This post may contain affiliate links that I earn a small commission from at no cost to you. Please see my disclosure page for information.

New Zealand: North Island Itinerary Ideas for 1-4 Weeks

Looking for the perfect New Zealand North Island Itinerary?

Telling someone what things to do on New Zealand’s North Island is like trying to name the best flavour of ice-cream in the world. The list is almost never-ending!

Which places you visit in the North Island is all going to depend on when you’re visiting, how you’re getting around, and, crucial, what you like to do.

This guide is designed to provide as much local knowledge as possible to help you create your own perfect New Zealand North Island Itinerary.

Rather than just outlining just one way to spend 7 days in the North Island or even up to 4 weeks, I’ve put this guide together to give you information on the best places to visit in the North Island.

Plus I’ve added notes on how long you might want to spend in each place, things to do, and where to head from there.

With all this information you’ll be able to piece together a New Zealand North Island itinerary that works for you, based on how long you’re staying and how you’re getting around (plus tips on those things too!).

You can also skip to the end to check out some sample North Island 1-4 week itinerary ideas to help you with your planning!

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

You might think of New Zealand as a small island nation, but in reality, the North Island is the 14th largest island in the world, bigger than both Iceland and Cuba, so don’t expect to be able to see all of the North Island in a week!

My best advice would be to pick a couple of key places you want to visit and then build your itinerary around those, taking in places along the way or that are only short detours.

Now if you’re wondering why you should trust me to tell you about the things to do in the North Island of New Zealand, then you should know that it’s where I’m originally from, and where I spent many years travelling before I moved abroad, plus I went back for my honeymoon on a six week road trip to show my husband around.

I’m giving you the highlights of the North Island from a local’s perspective, from the most popular places to visit, to a few more off the beaten track destinations. So let’s go!

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Auckland

Most visitors to New Zealand fly into Auckland Airport, so we’ll start the journey there.

Auckland is the biggest city in New Zealand, reaching up to 1.4 million people if you count all its outlying areas.

Despite this, Auckland doesn’t have the big city feel you might expect because it’s slowly expanded to encompass all these different areas. It’s actually bigger in area than Madrid despite the double population there!

You’ll find everything from laid-back beach areas to upmarket boutiques and hip bars in Auckland.

How long you spend there will depend on what you like to do, and how far you’ve travelled. Travelling from Europe and having to adjust to a complete flip of day and night meant we stayed for a few more days than you might need!

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Top Things to Do in Auckland

There are a lot of things to do in Auckland, including shopping and visiting the many bars and restaurants, but here are my favourites:

SkyTower – The Skywalk and Skyjump

The Auckland Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand, and has 360° panoramic views of the Auckland region as a result.

In true-kiwi style, we wouldn’t just have an observation deck, instead, we’ve devised two adrenalin activities that will have you either walking around the Sky Tower or jumping off it!

We did the Skywalk, a walk around a 192-metre high 1-metre wide platform, and I can highly recommend it. Personally, I preferred it because it was a longer challenge, getting used to walking with nothing to hold on to, and doing different challenges as we went around, like leaning over the side!

I left the jumping off for later in the holiday…

It was amazing how our confidence changed from the beginning to the end, plus our guide was awesome in pointing out all the things to do and see in Auckland along the way.

This makes a great start to your New Zealand North Island itinerary.

Skywalk Auckland New Zealand

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is just a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland, but it feels like a world away.

Strewn with wineries and restaurants that are a foodies dream, it’s a great place to go if you want a taste of New Zealand wine and won’t have a chance to do it anywhere else!

Mt Eden

This is one of my favourite places to visit in Auckland, just because it’s so different to anywhere else I’ve been.

Mt Eden is a dormant volcano that sits high above sea level and is now a 50-metre deep crater after erupting 28,000 years ago. The view from the top is tremendous!

Things to do in Auckland

West Coast beaches

The black sand beaches on the West Coast of Auckland still retain a sense of remoteness and wild beauty.

Piha is well-known as one of New Zealand’s most popular surf beaches, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Head over to climb Lion Rock and visit the local cafe.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

The Auckland War Memorial Museum in the Auckland Domain holds collections on New Zealand, natural history, overseas exhibitions and military history.

It’s a great rainy day activity or even a spot that deserves a look as one of the most iconic buildings in Auckland.

Rangitoto Island

Auckland is built on volcanos, but Rangitoto Island is the youngest, having only emerged from the sea 600 years ago.

