20 amazing & unique places to visit in the North Island, New Zealand
Discover all the North Island must-dos in these beautiful places.
Whenever I hear someone say you can skip the North Island and head straight for the South Island, I bristle.
I always feel the need to jump in and defend my home island. To me, the North Island of New Zealand is every bit as beautiful as the South.
I should know, I was born and raised in the glorious Coromandel Peninsula.
The South Island is stunning. But the North Island has things the South doesn’t.
The North Island of New Zealand is known for emerald lakes on the Tongariro Crossing, geothermal activity near Rotorua, the windswept dunes on the far north, kauri forests, and an endless number of beautiful beaches.
If you stick around the north, you can find some real treasures.
You could easily spend 2-3 weeks in the North Island alone, but even if you only have a few days, you can see some magical places.
If you’re planning a trip around the North Island of New Zealand, these are the places and attractions I recommend.
I want to stress that this is a list of my favourite destinations in the North Island, including must-sees and unique places to visit. These are all places I have been to myself and would recommend to visitors.
That means this isn’t an exhaustive list of North Island attractions, but a more curated look at what someone who loves food, culture, and the outdoors might enjoy.
jump ahead.
Map of the North Island, New Zealand
Use the map above to explore some of the regions and highlights of the North Island — you can click in and out of layers to search by what you’re interested in.
In a nutshell, the main things to do in the North Island are Rotorua, Hobbiton, Waiheke Island, and Wellington.
If you want to get off the beaten track, I recommend exploring the Coromandel, the East Cape, the Far North, or Taranaki. All of these regions are awesome for road trips, beaches, and getting a sense of rural life in New Zealand.
The volcanic activity, Maori culture, and kauri forests are what make the North Island truly unique.
Some of my personal favourite spots are Cape Palliser, Castle Point, Spirits Bay and Matai Bay in Northland, and the Coromandel (my home region).
I’ve tried to include a mix of hidden gems and more popular spots on this list, although I honestly could have made it twice as long. There are so many things to do in the North Island, it’s hard to narrow it down.
Essential things to do in the North Island: Geothermal springs, islands, and wine
These are the highlights — the must-visit places that demonstrate what makes the North Island so special.
1. See oceans collide at Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua
The lighthouse at Cape Reinga
If you like driving until you reach the end of the road, head to Cape Reinga.
Cape Reinga, located at very the northern tip of the North Island, is a place of significant cultural and natural importance.
For Maori people, this is where spirits depart to the afterlife.
Visitors are drawn to the iconic lighthouse overlooking the meeting point of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean, creating a mesmersing collision of currents.
If you want to see more of the coast you can hike the four day Te Paki Track, one of New Zealand’s finest multi-day walking trails.
Where to stay: The Kapowairua/Spirits Bay Campground is a spacious and beautiful place to camp or park a campervan.
2. Go wine tasting on Waiheke Island
Obsidian winery on Waiheke
Waiheke Island, located in the Hauraki Gulf, is a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland.
The island is famous for its gorgeous vineyards, but it also has beautiful beaches, walking trails, and world-class restaurants.
Visiting the island makes for an epic day trip from Auckland, or you can even stay overnight to really soak up the island vibes.
Don’t miss: Sunsets at Mudbrick are a superb way to round off a day of wine tasting.
Where to stay: There are no big hotels on Waiheke, so if you’re looking for places to stay opt for an Airbnb or boutique vineyard acommodation.
Further reading: It’s easy to get around Waiheke on public transport.
3. See a geothermal wonderland in Rotorua
The Champagne Pool at Wai O Tapu
Apparently Yellowstone is better than Rotorua, but I’ve never been so I still think Rotorua is amazing.
Rotorua is a geothermal wonderland in the heart of the North Island, with steaming geysers, bubbling mud pools, and rivers that run naturally hot.
In Rotorua, you can see nature’s raw power on full display.
