Planning your New Zealand North Island itinerary can be daunting. There is so much to see and do: volcanoes, geothermal parks, beaches… But don’t worry, wherever you go, it will be beautiful. Below are my suggested North island itineraries for 7 days, 10 days, 2 weeks or 3 weeks. Have a wonderful New Zealand road trip!
Content
Tips to plan your North Island New Zealand itinerary
Before I share with you my suggested itineraries for your New Zealand North Island road trip, below are a few tips for a better understanding of opportunities and constraints.
TIP1 – Driving times & New Zealand North Island Map Tourism
Let’s start with a simple map of North Island, with the most famous highlights to consider adding to your road plan:
Always plan more time to go from point A to point B than what Google says. I can assure you that on any New Zealand road trip you will want to stop all the time to admire the scenery.
And New Zealand is much bigger that one imagines. It seems so small compared to Australia that we think we can easily visit the whole country, but it takes quite a long time.
Also the roads in North Island are very sinuous, so you don’t drive fast. You can check out my NZ driving guide.
On the map above you can see many driving times and Auckland to Wellington = 8h drive
TIP 2 – Daylight
Check out sunrise and sunset times, to see how much daylight you have available when you are traveling. This way you will know how long you have to see all the sites during the days. This is important to define the best time to travel around New Zealand.
TIP 3 – Optimize your New Zealand itinerary with tide times and sunrise, sunsets…
There are places in New Zealand that you can only visit a low tide. They are mostly in South Island, but you have a few in North Island such as Piha beach, so that you can walk between the mainland and Taitomo Island or Cathedral Cove. So, if those are must-see for you, make sure you start by planning those first.
Same for sunset and sunrise, there are some great locations for that, and you should book a night there: Piha beach for sunset, Gisborne or Castlepoint for sunrise, Mt Taranaki for both.
TIP 4 – Plan some flexibility
If some locations are really big ticket items for you, I recommend planning a night close by so you can have double the chance to see it under nice weather.
For example on my first day in Taranaki, the summit was covered in clouds, but the next morning it was all clear and I could see how magnificent the volcanic cone is.
TIP 5 – You can’t drive everywhere
What I mean is that although some locations seem close by, you sometimes need to do a big detour to travel between 2 places.
For example driving from Taranaki to Tongariro is a really a pain. So be sure to check driving times and roads to avoid planning too much in a day.
TIP 6 – Use domestic flights
The driving times being so long, an option to be able to cover more is to start in Auckland and finish in Wellington. Then you take a domestic flight back or fly through by Australia. Just note that rental car price may go up because of it.
Need to rent a car in New Zealand?
My tips:
- Compare prices on my favorite platform: Discovercars.com – one of the best rated comparison sites!
- Prefer a car with enough power for the mountain areas
- Consider their full coverage option – it for peace of mind!
- Book early to have a large choice of vehicles!
TIP 7 – Tool to plan your itinerary with practical maps
I have just noted the really big highlights on the map above. But there are many other fascinating stops along the way.
You can find my complete planning maps with my selection of the best stops for each region in my eBooks. Each stop includes GPS coordinates and practical information to make the most of your time:
Plan your dream trip to New Zealand with my guides!
- 12 easy-to-plan maps
- 200+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 285+ large photos
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 90+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 150+ large photos
Or jump to the itinerary you want
North 7 days: Volcanic Wonders
Note: For all accommodations listed below, I selected them myself and paid entirely (no ads).
North Island New Zealand Itinerary 7 days – Beaches & Coastal gems
STARTS IN – Auckland
ENDS IN – Auckland
On this itinerary, you are staying North of Auckland, in the Northland to discover some of the most famous coastal areas in New Zealand
Day 1 – North Beaches & Coastal Gems – Matapouri
- Starts in –
Auckland - Ends in –
Matapouri - Driving time – 2h30 / 3h15 (if return to Whangarei)
- Driving difficulty – Main road + Smaller sinuous roads as you approach the coastal areas
- Main stops to consider –
STOP 1 – Whangarei falls – this is an easy stop along the road. The 26m high waterfall is surrounded by native bush. The walkway takes you to 3 top platforms and to the bottom – 30min loop
STOP 2 – Matapouri Bay & Whale Bay, next I recommend the detour to Matapouri bay. I think this beautiful shaped cove is stunning. At low tide you can complete a walking loop that also takes you to Whale Bay (1h loop) - Where to stay –
Matapouri / Tutuka – Check out options
Or back to Whangarei for more choice of accommodations (+45min drive) – Check out options
Day 2 – North Beaches & Coastal Gems – Bay of Islands
- Starts in –
Matapouri or Whangarei - Ends in –
Paihia - Driving time – 1 to 2h (depending on departure)
- Driving difficulty – Main road easy, sinuous is choosing the coastal road
- Main stops to consider –
Drive straight up to Piahia, the getaway to the Bay of Islands. What to enjoy in Paihia:
STOP1 – Paihia beach and city center – this is one of my favorite towns in New Zealand. It has a really good vibe, nice restaurants and a charming waterfront.
