Ultimate New Zealand North Island Itinerary + Travel Guide

There’s a reason New Zealand is on so many people’s bucket lists. It’s an absolutely stunning country with breathtaking nature, exciting extreme sports, and friendly people. If you are finally boarding that plane to fly over to this side of the world, you’re likely traveling for at least half a day (if not two whole days if you’re flying from Europe!). So, it goes without saying that you’ll want to make the most of your trip.

Generally, travelers to New Zealand will choose to visit either the North or the South Island, unless they have a long period of time for a trip. While the North Island has less dramatic scenery than the South Island, the the North Island has its gems and is definitely worth exploring.

We’ve explored the North Island pretty extensively over the years that we lived in New Zealand, so here is our ultimate travel tips and itinerary for traveling the North Island of New Zealand.

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New Zealand North Island Itinerary 14 Days

While having a longer holiday is definitely a privilege, in a place like New Zealand, where travelers generally will only visit once in their lives, the longer you spend in the country, the better. We guarantee you won’t run out of things to do and see. In the North Island, while you can easily spend a month traipsing around the entire island, we recommend a minimum of 14 days. This way, you can really see what the North Island of New Zealand has to offer.

If you are planning to spend longer than 14 days on the North Island, no worries. We’ve got more recommendations below for you to tack onto your trip. Or you can simply take your time at each destination… up to you!

So, without further ado, here is our ultimate New Zealand North Island itinerary for 14 days!

Day 1 to 3: Auckland

Your first stop is Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city (by far!). You’ll arrive at the Auckland International Airport, where you’ll then take a bus or Uber to the city center to start your trip in the North Island. While Auckland may not be the most stunning or interesting city in the world, it is the best base to rest up before you start your journey around the island.

Auckland is the closest thing to a big city you’ll find in New Zealand, with a population of over 1 million people, it is one of the biggest metropolitan areas in Oceania. The city may not have much of a skyline, but on a beautiful day, you can admire the Sky Tower and walk along the harbor.

There’s not too much to do in the city itself, but the Auckland region is absolutely worth exploring. We recommend heading to the West Coast beaches or to one of the many small islands in the harbor.

Our advice? Rest the first day (trust us, you are going to be jet lagged) and then pick an area to explore on day 2 and a smaller activity to do on day 3 before you start the drive to the next destination.

Things to Do in Auckland

So, what things do we recommend doing in Auckland? There’s a wide range of activities and places to choose from ranging from outdoor activities, nightlife, and day trips.

• Jump from the Sky Tower – The Sky Tower is the most iconic building in the Auckland city center. While you can simply head up to the top and stand on the glass floor, for you adrenaline junkies out there, you’ve got to try the 192-meter jump from the top of NZ’s tallest building! That’s 11 seconds and 53 floors of free fall with just a wire to hold you.
• Check out the Auckland Museum – Start learning about New Zealand by heading over to the Auckland Museum, which hosts a huge collection of Māori and Pacific treasures, including carvings, war canoes, and whole buildings too.
• Hang out in Ponsonby – Ponsonby is one of our favorite areas to explore in Auckland. Plus, it’s super reachable if you are staying in the Auckland CBD. Here, you’ll find amazing food, cute boutiques, unique bars, and more.
• Explore the West Coast beaches – The West Coast beaches are absolutely stunning. These beaches won’t be anything you’re used to. They’re wild, cold, and surrounded by native trees. The beaches we recommend are Muriwai, Piha, and Bethells.
• Go to Waiheke Island – Waiheke is a short ferry ride from Auckland CBD. Here, you’ll get your first taste of New Zealand wine by visiting the various wineries dotted across the island. We recommend renting a bike to get around if the weather permits.
• Climb Rangitoto – From Auckland CBD, you’ll be able to spot this dormant volcano that you can hike. The hike to the summit is not too difficult, taking around one to two hours, depending on what track you take.
• Spend a night at Great Barrier Island – About a 30-minute flight or four-and-a-half-hour ferry ride from Auckland, Great Barrier Island is an island worth visiting on its own, boasting amazing stargazing opportunities, hot springs, hiking trails, and stunning beaches.