It held small populations at one time, but it is now a scenic reserve with limited places to stay. However, it makes a great day trip from Auckland, to climb the summit or explore the reserve.

What to see in the North Island

Where to stay

If you’re only staying in Auckland for a night or two then staying in the city centre will give you easy access to most of the things to do there. You’ll be able to walk down to the Viaduct for a drink or take the ferry over to Devonport to explore an older part of Auckland that retains its colonial style.

However, if you’re there for a few more days I’d recommend staying a bit further out and experiencing a different side of Auckland.

Like many Kiwi’s who live outside of Auckland, I hadn’t spent a lot of quality time there in the past, only coming up for concerts or to see a friend, but staying out of the city centre gave me a different perspective of Auckland.

Try the Mission Bay/St Heliers Bay area or the North Shore if you want a beach and relaxed vibe, Ponsonby if you’re after a more bohemian and hipster feel, or you can try Newmarket and Parnell but they’re a bit more expensive usually. Check Booking.com for prices and options.

Where to stay in Auckland

Bay of Islands

Drive time from Auckland: 3 hours 15 minutes

The Bay of Islands is aptly named, with more than 140 islands surrounded by turquoise waters and beautiful bays.

It’s located north of Auckland and you should try and fit it into your North Island itinerary if you want somewhere to go to relax when you first arrive or before you leave.

Things to do in the Bay of Islands

Sail around the islands, visit the first British settlement at Russell and if you have the time, take a trip to Cape Reinga, at the top of the North Island, including a drive down 90-mile beach and surfing down sand dunes.

Where to stay

Paihia and Russell are common places to stay in the Bay of Islands, depending on what you’re after. Paihia is more accessible, but Russell provides a quainter experience, however, you will need to drive further around to it or time the ferries if you plan to be out exploring a lot.

Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Coromandel

Drive time from Auckland: 2 hours 20 minutes to Hahei

The Coromandel is one of the most beautiful areas of New Zealand and often missed off a North Island itinerary because it’s a little out of the way.

Things to do in the Coromandel

The most popular places in the Coromandel have become VERY popular. You won’t need to look far to find them, including walking to Cathedral Cove and digging in the sand at low tide Hot Water beach to make your own temporary hot pool.

I’m not saying don’t do them, just be prepared to be doing it with lots of others too!

Other things you could do in the Coromandel are taking a drive around the peninsula to find some of the lesser visited beaches, or get out on the water in a kayak or on a boat trip.

Where to stay

The eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula generally has more sandy and picturesque beaches, but the western side is more rocky and rugged.

If you’re staying a couple of days it’s easy to drive around to the sites. Whitianga, Coromandel, and Hahei are popular in the north of the peninsula, or Whangamata and Waihi in the south.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Mount Maunganui/Tauranga

Driving time from Auckland: 2 hours 50 minutes

Driving time from Hahei: 2 hours 30 minutes

I wouldn’t go out of your way to visit the Mount Maunganui/Tauranga area, but if you’re driving down from the Coromandel or if you want some beach time after Auckland then it’s a great spot.

Things to do in Mount Maunganui/Tauranga

You can walk up Mount Maunganui (aka the Mount to locals) for views along the coast, go surfing, or enjoy a day at the beach.

Realistically, it can be used as a base to explore the nearby area, including waterfalls, Hobbiton, or the lower Coromandel Peninsula.

Where to stay

There’s a lot of reasonable accommodation in both Tauranga and Mt Maunganui, so check out Booking.com to see what suits you.

New Zealand North Island Road trip

Waitomo

Driving time from Auckland: 2 hours 30 minutes

This is where we went after Auckland, and if you want to see a cave lit by glowworms on your trip to New Zealand (and you should) then this is a must-add place to your North Island itinerary!

Things to do in Waitomo

Black Water Rafting

The Legendary Black Water Rafting Company have been operating in the Ruakuri Cave at Waitomo for 30 years, and their tours really are legendary!

We did the Black Abyss caving tour that included abseiling, zip-lining in a dark cave, tubing along a river under glowworms and climbing up waterfalls. If you enjoy a little adventure then this is a must-add to you New Zealand North Island itinerary.

Read More: Into the Abyss: Black Water Rafting at the Waitomo Caves

They also offer their traditional black water rafting experience and an accessible cave adventure in Ruakuri Cave that includes viewing stunning cave formations and glowworms.