STOP 2 – Waitangi Treaty ground – if you are interested in the Maori culture and history, visit the museum and watch the performance – Get your entry pass
STOP 3 – Haruru falls – Those are not the most impressive, but it is an easy short stop
STOP 4 – Cruise – The most famous activity in the Bay of Islands is to take a cruise to see the many islands and the Hole in the rock – Book your seats
- Great activities –
Other experiences to enjoy in Paihia include:
Kayaking to the bottom of the Haruru falls
Helicopter Tour of the Bay of Islands to the Hole in the rock with a possible landing on top of it! – Check out details and book
Or check out the many activities in Paihia - Where to stay –
Paihia is a great place to spend the night. There is a large choice of accommodations – Check out the best rated options
I stayed at the Admirals View lodge which was nice – Check out photos and availabilities
Day 3 – North Beaches & Coastal Gems – Doubtless bay
- Starts in –
Paihia - Ends in –
Mangonui or Karikari peninsula - Driving time – Between 1h30 and 3h
- Driving difficulty – Generally easy roads – you can find bumpy gravel roads if you head to some destinations on the Karikari peninsula
- Main stops to consider –
STOP1 – Rainbow falls – This is an easy stop at the beginning of the day. The 30min loop takes you to the top and the bottom of the 27m waterfall
STOP2 – Taupo Bay – a detour from the main road takes you to this quiet bay on the West Coast. If you want more time to explore Karikari you can skip this detour.
STOP3 – Doubtless bay – Drive along doubtless bay. It has several beautiful beaches. And you can also enjoy the quaint little town of Mangonui. There you can go to Rangikapiti Pa, a Maori site with a fantastic view of the harbour
STOP4 – and if you are not tired you can go off the touristic path to explore the beautiful Karikari peninsula. This is quite a detour, but the beaches are stunning. - Where to stay –
There are a few accommodations in Mangonui – check out options
or you can find a place to stay on the Karikari peninsula – check out options
Day 4 – North Beaches & Coastal Gems – Cape Reinga
- Starts in –
Mangonui - Ends in –
Kaitaia - Driving time – 3h20
- Driving difficulty – The roads are easy with one lane in each direction. However, side roads to forested places or to the dunes, are not paved.
- Main stops to consider –
Today you are heading to the most Northern region of New Zealand. It is quite narrow, so you can do some stops on the way North and others on the way South.
Some of the most famous stops are:
STOP 1 – 90-mile beach – this is one of the most famous beaches in New Zealand. Visually it is not much but at low tide it becomes a highway. 4WD go on it to drive. However, if you plan on doing this yourself, be careful, tidal waves can be dangerous
STOP 2 – Cape Reinga – at the most northern point you can enjoy a walk to the lighthouse. It offers splendid views and explanations about the Maori cultural elements.
STOP 3 – Te Paki Sand dunes – This requires driving on a gravel road for 3,5km but it is worth it! Even if you don’t climb on the dunes, you can stop at the carpark and admire them and the contrast with the green bush. - Great activities –
If you don’t want to drive yourself on the 90-mile beach or to the dunes, but you still want to experience them. You can book a day trip from Paihia – Check out program and book - Where to stay –
Anywhere between cape Reinga and Kaitaia – Check out options in Kaitaia – and use the map, zoom out to see other options
Day 5 – North Beaches & Coastal Gems – Hokianga
- Starts in –
Kaitaia - Ends in –
Opononi - Driving time – 2h
- Driving difficulty – Be careful, Google maps will take you via the ferry. I recommend taking the detour so as not to not be blocked by ferry times (it is not that much longer to drive)
- Main stops to consider –
The harbor is stunning with mountains, rock formations and sand dunes on the opposite side.