Where to Stay in Auckland

You can have your pick when it comes to accommodation in Auckland. From hostels and budget options to more luxurious hotels, Auckland has it all.

• Verandahs Parkside Lodge: Best Budget Option
• Imagine Beach Road: Best Mid-Range Option
• The Hotel Britomart: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Auckland

Auckland is the best food city in all of New Zealand. The city is a melting pot of cultures, and a suprisingly great place to try all sorts of international cuisine. This is where you’ll find the best variety of cuisine, so take advantage of the food you can eat here! Here are some of our favorite restaurants in and around the city center.

• Heizo: Japanese teppanyaki restaurant. Highly recommend getting the set dinner menu.
• Sri Pinang: Budget-friendly Malaysian restaurant on Auckland’s famous party street. BYO.
• Khu Khu Eatery: Delicious vegan Thai restaurant. Don’t knock it till you try it.
• Ramen Takara: The best place to have Japanese ramen. Go to the Ponsonby branch.
• Federal Delicatessen: NYC deli classics right underneath the Sky Tower.
• Otto: The best place to go for Italian food.
• Fat Puku’s: The smashed burgers are a must-try.
• Ahi: Ahi is the restaurant to go to if you’re after New Zealand flavors and fine dining.

Day 3 to 4: Coromandel

After a few days exploring Auckland, it is time to get out of the city and head to the Coromandel peninsula. Coromandel is a peninsula on the North Island located just around two and a half hours from Auckland. This mountainous region is home to some of the country’s best beaches, hikes, and scenery and is a destination you simply must not miss on your trip. Seriously, Coromandel has some of the most beautiful beaches we have ever seen.

Don’t expect much nightlife or food options, as the peninsula is very sparsely populated, but it is a great place to relax and decompress from your days in the city. You’ll generally only need 1 to 2 days to explore the Coromandel area. But keep in mind that if you decide to hike the Pinnacles, you should account for an extra day, as the trek takes a full day.

How to Get to Coromandel From Auckland

As we mentioned, Coromandel is about 2.5 hours from Auckland by car. As with almost anywhere in New Zealand, your best bet is to drive your own car, as you won’t be able to explore the region much without one. You can technically take an Intercity bus from Auckland to Coromandel, but the route does not run every day and takes almost twice as long.

Things to Do in Coromandel

The best things to do in Coromandel are beach hopping, hiking, and other adventure activities. The peninsula is an adventure-lover’s dream and the perfect place for getting some fresh air in the great outdoors. Here are a few of the best things to do in Coromandel.

• Marvel at Cathedral Cove: Likely Coromandel’s most famous attraction, Cathedral Cove, is an amazing beach with a naturally formed archway framing the perfect picture of the coast. The beach can only be reached by water taxi. The Cathedral Cove walk is closed until further notice.
• Make your own spa at Hot Water Beach: New Zealand has many geothermal wonders, and this is certainly not the only one on this North Island itinerary. Hot Water Beach is a beach with geothermal pockets directly under the sand, allowing you to dig a hole right along the beach to create your very own hot tub. Make sure to visit the beach around 2 hours before or after high tide, otherwise, you won’t be able to dig a hole.
• Hike up the Pinnacles: While most of Coromandel’s attractions are beaches and coastal, the Pinnacles hike is an awesome choice for adventure-seekers. This is a 12-kilometer hike that takes you high up into the gorgeous forested mountains.
• Explore the coast in a kayak: One of the best ways to explore the Coromandel coast is by kayak, which you can rent in most major tourist areas.
• Go on a snorkeling tour: The water in Coromandel is crystal clear and full of life, so this is a great place to take a snorkeling tour!

Where to Stay in Coromandel

Since Coromandel is a region and not a city or town, there are many different areas to stay in. While the area is pretty compact, you’re best off staying in a town that is close to the main attractions.

