If you are planning a New Zealand North Island itinerary, 5 to 14 days will give you an incredible experience. New Zealand is a beautiful country that enjoys year-round tourism. It has diverse landscapes, beautiful beaches, rich Māori culture and adrenaline-fuelled activities.
I spent several months living, working and backpacking in New Zealand. Whether you’re travelling solo or with friends, there are plenty of affordable transport options, from car rentals and InterCity buses to flexible hop-on-hop-off bus passes.
Read on for my recommended North Island itinerary for 5 to 14 days, with options for different trip lengths and budget-friendly stays.
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How many days do you need for a New Zealand North Island itinerary?
- 5-7 days: Ideal for highlights like Auckland, the Bay of Islands, Hobbiton, Rotorua and Taupo.
- 10 days: Adds Coromandel, Waitomo and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- 14 days: A full North Island experience, including hidden gems like Taranaki, Raglan and Wellington.
No matter how long you have, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in New Zealand’s North Island.
Auckland: Your base for your North Island itinerary
Like me, your New Zealand itinerary will probably begin in Auckland.
Looking out of the aeroplane window as we prepared for our descent into Auckland, I was gobsmacked. New Zealand was giving me velvety green rolling hills, dark mossy trees and mile-long stretches of blonde beaches.
Where to stay in Auckland
- Comfort: Verandahs Parkside Lodge – A charming, heritage-style lodge with a peaceful atmosphere, located near Ponsonby with easy access to Auckland’s parks and cafés.
- Modern & Trendy: Lylo Auckland – A sleek, pod-style hostel offering high-tech features, a vibrant social scene and central convenience.
- Backpacker Social Hub: Haka House Auckland – A fun and stylish hostel with modern amenities, perfect for meeting fellow travellers.
Having flown to Auckland from London via Hong Kong, this flight had taken me halfway around the world. Once at my hostel, I had to navigate my new surroundings while feeling spaced-out and woozy thanks to jetlag. Then I took a ‘power nap’ that lasted 13 hours (whoops). Finally, I was refreshed and ready to get started.
Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is the perfect place to begin your North Island adventure. A mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty, it offers stunning harbour views, lush green spaces and a buzzing food and coffee scene.
Things to do in Auckland
- Wander along the Viaduct Harbour and grab coffee in Britomart.
- Take the ferry to Waiheke Island for wine-tasting and beach hopping.
- Visit Mount Eden for epic views over the city.
New Zealand North Island 5 day itinerary
Day 1-2: Auckland & Waiheke Island
Just a short ferry ride away, Waiheke Island is a little paradise of vineyards, golden beaches and laid-back charm, making it an ideal day trip or overnight getaway.
If you’re into scenic hikes, cultural experiences or unwinding with a glass of local wine, this first stop will set the tone for an unforgettable journey.
Discover the best Waiheke Island day trip itinerary here.
Day 3-4: Bay of Islands (Paihia & Russell)
I spent a couple of wonderful days in Paihia, a little coastal paradise where you can explore the stunning Bay of Islands. One of my favourite memories was taking a boat tour and watching a pod of dolphins play in the water.
Things to do in Paihia:
- Take a boat trip to the Hole in the Rock.
- Visit historic Russell, New Zealand’s first capital.
- Hike to Haruru Falls.
- If you’re lucky, spot dolphins on a boat tour.
Where to stay in Paihia:
- Budget: Bay Adventurer – Great social vibe.
- Mid-range: Peppertree Lodge – Affordable and comfy.
Day 5: Coromandel Peninsula & Hot Water Beach
From Paihia, head south to the Coromandel Peninsula, one of New Zealand’s most picturesque coastal regions.
First, we landed on Hot Water Beach. Toe-hoppingly steaming hot water springs give the beach its name. We took shovels and crafted a carefully engineered wall of sand to keep the hot springs inside.
Our hard work was rewarded as we luxuriously bathed in our warm pool in the sunshine. Then we dried off with a stroll to the gorgeous neighbouring Cathedral Cove, named after its natural arches of stone.
Where to stay in the Coromandel Peninsula:
- Budget: Tatahi Backpackers – Laid-back vibes near the beach.
Things to do in the Coromandel Peninsula:
- Dig your own hot tub at Hot Water Beach.
- Hike to the stunning Cathedral Cove.
- Kayak along the coastline.
New Zealand North Island 7 day itinerary
As well as the places listed in days 1-5 above, for a New Zealand North Island 7 day itinerary you can add the following:
Day 6-7: Hobbiton & Rotorua
No North Island itinerary is complete without a visit to Hobbiton, if you’re a Lord of the Rings fan. You’ll love stepping into the lush, rolling hills of the Shire. The tour includes a pint at the Green Dragon Inn, which I’m assured tastes better when you’re in Middle-earth.