At geothermal parks like Te Puia and Wai-O-Tapu, you can witness geysers erupt and marvel at the vibrant mineral pools which create painter’s palettes of colour.
It’s worth having at least one full day in Rotorua. The town itself isn’t particularly exciting, but there are multiple Maori villages and geothermal parks to visit.
These are the main geothermal parks — they each have something unique, but you can happily just pick one. They all show off the spectacular geothermal activity in the area:
Wai-O-Tapu is home to the Champagne Pool, the famous turquoise and orange pool pictured above
Te Puia features a wide range of Maori cultural experiences, as well as the bubbling mud pools and geysers
Waimangu Volcanic Valley is where you will find the pastel blue Inferno Crater
Orakei Korako
If these are out of your budget, you can also visit Kuirau Park in the centre of Rotorua — here you can see steaming vents and hot pools for free.
4. Hike through Tongariro National Park
The emerald pools on the Tongariro Crossing
Tongariro National Park is an essential stop on a road trip around the North Island.
The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its volcanic landscapes, including active craters, emerald lakes, and Mars-like terrains.
The premier experience is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, a day hike through some of the most striking scenery in the national park.
However, it’s far from the only attraction in Tongariro National Park.
You can walk the entire Tongariro Northern Circuit, which is one of New Zealand’s Great Walks, walk to the spectacular Taranaki Falls, or hike to the Tama Lakes.
If you plan on walking the Tongariro Crossing, make sure you allow a night in the area before and after. It’s a challenging full day hike and you’ll want to rest and recover afterwards, and not try to push on to your next stop.
Where to stay: Base yourself in Turangi, which is a small, outdoorsy town on the southern edge of Lake Taupo, or look for an Airbnb near Raurimu.
5. Visit the Hawke’s Bay wine region
Using Napier as a home base, you can explore the excellent wine in the Hawke’s Bay. Some of the best vineyards include:
Black Barn
Craggy Range
Cities and towns in the North Island
Although the North Island is the more populated of New Zealand’s two main islands, you still won’t find giant metropolises here. Auckland is the largest city and main gateway to the country, while the smaller Wellington is the capital city.
There are some lovely small towns around the North Island though — these are a few of my favourites.
6. Go vintage shopping on Karangahape Road, Auckland
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, so serves as an arrival point for most visitors to New Zealand.
It’s worth spending a night in Auckland to adjust to New Zealand. It’s not the most exciting city in the world — and I say that as an Aucklander — but you can find great bars and restaurants, as well as great beaches and day walks.
Many people skip straight through, but if you enjoy food and shopping, you might find a lot to love in Auckland.
My favourite part of the city is Karangahape Road, often called K Road, a mile long road following a ridge south of the city centre. This iconic street is a hub for vintage and second-hand shopping, attracting thrifters looking for unique retro finds.
Check out Crushes for a selection of vintage clothing sourced from within New Zealand (unlike many other vintage stores who import their wares from overseas) or Smoove for funky reworked vintage items.
While you’re on a shopping spree, it’s worth checking our Nick Von K Jewellery for uniquely New Zealand designs, and TUR for a gallery-esque store with items from makers around the country.
There are also plenty of great restaurants to try along Karangahape Road — try Cotto, Coco’s Cantina, or Candela.
Where to stay: Central Auckland is the most convenient area to stay while in Auckland, but I recommend trying to avoid Queen Street and staying closer to Britomart or Ponsonby.
Further reading:
A tip: If you fly into Auckland on your first day, and don’t plan to leave town until the second day, pick up your rental car on the second day and head straight out.
This will save you the pain of driving in Auckland traffic and trying to find parking in the city centre.
7. Soak up the vibes in Raglan, a bohemian surf town
Raglan is a laid-back coastal town two hours south of Auckland.
It’s one of my favourite places in the North Island to hang out for a weekend.
Renowned for its world-class surf breaks, Raglan attracts surfers of all levels seeking the perfect wave. The iconic left-hand point break at Manu Bay is a magnet for goofy-footed surfers.