Towns to Stay in Coromandel

• Hahei: This is a small town with limited accommodation and food options, but right in the middle of the action. Hahei has one of the best beaches in the country and is within walking distance of Cathedral Cove and a short drive to Hot Water Beach.
• Whitianga: The biggest town on the peninsula and around 30 minutes from Hahei, Whitihanga has more amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, and pubs.
• Whangamata: Another decent-sized town that is less than an hour’s drive from Hahei and Cathedral Cove. Whangamata has lots of accommodation options and tends to be more budget-friendly than other areas.

Best Places to Stay in Coromandel

• Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park (Whitianga): Best Budget Option
• Crows Nest Apartments (Whitianga): Best Mid-Range Option
• Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort (Hahei): Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Coromandel

After spending the whole day in the sun or digging your own natural hot pool, you’re probably hungry for some good food. The Coromandel peninsula is pretty sparse when it comes to food options, but these are a couple of the places we would recommend checking out for some good food:

• Blue Ginger (Whitianga): Asian fusion with delicious flavors and generous portions.
• Buffalo Beach (Whitianga): This is some of the best fish and chips you’ll find in the area!
• The Church Bistro (Hahei): Serves a variety of food catering to all tastes.
• Woody’s Pizza (Hahei): This is the place to go for some delicious wood-fired pizza.

Day 4 to 5: Mount Maunganui

Hop into your car and drive south via State Highways 25 and 2 to Mount Maunganui. This cute slice of heaven is located right by Tauranga and is one of our favorite places in the North Island. You won’t need more than 1 or 2 days to explore this town and get to know what the area has to offer. One half of the day will be taken up by your hike up Mount Maunganui, which is a must-do activity, but then you can fill up the rest of the day with various other activities, including surfing, shopping, and eating.

This is a great place to reintroduce yourself to civilization after spending some time in the Coromandel Peninsula. Mount Maunganui is by no means a “big city”, but it is still one of the largest population areas of the North Island and a super popular destination for Kiwis and foreign travelers alike. You’ll find the streets and beach filled with people on a gorgeous summer’s day.

Things to Do in Mount Maunganui

Mount Maunganui is a pretty small town, so there isn’t a ton of things to do here. But there is enough to keep you more than occupied for a day or two while taking in the gorgeous views.

• Climb Mount Maunganui: One of the main things to do in Mount Maunganui is climb Mount Maunganui, of course. This is a moderate hike that will require some fitness to climb, but the views are well worth it.
• Walk up to Leisure Island: Just off the town’s main beach, you’ll see a footbridge connecting you to Leisure Island or Moturiki. Here, hike along the track to the blowhole, which will take around 10 minutes.
• Go surfing: What better way to pass the time than to do as the locals do and surf your troubles away? Surfing is a major activity in Mount Maunganui, so try your hand at it by heading over to a surf school.
• Walk around the town: Mount Maunganui is a very cute surfer’s town. Just walking around, you’ll find plenty of cute cafes, restaurants, and boutiques worth exploring and getting to know. You’re likely to also pass by some farmers’ markets and live music.
• Check out the street art: Check out the murals decorating the walls of Mount Maunganui, many of which have Maori art elements.

Where to Stay in Mount Maunganui

Here are some of the top accommodation options we recommend when staying a night in Mount Maunganui:

• Pacific Coast Backpackers Lodge: Best Budget Option
• The Mission Belle Motel: Best Mid-Range Option
• Quest Mt Maunganui: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Mount Maunganui

Despite Mount Maunganui being a small town, there are some great places to eat. From our several trips here, these are some of our favorite restaurants as major foodies:

• Meltingpot: Japanese-Korean restaurant selling sushi, noodles, and fried chicken.
• Sabal: Super healthy poke bowls that are coeliac-friendly.
• Gourmet Night Market: Plenty of different types of food to choose from.
• Lolo: The best place to get Turkish food in town!
• The Rising Tide: A great brewery in town that features some delicious dumplings.

Day 5 to 8: Rotorua

Rotorua is one of our favorite cities in all of New Zealand. This destination is super unique and is seriously jam-packed with fun activities. Rotorua is just a short one-hour drive away from Mount Maunganui.

The first thing you’ll notice about Rotorua when you arrive is the smell. You’ll smell sulfur, which spells suspiciously like boiled eggs, throughout the city. But don’t worry; you’ll get used to it pretty fast! Plus, it’s a small sacrifice to make to explore a really unique part of New Zealand that’s filled with adventure sports, hot water pools, and a lot of culture.