STOP 1 – Relax in the charming town of Opononi
STOP 2 – Check out the old Omapere wharf, it is very photogenic
STOP 3 – walk around Signal station for beautiful views of the harbor mouth and the sand dunes on the other side - Great activities –
You can take a boat tour from Oponui to see the other shore and go sand boarding if you want
There is also a twilight tour of the forest with the old Kauri trees - Where to stay –
Stay in Opononi or nearby – Check out options
Day 6 – North Beaches & Coastal Gems – Mangawhai
- Starts in –
Opononi - Ends in –
Mangawhai - Driving time – 2h30
- Driving difficulty – Drive back towards the East Coast. The last section of the road is quite sinuous but not difficult.
- Main stops to consider –
STOP 1 – At the beginning of the day, enjoy the ancien forest. Go and see Tane Mahuta, the famous giant Kauri tree.
STOP 2 – Then drive to the east coast to reach Mangawhai heads. Plan a walk on the beach (or longer with the cliff walk) at low tide. - Where to stay –
Mangawhai and Mangawhai heads are a great places to stay with a laid back atmosphere – Check out the accommodation options
I stayed at the Mangawhai Chalets and love the beach decor. Beautiful room. Check out photos and availability
Day 7 – North Beaches & Coastal Gems Day – Piha
- Starts in –
Mangawhai - Ends in –
Piha (or Auckland airport) - Driving time – 2h40
- Driving difficulty – Fast road until you reach the Auckland traffic jam and the narrow sinuous road down to Piha
- Main stops to consider –
Today you drive down to the West of Auckland. This is a black sand beach paradise surrounded by bush and forest.
STOP 1 – Muriwai cliffs – unless you can’t stand the smell check out Muriwai with stunning cliffs and a gannet colony
STOP 2 – Then head to Bethells beach and walk to the black sand dune
STOP 3 – Finish the day in Piha beach. Try to be there for low tide and sunset if possible. Climb to the view point and walk in the canyon formed by Taitomo island. - Where to stay –
Check out the accommodations in Piha (mostly rentals)
I stayed at the Piha beach stay. Not by the beach but I had a stunning room with a terrace looking at the forested hills – Check out photos and availability
Make it a New Zealand itinerary North island 10 days
If you have 10 days in North Island New Zealand, you can consider the following for your extra 3 days:
- Spend some time in Aukland
- Or drive down to Rotorua for some geothermal wonderlands – my favorite option
- Or if you want more beach time you can head to the surf town of Raglan and add a detour South to the Waitomo glowworm caves
- Or head to the Coromandel peninsula with Hot water beach and Cathedral cove
New Zealand North Island Itinerary 1 week – Volcanic Wonders
STARTS IN – Auckland
ENDS IN – Auckland
On this itinerary, we head South of Auckland to discover the geothermal and volcanic wonderlands of the North Island. My favorite short itinerary.
Day 1 – North Volcanic Wonders Gems – Blue Spring & Rotorua
- Starts in –
Auckland - Ends in –
Rotorua - Driving time – 3h
- Driving difficulty -Easy drive
- Main stops to consider –
STOP 1 – Hobbiton or Blue Spring – I think the Blue Spring is a wonderful place and should not be missed, but I know some are really big fans of Lord of the Ring, so your first stop can be one or the other.
STOP 2 – Pick one of the activities – I think to avoid driving more you should visit Te Puia and its Geyser or Whakarewarewa or both – check out my guide on the best geothermal parks - Great activities –
You can enjoy a scenic flight above the region to see the fault line and many lakes – for example: Book an helicopter tour with the fault line
or you can relax at a geothermal spa- The Polynesian Spa is right by the lake: mineral hot pools, cold plunge pools, heated recliners… – pre-book your experience - Where to stay (book for 2 nights)
There is a large choice of accommodations in Rotorua from B&Bs to luxury stays – Check out the best rated options and book
I stayed in a room at a B&B (Rotorua City Homestay). They were very welcoming and I enjoyed the breakfast a lot – Check out more photos and availabilities
Day 2 – North Volcanic Wonders Gems – Rotorua
- Starts in –
Rotorua - Ends in –
Rotorua - Driving time – No too much driving, depending on what you want to see
- Driving difficulty – Easy to get around Rotorua
- Main stops to consider –
STOP 1 – Wai-o-Tapu – in the morning I recommend to most famous valley with the Champagne pool and features with crazy colors. Don’t miss the Lady Knox geyser at 10:15 am. See my article or Pre-purchase your entrance ticket in your currency here
STOP 2 – I also recommend the Waimangu valley – it is a walk along several geothermal features to a lake – you can complete different walking tracks and buses take you back. Don’t start too late! Pre-purchase your entrance ticket in your currency here
STOP other – if you want to see only one geothermal valley today, you can also head to the Redwood forest for a peaceful walk or to the Hamurana spring. - Great activities –
There are lots of great activities in Rotorua, I listed the spa and the flight previously.
