2 week North Island itinerary and travel guide
I come from the Coromandel Peninsula, and never get sick of exploring my home island. This road trip covers my favourite places in the North Island, in two weeks
Cathedral Cove, on the Coromandel Peninsula (my home region)
Wine, beaches, hot springs. What more could you want from a road trip?
Wine in the hot springs, maybe? You can swing that at Secret Spot in Rotorua, or swan around with a cocktail in the Lost Spring on the Coromandel.
You could argue that the South Island of New Zealand is more beautiful, and people definitely do. Including me. The South Island is stunning.
But the North Island is just as diverse and has more pizazz in the form of geothermal activity and volcanic cones. It’s very special to swim in a hot river, see steaming vents on a hike across volcanic terrain, and swim at beaches of crystal clear water.
Also, the sandflies are nowhere near as bad in the North Island.
The coastline near Cathedral Cove, on the Coromandel
In all seriousness, I’ve driven laps around the North Island and still haven’t got sick of it. I grew up on the Coromandel Peninsula, and have travelled to every corner of the island. There is so much to see.
In this two week itinerary, I’ve included some of my favourite places to visit and things to do. I’ve tried to bring together off-the-beaten-track destinations that I love, as well as the popular attractions.
I hope this gives you inspiration for exploring Te Ika-a-Māui.
Disclosure: This itinerary contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you make a purchase via those links. Thanks for your support!
A few tips for visiting the North Island
You can easily do this itinerary in either a campervan/motorhome or in a rental car, staying in Airbnbs and motels. A campervan will let you get a bit more adventurous if you’re up for it — there are some amazing coastal camping spots in the North Island.
The easiest place to compare campervan prices and models is Motorhome Republic — it’s a little clunky but the only alternative is to sift through the campervan websites individually, and they can be even clunkier.
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 have three weeks, I would recommend adding a week in Northland — you need about that much to do the region north of Auckland justice.
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.
14 day North Island itinerary overview
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Day 2: Take a day trip to Waiheke Island
Day 3: Road trip around the Coromandel Peninsula to Hahei
Day 4: Visit Coromandel beaches in the morning, head to Rotorua in the afternoon
Day 5: Spend a day visiting Rotorua
Day 6: Drive south to Tongariro National Park, via Taupo
Day 7: Go hiking in Tongariro National Park
Day 8: Head down to Whanganui
Day 9: Drive Surf Highway 45 to New Plymouth
Day 10: Explore New Plymouth
Day 11: Check out some hikes in Taranaki National Park
Day 12: Head north to Waitomo
Day 13: Make your way to Raglan
Day 14: Back to Auckland
Day 1: Find your feet in Auckland
WHY STOP HERE: Auckland is the obvious place to start your trip, as your international flight will probably land here.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN AUCKLAND: Auckland itself isn’t the most compelling place to visit, but it’s worth a night or two just to get your bearings and visit Waiheke Island.
As a visitor, I recommend staying somewhere close to the centre of Auckland, but I warn you that the city centre isn’t the prettiest.
If you only have an afternoon or evening to explore, I recommend heading to Karangahape Road (more alternative, known for being the former red light district) and Ponsonby Road (more upmarket and posh), both of which border the centre.
Both roads have great places to eat, drink and shop, and will give you a bit of a taste of what local life in Auckland is like.
I also love climbing up Maungawhau/Mount Eden, where you can get a great view of the city.
WHERE TO EAT
Pici is a lovely little pasta restaurant in the historic St Kevins Arcade on Karangahape Road
Candela, a vibey Spanish inspired restaurant.
Coco’s Cantina, a Karangahape road institution owned by a Maori woman
Otto, which is a local favourite.
WHERE TO DRINK
One of my favourite bars is Beau, a lovely neighbourhood spot in Ponsonby
Head up to The Churchill gin bar for a sunset drink (who needs to go up the Sky Tower with views this good).
WHERE TO STAY
The Convent Hotel is a very cool spot in Grey Lynn, which is ideal if you want to be just outside the concrete jungle of the city centre. It’s independently owned, which is refreshing.
FEATURED HOTEL
Hotel Britomart
Independent, design-focused, and as sustainable as a hotel can be.
Day 2: Head over to Waiheke Island for the day
WHY GO: Waiheke Island is gorgeous, the vineyards are lovely, the beaches are beautiful, and it’s just a very accessible day trip from the centre of Auckland.
Even if you don’t like wine, I think it makes a great day out.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED: You can very easily visit Waiheke for just an afternoon — you could even go the same day you land.
One of the wonderful things about Auckland is that it’s a stone’s throw from several islands.
