7-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary (One-Week Road Trip)

Visitors to New Zealand often overlook the North Island in favour of the South Island, but the North Island has so much to offer, too. 

Picture walking up a dormant volcano, sipping wine at a lush vineyard, sinking your toes into a pristine white-sand beach, and soaking in a hot pool after a day of exploring. 

You can do all of that (and lots more!) in the North Island. 

The truth is that the North Island is packed with gorgeous and unique scenery, amazing food and drinks, and lots of hidden pockets to explore. 

You just need to know where to look—and that’s where I can help! 

Before I moved to the South Island, I lived in the North Island for five years, and I’m lucky enough to still visit several times a year.

I’ve created this itinerary for first-time visitors who want to experience some of the highlights of the North Island without rushing from place to place.

Here’s how to spend one fantastic week in New Zealand’s North Island!

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A quick note about this itinerary

This itinerary is a loop that starts and ends in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city and a major hub for car and campervan rentals.

You’ll get to explore Auckland (including Waiheke Island), Rotorua, and the Coromandel Peninsula, with two nights in each destination. You’ll also get a chance to visit Hobbiton along the way.

If you’d prefer a one-way road trip from Auckland to Wellington, I recommend checking out my Auckland to Wellington road trip itinerary instead.

7-Day North Island Itinerary Map

Where to Hire a Car or Campervan for your North Island Road Trip

I recommend waiting until Day 3 of this itinerary to pick up your rental vehicle—you won’t need a car for the first two days in Auckland.  

Here are the resources I use for finding car & campervan rentals in Auckland:

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

I’m also a big fan of Apex Rentals and often find that they have the best deals around.

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

Can’t decide between a car or campervan? Check out my guide to renting a campervan vs car in New Zealand.

7-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary Day-by-Day

Day 1: Auckland

While this is a road trip itinerary, I actually suggest waiting until Day 3 to pick up your car or campervan, as mentioned above. 

You’ll spend the next two days in Auckland, and won’t need a vehicle until you hit the road.

This means you won’t have to deal with driving in New Zealand’s largest city, nor will you need to worry about finding accommodation with parking.

To get from the airport to the city centre, I suggest taking either a rideshare like Uber, SkyDrive bus, or a Super Shuttle.

What to do in Auckland

Start your first day in Auckland with breakfast at a cafe (I love both Daily Bread and Amano in Britomart).

After breakfast, head to the Auckland Domain, which is home to the Auckland Museum and beautiful Wintergardens.

To get there, take an Uber or catch a bus from Britomart. The museum is a great place to learn about New Zealand’s history and Māori culture, and the gardens are lovely to explore.

In the afternoon, take the ferry to Devonport, a charming seaside village with quaint shops and cafes. If you’re after some lunch or a snack, I highly recommend either Lily Eatery or Dulcie (the latter makes delicious scones).

In Devonport, you can walk up two volcanic cones: Mount Victoria (Takarunga) and North Head (Maungauika). Both offer gorgeous views over Auckland, the Waitematā Harbour, and the Hauraki Gulf.

After Devonport, take the ferry back into the city and go for a leisurely stroll along the Viaduct Harbour, where you’ll see lots of fancy yachts and get beautiful waterfront views.

After all of that walking, relax with a drink—I like Dr Rudi’s Rooftop Bar for a craft beer or cocktail with a view. Queens Rooftop is another great option.

For dinner, Hello Beasty is a good spot in the Viaduct. In the city centre, I like Mezze Bar for tapas, Koiya for Japanese food, and the Occidental for their greenshell mussel pots.

Further reading: a one-day Auckland itinerary

Where to stay in Auckland

• $ Budget-friendly: TRIBE Auckland on Fort Street has modern rooms at a good price point, and a walkable location in the city centre.
  
  
• $$ Mid-range: Adina Citylife is in a handy spot just off Queen Street. Their rooms are clean and comfortable, and I love that many of them include kitchenettes and laundry facilities.
  