Waitomo Caves Black Water Rafting

Otorohonga Kiwi House

Just a 15-minute drive from Waitomo, but the Otorohonga Kiwi House is well worth the trip! This is the best place to see Kiwis in the North Island.

They have two types, and if you time your visit to coincide with their feeding time then you’ll get to see them up close!

The park also has several other native birds and Tuatara, and it was the perfect place to experience some of the wildlife of New Zealand.

Otorohonga Kiwi House NZ
New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Where to stay

Waitomo itself is quite small but has a few accommodation options or consider B&B’s or an Airbnb in the countryside around it.

Matamata

Driving time from Auckland: 2 hours 10 minutes

Driving time from Tauranga: 1 hour

Driving time from Waitomo: 1 hour 20 minutes

Things to do in Matamata

Ok, so this is basically on here for one reason and one reason only… Hobbiton!

Back in 1998, Peter Jackson spotted the Alexander family farm on an aerial search for Lord of the Rings film locations. He managed to convince the Alexander family to allow him to transform it into Hobbiton for the Lord of the Rings films, but after filming ended it was reverted back to how it’s original state.

It was rebuilt again for The Hobbit films, and this time it stayed in place and is open for visitors to experience a little piece of Middle Earth

Hobbiton Movie Set - Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Book your tickets for the Hobbiton Movie Set early because they do get booked out. There are plenty of options to get extended buses from nearby towns or you can drive to the farm yourself.

You’ll be loaded onto a bus and taken down to the set (I recommend the right side of the bus for the first glimpse of Hobbiton!) and then taken on a walking tour around the set.

It’s so surreal being there, because it feels so real and yet not, and then if you watch the movies you can spot exactly where you were!

Where to stay

Matamata is the closest town to Hobbiton, but you could stay in all sorts of places to visit or just stop by on your way to your next destination.

We stayed nearby since we visited late in the day, but it’s only 1 hour 20 from Waitomo, and one hour from Tauranga or Rotorua.

Hobbiton Movie Set - Lord of the Rings Film Locations

Rotorua

Driving time from Auckland: 3 hours

Driving time from Waitomo: 2 hours

Driving time from Tauranga: 1 hour

Driving time from Matamata: 1 hour

The first thing you’ll notice about Rotorua is the smell of sulphur/eggs in the air, this is thanks to all of the geothermal activity in the area.

But as well as being a picturesque city on the banks of a lake, it’s also one of the best places for adventure activities in the North Island, so a must to add to your New Zealand North Island itinerary if you fancy an adrenalin rush!

Also, don’t miss the street-food market if you’re in town on Thursday nights, the dumplings are to die for!

Wai-o-tapu Rotorua New Zealand

Things to do in Rotorua

Luge and Skyline Rotorua

The luge in Rotorua is the first of its kind in the world, but what is it you might ask?

It’s kind of like a toboggan with wheels and bicycle handlebars. You sit in it and speed down a mountain on a concrete track, through tunnels, and around sharp corners. Once you get the hang of the braking system, you’ll be flying down!

I’ve been going on it since I was a child, sitting in front of my parents. It’s a great thing to do in Rotorua with kids! I love to see people try it for the first time, nervousness on their faces turning to absolute delight when they realise how much fun it is!

You have to take a gondola to the top of the mountain overlooking Rotorua, then you can luge, zipline, swing, and mountain bike all over it.

Buy your luge tickets with your gondola ticket before you head up the mountain for the best deals.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Whitewater rafting

I’ve been white water rafting in Croatia and Montenegro, but Rotorua easily takes the cake.

Kaituna River rafting includes the 7-metre Tutea Falls, the highest waterfall you can commercially raft in the world. To say I was nervous was an understatement, but looking back it was an absolute EPIC experience.

Kaitiaki Adventures were awesome guides and made sure we were fully prepared for all eventualities, including the raft tipping over as we went over and under the waterfall.

I would recommend fitting this into your North Island itinerary because it was a highlight of our trip to New Zealand.

Whitewater rafting Rotorua

The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest

An amazing place for world-renowned mountain biking and walking through the Californian Redwoods.

Polynesian Spa

When you’ve had enough of throwing yourself down waterfalls and mountains you can retreat to the Polynesian Spa to relax. Maori were bathing here for centuries before Europeans began to take part from around 1878 too.

A bathhouse has been on the site next to Lake Rotorua since 1882 and you can now bath in the natural or manmade pools, filled with thermal waters. It’s a great way to rest tired bones and recharge before the next leg of your New Zealand trip.

