellington Hurricanes who are a Super Rugby Union team to a Hollywood-like sign showing the name Wellington blowing away in the wind.

I can’t name one person who has visited Wellington for the winds so let’s get to the things they do come here for! Here are my top 5 Wellington experiences:

• Te Papa Museum – is New Zealand’s national museum and possibly one of the best I have ever visited in the world. Te Papa holds insightful information into Aotearoa’s history, nature and landscape. Te Papa has 6 floors to explore and good luck if you can do them all in one hit! 
• Wellington Botanic Gardens via Cable Car – secretly I am a huge fan of botanical gardens and most cities I explore, a botanical garden will be first on the list. Wellington has a unique series of gardens that can be accessed via cable car which is $7 NZD return. Wellington is a very hilly city so a cable car was put in during 1902. The gardens are beautifully manicured with the odd view of the cityscape down below. With 25 acres of gardens, there’s bound to be a spot where you can sit back under a tree and take a nap.
• Mount Victoria Lookout – is the place to go if seeing Wellington in a whole is your thing. The views are good however I challenge you to a better mission…find the location of the iconic Lord of the Rings scene where Frodo and friends hide from the Ring Wraith underneath a pine tree. Mount Victoria was a filming location for the first film.
• Watching the Wellington Hurricanes or All Blacks – Rugby Union is New Zealand’s national sport and rugby in the North Island is huge with teams like the Hamilton Chiefs, Auckland Blues and the mighty Wellington Hurricanes. If you get the opportunity to watch the Wellington Hurricanes or New Zealand All Blacks play while in Wellington, you will get a sense of just how dedicated kiwis are for the sport.
• Harbour Front Chillout Session – are perfect when Wellington hits a warm, wind-free day for drinks, food and good times! Wellington’s Waterfront Walk has some of the best cafes and restaurants in the city and if you get an exceptionally warm and still day, anywhere along the harbor front is the best! 

A hotspot for chilling out is the Whairepo Lagoon,  especially during summer and spring!

Best Stay : Downtown Backpackers are central to most things in Wellington with rates starting at $28 NZD for a dorm.

Tongariro National Park

The South Island has its fair share of mountains, ski fields, and hiking trails but the Tongariro National Park might be the best of them all!

Located roughly halfway between Auckland and Wellington, Tongariro National Park is a must-do on your North Island itinerary. With skiing and snowboarding available in the winter, Mount Ruapehu comes to life with a flurry of locals and international visitors keen to shred the slopes of a dormant volcano.

During the warmer months, Tongariro has a world-class hiking trail spanning some 19.4 kilometers past raging waterfalls, snowcapped peaks, spewing vents of Sulphur and lakes of crystal blue water. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing has cemented itself as the number 1 trek in New Zealand and for some seriously good reasons!

If you are a serious outdoorsy person and love a challenge, set some time aside to do the Tongariro Northern Circuit, a four day, 50 kilometer tramp through the rugged, Mars-like environment. 

If you are considering doing any of the hikes above, check with the local i-SITE in Whakapapa or online at www.doc.govt.nz for updated information. Weather can be notoriously bad in the Tongariro National Park.

Best Stay : Unless you are hiking the Northern Circuit and are using huts, Whakapapa Village is pretty awesome so stay at The Park Hotel Ruapehu which has a spa, cabin style dining area and easy access to Tongariro National Park. Rates start from $115 NZD.

Mount Taranaki 

If you were to put Mount Taranaki and Mount Fuji (Japan) side-by-side could you tell the difference? Well, to be honest, I still get tricked. 

Mount Taranaki might be New Zealand’s most beautiful mountain, with an almost perfect cone shape decorated with native forests and paperwhite snow. On exceptionally clear days, Mount Taranaki’s peak can be witnessed from the Abel Tasman National Park, some 192 kilometers away!

Mount Taranaki is home to many trekking routes to the summit while around its base, a 55 kilometer loop track is available and oh boy its one not to miss on your North Island itinerary. 

The  Mount Taranaki Summit Track  is the list of many tourists list but the mountain is a deceiving one with gale force winds, crevasse’s and scree slopes, before trekking around or climbing Taranaki be sure to check with www.doc.govt.nz on current conditions and forecasts.  

Best Stay : You can stay quite close to Taranaki so go for Camphouse for $38 a night and be situated within the national park!

New Plymouth 

New Plymouth without a doubt has the best backdrop in the North Island as Mount Taranaki ascends high into the clouds.

With a population nearing 55,000, New Plymouth is slowly becoming frequently visited destinations by travellers from all over and those seeking to catch a quality wave along the renowned Surf Highway which navigates through lush farmland and the shores of the north and south Taranaki Bight’s. 

New Plymouth is a very much laid back city given its awesome location so expect lots of good coffee, beer and local produce from surrounding farmlands. 

The highlight of New Plymouth is Pukekura Park, a somewhat Japanese inspired garden with mini waterfalls, native trees and a lot of ducks. On a cloud-free day, Mount Taranaki will show its summit as you stroll around these beautiful gardens.

The Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Park located 1 kilometer offshore of New Plymouth is a haven for fur seals and sea birds. Getting there can be done by boat so check with the local i-SITE for locally run tours and options. 

Best Stay : The YHA Egmont Eco Lodge is choice with rates starting at $29 NZD for a dorm room.

Lake Taupo Area

Last on the list, but certainly not least, Taupo is stunningly situated on the shores of Lake Taupo, which is said to be bigger than the island of Singapore! 

Lake Taupo is a magnet for avid adventures from mountain bikers to white water rafters and being so close to Tongariro National Park, mountains are only a short distance away. Taupo is known for having some of the best waterfalls in the North Island as the Waikato River, New Zealand’s longest river winds its way through the centre of town creating the legendary Huka Falls which can be witnessed from an epic footbridge! As well, it’s a popular destination for skydiving on the North Island!

Taupo has incredible geothermal activity meaning that like Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula; time can be spent bathing in the earth’s natural hot water as a variety of businesses offer such activities. 

However, Taupo isn’t all about waterfalls in fact Maori culture is the centerpiece to why so many people want to visit this area. Only accessible by boat, an intricate Maori Rock Carving reaching 10 metres high can be seen and the best way to do so is with a local company doing awesome things https://www.goexplorenz.com/ . Go Explore NZ is the ultimate way of seeing Taupo, Tongariro and The Lakes area!

After an epic days adventure at the helm of Lake Taupo, there’s no better way than to chill out lakeside with a local brew on the shores of the lake as the sunsets. Hungry? Head to Plateau on Tuwharetoa Street to indulge in locally produced cuisines. 

Best Stay : Plenty of accommodation in Taupo to choose from. Tiki Lodge has great views of the lake and surrounding mountain starting at $27 NZD for a dorm.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary Essential Travel Info

The best sim card for tourists in new zealand.

I always get my SIM card for New Zealand at the airport upon arrival, as all of the shops are right in front of you when leaving the terminal!

Generally, I will go for Vodafone on a prepaid plan. Airports generally have good deals but tend to change on a regular basis so base your decision on how long you will be in the country for then purchase according to that. Pre-paid deals with Vodafone start from around $25 NZD.   Spark is probably just as good as Vodafone with excellent coverage throughout New Zealand and the North Island. Deals start from $25 NZD as well.

Setting up a New Zealand number is super easy if you purchase a SIM card from the airport as staff will do it all for you giving instant access to the internet so you can be connected right from the start!

Is it Safe to Visit New Zealand?

New Zealand is probably the safest country in the world despite recent events in Christchurch that has attempted to tarnish the safety of tourists and locals. Having spent a decent amount of time on both islands, I never endured or encountered any problems either in the city or regional areas. 

The only danger I would say is just to be careful when you’re hiking! Bring plenty of water, don’t hike alone, and make sure to stay on the tracks.  Other than that, New Zealand is completely safe for solo travelers. 

New Zealand Travel Costs

New Zealand and Australia are very similar in costs, meaning most things are generally expensive.  Here’s a rundown of basic items and their costings;

• Accommodation – $30 NZD for a 6 bed share at a local backpackers
• Coffee – $5 NZD for a latte from a café 
• Beer – $6 NZD for a schooner or $9 for a pint 
• Pub Meal – $20 to $30 NZD
• North Island Bus Tour – $599 for 10 days + with www.kiwiexperience.com  
• Car Hire per Day – $15 to $46 NZD per day with 
• Fuel – $1.70 NZD for fuel in a major city like Auckland or Wellington.

Am I Missing Anything from my New Zealand North Island Itinerary

It’s been a couple years since I’ve visited the North Island, so please do reach out to me if you think I need to add any specific destination, hotel, activity, hike, or whatever else you think is important!  I’m actually hoping to move down to New Zealand next year for my Working Holiday Visa (before I no longer can do that because of my age), and will be adding any more relevant information to this travel guide!

After watching this video below, I’m pretty stoked to get back down to New Zealand ASAP! 

Planning a trip to New Zealand & Australia…?

Having spent a decent amout of time in this region of the world, I’d invite you to check out a few of my other articles that could be of some help and inspiration! 

• Traveling the North Island of New Zealand with Kiwi Experience
• Top 10 South Island of New Zealand Highlights with Kiwi Experience
• Top 6 Adventures in New Zealand
• Top 17 Travel Tips for Exploring New Zealand with Kiwi Experience
• 80 Fun, Interesting, and Wierd Facts About Australia
• The Ultimate SYDNEY Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days in Sydney
• The Ultimate MELBOURNE Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days in Melbourne
• The Ultimate PERTH Itinerary | How to Spend 4-7 Days in Perth
• The Ultimate NORTHERN TERRITORY OUTBACK Itinerary
• 14 Words You’ll Start Saying When You Move to Australia
• The Ultimate Guide For Moving To Sydney on a Working Holiday Visa
• Cairns – Sydney: The Ultimate Greyhound Bus Pass Itinerary
• 30 Music Festivals in Australia To Experience Before You

North Island New Zealand Travel Guides & Books

Whether you’re spending two weeks two months in New Zealand  – I’d definitely recommend picking up a guide book or two to assist you while you’re on the road! I’m personally a fan of Lonely Planet, but there are a decent amount of options that would be a great resource while you’re exploring the North Island: 

• Lonely Planet New Zealand (Travel Guide)
• Insight Guides Explore New Zealand (Travel Guide with Free eBook)
• Lonely Planet New Zealand’s North Island (Travel Guide)

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance !! 

Whether you are heading to New Zealand for just a week or embarking on a lengthy trip around both the north and south islands, travel insurance is absolutely essential. 

Getting sick or having items stolen while travelling is rare, but when it does happen, it can be an absolute nightmare. Having insurance (which is essential for visas in some countries) will give you the peace of mind that if anything terrible does happen, you are covered. While people often make the mistake of thinking healthcare is ‘free’ in countries such as New Zealand, as a visitor that is usually not the case. 

I highly recommend HeyMondo due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, their fair pricing, and their handy app which allows you to not only manage any claims within the app, but also access free assistance online so you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while abroad!

So, whether you need a single trip cover or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you travel, and relax during your trip knowing that HeyMondo has your back. Nowadays I would never travel without insurance again, especially after hearing so many (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travellers I’ve met!

Still planning your trip? You can always just get a no commitment travel insurance quote now, so you have an idea of how much extra to budget for your vacation!

Thanks for reading my New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Share this north island itinerary with your travel friends and hobbits.

Great article. New Zealand is a must see destination. Lots of good times.

This blog was a lot more beneficial for me than I could have thought. It is informative and enlightening, as it gives exact and explanatory guidance and direction.

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The 14 Best Things to Do in New Zealand’s North Island

For a small country on the edge of the world, New Zealand punches way above its weight when it comes to beautiful scenery and unforgettable travel experiences. One article on the best things to do around the whole country will simply not do it justice. Instead, this is the list of the most epic locations and experiences New Zealand’s North Island has to offer. 

From stunning beaches and geothermal wonders to award-winning wineries and lively cities, New Zealand’s North Island is sure to keep you busy. This list of must-have experiences will be a great starting point for planning your own unforgettable trip to the North Island of the land of the long white cloud. 

The Best Things to Do in New Zealand’s North Island

Visit cape reinga and ninety mile beach.

Cape Reinga is nearly the most northern point of New Zealand’s North Island. It is a stunning natural attraction where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. It is also a place of cultural significance to the Māori people. According to their legends, the souls of the dead depart this world from the Cape. To respect the sacredness of this location, please refrain from eating or drinking when visiting.

The closest town to Cape Reinga is Kaitaia. The drive from there takes just over an hour. On the way to the Cape, make sure to stop at the famous Ninety Mile Beach. Although it is actually 88 kilometres long, this stretch of sand is perfect for a relaxing walk or a refreshing swim. If you would like to get your heart pumping, why not try bodyboarding down the local sand dunes or surfing.

The easiest way to get to Cape Reinga is by car. If this is not an option, there are coach tours departing from Kaitaia and Paihia that will take you there. These tours also visit the Ninety Mile Beach.

Sail in the Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is an area of natural beauty located on the east coast of the far north of New Zealand’s North Island. The area comprises 144 islands and a handful of small towns. Famous for its beaches and aquatic activities, the Bay of Islands is popular with international visitors and Kiwis alike. This area also has historical significance as this is where the country’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed.  

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the area is by sailing. This way you can explore the many beautiful bays and islets, find secluded picnic locations and spot native birds and marine life. This is without a doubt one of the best experiences in New Zealand’s North Island. With plenty of sailing tours on offer, you don’t need to be an experienced sailor to enjoy this activity.  