For Lord of the Rings fans, Rotorua cannot be missed, as this will be your base to head over to Hobbiton, an hour’s drive away.

Things to Do in Rotorua

There are honestly so many things to do in Rotorua that even after spending a few months here, we have not finished everything there is to do. But here are the highlights and things you absolutely cannot miss.

Psst! Before we dive in, for our full list, check out our post on 30 things to do in Rotorua.

• Visit Hobbiton: You NEED to take a day trip to visit Hobbiton in Matamata where you’ll explore the Hobbit homes and even have a drink at the Green Dragon Inn.
• Head up to the Skyline: Take the gondola up to the Skyline for the best view of Rotorua and the lake. But the best part about this is that once you’re up at the top, you can ride Mario Kart-esque luges down while racing your friends and family. You can find other activities up here, too, such as zip-lining.
• Go white water rafting at the Kaituna cascades: The Kaituna River boasts 11 rapids and 3 waterfalls, one of which is 7 meters tall! So, if you’re feeling up for it, you’ve got to try this super fun adventure sport.
• Walk or bike through the Redwood Forest: You can either walk or bike through the many trails of the Redwood Forest. But if you want something more unique, you can even do a tree walk, which is best explored at night, thanks to the gorgeous lanterns and lights strung across the forest.
• Check out the geyser at Te Puia: Te Puia is filled with geothermal wonders that you should absolutely get to know, the highlight of the trip being the Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts up to 30 meters tall!

Where to Stay in Rotorua

So, where should you stay while you’re setting up camp in Rotorua? You’ll need a comfortable place to stay to rest while you go on your many adventures during the day.

• Rock Solid Backpackers: Best Budget Option
• Rydges Rotorua: Best Mid-Range Option
• Geyser Lookout BnB: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Rotorua

Rotorua may not be as much of a foodie paradise as Auckland, but the small city definetely has some delicious places to eat. Over the months that we have visited Rotorua, we have tried MANY restaurants. And this is our list of the top eats to be found in the city:

• Atticus Finch: Our favorite restaurant on Eat Streat, serving various dishes made to share.
• El Mexicano Zapata Cantina: Mexican food with great vibes. Do not miss out on the ceviche!
• Ali Baba’s Tunisian Cuisine: For something a little different, head over to this restaurant for some Tunisian food.
• Poco Tapas and Wine: This is another great restaurant where the dishes are made to share.

Day 8 to 9: Taupō

Taupō is a short hour’s drive south of Rotorua, so it is super easy to get to. The town of Taupō is relatively small but still has some decent restaurants, hotels, and nightlife. But the real star of the show in Taupō is the lake. Lake Taupō is New Zealand’s largest lake spanning 616 sq km (238 sq mi) and stretches nearly 50 km at its widest point. The lake is a volcanic caldera that was formed when the Taupō supervolcano exploded around 25,000 years ago. Similar to Rotorua, Taupō is also defined by volcanic activity, though you won’t be greeted with nearly as strong of a sulfur scent here. 

The lake is extremely clear and clean and is a great place for watersports, swimming, fishing, and relaxing by the water. On a clear day, you can also see the towering volcanic peaks of Mount Ruapehu, Mount Ngāuruhoe (the filming location of Mount Doom in Lord of the Rings), and Mount Tongariro looming in the distance.

Taupō is a pretty compact town, so you should be able to hit the highlights in a day or two, but it is definitely a must-visit on any  North Island Itinerary!

Things to Do in Taupō

• Head to Huka Falls: Huka Falls is a massive 11-meter rushing waterfall and rapids at the base of the Waikato River. The natural phenomenon is not only a great place for photos but also provides the region with hydropower as it pushes through more than 220,000 liters of water per second!
• Go paddleboarding or kayaking on the Lake: There are paddleboard and kayak rentals scattered all around the lake. This is a great way to explore Taupō and enjoy some of the beautiful scenery.
• Explore Craters of the Moon Geothermal Walk: A short drive from central Taupō, Craters of the Moon are a large geothermal valley with steam vents, volcanic craters, and bubbling mud pools.
• Cruise the lake on a boat tour: There are several different types of boat cruises you can take around Lake Taupō, including scenic cruises, sailing excursions, highspeed jet boats, whitewater rafting, and more!