  
• $$$ Higher-end: M Social Hotel is my favourite place to stay in Auckland. It’s located right near the water and within walking distance to the ferry terminal. If the budget allows, definitely splurge on a room with a view—it’ll be worth it!

Note: I haven’t suggested an Auckland campground for this itinerary, since it’s best to wait to pick up your vehicle on Day 3 (plus, there aren’t any good camping spots in the Auckland city centre).

Further reading: where to stay in Auckland for first-time visitors

Day 2: Auckland (day trip to Waiheke Island)

Spend Day 2 of your 7-day North Island itinerary on a day trip to Waiheke Island.

Accessed via a 45-minute ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is a paradise of idyllic vineyards, golden-sand beaches, and lush green landscapes. 

I think that the easiest way to get around Waiheke Island is via the hop-on, hop-off bus (note that this tour includes the ferry price!).

Or you can take the public bus instead, which is cheaper but does require a bit more planning and DIY’ing.

Once on the island, head to Oneroa Village to start the day. Have a coffee at a cafe and peek into the cute local shops.

Akito Cafe is the perfect spot for breakfast and coffee, and Oneroa Beach is lovely for a sandy stroll.

Onetangi is also a great spot to visit. Have a picnic or go for a walk along Onetangi Beach, or have lunch with a view at the always-popular Charlie Farley’s.

Pick a couple of wineries to visit in the afternoon—I love Batch, Stonyridge, and Mudbrick. And if you’re a craft beer lover, head to the Heke or Alibi. 

After frolicking around Waiheke Island, return to the city on the ferry, have some dinner, and get to bed at a reasonable hour so you’re rested up for your drive tomorrow!

Day 3: Auckland to Rotorua

🚗 Drive time: approx. 3 hours | 238 km (without stops)

Pick up your rental car or campervan this morning, then hit the road for Rotorua.

Rotorua is the geothermal centre of the North Island and a major hub of Māori culture.

It is a very unique place, with a city built right on top of geothermal activity. Let’s just say you’ll know you’ve arrived in Rotorua when the scent of sulphur starts to permeate the car.

The city of Rotorua itself isn’t the nicest place on this itinerary, but its surroundings make it a worthwhile place to visit.

With bush walks, lakes, geothermal sites, and Māori cultural experiences, you’ll find plenty to do here.

Where to stop on the drive from Auckland to Rotorua

The drive from Auckland to Rotorua is quite straightforward, but there are a couple of stops well worth making.

For starters, I’d take a break in Tirau to sample the famous New Zealand road trip snack: a pie. The Baker does great ones.

Not far from Tirau is Putaruru, where you’ll find the gorgeous walk to Putaruru Blue Spring.

This is a natural freshwater spring that’s the source of around 70% of New Zealand’s bottled water. The colour of the water is so turquoise-blue that it doesn’t look real.

To get there, you can take a short walk from the Leslie Road carpark, or walk the full Te Waihou Walkway from the White’s Road entrance.

Once you arrive in Rotorua, you’ll be spoilt for choice with how to spend the rest of the afternoon. 

You could stroll along the waterfront, or through Kuirau Park to see some geothermal action. Both of these are free activities in Rotorua and will give you a taste of the area.

Have dinner on Eat Streat—Atticus Finch is fantastic—and then end the night with a soak at Polynesian Spa (or your hotel or campground’s onsite hot pools, depending on where you stay).

Where to stay in Rotorua

• $ Budget-friendly: I’d go for a cabin at the Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park, located just steps away from Blue Lake in a peaceful setting a short drive from town.
  
  
• $$ Mid-range: Aura Accommodation is my top choice for a place to stay in Rotorua. While it’s not fancy, their rooms are clean and comfortable, and the location is right in town. They have the friendliest staff (who always offer great recommendations) and onsite hot pools, too!
  
  
• $$$ Higher-end: Kings on Peace has modern apartment-style accommodation with kitchens and private spa pools. Staying here will feel like a luxurious home away from home.
  