Relax at Auckland’s Black Sand Beaches

Volcanic black sand beaches are not unique to New Zealand, but the ones you can discover there are stunning. One of the best places to experience them is in the Waitakere Ranges Regional Park in West Auckland. The area has a few beautiful beaches to choose from, but the most popular options are Piha, Karekare, Muriwai, Bethells and Whatipu.

These beaches are great for both relaxing days out and active pursuits, including surfing and hiking the rugged coastline and nearby native forests. Swimming is possible, but the West Coast is infamous for its treacherous currents, so take extra care if you do decide to go into the water. In general, New Zealand’s east coast beaches are considered a safer option for swimming.

Savour Auckland’s Dining Scene

When it comes to dining, Auckland punches well above its weight. The local restaurant scene brings together quality New Zealand ingredients and international influences, from the Far East to Polynesia. From delicious street food at night markets to innovative fine dining, Auckland offers something for every taste and budget.  

For affordable eats, check out the Auckland Fish Market that is packed with stalls serving up delicious international fare that won’t break the bank. If you are after a high-end experience, check out The Sugar Club or The Grove . There is also plenty in-between, from casual dining with a waterfront view at SOUL to scrumptious Middle Eastern fare at Ima . If you have a few days in Auckland, make sure to try a few different places to experience the best of the Auckland food scene.  

Explore the Wineries of Waiheke

Just a 40-minute ferry ride from central Auckland lies the bohemian Waiheke Island. Despite its geographic proximity to the big smoke, Waiheke feels like it is a world away.  The island is famous for its vineyards, picturesque beaches and rolling hills. It is also home to quirky art galleries, boutique shops and independent cafes and restaurants. 

Waiheke is famous for its award-winning red wines including Merlot, Malbec and Shyrah varieties. There are 30 vineyards on the island, and many of them have tasting rooms and restaurants. Some of these can be reached by bus, but others are more remote, so you will require your own transport to get there. Alternatively, there is a selection of guided tours that include multiple vineyard visits.   

Watch an All Blacks Rugby Match

Rugby is New Zealand’s national sport and an important part of local culture. The All Blacks, the national team, has won many prestigious tournaments, and brings the country’s diverse communities together during international competitions. The team is also famous for performing a haka, a ceremonial challenge dance, before every match.  

One of the most iconic venues to see the All Blacks play is Auckland’s Eden Park, the largest sports stadium in New Zealand. The All Blacks have not been beaten there since 1994. Even if, like me, you are not really into sports, watching the nation come together at an iconic sports arena to support their much-loved team is a special experience. You can purchase tickets to upcoming All-Blacks matches on the team’s official website .  

Walk up Mount Eden

If you are visiting Auckland, make sure to add a walk up Mount Eden to your list. Just 5 km away from Auckland CBD, it is the highest volcano on the city’s mainland. After a 30-minute walk to the top, you will enjoy excellent views over the city. Mount Eden is also a historic location where you can still find the remnants of an old Māori settlement, including occupation terraces and housing sites.  

If you need to relax and refuel after the walk, check out the nearby Mount Eden Village that boasts a good selection of independent cafes and restaurants. Mount Eden is easy to get to by public transport with regular bus services from the Auckland city centre. 

See Cathedral Cove

Cathedral Cove is a natural wonder on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula. It is an impressive naturally formed rock archway that connects two picturesque coves. It is located near Hahei, a seaside village boasting its own beautiful beach. Thanks to the appearance of Cathedral Cove in the Narnia films, it is one the most popular things to do in New Zealand’s North Island. As a result, this area can get quite busy in high season. 

You can only access Cathedral Cove on foot or by boat. At the northern end of Hahei Beach you will find a scenic coastal track. It is relatively easy and will take about 45 minutes to walk each way. Alternatively, you can take a water taxi from Hahei Beach. Scenic cruises and kayak tours are also an option.  

Descend into a Glow Worm Cave

A trip to New Zealand’s North Island will not be complete without experiencing the magic of natural bioluminescence courtesy of the humble glow worm.  Aotearoa has its own native glow worm species that live in caves, grottos and even woodland. There are many places around the country where you can experience this otherworldly natural phenomenon. 

One of the most popular glow worm locations in New Zealand is Waitomo, a tourist-oriented North Island village surrounded by a network of ancient limestone caves. The most popular cave to visit is also called Waitomo and that is where you will find a large concentration of glow worms. Please note, you can only go into the cave on a guided tour .    

The Waitomo cave has two levels. The upper level, featuring unique limestone formations, is dry and can be explored on foot. A boat ride is required to see the glow worm grotto located on the lower level. As you glide along the subterranean stream in silence, you will be surrounded by thousands of tiny lights. You will be forgiven for thinking that you are looking at a night’s sky.

Visit Hobbiton Movie Set

Arguably one of the most famous things to do in New Zealand’s North Island is a visit to the Hobbiton Movie Set . Situated on a family farm near a North Island town called Matamata, just a two-hour drive away from Auckland, this location appeared in both the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies. Although this is a touristy activity, it is quite fun if you enjoyed the movies. 

The attraction features 44 Hobbit Holes nestled amongst 12 acres of picturesque farmland. They are highly detailed and have their own distinct personalities. You will need to join a guided tour to see them. A friendly guide will point out the most famous spots and help with photos. The two-hour tour finishes with a drink at the cosy Green Dragon Inn. The Hobbiton Movie Set gets quite busy, so I recommend booking your tickets as far in advance as possible.    

Experience Geothermal Wonders in Rotorua

A popular tourist destination, Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, Māori culture, native forests and beautiful lakes. The city offers many exciting activities, but its geothermal wonders are especially worth adding to your list of things to do in New Zealand.  

Rotorua sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire where most of the world’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur. As a result, the city boasts several geothermal parks where you can experience otherworldly landscapes, boiling lakes, bubbling mud pools and hot springs.  

You normally need to pay to access these parks, but there is one free option. A 5-minute walk north of the Rotorua city centre will take you to Kuirau Park, the only free public geothermal park in New Zealand. Once you finish exploring unique landscapes, relax in one of the city’s thermal spas. 

Walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is considered one of the best day hikes not just in New Zealand but in the whole world. This challenging but incredibly satisfying track is located within the Tongariro National Park, a dual UNESCO World Heritage site recognised for its unique volcanic landscapes and cultural significance to the local Māori people.  

This 19.4 km walk will take you past volcanic peaks, emerald lakes, steaming vents and ancient lava flows. Lord of the Rings fans might recognise one of the volcanic cones, Mount Ngauruhoe, as Mount Doom from the film trilogy. The track involves steep climbs and uneven paths, but you will be rewarded with unique otherworldly landscapes.  

The best time to tackle the Tongariro Crossing is between November to May. From June to October, the New Zealand winter months, there is increased risk of snow, ice and avalanches. It is best not to attempt it unless you have special skills and experience in an Alpine terrain.  

Stay at Lake Taupō

The largest lake in New Zealand, Lake Taupō is the perfect destination for those who love outdoor activities. From kayaking and trout fishing to mountain biking and white-water rafting, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the beautiful natural setting.  

The largest settlement on the shores of the lake is Taupo town, which is a great base for exploring the area. With accommodation options for every budget, the town has plenty going on with a good selection of boutique shops, cafes and art galleries. It also offers easy access to hiking and biking trails, geothermal parks, golf courses and adrenaline activities. This is also where many scenic boat cruises begin their journeys.  

If you prefer to stay at a quieter location, check out the villages of Kinloch or Kuratau. The former is home to the famous Kinloch Golf Club and a luxury lodge associated with it. With walking trails, boat cruises and fishing charters, there is plenty to do for non-golfers too. The latter offers a true taste of the Kiwi lifestyle. While dining and shopping options might be limited there, the village is the perfect option for pure relaxation. 

Explore the Coolest Little Capital in the World

Wellington , New Zealand’s small but perfectly formed capital city, is boasting the title of the coolest little capital in the world by Lonely Planet. Although Auckland is the biggest city in the country, Wellington is its political, creative and cultural heart with a bohemian vibe. It is worth spending a couple of days exploring the activities and attractions that this city has to offer as part of your New Zealand adventure.   

Take a free guided tour of the Parliament buildings to find out about the workings of New Zealand’s democracy, explore the excellent Te Papa museum to learn about the country’s history and culture and take a walk along the city’s beautiful waterfront to enjoy stunning harbour views. Fans of the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit trilogies may want to visit the legendary Weta Studios that were responsible for the special effects, costumes and props in these movies.  

If you would like to get away from the hustle of the city, check out Zealandia. It is an urban sanctuary where you can get up close and personal with unique flora and fauna. Wellington also boasts a vibrant dining scene with cafes, restaurants and bars for every taste. You won’t be short of options when you need a pit stop.  

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

Some activities and locations on this list of the best things to do in New Zealand’s North Island, including the Hobbiton Movie Set, Auckland and Wellington, are accessible all year-round. However, to make the most of all of them, the best time to visit is in the New Zealand summer, between December and February. This is also the busiest and most expensive time to travel there. To avoid crowds and score some accommodation deals, it is worth considering travel in the shoulder seasons. They are between March to June and from September to November.   

How to Get Around New Zealand’s North Island

The best way to get around not only the North Island of New Zealand is by car. This option, although pricey, gives you the most flexibility and freedom. Alternatively, an intercity bus network connects many towns and cities. Traveller can take advantage of specially designed coach tour options like Contiki or Kiwi Experience . They cover all popular New Zealand tourist destinations, including the ones on this list.  

Also, cities and major towns in New Zealand normally have airports, so flying could be a viable option too. Although you might still need to hire a car once you are on the ground to reach local attractions. New Zealand doesn’t have an extensive rail network. However, there is a scenic Northern Explorer route between Auckland and Wellington that offers fantastic views along the way. However, this option can be quite expensive.  

Enjoyed this guide to New Zealand’s North Island top sites? Bookmark or pin it for later.

Related Reads

• Auckland Travel Guide  
• Where to Stay in Auckland for One Night Before a Cruise
• Best Day Trips from Auckland  
• Wellington Travel Guide  
• The 18 Best Things to Do on New Zealand’s South Island

Ksenia is the creator and writer behind Explore with Wonder. As an avid traveller, she has ventured to more than 20 countries and resided in four. Currently based in Manchester, she has a passion for exploring both the UK and exciting destinations worldwide.

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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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The Nomatic 40L is the best travel bag on the market, perfect for weekend trips or month-long adventures!

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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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North Island New Zealand: The Ultimate Travel Guide

Welcome to New Zealand’s North Island! Home to NZ’s biggest city, Auckland, and it’s capital Wellington , the North Island is full of adventure, breathtaking scenery, and incredible cultural experiences.

New Zealand is also one of the world’s best road trip destinations. Camping in New Zealand is also an amazing way to see the country. But with road trips come lots of planning! So whether you’re looking for more of a city break in Auckland or Wellington or want to explore the stunning natural landscapes of places like Rotorua and the Bay of Islands, this guide will give you all the info you need to plan the perfect trip. So what are you waiting for? Grab your passport, and let’s go!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a booking, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Current COVID situation (as of August 2023)

Borders are now open and travel to New Zealand is possible. No PCR/RAT testing is required before departure or on arrival. However, you will be provided with a free pack of RATs on arrival (we found this so handy!).

COVID cases are present in New Zealand. Should you test positive during your travels, you should isolate for seven days. We recommend taking out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes coverage for COVID-19.

Weather Of New Zealand North Island

New Zealand’s north island is usually mild, with temperatures rarely reaching above the mid-20s Celsius. The summer months (December to February) are generally warm and humid, while winter (June to August) can be cool but also very rainy. Often accompanied by strong winds blowing across from the Tasman Sea. Springtime is usually pleasant and sunny, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities like trekking or walking along lush and rolling hillsides. For budding surfers, the northern coasts have some decent breaks for catching a wave – although you should always check water conditions first! Come visit New Zealand’s North Island and experience some spectacular scenery along with mild but dynamic weather.

What Is The Best Time To Visit New Zealand North Island?

The best time to visit New Zealand’s north island is in the warmer months between December and February. This is when temperatures are mild, with plenty of chances for outdoor activities like trekking and swimming. The days are also typically sunny, allowing you to take advantage of all the natural wonders the region offers. Springtime is usually pleasant as well, although rain can occasionally be a factor. That being said, there’s no bad time to visit New Zealand’s north island! The weather may not always be perfect, but the scenery and attractions are sure to make up for it.

For cars, we particularly like Europcar for their good rates and vehicle range. You’ll find the Europcar desks inside the Auckland and Wellington airport terminals. We also recently used Omega, who have an office in Mangere, not far from Auckland airport, and offer a shuttle service to and from the airport.

For campervans, JUCY is an excellent and cost-effective option with great service. Like Omega, JUCY has an office nearby in Mangere and a free shuttle service.

Here are some great New Zealand two week itineraries to get you started, as well as a guide for driving from Auckland to Wellington .

New Zealand Currency

New Zealand’s currency is the New Zealand dollar (NZD). The coins are in denominations of 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2. Notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. At the time of writing, one AUD will buy around $1.06 NZD, one USD will buy $1.50 NZD, one GBP will get you $1.90 NZD, and one Euro equates to around $1.65 NZD.

It is generally advised to carry a combination of cash and cards when travelling in New Zealand. ATMs are widely available throughout the country, so it’s easy to withdraw NZD whenever needed. Make sure to check your bank’s policy on international transactions before travelling to avoid any unexpected surprises.

How Many Regions Are In The North Island Of New Zealand?

The North Island of New Zealand is divided into 16 regions. These regions span from the Northland region up in the northernmost part, down to the Wellington region, which is located in the southern portion of the island. While each region offers something unique, from its bustling cities and stunning beaches to its charming villages and lush rainforests, each area serves as a hub for exploration into some of New Zealand’s most hidden gems. With so much to explore, it is easy to get lost among these magnificent regions, immersed in all that this beautiful island has to offer!

