Dreaming of waterfalls, volcanic landscapes, and vibrant city vibes? New Zealand’s North Island is bursting with natural wonders, Māori culture, and once-in-a-lifetime adventures. From Auckland’s skyline to Wellington’s quirky streets, this 7-day North Island road trip itinerary will guide you through the best of Aotearoa – aka “The Land of the Long White Cloud.”
This trip was part one of my Epic 3-Week Winter Itinerary, and spoiler alert: you’ll want to come back for more!
7-Day North Island Itinerary Overview
| DAY | ITINERARY |
|---|---|
| Day 1-2 | Arrive Auckland |
| Day 3 | Auckland – Tauranga |
| Day 4 | Tauranga – Napier |
| Day 5 | Napier |
| Day 6 | Napier – Wellington |
| Day 7 | Wellington |
Check out my New Zealand packing guide here!
First Things First: Renting a Car
For maximum freedom, rent a car at Auckland Airport. New Zealand’s roads are scenic and well-kept – just remember, they drive on the left! If you’re not driving in the city, consider the easy Hop-on Hop-off Buses.
Staying Connected in New Zealand
One of the best travel hacks for exploring New Zealand stress-free is making sure you’re always connected. I used an eSIM from Airalo and it worked like a dream! I was online the second I landed, and topping up was super easy through the app. I’ve used this app for sim cards on all my travels since I discovered it and would definitely recommend!
Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
Welcome to New Zealand! Your adventure kicks off in Auckland, the country’s largest city and a hub for culture, cuisine, and coastal views.
Top Things to Do in Auckland
- Sky Tower – Epic 360° views over the harbor.
- Auckland Domain & War Memorial Museum – Learn about Māori heritage.
- Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise – A magical way to meet NZ’s marine life.
Where to Stay in Auckland
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Four Points by Sheraton Auckland
Mid-Range: Auckland Harbour Suites
Budget: Gamma Hotel
Day 2: Waitakere Ranges & Hunua Falls
Trade city streets for lush rainforests and waterfalls today.
Waitakere Ranges & Piha Beach
Hike the Mercer Bay Loop for jaw-dropping ocean views, or chill at the black-sand beauty of Piha Beach. You can do this trip with a guide as a day tour from Auckland.
Hunua Falls
Drive southeast to Hunua Falls, a serene spot surrounded by native forest – perfect for a peaceful picnic or short walk.
Glowworm Caves
Got extra time? Book a tour to the legendary Waitomo Glowworm Caves– they’re glowing (literally) and on my bucket list for next time!
Day 3: Auckland to Tauranga – Beaches & Narnia Vibes
Today’s all about epic coastlines and magical movie scenes.
Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula
This dreamy beach is famous for its natural sea arch – and for starring in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian. The 45-minute walk to the cove is scenic and totally worth it! You can also do this trip with a guide as a day tour from Auckland.
Bonus Stop: Hot Water Beach – dig your own steamy spa in the sand.
Mount Maunganui, Tauranga
End the day in Tauranga, where you can hike Mount Maunganui for panoramic views of the Bay of Plenty.
Where to Stay in Tauranga
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Hotel on Devonport
Mid-Range: Hotel Armitage and Conference Centre
Budget: Roselands Motel
Day 4: Hobbiton, Rotorua, Taupo & Napier – A Day of Adventure
Hobbiton Movie Set, Matamata
Start the day early with a drive to Matamata, home of the legendary Hobbiton Movie Set. As a Lord of the Rings fan, this was a bucket-list moment for me! Wander through the set, where you’ll see iconic hobbit holes, the Green Dragon Inn, and lush rolling hills. Don’t forget to grab a drink at the Green Dragon! You can also do this as a day tour from Tauranga or a day tour from Auckland.
Rotorua – Geysers & Māori Culture
Next, journey to Rotorua, famous for its geothermal wonders. Explore Te Puia, where you can watch the Pohutu Geyser erupt and join a tour to learn about Māori culture. You can also relax in the natural hot springs or visit the Rotorua Museum for a deeper dive into the region’s rich history.
Huka Falls & Lake Taupo
Continue to Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. Take a moment to enjoy the tranquil surroundings before heading to the famous Huka Falls. The sight of turquoise waters thundering over the falls is awe-inspiring. For a more adventurous experience, take a jet boat tour to get up close to the falls. After seeing the falls, if you have time be sure to visit one of the Geothermal hot pools in Taupo to relax in the naturally heated springs.
Arrive in Napier in the evening and rest up for another day of exploration.
Where to Stay in Napier
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Scenic Hotel Te Pania
Mid-Range: Quality Inn Napier
Budget: Crashpalace Napier
Day 5: Explore Napier – Views, Waterfalls & Wine
Bluff Hill Lookout
Start your day with a visit to Bluff Hill Lookout, offering panoramic views of the city, Hawke’s Bay, and the Pacific Ocean. It’s the perfect way to kick off your day.
Black Sand Beaches
Next, head to Westshore Beach for striking coastal views, where the contrast of black sand and blue sea creates a photographer’s paradise.
Tangoio Falls
Take a short drive north to the lesser-known Tangoio Falls. This hidden gem offers a peaceful waterfall experience with a serene walk through the forest.
Te Mata Park
Head to Te Mata Park for a hike to the top of Te Mata Peak, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of Hawke’s Bay – it’s one of the most scenic spots in New Zealand.
Ocean Spa
Wrap up the day by relaxing in the Ocean Spa heated pools, soaking in the sunset views over the ocean.
Day 6: Napier to Wellington – Road Trip to the Capital
Hit the road and head to Wellington, New Zealand’s quirky, artsy capital.
Te Papa Museum
Once you arrive, dive into Wellington’s cultural offerings. You can visit the quirky cafes, shops, or explore Te Papa Museum, New Zealand’s national museum, which showcases the country’s natural history, Māori culture, and contemporary art, or join a guided tour to see the city.
Mount Victoria Lookout
For stunning city views, head up to Mount Victoria Lookout – the panoramic sight of Wellington at night is unforgettable.
WHere to Stay in Wellington
Accommodation Recommendations:
Luxury: Doubletree By Hilton Wellington
Mid-Range: Rydges Wellington
Budget: Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Day 7: Discover Wellington – Culture, Film & Coastlines
Wellington Cable Car & Botanic Garden
Start your day with a ride on the Wellington Cable Car to the top, where you’ll get panoramic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding hills. Take a leisurely stroll through the Botanic Garden, a peaceful spot filled with lush greenery and beautiful photo opportunities.
Weta Workshop Tour
Next, join a full Lord of The Rings Tour or get tickets for the Weta Cave Workshop Tour, a must-see for film buffs. This is home to the world of Peter Jackson’s iconic films, including The Lord of the Rings series.
Scenic Coastal Drive
End your trip with a scenic coastal drive around Wellington, soaking in the last views of this stunning city.
Day 8: Onward Travels – Fly Home or Head South?
And just like that, your 7-day North Island road trip comes to an end! Whether you’re flying home or continuing your journey to the South Island (spoiler: that’s what I did!), this itinerary is the perfect introduction to the magic of New Zealand.
Check out my full 3-Week New Zealand Itinerary here!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links – at no extra cost to you.
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Jess at Sea 
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