  
• Camping in Rotorua: For camping, I recommend the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park (located 15 minutes from town in a lovely spot) or Tasman Holiday Park Rotorua (right near town and has onsite hot pools).

Day 4: Rotorua

You’ll be spoilt for choice with how to spend a day in Rotorua. There are so many options for activities here, and it really depends on what interests you.

Here are some ideas for things to do in Rotorua—note that you won’t have time for all of these, so you’ll need to pick and choose!

What to do in Rotorua

• Visit a geothermal park: Te Puia, Waimangu Volcanic Valley, and Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland are the three big ones. For a free option (albeit a much smaller one), head to Mud Pool near Wai-o-Tapu.
  
  
• Head into the Whakarewarewa Redwoods for a gorgeous walk through the forest. You can also book a treetop walk here if you’d like.
  
  
• Soak in one of the free natural hot pools around Rotorua. Just don’t leave any valuables in your vehicle, because the carparks at these spots are known for break-ins. Also, make sure to check the current conditions and any safety warnings before visiting, as these spots are out in the wild!
  
  
• Or book a soak at Polynesian Spa or the luxurious Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa.
  
  
• Head out to Blue Lake for a picnic and walk around the lake.
  
  
• Get your adrenaline going on a whitewater rafting tour, Zorb ride, or ziplining experience.
  
  
• Attend a Māori cultural performance and dinner.

Day 5: Rotorua to the Coromandel (via Hobbiton)

🚗 Drive time: 3 hours 15 minutes | 232 km (without stops)

Today, you’ll make your way to the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula.

Home to stunning beaches and coastal scenery that will take your breath away, the Coromandel is, undoubtedly, one of the most beautiful places in the North Island.

I do recommend getting a somewhat early start today, because you have a long drive ahead of you and a special place to visit along the way: Hobbiton!

Hobbiton is one of the North Island’s most popular attractions, and for good reason.

As the filming site for the quaint hobbit village in the Shire from the Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movies, it’s a must-see spot for fans of the films.

That said, I think it’s charming even if you’re not a LOTR fan.

A Hobbiton tour takes 2.5 hours and includes a walk through the film site, which still has hobbit houses and cute little props you can see up close. You’ll even get to go inside one of the hobbit houses on Bagshot Row.

The tour ends at the Green Dragon Inn, where you’ll get to enjoy a drink and sit there wishing this was your local pub (if you’re anything like me).

I will say that Hobbiton is touristy, but it’s worth it. Unlike my favourite hikes that I do over and over again, this isn’t a place I return to every time I’m in the North Island, but I definitely think it’s worth visiting if it’s your only chance to do so.

After your Hobbiton tour, hit the road for the Coromandel, with Hahei as your main destination.

Hahei is a little slice of coastal paradise. I’d spend the evening with a beach stroll or walk up to the Hereheretaura Pā for gorgeous golden hour views.

Finish the night with dinner and drinks at the Pour House. I particularly love their spiced cider, while my partner Ty likes their range of craft beers.

A quick note: If there’s one activity you should book in advance for this trip, it’s Hobbiton. Tickets often sell out far in advance.

I’d check availability and get your Hobbiton tickets booked as soon as you can!

Where to Stay in the Coromandel

Hahei or Hot Water Beach are my favourite places to stay in the Coromandel. Here’s where I recommend.

• $-$$ Budget-friendly to mid-range: Stay in a cosy cabin at the Tasman Holiday Park – Hahei Beach or Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park.
  
  
• $$-$$$ Mid-range to higher-end: The Church Accommodation is such a lovely place to stay, with beautiful timber cottages in a lush garden setting.
  
  
• Camping in the Coromandel: You can’t go wrong with either the Tasman Holiday Park – Hahei or Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Both are fantastic campgrounds.
  

Tip: There isn’t a major supermarket in Hahei, so if you’re planning to self-cater, I recommend stocking up on groceries beforehand. I usually detour to the PAK’nSAVE in Thames on my way here.