The easiest to access, and most developed, is Waiheke Island.
Waiheke is famous for wine and fancy places to get lunch, but it’s also stunningly beautiful. I love heading over just to go to the beach (Oneroa or Onetangi are my favourites).
GETTING THERE
I recommend taking Island Direct across — but both this ferry and the busier Fullers ferry depart from the same terminal in Britomart, so it’s easy enough to take either.
THE HIGHLIGHTS
If you want to cut to the chase, get a direct ferry across to Man O War, the only beachfront winery on Waiheke. Just make lunch bookings in advance.
If you’re thinking about spending a night or two on Waiheke Island, check out the AWAY Treehouse and Forest Spa.
Day 3: Drive from Auckland to Hahei on the Coromandel Peninsula, via Coromandel town
The view from the Opito Point Pā Walk, near Opito Bay — one of my favourite Coromandel road trip stops
WHY GO: The Coromandel is beachy and beautiful, with some nice walks thrown in. I’m biased (this is my home region), but I think the beaches in the Coromandel are some of the best in the whole country.
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN THE COROMANDEL: You could spend a whole week here, but in two days/one night you can drive the loop around the Coromandel and see some of the main sights, like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach.
From Auckland, make your way to the Coromandel Peninsula.
I think the ideal route for this day is to go Auckland — Thames — Coromandel Town — Hahei, where you can spend the night.
On this drive you’ll see the contrast between the western (rocky and rugged) and eastern (white sand and clear water) coasts of the peninsula.
Some of my favourite stops to make are the Waiomu Beach Cafe, New Chums Beach, which involves a 20 minute walk over a small hill, and Opito Bay.
Opito Bay, on the walk to the top of the Pā, which is an old Maori fortified village site.
Shakespear Cliff Lookout — the beach you can see below is Lonely Bay, which is a stunning little semi-secret spot.
ITINERARY NOTES
If you’re in a campervan, you might want to spend an extra night or two on the Coromandel and head north of Coromandel town.
You’ll be getting well and truly off the beaten track up there, and there are some stunning campgrounds along the coast. I loved getting right up to Fletcher Bay Campsite and walking the Coromandel Coastal Walkway, but it is a long drive on narrow and gravel roads.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Lost Spring is a beautiful adults only naturally thermal hot spring, right in the middle of Whitianga.
If you do the full loop around the Coromandel, you’ll pass by Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu. Stop in for lunch.
WHERE TO STAY
Hahei makes an ideal base for exploring the area, but you could also stop in Whitianga, which is more developed.
There are many wonderful camping spots on the Coromandel — my favourites are Waikawau Bay, Opoutere, and Pauanui (the last two are free for self-contained campervans only)
FEATURED STAY
Wairua Rainforest River Retreat
Stay in native forest, with a forest bathtub, hot tub for stargazing, and a fire pit. Glorious. I honestly cannot recommend this place highly enough — if you want to splurge, do it here.
FEATURED STAY
Buffalo Lodge
Tucked away in regenerating native bush, Buffalo Lodge is a pared-back retreat with stunning views, modern comforts and the simple soundtrack of nature.
Day 4: Visit Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, before making your way to Rotorua
Spend the morning visiting the coastline around Hahei — the most famous beach is Cathedral Cove.
This cove gets a lot of visitors, so if you want to have it to yourself, wake up early and go for a sunrise mission (the east coast of the Coromandel is amazing for sunrises).
Otherwise, just resign yourself to the crowds.
You can take a boat tour around the coast if you just want to see the Cathedral rock formation and white-sand beach from the water.
Hot Water Beach is also worth checking out for the novelty value. Geothermal activity under the sand in one specific spot means hot springs well up from under the ground. This spot is only exposed at low tide, so make sure you’re there an hour or two either side of the low tide.
You can dig your own little pool in the sand and wallow around in scalding hot water, cooking yourself alongside the dozens of other people doing the same thing.
I’m kidding (a little) it is quite cool. It’s not quite a relaxing bathing experience, but it is unique.
Day 5: Spend the day visiting geothermal and cultural attractions in Rotorua
WHY GO: Rotorua is famous for both Maori culture and geothermal activity. It’s worth going
HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED IN ROTORUA: The town itself is pretty touristy, and you probably only need to visit one, maybe two of the geothermal parks. One full day/two nights and a morning is enough to see Rotorua, although you could add a night if you wanted to do more adventure activities, like rafting or kayaking.
and nothing overly special — although Kuirau Park is a cool spot to see some geothermal activity for free.