Polynesian Spa New Zealand

Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland

There are quite a few different thermal areas to explore in Rotorua, some that include Maori cultural performances, but I loved the Wai-o-tapu Thermal Wonderland.

We stopped by on our way to Taupo and walked around the unique volcanic and geothermal landscape.

The Champagne Pool is a highlight, so called because of all the little bubbles coming up to the surface. Just don’t touch anything!

Wai-o-tapu Rotorua New Zealand

Buried Village

The Buried Village is kind of like New Zealand’s answer to Pompeii. In 1886 the nearby Mount Tarawera erupted and buried Te Wairoa village in a sea of mud and ash.

Unfortunately, 150 people lost their lives in the eruption and this village was subsequently abandoned.

The famed pink and white terraces, hot baths naturally made of silica often called the 8th wonder of the world, were also lost.

Te Wairoa has been partially excavated and you can visit today and see the remains of the village and a museum about the eruption and with items from the village on display.

Where to stay

Rotorua has long been a tourist destination in New Zealand, and so it is well-equipped with hotels and motels, and also some B&Bs in outlying areas. Check Booking.com for prices and recommendations.

New Zealand North Island Places to See

Taupo

Driving time from Rotorua: 1 hour

Lake Taupo is the largest lake in Australasia, made in a volcanic caldera in the centre of the North Island, and on its north shore, you can find Taupo township.

It’s a favourite holiday destination for Kiwis with many people owning or knowing someone who owns a bach (kiwi slang for a holiday home) somewhere on its shores.

Things to do in Taupo

Huka Falls

Huka Falls is New Zealand’s most visited natural attraction, and it’s FREE. Just north of Taupo, they make an easy stop along your North Island itinerary.

The Waikato River drains water from Lake Taupo and at the point of Huka Falls, it narrows to only 15 metres across, creating a hugely powerful turquoise-coloured waterfall that flows at over 220,000 litres per second!

You can take the Huka Jet along the river for a closer look from below.

Huka Falls Taupo New Zealand
Taupo New Zealand

Hole in One Challenge

The Taupo Hole in One is a bit of fun on the shores of Lake Taupo. Try your hand at getting the ball in the red flag hole located out in the lake and you’ll be taking home a $10,000 prize…

Taupo Bungy and Cliffhanger Swing

Taupo has the highest water touch bungy in New Zealand and a Cliffhanger swing that will see you hurtling through the air before swinging across the canyon.

I preferred the swing because I like something to hold on to! Even if it is the illusion of holding onto the harness…

Taupo Bungy New Zealand

Visit the Central Plateau

Just south of Taupo is the Central Plateau, an area of volcanos and great walking tracks.

In winter you can ski on one of Mount Ruapehu’s two ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa.

In summer you can walk across the Tongariro Crossing, one of the best day walks in New Zealand, and close to Mount Ngauruhoe (which was used as Mount Doom in Middle-Earth).

Tongariro Crossing Best One Day Walk New Zealand

Where to stay

Taupo covers such a vast space that where you stay depends on what you want to do! Stay in town if you want to go out at the restaurants and bars and go on any tours, or consider staying in some of the quieter bays around the lake for a more relaxing time.

Napier

Driving time from Taupo: 2 hours

Driving time from the Tongariro Crossing: 2 hours 45 minutes

The town of Napier sits on the coast in the sunny Hawkes Bay region and was largely rebuilt in an art deco style after a large earthquake in 1931.

It’s a picturesque area with and you could detour here, after Taupo, and carry on down through the Wairarapa to Wellington, or you would have to backtrack a bit if you went down to the Central Plateau.

Many travellers skip this area if they’re short on time and head straight south after Taupo, but if you have the time then it’s well worth the detour to visit the cellar doors, Te Mata peak, and tour the unique art deco town of Napier itself.

New Zealand North Island Napier

Things to do in Napier

Wineries

The Hawkes Bay wine region is the oldest in New Zealand, and the second largest.

There are plenty of award-winning wineries and accompanying restaurants to choose from, and I’d recommend you spend a whole day exploring!

Walking Tour

Consider taking a walking tour of Napier to find out more about how the town was rebuilt after the devastating 1931 earthquake.

Where to stay

Stay in Napier itself, or consider winery accommodation in the Hawkes Bay region for something different.

