New Zealand North Island road trip itinerary

Navigate the North Island like a local with accommodation, activities and sights all covered.

Updated May 7, 2020

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From Wellington, all the way up to Cape Reinga, the North Island of New Zealand packs a big punch and a self-drive itinerary can help you see the island’s highlights in your own time.

You can make like a hobbit in Hobbiton and marvel at natural wonders like the Waitomo Glowworm Caves.

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3 days
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3-day Rotorua to Gisborne itinerary

Itinerary overview

Distance: 774km, round trip
Highlights and attractions: Tauranga Bridge, National Arboretum, sunrise and wine tasting in Gisborne, Tolaga Bay Wharf, East Cape Lighthouse, White Island
Landscape: Winding hillsides, lakes, coastal and forest views
Recommended vehicle type: Economy to large car

Day	Itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 270km Approx. drive time: 3 hours 45 minutes	Rotorua to Gisborne Head out early from Rotorua with a quick stop at Whakatane War Memorial Hall or Tauranga Bridge to stretch your legs. Spend the day doing your choice of wine tasting, a walk through the National Arboretum or a surf with the locals.
Day 2 Distance: 305km Approx. drive time: 5 hours 15 minutes	Gisborne to Te Kaha Set your alarm clock for sunrise and be among the first in the world to see in the new day. Today is all about the journey as you wind your way around the East Cape. Jump off New Zealand's longest pier at Tolaga Bay Wharf, visit Tikitiki Church and then take a walk to East Cape Lighthouse, the country's most easterly point. Settle into the small beachside community of Te Kaha for the night.
Day 3 Distance: 199km Approx. drive time: 2 hours 45 minutes	Te Kaha to Rotorua Head straight for Opotoki where you can try your hand at fishing or kayaking. Take a trip to White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano where you might be lucky to spot dolphins and whales.

Day

Itinerary

Day 1

Distance: 270km

Approx. drive time: 3 hours 45 minutes

Rotorua to Gisborne

Head out early from Rotorua with a quick stop at Whakatane War Memorial Hall or Tauranga Bridge to stretch your legs.
Spend the day doing your choice of wine tasting, a walk through the National Arboretum or a surf with the locals.

Day 2

Distance: 305km

Approx. drive time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Gisborne to Te Kaha

Set your alarm clock for sunrise and be among the first in the world to see in the new day.
Today is all about the journey as you wind your way around the East Cape.
Jump off New Zealand's longest pier at Tolaga Bay Wharf, visit Tikitiki Church and then take a walk to East Cape Lighthouse, the country's most easterly point.
Settle into the small beachside community of Te Kaha for the night.

Day 3

Distance: 199km

Approx. drive time: 2 hours 45 minutes

Te Kaha to Rotorua

Head straight for Opotoki where you can try your hand at fishing or kayaking.
Take a trip to White Island, New Zealand’s most active volcano where you might be lucky to spot dolphins and whales.

Day 1: Stay at Champers Motor Lodge

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Day 2: Stay at Te Kaha Beach Resort

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4-day Cape Reinga itinerary

Itinerary overview

- Distance: 951km, round trip
- Highlights and attractions: Piroa Falls, Waipu Caves, Bay of Islands, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, 90 Mile Beach, Cape Reinga lighthouse, Te Paki Sand Dunes, Waipoua Kauri Forest, Kauri Museum
- Landscape: Long coastlines, ancient kauri forests, giant sand dunes, white sand beaches
- Recommended vehicle type: Economy, large car or 4WD for beach driving

Day	Itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 245km Approx. drive time: 3 hours 55 minutes	Auckland to Paihia Set out from Auckland early so you have plenty of time to stop along the way. If you’ve got young ones, a stop at Sheepworld is worthwhile, otherwise head north to Piroa Falls to stretch your legs or have a dip if you’re game. Next stop, Waipu Caves to spot glowworms. Make sure you have a torch! Spend some time at stunning Whangarei Falls before your last quirky stop at artsy Hundertwasser Toilets. Get some rest at Paihia, the main town in the Bay of Islands.
Day 2 Distance: 92km Approx. drive time: 1 hour 20 minutes	Paihia to Karikari Peninsula Spend the day exploring the Bay of Islands with a visit to Waitangi Treaty Grounds, historic Russell, Haururu Falls, Opua Forest Lookout, Flagstaff Hill or get out on the water. Head to the Karikari Peninsula for the night with a stop at Kerikeri Mission Station and Rainbow Falls if you have time.
Day 3 Distance: 261km Approx. drive time: 4 hours	Karikari Peninsula to Cape Reinga to Kaitaia To make the most of your round-trip drive to Cape Reinga take your pick of stops there and back as you make your way to the famous lighthouse at the top of New Zealand. Choose from popular sights like 90 Mile Beach, Gumdiggers Park, Rarawa Beach and Te Paki Sand Dunes. Settle into Kaitaia for the night.
Day 4 Distance: 353km Approx. drive time: 5 hours 35 minutes	Kaitaia to Auckland Take the Hokianga Vehicle Ferry over to Opononi Village for brekkie and to start your drive down the west coast. Take a walk through the Waipoua Kauri Forest to check out the huge kauri trees. Have a well-earned break at the Kauri Museum before making your way to Auckland.