How to get around the North Island of New Zealand

Getting around the North Island of New Zealand is relatively easy, and there are a few different options for getting between cities. The most popular way to travel is by car, allowing you to set your own pace and explore some of the more remote areas along the way. There are plenty of rental companies in Auckland, Wellington, and other major cities, and you can even hire a campervan to make it a truly unique experience. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, buses are also available between most cities. But buses are often slower, so a car might be the better option if you’re trying to maximise your time on the island.

Where to start your road trip

You’ll most likely land in Auckland, which is great as Auckland is connected to the rest of the North Island by several highways. The city is a great base for exploring the rest of the island, and you can easily get to other cities such as Rotorua, Hamilton, Wellington, and the Bay of Islands from here. Be sure to check out some of Auckland’s iconic landmarks, such as Sky Tower or Mt Eden, while you’re there – they’re truly not to be missed. More on Auckland below.

Places to Visit in the North Island

There’s so much to explore and discover in New Zealand’s North Island – from the white-sandy beaches of the Bay of Islands to the geothermal wonders of Rotorua. Let’s take a look at some of the top places to visit:

Ninety Mile Beach

Have you ever wanted to visit somewhere that feels like a true escape? Ninety Mile Beach on the North Island of New Zealand will fulfill your travel dreams and then some! Located in the northern New Zealand sub-tropical region. This amazing beach area offers beautiful sandy beaches and nutrient-rich tide pools filled with colorful aquatic creatures. Limestone cliffs meet the horizon along this remarkable stretch of golden sand beach that runs for 90 miles, an experience impossible to capture with words alone. Pack a picnic lunch and join locals and visitors alike in exploring this stunning environment. Take a jeep tour along the shoreline and experience an environment untouched by time. Whether you’re into outdoor sports like surfing, kitesurfing, or sandboarding or just enjoying a lazy day soaking up some sun, Ninety Mile Beach has something for everybody to enjoy in this one-of-a-kind destination.

Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is the most northern point on the North Island of New Zealand and is a must-visit for anyone exploring this island paradise. From here, you can watch two oceans – the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet together. This spiritual Maori site, Te Rerenga Wairua, or “the leaping place of souls,” is a breathtaking location you won’t forget. Enjoy strolling along the beach and exploring the unique rock formations, or take a tour to better understand the area’s rich history and culture.

If you’re looking for something truly magical during your time on New Zealand’s North Island, then Hobbiton is a must-visit. Located in Matamata, this movie set was used to film some of the most iconic scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Take a guided tour through The Shire and explore Hobbit holes, gardens, and other unique places featured in the movies. This experience is sure to be a highlight of your trip to the North Island. Read this guide to the best Hobbiton tours for more information.

Coromandel Peninsula

The Coromandel Peninsula is a rugged and untouched paradise located in the northern part of the North Island. This stunning coastal area offers some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches, including Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, and Cooks Beach. With its lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and unique wildlife, such as kiwis, this is a must-visit destination.

From the quirky Thames township to the stunningly beautiful Whangapoua Harbour, the Coromandel Peninsula is a great place for all types of travelers. Crossing the peninsula is a great way to explore – you could hike the famous Pinnacles trail, go canoeing down the Kauaeranga River, or even take a guided tour.

Lake Taupo is a true gem of New Zealand’s North Island, offering breathtaking natural scenery and a host of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. With crystal-clear waters that stretch as far as the eye can see and majestic mountains looming in the distance, this stunning lake is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re looking to hike through the Tongariro National Park, take a dip in the geothermal hot springs, or simply bask in the beauty of your surroundings, Lake Taupo is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring New Zealand.

For more information about one of our favourite New Zealand destinations read our Lake Taupo travel guide .

The capital city of New Zealand’s North Island is Wellington. This stunning city is located on the island’s southwestern tip and is a truly unique destination. From its vibrant cultural life to the natural beauty of Zealandia, Wellington is one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations.

Be sure to explore Te Papa National Museum, wander through the art galleries, explore the markets and cafes, or go to Weta Cave – home of the movie industry in New Zealand. With its beautiful harbor setting, Wellington is a great place to relax and explore.

Read our guide to Wellington in 24 hours .

Auckland is the largest city on New Zealand’s North Island and is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Sky Tower and Mount Eden. This vibrant city offers something for all types of travelers – from its stunning beaches to its bustling nightlife to its unique cultural experiences.

Be sure to explore the city’s art galleries, markets, and cafes. Take a ferry ride around the harbor, and don’t forget to visit Waiheke Island for a day of relaxation in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots. With its stunning setting and vibrant atmosphere, Auckland is a must-visit destination for all travelers to New Zealand’s North Island.

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is a stunning coastal area located on the north of New Zealand’s North Island. This area consists of 144 islands, making it an ideal spot for water-based activities like fishing, swimming, and kayaking.

Don’t miss the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where you can learn about Maori culture or take a boat tour to explore the magnificent islands and their wildlife. This is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots, with crystal-clear waters and stunning scenery.

No matter what type of traveler you are, New Zealand’s North Island has something for everyone.

Tauranga and Bay of Plenty

Located in the Bay of Plenty Region, Tauranga is a beautiful city on New Zealand’s North Island. This vibrant and growing city is home to some of the country’s most popular attractions, such as Mount Maunganui, McLaren Falls Park, and the Waimarino Adventure Park.

Take a stroll along the waterfront or a boat ride out to one of the many islands in the area. With its stunning beaches, lush forests, and bustling city life, Tauranga is a great place for all types of travelers. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, this coastal city offers something for everyone.

Hamilton is the fourth most populated city in New Zealand, located on the North Island. This vibrant and growing city offers a mix of culture, nature, and adventure.

Be sure to explore Hamilton’s stunning botanical gardens, take a stroll along the river, or visit some of its many art galleries and museums. Take a day trip out to the Waitomo Caves or explore the Hobbiton Movie Set. With its unique attractions and vibrant atmosphere, Hamilton is a great place to visit during your stay on New Zealand’s North Island. Don’t forget to check out the Night markets for a unique and unforgettable experience.

Hawke’s Bay, located on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the Land of the Long White Cloud. This stunning region boasts some of New Zealand’s most diverse landscapes, including vineyards, rugged coastlines, and rolling hills dotted with sheep.

Whether you’re a wine lover looking to indulge in some of the country’s finest drops, a foodie keen to try fresh local produce, or an outdoor enthusiast seeking adventure, Hawke’s Bay has something for everyone.

Make sure you read our Hawkes Bay travel guide !

Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland located on New Zealand’s North Island. This special region is known for its bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and Maori culture.

Take a dip in one of the many thermal pools, jump in a Zorb, or take a guided tour of the geothermal parks. Visit the Maori Village to learn more about their culture and traditions. With its unique landscape and vibrant atmosphere, Rotorua is sure to amaze all types of travelers. Don’t forget to check out the Redwoods Treewalk for an unforgettable experience.

For more information, here are the best places to stay in Rotorua for families .

Some Useful Tips While Visiting New Zealand North Island

• Be sure to research the weather before you visit, as temperatures and conditions can vary greatly.
• Make sure to have a valid visa or passport if travelling from overseas.
• Bring comfortable walking shoes, as much of the terrain is hilly or rocky in certain areas.
• Be sure to check out some of the key cultural sites, such as Auckland’s Sky Tower or Wellington’s Te Papa Museum.
• If you’re a fan of nature, don’t miss a chance to explore one of New Zealand’s national parks, like Tongariro National Park near Taupo or Whanganui National Park near Wellington.
• Finally, be sure to enjoy all the unique food and beverage experiences New Zealand has to offer, from fine dining restaurants in Auckland to craft beer pubs in Wellington.

New Zealand’s North Island has something for everyone. From its beautiful beaches and lush rainforests to its bustling cities and charming villages, the North Island of New Zealand is a unique destination with plenty to explore. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, there’s no shortage of activities and attractions on offer across this tropical paradise. In this guide, we’ve highlighted some key points to consider when planning a visit to this region. So get ready, grab your passport and explore all New Zealand’s North Island has to offer!

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Amelia is a health researcher and mother of two who loves inspiring other families to add more adventure to their lives. She spent ten years in the travel industry before changing careers, and A Winter Escape is her way of still helping people plan the best possible holidays around the world.

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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 Best Time to Visit the North Island

NZ Pocket Guide is 10 years old. Thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade!

When to visit the north island.

Are the volcanic landscapes, vibrant cities and rich culture of the North Island calling your name? Then you’re going to want to start planning your trip to the North Island of New Zealand with a savvy approach! The North Island has four distinct seasons with ranging climates much different from the South Island. With that in mind, we’ve put this guide together on the best time to visit the North Island.

3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Time to Visit the North Island

1. the weather & season.

Some people want to chase a certain activity, which is more likely to be closed or cancelled during winter, while others just prefer summer to winter. So if you care about the weather , consider the seasons when picking a time to travel around the North Island.

2. The Crowds

The North Island certainly has its busier seasons, so if you would rather avoid the crowds, consider when the school holidays are and when the tourist high season is.

3. The Cost

Finally, there are definitely some more expensive times to travel to and around the North Island in terms of car rentals, hotel rates and even flights. If you’re on a budget, you might want to stick to the tourist low season.

North Island Summer

Months : December, January and February Tourist Season : High Season

North Island Weather in Summer

Temperature : 20-24ºC (68-75ºF) Rainfall : 60-100mm (2.4-3.9″)

Find out about the weather in each month in:

• New Zealand Weather in December
• New Zealand Weather in January
• New Zealand Weather in February

About the North Island Summer

Summer is by far the most popular time to visit the North Island of New Zealand. The weather is generally the best it’s going to be for the whole year for enjoying outdoor activities. However, this also makes the North Island the most crowded time of the year to travel around, where it’s important for travellers to book accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment. Not only is this a popular time for international travellers to visit the North Island, but you’ll find that this is when many New Zealanders travel the country too, due to the mix of school holidays and generally good weather. Check out the school holiday dates on the New Zealand Ministry of Education website . Be also aware that summer is the most expensive time of year to visit the North Island in terms of car rentals, flights and hotel rates.

Best Places to Visit on the North Island in Summer

• Bay of Islands
• New Plymouth
• Mt Maunganui
• Waiheke Island

Find out why you should visit these places in summer with our 5 Places to Visit in Summer in New Zealand .

North Island Autumn

Months : March, April and May Tourist Season: High to Shoulder Season

North Island Weather in Autumn

Temperature : 17-22ºC (62-71ºF) Rainfall : 90-130mm (3.5-5.1″)

• New Zealand Weather in March
• New Zealand Weather in April
• New Zealand Weather in May

About The North Island Autumn

If you’re looking for a quieter time to travel around the North Island, while still experiencing decent weather, then autumn is a good time to do it. The North Island still feels a little busy in March, but April and May are when things start to quieten down along with the prices of car rentals, flights and hotels. The days might be getting a little cooler, especially in the Central North Island, but it’s still comfortable enough to enjoy outdoor experiences, ensuring you have an extra layer and some wet weather gear. Toward April and May, you may also get the chance to see the brown and orange autumn colours in various parks and vineyards around the North Island.

Best Places on the North Island to Visit in Autumn

• Hawke’s Bay

Find more places to visit at this time of the year in the 5 Places to Visit in Autumn in New Zealand.

North Island Winter

Months : June, July and August Tourist Season : Low Season

North Island Weather in Winter

North Island Temperature : 11-15ºC (51-59ºF) North Island Rainfall : 120-150mm (4.7-5.9″)

• New Zealand Weather in June
• New Zealand Weather in July
• New Zealand Weather in August

About the North Island Winter

Cool and crisp in the North Island’s drier regions and wet and mild in the more coastal areas: that just about sums up the weather in winter. The weather can also be a little unpredictable, so it’s not always ideal for some of the outdoor activities you’ve inevitably come to experience on the North Island. Nevertheless, many travellers don’t tend to mind, especially with the country being so uncrowded during winter! All you need to do is wrap up warm and have a good rain jacket and you can still enjoy the uncrowded walking trails and small-group tours! Winter is also one of the best seasons to see snow on the Central North Island volcanoes and go skiing. Prices for car rentals, hotels and flights are also usually at their lowest during in winter.

Best Places on the North Island to Visit in Winter

Find out why these places are so good, as well as some ideas for the South Island too, in the 5 Places to Visit in Winter in New Zealand .

North Island Spring

Months : September, October and November Tourist Season : Low to Shoulder Season

North Island Weather in Spring

North Island Temperature : 16-20ºC (60-68ºF) North Island Rainfall : 90-120mm (3.5-4.7″)

• New Zealand Weather in September
• New Zealand Weather in October
• New Zealand Weather in November

About The North Island Spring

Spring is always a refreshing time on the North Island when the clocks go forward, the sun starts to warm everything up again, and the days get longer. In early spring, you can make the most of the last of the winter sports on Mt Ruapehu and still see snow on the mountains. October is when spring really starts to get into full swing, with the chance to see lambs in the fields (although this means that some walking trails may be closed, so be sure to check). The island still feels uncrowded until mid-November, so make the most of the more popular attractions and hiking trails before then! Prices for hotels, car rentals and flights are also reasonably priced until mid-November.

Best Places on the North Island to Visit in Spring

Find out why we love these places in spring in our 5 Places to Visit in Spring in New Zealand .

If You Liked This Article, Then You Might Like…

• Auckland Weather & Climate: What is the Weather Like in Auckland?
• Wellington Weather & Climate: What is the Weather Like in Wellington?
• The Best Way to Spend 7 Days on the North Island

Should You Travel the North Island or South Island?