New Zealand North Island Napier Wineries

Taranaki

Driving time from Taupo: 3 hours 40 minutes

Driving time from the Tongariro Crossing: 3 hours 40 minutes

Driving time from Waitomo: 2 hours 30 minutes

Taranaki is possibly the most underrated place in the North Island and has to be added to your New Zealand North Island itinerary.

It’s a bit off the beaten track, and therefore often overlooked as an addition to a North Island itinerary. Taranaki is for those who want to discover some of New Zealand’s hidden gems, get off the beaten track, and get outdoors!

New Zealand North Island Taranaki

Things to do in Taranaki

There are some great surf beaches and fantastic walks, not least of all Mount Taranaki itself, which takes a gruelling 10 hours in changeable weather and should only be attempted on fine days and at specific times of years if you don’t have mountaineering experience.

Not to worry though, there are plenty of other walks including the Coastal Walkway (3 hours one way), and other smaller adventures.

Explore the Forgotten World Highway, the arts and culture scene of New Plymouth, and learn about the Maori Land Wars and the passive resistance movement.

Where to stay

New Plymouth is the largest city and a great base option for exploring the Taranaki region.

New Zealand North Island Taranaki

Wairarapa

Driving time from Taupo: 5 hours (to Martinborough)

Driving time from Napier: 3 hours 20 minutes (to Martinborough)

The Wairarapa is another under-appreciated area of New Zealand and is often skipped over as tourists drive from Taupo to Wellington in one hit.

However, if you haven’t had your fill of wineries, want to see historic towns and love antiques, then the Wairarapa is the place to go.

Things to do in the Wairarapa

Hike in the Tararua Ranges

If you love to get out in the mountains, then the Tararua Ranges have some great single and multi-day tracks that are less busy than some of the others in the North Island (looking at you Tongariro Crossing) but have spectacular views across Kapiti and Wairarapa regions.

Wineries

Martinborough has over 20 boutique vineyards, and the quaint town is a lovely place to visit during your North Island road trip.

You can cycle between the vineyards and around the Union Jack-shaped town (the road were specially planned and laid to look like the union jack from above).

New Zealand North Island Wairarapa

Antique shopping

Ok, so I know you’re travelling but even browsing the antiques at the shops in the Wairarapa is fun!

Greytown is one of the prettiest towns in the North Island, and along with Carterton you kind find plenty of antique gems and cute cafes, so if you have the time it makes a lovely day out.

Where to stay

Wairarapa has some great holiday home accommodation (check Airbnb and Booking.com) as well as luxury accommodation.

You can really stay anywhere as you’re likely to be passing through or just staying a couple of days, in which case base yourself near the place(s) you want to see.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Wellington

Driving time from Martinborough: 1 hour 20 minutes

Driving time from Taupo: 4 hours 45 minutesDriving time from Taranaki: 4 hours 45 minutes

Driving time from Napier: 4 hours 15 minutes

Wellington is New Zealand’s capital, my old stomping ground and on most New Zealand North Island itineraries! It was once called “the coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet and I would have to agree.

The city is compact, with hilltop houses spilling down to where the high-rise business district curls around the harbour. It has both a vibrant inner city filled with culture and history, and plenty of beautiful green spaces and beaches.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary - Wellington

Things to do in Wellington

Te Papa Tongarewa/Museum of New Zealand

A must-see in Wellington! Te Papa, the national museum of New Zealand, holds many of the countries treasures, art, and ever-changing exhibitions.

Many of the displays are free, with the occasional paid exhibition, and donations are of course kindly appreciated. Learn about the geological history of New Zealand and Maori culture.

We were lucky enough to visit while the Gallipoli exhibition was still on, where the tragedy of Gallipoli was told through the stories of 8 New Zealanders who found themselves a part of the fray. They have been brought to life by Weta Workshop, with extremely life-like but larger than life-size sculptures.

It’s a great example of the sort of forward-thinking and engaging exhibitions the museum hosts, check the website to see what’s on when you visit.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary - Te Papa

Cuba Street

The heart of Wellington’s cafe culture and a great place to people-watch, eat, and explore boutique shops. Oh, and see the Bucket Fountain, a stunning kinetic sculpture!

Mount Victoria

Walk up to Mount Victoria through the bush that was used to film parts of the Lord of the Rings, and emerge to spectacular views over the greater Wellington region.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary - Wellington

Zealandia

Zealandia is a protected natural area in the Karori area of Wellington, where they are working to restore the forest to its native state and exclude predators from the area.

