10 Day North Island Itinerary (by Car or Campervan)

Looking for the perfect 10-day North Island itinerary? You’re in the right place.

The North Island is home to amazing beaches, wineries, geothermal wonders, and volcanic mountains. But trying to fit everything into a 10-day trip can feel overwhelming.

I’m here to help. I live in New Zealand and have condensed years of NZ travel experience into this road trip route, so you can make the most of your visit without the stress of planning it all yourself. 

Whether you’re exploring by car or campervan, here’s an ideal itinerary to help you see the best of the North Island in 10 days!

FYI: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). I only share products & services I use, love & would recommend to a friend.

10-Day North Island Itinerary Map

Where to Hire a Car or Campervan for your 10-Day North Island Itinerary

🚗 Car hire: I recommend using Discover Cars to easily compare prices and vehicle models from all of the top NZ car rental companies.

They do all of the homework for you so you don’t have to spend hours (and open 10+ tabs) to find the best deals!

I also really like Apex Rentals. Their prices are often the best out there and I’ve only ever had great customer service from them.

🚐 Campervan Hire: I use Motorhome Republic to compare prices on campervans in NZ.

I’m also a big fan of JUCY, Travellers Autobarn, and Spaceships for campervan rentals.

10-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Days 1-2: Auckland & Waiheke Island

Start your 10-day North Island itinerary in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and the first point of entry for most international visitors.

You’re likely going to be tired after a long flight, so let’s keep the next two days easy.

Instead of grabbing your rental car or campervan now, wait until Day 3. 

You won’t need a car in Auckland, and it’s easy to take an Uber or Super Shuttle from the Auckland Airport into the city. It’s good to let someone else do the driving while you recharge a bit.

On your first day in Auckland, I recommend exploring the city, mostly on foot—walking is a great way to work off jetlag, after all, and it’s also the best way to get to know Auckland! 

Then on Day 2, head to Waiheke Island for a fantastic day trip from Auckland.

Things to do in Auckland

• Walk along the Viaduct Harbour to get a glimpse of Auckland’s sailing culture. There are some seriously fancy yachts in the harbour that are fun to peek at! If you’d like to keep walking, continue on to Wynyard Quarter and the Westhaven Path.
  
  
• Take the ferry to Devonport, a seaside suburb with cute cafes and shops, and nice beaches. For epic views over the harbour and city, hike up to North Head Historic Reserve and/or Mount Victoria.
  
  
• Or hike up Mount Eden (Maungawhau), a volcanic cone with some of the best views of the city. From the city centre, it’s a short Uber ride to the base of Mount Eden, and the hike itself takes about 30-45 minutes round-trip. 

• See the Sky Tower, an iconic part of the Auckland cityscape. If you want to experience some of the most incredible views in the city, a trip up the Sky Tower is a popular option.

• The High Street and Britomart precincts are good places to find boutique shops, cute cafes and international eateries. 
  
  
• Here are my recommendations for food in Auckland:
  
  Have breakfast at Daily Bread in Britomart.
  
  For a casual (but nice) dinner, head to Federal Delicatessen or Mezze Bar.
  
  If you’re after a special meal, Hello Beasty or Amano are good choices.
  
  For drinks with a view, I like Dr. Rudi’s Rooftop Bar.

Things to do on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is known for its wineries, beaches, and laid-back vibe. It takes just a 45-minute ferry ride to get from Auckland to Waiheke.

The ferry ride itself is spectacular: you’ll glide across the sparkling Hauraki Gulf whilst taking in views of Auckland City and its surrounding landscape.

Once you get to Waiheke Island, you’ll have multiple options for how to spend the day. Here are some suggestions for you!

• Go wine tasting! Waiheke is known as the island of wine, and sampling some of the local drops is a sure way to get into vacation mode. I love Stonyridge, Batch, and Mudbrick vineyards in particular. 

• Visit Waiheke’s gorgeous beaches—Oneroa Beach, Onetangi Beach, & Palm Beach are all lovely.

• Explore the charming village of Oneroa, and make sure to get a gelato at Island Gelato while there!

• Sample some Waiheke Island craft beers at Alibi Brewing Company, Waiheke Brewing, or the Heke.

• Lace up your boots and go for a hike along Waiheke’s scenic walking trails.

🚌 Tip: the easiest way to get around Waiheke Island is to book this hop-on, hop-off bus option, which includes your ferry ticket!

