2 week North Island itinerary and travel guide
These are my favourite places to explore in the North Island, covered in two weeks
Wine, beaches, hot springs — what more could you want from a road trip?
You could argue that the South Island of New Zealand is more beautiful, but the North Island is as diverse as and has more pizazz in the form of geothermal activity and volcanic cones.
I’ve driven laps around the North Island and still haven’t got sick of it. In this two week itinerary, I’ve included some of my favourite places to visit and things to do.
The best things to see in the North Island are beaches, geothermal activity, and Maori cultural experiences. These are the things, in my mind, that really set the North Island apart from the South.
So, I have tried to build this itinerary around the best of all of these things.
I have included some of the more off-the-beaten-track destinations that I love, as well as the more popular attractions. For me, there is a lot of magic to be found on quiet beaches and peaceful forests.
I hope this gives you inspiration for exploring Te Ika-a-Māui.
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.
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.
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 1-2: Auckland and Waiheke Island
Day 3-4: The Coromandel Peninsula
Day 5-6: Rotorua
Day 7-8: Tongariro National Park
Day 9-10: Wellington
Day 11-12: New Plymouth
Day 13: Waitomo
Day 14: Raglan
Day 1-2: Auckland and Waiheke Island
Auckland is the obvious place to start your trip, as your international flight will probably land here.
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.
My favourite parts of Auckland are Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road, both of which have great places to eat and shop.
I also love climbing up Maungawhau/Mount Eden, where you can get a great view of the city.
Stay: Hotel Britomart is my top hotel pick of Auckland’s boutique hotels
Eat: I love K Road restaurants like Candela, Coco’s Cantina, and Otto.
Drink: Head up to The Churchill gin bar for a sunset drink (who needs to go up the Sky Tower with views this good).
Day 3-4: Coromandel Peninsula
From Auckland, make your way to the Coromandel Peninsula.
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.
A highlight is New Chums Beach, which involves a 20 minute walk to get there, but Cathedral Cove is also world famous for its beauty.
Hahei makes a nice base for exploring, and I also have a soft spot for Tairua.
DON’T MISS
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 IN THE COROMANDEL
Something special | Wairua Rainforest Retreat, in the forest near Hahei
Campervan | 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)
Day 5-6: Rotorua
Rotorua is a fairly essential place to stop in the North Island.
The town itself is pretty touristy, and nothing overly special — although Kuirau Park is a cool spot to see some geothermal activity for free.
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.
Day 8-10: Tongariro National Park
Explore Tongariro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing for breathtaking volcanic landscapes.
Visit Taranaki Falls and explore other shorter walks in the park.
Relax and rejuvenate in the hot pools at Tokaanu Thermal Pools.
Day 11: Tongariro to Wellington
Travel to Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand.
Visit Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, for a glimpse into New Zealand's history, art, and culture.
Ride the Wellington Cable Car for panoramic views of the city.
Explore the vibrant food scene and craft beer breweries.
WHERE TO STAY IN WELLINGTON
Check out the best boutique hotels in Wellington.
Day : New Plymouth and Taranaki
Explore New Plymouth, known for its coastal walkway and vibrant arts scene.
Visit Pukekura Park and explore its botanical gardens and light festival (if in season).
Take a stroll along the Coastal Walkway and enjoy views of Mount Taranaki.
Optional: Visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre for contemporary art.
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW PLYMOUTH
Something special | Ahu Ahu Villas
Campervan | Taranaki is a welcoming region for camping. I loved camping at the Three Sisters/Tongaporutu Domain freedom camp.
Day 14: 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.
Drive to Auckland in the evening.
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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