There are many native birds there and it’s a great place to see some New Zealand wildlife in the capital city.

Weta Cave Workshop Tour

Weta Workshop are a special effects and design company based in Miramar in Wellington.

Peter Jackson is one of the founders of the company and used them to create the props for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies, but they’ve also done digital work and props on a number of other high profile films.

You can take a 45 minute guided tour with someone who works there and see what they do up close!

Weta Workshop Wellington New Zealand

Where to stay

Stay in central Wellington to be within walking distance of Te Papa, the bars and restaurants, and the expansive waterfront area.

Other regions To Consider for your New Zealand North Island itinerary

There are two areas I’ve really omitted to mention: the Gisborne District and the Manawatu, the heart of the north island.

It’s not that there’s nothing to see there, but usually people bypass Gisborne, out on the east coast, in favour of visiting Rotorua and Taupo inland.

The Manawatu is more along the beaten track, except people usually pass straight through without even realising!

Gisborne District (East Coast)

The Gisborne area is characterised by rugged bush and a beautiful, remote coastline.

It’s the first place to see the sunrise in New Zealand and a popular destination for New Year. You can expect wine, natural attractions (like a rock waterslide), great beaches and SUN.

New Zealand North Island Itinerary Gisborne

Manawatu

This is kind of a glaring omission, considering it’s where I’m from…

However, the Manawatu is often skipped over as travellers journey from Taupo to Wellington.

If you do take the time to get off the beaten path (aka State Highway 1) then you’ll find acres of farmland with views, remote beaches, plenty of walks, beautiful towns and of course, the largest livestock sale yards in the Southern Hemisphere located in Feilding, New Zealand’s most beautiful town (voted 16 times).

New Zealand North Island Itinerary Manawatu

How to get around the North Island

By car

Travelling by car is by far the best option for getting around the North Island. You’ll be able to go where you like and make plenty of photography and food stops along the way.

If you’re travelling north to south look for car rental companies that don’t charge a one-way fee.

By bus

If for whatever reason you can’t travel by car then your next best option is bus.

InterCity and offer fares as low as $1, and have multi-trip passes that can help you to keep costs down.

Your other option is to take a tourist specific tour bus like the Kiwi Experience, Stray Travel, or Flying Kiwi, that have hop-on hop-off options, or a specific tour like Haka Tours.

By train

Train travel is more limited but there is the Northern Explorer running from Auckland to Wellington, with stops in Hamilton, the central plateau, Palmerston North, and Wellington.

It is a scenic journey, but you won’t be able to see as many places on the way as you would with the other options.

North Island Road Trip
New Zealand North Island Itinerary

New Zealand North Island itinerary Ideas

These are just a few options for North Island itineraries you could piece together, depending on your interests. I’ve excluded the Bay of Islands as that is a return trip from Auckland you could do at the beginning.

These itineraries range from about one week to anywhere up to 3 or 4, depending on what time you have and the activities you want to do!

The Auckland Loop

  • Short on time: Auckland to Rotorua (via Hobbiton) – to Taupo – To Waitomo – To Auckland
  • Some extra additions: Auckland to Coromandel – to Mt Maunganui/Tauranga – to Rotorua (via Hobbiton) – to Taupo – to Waitomo – to Auckland
  • Nature/scenic heavy: Auckland to Coromandel – to Mt Maunganui/Tauranga – to Rotorua via Hobbiton – to Taupo – to Taranaki – to Waitomo – to Auckland
  • Include the wineries: Auckland to Coromandel – to Mt Maunganui/Tauranga – to Rotorua via Hobbiton – to Napier – to Taupo – to Waitomo – to Auckland
New Zealand North Island Itinerary Road Trip Ideas

North to South

  • Short on time: Auckland to Rotorua (via Hobbiton) – to Taupo and Central Plateau – to Wellington
  • Some extra additions: Auckland to Coromandel or Waitomo – to Hobbiton/Tauranga/Mount Maunganui – to Rotorua – to Taupo – to Wellington
  • Add the glowworms and wineries: Auckland to Coromandel – to Waitomo – to Hobbiton/Tauranga/Mount Maunganui – to Rotorua – to Taupo – to Napier – to Wairarapa – to Wellington
  • Add the beaches and wineries: Auckland to Coromandel – to Hobbiton/Tauranga/Mount Maunganui – to Rotorua – to Taupo – to Napier – to Wairarapa – to Wellington
  • Nature/scenic heavy: Auckland to Waitomo or Coromandel – to Hobbiton/Tauranga/Mount Maunganui – to Rotorua – to Taupo – to Central Plateau – to Taranaki – to Wellington
Hobbiton Movie Set NZ