Where to Stay in Taupō

Here are some accommodation options we recommend while staying in Taupō:

• Finlay Jacks Backpackers: Best Budget Option
• Alpine Lake Motel: Best Mid-Range Option
• Lake Vista Lodge: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Taupō

Despite Taupō being a relatively small town, there are quite a few good restaurants to try out. These are the standouts we recommend and love:

• Huka Prawn Park: If you love prawns, come here and eat your heart out!
• Roquette: This is where you’ll eat picture-perfect meat and fish.
• Indian Delights: Amazing Indian food with a great view of the lake.

Day 9 to 11: Tongariro National Park

From Taupō, you’ll drive around the lake to New Zealand’s famous Tongariro National Park. While you may not have heard of this park before, you’ll quickly recognize one of the volcanos looming on the horizon as Lord of the Ring’s Mount Doom.

There’s one major reason to include Tongariro National Park on your North Island Itinerary: to hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the best one day hikes to do in New Zealand. On this hike, you won’t be hiking Mount Doom, but you are guaranteed some pretty awesome views of it and the surroundings on the way.

While there isn’t much else to do in Tongariro, you’ll need to spend a couple of nights here. The first night is needed as you’ll need to wake up very early for the hike, and the second night is for you to rest your body after the very long and difficult hike.

Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

As mentioned, the main reason to come to this national park is for the Tongariro Crossing, but there are a couple of other things to do that we’d recommend if you have the time and energy:

• Hike the Tongariro Crossing: This 20.2 km (12 mile) hike is considered one of the best single-day hikes in the entire world. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll see some stunning views along the way, but pack for unpredictable weather!
• Jump in Gollum’s pool: Either on your way to the national park or out of it, you’ve got to stop by Gollum’s pool or Tawhai Falls, which features the most stunningly blue water that you can jump into if you can bear the cold temperature.
• Go skiing: If you are here in the winter, you may not be able to hike the Tongariro Crossing, but you can go skiing on Mount Ruapehu instead. You can pick between the Whakapapa and Turoa ski fields.
• Ride the Sky Waka gondola: Even if it’s not skiing season, you can take advantage of the Sky Waka gondola to head up to 2,020 meters above sea level to take in the views.

Where to Stay in Tongariro National Park

There are not a ton of options to stay in in the Tongariro National Park, but these are the places we would recommend:

• YHA National Park and Climbing Wall: Best Budget Option
• Plateau Lodge: Best Mid-Range Option
• Tongariro Crossing Lodge: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Tongariro National Park

In all honesty, you’re better off cooking most of your meals during your time here. But after a long day walking the crossing, the last thing you’re going to want to do is cook. So, when you want a bite to eat, head over to one of these restaurants:

• Schnapps Bar: A great place for a drink and some classic international foods.
• CamoKai: The place to go to for takeaway fish and chips.

Day 11 to 14: Wellington

And now, for the last leg of your trip in the North Island of New Zealand… it’s time to head to the capital city, Wellington. The drive down to Wellington from the National Park is a pretty long one, taking almost four hours, so prep your playlist and start driving down! We HIGHLY recommend making a stop at Flat Hills and Tourist Park on the way down for some pretty views and a good bite to eat. There’s no better place to fuel up!

Once you start seeing green mountains covered in houses, you’ve made it to Wellington! Wellington is a super fun city with so much to do, see, eat, and drink. Your time here is well-earned after spending the last couple of days hiking, so now you can simply walk around, drink a ton of craft beer, and eat a lot of good food.

Of course, with that said, there’s no destination in New Zealand that doesn’t have any hiking at all, so if you’re still up for it, there are a couple of really cool hikes to do in the area that we recommend. But since there is so much to do here, what you do and make of your trip to this city is entirely up to you!