Where to Stay in Auckland

🛏 Mid-range: M Social 

The M Social is my top hotel choice in Auckland. The location is absolutely perfect for exploring Auckland, and the rooms are faultless. I recommend splurging a bit on a room with a view so you can watch the ferries go in and out of the harbour. 

🛏 Mid-range: Avani Auckland Metropolis

This hotel has apartment-style rooms, complete with your own laundry facilities and kitchenettes. If you book a harbour view room, you’ll also get epic views over the city and sea. The property’s location is excellent; it’s right in the city centre and just a short walk to great restaurants and the ferry terminal.

Note: I haven’t suggested any camping spots in Auckland, because I think it’s best to stay in a hotel or other accommodation in Auckland for this itinerary. If you’re hiring a campervan, pick it up on Day 3 and start camping on the North Island from then on!

Days 3-4: Coromandel Peninsula (Hahei)

🚙 Driving time from Auckland to Hahei: 2 hours 30 minutes (Directions)

Today, it’s time to hit the road!

Get an early start to the day and fuel up with a quick breakfast—my choice would be a pastry (usually a ham & cheese croissant) and flat white from Daily Bread. 

After breakfast, pick up your rental car or campervan. Depending on where you’ve hired your vehicle from, you may need to hop in an Uber to get to your car rental depot.

After getting your vehicle sorted, make sure you have your Google Maps directions all plugged in and ready to go—and now it’s time for your road trip!

Your destination today is Hahei on the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, where you’ll stay for the next two nights in blissful beach paradise. 

Tip: if you need to stock up on gear or do a big grocery shop, you’ll find the best selection in Auckland. Here are some places you might find helpful:

• Pak ‘n Save: If you need to do a big grocery shop, head to a Pak ‘n Save supermarket. Pak ‘n Saves are huge supermarkets that usually have the cheapest prices for groceries in NZ.

• Kmart or the Warehouse: For budget-friendly road trip items (like a chilly bin/cooler) or anything else you forgot to bring with you, head to a Kmart or Warehouse store. I’d compare them to Target or Walmart stores in the USA.  Kmart is my usual go-to, but either will do the job.

Stops on the Drive from Auckland to Hahei

• Thames: You don’t need to go out of your way to visit Thames, but I’m mentioning it here if you need a toilet break or didn’t get groceries/gear in Auckland. Thames is the last chance to pop into a decent supermarket or a Warehouse store before reaching Hahei.

• Tairua: Visit the Tairua surf beach to check the waves, and stretch your legs by walking up to the summit of Mount Paku. This 30-minute (round-trip) walk climbs up to the summit of the volcanic peak Mount Paku and offers gorgeous views over the Tairua harbour mouth and surrounding beaches. 

Things to do in and around Hahei

• See Cathedral Cove, the most famous beach in the Coromandel. You can visit Cathedral Cove by walking there along the Cathedral Cove Track, or taking a boat tour or kayak tour.
  
  
• Dig a hot pool in the sand at Hot Water Beach. To access the hot water, you’ll need to visit the beach within 2 hours on either side of low tide. Hire a spade (shovel) from Hottie’s Cafe or the Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park.

• Walk up to the Te Pare Point Reserve, a historic fortified Māori settlement. At the summit, you’ll be met with sweeping ocean views stretching over the Cathedral Cove marine reserve.

• Hang out at Hahei Beach. Beach walks here are glorious!

• Shop for local goodies at Cove, a beautiful boutique store in Hahei. Another favourite Coromandel beach of mine is Lonely Bay, which is just a 15-minute drive from Hahei.

• Day trip to New Chums Beach, a pristine hike-in beach with white sand and crystal-clear water, and stop for lunch at Luke’s Kitchen on the way there.

Where to Stay in Hahei

🛏 Mid-range: Tatahi Lodge 

This laid-back lodge has great vibes and beautiful grounds – the lush gardens here are just lovely. Choose from a 2-person studio or 2-bedroom units for a larger group. The property is right in town and it’s just a 5-minute walk from here to Hahei Beach.

🛏 Mid-range: The Church Accommodation Hahei

The unique Church Hotel was built around a reconstructed early-1900s church and has private cottages set amidst native bush. You’ll have options here, including 2-person cabins with or without kitchenettes, or a 3-bedroom holiday house. There’s an excellent restaurant on the property, too, and you’ll be within walking distance of Hahei Beach.

⛺️ Camping: Hahei Beach Resort

One of the best campgrounds in the Coromandel, the Hahei Beach Resort is located in an epic beachfront location and has tons of amazing amenities (including hot tubs for hire!). 