If you’re trying to decide between staying in Taupo and staying in Rotorua, I do think there’s a bit more to do in Rotorua. A lot of the things to do in Taupo are similar to the activities in Rotorua. I think you can easily cover Taupo in a day, and don’t need to spend a night there if you’re short on time.
Taupo also has some geothermal attractions, we well as Huka Falls and the Waikato River. In my honest opinion, Huka Falls is cool but maybe not essential to see. It’s pretty busy, quickly seen, and just a big waterfall. Taupo is also a funny little town. It has a pretty lakeside location, but the lakefront is weirdly lined with fast food joints and not much else (although if you want a scenic place to eat Burger Fuel, this is it).
You’ll drive past Lake Taupo on your way south, so you can stop and check out a couple of viewpoints on the way.
I personally find Tongariro National Park more interesting, and even in terms of lakes there’s a bit more stuff south of Taupo town
I think if you’ve seen some geothermal stuff around Rotorua you can happily skip staying in Taupo.
THINGS TO DO IN ROTORUA
The one thing you have to do in Rotorua is bathe in thermal waters.
Try Secret Spot for a fun experience
Lake Rotoiti Hot Pools for lakeside pools
For a free hot lake swim check out the Tarawera Trail.
WHERE TO EAT IN ROTORUA
ANI’s Gin Bar & Tapas serves uniquely New Zealand food.
WHERE TO STAY IN ROTORUA
Something special | A little outside of Rotorua is Oakridge Glamping, if you want something rustic and close to nature.
Campervan | Orakei Korako offers camping in their carpark for free, if you pay to visit the park. You can park here overnight and visit the park first thing in the morning.
At the Waikite Valley Hot Pools, a similar deal applies — there is a fee for camping, but this includes entry to the hot pools and you even get access to the hot pools before they are open to the general public.
Day 6: Drive south from Rotorua, in the direction of Tongariro
It only takes around two hours to drive from Rotorua down to Turangi, Raurimu, or other villages around Tongariro National Park. But, you can stop in Taupo on the way, and spend most of the day exploring.
I think Taupo is worth a visit for the day, but doesn’t really merit a stay.
Stop in at Huka Falls to check it out. It’s usually pretty busy, but it only take 15 minutes to walk to the viewing platform and back (more if you want lots of photos, but I am a little crowd averse).
There is also the Aratiatia Rapids, where you can watch the dam releasing water into a rocky gorge. The dam opens a couple of times a day, so you have to be there at the right time. I wouldn’t go too far out of your way to see it, but it’s neat if you have the time.
My other favourite thing to do around there is go for a dip in the Waikato River. There is a lovely swimming spot at this reserve.
Once you’ve done the Taupo tour, you can drive south along the lake.
WHERE TO STAY IF YOU WANT TO HIKE THE TONGARIRO CROSSING
If you’re planning on doing the Tongariro hike, ideally you want to book two nights accommodation close to the park. You will probably have the most luck with Airbnbs along the southern edge of Lake Taupo, or in Turangi.
You could also look at heading a little further south — Ohakune and Raetihi also make good bases for exploring the area. Ohakune is around 2 hours 40 minutes from Rotorua.
FEATURED STAY
Rua Awa Lodge
My favourite place to stay near Tongariro National Park. I’m a sucker for an outdoor bathtub and a firepit, but this little lodge also has warm, wood-accented interiors and is run by a lovely local couple
Day 7: Hike in Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park, in the heart of the North Island, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The national park is most famous for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, which traverses the moonlike landscapes and skirts past emerald green lakes.
This hike is a full day undertaking, though. If you’re looking to experience a little of the park, head to the national park visitor centre.
There are a number of shorter trails that leave from here. They aren’t as spectacular as the Tongariro Crossing, but you’ll still get to see views of the Ruapehu and Ngauruhoe, and see the gorgeous flora of the area.
ITINERARY NOTES
The Tongariro Crossing is a long hike, and it’s also very busy. You should book a spot on the trail if you plan to do it.
Alternative walks that are still very beautiful:
Taranaki Falls Walk
Day 8: Head down to Whanganui, a creative little riverside town
Whanganui has some colourful old buildings
I also loved watching the artists shape glass at Glassworks NZ
From Tongariro National Park, it’s only about a 90 minute drive down to Whanganui.
I think Whanganui is such a little gem.
It reminds me of Wellington, with an eclectic and creative vibe, but it’s smaller and easier to visit (I haven’t included on this itinerary, but which you could carve out a few days for if you’re interested in seeing the capital).
Wellington is a beautiful city, but at the end of the day, it’s still a city.