Check out the many other options - Where to stay –
Same as the night before
Day 3 – North Volcanic Wonders Gems – Taupo
- Starts in –
Rotorua - Ends in –
Taupo or Whakapapa - Driving time – 1h30 or 2h30
- Driving difficulty – easy drive
- Main stops to consider –
STOP 1 – Orakei Karako is my favorite geothermal park in the region of Rotorua -Taupo. It is a small detour from the main road, but what an incredible place. The main terrace has many colors and is surrounded by forest and lake. Breathtaking. pre-purchase your entrance ticket in your currency here
STOP 2 – Craters of the moon, close to Taupo is something completely different from the other parks. The 1h walking loop is quite fascinating and worth a stop in my opinion even if it is not as colorful
STOP 3 – Huka falls – a powerful rush of water as the river enters a shallow ravine after being 100m wide - Great activities –
Other activities around Lake Taupo include
A jet boat experience around the Huka falls – adrenaline rush guaranteed! – Check out details and book
For a quieter water experience, discover Lake Taupo and its Maori rock carvings on a small cruise – Check out details and book - Where to stay –
You can either stay in Taupo to be in a large town with a lake – Check out the best rated options and book
or you can already head to Whakapapa in Tongariro National Park if you want to enjoy a lot of hiking – Check out the options and book
I stayed at Sails on the Lake in an apartment with Lake view and all the equipments I needed – Check out more photos and availabilities
Day 4 – North Volcanic Wonders Gems – Tongariro
- Starts in –
Taupo or Whakapapa - Ends in –
Whakapapa or Whanganui - Driving time – Hiking or 1h around driving or more
- Driving difficulty – Easy
- Main stops to consider –
Several options for today. If you are in great shape you can do the famous Tongariro Alpine crossing that takes all day
If you enjoy walking but don’t feel like doing it for 10h, you can choose one of the smaller hikes, for example the Taranaki falls 2h loop
And if you can’t do a long walk you can still enjoy the roads all around the National park as they offer splendid views. And you can drive up to the ski fields for breathtaking views of the lava flow.
If you are not hiking, you can already save driving time on the next day, and head to Wanganui to spend the night - Great activities –
In the region, you can also enjoy intense rafting on the Tongariro river – More info - Where to stay –
If you are hiking all day, stay in Whakapapa in Tongariro National Park if you want to enjoy a lot of hiking – Check out the options and book
Or stay in Whanganui on your way to Taranaki – Check out the options and book
Day 5 – North Volcanic Wonders Gems – Taranaki
- Starts in –
Whakapapa or Wanganui - Ends in –
New Plymouth - Driving time – 3h or 5h
- Driving difficulty – Easy
- Main stops to consider –
There are many viewpoints around Mt Taranaki. When it is not in the clouds, it is magnificent
Consider: North Egmont visitor center, the Dawson falls area, Te Rewa Rewa Bridge, Lake Mangamahoe, the black sand beaches…
There are many walks possible - Where to stay –
New Plymouth has a wide range of accommodations – check out the best rated options
I stayed at the Ratanui Villas. Really nice of off the hustle of the town – Check out photos and availability
Day 6 – North Volcanic Wonders Gems – Waitomo caves
- Starts in –
New Plymouth - Ends in –
Waitomo - Driving time – 3h
- Driving difficulty – OK
- Main stops to consider –
If you love volcanic wonders, I am assuming you love caves as well. Waitomo has been made famous for its glowworms, but the caves themselves are worth the visit.
