The Best New Zealand Itinerary to The North Island

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Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by sydabroad

If you are looking for the perfect New Zealand itinerary to the North Island, keep reading! 

New Zealand is known for its picturesque natural landscapes, endless outdoor activities, and rich cultural heritage. There is so much to see in this beautiful country on both the North and the South Island but in this guide, we’re covering the perfect 7 day New Zealand itinerary to the North Island.

In this guide, expect a curated one week New Zealand itinerary to the North Island. We’re talking about all the must-visit destinations, how to get around New Zealand, where to stay, and more travel tips! 

I’ve also included a map with all the locations mentioned in this itinerary, so make sure to save it for later. I spent a month traveling around this beautiful country so I’m sharing everything I learned along the way with you guys. Alright, let’s get into the guide! 

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Keep reading for the perfect New Zealand itinerary to the North Island.

New Zealand Itinerary North Island | The Basics 

Currency = New Zealand dollar

The currency in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar. 1 USD is equal to about 1.67 New Zealand Dollars. 

Essentially everywhere you go will accept card payments. I barely used cash in New Zealand but it is good to have some on hand just in case. There are ATMs readily available throughout the cities.

Language = English

The predominant language in New Zealand is English. However, there are three official languages in this country: Māori, New Zealand Sign Language, and English.

Phone & Internet 

For the most part, the phone and internet service in New Zealand is pretty good. It’s great in bigger cities such as Auckland, Christchurch, and Wellington. 

In more remote parts of New Zealand, the phone service can be quite spotty. I suggest having offline Google Maps downloaded so that you can use your maps if you end up losing service. 

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget 

Although New Zealand can be quite expensive, it is possible to travel on an affordable budget. A daily budget of around 150 to 200 New Zealand Dollars per day is possible if you are backpacking New Zealand. 

Tipping in New Zealand 

Tipping is not customary in New Zealand and it’s not expected. 

Is the Tap Water Drinkable? 

Yes, you can drink tap water in New Zealand. 

Where to Stay on the North Island of New Zealand 

There are so many options when it comes to accommodation on the North Island of New Zealand. There’s an option for every budget whether it’s hostels, camping, glamping, high-end hotels, or a boutique Airbnb. Below I’ve listed where I stayed in each destination and my honest opinion of the property. 

These are all for the most part budget accommodation. If you are looking for more boutique or luxury accommodation in New Zealand, click here. 

Auckland | If you are on a budget I’d suggest Lylo. This is one of the nicest hostels I’ve stayed in. On the other hand, if you are searching for luxury, stay at the Sofitel Auckland – this is one of the nicest hotels I’ve ever stayed in. It’s in the perfect location in Viaduct Harbour as well. 

Hot Water Beach | Hot Water Beach Holiday Park is where I stayed. Hot Water Beach is small and there aren’t many accommodation options but this hostel/hotel was really spacious, clean, and very nice! 

Waitomo | Waitomo Homestead Cabins is where I stayed in Waitomo. These are cute little cabins with the most amazing views! I was in a corner cabin with a view of pastures and horses. It was stunning.

Rotorua | Rock Solid Backpackers is where I stayed in Rotorua. It’s a pretty standard hostel. There is a kitchen and washing machines, and it is in a good location. 

Taupo | Based By The Lake hostel is where I stayed. I enjoyed this hostel,  it was pretty clean, and in a great location, and the rooms were good for the price! 

Wellington | I stayed at Nomads Wellington and honestly wouldn’t recommend it. It was in a great location but the place was nasty. I suggest staying in The Marion instead. The Nomad’s hostels are just not that great. I would avoid them if you can. 

I was also able to stay a couple of nights at the Sofitel in Wellington, again, this was a stunning luxury hotel. If you are looking for luxury, definitely stay at the Sofitel. 

Search for accommodation in New Zealand North Island here. 

The Perfect 7-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary

Now that we have covered the basics, let’s talk about exactly how to spend one week in New Zealand on the North Island. Feel free to move these activities around depending on your preference and your schedule!

Day 1 | Arrive in Auckland 

Start your one week in New Zealand in the country’s busiest city, Auckland. There are all sorts of things to do in Auckland such as visiting the Sky Tower, walking around Viaduct Harbour, and visiting the Auckland Art Gallery. 

There are many amazing cafes and restaurants in Auckland as well. If you have extra time in Auckland, I suggest taking the ferry to Waiheke Island for the day to visit the many wonderful wineries. 

Day 2 | The Coromandel 

Next, head to the Coromandel. This is a stunning region on the North Island of New Zealand. It’s known for its picturesque coastlines, golden beaches, and native forests. 

During my time on the Kiwi Experience bus, we stopped in the charming coastal town of Hahei on our way to Hot Water Beach. Hot Water Beach is famous for its natural hot pools you can dig on your own in the sand. It’s such a fun (and unique) activity! 

Are you visiting Australia too? If you are, check out my guide here to sailing the famous Whitsunday Islands!

Day 3 | Waitomo Glowworms

One of the best things to do on the North Island of New Zealand is to visit the Waitomo glowworm caves. There are several different tours you can book to experience the caves. 