Beyond surfing, Raglan offers coastal walks, beautiful beaches, and striking viewpoints.
Bridal Veil Falls and Mount Karioi provide excellent hiking opportunities with breathtaking scenery. The artsy town center is filled with galleries, cafes, and boutique stores, adding to its bohemian charm.
Don’t miss: Check out what’s on at the Yot Club — over the summer months many local bands play here on weekends.
Where to stay: There aren’t any big hotels in Raglan. It’s ideal for camping, or staying in a yurt or a rustic Airbnb.
8. Cycle around Martinborough wineries
Martinborough is a picturesque wine village near Wellington.
The town is famous for its boutique wineries and vineyards, many of which are walking or cycling distance from the town centre.
A highlight of Martinborough is exploring the numerous cellar doors, meeting passionate winemakers and savouring a wide array of wines.
The region is famed for producing elegant Pinot Noirs, and some of the vineyards offer decadent lunches to go with your wine.
Don’t miss: The most famous lunch spot in Martinborough is Poppy’s, known throughout the island for decadent platters.
9. Eat your way around Wellington
Wellington, the vibrant capital of New Zealand, is a must-visit place in the North Island.
Tucked between a rugged coastline and steep hills, Wellington is both naturally beautiful and rich in coffee culture, creative arts, and cuisine.
Wellington is often dubbed the culinary capital of New Zealand. Here you’ll find an abundance of cafes and restaurants, with an emphasis on fresh, local produce and chefs determined to explore modern Pacific cuisine.
To make the most of Wellington, stroll around the waterfront, explore the chaos of Cuba Street, and dine at some of Wellington’s exceptional restaurants.
From Wellington, you can fly back to Auckland (save yourself an 8-9 hour drive) or down south to Queenstown or Christchurch.
A tip: If you plan on catching the ferry down to the South Island, make sure you book well in advance. Spots for vehicles go quickly, especially in the summer months!
The best beaches and coastlines around the North Island
The North Island truly stands out for its incredible beaches. As a general rule of thumb, the east coast has calm, white sand bays, while the west coast is more rugged and wild, with vast black sand beaches.
Both coasts offer incredible surfing, if that’s your thing, or coastal walks and sunbathing days.
10. Explore the Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands in Northland is exactly what it sounds like — a paradise of islands.
There are 144 islands scattered throughout the bay, with turquoise waters, secluded beaches, and abundant marine life all on offer.
Catch a ferry out to Urupukapuka Island for an epic day walk, or stay in an old lighthouse keeper’s cabin at Cape Brett for an overnight hike.
Another must-see is the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, a key document in New Zealand's history.
11. Road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula
The Coromandel Peninsula is one of the best road trip destinations in the North Island, thanks to its epic beaches.
Visit Cathedral Cove to tick off one of the top day walks in the country, then go and dig your own spa in the sand at Hot Water Beach.
You can drive in a leisurely loop around the peninsula, taking it slow on the narrow roads lined with pohutawaka trees.
Make sure you take your time driving — the Coromandel is infamous for narrow, winding roads.
One of my favourite beaches is Opoutere. Set a few kilometres off State Highway 25, and filtered from the road by a tall stand of pines, Opoutere Beach is resolutely remote.
It’s likely you’ll find yourself sharing the stretch of white sand with only oystercatchers and endangered dotterels, which breed on the Wharekawa sand spit at the north of the beach.
As you walk around the estuary, you might also hear the screech of kaka and spot the parrots overhead.
Another place I always stop when driving past is Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu.
If the essence of the Coromandel could be distilled into one spot, it would look a lot like Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu.
A truly local hub, Luke’s is a homey cafe, art gallery, shop full of Coromandel-made goods, and woodfired pizza restaurant all in one. Between the beach views, laid back vibe and frequent live music, this is one of the best stops along State Highway 25 for a meal and coffee.