One hour from Hobbiton is Rotorua. One of New Zealand’s most unique and captivating destinations, it’s known for its geothermal landscapes, rich Māori culture, and thrilling outdoor activities.
Where to stay in Rotorua:
- Budget: Rock Solid Backpackers – Central and affordable.
Things to do in Rotorua
- Visit Te Puia to see geysers and bubbling mud pools.
- Try whitewater rafting on the Kaituna River. I gave it a go, and despite managing to split open my eyebrow (don’t ask), it was an absolute thrill! Now I have a small scar, or ‘life-mark’ as a barman called it, to remember it by.
- Relax in the Polynesian Spa.
My experience whitewater rafting in Rotorua
This was something I’d always wanted to do, even though I was nervous.
As we plummeted down New Zealand’s highest whitewater rafting waterfall, I managed to split open my eyebrow. It bled profusely and I looked like an extra from a horror movie for a while.
The Stray driver gave me first aid and made sure I was OK. Now I have a small scar, or ‘life-mark’ as a barman nicknamed it a few days later. A visible memento of my Kiwi adventures.
Despite everything, it was a fun day. I even tried whitewater rafting again on the South Island, which you can read about here.
New Zealand North Island 10 day itinerary
As well as the places listed in days 1-7 above, for a New Zealand North Island 10 day itinerary you can add the following:
Day 8: Waitomo Caves & Glow Worms
I’ve never seen anything quite as magical as the glow worms in Waitomo Caves. They light up the darkness like a starry sky.
Where to stay near the Waitomo Caves:
- Budget: YHA Waitomo Juno Hall – Near the caves and great for socialising.
My experience gazing at glow-worms in the Waitomo Caves
During a guided walk through one of the caves, a local expert introduced us to their famous glow-worm inhabitants and given a little history about the area.
On our way to another one we saw the area’s resident – a surprisingly huge long-finned eel – before sailing gently through this cave on a boat. Blue-hued dots of glow-worms all around us lit our way, which was simply magical.
The tour was called Spellbound, and that we were. We all started singing Coldplay songs in the eerie darkness as we waited for the next boat to return, which I’m sure the worms appreciated.
Day 9: Lake Aniwhenua
Located between Rotorua and Whakatāne, Lake Aniwhenua is an off-the-beaten-path destination offering a unique blend of Māori culture, serene landscapes, and authentic local experiences. This peaceful lake is an important spiritual site for local iwi (tribes) and is home to ancient rock carvings, some of the oldest in New Zealand.
Visitors can engage in a truly immersive cultural experience, staying at a local Māori-run lodge, learning traditional cooking techniques like the hangi, and hearing stories passed down through generations. Beyond its cultural significance, Lake Aniwhenua is a beautiful spot for kayaking, fishing, and relaxing in nature, away from the tourist crowds.
Where to stay at Lake Aniwhenua
For those visiting Lake Aniwhenua, consider staying at:
- Murupara Motor Camp – Affordable cabins and camping options with easy lake access.
- Kohutapu Lodge & Tribal Tours – A locally owned Māori experience offering cultural stays, hangi meals, and guided activities around the lake.
My experience learning about Maori culture at Lake Aniwhenua
After an introduction to Maori culture the evening before, complete with haka and dance demonstrations, we had a more intimate cultural insight on our next stop.
At Lake Aniwhenua, we met Morris, a Maori tribe elder. He talked about the land our bus was driving through and showed us 900-year-old ancestral rock carvings.
We stayed with his welcoming family at their home by the beautiful lake. They cooked us a traditional Maori dinner cooked in a hangi dug into the earth and heated by hot rocks.
As the sun set, Morris sat and told us tales of his tribe’s history. This including their penchant for eel hunting and scoffing the brains of their rivals in battle. He kindly answered all our questions.
It was a very peaceful and enriching stop on an otherwise fairly hectic tour.
Day 10: Taupo
Lake Taupo is the perfect place to unwind.
Taupo is a stunning lakeside town in the heart of the Central North Island, best known for Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake, which was formed by a massive volcanic eruption over 1,800 years ago. The town is a haven for water sports, geothermal wonders, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination for all types of travelers.
Visitors can cruise to the famous Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, take a dip in natural hot springs, or watch the roaring Huka Falls, where the Waikato River crashes through a narrow canyon. For adrenaline seekers, Taupo offers skydiving, jet boating, and mountain biking trails, while those looking to relax can enjoy lakeside cafés, scenic walks, or a soak in the Otumuheke Stream hot pools.
Where to stay in Taupo:
- Budget: Tiki Lodge – Cosy and close to the lake.
My experience cycling around Lake Taupo
At Lake Taupo, I hopped off the bus to relax for a couple of nights. A friend from home had raved about this charming town, so I wanted to check it out.
The sun was shining as I indulged in a massage to soothe my backpack-carrying muscles. I also took a Pilates class.