4-day Auckland to Wellington itinerary

Itinerary overview

- Distance: 867km
- Highlights and attractions: Hobbiton, hot springs at Rotorua, sunset at Lake Taupo, Waipunga Falls, wine tasting around Hawkes Bay, Pukaha National Wildlife Centre
- Landscape: Rolling farmlands, dairy pastures, wineries, geothermal landmarks and mountain passes
- Recommended vehicle type: Economy to large car

Day	Itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 266km Approx. drive time: 3 hours 40 minutes	Auckland to Rotorua Start in Auckland and head to Hamilton Gardens for a stroll through 18 different themed gardens. Have a picnic or morning tea at Lake Karapiro along the Waikato River. Lord of the Rings fans should make the 30-minute detour for Hobbiton on the way south. The small town of Tirau is great if you need one more stop before you hit Rotorua for the night.
Day 2 Distance: 87km Approx. drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes	Rotorua to Taupo Take your pick of adrenaline-fueled activities or relaxing in natural hot springs for the day. Fit in time to discover the region’s rich indigenous history at the Mitai Maori village. Drive one hour south to catch the sunset over Lake Taupo, stopping at Wai-O-Tapu and Craters of the Moon on the way.
Day 3 Distance: 141km Approx. drive time: 1 hour 50 minutes	Taupo to Napier This stretch of the drive is all about the scenery with a nice easy stop at Waipunga Falls Lookout around halfway. Take some time to drive through the historical town of Eskdale before settling into Napier. Spend the afternoon visiting local wineries, cycling the trails or head to Cape Kidnappers to spot gannets.
Day 4 Distance: 373km Approx. drive time: 5 hours	Napier to Wellington Start off early to make the most of your last driving day with a stop in Woodville for some antique hunting. Animal lovers will enjoy some time at Pukaha National Wildlife Centre to see the world's only white kiwi in captivity. A short detour to Stonehenge Aotearoa is worth it if you have the time or take a break in Greytown for some gourmet eats. Colonial Martinborough is a must to visit the boutique wineries in the area before you reach Wellington.

Day 1: Stay at Silver Fern Rotorua

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Day 2: Stay at Sails on the Lake

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Day 3: Stay at The County Hotel Napier

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5-day Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula itinerary

Itinerary overview

- Distance: 647km, round trip
- Highlights and attractions: Fletcher Bay, Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove, Opoutere, Whiritoa, Karangahake Gorge
- Landscape: Remote beaches, river valleys, harbourside towns, native forests
- Recommended vehicle type: Economy to large car

Day	Itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 168km Approx. drive time: 2 hours 25 minutes	Auckland to Coromandel Head south from Auckland with a stop in Thames for any last-minute supplies. Spend the day adjusting to the slower pace of things in Coromandel with a scenic walk along the Coastal Walkway. Spend your first night in the town where New Zealand’s first gold was discovered.
Day 2 Distance: 146km Approx. drive time: 3 hours 40 minutes	Coromandel to Matarangi You’ll want an early start today to really enjoy all the sights in the northern tip of the peninsula. Drive up the coastal road to view the beautiful and remote beaches starting off in Port Jackson and ending in Fletcher Bay. Head back towards Coromandel and across to Matarangi through some stunning forest and breathtaking views of the Coromandel Range.
Day 3 Distance: 70km Approx. drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes	Matarangi to Hahei Take it easy today with some natural sights, starting with a stop for breakfast and a dip at Whitianga. From here, if it’s low tide, head to Hot Water Beach, where you can dig your own little hot tub. Afterwards, go for a hike or paddle to Cathedral Cove before settling into Hahei for the night.
Day 4 Distance: 67km Approx. drive time: 1 hour 5 minutes	Hahei to Whangamata Start your day with one more hike before heading south to the harbour town of Tairua. Spend most of the day in Opoutere, relaxing in one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. End in Whangamata and try to catch the last wave of the day.
Day 5 Distance: 196km Approx. drive time: 2 hours 45 minutes	Whangamata to Auckland Start off in Whiritoa where you can sample another of the peninsula’s best beaches. Take some time to explore Waihi, an important gold mining town. Take a detour to Waihi Beach for your last taste of the coast with some good coastal walks to stretch your legs. Historic Karangahake Gorge is the last stop before arriving in Auckland, where you can explore the walkways and old tunnels or cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail.