For dessert, pop around to the Kuaotunu store to nab one of their famously monstrous ice creams known as the “Kuaotunu Killer”.
It’s worth making the detour over the true-to-Coromandel-type (steep, twisty, and gravel in patches) hill from Kuaotunu to get a glimpse of secluded Opito Bay. The long scythe of honey-coloured sand is backed by golden hills and contrasts delightfully with the bright blue water.
From the southern end of the beach, climb the steps to reach the top of an old Māori pa - defensive ditches are still visible - and enjoy views back across the bay.
On the other side of the peninsula, north of Coromandel Town is where things start to get more off the beaten track; or off the sealed road, to be precise. Head to Waikawau Bay to discover the largest DOC campsite in New Zealand, and another sheltered bay good for surfing and swimming.
For a scenic loop, head to Waikawau via Colville, then back down to Coromandel Town through Kennedy Bay. Stop at the Tokatea Hill Lookout for views out across both sides of the peninsula.
If you don’t mind manoeuvring a campervan or motorhome along gravel roads with sheer drop-offs, DOC campsites at Port Jackson and Fletcher Bay will take you properly off the grid.
Make one last pit stop in Colville before following pohutukawa fringed roads as they taper down to narrow gravel ribbons bordered by wind-stunted harakeke.
You’ll be rewarded for making the journey with a sense of isolation and true adventure.
Port Jackson Campsite is set on the very tip of the peninsula, with a vast beach and views of Great Barrier Island. Neighbouring Fletcher Bay Campground is the starting point for the Coromandel Coastal Track, a highlight of the peninsula that has marvellous views of the craggy coastline, as well as dense bush with the occasional kaka wheeling above the canopy.
Driving the west coast of the coromandel back down to Thames is a completely different experience to the east. In many places, the road has pohutukawa trees on one side and the water on the other, a narrow strip of tarmac wedged in the middle.
The rocky shores are perfect for fishing and come evening, camping on this coast provides you with the chance to watch golden sunsets across the water.
Don’t miss: The quirky Driving Creek Railway and Uncle Dunkle’s wood-fired chilli sauce, made on the Coromandel (you can buy it in the cafe at Luke’s Kitchen).
Stay: The Coromandel is an idyllic destination for campervans. Here are a few of my favourite camping spots:
Opoutere Coastal Camping for a pretty spot caught between a stream and pine forest. Or, head to the beach carpark which also doubles as a freedom campsite for self-contained vehicles.
Just over the hill at the south end of Waikawau Bay is Little Bay, spot that locals have done a great job of keeping secret. There are a few spots in the carpark for self-contained campervans to stay overnight.
12. Visit Auckland’s black sand west coast beaches
The North Island features distinctive black sand beaches along the West Coast, thanks to the volcanic vomit of Mount Taranaki.
Piha, Karekare and Muriwai are all easily visited from Auckland
The rich, black sands along the west coast creates a dramatic contrast with the wild blue ocean. The rugged beauty of the North Island’s western coastline, often framed by lush greenery and rocky formations, is worth discovering.
If you have a day in Auckland, and a car at your disposal, head out to Piha to get a coffee from the local store and go for a stroll on the beach.
13. Whangarei Heads
Whangarei Heads is one of my favourite parts of the North Island.
A narrow, meandering road winds around the coast between Whangarei and Ocean beach, with views of the glittering harbour and lush forested hills.
Volcanic peaks make for great day walks to panoramic views — Mt Manaia is a 2 hour walk to a stunning lookout over the harbour.
A harder day walk is Te Whara/Bream Head, which follows a ridgeline for views up and down the coast.
Shorter walks lead to Busby Head and Smuggler’s Bay, a gorgeous white sand beach.
14. The Tutukaka Coast
The Tutukaka Coast is one of my favourite places to camp.
Matapouri is the most popular beach in the area.
Whale Bay is another beautiful place to swim — the bay is sheltered and calm, without the surf that rolls into Matapouri.