• 20 Places Off the Beaten Track in the North Island

That’s it from our guide to the best time to visit the North Island. Get even more tips in our other guide,  When is the Best Time to Visit 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:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [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 approved by Robin, who is the co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. With more than 15 years of experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Robin has co-founded three influential tourism businesses and five additional travel guides for South Pacific nations. He is an expert in New Zealand travel and has tested over 600 activities and 300+ accommodations across the country.

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South Island Road Trip

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North Island vs. South Island

New Zealand's North Island or South Island: Which Should You Visit?

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

One of the first decisions you're likely to face when planning a vacation in New Zealand is which island—North or South—you are going to spend most of your time visiting. It's actually not an easy question to answer as each has so much to offer. Still, unless you have a lot of time, it's best to focus your time on one or the other. Here are some things to consider to help you decide.

How Long You Intend to Spend in New Zealand

Obviously the longer you are going to spend in New Zealand the more you will be able to see. However, New Zealand is actually quite a large country. If you are going to be here for only one or two weeks and want to see both islands you are going to be spending a lot of your time traveling and what you get to see will be quite limited. In that case, you would be better to focus your time on only one island. After all, hopefully, you will come back another time!

If you have more than two weeks to spend in New Zealand, with some careful planning you could see a reasonable amount of both islands. However, the less distance you decide to cover the more you will be able to appreciate the areas that you do visit.

Where You Will Arrive and Depart From in New Zealand

Most international visitors arrive in Auckland in the North Island. If you wish to explore the North Island that makes things quite straightforward. However, if you want to go to the South Island, be aware that getting there by car will take you a couple of days (including the ferry crossing of Cook Strait between the North and South Islands).

By far the better option, if you arrive in Auckland and want to explore the South Island, is to take an ​internal flight to Christchurch. These can be very cheap (from as little as $49 per person one way) and quick. The flight time is only one hour and twenty minutes.​

What Time of Year You Will be in New Zealand

If you are going to be in New Zealand in the spring, summer, or autumn (fall) months (from September to May), both islands offer good weather and you will enjoy time in the outdoors. However, the winter can be rather different between the islands. The North Island can be wet and stormy, although not necessarily that cold. The far north of the North Island can even be quite mild.

The South Island is generally colder and drier in the winter, with lots of snow about in the deep south.

What Types of Scenery You Enjoy

The scenery is quite different between the North and South Islands. In fact, you might be forgiven for thinking you are in different countries!

• North Island: Mountainous; volcanic (including active volcanoes in the central part of the island); beaches and islands; forests and bush.
• South Island: Southern Alps mountain range, snow (in the winter), glaciers and lakes.

What Sorts of Things You Want to do in New Zealand

Both islands offer a lot to do, and you can actually do pretty well anything in either. There's just more of some things on one island than the other.

• North Island: ocean and water sports (swimming, sunbathing, sailing, diving, fishing, surfing), bushwalking, camping , city entertainment (nightlife, dining - especially in Auckland and Wellington).
• South Island: alpine sports (skiing, snowboarding, mountain climbing), jet boating, rafting, kayaking, tramping and hiking.

It's not easy to decide which island to spend most of your time on. They are both wonderful!

Your Trip to New Zealand: The Complete Guide

How to Go Backpacking in New Zealand

How to Spend One Week in New Zealand

July in New Zealand: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

A Guide to Airports in New Zealand

10 Reasons to Visit New Zealand's North Island

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Take a Road Trip on New Zealand's North Island

March in New Zealand: Weather, What to Pack, and What to See

The Top 10 Cities in New Zealand

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Weather in New Zealand: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

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The Best Countries in the World for Adventurous Travelers

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A travel guide to New Zealand: Cost, culture and more tips for visiting the country

New zealand is a dream destination for 'the lord of the rings' and 'the hobbit' fans, outdoor enthusiasts.

Former airline employee shares top travel hack for frequent flyers

Brooke Webster details how to get up-to-date flight information on travel days. As a former airline employee, she said texting yourself your flight number on the morning of your travel day is her top hack to share with others. Learn why.

New Zealand's breathtaking scenery is recognized for providing the cinematic backdrop of many blockbuster films. 

With a mix of serene beaches, rugged mountains and a vibrant culture, it is no wonder it has become a popular travel destination.

Whether the traveler is seeking the quaint charm of the North Island or the breathtaking dramatic views of the South Island, adventures can be found everywhere. Visitors can anticipate unexpected adventures and lasting memories on their trip if they have chosen New Zealand as their destination.

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New Zealand's lakes get their color from fine silt particles, or glacial flour, in the water. (Jorge Fernández/LightRocket)

Whether traveling to New Zealand to observe the breathtaking scenery, delve into the Māori culture or enjoy some of the best wines in the world, having a plan can help your trip be as smooth and stress-free as possible. 

General New Zealand travel info

Predominant language spoken: English

Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD) $

• Bills/notes include $5, $10, $20 and $50
• Coins come in 10c, 20c, 50c, $1 and $2

Electricity: Type 1 plugs. These include three flat pins in a triangular pattern.

Travel requirements: Unless a New Zealand or Australian citizen, a valid passport is required. A visa or New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) may be required.

Geography of New Zealand

New Zealand, a favorite spot for filming movies , offers diverse scenery from majestic glaciers and rugged mountains to narrow sea inlets called fjords and sandy beaches that dot the coastline. The country is in the South Pacific Ocean and comprises two islands divided by the Cook Strait.

New Zealand is known for its fjords, which are long, deep and narrow bodies of water sandwiched by steep land. (Getty Images)

The North Island is the more urbanized of the two, with the country's two biggest cities, Wellington and Auckland. It presents a pleasant view of rolling green hills and farmland. Unique features of this island include geothermal areas with geysers, bubbling mud pools, hot springs and active volcanoes.

The Lost Spring in Whitianga has 16,000-year-old geothermal mineral water and is just one of the hot spring locations on the island.

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Tall mountain ranges adorn its middle with lush farmland on either side. It also has an active volcanic and thermal area in its central part. 

The South Island boasts the magnificent Southern Alps. This island also offers sights of rolling farmland and flat expanses known as the Canterbury Plains.

More than 38% of New Zealand was farmland in 2021, according to World Bank data. (Fiona Goodall)

New Zealand consists of a diverse coastline. The North Island features sandy beaches perfect for swimming and various water activities. The northern part of the South Island also offers charming and smooth beaches, while the rest of its coastline is more rugged and not as desirable for beach activities.

What not to do when visiting New Zealand

Venturing into a new country can be exciting, and knowing the common pitfalls can save travelers from awkward situations.

Compare New Zealand to Australia

A frequent mistake is comparing New Zealand to Australia .

Both are islands, but that's about where the similarities end. With its enchanting natural surroundings and wide range of outdoor activities, New Zealand appeals to nature enthusiasts. Australia, though, is famous for its magnificent beaches.

Stay within your comfort zone

Venturing out of one's comfort zone can enhance the travel experience of New Zealand visitors. From adrenaline-pumped adventures to serene nature strolls, the islands offer diverse activities that appeal to all interests.

Local food is an integral part of Kiwi culture. Embracing these unique culinary experiences may enhance a traveler's perspective of New Zealand.

New Zealand is a popular destination for skiers between June and September. (David Gray/AFP)

Only visit the South Island

While crafting their itineraries, many travelers focus primarily on the South Island.

Most visitors start in Auckland, where the main international airport is located, and spend most of their time in the South Island. But limiting the visit to the South Island may mean missing out on the North Island's natural grandeur, world-class restaurants and inspiring art scenes.

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Ignore customs of the Māori culture

Understanding and respecting local customs, such as basic phrases in the Māori language, can truly enhance the travel experience . It shows respect for the indigenous culture, creating a whole and rewarding journey.

How much does a trip to New Zealand cost?

Travelers with various budgets can have an enjoyable experience in New Zealand. However, the itinerary, food choices and accommodations booked will differ depending on how much the tourists can and are willing to spend. 

A one-week trip to New Zealand for two costs around $1,924 and $962 for one person, according to budgetyourtrip.com.

Every traveler should research and create a budget for each spending item before they embark on their journey. Some items to consider include:

• Accommodations
• Transportations
• Activities, both planned and unplanned
• Restaurants
• Car rentals or other means of transportation
• Souvenirs and gifts
• Buffer for miscellaneous items

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What to know about the Māori culture

Native to New Zealand are the Māori.

Their cultural heritage forms an essential part of the country's identity. The Māori language can be heard throughout New Zealand, spoken by the indigenous Māori and many other inhabitants. Understanding a few common Māori phrases can help visitors immerse themselves in the local culture.

The marae is a communal or sacred meeting place in Māori society, including a dining area, meeting room, bathroom and other facilities.

Each marae is distinct and carries the unique identity of a specific tribe or family. Visitors who enter a marae meeting area should honor the culture, beginning with only entering after being welcomed in.

What is the best time of year to visit New Zealand?

New Zealand's diverse landscape results in varied weather throughout the islands. With a maritime climate, it experiences all four seasons, lending itself to a host of tourist activities regardless of the timing of their visit.

The optimal time to explore New Zealand depends on tourists' preferred experiences. Whether the trip is for outdoor adventures , relaxation, food and wine festivals or the stunning scenery, New Zealand caters to all.

December to March is the prime time to visit, especially for those seeking a laid-back holiday with relaxing beach days and moderate activities, according to Tourism New Zealand.

During these summer months, with temperatures ranging between 68˚F and 77˚F, the long, warm days are perfect for beach visits and outdoor adventures.

"The Lord of the Rings" or "The Hobbit" fans can take a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set. It is located two hours south of Auckland. (Anthony Devlin/PA Images)

If vacation plans are made outside this period, the experience will be no less enjoyable. Despite the higher chance of rain, the rugged terrain and breathtaking landscapes remain a desirable attraction — just remember to pack an umbrella.

Skiers should consider a trip to the South Island between June and September. During this period, the mountains are blanketed in snow, providing ideal conditions for winter sports.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC REVEALS ITS 20 ‘BEST OF THE WORLD’ ADVENTURES TO CHECK OUT IN 2024

‘The Lord of the Rings’ and ‘The Hobbit’ filming locations to see

Tourists can visit the Hobbiton movie set in New Zealand. It is about a 15-minute drive from Matamata. (Alex Livesey/FIFA)

New Zealand's mountain ranges, rushing rivers and green hills were the obvious choices for the location scout for the "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy .

Fans can find Middle-earth™ throughout the North and South Islands as the Tolkien-based movies were entirely filmed on these islands.

Here are some must-see locations for fans of "The Hobbit" trilogy:

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• The Shire region of Middle‑earth™ — The village of Hobbiton was created on farmland in Matamata and is now a permanent attraction.
• The Forbidden Pool — Tawhai Falls Track in Tongariro National Park was the film set for the scene in "The Two Towers" in which Frodo and Faramir capture Gollum.
• Gardens of Isengard, Rivendell and other locations — Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the location of several scenes in the trilogy. Mount Victoria is an accessible location that depicts Hobbiton Woods. Kaitoke Regional Park became Rivendell, where the quest to destroy the One Ring began.

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New Zealand North Island or South Island An Honest Comparison To Help You Choose

New Zealand is well-known as one of the most beautiful countries in the world, with truly majestic, magical scenery that looks like it fell from the pages of a fairy tale or fantasy story – that’s just one of the reasons why this country has famously been used as a filming location for the likes of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” movies.

It’s also known for its Maori culture, along with vast beaches, world-class adventure opportunities, wonderful wildlife, delicious food, and friendly natives. In short, there’s a bunch of reasons to visit this country. However, when planning a trip to NZ, travelers have to answer one key question: should you pick the North Island or the South Island?

You see, New Zealand is spread across two large islands, known as the North and South Islands, respectively. And despite being part of the same nation, these two islands are remarkably different in lots of ways, from their weather conditions to their scenery, populations, vibes, and activities. In other words, you can have a totally different experience on each one.

For example, the North Island is where more than ¾ of the New Zealand population lives, making it busier and livelier. It therefore tends to be the better option for those who want to explore cities and discover Maori culture. Meanwhile, the South Island has more rugged wilderness and dramatic scenery, an ideal location for explorers and adventurers of all ages.

There are many other big differences that separate New Zealand’s North and South Islands. And that’s exactly what we’ll be digging into in this guide. Read on to find out about what makes each island special, how they differ, and which one is best for families, couples, backpackers, and other kinds of travelers.

A Quick Overview Of New Zealand’s North Island vs South Island

Which has the best weather, which is best for activities, which is best for beaches, which is best for hiking and nature, which is best for towns and cities, which is best for nightlife, which is best for families, which is best for couples, which is best for backpackers.

• Which Is Cheapest?

Where To Stay According To Your Budget

North island vs south island: which is better, wandering our world’s ten-second comparison:.

North Island: A Quick Overview

New Zealand’s North Island, known as Te Ika-a-Maui, is one of the two main islands that make up most of the country’s landmass. Specifically, the North Island measures up at 43,911 square miles, which is about 44% of all of New Zealand. It’s smaller than the South Island, but way more populated, with close to 4 million residents (around 77% of the country’s total population).

With its larger population, the North Island is home to most of NZ’s big cities, including its largest city, Auckland, along with its capital, Wellington, and other major cities, such as Hamilton, Tauranga, and Napier. It’s also worth noting that most of the Maori people live on the North Island, making it a prime location to fully immerse yourself in Maori culture and traditions.

Beyond its cities and towns, New Zealand’s North Island is also home to many natural wonders, from neon lakes to volcanic landscapes, natural underground springs, soothing mud pools, and some of the country’s most sublime white sand beaches. Large wine regions like Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne can also be found here, and famed “Middle Earth” filming locations, like “Hobbiton.”