Further reading: where to stay in the Coromandel Peninsula

Day 5: Mount Maunganui

🚙 Driving time from Hahei to Mount Maunganui: 2 hours 45 minutes (Directions)

Today, you’ll be making your way from one beach town to another, all while stopping at several other beach towns on the way.

Honestly, the beaches along this drive are some of the best beaches on the North Island, so take your time and enjoy them! 

There are also some excellent coastal walks and delicious eateries to try, so today is really going to be something special.

Stops on the Drive from Hahei to Mount Maunganui

• Whangamatā: This charming coastal town is set next to a popular surf beach. Stop here for a beach walk (or swim!) and lunch at Port Road Project or Soul Burger. Another popular activity here is kayaking to Whenuakura (Donut Island).

• Waihi Beach: Yet another cute town set next to a gorgeous beach, Waihi Beach is a great place to go for a beach walk or peruse the cute shops and cafes in town. Hikers will love the 45-minute (one-way) coastal walk from Waihi Beach to Orokawa Bay, a hidden beach paradise. 

Things to do in Mount Maunganui

• Hike to the summit of Mount Maunganui’s namesake volcanic cone, also known as “Mauao” by locals. Or, for an easier hike, walk around the Mount Maunganui Base Track. Both of these Mount Maunganui walks are super stunning!

• Hang out at the beach! Head to the Mount Main Beach for surfing opportunities and long beach walks; for a sheltered swimming bay, visit Pilot Bay Beach.

• Soak in the Mount Maunganui hot pools, which are located at the base of Mauao and contain heated saltwater. 

• Go shopping on the Mount Main Street, where you’ll find lots of cute local shops. My favourite shop in Mount Maunganui is the Paper Plane Store, which is a perfect place to pick up a local souvenir that’s a little out of the ordinary.

• Eat & drink your way around town! For brunch, go to the General, and Rice Rice Baby is my favourite spot for a delicious Vietnamese dinner. 

• Fancy a craft beer? Then head to the Rising Tide,  located a 5-minute drive from the town centre. They have an incredible selection of locally-made craft beers and serve up excellent dumplings, too!

Where to Stay in Mount Maunganui

🛏 Mid-range: The Mission Belle Motel

My #1 accommodation option in the Mount is always the Mission Belle Motel. Their rooms and clean and modern, the location couldn’t be better, and the owners are lovely. Kitchenettes are the icing on the cake.

🛏 Mid-range: Quest Mount Maunganui

An excellent location and new, modern rooms make the Quest one of the best places to stay in the Mount.

⛺️ Camping: Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park

Camp right in the heart of Mount Maunganui at this beachfront holiday park, which is located at the base of Mauao and is just steps away from town.

Day 6: Rotorua (via Hobbiton)

🚙 Driving time from Mount Maunganui to Rotorua via Hobbiton: 2 hours (Directions)

Today, you’ll be heading inland to one of New Zealand’s most unique destinations: Rotorua.

Rotorua is known for its Māori culture and geothermal activity, including hot springs, geysers, and mud pools. 

It’s also a major tourism hub for the North Island, with so many activities on offer you could honestly spend a whole week here and not get bored. 

Here’s where to stop on the drive today, plus what to do once you get to Rotorua.

Stops on the Drive from Mount Maunganui to Rotorua

• Hobbiton: A must-do on most North Island itineraries, take a walking tour of the famous Hobbiton movie set from the Lord of the Rings films. It looks just like it does in the movies! The setting is gorgeous, too, amidst sheep-covered pastures and rolling green hills. 

🌟 Tip: make sure to book your Hobbiton tickets well in advance, because they often sell out.

• Tirau: Stop in Tirau for a lunch break—I recommend the Baker for a meat (or veggie) pie and sweet treat!

• Putāruru Blue Springs (Te Waihou Walkway): Hike along the stunning Te Waihou Walkway to see the Putāruru Blue Springs, which have incredibly clear, blue water and look like something out of a fairytale.

• Over the Moon Dairy: Sample delicious locally-made cheese and purchase some goodies for road trip snacks.

Things to Do in Rotorua

There is honestly so much to do in Rotorua, and you won’t be able to do it all on a short visit.  But that’s okay—here are some ideas, and you can pick and choose what appeals to you most!

• Walk through the Whakarewarewa Redwood Forest (it’s gorgeous, and free), or book a treetop walk.