Woolley’s Bay isn’t as good for swimming, but it’s one of my favourite campsites in the North Island.
15. Matai Bay
Matai Bay might be the best beach in the whole North Island.
The bay is a perfect crescent of white sand, with calm blue water that’s ideal for swimming.
There’s a DOC campsite right by the water and a few walking trails.
There’s not much to do in Matai except relax on the beach, which is why I love it.
Matai Bay is where I have seen the best moon rises of my life. If you happen to stay in the campground on a night when there’s a full moon, check the moon rise time and head down to the beach to watch the moon rise from the water.
The best nature and wildlife in the North Island
Marine life is just as abundant in the North Island as it is in the South. You can see seals basking on rocks near Wellington, and go on a dolphin and whale safari from the centre of Auckland.
The North Island’s forests are typically lush and full of ferns and supplejacks, which in the upper regions of the island the last standing kauri trees will take your breath away with their mighty presence.
14. Visit Tane Mahuta, Lord of the Forest and New Zealand's largest kauri tree
If you make the journey north of Auckland, make sure you visit the remote west coast of Northland.
The Waipoua forest is home to the largest remaining kauri tree, Tane Mahuta. The incredible trunk of this surviving tree is fantastic to behold — it’s little wonder Tane Mahuta is considered to be Lord of the Forest by Maori people.
15. Dive or snorkel at the Poor Knights Islands
The Poor Knights Islands are a cluster of small islands off the coast of Northland. The water here is a rich blue, and under the surface are caves, tunnels and cliffs.
Jacques Cousteau famously rated this spot as one of the top ten dives in the world.
I learned to scuba dive at the Poor Knights, and I can recommend Dive! Tutukaka for either diving or snorkelling trips to the islands.
On the dives I completed by the Poor Knights, I saw an electric eel, giant rays, and huge schools of fish which swirled around us in flickering colours.
Stay: I love freedom camping at Woolley’s Bay
Other gorgeous places to visit in Tutukaka:
Whale Bay is a short walk to a secluded bay, absolutely stunning
Matapouri Bay is a gorgeous beach
16. See kiwis in the wild
17. See Mount Taranaki from mirror-like mountain pools
Mount Taranaki towers over New Plymouth and the Taranaki region in the southwestern corner of the North Island.
Mount Egmont National Park is the almost perfectly circular wilderness area that encompasses the peak and the thick goblin forests that cloak its lower slopes.
There are a number of excellent short walks in the national park. The Pouakai Crossing and the summit trek present rewarding challenges with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
The highlight is the walk to the Pouakai Tarns — it’s shorter than walking the full Pouakai Crossing, and as an out-and-back track it’s easier to organise than the one-way crossing.
On a still, clear day, the Pouakai Tarns reflect the impressive peak of Mt Taranaki.
18. The Whanganui River Journey
There are three Great Walks in the North Island — as well as Lake Waikaremoana and the Tongariro Circuit, there is the Whanganui Journey.
Whanganui is unique as it’s not a hike, it’s a canoe trip down the impressive river.
The Whanganui River has been granted personhood, which means it has the same rights as a legal person. The same status is given to Mount Taranaki and the Te Urewera Forest, where the Lake Waikaremoana hike is located.
You can choose to paddle the river in 3 or 5 days — my friends and I opted for the shorter 3 day paddle and don’t regret it. If the wind is against you (as it was for us) you could be in for some long and gruelling paddle days, especially if you’re not used to captaining a canoe.
19. Lake Taupo
Waikato River flowing into Lake Taupo
Taupo feels a little bit like the Queenstown of the North Island.
The town is right on the lakefront, and with the lake, river, and waterfalls nearby, there are dozens of adventure activities to do in the area.
The town of Taupo is much like most other New Zealand towns — disappointingly, much of the lakefront is lined with fast food joints like Burger Fuel and KFC.
It’s a nice place to stop on a road trip though. On clear days you can see across to Mount Ruapehu from the lakefront in the centre of town.
