My New Zealand North Island Highway Journey Itinerary

From cosmopolitan cities to stunning nature, pristine beaches to volcanic mountains, New Zealand’s North Island really packs a punch.

Home to seventy-five percent of New Zealand’s population, a lot of travelers think you can easily see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t huge after all.

But there’s actually a lot of ground to cover here. Having been to New Zealand a few times over the years, I know from experience that there’s a lot more to see and do here than you think. You definitely don’t want to rush.

In a perfect world, I think most travelers visiting the North Island should spend at least a month here exploring on a road trip. That’s my ideal suggestion.

But since a month off is not realistic for most people, I suggest spending at least two weeks instead. That’s the minimum amount of time needed to do justice to the island on a road trip.

So, what should you see and do if you only have two weeks? What route do you take? Where do you go?

Below is my suggested itinerary that can help you plan your North Island road trip for maximum efficiency. This itinerary will ensure that you see the highlights and get off the beaten path, making the most of your time in this extraordinary country.

New Zealand Road Trip Highlights

Just looking for a few pointers to start your planning? Here are a few highlights from my time in New Zealand. These are things I think every visitor should experience when visiting New Zealand:

Want more info on these activities (and others)? I cover them all below!

Renting a Car in New Zealand

Before you plan your route, you need a way to get around. When it comes to road-tripping New Zealand, you essentially have two options: car or campervan.

Traveling by campervan is very popular here, especially among the more budget-conscious travelers, as vans serve as both accommodation and transportation. There are five main rental agencies:

Prices vary a lot. Your daily rate will change depending on where you pick up the vehicle, if you are dropping it off at a different destination, how long you are renting it for, how far in advance you book, and when you book (in the high season, prices seem to double!).

If living out of a van for a few weeks doesn’t sound like your idea of a fun time, simply rent a normal car and book accommodation along the way. I always use Discover Cars when renting a vehicle. They scour rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.

You can use this widget to get a free quote for your car rental:

New Zealand’s North Island Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week Route

Days 1–2: Auckland

Auckland is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand but, contrary to popular belief, it’s not the capital (that’s Wellington). Since most flights land here, spend a couple of days recovering from your (likely) long journey and overcoming your jet lag.

Be sure to visit the Auckland Domain, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and if you (like me) love wine, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island.

If you want to orientate yourself better, go to the top of the city’s Sky Tower for stunning views of this city and its 1.6 million people. The Auckland War Memorial Museum is also worth a visit. It’s something of a misnomer as it really tells the history of the city. The museum goes all the way back to when the Maori arrived from Polynesia and also highlights the “discovery” of New Zealand by Europeans centuries later.

For a list of more things to do in Auckland, check out my guide to the city!

Where to Stay: The Attic Backpackers — Voted the city’s most popular hostel four years in a row, The Attic is a fun and budget-friendly place to stay right in the heart of Auckland. The hostel offers a variety of sleeping options, including single- and double-bed private rooms and dorms. There’s also a nicely equipped kitchen and an active common room for when you just want to chill out and meet other travelers.

 
Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

Just a three-hour drive from Auckland, the Bay of Islands are on the northern tip of the North Island and are a great place to explore for a few days. There’s mile after mile of beach and rocky coastline surrounding the bay (which contains 144 islands). This area has some of the best dolphin and whale watching, kayaking, swimming, and boating on the island. Some of my favorite beaches in the country are here too.

While you’re here, be sure to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the most important historical sites in the country. You can also explore Cape Reinga (the northernmost point of New Zealand) and take a dip in the geothermal pools at Ngawha Springs. If you want a more active adventure, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park where you can explore the area via mountain bike.

For a list of more things to do in the Bay of Islands, check out my complete guide!

Where to Stay: Haka Lodge – Located in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a lot of common spaces, a large kitchen, and great views over the harbor. Everything is super clean and the beds are comfortable. It’s a good place to meet people too.
 
Day 5: Hobbiton

Visiting the Hobbiton movie set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies is easily one of New Zealand’s most famous activities. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of the films or books, it’s interesting to see the movie magic and go behind the scenes in this unique setting.

To see Hobbiton, you’ll have to take a tour that starts with a drive through the owner’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, offering epic views over the Kaimai Range. From here, you can explore Bag End, wander around the hobbit holes, and visit the Green Dragon Inn.

There are several different tours to choose from. There’s the classic tour of the movie set that includes lunch, a twilight walking tour that ends with a feast fit for a hobbit, a morning tour that includes a hearty breakfast, and even a tour that involves jogging. Tours start at 89 NZD.

Where to Stay: Cosy Country Stay B&B – This is a cute bed-and-breakfast located in Matamata just a few miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are fantastic, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil. There are even roaming cats and goats that really add to the cozy atmosphere.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s just one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the North Island. The name comes from the original Maori “Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe,” meaning “second lake,” as it was the second lake that Maori chief Ihenga discovered in the area.

The Maori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. This is the best area to learn about Maori history and culture. Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural show while you’re here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience is the one I attended).

The region is also known for its geothermal activity. The dynamic landscape makes for nice nature walks, trips to smelly sulfuric geysers, and relaxing soaks in luxury spas with water from the hot springs.