I would skip the most touristic cave and rather visit Anuari and Ruakuri for the features. (you can see glowworms in Ruakuri). But there are also other privately-owned caves in the area
I also recommend a short drive east to see the impressive Mangapohue Natural bridge and the Marokopa falls - Where to stay –
You can stay in Waitomo or start driving North and stop at Hamilton.
If you you are staying in Waitomo, book early as there are limited accommodations – Check out options
I stayed at the Waitomo caves guest lodge which was really practical – Check out photos and availability
or see the best rated options in Hamilton
Day 7 – North Volcanic Wonders Gems – Black sand beaches
- Starts in –
Waitomo - Ends in –
Piha (or Auckland airport) - Driving time – 3h
- Driving difficulty – Easy drive until you reach the Auckland traffic jam and the narrow sinuous road down to Piha
- Main stops to consider –
Today you drive up to the West of Auckland. This is a black sand beach paradise surrounded by bush and forest.
STOP 1 – Muriwai cliffs – unless you can’t stand the smell check out Muriwai with stunning cliffs and a gannet colony
STOP 2 – Then head to Bethells beach and walk to the black sand dune
STOP 3 – Finish the day in Piha beach. Try to be there for low tide and sunset if possible. Climb to the view point and walk in the canyon formed by Taitomo island. - Where to stay –
Check out the accommodations in Piha (mostly rentals)
I stayed at the Piha beach stay. Not by the beach but I had a stunning room with a terrace looking at the forested hills – Check out photos and availability
Make it a New Zealand itinerary North island 10 days
If you have 10 days in North Island New Zealand, you can consider the following for your extra 3 days:
- Spend some time in Aukland, you can go to the top of the Mt Eden volcano
- Or head to the Coromandel peninsula with Hot water beach and Cathedral cove and then to the East coast to access white island
- Or if you want more beach time you can head to the surf town of Raglan and add a detour South to the Waitomo glowworm caves
- Or spend more time hiking in Taranaki or Tongariro
All the stops listed in these itineraries are included in my eBooks with practical info to make the most of your time
Plan your dream trip to New Zealand with my guides!
- 12 easy-to-plan maps
- 200+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 285+ large photos
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 90+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 150+ large photos
New Zealand 10 day itinerary North Island – Highlights
STARTS IN – Auckland
ENDS IN – Auckland
New Zealand North Island 10 day Itinerary – Highlights Day 1 – Coromandel Peninsula
- Starts in –
Auckland - Ends in –
Hot water beach or Hahei - Driving time – 2h30
- Driving difficulty – Easy
- Main stops to consider –
Drive all the way to the Coromandel peninsula
STOP 1 – Cathedral cove, the famous walk must be completed at low tide. It offers beautiful sea cliffs and access to a giant archway and sea stacks
STOP 2 – Hot water beach – go dig yourself a hole and soak in hot water - Where to stay –
Depending on your timing with the tide, you can either stay at Hot water beach (see options) or in Hahei (see options)
10 days in North Island highlights Day 2 – Rotorua
- Starts in –
Coromandel peninsula - Ends in –
Rotorua - Driving time – 3h
- Driving difficulty – easy
- Main stops to consider –
STOP 1 – Hobbiton or Blue Spring – I think the Blue Spring is a wonderful place and should not be missed, but I know some are really big fans of Lord of the Rings, so your first stop can be one or the other.