South Island: A Quick Overview

The South Island, or Te Waipounamu to native Maori people, is the second of New Zealand’s two main islands. It’s bigger than the North Island, stretching out across 58,084 square miles. which is around 56% of the country. However, in terms of population, the South Island is much quieter than its northern sibling, with just 1.2 million people.

The South Island is definitely much quieter and less densely populated than the North Island, b ut there are still some fun big cities to visit here, such as Christchurch, which is the second-largest city in the country, and Dunedin, which is famed for its eclectic cultural heritage, mixing elements from Scottish, Chinese, and Maori culture.

However, what the South Island is truly famous for is its majestic landscapes. Large parts of the island are covered with towering, snow-capped mountains. Visitors can also see NZ’s biggest glacier here, along with ski resorts, spectacular lakes, fjords, and sounds, making it one of the best places in the world for outdoor recreation and adventure.

It’s easy to assume that the weather conditions are reasonably similar across all of New Zealand. However, many first-time travelers to this country are surprised to learn just how much the temperatures and rainfall levels can differ between the two islands, with each one having its own distinct climate.

As you may expect, since it’s closer to the equator, the North Island is the warmer of the two, with quite hot summers and relatively mild winters. Over on the South Island, temperatures are notably lower, all-year long. In terms of rain, both islands can be a little unpredictable, with certain regions staying dry and others seeing regular rainfall throughout the year.

So, in terms of which one has the best weather, the North Island is the sunnier and warmer destination, perfect for swimming and other seaside activities . But, if you don’t mind milder temperatures, or if you’re looking for some wintry, snowy fun, the South Island is a great place to go.

There’s so much to do in New Zealand, from exploring its big cities to trekking up its mountains, basking on its beaches, sampling its fine foods and wine, and exploring its one-of-a-kind attractions, both natural and man-made. But which of the two islands has the best things to do? Let’s take a look and find out.

North Island: The Activities

As mentioned earlier on, visitors to the North Island will have access to the majority of New Zealand’s big cities, including Auckland, which is by far the largest. There, you can visit a range of museums, like the Auckland War Memorial Museum and Auckland Art Gallery, along with family attractions, such as Auckland Zoo, the Sky Tower, and the Sea Life Aquarium.

Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, is also worth exploring, boasting beautiful botanic gardens, a huge zoo, beautiful buildings, and museums. Or, if you’re interested in indigenous Maori culture, head to Rotorua. There, you can learn all about local myths and folklore in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley or admire indigenous artists at work at the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute.

Wine lovers, meanwhile, may like to traverse the North Island’s stunning wine regions and sample some local favorites, while movie buffs won’t want to miss out on a trip to two of the most thrilling “Lord of the Rings” filming locations: the Hobbiton movie set, not far from Matamata, as well as Wellington’s Weta Workshop, home of iconic props and costumes.

The North Island is also famed for its volcanic landscapes and unique geothermal features. Visitors can dip their toes in green lakes, soothe their skin in hot mud baths, and be amazed at the sight of grand geysers bursting water into the air. There are even parts of the coast where you can dig down and make your own natural hot water pool.

South Island: The Activities

While the North Island is famed for its big cities and breathtaking beaches, the South Island is synonymous with jaw-dropping natural scenery. This is the place to come if you want to spend most of your time outdoors, exploring the mountains, lakes, waterways, and other awesome landscapes that so many people associate with NZ.

Many visitors, for instance, will want to see the Southern Alps, which stretch along the center of the island. You’ll find multiple world-class ski resorts here for wild winter sport excitement, as well as enormous peaks to scale and crystal clear alpine lakes. A helicopter ride is a terrific and unique way to take it all in, but there are also lots of super hiking trails to trek along, too.

Beyond the mountains, New Zealand’s South Island also has many dramatic fjords and waterways to cruise along, as well as grand glaciers and massive national parks, like Abel Tasman. It’s also one of the world’s leading locations for extreme adventure sports, like skydiving, paragliding, and white water rafting, all of which can be enjoyed from Queenstown.

Like the North Island, the South Island is also home to extensive wine regions, like Marlborough, perfect for romantic day trips. And, despite having a much smaller population than the North Island, the South still has some super cities to see, such as the English-style Christchurch, home to beautiful botanic gardens, wildlife reserves, and charming architecture.

Overall, both islands offer plenty to do, with the North Island providing a nice mix of natural escapes and urban adventures , and the South Island being almost unbeatable in regard to hikes, scenery, and outdoor activities.

With over 9,000 miles of coastline, New Zealand is home to a long list of beautiful beaches, with many of the best examples boasting stunning white sands and magical views all around. But which of the two islands is best for beach goers?

Well, the North Island has the big benefit of being much warmer. So, if you want to go swimming and sunbathing, that’s the place to be. It’s also got most of the country’s best-known white sand beaches, like the breathtaking Cathedral Cove and Opito Bay. It’s also home to the gigantic Ninety Mile Beach (which actually only runs for about 55 miles).

The South Island may not boast the same sugar-like sands as the North, but it’s still got some gorgeous golden sandy strips to check out. Many of its beaches also feel secluded and romantic, like Purakaunui, where visitors can bathe or snorkel in natural swimming pools, or the beaches of the Marlborough Sounds, where it’s easy to find your own private spot.

Overall, it all depends on what kind of beach experience you’re looking for. For the softest sands and warmest waters, the North Island is the clear winner. But, for seclusion, romance, and potential wildlife encounters, the South Island is a terrific choice.

A huge number of travelers choose to go to New Zealand for its scenery. And it’s easy to see why. This country is incredibly picturesque, with wonderfully diverse natural landscapes including lakes, mountains, fjords, plains, and more. So, if you’re a hiker or a nature lover, which island should you go to?

Well, of the two, the South Island is generally considered to be the most beautiful. In fact, the landscapes here are out-of-this-world, ranking among the prettiest on the planet. This island is home to the towering Southern Alps, dramatic Norwegian-style fjords, scenic waterways, and shimmering lakes.

The South Island is also home to seven of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks,” which are regarded as the best trekking trails in the country. So, if you’re into hiking, this is the better of the two islands to visit. It’s also the best for other sorts of outdoor adventures, like kayaking, rafting, paragliding, and more.

At the same time, the North Island still has wonderful scenery of its own. Its volcanic landscapes are something to behold, and this is one of the best places on earth to see geysers and natural hot springs. There are also several Great Walk trails to try here, along with pleasant coastal tracks to walk along, like Duke’s Nose in Northland.

Overall, if you want to be wowed by the scenery that surrounds you, or if you plan on spending a large part of your vacation hiking, trekking, and diving headfirst into nature, head to the South Island. If you want beautiful scenery without even being too far from a major city, stick to the North Island.

Along with vast swathes of stunning scenery, New Zealand is also home to some super cities, filled with museums, galleries, parks, gardens, restaurants, and more. I f you want to experience Maori culture or other elements of New Zealand lifestyles, it’s definitely a good idea to visit some of the nation’s major cities. But which island is best suited to urban exploration?

Well, as mentioned earlier on, most of New Zealand’s big cities can be found on the North Island. It’s got a way bigger population than the South, with close to 1.5 million people living in Auckland alone. From Hamilton in the west to Napier in the east, there are big, interesting cities all over the North Island, with excellent transport links connecting them to each other.

Because of this, all of the typical urban activities we associate with big cities – like shopping, dining, museums, and family attractions – tend to be better on the North Island. Plus, with a large part of the Maori population being based here, it’s the best place to go to learn all about their way of life.

The South Island still has a couple of notable urban centers, like Christchurch, home to the Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Gondola, as well as Dunedin, where you can visit landmarks like Larnach Castle or admire the many artifacts on display in the Otago Museum. However, most of the towns and cities here are smaller and quieter than those to the north.

If you love staying out late, mingling with the locals and visiting fun hangouts, like bars, and clubs, you’ll find a lot of interesting places to spend your evenings across both of New Zealand’s islands. The North Island may seem like the better choice, due to its bigger population, but some of the best nightlife locations are actually found on the South Island.

Queenstown, for example, is located on the South Island and is arguably the best place to be after-dark, with countless music clubs and thrilling party vibes, particularly through the summer months. Other hotspots to the south include Christchurch, which has fun themed bars and casinos, along with Dunedin, with a big student population and quirky cocktail bars galore.

Not to be outdone, the North Island also has several stellar cities in which to drink, dance, and party the night away. As the biggest NZ city, Auckland has a massive list of bars and clubs in areas like Queen Street and the Viaduct Harbour, with the trendy capital of Wellington also ranking highly for evening entertainment, home to many cool craft pubs and comedy clubs.

Overall, it’s tough to call a winner here, as both islands have fantastic nightlife scenes. They’re very closely-matched, though the bigger number of cities on the North Island make it easier to find bars and clubs, no matter where you’re based.

New Zealand is one of the best countries to visit as a family. It’s safe, scenic, and filled with fun things to see and do. However, depending on the tastes and preferences of your family, you may find one of the country’s two islands to be a better fit for your vacation than the other.

A lot of families will prefer the North Island, due to its more exciting cities, gorgeous beaches, and warmer weather. There are also so many great family attractions here, including multiple zoos, aquariums, museums, parks, and gardens. Children and teens who like the Middle Earth movies will also be blown away by a visit to Hobbiton or the Weta Workshop.

Over on the South Island, you might not find quite as many traditional touristic attractions, such as theme parks or live entertainment venues. However, you will find a wonderful world of fantastic landscapes, with mind-blowing mountains, magical hiking trails, and extraordinary outdoor recreation opportunities, ideal for the most active and energetic families.

Overall, the North Island is best for the majority of families, especially those with younger children. Meanwhile, those with teens or more active, outdoorsy lifestyles may prefer the South Island instead.

Couples of any age can also have the time of their lives on a trip to New Zealand. It’s such a beautiful, romantic place, perfect for bringing people closer together in their shared amazement at the jaw-dropping scenery all around. But which of the two islands is more appealing to the average couple?

Well, if you want to know which is the more romantic of the two, many travelers tend to agree that the South Island takes that particular title. It’s quieter and calmer, while also boasting the more impressive landscapes, perfect for couples who want to get away from it all. It’s also a dream destination for active and adventurous couples who like hiking and similar activities.

At the same time, there are also many reasons why you might prefer to pick the North Island for your honeymoon. It’s got the bigger cities and a longer list of attractions and landmarks to check out, as well as more diverse accommodation options and restaurants too. Plus, it’s the best island for beaches, ideal for couples who love sunbathing or watching the sun go down together.

So, the best option truly depends on the preferences of the couple. Those searching for peace, quiet, and sublime scenery should head south. Meanwhile, those who prefer big city excitement or brilliant seaside fun should opt for the North Island.

New Zealand isn’t exactly the cheapest country to visit, especially for those coming from far away locations, like the U.S. or Europe. So it may be a little beyond the budget of most backpackers. However, if you can afford to travel here on a backpacking budget, it’s an awesome place to explore .

The North Island has the benefit of being easier to get around. You can quickly and conveniently hop from city to city and region to region to see all you want to see. And there’s an awful lot to see, from museums and Maori cultural centers to shops, restaurants, beaches, and geothermal wonders. The list goes on and on, and you can easily spend weeks here without getting bored.

On the South Island, travelers will find a rawer and more rugged wilderness, just waiting to be explored. This island feels more pristine and off-the-beaten-path compared to the North, which can be appealing to those with adventurous spirits, but it also means that it’s a little trickier to get around, and there’s not quite as much to do.

Overall, the North Island is probably best for most backpackers, especially those seeking cultural experiences, as well as first-time visitors, but those who really enjoy hiking and trekking may prefer the South Island.

Which Is Cheaper?

You might assume that prices are more or less the same on both islands, since they’re both part of the same country. However, that’s not quite the case.

In reality, most things tend to cost more on the North Island than the South. This is mainly due to the fact that the North Island is more populous and developed, leading to higher rates for the likes of food, drink, accommodation, and touristic activities . So, if you want to stretch your travel budget to the max, you may prefer to visit the more affordable South Island.

North Island

Budget: Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands , nestled in Northland, New Zealand, exudes natural beauty. Surrounded by lush landscapes, the hotel’s stunning waterfront location captures the essence of tranquility. With sweeping views of the Bay of Islands, it offers a serene retreat, harmonizing luxury with the breathtaking allure of New Zealand’s Northland.

Luxury: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia embraces coastal elegance in its design, situated amid the scenic splendor of Paihia, New Zealand. Overlooking the glistening waters, the hotel boasts a picturesque setting with lush surroundings. A harmonious blend of comfort and stunning views, creating a captivating retreat along the Bay of Islands.

South Island

Budget: Foveaux Hotel in Southland, New Zealand, epitomizes timeless beauty. Nestled against a backdrop of Southern Hemisphere charm, the hotel exudes elegance with its architectural finesse. The tranquil surroundings and scenic vistas create a haven of serenity, offering a truly enchanting escape in the heart of Southland’s captivating landscape.

Luxury: The Langlands Hotel in Southland, New Zealand, is a masterpiece of refined beauty. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere, this architectural gem harmonizes with nature. The hotel’s charm lies in its elegant design, creating a serene retreat where luxury meets the breathtaking allure of Southland’s captivating scenery.

Overall, it truly doesn’t matter where you visit New Zealand’s North or South Island. Either way, you’re guaranteed an experience you’ll never forget, with the most remarkable scenery all around. However, the whole purpose of this guide is to help you pick one island over the other. So, which should you choose?

