Kia Ora! Welcome to New Zealand, the country best known for its rugged nature, where the kiwi is not a fruit but the national symbol and where the Haka is danced before every rugby match. New Zealand’s North Island is characterized by its volcanic and geothermal landscapes, beautiful nature and Maori culture. In this article you will find the ultimate travel itinerary for New Zealand’s North Island. We also give you the option to further extend this North Island tour to the South Island. Saves you some research!
Everything you need to know for your round trip New Zealand
Are you packing your bags already? Nicely done! But how do you get to the other side of the world? We recommend that you Start looking for flights early . Plane tickets can easily reach €2000 (return) last minute. From Zaventem or Schiphol Airport, with one or two stopovers, you can get to New Zealand in about 26 hours. In addition, to enter New Zealand, you need an electronic visa or NZeTA . You can request this easily online via this website or via the NZETA app. The price is between $17 NZD and $23 NZD and normally visas are processed within 72 hours. This visa allows you to stay in New Zealand as a tourist for up to 9 months and is valid for two years.
Are you combining your North Island itinerary with South Island in New Zealand like we did? Be sure to book your place on the ferry between the two islands several months in advance! It fills up quickly so you might have to take the night ferry or there is no room left.
How to get around on your North Island travel itinerary?
The most popular way to travel around New Zealand is by campervan, which is what we did. Nothing like having the ultimate freedom to go wherever you want. This with everything you need always with you. There are several organizations you can go to to rent a campervan for your round trip, the most well-known being Jucy, Travelbarn or Worldwide Campers. Are you planning to travel around New Zealand for several months? Then you can also always buy a motorhome locally and sell it back at the end of your trip. In New Zealand facebook groups you will find plenty of options.
Once you have an RV you can hit the road! New Zealand has hundreds of campsites, so there is something for everyone. It is notable, however, that the number of free campsites in New Zealand has decreased dramatically and there are much stricter controls on wild camping. Expect to pay an average of $7 to $15 NZD per person per night for basic camping. For a more luxurious campsite, you’ll pay around $25 to $30 NZD per person. The best way to look up campsites is to use apps such as Campermate or Rankers.
A second option to get around for your New Zealand round trip is to renting a car . This often works out cheaper than a campervan and you’ll also be a lot faster on New Zealand roads. This is where you then have to calculate additional budget for your accommodations. Be sure to secure them early, though, because some areas of New Zealand such as around the Tongariro Crossing only have a limited supply of lodging.
TRAVEL TIP! Remember that they drive on the left in New Zealand and you need an international driver’s license.
Two week round trip North Island New Zealand
Plane tickets booked? Camper or car arranged? Visa has been approved? Great, then it’s time to start your road trip through the North Island! This North Island itinerary begins in Auckland and ends in Wellington, after which we give you the option to continue your trip to New Zealand’s South Island. Of course, you can modify and shorten or extend this route as you wish.
Day 1 – 2: Auckland
Your North Island itinerary begins in New Zealand’s largest city: Auckland. Although this is not the capital, you can easily spend a day here. After the long flight, you can recharge your energy here by leisurely strolling through the city and eating something delicious. Pick up your motorhome on day two to begin your tour of this amazing country. You can possibly combine another visit to the Auckland War Memorial Museum to already delve a bit into the history of this country. Then go shopping and you’re good to go!
TRAVEL TIP! The best chain to do your shopping is at Pak’nSave. Here you can find really everything and often find good promotions.
Where to stay in Auckland
Chances are your New Zealand trip will begin or end here. The best place to stay in Auckland is in the CBD district, the center of the city. At both Imagine Beach Ro ad and M Social Auckland you are centrally located and stay in comfort.