STOP 2 – Pick one of the parks – This afternoon I would pick Te Puia with the geyser or the Waimangu volcanic Valley - Great activities –
You can enjoy a scenic flight above the region to see the fault lines and many lakes – for example: Book an helicopter tour with the fault line
or you can relax at a geothermal spa at the end of the day- The Polynesian Spa is right by the lake: mineral hot pools, cold plunge pools, heated recliners… – pre-book your experience
There are lots of great activities in Rotorua, I listed the spa and the flight previously – Check out the many other options - Where to stay –
There is a large choice of accommodations in Rotorua from B&Bs to luxury stays – Check out the best rated options and book
I stayed in a room at a B&B (Rotorua City Homestay). They were very welcoming and I enjoyed the breakfast a lot – Check out more photos and availabilities
North Island highlights Day 3 – Geothermal wonders
- Starts in –
Rotorua - Ends in –
Taupo - Driving time – 1h30
- Driving difficulty – easy
- Main stops to consider –
STOP 1 – Wai-o-Tapu – in the morning I recommend to most famous valley with the Champagne pool and features with crazy colors. Don’t miss the Lady Knox geyser at 10:15 am. See my article or Pre-purchase your entrance ticket in your currency here
STOP 2 – Orakei Karako is my favorite geothermal park in the region of Rotorua -Taupo. It is a small detour from the main road, but what an incredible place. The main terrace has many colors and is surrounded by forest and the lake. Breathtaking. pre-purchase your entrance ticket in your currency here
STOP 3 – Craters of the moon, close to the Taupo is something completely different from the other parks. The 1h walking loop is quite fascinating and worth a stop in my opinion even if it is not as colorful
STOP 4 – Huka falls – a powerful rush of water as the river enters a shallow ravine after being 100m wide - Where to stay –
Book in Taupo for 2 nights
You can stay in Taupo to be in a “large” town with a lake – Check out the best rated options and book
I stayed at Sails on the Lake in an apartment with Lake view and all the equipments I needed – Check out more photos and availabilities
North Island highlights Day 4 – Tongariro
- Starts in –
Taupo - Ends in –
Taupo - Driving time – 2h or more
- Driving difficulty – easy
- Main stops to consider –
Today, head to the Tongariro National Park. There is a large choice of hikes from 30min to a complete day (such as the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing)
You can also drive around for wonderful landscapes and drive up to the ski fields for a closer look at the dried lava flow. - Where to stay –
same as night before
North Island highlights Day 5 –
- Starts in –
Taupo - Ends in –
Waitomo - Driving time – 2h30
- Driving difficulty – Easy
- Main stops to consider –
Waitomo is famous because of its glowworms, but the caves themselves are worth the visit.
I would skip the most touristic cave and rather visit Anuari and Ruakuri for the features (you can see glowworms in Ruakuri). But there are also other privately owned caves in the area.
I also recommend a short drive east to see the impressive Mangapohue Natural bridge and the Marokopa falls - Where to stay –
If you are staying in Waitomo, book early as there are limited accommodations – Check out options
I stayed at the Waitomo caves guest lodge which was really practical – Check out photos and availability
or see the best rated options in Hamilton, a little more up North (large town, no points of interest)
North Island highlights Day 6 – Black sand beaches
- Starts in –
Waitomo - Ends in –
Piha - Driving time – 3h
- Driving difficulty – Easy drive until you reach the Auckland traffic jams and the narrow sinuous road down to Piha
- Main stops to consider –
The area West of Auckland is a black sand beach paradise surrounded by bush and forest.
STOP 1 – Muriwai cliffs – unless you can’t stand the smell check out Muriwai with stunning cliffs and a gannet colony
STOP 2 – Then head to Bethells beach and walk to the black sand dune
STOP 3 – Finish the day in Piha beach. Try to be there for low tide and sunset if possible. Climb to the view point and walk in the canyon formed by Taitomo island. - Where to stay –
Check out the accommodations in Piha (mostly rentals)
I stayed at the Piha beach stay. Not by the beach but I had a stunning room with a terrace looking at the forested hills – Check out photos and availability
North Island highlights Day 7 – Bay of Islands
- Starts in –
Piha - Ends in –
Paihia - Driving time – 3h30
- Driving difficulty – Easy
- Main stops to consider –
I would spend the morning driving to the Bay of Islands, to enjoy a cruise in the afternoon – Book your seat
Or if you like history, you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds - Great activities –
Or check out the many activities in Paihia - Where to stay –
Paihia is a great place to spend the night. There is a large choice of accommodations – Check out the best rated options
I stayed at the Admirals View lodge which was nice – Check out photos and availabilities
North Island highlights Day 8 –
- Starts in –
Paihia - Ends in –
Kaitaia - Driving time – 5h (a bit long but if you want to see those famous places, this is what it takes) – however if you don’t want to drive that much and want to be able to see 90-mile beach via 4WD, book a day trip from Paihia and stay a second night in Paihia – Check out program and book
- Driving difficulty – Easy except some gravel road
- Main stops to consider –
STOP 1 – 90-mile beach – this is one of the most famous beaches in New Zealand. Visually it is not much but at low tide it becomes a highway. 4WD go on it to drive. However, if you plan on doing this yourself, be careful, tidal waves can be dangerous
STOP 2 – Cape Reinga – at the most northern point you can enjoy a walk to the lighthouse. It offers splendid views and explanations about the Maori cultural elements.