• Stroll around Kuirau Park, which is one of the best free attractions in Rotorua and will give you a taste of the area’s geothermal activity.

• Soak in the soothing hot springs of the Polynesian Spa.
  
  
• Have dinner out at one of Rotorua’s excellent restaurants—I recommend Atticus Finch or the Fainting Goat for sharing plates & cocktails, or Sabroso for some of the best Mexican food (and margaritas!) you’ll find in NZ.
  

Where to Stay in Rotorua

🛏 Mid-range: Aura Accommodation

Aura Accommodation is my go-to motel in Rotorua. The location is within walking distance of town, the staff are super friendly, and there are onsite hot pools to enjoy!

🛏 Mid-range: Kings on Peace Apartments

These modern apartments are located in a quiet, residential part of Rotorua and have everything you need for a comfortable stay, including private decks, a spa pool, laundry facilities, BBQs, and fully-equipped kitchens.

⛺️ Camping: Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park

The Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park is located a bit out of town, but the lakefront setting is so peaceful and pretty that it’s worth it! This is by far my favourite campground in Rotorua. Make sure to ask at the front desk about the glow worm walk nearby!

Days 7-8: Tongariro National Park

🚙 Driving time from Rotorua to Tongariro National Park: 2 hours 15 minutes (Directions)

Today, you’re heading to the mountains! 

Your destination will be Tongariro National Park, a World Heritage site and the oldest national park in New Zealand. 

Along the way, you’ll travel through geothermal wonders and will visit beautiful Lake Taupō. 

It’s going to be an epic day filled with so much to see, so you’ll want to get an early start.

Stops on the Drive from Rotorua to Tongariro National Park

• Visit a geothermal park—choose from Te Puia, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, or Wai-o-Tapu. For a free option, hike to the Crater Lake lookout on the Rainbow Mountain Track, which gives you gorgeous views over a turquoise geothermal lake.

• Soak in one of the many natural hot springs between Rotorua and Taupō. 

• Experience burbling geothermal mud at the free-to-see Mud Pool near Wai-o-Tapu.

• View the stunning blue water of Huka Falls.

• Stop in Taupō for a lunch break and lakeside stroll. You could also go for a soak in the free Otumuheke Stream Hot Pools!
  
  Replete Cafe is the best spot for lunch in Taupō. Sit down in the cafe or get something from their well-stocked cabinet for takeaway.

Things to do in Tongariro National Park

• Trek the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of the North Island’s best day hikes. You’ll need to book a shuttle to go to and from the crossing, which is a serious hike that takes between 6-8 hours and a good level of fitness.

• Or tackle one of the smaller hikes in Tongariro National Park—Taranaki Falls is a favourite of mine. Tama Lakes is a great alternative to the alpine crossing (and you can combine it with a visit to Taranaki Falls).

• Walk to Tawhai Falls to see one of Tongariro’s best waterfalls and a Lord of the Rings filming site—it featured as Gollum’s Pool and is a gorgeous spot, even if you’re not a LOTR fan!

• Visit Ohakune, the largest town in Tongariro National Park, and check out the carrot-themed playground, disc golf course, and—for a real treat—their open-air wood-fired hot tubs.

Where to Stay in Tongariro National Park

🛏 Mid-Range: Plateau Lodge

The Plateau Lodge is a good choice for accommodation in National Park. You’ll have access to a shared kitchen when you stay here, making it easy to prepare meals. Their King Studio Pod is my favourite option—it has an outdoor bath, which is a massive treat after hiking.

🛌 Mid-Range: The Powderhorn Chateau

This beautiful hotel is located in the charming mountain town of Ohakune, which is a bit farther from the Tongariro Crossing but has good options for dining and grocery shopping. They have cosy rooms that give off alpine lodge vibes, and their soaking pool is a lovely way to end a day of adventuring!

⛺️ Camping: Mangahuia DOC Campsite or the Whakapapa Holiday Park

Both of these campsites are in beautiful, beech tree-fringed settings—if you want a hot shower after a day of hiking, though, then go with the holiday park! Definitely book either in advance, as these are two of the most popular camping grounds in Tongariro National Park.

Further reading: where to stay near Tongariro National Park

Day 9: Raglan

🚙 Driving time from Tongariro National Park to Raglan: 3.5 hours (Directions)

After some time in the mountains, you’ll make your way back to the coast. 

Today you’ll journey to Raglan, a relaxed West Coast surf town with gorgeous black sand beaches and creative vibes.