I love Whanganui for the fact that it’s still a small town, but it has some of the quirky, creative culture of Wellington (more and more people are migrating north from Wellington as a result of the high cost of living there).
ITINERARY NOTES
You could carry on to Taranaki and New Plymouth this day, if you didn’t want to spend the night in Whanganui. This also makes sense, as the accommodation options in and around Whanganui aren’t that amazing.
You could just spend the day exploring and still get a sense of what this little town is like.
If you carried on to New Plymouth, that would mean driving between 3.5-4 hours this day, but you could break that up over the day.
Day 9: Drive Surf Highway 45 to New Plymouth and Taranaki
Taranaki is one of my favourite regions in the North Island.
It’s the perfect place to road trip around. The Surf Highway curves around the coast and you can turn down almost any side road and end up at an epic black sand beach.
The waves here are wild and rugged, which is why it’s so famous among surfers, but you can still enjoy beach sunsets, long walks, and swimming when the surf is calmer.
Then there’s Mount Egmont National Park, which is an almost circular park surrounding the mighty peak of Mount Taranaki.
Hiking up the summit is the premier walk in the region, but you can only tackle it on a good weather day in summer, and it’s a full day hike.
A half day hike option is the walk up to the Pouakai Tarns, the reflective pools that mirror the peak of Taranaki on calm days.
New Plymouth itself is a pretty standard town, but there are a couple of highlights.
Chief among these is the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre for contemporary art — it’s pretty impressive for a small town gallery. Pukekura Park is also a very beautiful place to go for a walk.
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW PLYMOUTH
Taranaki is a welcoming region for camping. I loved camping at the Three Sisters/Tongaporutu Domain freedom camp.
FEATURED STAY
Ahu Ahu Beach Villas
Easily the best place to stay in the Taranaki region is Ahu Ahu. I adored everything about this place, from how welcoming the family who run it are, to how dedicated they are to sustainability and community. And the villas themselves are incredible.
Day 10: Have a relaxed day enjoying New Plymouth
I think it’s always a good idea to enjoy a few nights in one place, without a huge amount on the agenda.
You could very easily do that on this day, by just hanging out in New Plymouth. A very cool little town, New Plymouth is home to the Len Lye Art Centre, which is very worthwhile.
If you fancy a drink, Shining Peak Brewing is excellent
Day 11: Visit Taranaki National Park for walks
The big walk in Taranaki/Egmont National park is hiking to the summit of Mount Taranaki.
That’s a pretty big undertaking, though — you need clear weather conditions, a good level of fitness, and pretty much a whole day to do it. The views from the top are incredible if you’re up for it. For me, it sits alongside the Tongariro Crossing as the most dramatic day hike you can do in the North Island.
If you don’t feel like climbing a mountain, a much easier option is to hike to the Pouakai Tarns. That’s a nice little out and back hike, with spectacular views across to Mount Taranaki and out to sea on a nice day.
Day 12: Make your way up to Waitomo, either via the coast or along the Forgotten Highway
I love the coastal drive north from New Plymouth. You can stop off at Tongapōrutu, or the Three Sisters, which is a nice beach walk (at low tide only) out to rock formations and views of Mount Taranaki in the distance.
There is also Waikawau Tunnel Beach, if you want somewhere well and truly off the beaten track.
Day 13: Waitomo
Drive to Waitomo and explore the famous glowworm caves.
Take a guided boat tour or go blackwater rafting through the caves.
Visit other attractions like the Waitomo Museum of Caves and the Waitomo Discovery Centre.
Whichever activity you choose probably won’t take more than a few hours in the morning, so in the afternoon you can make your way to Raglan, to round out the trip with a stop in New Zealand’s bohemian little surf town.
FEATURED STAY
Blackwood Cabin
A secluded family-owned cabin just outside of Raglan.
Day 14: Make your way back to Auckland
It’s a two hour drive from Raglan back to Auckland.
New Zealand essentials
SIM CARDS: I recommend getting a Skinny SIM card when you arrive
FIND WALKS AND HIKES: The DOC website is the best resource for all trails, scenic campsites, and mountain huts
BEST APPS: Campermate for finding campsites, Gaspy for saving money on petrol
LANGUAGE: English but be prepared for some local quirks
Thanks for reading this far! I hope this itinerary helped you plan a trip around the North Island. Here are some other articles that might come in handy with planning your trip:
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AUTHOR BIO
I’m a freelance travel writer from New Zealand with bylines in National Geographic Travel, Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and more.
I’ve travelled up and down beautiful Aotearoa and I love sharing my recommendations for the best places to visit in New Zealand.