One of the main attractions in Taupo is Huka Falls, a striking display of intense blue waters rushing through a narrow gorge before plummeting into a pool below.
You can walk to viewpoints of the falls or take a jet boat ride for something more high octane.
Jet boats spin and whirl through the water. If you’ve never experienced a jet boat, this is a great chance to do so.
Don’t miss: If you love swimming, check out the stunning swimming hole at the Hipapatua Reserve. The river here is incredibly clear and blue.
Alternative and off the beaten path destinations
It’s not hard to get off the beaten track in the North Island — as soon as you’re away from the tourist centres of Rotorua and Hobbiton, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy all on your own.
20. Road trip around the East Cape
The East Cape of New Zealand is one of the most remote and beautiful road trip destinations in the country.
It’s a long drive out to the East Cape, but there are plenty of places to stop and camp along the way — this makes it particularly wonderful for anyone travelling in a campervan.
The drive from Opotiki to Gisborne around the coast will take you through small towns, past pebbled beaches, and past the easternmost point of the island.
21. Visit Great Barrier Island
Visiting Great Barrier Island, located in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, is an adventure into unspoiled natural beauty and a true escape from urban life.
This remote island is home to some of Auckland’s best beaches, incredible birdlife with kaka parrots frequently whirling overhead, and the Aotea Track, one of New Zealand’s best overnight hiking trails.
The island is also a haven for stargazing due to its dark skies and minimal light pollution.
22. Castlepoint
Castle Point has a special kind of magic.
The lonely lighthouse on its tower of rock, the sandy shores around the lagoon, and the jutting lump of Castle Rock make this section of the wild Wairarapa Coastline unique.
Blissfully, there’s not much to do here other than stroll the beach and walk to lookout points.
Fishing boats sit pulled up onto the sandy shore. Occasionally, someone bobs past on a horse. Other than a local shop, which also serves as a coffee place and takeaway joint, there’s not much here other than simple baches hunkering against the hills.
Walk up to Castlepoint Lighthouse, a monolith atop a craggy limestone knoll lashed by waves.
First lit in 1913, it's the tallest lighthouse in the North Island and one of the last two remaining lighthouses in New Zealand with a rotating beam.
A boardwalk scales the fossil studded ridge of the headland to reach the lighthouse, then climbs beyond to an epic lookout.
For an alternative vantage point, follow the Deliverance Cove Walking track from the carpark. It curves along a pine-covered ridge above the beach, eventually leading to the mighty Castle Rock.
Scramble up through golden grass and until you reach the lofty peak. At 162 metres high, it looms over the coast and gives impressive views in all directions. Walk back to the carpark along the half moon of the lagoon, where surfers catch waves rolling in through a narrow gap in the rock.
Where to stay: Castle Point Holiday Park has parking spots right by the water, and a single store doubles as a cafe for your morning coffee.
23. Cape Palliser lighthouse
The road to Cape Palliser follows the pebbled coast around the southern Wairarapa.
It’s dotted with one-way bridges, slowing you down in preparation for the pace of life in Ngawi, a quirky fishing village wedged between a cliff and gravelly beach.
Bulldozers tinted orange from salt spray sit in a haphazard line along the water’s edge, their rusted hulks waiting to drag homecoming fishing boats from the ocean.
Rogue sheep trot across the road, unbothered by passing cars.
Continuing past Ngawi, you’ll feel as if you’re reaching the end of the world. In some ways you are; this is the southernmost point of the North Island.
The road becomes narrow and potholed, dipping in and out of fords and clinging to the rocky cliff in places.
On the way to the lighthouse is the largest fur seal colony in the North Island.
The seals are everywhere, hopping between bushes and lugging themselves over rocks, wafting pungent smells as they go. They are often sprawled right by the parking area, so take care and make sure you keep at least a 20-metre distance.
The Cape Palliser lighthouse is the last stop on the road. Boldly candy striped in red and white, it has stood at its fantastic vantage point since 1897.