Well, for most travelers, the North Island is the best one to start off with. It may be smaller, but it’s got much more going on, with the most scenic beaches, the more developed shopping and dining scenes, awesome big cities to explore, and such a diverse range of attractions – you can spend one day learning all about centuries-old Maori traditions and the next one basking on a Caribbean-style white sand beach.

However, that doesn’t mean that the South Island isn’t worth visiting – far from it! In fact, the South Island is, in many ways, just as astounding as the North. It’s got the best scenery, the best hiking, and even a thrilling nightlife scene, which are all worth taking into account if you feel like the North Island might not be quite right for you.

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In 2024, we are all both blessed and cursed with more choice than ever before.

From our Netflix watch queue to the type of food we want to eat, we’re bombarded with options, but rarely any solutions.

But when it comes to travel, Australians should look no further than our neighbours across the ditch in solving our travel conundrums.

When I look for a holiday, I look for maximum relaxation. For others, it’s all about the beach or snow, some want adventure, some want to be wined and dined, and the list goes on and on.

Recently, I was lucky enough to spend a week in regional New Zealand, travelling between Taupō, Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti Gisborne – three cities in the middle of the North Island.

And what I saw was three completely distinct regions a stone’s throw away from each other — and you’d hardly even know it was the epicentre of the costliest tropical cyclone in Southern Hemisphere history just over 12 months ago.

Hawke’s Bay: Foodie mecca forged in disaster

If New Zealanders – and especially Napier – know anything better than most, it’s disasters.

It’s a city literally forged by disaster.

In 1931, Napier was a small almost island, connected by thin land and sand bridges to the mainland surrounding the Ahuriri Lagoon, which covered about 40 square kms.

Then the earthquake hit.

On the late morning of February 3, 1931, Hawke’s Bay was rocked by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake – equivalent to 100 million tonnes of TNT – flattened most of the city and started fires that burned nearly out of control, destroying most of what was left.

256 people died in the earthquake including 161 in Napier, which remains today the country’s deadliest natural disaster.

It was an earthquake so big the coastal areas of Napier were raised by up to two metres, draining much of the lagoon and turning the sea bed into dry land.

There were reports at the time the tremors were felt in Timaru on the South Island, over 700km away.

And it’s the land that Napier currently sits on.

Other cities may look to move on from the disasters of the past, but in Napier, the disaster has shaped the city in more ways than just its footprint.

Despite being during the Great Depression, Napier quickly rebuilt itself in the style that was popular at the time.

Between 1931 and 1933, 111 new buildings were constructed in the heart of the city in the Art Deco style.

Today, Napier is known as the Art Deco capital of the world, even holding an annual Art Deco festival each February, drawing around 40,000 participants to the region.

Although some modern buildings have moved in, the heart of the city has retained the style and become a calling card to the rest of the world.

It’s an example of the resilience of the nation, one that it’s had to lean on in recent times as well.

In February 2023, Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle devastated the North Island of New Zealand, as well as parts of northern Australia and Vanuatu.

But it was New Zealand that copped the brunt of the disaster.

Eleven people died – eight in Hawke’s Bay – as the damage bill was forecast at $NZ13.5bn ($A12.5bn), the costliest tropical cyclone on record in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Hastings District, which is about 20 minutes away from Napier, suffered about $NZ2bn ($A1.86bn) worth of damage alone.

The city was cut off for weeks as the damage hit the city hard.

But just over a year later, as you drive into Hawke’s Bay, the scars of the horrific disaster are few and far between.

A tree graveyard about 20 minutes out of Napier and some roadworks as the region returns to all but normal are the only external scars you’d see coming into the city.

My guide on a Vintage Car Tour around the city, John, said that the tourism had bounced back over the past year.

And it’s not hard to see why.

The city’s world-famous Art Deco Festival, which was cancelled during the Covid pandemic, was set to return right before the cyclone hit, was cancelled again as the cyclone hit, with organisers needing to send handwritten notes as any connection to the outside world was cut off.

But it was back with a bang in 2024 as thousands flocked to the return of the event.

While the pastel colours of the architecture will bring fans of the style or those looking to a throwback more and more scarcely seen, many more will come to the region for its other great calling card – wine and dining.

Hawke’s Bay is a mecca for wine connoisseurs with some of New Zealand’s best wineries calling the region home.

In 2023, Hawke’s Bay was named a Great Wine Capital of the World , joining the likes of France’s Bordeaux, Napa Valley in San Francisco and Adelaide in Australia among others on the exclusive list of just 12.

But Hawke’s Bay is also the second biggest winegrowing district in New Zealand with more than 35 cellar doors.

Arguably the jewel of the region’s winegrowing crown is Craggy Range.

Established in 1998 in the shadow of the Te Mata Peak, Craggy Range was named The Real Review’s Top Winery of New Zealand for 2023 and had previously ranked in the top four since the list was founded in 2018.

For the record, there were four Hawke’s Bay wineries in the top 10 of the list.

Even though I’m not the most discerning of wine connoisseurs, there’s no better way to increase your interest in the subject than learning off those who know everything about subject.

And if you want to know the difference between Australian and New Zealand wines, our guide at Craggy Range said the wines are just like the people: “Aussie wines are big, brash and in your face, while New Zealand wines are friendly, laid back and approachable”.

But wineries aren’t the only culinary draw for Hawke’s Bay as my trip also coincided with the annual Food And Wine Classic, or FAWC (pronounced fork), bringing together some of the best chefs and mixologists from around the country.

Generally held in June and November, the event was pushed to March after the cyclone as events rushed to get back on the calendar.

I was able to catch two of the up to 30 events held around Hawke’s Bay over the week.

On the first night, I and nine other foodies, some even travelling from Australia for the event, were treated to an incredible meal from Chilean-born chef Guilio Sturla at Teresa Cocktail Bar.

Along with Andrea Marseglia, who took out the title of Australia and New Zealand’s most sustainable bartender in 2023, and his team pairing cocktails for each of the five courses, it was an incredible meal that may well ruin all who attended for food forever.

Sturla, who runs the MAPU Test Kitchen in Lyttelton just outside of Christchurch, is a true artist, using foraging techniques to create tastes and textures that defy belief.

Over five courses, Sturla delighted us with Magic Noodle made from bananas, watermelon meat that had the texture of meat but the taste of watermelon (and sent my tastebuds through a trip), eye fillet with porcini mushrooms in a black persimmon and black garlic sauce, and topped off with apricot gnocchi for desert.

Paired perfectly with cocktails for each course expertly made by Marseglia and his team, it was a meal and experience.

On night two, it was a collaboration between The Supernatural Wine Co. and Central Fire Station head chef Sam Clark for an elevated twist on the classic Kiwi BBQ.

They are just some of the collaborations that make FAWC a must for any foodie’s bucket list.

Taupō: North Island’s adventure capital

When Australians think New Zealand, there’s two things that come immediately to mind – Lord of the Rings and Queenstown.

Queenstown has become a tourism mecca in New Zealand, having surged in popularity for its adventure and ski tourism. And as its popularity has grown, it’s also become one of the most expensive cities in New Zealand.

But nestled in the heart of the country is Taupō, a hidden gem that’s quickly becoming the Queenstown of the North Island.

Almost shaped exactly like a heart and sitting right in the middle of the North Island, Lake Taupō is a 46km across and is roughly the size of Singapore.

The lake was formed in the caldera of a supervolcano eruption over 25,000 years ago. Known as the Oruanui eruption, it is the world’s most recent supervolcanic eruption.

And it’s still active.

In 2022, scientists raised the alert level for the Taupō supervolcano after 700 earthquakes were recorded in the area between May and September 2022.

But don’t let that scare you off as Taupō offers the best of all walks for travellers.

While there are events such as the Supercars’ first Taupō Super400 hitting the city later in April, the Taupō Winter Festival in July, Street Art Festival in October and the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships in December, there’s plenty of things travellers can do all year round.

The volcanically active areas offer luxurious hot springs but without the sulphur smell as it pulls the minerals from deep within the earth’s surface.

Another option is to swim, fish or spend the day on a boat on Lake Taupō itself.

The enormous lake is not only surrounded by picturesque views of both the town and the surrounding countryside but also the Whakapapa ski fields, Tongariro Alpine crossing and Mount Ngauruhoe – which is better known as Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings trilogy – to the southwest.

Arguably the highlight of sailing on Lake Taupō has to be the Māori rock carvings.

While the carvings aren’t ancient – they were completed over four summers in the late 1970s and completed in 1980 by traditional marae-taught carver Matahi Whakataka-Brightwell – the artwork has become a tourist draw and is only accessible by boat.

The morning I went out, it was choppy and windy on the lake but our guides Dave and Danny from Taupō Sailing Adventures expertly navigated the tough swell on a luxury Catamaran.

Although the Māori rock carvings aren’t ancient, it’s a sign of just how the Māori culture is embraced in New Zealand.

Māori words are commonplace in New Zealand vernacular and it’s become a way of life.

But for those wanting to learn more about Māori culture, there’s no better way than at The Haka Shop.

Our guide Snow and his whanau, who are affiliated with the local Ngāti Tuwharetoa tribe, cooked a traditional hangi meal before wowing our group, which had travellers from Poland, America and Ecuador, with moving and powerful songs of their people and, of course, haka.

While I’d love to go into more detail about the night, it’s something everyone should experience for themselves as it’s not my story to tell.

Relaxing and sightseeing isn’t the only way to holiday either and Taupō offers more adrenaline pumping action as well.

The stunning Huka Falls pumps out nearly a quarter of a million litres of water per second into the Waikato River, which also flows into the Ariatiatia Power Station.

While you can see the falls from lookout points, the best way to see it is up close and personal via Hukafalls Jet.

A half an hour ride along the river, travelling at speeds of 80km/h along with 360 spins is the best way to see New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction.

Some brave – or crazy – souls even kayak down the Huka Falls and surrounding rapids on the Waikato River.

Although I didn’t get to try it out, there are also bungee and swing facilities as well as skydiving for the true adrenaline junkies.

However, I did finish off my time in the city with Taupō Parasail – and arguably there’s no better way of seeing the jaw-dropping beauty of this scenic oasis.

And if you want to try your luck, try to win $NZ10,000 the Lake Taupō Hole In One Challenge, hitting into the lake itself at a pontoon 102m out.

Tairāwhiti Gisborne: Relax in paradise

The final stop was Tairāwhiti Gisborne. While Taupō brings the adventure and Hawke’s Bay is the food-lover’s paradise, Gisbourne is the oasis for those just wanting to relax and be close to nature.

Just over a three-hour scenic drive from Hawke’s Bay, the Gisborne district makes up the most easterly point of the main islands of New Zealand.

It’s also the first place Captain James Cook landed on mainland New Zealand in 1769.

The first landing of Cook’s men was a disaster when Ngāti Oneone leader Te Maro was shot and killed by one of Cook’s men.

Over the ensuing days, more Māori blood was shed reportedly due to a miscommunication despite the presence of Tahitian tahua, or priest, Tupaia, who could translate between the Māori and Europeans.

But over 50 metres around the coast to Tologa Bay, Cook and his crew met the Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti tribe, who traded with the Europeans, allowing the Endeavour crew to resupply as the groups traded, while also gifting the crew the Hinematioro pou.

Hinematioro was chief of the Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti at the time and it was believed to be so holy her feet didn’t touch the ground on the mainland.

The pou still exists over 250 years later and is in the collection of the Tübingen University Museum in Germany, but had returned in 2019 for a tour in New Zealand.

It’s since been returned to Tübingen but the museum and the Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti have formed a relationship which will see a co-curation of an exhibition in Germany.

I spent the afternoon with Jock, Tauhi and Jahvarn from Tipana Tours learning about the history, and it really is the only way to learn about the area, asking questions and hearing directly from members of the Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti iwi directly.

Gisborne also has so much more to offer for those who want to get close to nature.

The Eastwoodhill National Arboretum is a remarkable place which has been deemed an arboreal ark and features over 25,000 species of trees, shrubs and climber plants from around the world.

On my tour, I was shown a Wollemi pine, the Australian species that is one of the world’s oldest and rarest trees, with only 46 adult trees and 43 juveniles existing in the world.

But it’s not alone, as many of the specimens around the arboretum are rare in their homelands.

I stayed at the Tatapouri Bay Oceanside Accommodation with clear views across the Pacific Ocean to wake up with one of the first sunrises in the world.

With white sand beaches along the coast, Gisborne is a surfer’s dream.

But small towns also find ways to differentiate themselves, something that Gisborne does well.

After driving from Hawke’s Bay, the night I arrived in Gisborne, I caught a movie at the Dome Cinema in town.

In a world where cinema is trying to rebuild after Covid, the Dome Cinema offers more than just a place to watch a film, but makes it an experience.

Order a pizza and a cocktail from the bar and sit back and enjoy in comfortable bean bags – it’s the type of experience that the film industry needs to create to get people out of their homes.

Another can’t-be-missed experience is the reef ecology tour with Dive Tatapouri where you can swim, pat and feed wild stingrays and eagle rays.

While the death of Steve Irwin is a story that rings in many people’s heads when it comes to stingrays, the tour will change how you feel about the animals.

And I finished my time in New Zealand with Gisborne Railbike Adventure.

With a choice of a standard railbike or e-bike – we took an e-bike – you can take in the stunning scenery of the area, from open farmland, orange groves, green tunnels, and a 1.5km tunnel on an all-but abandoned piece of rail line along the coast of Gisborne.

While there are other options for an hour, my group went on the 32km ride over 3.5 hours, giving a taste of all Gisborne has to offer.

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At the halfway point, you stop at a lookout picnic spot with jaw-dropping views of the coastline very few people get to see.

As you can tell, our neighbours have a lot to offer.