My partner is a surfer so he and I have spent quite a lot of time in Raglan over the years.

However, even if you don’t surf, it’s still a wonderful town to spend some time in (I’m not a surfer but love visiting Raglan nonetheless!).

Along the way, you’ll get to stop at another highlight for many visitors to the North Island: the Waitomo glow worm caves!

Here’s how to spend the day.

Stops on the Drive from Tongariro National Park to Raglan

• Waitomo Glow Worm Caves: Cruise along an underground river with sparkling glow worms lighting the way. This magical experience is popular for good reason, so I do recommend that you book your tickets in advance.
  
  
• Hamilton Gardens (detour):  Consider making a slight detour to visit the Hamilton Gardens. These impressive themed gardens are a delight—allocate at least an hour to wander through them, as there’s a lot to see!

Things to do in Raglan

• Visit Bridalveil Falls, one of the North Island’s best waterfalls. Bridalveil Falls is located a 15-minute drive from Raglan, so you may wish to visit it on the drive into town instead.

• Go surfing or simply watch the surfers at Manu Bay. If you’re keen for a surf lesson, contact Raglan Surf School.

• Enjoy a long beach stroll at Ngarunui Beach, a beautiful black sand beach.

• Pop into the boutique shops in Raglan. I love Tony Sly for pottery, and Ulo for vintage and local art prints.

• Have dinner at the amazing Ulo’s Kitchen (seriously—don’t miss it!), or head to the Raglan Wharf for fish ‘n chips by the sea at Raglan Fish.

• Relax on a sunset harbour cruise, or just watch a sunset from the beach for the final night on your 10-day North Island itinerary.

Where to Stay in Raglan

🛏 Mid-range motel: Raglan Sunset Motel

The Raglan Sunset Motel offers great-value rooms in a convenient town centre location. This is my go-to motel when I visit Raglan.

🛏 Mid-range apartments: Bow Street Studios

For something a bit more boutique in feel, check out the Bow Street Studios. They offer waterfront apartments and a historic cottage, all perfectly located right in town so you can walk to Raglan’s shops, cafes, and restaurants. 

⛺️ Camping: Raglan Holiday Park

The Raglan Holiday Park is the best place to go camping in Raglan. This campground is located by the beach and within walking distance of town, making it so convenient to explore Raglan at your leisure!

Day 10: Return to Auckland

🚙 Driving time: 1 hour 45 minutes (or more with traffic) (Directions)

It’s time to make your way back to Auckland.

Head back to the Auckland Airport to return your hire car or campervan and complete your 10-Day North Island itinerary.

Before hitting the road, though, grab breakfast and coffee in Raglan—I recommend the Shack or Wyld.

Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. 

Without traffic, the drive from Raglan to the Auckland Airport takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

If you’re travelling during peak commuter hours (between 7 am to 9 am or 4 pm to 6 pm), give yourself even more time in case there’s traffic.

Best Time of Year for this 10-Day North Island Road Trip

This trip is best completed between October through April, which coincides with spring through autumn in New Zealand.

While you can still do this trip in winter, I’d omit Tongariro National Park and swap it with an extra night or two in Rotorua and/or a night in Taupō, unless you plan to go skiing at Mt Ruapehu.

More Itinerary Options

10-Day North Island Itinerary from Auckland to Wellington

If you’d prefer a one-way road trip from Auckland to Wellington, simply swap Day 9 (Raglan) for a night in Wellington. There are so many great things to do in Wellington!

From Tongariro National Park, it’s about a 4-hour drive to Wellington.

Then to continue the adventure, you could take the ferry from Wellington to Picton and continue on a road trip from Picton to Queenstown! Or see my itinerary for a full driving route from Auckland to Queenstown.

More North Island Itinerary Ideas

If you have more time for the North Island, consider adding a visit to either Napier—known for its wineries and art deco architecture—or New Plymouth, where you’ll find black sand beaches and more mountain scenery.

Have less than 10 days? Then check out my 7-day North Island itinerary. It includes a lot of the stops in this guide, but omits Tongariro National Park & Raglan.

And if you have 2 weeks for your road trip, check out my 14-day New Zealand North Island itinerary!

Looking for a South Island itinerary?

My 10-day South Island itinerary from Christchurch or 10-day South Island itinerary from Queenstown might be just what you’re after.

Thanks for Reading my 10-Day North Island Itinerary!

I hope it’s helped you plan an epic trip.

As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions about this post (or about NZ travel in general), and I’ll be happy to help!