Day 1: Stay at Anchor Lodge Coromandel

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Day 2: Stay at Harbour Drive B&B

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Day 3: Stay at Hahei Horizon Bed & Breakfast

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Day 4: Stay at Marine Reserved Apartments Whangamata

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10-day North Island loop itinerary

Itinerary overview

- Distance: 1,797km
- Highlights and attractions: Coromandel Peninsula, Opoutere, Rotorua, Lake Taupo, Martinborough wine tasting, Cape Palliser, Wellington, Tawhiti Museum, Waitomo Caves
- Landscape: Thermal parks, remote beaches, pine forests, winelands and lakes
- Recommended vehicle type: Economy to large car

Day	Itinerary
Day 1 Distance: 217km Approx. drive time: 3 hours	Auckland to Whitianga Spend the day exploring the best of the Coromandel Peninsula. Stop into Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove before spending the night in the popular resort town of Whitianga.
Day 2 Distance: 174km Approx. drive time: 2 hours 40 minutes	Whitianga to Tauranga Head south to Tauranga with a stop in the beach town of Opoutere, the scenic playground of Whangamata and the historic mining city of Waihi. Stay overnight in Tauranga.
Day 3 Distance: 83km Approx. drive time: 1 hour 15 minutes	Tauranga to Rotorua Indulge in some food and wine tasting or a day at the spa before setting off towards Rotorua. Stop in either Te Puke or Okere Falls before settling in for the night.
Day 4 Distance: 83km Approx. drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes	Rotorua to Taupo Spend a day or two experiencing all the cultural and natural activities on offer including Hangi and Maori performances and geothermal marvels. Take the short drive to Taupo with a stop at Huka Falls on the way.
Day 5 Distance: 141km Approx. drive time: 2 hours	Taupo to Napier Taupo’s abundance of natural activities alongside New Zealand’s largest lake should have you set for most of the day. Save some time for the popular Maori rock carving site before heading to Napier for the evening.
Day 6 Distance: 274km Approx. drive time: 3 hours 25 minutes	Napier to Martinborough Once you’ve explored Napier, head south to Martinborough with optional stops at Pukaha National Wildlife Centre and Stonehenge Aotearoa. Base yourself here for some wine tasting or a day trip to the stunning Cape Palliser.
Day 7 Distance: 81km Approx. drive time: 1 hour 10 minutes	Martinborough to Wellington You could spend days exploring the galleries and museums of Wellington and you should if you have time! Lord of the Rings fans can take a guided tour of famous shooting locations and animal lovers should visit Zealandia.
Day 8 Distance: 361km Approx. drive time: 4 hours 40 minutes	Wellington to New Plymouth Head out early from Wellington, stopping by the Kapiti Coast, Bason Botanical Garden, Tawhiti Museum and New Plymouth where you'll spend the night.
Day 9 Distance: 180km Approx. drive time: 2 hours 25 minutes	New Plymouth to Waitomo Take a walk through the Egmont National Park before setting off to Waitomo. Alternatively, a quick detour and a spare five hours mean you can hike the Whitecliffs Walkway.
Day 10 Distance: 203km Approx. drive time: 2 hours 40 minutes	Waitomo to Auckland A cave tour in Waitomo is a must before leaving for the day. Auckland is not too far off and a stop at Hamilton Gardens is a good place to stretch your legs halfway.

Day 1: Stay at Beachside Resort Whitianga

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Day 2: Stay at Seascape Villa

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Day 3: Stay at Silver Fern Rotorua

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Day 4: Stay at Gables Lakefront Motel

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Day 5: Stay at The Nautilus

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Day 6: Stay at Pinot Villas

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Day 7: Stay at Bolton Hotel Wellington

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Day 8: Stay at King and Queen Hotel Suites

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Day 9: Stay at Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park

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New Zealand overview

Weather: You'll find all four seasons in New Zealand. Summers are mild with highs of 30℃ while winters are chilly with lows down to 0℃.
Best time to visit: To enjoy sunny skies, the best time to travel is December to February.
Recommended vehicle type: Economy to large car. Roads are sealed and well-maintained.

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Stephanie Yip

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Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited 55 countries (and counting).

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New Zealand North Island road trip itinerary

Navigate the North Island like a local with accommodation, activities and sights all covered.

Search for your ride from Melbourne

Recommended itineraries based on length

3-day Rotorua to Gisborne itinerary

Itinerary overview

Day 1: Stay at Champers Motor Lodge

Day 2: Stay at Te Kaha Beach Resort

4-day Cape Reinga itinerary

Itinerary overview

4-day Auckland to Wellington itinerary

Itinerary overview

Day 1: Stay at Silver Fern Rotorua

Day 2: Stay at Sails on the Lake

Day 3: Stay at The County Hotel Napier

5-day Auckland to the Coromandel Peninsula itinerary

Itinerary overview

Day 1: Stay at Anchor Lodge Coromandel

Day 2: Stay at Harbour Drive B&B

Day 3: Stay at Hahei Horizon Bed & Breakfast

Day 4: Stay at Marine Reserved Apartments Whangamata

10-day North Island loop itinerary

Itinerary overview

Day 1: Stay at Beachside Resort Whitianga

Day 2: Stay at Seascape Villa

Day 3: Stay at Silver Fern Rotorua

Day 4: Stay at Gables Lakefront Motel

Day 5: Stay at The Nautilus

Day 6: Stay at Pinot Villas

Day 7: Stay at Bolton Hotel Wellington

Day 8: Stay at King and Queen Hotel Suites

Day 9: Stay at Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park

New Zealand overview

Car hire deals in New Zealand's North Island

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Stephanie Yip

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