This writer travelled to New Zealand as a guest of Tourism New Zealand

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South Island Tours & Vacations

New Zealand's South Island has alpine delights and natural wonders.

From hiking on glaciers to kayaking with dolphins, you can enjoy a range of active experiences while you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful places in New Zealand’s South Island. If you’re looking for the perfect South Island itinerary, you’ve come to the right place. A New Zealand South Island tour promises breathtaking scenery, heart-pumping adrenaline activities, fascinating cultural experiences, and some of the best food and wine on the planet. If you're having trouble figuring out whether you should explore the South Island or the North Island of New Zealand, you simply have to look at all the fun experiences to be had, from overnight scenic cruises to cultural exchanges and exciting adventure tours. From sampling the region’s famous wine near Queenstown  to sleeping on Milford Sound and observing the famous kiwi bird in Christchurch , there are plenty of great things to do in New Zealand’s South Island.

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South island travel faqs, do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

How do I get to the South Island?

The two major airports on New Zealand's South Island are Christchurch and Queenstown.

Flying into Christchurch is generally cheaper than flying into Queenstown, especially during ski season.

Vehicle ferry services, which also take foot passengers, travel between Wellington in the North Island and Picton at the tip of the South Island daily and take around three-and-a-half hours. 

Getting around the South Island

Most people hire a car or a motorhome or book a New Zealand tour to travel around the South Island of New Zealand.

InterCity buses are also available for long distance travel to the major towns in the South Island. 

When is the best time to visit the South Island?

If you would like to go skiing, the best time to visit the South Island is from late June to early September.

Visiting outside the school holidays is the best option if you aren't traveling with school-age children, as New Zealand's South Island is popular for family holidays and gets busy during these times.

Summer is pleasantly warm with low humidity and days that are generally clear and sunny.

Winter sees snow on the mountains and in the middle of the South Island. Some inland roads can be closed at times due to snow, so plan your journey accordingly.

Spring sees fewer crowds and is ideal for hiking and outdoor pursuits. 

What should I pack for the South Island?

The weather in the South Island can be changeable so pack clothes you can layer plus a jumper or jacket, wet weather gear, a hat and a beanie.

Even if you are visiting in winter, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt is a good idea if you are planning on going hiking as it can be get surprisingly warm in the middle of the day during the cooler months. 

What should I wear in the South Island?

The South Island of New Zealand is a fairly casual place although locals do tend to dress up if they are 'hitting the town' at night in major towns like Queenstown or Christchurch.

Smart casual is the norm at most restaurants, aside from the signature 'date night' ones where people tend to dress up more. 

What is the internet access like in the South Island?

There is good WiFi coverage in major towns and tourist centres in the South Island of New Zealand but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Can I use my cell phone in the South Island?

There is good cell coverage in major towns and tourist centers in the South Island of New Zealand, but it is not uncommon to lose coverage in some situations, such as when you are driving through mountains or hiking in remote areas. 

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

11 MUST-DO NORTH ISLAND EXPERIENCES

Golden and black volcanic sand beaches line the coasts of the North Island and geothermal wonders weave their way around lush native forests. Make sure to add these top experiences to your wish list when travelling through the North Island.

1. Explore Waitomo Caves

Discover the Legendary Black Water Rafting co., Waikato

By Discover Waitomo

The entrance to spectacular Aranui cave, New Zealand

Waitomo Caves, Waikato

By Shaun Jeffers

Another world awaits below Waitomo , and the big reveal is almost beyond belief. Derived from a combination of Māori words, 'wai' translates as water and 'tomo' as entrance or hole, this aptly named underground world is made up of a maze of limestone caves – lined with stalagmites, stalactites, and galaxies of glowworms. Explore the caves on a guided walk or boat tour or a thrilling Black Water Rafting trip through subterranean waterways.

2. Eat and drink your way around Wellington

Pizza Pomordoro, Hannah's Laneway, Wellington

By Camilla Rutherford

Havana Bar, Wellington

By Two Bearded Men

Enjoy a beer at Parrotdog brewery, Wellington

New Zealand's   quirky little capital  is a must-visit for the foodies . Try locally famous salted caramel cookies at   Leeds Street Bakery (opens in new window) , or seasonal dishes paired with organic wines at   Shepherd (opens in new window) .

On the beverage front, Wellington's many cafes take their coffee seriously. Talented baristas, locally roasted beans and deep pride in coffee culture mean great coffee is easy to come by. Sample the products of a thriving craft beer scene at spots like   Garage Project   in the bohemian Aro Valley.

Explore top food experiences

3. Walk the Pouakai Crossing

Pouakai Crossing , Taranaki

By Colm Keating

The  Pouakai Crossing (opens in new window)  is a 19-kilometre trail that takes in the highlights of  Egmont National Park . Winding across the slopes of the mighty Mount Taranaki, this track is one of the best full-day hikes in the North Island. You'll get spectacular views, particularly at the picturesque Pouakai tarns. On a clear, calm day, these small alpine pools reflect the mountain perfectly, offering unmissable photo opportunities.

4. See the Pacific Ocean and Tasman Sea meet in Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua

Cape Reinga Lighthouse, Northland & Bay of Islands

By Destination Northland

By Alistair Guthrie

Few road trips are as magical as Northland's   Twin Coast Highway , which traces a seemingly endless procession of beautiful beaches and harbours, and reaches the remote extremity of Cape Reinga . Also known as Te Rerenga Wairua, this unforgettable place is where spirits are said to leap off on their final journey, across the swirling waters where two oceans meet.

5. Immerse yourself in Māori culture in Rotorua

Geyser By Night, Te Puia, Rotorua

By Sean Marsh

Pounamu, Rotorua

By Carvers at Te Puia - Rotorua

Tamaki evening tour, Rotorua

By Destination Rotorua

Rich in Māori heritage, Rotorua is an ideal location to learn and immerse yourself in the culture, history and traditions of our indigenous people. Visit Te Puia (opens in new window) to experience the geothermal wonderland by night, check out pounamu carving workshops around the city, or for a completely immersive experience, choose an overnight stay at   Tamaki Māori Village (opens in new window) .

More Rotorua experiences

6. Feel the sand between your toes on The Coromandel's golden beaches

Cathedral Cove, Coromandel

Hot Water Beach, New Zealand

By HeadFirst Travel

New Chums beach, Coromandel

By Destination Coromandel

The Coromandel is famous for its golden beaches. The most famous is Cathedral Cove , which features a majestic limestone archway. You can reach this stunning beach via a short coastal walk, on a kayak trip, or by taking a scenic cruise. Visit the secluded white sandy beach of New Chums beach (opens in new window) , just found on the northern end of  Whangapoua Beach.  Hot Water Beach , only a short drive from Cathedral Cove, is another must-see - and make sure you bring a shovel with you!

Explore more of The Coromandel

7. Visit Hobbiton™

Hobbiton, Matamata, Waikato

By Sara Orme

Hobbiton Evening Banquet, New Zealand

By Hobbiton Tours Ltd

Middle‑earth™ comes to life in the lush, green Waikato countryside where scenes from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit™ trilogies were filmed. Go on the  Hobbiton™ Movie Set Tour (opens in new window)  and put yourself in the picture on a spellbinding tour of the permanent movie set with its Hobbit holes, Party Tree, and the Green Dragon Inn where you can make merry with a pint of Southfarthing ale.

8. Snorkel or dive Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve

Poor Knights Island, Northland & Bay of Islands

By Fraser Clements

Poor Knights, Northland & Bay of Islands

By Tourism New Zealand

Beneath the water around the Poor Knights Islands lie caves, arches, cliffs and tunnels, creating a submarine playground to explore. The unique biodiversity of this marine reserve make it an excellent diving or snorkelling location. Jacques Cousteau famously rated the Poor Knights Islands as one of the top 10 dive spots in the world.

On the boat trip out to the islands , located 23 kilometres off the Tutukaka Coast in Northland, you might spot dolphins, orca, or Bryde's whales.

9. Wine and dine on Waiheke Island

Tantalus winery, Auckland

Beach walks, Waiheke Island, Auckland

A vineyard lunch, Waiheke Island, Auckland

Just a short ferry ride away from Auckland , you will find the vineyards , olive groves and white sandy beaches of Waiheke Island . 

Choose to explore with a wine tour or go at your own pace by hiring a bike or a scooter.  Make sure you visit famous vineyards such as Stonyridge (opens in new window)   and Mudbrick (opens in new window) .

10. Chase waterfalls in Taupō

Huka Falls, Taupō

By Graeme Murray

The mighty Huka Falls, Taupō

By Hukafalls Jet

Fed by the mighty Waikato River, Lake Taupō and  the Taupō region is abundant with water and waterfalls.  Huka Falls is a thunderous fall where nearly a quarter of a million litres of water bursts through a natural gorge. You can visit Huka Falls via a short walking track to a viewing platform, or for an added thrill take a jet boat ride up the river. Other spectacular falls in Taupō include Otupoto Falls, where the water comes out of a cliff and falls straight into Lake Taupō, and Tieke Falls, which you can reach via the popular Waihaha River Cycle Trail (opens in new window) .

11. Step back in time to an Art Deco world in Napier

Vintage Cars, Hawke's Bay

By Art Deco Trust

The Art Deco Masonic Hotel, Napier, Hawke's Bay

By Kirsten Simcox Photography

Entrance to Mission Estate, Hawke's Bay

By Hawkes Bay Scenic Tours, Napier, New Zealand

Church Road Winery, Hawke's Bay

By Hawke's Bay Tourism

Street after street of stunning and beautifully-restored Art Deco buildings have made Napier famous for being one of the most complete collections of Art Deco buildings in the world. Learn more about the fascinating history of Napier’s pre and post-earthquake buildings with a 2-hour walking tour, or let experienced guides chauffeur you in a vintage car an Art Deco Vintage car tour (opens in new window) .

Napier is also home to many wineries including the country's oldest winery, Mission Estate Winery (opens in new window) . Go on a wine tasting tour and visit some of the greats such as  Church Road Winery (opens in new window) , Te Mata Estate (opens in new window) and Craggy Range (opens in new window) .

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Posted: June 10, 2023 | Last updated: June 10, 2023

Kiwi experiences you've been missing

Sailing Auckland's harbor

Charter a sailboat or join a cruise to experience Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour from the water. The City of Sails, as it's also known, has a rich maritime heritage and when you’ve learned all you can about Polynesian and European history in its museums, nothing beats seeing Auckland’s skyline with the wind in your hair. There's even an option to book an ex-America's Cup sailing yacht.

Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing

The central North Island region features the one-day Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Famed for its views of magnificent lava fields, smoking craters, volcanic lakes and Mount Ngauruhoe (known as Mount Doom in  The Lord of the Rings ), it's lauded as one of the world's best one-day hikes. In winter, the track is covered in snow and ice. The hike takes six to eight hours to complete and covers around 12 miles (19.4km). Note that it's a point-to-point hike, so travelers are advised to arrange pick-up at the end of the trail.

Sandboarding Giant Sand Dunes

Braving a skydive

Queenstown in the South Island is the adventure capital of New Zealand. Braving a skydive from 15,000 feet (4,572m) is the ultimate high-octane experience and after an exhilarating (and terrifying) 60-second freefall you can enjoy a scenic parachute ride over beautiful and dramatic scenery – drop zones include the base of the Remarkables mountain range.

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Visiting Hobbiton Movie Set

Kiwi film director Sir Peter Jackson shot much of The Lord of the Rings trilogy on location in the epic landscapes of New Zealand. Hobbiton, however, was built from scratch (and rebuilt for The Hobbit ) on farmland just outside the small Waikato town of Matamata. The movie set is now one of the country’s most visited tourist attractions and offers guided tours, dinner feasts, special weekend breakfast experiences and more.

Riding the New Zealand Cycle Trail

The New Zealand Cycle Trail is a series of 22 mostly off-road cycle routes that take anything from a couple of hours to several days. Alps 2 Ocean (pictured) is an epic route that follows glacier-carved valleys from the foot of the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean on the South Island and takes four to six days to complete. It's mostly pretty easy but can be lumpy with steep drop offs in places.

Touring world-class wineries

A flight over an active volcano

In northern New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, White Island – or Whakaari in Māori – is an active marine volcano that last erupted in December 2019. There were 47 people on the island at the time and 22 tragically lost their lives when rock and ash was exploded into the air. Visitors can no longer set foot on White Island, but you can take a scenic flight from Whakatane, Rotorua, Tauranga or Taupo to see the often-smoking crater up close.

More active volcanoes you can visit

Visiting a marae

Driving Ninety Mile Beach

The far north’s Ninety Mile Beach is officially a highway – but one that's only suitable for 4WD vehicles. Beefed-up minibuses regularly run tours up and down the sands from Kaitaia to Scott Point, while more adventurous travelers tackle the sands in their own vehicles (though rental motors don't allow you to drive on the beach). A seemingly never-ending stretch of sand, Ninety Mile Beach, which is actually 55 miles (88.5km) long, is famed for spectacular sunsets and one of the best left-hand surf breaks in the world.

Exploring Farewell Spit

There are plenty of spots other than Ninety Mile Beach where you can take a drive on the sands, though. At the far north of the South Island in Golden Bay, narrow Farewell Spit is a protected nature reserve and bird sanctuary with bar-tailed godwits, knots, curlews, whimbrels, turnstones and breeding blue penguins. Just one tour company has permission to operate here, allowing visitors to explore the 21-mile (34km) stretch of windswept sands backed by ever-moving dunes on a 4WD minibus.

Jet-boating on the Shotover River

The unbelievably blue waters of the fast-flowing Shotover River are a mesmerizing spot for jet-boating on the Shotover Jet. Your heart is in your mouth as you race through the rocky and narrow canyon, skimming rocks and spinning through sharp turns. The jet is owned by the Ngāi Tahu, the Māori people of this land, and is the only company allowed to operate in this area of the river.