STOP 3 – Te Paki Sand dunes – This requires driving on gravel road for 3,5km but it is worth it! Even if you don’t climb on the dunes, you can stop at the carpark and admire them and the contrast with the green bush. - Where to stay –
Anywhere between cape Reinga and Kaitaia – Check out options in Kaitaia – and use the map, zoom out to see other options
North Island highlights Day 9 – Drive South
- Starts in –
Kaitaia - Ends in –
Mangawhai - Driving time – 3h
- Driving difficulty – Easy mostly, sinuous at the end
- Main stops to consider –
STOP 1 – Whangarei falls – this is an easy stop along the road. The 26m high waterfall is surrounded by native bush. The walkway takes you to 3 top platforms and to the bottom – 30min loop
STOP 2 – Then drive to the east coast to reach Mangawhai heads. Plan a walk on the beach (or longer with the cliff walk) at low tide. - Where to stay –
Mangawhai and Mangawhai heads are great places to stay with a laid back atmosphere – Check out the accommodation options
I stayed at the Mangawhai Chalets and love the beach decor. Beautiful room. Check out photos and availability
North Island highlights Day 10 – Auckland
- Starts in –
Mangawhai - Ends in –
Auckland - Driving time – 1h30
- Driving difficulty – Easy
- Main stops to consider –
Explore Auckland – Climb on Mt Eden, get up the Sky Tower or book a cruise to see the beautiful skyline from the water - Great activities –
See Auckland activities - Where to stay –
Check out the best rated accommodations in Auckland
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New Zealand North Island Itinerary 2 weeks and 3 weeks
Lucky to have more time?
New Zealand North island Itinerary 2 weeks
Combine both 1 week itinerary, with Coromandel to replace the double Black sand dune day
- Day 1 – Auckland to Matapouri
- Day 2 – Bay of Islands
- Day 3 – Doubtless Bay
- Day 4 – Cape Reinga
- Day 5 – Hokianga
- Day 6 – Mangawhai
- Day 7 – Black Sand beaches (Piha and others)
- Day 8 – Coromandel peninsula
- Day 9 – Blue Spring/Hobbiton and Rotorua
- Day 10 – Rotorua geothermal parks
- Day 11 – Taupo geothermal parks
- Day 12 – Tongariro
- Day 13 – Taranaki
- Day 14 – Waitomo
New Zealand North island Itinerary 3 weeks
To make the plan above a 3 week itinerary, head South to Wellington between Tongario and Taranaki with a detour to Castlepoint and Cape Palliser.
And add some time in Auckland.
Both islands – New Zealand road trip Itinerary 2 weeks
If you are looking for a 2-week NZ itinerary that covers both islands, check out this article
Make your own NZ itinerary for 2 weeks or 3 weeks or more!
But if you have more than 2 weeks or if you want to create your own itinerary from a curated list – I have written my eBooks to help you do that:
Plan your dream trip to New Zealand with my guides!
- 12 easy-to-plan maps
- 200+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 285+ large photos
- 6 easy-to-plan maps
- 90+ pre-selected locations
- GPS coordinates
- Useful planning tips
- 150+ large photos
And check out my guide about the best places to stay in New Zealand
Itinerary in North Island for Winter
North island does not have too many limitations in Winter. There is snow on the summits, but most roads remain easy to drive.
The only constraint is that you will have shorter days to explore, so you should not plan more than 2h30 drive each day.
Is my New Zealand road trip itinerary good?
You can share your itinerary on online forums, but you will get a lot of different opinions and probably people adding locations because you just ‘have to see this!’.
Not so helpful…
Check the following points and you should be ready to go:
- Have I planned less than 4h30 driving per day in Summer and 3h in Winter? and are most days under 3h30 in Summer and 2h30 in Winter?
- Am I clear on the Top 10 locations I don’t want to miss and flexible about the others? (depending on weather conditions)
- Are there available accommodations that fit my itinerary? (If you are late with the planning, the lack of accommodations may influence your itinerary)
- Are you excited and stressed by the itinerary? This might be an indication you have to remove locations…
And then you are ready to go! I wish you a wonderful New Zealand trip!
Want to see more of NEW ZEALAND?
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NEW ZEALAND SOUTH ISLAND ITINERARY – 4+ options
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