Then, I cycled round the stunning Lake Taupo, passing young families and dogs playing at the water’s edge.
New Zealand North Island 14 day itinerary
As well as the places listed in days 1-10 above, for a New Zealand North Island 14 day itinerary you can add the following:
Day 10-11: Tongariro National Park & Alpine Crossing
Tongariro National Park, New Zealand’s oldest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an iconic destination for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers. Home to three active volcanoes—Mount Tongariro, Mount Ruapehu, and Mount Ngauruhoe—this dramatic landscape offers breathtaking scenery, from emerald lakes and steaming craters to rugged alpine terrain and lush forests.
The park is most famous for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, often considered one of the best day hikes in the world. This challenging yet rewarding trek takes you across volcanic plateaus, past bright blue crater lakes, and over ancient lava flows, offering some of the most stunning panoramic views in New Zealand.
Beyond hiking, visitors can experience skiing on Mount Ruapehu, mountain biking, and exploring hidden waterfalls and hot springs.
Where to stay at Tongariro National Park
If you’re visiting Tongariro National Park, consider staying at Manowhenua Lodge, like I did. It’s a welcoming and affordable lodge in National Park Village, with dorms, private rooms and comfy communal spaces. Perfect for hikers tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
About the hike
- A 19.4km trek past Mount Ngauruhoe (aka Mount Doom in Lord of The Rings).
- Steep Devil’s Staircase, red craters and bright blue lakes.
- Sunshine, hail, fog – all in one day.
My experience hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Despite my initial worries about tiring out halfway through, I comfortably completed the 19.4km Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike.
It took us up the steep ‘Devil’s Staircase’, over the 1900 metre high Mount Tongariro. Its giant red craters looked like the surface of Mars.
We passed luminous blue lakes and through steaming geo-thermal grassy valleys, forests and streams. On the way, we encountered sunshine, hail showers and plenty of fog mysteriously shrouding everything around us.
After this epic walk, the team gave us chocolate and beers. It has never tasted so good.
A few days later, I was horrified when both of my big toenails fell off. The Stray driver assured this is normal for long distance hikers. It could be partly down to my new hiking boots that I hadn’t worn in yet. Thankfully, my nails grew back pretty quickly.
Day 12-13: Raglan & surfing
Raglan is one of New Zealand’s most famous coastal towns, known for its world-class surf breaks, black sand beaches, and laid-back vibe. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the country’s surf culture or simply unwind in a beautiful, relaxed setting.
The town is home to Ngarunui Beach, a long stretch of black sand perfect for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. More experienced surfers can head to Manu Bay, where you’ll find one of the longest left-hand surf breaks in the world. Beyond the waves, Raglan offers scenic coastal walks, creative art galleries, and eco-conscious cafés, making it a fantastic stop for both adventurers and those seeking a slower pace.
Visitors can also take a short walk to the stunning Bridal Veil Falls, a 55-meter waterfall surrounded by lush native bush. Whether you’re catching a wave, enjoying fresh seafood, or exploring the town’s charming streets, Raglan is a place that captures the essence of New Zealand’s coastal lifestyle.
Where to stay in Raglan:
- Budget: Raglan Backpackers – Great for surf lovers.
Day 14: Wellington (New Zealand’s Cool Little Capital)
After an intense couple of weeks, I ended my trip in Wellington. This creative, coffee-loving city has a buzzing arts scene, and the Te Papa Museum is a must.
Where to stay in Wellington:
- Budget: The Dwellington – Social and stylish.
My return visit to New Zealand’s capital really warmed me to the place. It was no doubt to do with the summer weather (give me a bit of blue skies and sunshine and I’m happy). Also the new friends I made there. I took some time out to enjoy the city’s rich café and bar culture and soak up its alternative, artsy scene.
The best way to get around New Zealand’s North Island
Stray bus tour
I loved the Stray bus adventures – seeing and doing things I’ve never done before. It’s really a great way to go backpacking New Zealand alone, because your fellow passengers become your friends.
There’s a great group atmosphere on the Stray New Zealand bus tour with about 30 travellers, aged around 25-35. You’re looked after by a driver full of personality and local knowledge (and sometimes ludicrously bad jokes). Stray organises all the accommodation, trips and activity options, including scenic stops and even a gumboot throwing competition en route.
This is the beauty of the Stray New Zealand passes. There are no obligations and you are free to hop on and hop off as you please as you explore this wonderful country.
Final thoughts on a New Zealand North Island itinerary for 5-14 days
What a ride! From glow-worm caves to mountain hikes, thermal pools to Māori culture, the North Island is packed with adventure.
Whether you’re in New Zealand’s North Island for 5, 10 or 14 days, this itinerary will help you make the most of it.
Just don’t forget to break in your hiking boots before tackling Tongariro, unless you fancy losing a toenail!
Now, read about my adventures on New Zealand’s South Island here.