Bungy jumping in Queenstown

Queenstown is the home of the bungy and seems to bring out the adventurous side to every visitor. There are plenty of opportunities for bungy jumping from lofty bridges and ledges in and around town – be like the pros and throw in a flip or twist as you hurtle off. Pictured is the 154-foot (134m) Nevis Bungy – the highest in New Zealand, offering an incredible 8.5-second free fall.

Bathing on Hot Water Beach

Join the throngs of people as the tide rolls out on Hot Water Beach on the east of the North Island. Grab a spade (you can hire one from a nearby café) and head to the southern end of the beach where you can dig your very own hot pool and immerse yourself in naturally heated water. It's one beach experience that's even better on a rainy day. 

See more of the world's most stunning beaches

Discovering Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland

The Wai-O-Tapu thermal wonderland is close to Rotorua, a place revered by Māori (Wai-O-Tapu means sacred waters). The geothermal playground has mud pools, geysers and sulfur pools. Although there's a distinct rotten egg whiff in the air, the views are nothing short of stunning.

Discover more of the world's incredible natural wonders

Feasting at a Māori hāngi

Māori traditionally used the natural geothermal heat of Rotorua as a subterranean oven. At the Te Puia Māori cultural center you can enjoy a hāngi buffet lunch that includes chicken and lamb dishes cooked in a pit dug in the earth. As New Zealand reopens, hāngi experiences are also expected to return at Whakarewarewa and Tamaki Māori Village.

Being dazzled by Cathedral Cove

Exploring Waitomo Glowworm Caves

The Waitomo region on the North Island has plenty of limestone caves to explore and a boat ride through the dimly lit Waitomo Glowworm Caves is unmissable. Gliding along in silence with the cavern lit by what looks like thousands of stars is a magical experience.

The world's most beautiful caverns and caves  

White-water rafting on Kaituna River

New Zealand has some of the best white-water rafting in the world and Kaituna River near Rotorua is no exception. The river – one of the warmest in New Zealand – can be rafted year-round, but spring (September, October and November), is when the waterfalls are particularly epic. Kaituna Cascades offer 50-minute Grade 5 rafting tours tackling 14 rapids along the river.

Riding the TranzAlpine Express

The stupendous scenery of the TranzAlpine rail route between Christchurch and Greymouth takes in the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps (jump off to explore Arthur's Pass), lush lake valleys and native beech forests. The train goes through short tunnels and crosses dramatic viaducts on its five-hour journey. Currently, face masks are required, even in the open-air viewing carriage.

These are the world's most luxurious train journeys

Cruising Cook Strait

Crossing the Cook Strait on the Interislander ferry between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island is a scenic ride. On the laid-back three-and-a-half-hour crossing, you’ll have unparalleled views of the Marlborough Sounds (pictured) and might spot seals, penguins, whales and dolphins.

Stargazing in the Southern Hemisphere

For an invigorated sense of wonder at the galaxy, enjoy a night-time visit to the Aoraki-Mackenzie Dark-Sky Reserve, which includes Canterbury University’s Mount John Observatory (pictured) above Lake Tekapo, or travel to the southernmost Dark Sky Sanctuary in the world on Stewart Island/Rakiura. It's a truly magical experience.

Skiing the Southern Alps

Kayaking in Abel Tasman National Park

The outstanding coastline of Abel Tasman National Park is the main reason to visit and paddling the picturesque islets and islands is an unmissable experience. From a kayak, you’re able to access secluded golden sand beaches that can’t be reached on foot. This might be the country's smallest national park, but it's perfectly formed for fabulous adventures that are not too strenuous. 

Tramping in Westland Tai Poutini National Park

Viewing the world’s clearest freshwater springs

Golden Bay’s Te Waikoropupu Springs (which translates as 'place of the dancing sands') is a serene spot to visit. While you can’t swim (the springs are a taonga, or treasure, to Māori), the stroll through the forest follows the stream and emerges at a viewing platform over the crystal-clear waters, some of the clearest in the world.

Immersing in art at Auckland Art Gallery

Auckland Art Gallery (Toi o Tāmaki) impresses from the outset. The building has a strong connection to Albert Park, which was once the site of a Māori pā (village site or hill fort). Māori commissions form part of the fabric of the building and exhibitions are world-class.

The world's most beautiful museums

Discovering giant kauri trees

Kauri trees can grow to more than 164 feet (50m) tall and once dominated the forests of the North Island. However, logging wiped out huge swathes of land and only a few kauri still stand. Waipoua Forest is one of the best places to have a close encounter with a kauri tree, several of which are more than 2,000 years old. Footprints Waipoua offer tours to visit these ancient giants from Opononi in Northland.

Whale watching off the Kaikoura Peninsula

Surfing Raglan, Waikato

The 1966 surf classic Endless Summer was filmed in Raglan and it’s a popular spot with surfers. The long peeling left-hand break at world-famous Manu Bay (five miles, or 8km, from Raglan) can get a little crowded, so Ngarunui (Ocean) Beach might be a better choice for beginners.

Ice climbing on the Southern Alps

Getting up close to penguins

The world’s rarest species of penguin, the yellow-eyed penguin (Megadyptes antipodes), or hoiho, can be spotted at Curio Bay in The Catlins. The southeast corner of the South Island is home to these protected birds and it’s estimated there are only around 6,000 to 7,000 of them left in the wild in New Zealand.

Paddleboarding Poor Knights Island

Cruising Milford Sound

South Island’s Fiordland National Park is one of the most pristine and spectacular places on the planet. The vast fiord known as Milford Sound, or Piopiotahi in the Māori language, has sheer rock walls rising 5,522 feet (1,683m) and a daytime or overnight cruise gives a unique perspective.

Searching for a kiwi

Paddling a waka

More than 800 years ago Māori arrived in New Zealand on waka (canoes) from eastern Polynesia. Learning about Māori heritage while paddling as a team along the beautiful Abel Tasman coast in single or double-hulled outrigger canoes is a special experience. Visitors learn the etiquette (tikanga) associated with waka before beginning the journey along the coast to Split Apple Rock. All trips also begin and end with a blessing (karakia) for protection.

Soaking in hot springs

There are plenty of hot springs in New Zealand, but Kerosene Creek (around a 30-minute drive from Rotorua) is totally free. Here, the tumbling waterfall and naturally heated hot pool is at the end of a short track and surrounded by native forest. For a more commercial experience, visit Ngawha in Northland, where 16 geothermal pools have recently been redeveloped and reopened in 2021. The Parahirahi Ngawha Waiariki Trust owns and operates Ngawha and upholds the cultural and spiritual values of the springs.

Visiting Cape Reinga

Standing at the lighthouse at the far north of New Zealand looking out at the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean colliding, you can feel why it’s such a special place for Māori. This sacred site at the end of the road marks the point from which Māori wairua (spirit) return to their traditional homeland. While it's not the most northern point of the country (North Cape is, but it's not open to public), this is as far as you can get by road. There are guided coach tours departing from Kaitaia and Paihia daily too.

Walking the Pancake Rocks track

Fishing in the Tongariro River

The Tongariro River is the most important spawning habitat in the Great Lake Taupo region. The river runs through Turangi, which makes a great base for anyone keen on fly fishing for world-renowned rainbow trout. Tongariro Lodge has been offering guided experiences to over 40 rivers and three lakes since 1982 in the Lake Taupo region, including in the Tongariro River.

Cruising through the Hole in the Rock

The Bay of Islands is a watery wonderland with more than 100 offshore subtropical islands to explore. The talisman of the region is the Hole in the Rock (Piercy Island) – a spectacular rock formation that is possible to cruise right through on a calm day. Half-day tours leave from Paihia.

Touring “Wellywood”

Wellington is the capital of the New Zealand film industry and Miramar peninsula, 20-minutes from downtown, is where all the action happens. You can tour the digital workshop to get insight into the special effects that turn fantasy movies like The Lord of the Rings  and District 9 into reality and visit Wētā Cave (pictured) to buy props and merchandise made by the artists who work on the movies.

Stocking up at a farmers' market

On weekend mornings locals in every part of the country flock to their local farmers’ market to pick up fresh local produce. Buzzing markets include La Cigale French Market (in Auckland), Harbourside Market (in Wellington), Nelson Farmers Market, Christchurch Farmers' Market and Matakana Village Farmers' Market, pictured, which is zero waste.

Taking in an All Blacks haka

The haka is a complex dance and traditional Māori challenge that tribes built their reputation on. The intensity and ferocity of the All Blacks performing either Ka Mate or their own haka Kapa O Pango before a game is not easily forgotten. Catch a game at one of the international stadiums across New Zealand, from Auckland to Dunedin.

Hot air ballooning over the Canterbury Plains

Floating over the panoramic Canterbury Plains landscape is a never-to-be-forgotten experience. Hot air ballooning here is at its most magical and peaceful at sunrise. Ballooning Canterbury offers hour-long flights and balloon fiestas where you have the opportunity to float among other balloons.

The world's most incredible hot-air balloon rides

Carving pounamu (New Zealand greenstone)

Wood, stone and bone carving are prestigious art forms practiced by master carvers. Spending a day or more learning traditional Māori skills is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about all aspects of Māori culture (and you take home something you made with your own hands). You'll find many places that offer carving experiences all across the country.

Riding the streetcars in Christchurch

 A devastating earthquake in 2011 changed the skyline of Christchurch, on the South Island, forever. Luckily, the city's quaint heritage streetcars remain. They operate a hop-on-hop-off tour of the inner city, taking in all the major tourist sites (17 of them). Cathedral Square, where Christchurch Cathedral is being rebuilt to look much like the 1904 original, sits along the route as does the new Riverside Market on the banks of the Avon River. It has sprung up as part of the regeneration of the city.

Embracing freedom camping

Sure, there are restrictions on where you can camp, but New Zealand has many beautiful untouched spots where it’s possible to pitch or park up for free. Nothing beats the freedom of driving off the beaten track to set up a remote camp under the stars. Travel New Zealand has lots of valuable information when it comes to freedom camping. "While it is free of charge, it is not free of responsibility," they say, so read up before planning a trip.

Check out these brilliant camping and RV hacks

Hiking New Zealand's newest Great Walk

A new edition to the famous Great Walks of New Zealand, the Tuatapere Hump Ridge Track is set to open at the end of 2022. This three-day, 38-mile (61km) loop through Fiordland gives access to sensational southern coastline, native forests, limestone tors and historic viaducts. Trampers must book the two backcountry lodges in advance – Okaka at 3,281 feet (1,000m) and Port Craig at sea level.

High-altitude heliskiing

New Zealand has some stunning high-altitude destinations for heliskiing. Take a chopper from Queenstown or Wanaka to the Southern Alps or to Aoraki Mount Cook, where you'll land in the best dry powder snow and can take a number of runs. You need to be a strong skier, but there's a wide range of terrain so it's possible to be dropped somewhere a little less advanced. Powder skis or all-mountain skis are recommended. Tourism New Zealand offers a handy guide to companies offering heliskiing experiences.

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Lotto: One lucky Carterton punter bags $30 million in Powerball draw

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A single ticket sold in the lower North Island town of Carterton has won tonight’s Lotto Powerball jackpot taking home a whopping $30 million - the largest jackpot of 2024 so far.

The prize was made up of $30 million from Powerball First Division and $166,667 from Lotto First Division.

Five others shared Lotto First Division, pocketing $166,667.

The winning tickets were sold at Waimauku Minimart in Waimauku, Pacific Superette in Auckland, Pak N Save Ormiston in Auckland, and on MyLotto to two players from Waikato.

The winning numbers are 14, 20, 33, 31, 11, 36, and the bonus number is 26. The Powerball number is 2.

Thirteen Lotto players have become millionaires in 2024 and Powerball has only been struck three times. The biggest win this year came on January 27 when a Canterbury MyLotto punter won $17.25m.

The biggest win ever was struck in 2020 when $50m was split between 10 players.

The prize left the lucky punters from Lincoln Heights, Auckland, Tauranga, Napier, Palmerston North and Invercargill $5m richer.

A $50m jackpot was also struck in February of the same year and was shared by two Aucklanders.

One ticket was purchased by a punter online, while the second was purchased at Countdown Manukau City Mall.

The third largest win on the list is also the biggest prize to be won by a single ticket.

A young couple from Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast took home an eye-watering $44m in 2016 after purchasing the ticket at the Dairy Flat Food Mart.

Nishchal Pandya who owns the Dairy Flat Food Mart and Liquor store where the ticket was sold as well as the one where the ticket was allegedly presented said: “I just got a call from my other store, the prize has been claimed from there.”

Pandya said he was so excited when he found out about his shop’s first big win and hoped a local was the lucky winner.

A major prize by a single ticket was not struck again until October 2021 when a Pōkeno family became $ 42.1 million richer.

The family only realised Powerball had been struck when they read the news on Thursday morning.

“I didn’t know what to do next, I was sure I must be making some sort of mistake! I always imagined whooping and cheering if I won, but I have never been so calm in my life. I popped the ticket back in my wallet and waited for my husband to come inside from the garden,” the wife said.

When her husband arrived she jumped up to tell him they were now multimillionaires.

“I’d barely stepped inside when she raced over and blurted out ‘we’ve just won $42 million with Powerball’ – it took a second or two to get my head around what she had said,” he said.

Lotto multi-millionaires of 2024

January 27: $17.25 million – MyLotto, Canterbury

February 10: $8.3 million – MyLotto, Hawke’s Bay

March 2: $12.3 million – MyLotto, Otago

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