You’re in the right place if you’re a beach lover, city enthusiast, or Lord of the Rings fan. Welcome to the lively North Island of New Zealand! It’s home to the country’s largest cities, traditional New Zealand cultural experiences, delicious wine, and so much more. If you’re visiting from another country, you will likely start your New Zealand journey by flying into Auckland. The North Island has a ton of appealing attractions, and you can certainly spend weeks exploring all it has to offer. As for Bill and I, we prioritized our limited time in New Zealand on the South Island, but we still wanted to see a few things on the North Island. This 2-day New Zealand North Island itinerary is perfect for either the start or end of your adventure.
Want to learn more about when to visit, how to get around, and some helpful know-before-you-go tips? Check out my South Island blog post for additional planning details!
This post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no cost to you.
North Island Overview
New Zealand is composed of two large islands in the North and South. The North Island is home to Auckland, the capital and largest city in the country. It’s also where the main airport is located, so you will very likely start your journey here. The North features pristine beaches, geothermal regions, Māori cultural experiences, and the Hobbiton movie set. It’s also host to three of the ten great walks in New Zealand: Tongariro Northern Circuit, Whanganui Journey, and Lake Waikaremoana Track. The island’s diverse offering makes it the perfect place for visitors with varying interests – there’s something for everyone!
Plan on hiking in New Zealand? Check out my Complete Hiking Packing List post that outlines the hiking ten essentials you need in your pack for a safe journey outdoors.
North Island Itinerary
I know what you might be thinking – two days is hardly considered an itinerary. Trust me, I get it. While these two days might seem insignificant, they make an impact on a more extensive itinerary covering the full country. Judging by the sheer amount of time we spent on the South Island, it’s safe to say it’s worthwhile. The two-day New Zealand North Island itinerary I’ve created below works beautifully if you decide to use it as a bookend to my South Island itinerary. Bill and I chose to visit the North Island at the beginning of our trip. If you decide to end your trip in the North, you will want to reverse this itinerary, assuming you fly in and out of Auckland.
Day 1 – Auckland to Mount Maunganui
Total Drive Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes.
Welcome to New Zealand! The first day of a trip is full of possibilities, so get out there and discover all this country has to offer. Today you will journey through a massive gorge, a cute beach town, and, if you’re so inclined, the Hobbiton movie set! Buckle up, adjust to driving on the left side of the road, and enjoy!
Main Sights
- Explore Auckland: Flying into the capital allows you to explore the main city before hitting the road. Swing by the Sky Tower, walk around Mount Eden or do a little shopping downtown. If you’re a nature lover, feel free to skip Auckland and hit the road! While Auckland is a cool city, you likely aren’t traveling to New Zealand to spend time in a metropolitan setting – don’t stress about spending too much time here.
- Karangahake Gorge: This historic gorge was previously home to an old railway, and you will walk along some of the tracks throughout your trek. There are a few walking and biking paths to choose from, one of which will lead you to Owharoa falls. This veil-shaped waterfall is a bit off-the-beaten path but worth it for the walk through some lush jungle landscape.
- Hobbiton Movie Set: Embark on a journey to Middle-Earth, exploring the land of the Hobbits from the famous Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies. You can choose to experience the shire by booking either a walking tour, dinner banquet, or a second breakfast tour. All tours should be booked in advance, especially if you visit during the summer months. The Hobbiton movie set is a little out of the way from Karangahake Gorge and Mount Maunganui, so add an additional hour of drive time to your itinerary if you plan to stop here.
Mount Maunganui
You’ll make this coastal slice of paradise home for the evening. Mount Maunganui is located on a peninsula with a gorgeous stretch of beach and the extinct Mount Maunganui volcano at its tip. Stroll along the coast and watch surfers catch a wave.
If you’re up for something a bit more adventurous and looking to stave off jetlag, there’s a hike up the dormant volcano. The trek to the summit is a 4-mile loop trail that offers panoramic views of the town below. When you’re ready for dinner, grab a table at Fish Face and try the green mussels indigenous to New Zealand. Catch some much-needed z’s and, if you’re feeling up for it, wake up a little early the following day to catch one heck of a sunrise along the coast. Before you pack up and head to the cultural hub of New Zealand, enjoy a fantastic breakfast at Eighty Eight Cafe.
Where To Stay
- Apartment: Absolute Beach
- Motel: The Mission Belle Motel
- Apartment: Ocean Eleven 25
If you need a comprehensive packing list for all your travel needs, I’ve got you covered! I created the ultimate packing list for your upcoming adventures, including carry-on essentials, toiletries, clothing, and location-specific items.
Day 2 – Rotorua
Total Drive Time: 1 hour.
On your second day of the North Island New Zealand itinerary, you’ll venture to the region that hosts geothermal landscapes, a redwood forest, bubbling hot pools, and Māori cultural experiences. You’ll take in the captivating views of this diverse landscape on the ground, in a gondola lift, and even up amongst the trees.
Main Sights
- Whakarewarewa Redwoods Forest: Take a walk, go for a run, or bike through the majestic redwood forest on one of the several trails available for visitors. Each trail varies in distance, but they all offer a unique experience of wandering through this massive forest. Be sure to check out the Redwoods Treewalk, where you will explore the terrain by walking along suspension bridges between Redwoods and above the forest floor below. It is a magical experience at night as string lights guide you along the suspended path.
- Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: Wai-O-Tapu gives its visitors an up close and personal experience with Rotorua’s unique and colorful geothermal elements, including the world-famous Champagne Pool and Lady Knox Geyser. There are also numerous hot springs, mud pools, expansive vistas, and volcanic craters. Visitors can choose one or all three walks in the park, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
- Skyline Rotorua: Ascend over Rotorua in a gondola on your way to adventure and fun. When you arrive at the top, you have a variety of activities at your fingertips, including mountain biking, luging, ziplining, sky-swinging, and wine tasting.
- Volcanic Hills Winery: If you prefer to skip the adventurous activities and relax with a nice glass of wine, swing by Volcanic Hills Winery. They serve award-winning wines, including their standout Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, along with a tasty cheese platter. The tasting room is at the top of the gondola and has a lovely panoramic view of the town below.
- Māori Culture Experience: There are several opportunities in Rotorua to learn more about the famous Māori culture of New Zealand. If you’re looking to get a truly robust taste of the culture, book a reservation at Te Pa Tū (Previously Tamaki Māori Village). Visitors will enjoy a 4-hour event with a cultural welcome, a traditional three-course feast, captivating performances and stories, and insights into the history of the Māori. Some other options include Mitai Maori Village Cultural Experience and Te Puia.
Where To Stay
- Hotel: Pullman Rotorua
- Bed & Breakfast: B&B@The Redwoods
- Lodge: Solitaire Lodge
Final Thoughts
Just writing this post, I get the urge to book a flight and head back to New Zealand. I’d love the chance to commit more time to all the North Island has to offer. I’m not usually a beach kind of gal, but my first stop would be Cathedral Cove. Although our time there was brief, I left feeling like we got a great first taste of the North Island. If you’re visiting New Zealand and considering dedicating a few days to the North, I hope this New Zealand North Island itinerary post helps with your planning process.
Ready to dive into the South Island itinerary? Check out this extensive post to help you plan the next two weeks of your adventure!
Leave a Reply