The city might be great, but let us warn you: the weather here is pretty volatile, so make sure you pack a rain jacket and windbreaker! Yep – even if you’re visiting in the middle of summer. That said, as any local will tell you “nothing beats Welly on a good day“.

Things to Do in Wellington

We lived in Wellington for more than a year, so we could go on and on about all the things to do in Wellington and the surrounding region, but these are some of the highlights we would recommend above all else:

• Head to the Mount Victoria lookout: There’s no better place to go than to Mount Vic for a panoramic view of Wellington. You can either drive up to the very top or climb up the well-marked path. If you do climb on foot, keep your eye out for another LOTR filming spot!
• Visit Te Papa Museum: The Te Papa Museum is an absolute MUST-VISIT for anyone in Wellington. Even if you are not a big museum person, Te Papa will blow your mind. It features stunning and informative exhibitions you won’t find anywhere else in the world. Best part? Entry to the museum is FREE!
• Go brewery hopping: Did you know Wellington comes second worldwide for the most breweries per capita? So, you’ve got to take advantage and try all the amazing craft beer this city has to offer. Trust us – even if you’re not a huge beer lover, you will find something you like. Some of our favorite Wellington breweries are: Heyday, Fortune Favours, Garage Project, Whistling Sisters, and Parrotdog.
• Birdwatch in Zealandia: Zealandia is an urban-fenced sanctuary for New Zealand’s native animals. Head over to this eco-sanctuary located in the middle of the city for a nice walk and to spot some of NZ’s famous birds, including keas, kiwis, kakas, tuis, and kererus. You’ll be able to see some tuataras (a lizard-like reptile) as well!
• Visit the Wētā Workshop: Want to learn what it’s like to bring terrifying and beautiful creatures to life in films like The Lord of the Rings, King Kong, Avatar, and so many others? At the Wētā workshop tour, you’ll learn all about movie effects and interact with some props as well. Remember to book the Wētā workshop tour beforehand!
• Ride the cable car: When you look up photos of Wellington, one of the most iconic photos is one with the red cable car. While there used to be many cable cars across the city, only one remains. Take this cable car up to the botanical gardens for another great view of Wellington. Plus, it makes for a great photo op!
• Spend a day in Martinborough: If you happen to have an extra day free, we HIGHLY recommend a day trip to Martinborough. But only make it a day trip if you have a designated driver. If not, we recommend spending the night, as Martinborough is known for one thing: wineries. The wineries are all within walking and biking distance of one another, so rent a bike and head from winery to winery, tasting the yummy wine from this micro-region of NZ.
• Do the Stairway to Heaven hike: If you’re up for yet another hike, one of the best hikes near Wellington is the Stairway to Heaven hike, which will take you around half a day to complete. You’ll get gorgeous views on the way, but avoid doing this if you are scared of heights, as the dropoff can be pretty daunting at times.

Where to Stay in Wellington

As one of the largest cities in New Zealand, there are plenty of places to stay in Wellington, ranging from hostels and motels to luxury hotels.

• The Marion: Best Budget Option
• Naumi Studio: Best Mid-Range Option
• The Intrepid Hotel: Best High-End Option

Best Restaurants in Wellington

Wellington is a foodie’s paradise. During our one year in Wellington, we ate out several times a week and got to know so many restaurants that we still think about today. Here are just some of our favorite restaurants in Wellington (and trust us; it REALLY hurt whittling down the options to just these):

• Chow: An Asian-fusion restaurant with delicious flavors.
• Rasa: One of the best places to get Malaysian food. The laksa is to die for.
• The Botanist: Serves amazing vegetarian food that even a meat-lover would appreciate.
• Cicio Cacio Osteria: A tiny Italian restaurant in a fun area right outside the city center.
• Pizza Pomodoro: You have GOT TO try their Italian pizza.
• Great India: One of our favorite Indian restaurants in the city center.
• Dragons: A very popular Chinese restaurant that serves amazing yum cha.
• The Old Quarter: Vietnamese-fusion done right.

Where Else to Go in North Island New Zealand

If you have more time to spend in the North Island of New Zealand or simply want to swap out a couple of destinations as you may have visited them already, we’ve got a few other places to recommend visiting.