Day 6: The Coromandel

Today is all about the beach!

The beaches in the Coromandel are some of the best in New Zealand, and you’ll get to explore some of them today.

Hot Water Beach is an extremely popular beach to visit, and for good reason—you can dig your own hot tub in the sand at low tide here! It’s best to visit Hot Water Beach within 2 hours on either side of low tide, otherwise the hot pool area is covered by the ocean. 

You can hire spades (shovels) from Hotties Eatery to dig your hot pool, and many accommodation providers in the area offer spades for guest use, too. 

I do need to warn you that Hot Water Beach gets really, really busy and if you want solitude, this isn’t the place. However, it’s still fun to go see the action and the beach itself is absolutely beautiful.

Cathedral Cove is the area’s other most famous beach. To get to Cathedral Cove, you can either walk there via the Mautohe Cathedral Cove Track or the water taxi, or see it from the water on a kayak trip or boat cruise.

Before visiting Cathedral Cove, I do recommend checking the DOC website for any updates, as the track can sometimes close due to bad weather.

If you’re keen to venture further afield, you could also drive north to New Chums Beach, a pristine hike-in beach that looks straight out of the tropics. Make sure to time your visit to this beach around low tide, as you’ll need to cross a tidal stream to access the trail.

If you do go to New Chums Beach, you could also stop for a soak at The Lost Spring hot pools, which are a real treat (but only available to those of us aged 14 and older). Luke’s Kitchen in Kuaotunu is a great spot for lunch on the way to or from New Chums, too.

And if all you feel like doing today is lounging by the beach for an afternoon, that’s all good, too! My favourite beach in the area is Lonely Bay—bring a picnic and hang out for a few hours; it’s glorious here!

Related read: the ultimate Coromandel road trip

Day 7: The Coromandel to Auckland

🚗 Drive time: 2.5 hours | 163 km

Pack up and say goodbye to the Coromandel, then make your way back to Auckland Airport for departure.

While the drive from Hahei to the Auckland Airport usually takes around 2.5 hours, do give yourself plenty of time to allow for any traffic delays on your journey.

I’d definitely book a departure flight in the late afternoon or evening, just to be safe.

Then it’s on to your next adventure, whether that’s home or elsewhere (maybe the South Island?!).

Best time of year for this 7-day New Zealand North Island itinerary

The best time of year for a North Island road trip is October through April, which coincides with spring, summer, and autumn in New Zealand.

However, you can honestly do this trip year-round. I actually love visiting these spots in winter because they’re way less busy.

If you’d like to avoid crowds, then I’d avoid the peak summer period between the end of December through the first weekend in February. 

All of this said, do be prepared for weather of all kinds—even in summer, the North Island can sometimes get a lot of rain. Or it can be sunny throughout your whole trip. You honestly just never know until a few days before, so come prepared with a raincoat and layers!

More New Zealand itineraries & locations to consider

• 10-day North Island itinerary: this itinerary includes the stops mentioned in this guide, but also fits in Tongariro National Park and the black sand beaches of Raglan.
  
  
• 2 week North Island road trip itinerary: the ultimate 14-day North Island itinerary!
  
  
• Christchurch to Queenstown road trip itinerary: after completing a 7-day road trip on the North Island, fly to Christchurch and do another 7-day road trip in the South Island!
  
  
• Auckland to Queenstown road trip itinerary: follow this one if you’d prefer to drive from Auckland to Wellington (rather than Auckland to Auckland) and then continue on to the South Island via the Cook Strait ferry.
  
  Alternatively, you could easily fly from Auckland to Wellington to spend a night or two in the capital city (check out my one day in Wellington itinerary if you do!).

Thanks for reading my 7-day North Island itinerary!

I truly hope it’s helped you plan your trip.

As always, if you have any comments or questions, please leave a comment below or send me an email, and I’ll reply as soon as possible!