Day 2 – 3: Piha Beach
Today you will drive to the west coast of the North Island in less than an hour. You leave the urban environment behind to drive to Piha Beach via New Zealand’s typical winding roads. This place is still relatively unknown to tourists and therefore a quiet place to stay. It is a popular surf spot with the locals, but also one of the places where it can be very dangerous to swim because of the strong current. So swim only between the indicated flags on the beach. Head towards the beach at sunset and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in New Zealand. In the morning you can take a lovely walk among the dunes before we continue our road trip on the North Island.
Where to stay in Piha Beach
If you are with an RV then we highly recommend the Piha Domain Motor Camp, which is within walking distance of Piha Beach in a green setting. If you are traveling by car then you are at Piha Beachstay Accommodation at the right place.
Here you have the option of continuing your tour first to the Bay of Islands in the North. Unfortunately, we did not have the time for this, but we heard an awful lot of good things about this region. So if you have the opportunity, you can definitely include this in your itinerary New Zealand.
Day 3 – 4: Coromandel Peninsula & Cathedral Cove
From the west coast of the North Island, we drive three hours to the Coromandel Peninsula, and specifically to Hot Water Beach. Along the way, you can stop in the village of Coromandel, where with any luck you can see dolphins or orcas swimming off the coast. The next two nights you will stay near Hot Water Beach. As the name suggests, you can dig your own private spa at Hot Water Beach, as there are several hot springs on the beach. Rent a shovel from your accommodation and go to the beach at low tide to dig your own pool, which then fills with warm water of around 40 degrees. Wonderfully relaxing!
Where to stay on Coromandel Peninsula
Within walking distance of Hot Water Beach you have the TOP 10 Holiday Park Shelly Beach . This is the ideal location where you can rent your own shovel to dig your own private spa on the beach! You can either stand there with an RV or stay in one of the cozy bungalows.
On Day 4, you can go to one of New Zealand’s most photographed beaches: Cathedral Cove. Park your car or RV near Hahei Beach and start the one-hour hike from there to Cathedral Cove. The hike itself takes you past beautiful viewpoints over the beaches and cliffs. You can also go to other little beaches like Stingray Bay during this hike. Be sure to bring your towel to relax on the beach at Cathedral Cove for a few hours and enjoy the clear blue waters and beautiful views before continuing on to your next destination in the afternoon.
Day 4 – 6: The Pinnacles
On Day 4, we don’t leave the Coromandel Peninsula yet but drive on to the Pinnacles in two hours. Although this gigantic mountain area is skipped by many, here you will find one of the most beautiful hikes in the North Island: the Pinnacles Walk or Kauaeranga Kauri Trail. Park your RV at one of the DOC campsites near the start of the hike. Get up early on Day 5 to begin the 6 km toward the summit via the Webb Creek Track. Not to be underestimated, the hike takes you past beautiful mountain views to the top in about 4 hours. Return to your RV along the Billygoat Track to enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal at the campsite in the evening.
Where to stay at The Pinnacles
If you are traveling with a camper or tent, you can stay at one of the DOC campsites at the start of the hikes. You reserve these campsites through the Department of Conservation website or pay on the spot. The closest accommodations can be found in the town of Pauanui such as Ocean Breeze Resort Pauan iui .
Day 6 – 8: Hobbiton & Rotorua
Today we drive on to what may be the nicest village in New Zealand: Hobbiton Village. Whether you are a Lord of the Rings fan or not, a visit to the famous movie set should definitely not be missed during your North Island tour, if only for the stunning views. A guided tour of Hobbiton is best booked in advance and takes about two hours, including a drink at “the Green Inn. From Hobbiton, you drive on to Rotorua in an hour.
On Day 7, you have the full day to explore the area in Rotorua. This area is known for its many geothermal springs, so you will regularly see steam coming out of the ground (and smell it, as the typical sulfur smells a bit like rotten eggs). Be sure to schedule a visit to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland which is known for its Champagne Pool. In this park, you can also see more of these bizarre natural wonders such as geysers or the Green and Blue Lake. If you have time to spare, be sure to take a hike through the Redwoods as well.