• Waitomo: Waitomo is the best place to go see glowworms. We recommend spending a night here so that you can spend a full day exploring the caves. While simply taking a boat ride through the glowworm grotto is a magic experience, if you’re feeling up for some adventure, we HIGHLY recommend the black water rafting experience.
• Bay of Islands: For some beach time, head up to the Bay of Islands and stay at one of the small towns up north to explore the sandy beaches and marine wildlife in the area. If you’re lucky, you might be able to spot some dolphins while on a boat tour.
• Hamilton Gardens: While the city of Hamilton doesn’t have too much to offer, we recommend stopping by the Hamilton Gardens if you happen to be passing through. This is not your standard botanical garden!
• Raglan: Want to visit another surf town? Raglan is another cute surf town, an even hippier version of Mount Maunganui. Head here if you’d like to catch some waves, go thrift shopping, and drink coffee at cute cafes.
• Napier: Located in Hawkes Bay, Napier features stunning Art Deco architecture and delicious wine. It also features beautiful murals as well as fabulous restaurants, cafes, and bars to boot!

Thinking of setting up shop in New Zealand? Check out our recommendations on where to live as a digital nomad in New Zealand.

What to Pack for the North Island

What you pack for the North Island depends on what time of year you go to travel. However, you’re most likely to be traveling the North Island between December and March, New Zealand’s summer, so, let’s go over our packing guide of what to pack for the North Island, assuming this.

• 7+ tops (t-shirts and tanks)
• 3 pairs of shorts (plus 1 skirt if you want!)
• 2 swimsuits
• A pair of jeans
• Pajamas
• Workout and hiking clothes
• 1 rain jacket
• 1 sweater
• Hiking shoes
• Running shoes
• Flip flops
• 1 hat
• Sunglasses

Check out our complete New Zealand packing list for everything you should pack for a trip to Aotearoa. And if you’re a digital nomad, you should read our full digital nomad packing list as well.

Transportation Guide for New Zealand’s North Island

So, how do you get around the North Island of New Zealand? You have a couple of different options, but there’s only one option we would personally recommend.

By Car

This is the absolute BEST option for traveling across the North Island. Without a car, you will be incredibly limited to the destinations you can travel to as well as time. You simply won’t have the flexibility to visit certain destinations, which can be frustrating. You can easily rent a car from anywhere in New Zealand to drive around the island. Driving in New Zealand can be daunting for some, as you will need to drive on the left side of the road and roads can be small, windy, and can feature many roundabouts. So, make sure you are a relatively comfortable driver!

By Bus

The second best option for getting around the North Island is to take Intercity buses around the country. While Intercity buses do service the majority of the places you would visit on the North Island, they do not service all of these destinations regularly. So, that’s something you would need to keep in mind. Other than that, Intercity buses are very comfortable and great to use every now and then.

By Plane

Another option you have to get around the North Island of New Zealand is flying. Technically, you can fly to most destinations in New Zealand, with airports featured in Rotorua, Tauranga, Hamilton, Wellington, and more. But this option would be pretty costly and would require you to waste a lot of time getting to and from airports. While, technically, you could get around the country by plane, we wouldn’t recommend this unless you were to head from Auckland straight to Wellington or vice versa.

FAQ

How many days do you need to see the North Island of New Zealand?

In our option, you need a minimum of two weeks to see what the North Island has to offer. That said, you could easily spend up to a month (or more!) exploring the Island.

How do you get around the North Island of New Zealand?

The best way to get around the North Island of New Zealand is by car. While there is an intercity bus service, it does not run often and does not run between all North Island destinations, which can be a pain to get around.

Is the North Island worth it in New Zealand?

Absolutely! While the North Island is not as popular or as breathtakingly beautiful as the South Island, it is still worth visiting, with some unique spots and city life you wouldn’t be able to see in the South Island.

When is the best time to travel to the North Island of New Zealand?

The best time to travel to the North Island is during the summer and warmer months. We recommend traveling the North Island between December and March, but keep in mind that December and January are the peak travel months in New Zealand!

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