You can do everything from a short walk through the caves to a zip lining and caving adventure underground. 

You can’t go wrong with any tour that you book! Seeing the glowworms in New Zealand is certainly a bucket list experience that you won’t want to miss.

The Black Labyrinth Tour was absolutely incredible. I couldn’t recommend it enough! I booked everything through the trip planner on Kiwi Experience. Check out the labyrinth tour here.

Day 4 | Rotorua & The Hobbiton Movie Set 

If you are a Lord of The Rings fan (or not), you’ll want to visit Hobbiton. Visitors can take guided tours of the actual Hobbiton movie set! Here you can see the tiny hobbit houses, and lush green pastures, sip a drink inside the Green Dragon Pub, and even tour the inside of a hobbit house! 

It’s the coolest experience whether you’ve seen Lord of The Rings or not. You can book tickets ahead of time on your Kiwi Experience trip planner if you are traveling with Kiwi Experience.

Rotorua is known for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. For those seeking history and culture in New Zealand, you have to do the Maori Cultural Experience at Mitai Maori Village.

You can also relax in the natural hot springs at the Polynesian Spa and visit Te Puia to see mud pools and geysers. If you are taking the Kiwi Experience bus, you’ll stop for a tour of Hobbiton on the way to Rotorua. 

Day 5 | Taupo 

Taupo is a town that sits on the shores of Lake Taupo, the largest lake in New Zealand. The town is known for its natural beauty and many outdoor recreational activities.

One of the best things to do in Taupo is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This is often considered the best hike in New Zealand. The crossing is in Tongariro National Park and takes around 6 to 8 hours to complete. The hike itself is about 20 kilometers (12 miles) long. 

I suggest doing this hike while you are in Taupo if the weather allows. You will have to arrange transportation to drop you off at the start of the hike and pick you up at the end since it’s a one-way hike. If you know this is something you want to do, you will need to book it as soon as you can because they do limit the number of people in the national park. 

Day 6 | Taupo 

On your second day in Taupo check out some of the other fun things to do in the area. You can go bungee jumping, skydiving, walk to Huka Falls, and do all sorts of activities on the lake! 

If you want to enjoy the lake, I recommend booking the sunset sailing adventure. This was the best sunset cruise that included pizza, a drink, and a sail out to the Maori Rock Carvings. In town, you also have to check out the “world’s coolest McDonald’s” where you can eat your burger on an airplane! It’s the coolest McDonald’s I’ve certainly ever seen. 

Day 7 | Explore Wellington 

We are ending this New Zealand North Island itinerary in the capital city of Wellington. There is so much to see in Wellington; you can visit the National Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, ride on the Wellington Cable Car, explore the Wellington Botanic Garden, and stroll along the waterfront. 

There are many great bars and restaurants in Wellington and if you are looking for fun nightlife, head to Cuba Street. If you have more time, I suggest spending at least two days in Wellington so you can see more of “the coolest little capital in the world,” as Lonely Planet named Wellington. 

New Zealand Frequently Asked Questions

How to Get to the North Island of New Zealand? 

Fly into Auckland | If you are heading straight to New Zealand from another country you’ll likely fly into Auckland Airport (AKL). Once you get into Auckland you can either rent a car or Uber to your accommodation. Search for rental cars below.

New Zealand Ferry from South Island to North Island | If you are coming from the South Island you can either fly into the North or take the Picton to Wellington Ferry. Book the Interislander ferry here. The ferry journey will take about 3 and a half hours. 

How to Get Around the North Island of New Zealand?

The public transportation in New Zealand is not great. Uber and taxis are available in the major cities but you’ll need a car to get around the North Island. 

On the other hand, if you do not want to rent a car or are traveling solo in New Zealand, consider booking a tour with Kiwi Experience. They offer hop-on hop-off bus passes all around New Zealand. It’s a great way to travel around New Zealand and make friends along the way. 

I did their Northern Round-Up tour and it was wonderful! They offered so many activities at discounted rates and we stopped at some cool places on our drives. Kiwi truly makes traveling around New Zealand a breeze.

When is The Best Time to Visit New Zealand?

December through March are the summer months in New Zealand and the best time to visit the country. You’ll get long, bright sunny days, perfect for outdoor and beach activities. On the other hand, if you enjoy skiing – consider visiting during the winter.

What do I Pack for New Zealand?

New Zealand is honestly a pretty hard destination to pack for. It’s hot, cold, rainy, windy – you can get all the seasons in just one day. If you are staying in hostels, check out my hostel packing list here.

I’d suggest packing a warm outfit, light weight clothing, a rain jacket, hiking shoes, a hat, bug spray, and SPF. I’ll share a full guide soon of what to pack for New Zealand.

7 Day New Zealand Itinerary Map

I hope you enjoyed this post about traveling to the North Island of New Zealand in a week! New Zealand is the most amazing country to explore. If you have any questions feel free to comment below or DM me on Instagram. 

Recommended Tours in New Zealand North Island

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