For adrenaline junkies who may not make it to Queenstown on the South Island (the adventure capital of New Zealand), there is a legion of adventurous activities offered in Rotorua. Here you can skydive, mountain bike, zipline through a forest, and go Zorbing (where you get into a large transparent ball and are rolled down a hill).

Where to Stay: Rock Solid Backpackers – This is a centrally located hostel with an expansive array of facilities, including a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.
 
Day 8: Waitomo

Waitomo is known for its worms — glowworms, to be specific. But spoiler alert: they are actually fly larvae that emit a bioluminescent glow. Definitely one of the coolest places I visited in New Zealand, the Waitomo glowworm cave may be very touristy but it’s simply breathtaking and unlike anything I’ve ever seen. I can’t recommend it enough.

You can walk, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them (I suggest floating, which was super fun). A 45-minute rafting trip is the standard visit, but if you want to go abseiling (also known as rappelling) there’s a five-hour option too. Prices start at 55 NZD for a boat tour and 195 NZD for extended tours with abseiling.

For a complete list of things to do in Waitomo, check out my guide on the town.

Where to Stay: Juno Hall – Close to the glowworm caves, Juno Hall has a swimming pool and tennis court on-site. There’s a large kitchen as well as an outdoor grill for barbecuing. It’s a cool, social spot.
 
Days 9-10: Taupo

Taupo sits on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest freshwater lake in New Zealand, and is part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, an area that has had high volcanic activity for the past two million years. Taupo has tons of incredible hikes, lots of boating excursions, charming local markets, and stunning nature. Think of it like a quieter version of Queenstown (the South Island’s adventure capital).

There wasn’t much in and around Taupo until 1868 when an armed constabulary post was established here. A little while after that, “tourists” began turning up to take advantage of the natural springs that are sprinkled around the area. By 1880, hotels began dotting the landscape to take advantage of the budding tourist industry here. The Taupo Museum goes into detail about the area’s history, including the pre-European Maori history.

It’s also one of the best places to go skydiving in New Zealand thanks to the views and clear skies (though I didn’t do this while I was there as I’m not a fan of heights).

I loved the small-town feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and being able to do so many hikes. I could have stayed here for weeks.

For a list of more things to do in Taupo, check out my guide.

Where to Stay: Finlay Jack’s – This hostel has a huge kitchen, a big common room, a spacious patio with BBQs, fun and welcoming staff, bike rentals, and a super friendly hostel dog. Everything in the hostel is updated, with new, modern pod-style beds so you can get a great night’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking through this otherworldly, red-colored environment of volcanoes and sulfur was one of the highlights of my time in New Zealand. One of the Great Walks of New Zealand and often considered one of the best day hikes in the world, this is an epic 19-kilometer (12-mile) trek that takes a full day to complete (most people take 6-9 hours, depending on your fitness level).

As you wind your way through Tongariro National Park, you’ll walk through volcanic terrain (including where Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), past high peaks and sulfur lakes, and end the day in a dense forest. It’s easy in parts (the beginning and end) and steep in others (especially the portion after the ominous-sounding “Mount Doom”), so you’ll get a good mix of difficulty levels.

Be sure to bring water, sunscreen, a hat, toilet paper, and a sweater or jacket (the weather can change rapidly). Expect to pay around 50 NZD per person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the trail or 325 NZD for a full-day guided hike.

Where to Stay: While you can stay in the park, I would simply go back to Taupo and stay there for the night.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Wellington is not just my favorite city on the North Island, but my favorite city in the entire country. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural activities, an incredible nightlife, some of the best food in the country, tons of murals, world-class art exhibits, insightful museums, and a beautiful harbor (which is best seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the entire city).

Be sure to visit Te Papa (New Zealand’s national museum), ride the cable car to the Cable Car Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award–winning props and special effects studio).

After that, you can hop on one of the historic red trolley cars so you can take in the stunning view of the city from the top of the hill. Tickets cost 6 NZD per ride.

If you love wildlife, check out Zealandia. This urban wildlife sanctuary on the periphery of the city tries to capture what New Zealand was like before humans lived here. Expect to see a legion of local birds and plant species. You can even take a guided tour at night. Entry, which includes a guided tour, costs 60 NZD.

For a list of more things to do in Wellington, check out my detailed guide to the city!

Where to Stay: The Marion – This boutique hostel is just blocks away from everything you’ll want to see. It’s cozy, with comfy beds and large bathrooms, and the staff really go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It’s a clean, social spot to relax and meet other travelers.

NOTE: If you’ve only got two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you can fly out of the airport here to wherever you need to go next. If you have more time, take the car ferry (around 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to continue your trip!

Things to Remember When Road-Tripping New Zealand

To help you make the most of your road trip, please remember the following rules:

• Traffic flows on the left here (not the right, like in the US or Canada).
• You must always park your car in the direction that traffic is going (or risk a fine).
• There are plenty of pull-off points for taking photos — use them instead of stopping at a random spot along the side of the road, which can be quite dangerous given how tight the roads are here.
• Roads here are winding, so remember that it might take longer than you expect to cover a particular distance.
• As long as your current and valid driver’s license is in English, you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit.
• If you’re traveling by campervan, use the CamperMate app to find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable country, loaded with epic landscapes, friendly Kiwis, and a rich culture. I think it’s one of the most stunning countries in the world — and a perfect destination for road trips. Just make sure to follow my advice above. Do that, and you’ll have an amazing visit to this beautiful island!