Where to stay in Rotorua
Also in Rotorua you have a Tasman Holiday Park where you can park your campervan or stay in one of the bungalows. Or stay in the beautiful Aura Accommodation with geothermally heated outdoor pool.
Day 8 – 10: Lake Taupo & Tongariro Alpine Crossing
We say goodbye to Rotorua and drive on in one hour to New Zealand’s largest lake, Lake Taupo. Today you can stroll along the lake or hike to the turquoise Huka Falls. Here you can see how the Waikato River shoots through a gorge at a whopping 220,000 gallons per second before plunging 11 meters down. Drive on in time to Tongariro Alpine National Park. After all, tomorrow you are going to see the most beautiful da hike in New Zealand make, and for this you are pretty well equipped!
On Day 9, you’ll embark on what may be the highlight of your North Island tour: the Tongariro Alpine Crossing ! This 19.4 km hike takes you past unique, volcanic landscapes and no less than three active volcanoes. This hike should definitely not be skipped during your tour of New Zealand, but is certainly not to be underestimated either.
Where to stay at Tongariro
We ourselves stayed at the campsite Tongariro Holiday Park which is just a 5-minute drive from the start of the hike. There are also several lodges around the national park where you can stay such as the Creel Lodge or Braxmere Lodge .
Day 10 – 13: Napier & Hawke’s Bay
Still reeling from the hike and perhaps with some slight muscle soreness, you’ll drive on today to your penultimate stop on this 2 week round trip North Island in New Zealand. Located in the wine region of Hawke’s Bay, you’ll find New Zealand’s Art Deco city: Napier. Explore this city that was completely rebuilt in the style of the time after an earthquake in 1931 and which you can still enjoy today by doing the free Art Deco city walk. You can find a map at the Napier visitor center.
Napier is further located in one of New Zealand’s best wine regions. From here you can rent a bike and map out your own bike route that will take you past the many wonderful wineries in the region. At many wineries you can do a wine tasting, where for $10 to $20 NZD you get four glasses of their best wines. The Mission Estate winery is New Zealand’s oldest, and perhaps finest, winery. We also recommend a visit to the Clearview Estate and Urban Winery.
Where to stay in Napier
With your RV, you can stay at the Westshore Holiday Park Napier Park which is within walking distance of downtown. Or stay at Art Deco Masonic Hotel where you can also see the inside of one of those art deco buildings.
Day 13 – 14: Wellington
Today we say goodbye to Hawkes Bay and drive on to New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington in four hours. Here you can drop off your RV or car and explore the city on foot. Be sure to visit the impressive Te Papa museum. This museum takes you through New Zealand’s nature and culture in an interactive way and you can visit completely for free! Or visit the Botanical Gardens with the Wellington cable car. In the evening, enjoy a drink at the Wellington Waterfront before crawling under the covers to catch your flight back home the next day and conclude your North Island roundtrip.
Where to stay in Wellington
The Haka House Wellington is within walking distance of the main attractions. At the Bolton Hote l you will also be centrally located and stay in an entire studio with indoor pool.
Onward travel to the South Island
After this North Island travel itinerary in New Zealand, are you not yet ready to go home and would also like to see the South Island explore? We certainly understand that, because the South Island has something completely different to offer again. To continue your journey, take the ferry from Wellington with your RV or car to Picton. Do book your seat on the ferry early, as it can sometimes fill up months in advance!
Best travel time New Zealand
The seasons in New Zealand are reversed from those of Belgium and the Netherlands. That is, summer in New Zealand runs from December to February, which is also the high season. Therefore, the best travel time for New Zealand is from early November to late March. We ourselves went in November which was pleasant because it is quieter and many accommodations are often cheaper. The downside is that you have more chance of rain. Don’t let the potentially unpredictable weather stop you, however, as even the locals indicated that it becomes increasingly changeable during all months. And believe us, New Zealand is beautiful whether it rains or not.
Do you have any questions about the above North Island tour? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information about your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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