The Ultimate North Island itinerary

  • Auckland to Bay of Islands – return to Auckland – to Coromandel – to Hobbiton/Tauranga/Mount Maunganui – to Rotorua – to Taupo – to Napier – to Wairarapa – to Wellington – to Taranaki – to Central Plateau – to Waitomo – to Auckland

Hopefully, this helps you on your quest to create the best New Zealand North Island itinerary and find all the places to visit that you want to.

Although the North Island is often overlooked in favour of its sister to the South, take the time to explore all the different facets of the North Island of New Zealand you won’t be disappointed.

Sonja x

New Zealand North Island itinerary Map:

Need more help planning? Check out these other New Zealand posts:

If you liked it, pin it!

How to Plan a New Zealand North Island Itinerary - All the best places to go, things to do, and epic itinerary ideas for the North Island.
How to Plan a New Zealand North Island Itinerary - All the best places to go, things to do, and epic itinerary ideas for the North Island.
How to Plan a New Zealand North Island Itinerary - All the best places to go, things to do, and epic itinerary ideas for the North Island.
How to Plan a New Zealand North Island Itinerary - All the best places to go, things to do, and epic itinerary ideas for the North Island.

20 thoughts on “New Zealand: North Island Itinerary Ideas for 1-4 Weeks

  1. Clarissa Hirst says:

    Hey Sonja, thanks for the awesome ideas! I love that you included Taranaki/New Plymouth on this list – I just returned from a trip there and it was AMAZING. Will definitely use some of these ideas for future north island road trips and adventures 😀

  2. Brigitte says:

    What a wonderful article! I took a LotR locations tour two years ago and will be back next year to see the North Island by car with a friend. You’ve described all the places we didn’t see and those we want to visit again better than any article I’ve read so far. Can’t wait to see NZ again!

  3. Bree says:

    I’m going to visit New Zealand in a month, and I would just like to thank you for this very thorough post. The thought and the detail that you have put into this is amazing! 🙂 Thank you!

  4. Jan’L says:

    We will be traveling for a week starting July 17, 2019. I know this will be your winter months. Based on your itinerary are there places we should or shouldn’t go to due to weather? Do you think it’s possible to see north and south in a weeks time?

    • Sonja - Migrating Miss says:

      Hey! I definitely wouldn’t recommend trying to do both in a weeks time. I would see whichever island you’re flying into :). Decide what’s the most important in that island for you and do that! It depends what you’re into really, so hard to recommend. If you like nature and skiing etc or not, and without knowing if you’re flying into Auckland or Christchurch. Hopefully you can find something on the list to help!

  5. Christena says:

    The luge you talk about is the second of it’s kind. We had one in Canada, but sadly, because of possible lawsuits and such, they closed it, and put in a “safe ride.” (https://www.mountainlifemedia.ca/2017/07/the-great-slide-ride-blues-first-major-summer-attraction-delivered-spills-and-thrills-galore/)

    I do love how thorough your blog is, so thank you for that! My husband and I plan on heading to NZ in October of next year, to spend about 3 weeks on the North Island. I’m guessing we will want to head back and tour the South island after that. Your itinerary is going to be something I will be referencing, as we make ours.

    Thank you again!

  6. Stephanos says:

    Thanks for sharing all this information. My wife and I will have 1 week to tour the north island at the end of November. I was hoping I could do a whole-island loop in 1 week but it sound like I may have to rethink that. I’m sure the information you shared here will be very helpful in planning our trip.

  7. joan douglas says:

    Hi Sonja,

    What a great article! We are travelling to the North Island for a three week stay. How long would you recommend that we stay in each place? We will not be doing a tonne of hiking, but do love the outdoors. I was thinking three days in each place. Does this seem reasonable to you?

    • Sonja - Migrating Miss says:

      Hi Joan! It depends a bit on what you’d like to do there. You could choose fewer locations for 3 nights and use them as a base to see a larger area, or move more frequently but have to do less overall driving each day. I would map out the things you want to do and then base it on that! You might find you want to stay in one area several days but another you just need a base for a night as you skip through.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *