New Zealand’s North Island is full of amazing hotspots, perfect for an unforgettable itinerary. Let’s explore the greatest of the North Island, with my New Zealand Itinerary guide!
Recommendation
Before I start I’d like to share another blog post which can be very helpful for your journey. 5 Important things to know before travelling to New Zealand. For planning your New Zealand itinerary follow the points 3 and 4! https://www.blog-lifetoremember.com/2025/01/08/things-to-know-before-visiting-new-zealand/
And now let’s begin.
Known for it’s comparable small size and natural treasures, many travellers choose to visit multiple destinations when travelling to New Zealand. To experience the natural beauty, the must-see places and hotspots, the right itinerary is a must! To save you from a lot of work, here is my version of the perfect itinerary of the North Island. Which, by the way, was tested on site. This New Zealand itinerary is especially practical for travellers who travel by camper van. Other options are mentioned in the recommended blog post.
Auckland – 4 days
The first stop of the New Zealand itinerary is directly in the north: Auckland, one of New Zealand’s most famous cities.
Don’t let the construction work fool you – the more you explore, the more you’ll fall in love with this vibrant city. My favourite part are the cafés! There are countless adorable and aesthetic spots to visit, and café hopping is something I could do all day long. For the full experience, visit a bookshop after each café. My two must-visit bookshops in Auckland are Unity Books and the Green Dolphin Bookshop.
Take a stroll through the city, admire the high-rise buildings, explore the harbour, and enjoy bits of nature along the way. Visit the iconic Auckland Sky Tower, especially in the evening, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try bungee jumping from it – just like Louis Tomlinson did!
Don’t forget to explore areas outside the city center. Auckland is full of charming neighbourhoods with unique boutiques and breathtaking views of the skyline. Mount Eden, just three kilometres south of the center, is a must-visit. This dormant volcanic cone is covered in bright green grass and offers the first glimpse of New Zealand’s incredible natural beauty.
After your time in Auckland it’s the perfect opportunity to rent a camper van. There are many car rental companies in the city that allow you to pick up a car in Auckland and return it in another city, whether on the North or South Island. We chose JUCY Rentals and adopted our camper van Kirk. Yes, we watched a lot of Gilmore Girls along the way, and our car gave off Kirk energy.
Cape Reinga (optional cause it’s quite a long drive to get to this spot – if you do, use a day from Auckland or add one)
From Auckland straight to the next spot, which is known as the northernmost point of the North Island. A perfect destination for a short trip. Encounter stunning cliffs, the Cape Reinga Lighthouse and a view of the never ending ocean. For a unique experience, try to travel there during sunrise or sunset.
Coromandel – 1 day
On the way to Coromandel, take your time and enjoy the landscape. The streets are very curvy, which is after the time quite annoying. Fortunately, there are plenty of marked lookouts where you can take a quick break, soak in the views, and refresh yourself. Picnic tables and benches make these stops even more inviting, providing a perfect spot to enjoy a meal and recharge before continuing your journey.
Cathedral Cove – half a day
A location you’ve probably seen before, without realising that it’s located in New Zealand. The Cathedral Cove, also known from the windows spotlight images. When we arrived the track was under construction work, even now two years later, the website didn’t change it’s warnings. Therefore it’s good to know that there are two parking options, from where the track starts. Another way to reach the beach is through kayaking, which is a fun experience as well.
Hahei and Hot Water Beach – half a day
Two amazing beaches are the Hahei and the Hot Water Beach. Hahei Beach is great for surfers and offers amazing views of cliffs rising from the water. I really enjoyed the time at the beach, it felt more hidden and quiet.
The Hot Water Beach is a little more known and a very famous hotspot for surfers. At low tide, head to the southern end of the beach by the rocks to find natural hot springs – the perfect spot to dig your own hot pool.
Tauranga – 3 days
Tauranga is a coastal city, which offers a great range of activities. We stayed in Papamoa, where the beach turned into one of my personal highlights. Toes in the sand, creating sand pictures with the most beautiful shells I’ve ever seen. For a unique experience, book a diving with dolphins tour, enjoy a evening while attending a kayak glowworm tour or take a hike on the Mount Maunganui. Even if you’re not too excited for a hike, go to the lookout of the Mount Maunganui, you’ll experience the most stunning view of Tauranga.
Hobbiton – 1 day
For Lord of the Rings fans, Hobbiton is a must visit. Even if you barely know the story, it’s still an experience you shouldn’t miss. Buy a tour ticket on site and from the moment you step onto the tour bus, you’ll feel like you’re in a movie scene. The details, movie references, insider stories from the guide, and the matching soundtrack make it truly magical. And if you’re craving more, New Zealand has plenty of other Lord of the Rings filming locations to explore! For more information and a specific New Zealand itinerary, read our blog post „New Zealand Lord of the Rings locations you have to visit“. https://www.blog-lifetoremember.com/2024/11/20/new-zealand-lord-of-the-rings/
Waitomo Glowworm Caves – 1 day
The glowworm experience in New Zealand is something, I’ve never had before. Thousands of glowworms in one place, sharing their bright blue light. In Waitomo you have the chance to experience the magic of the glowworms, in the middle of a stalactite cave. First you’ll take a walk through the cave and enjoy the natural beauty created over a hundred years ago. At the end of the trip, you get into a boat and drive through the dark grotto. The glowworms share their light and literally brighten up the whole area.
Rotorua – 3 and a half days
Rotorua has a cute small town atmosphere, which is filled with culture. Take a walk through the city, go along the eat streat and stroll around the government garden. The city shows a lot of details, especially to the Māori culture.
For a great evening and a special cultural experience, the Mitai Māori Village is a great choice. From traditional rituals and greetings, to the language, typical food, clothing, as well as games, dances, songs, and instruments. Along with another chance to see all the bright glowworms around the whole village. So much fun, to not only learn, but really experience the culture, together with other travellers. Eating together with strangers on a table was so much fun as well. Felt like a family dinner haha.
Another great way to have a unique experience in Rotorua is Hell’s Gate, a geothermal reserve and mud spa. The mud might be a bit stinky at first, but it offers such a great experience and one of the most relaxing times you’ll probably have during your trip. Enjoy a climb or hike at the Redwoods Treewalk, or opt for a bit more adrenaline with the ZORB inflatable ball rides.
Waimangu Volcanic Valley – half a day
Take a stop at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley. The worlds youngest geothermal system. You will find hiking trails that lead you to volcanic crates, hot water springs, a unusual plant life and stunning geothermal features.
Huka Falls and Craters of the Moon – 1 day
The next stop provides a short walk to the clear blue water of the Huka Falls. Find a hiking trail and walk to the lookout point. Directly by the falls you have the opportunity to take part in a jet boat experience. A lot of fun and a rush of adrenaline. Not too far away you’ll find Craters of the Moon. Another geothermal walk, with bubbling mud, in various colours and fog around the whole area from the different springs.
Taupo – 2 days
Another town to explore. Enjoy some time at the lake and take a walk to the city center. Visit the really cute record store „Vinyl Albums“ and look out for a huge city market on every sunday. If you’re interested in skydiving, Taupo could be the perfect place for it.
Tongariro National Park – 1 day
Through the outstanding nature and cultural significance to Māori, Tongariro National Park is a very special place to visit. Three active volcanoes, where two of them are marked as the most active volcanoes in the world. That’s why it’s important to check the volcano activity status before taking your hike!
More information you’ll find in this post, from 100% pure New Zealand. https://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/national-parks-tongariro/
Wellington – 4 days
Ending the New Zealand itinerary in the capital city. Windy Wellington. A wonderful city located in the south of the North Island. There are a few unique things you need to see while travelling Wellington. The solace in the wind (the naked man) statue, bucket fountain, the Wellington sign, Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (for free), the Wellington cable car and the botanic garden. Stroll through the city, enjoy the architecture and all the details that makes Wellington so unique.
Don’t forget to take a closer look to the traffic lights, thank me later!
As you might already have realised, there are two things I love to do in a big city, especially when it’s really windy outside. Café hopping and book shopping. My two favourite bookshops in Wellington are: Unity Books (again, but I’m obsessed) and Good Books. Wellington is the perfect spot to end your trip. Though it doesn’t have to be over yet. There is a ferry from Wellington to Picton, a town on the South Island. With the local ferry, you can easily take your car with you and enjoy the next adventure on the South Island.
This was the New Zealand Itinerary for the North Island. I hope you enjoyed reading and are excited for all of these amazing places.
Interested in a New Zealand itinerary for the South Island? Leave a comment and let me know – the more Feedback we get, the faster we’ll get to work.
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be "stardust" – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
Johanna
About the Author:
If Johanna were a word, she would be “stardust” – nondescript, quiet, demure, until the passion appears that brings the stardust to fully unfold. She’s a traveler at heart, constantly curious to see more of the world, with a camera always close by to capture every moment just as it is. Whether she’s at a concert, lost in the music, or exploring a new city, Johanna’s world is filled with an endless curiosity and love for the little details that make life feel like stardust.