Climb the 253 steep steps to enjoy views of the harakeke-covered hills and surf surging onto shingle beaches below.
Don’t miss: For Lord of the Rings fans, make sure you stop by the Puntangira Pinnacles.
This was the location for Dimholt Road in the Lord of the Rings films. You might recognise it as the place where Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas enter the Paths of the Dead.
What parts of the North Island can you skip?
I don’t really like Tauranga or Mount Maunganui. There’s not much to do there, aside from the pretty beaches, and in my opinion you can find much nicer beaches in Northland.
You probably don’t want to spend too much time in Auckland. It’s not the most exciting city in the world, and while it’s good for a night and has some great restaurants, downtown Auckland is kind of a mess at the moment.
It seems like there’s always construction, and it’s just not that pretty.
Visit Waiheke, then get out to greener pastures.
One place that really disappointed me was Kaitaia. I love the Kaitaia Fire hot sauce and I was so hyped to visit this town up north, but it was depressing. Absolutely nothing to do, drive straight through.
A lot of North Island magic is outside the towns. Places like Hamilton, Whangarei, and Gisborne are pretty forgettable.
How much time do you need to visit the North Island?
Two weeks is the perfect amount of time for a road trip around the North Island. This gives you enough time to experience the top things to do in the North Island, while not having to rush, skip places, or have long driving days.
If you only have one week in the North, you can still hit the highlights.
Three weeks gives you ample time to explore off the beaten track. I personally find less visited regions like Taranaki, Northland, and the East Cape, to be just as beautiful and rewarding as top destinations like Rotorua and Taupo.
Of course, it depends how you like to spend your time. If you like hiking, camping, and enjoying landscapes, you’ll love Taranaki. If you want to see geothermal attractions and do a lot of jet boating, bungy jumping, and zip lining, Rotorua and Taupo make more sense.
If you only have two weeks in total for your trip to New Zealand, I recommend choosing either the North or South Island, instead of trying to do both.
My tip | Driving times in New Zealand can be deceptive. The distances are long and the roads can be narrow and winding, which means it takes longer to get places than you would initially think from looking at Google Maps.
Always allow yourself more time than you think you need to get from A to B.
What’s the best time of year to visit the North Island?
The summer months, from December to March, are a great time to visit the North Island as you’ll have more opportunities to enjoy the stunning beaches, laid back coastal life, and camping that the North Island is famous for.
But, given that the weather is warmer in the north than in the South Island, you can still have beautiful weather in quieter months like November and April.
In the winter months, you’re more likely to have wet and grey days, but the weather is great for hiking.
New Zealand North Island one week itinerary
In one week, you can make it from Auckland to Wellington, hitting highlights in the middle of the island along the way.
Day 1: Auckland
Day 2: Hobbiton
Day 3/4: Rotorua
Day 5-6: Tongariro National Park
Day 7: Wellington
Two week North Island itinerary
If you have two weeks in New Zealand, you could easily spend the entire time in the North Island.
Day 1-2: Auckland
Day 3-4: Coromandel
Day 5: Hobbiton
Day 6-7 Rotorua
Day 8-9: Hawke’s Bay
Day 10: Castlepoint
Day 11: Martinborough
Day 12: Cape Palliser
Day 13-14: Wellington
North Island 3 week itinerary
If you have more time and you love travelling slow, three weeks will give you the chance to explore some of the North Island’s more out of the way destinations.
Day 1/2: Auckland
Day 3: Whangarei
Day 4: Cape Reinga
Day 5: Back to Auckland via Tane mahuta
Day 6/7/8: Coromandel Peninsula
Day 9/10: Raglan
Day 11/12/13: Rotorua
Day 14/15/16: Taranaki
Day 17/18: Wellington
Visiting Cape Reinga for a gloomy sunset
Thanks for reading this far! I hope I’ve managed to convince you to visit the North Island. I’m biased, but I think it’s an incredible destination.
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