Picture-perfect volcanoes, boiling geysers, pristine beaches, magical caves and much more awaits you on this awesome New Zealand North itinerary. Click for Luxury, Mid-range or Budget. Here is a highlights video, and here’s your New Zealand North itinerary:
| Luxury |  |
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| 1 | โTo Auckland (Book >) | Dep: Evening | ๐จ In flight! | ||
| 2-3 | Arr: Morning | ๐จHotel DeBrett (Book >) | All hotels > | ||
| Once you’ve left your luggage at the hotel, head to the docks and take the ferry to Waiheke Island for a vineyard visit, or Rangitoto island for some excellent hiking or sea kayaking. When you get back head up the Sky Tower. | If you’re from a visa waiver country you don’t need to apply until you arrive in New Zealand | ||||
| 4 | ๐Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula drive (Hire car >) | Dep: 09:30 | Arr: 12:00 | ๐จDriving Creek Villas (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Set off after rush hour and, once you arrive in Coromandel, continue on to Hot Water Beach where you can dig a pool in the sand and luxuriate in the hot water. Nearby is the picturesque Cathedral Cove. Back at the villa, leave the car and walk up the road to embark on the Driving Creek Railway. | You must park in the direction of the traffic flow in New Zealand, otherwise you’ll get a fine. | ||||
| 5 | ๐Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua drive ๐Rotorua to Taupo drive |
Dep: 09:00 Dep: 17:30 |
Arr: 12:00 Arr: 19:30 |
๐จTauhara Sunrise Lodge (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Head south to steaming, sulphurous Rotorua. Here you can see geysers and hot mud pools, as well as start getting to know Mฤori culture. On the drive down to Taupo, stop off at Kerosene Creek where you can bathe in a naturally-heated stream. | Get changed into swimming things in one of the Rotorua bathrooms – there aren’t any facilities at Kerosene Creek (which is free to enter). | ||||
| 6 | ๐Taupo to Napier drive | Dep: 10:00 | Arr: 12:15 | ๐จMangapapa (Book >) | All hotels > |
| In the morning visit dramatic Huka Falls, then journey to the wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. You’ll arrive in time to enjoy a tour of the vineyards. | Give yourself plenty of time to get between destinations – you’ll want to stop frequently for beautiful views. | ||||
| 7 | ๐Napier to Wellington drive | Dep: 09:00 | Arr: 13:30 | ๐จEdgewater Lodge (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Te Papa is worth the drive to Wellington alone. Once you’ve enjoyed a couple of hours at this museum, you have plenty more to see, including a walk along the charming waterfront to Oriental Bay, a Weta Studios tour, a ride on the cable from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn. Cuba Street comes alive at night and is a good place to hunt down a restaurant. | Fuel stations are few between towns and cities – fill up before setting off. | ||||
| 8 | ๐Wellington to New Plymouth drive | Dep: 14:00 | Arr: 19:00 | ๐จAhu Ahu Beach Villas (Book >) | All hotels > |
| No doubt you ran out of time to see the sights yesterday, so there’s more time to see more of Wellington today before the long drive to the Ahu Ahu Beach Villas near New Plymouth. | The Department of Conversation provides a wealth of info on hiking. | ||||
| 9 | ๐New Plymouth to Tongariro drive | Dep: 15:00 | Arr: 19:00 | ๐จChateau Tongariro (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Get up early and head for the hiking trails around the breathtaking Mt Taranaki volcano. In the afternoon take Highway 3 to Midhirst, then the Highway 43 through the gorgeous scenery to Tongariro. | The Tongariro Visitor Centre can store your luggage for a small fee. | ||||
| 10 | Book your shuttle bus from Whakapapa Village to and from the Tongariro Crossing in advance. Considered one of the best hikes in the world, the Tongariro Crossing requires a full day and a decent level of fitness. | Keep an eye on the weather before setting out and time your walk accordingly. | |||
| 11 | ๐Tongariro to Waitomo drive | Dep: 09:00 | Arr: 11:30 | ๐จWaitomo Boutique Lodge (Book >) | All hotels > |
| You are in for a real treat today. Black Water Rafting isn’t as scary as it sounds, in fact it involves a sedate float on tubes through caves adorned with constellations of glow worms. | Invest in a dry bag or waterproof camera to try and capture images of the incredible glow worm caves. | ||||
| 12 | ๐Waitomo to Piha drive ๐Piha to Paihia drive |
Dep: 09:00 Dep: 14:00 |
Arr: 12:30 Arr: 18:00 |
๐จChalet Romantica (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Break up the long drive to Kerikeri with a stop at amazing Piha Beach, setting of the film The Piano and a favourite for surfers. | You’re likely to encounter some Mฤori language. Learn a few basic words here. | ||||
| 13 | Take to the water in the magnificent Bay of Islands on a kayak tour (where you also have the option of staying overnight, camping by the beach). | Make sure that your insurance covers you for the various adventures sports on offer here. | |||
| 14 | ๐Paihia to Cape Reinga drive ๐Cape Reinga to Waipoua Lodge drive |
Dep: 09:00 Dep: 14:00 |
Arr: 12:00 Arr: 18:00 |
๐จWaipoua Lodge (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua is at the northernmost tip of New Zealand and is where Maori spirits begin their final journey. It offers incredible views of the crashing sea from the lighthouse. On your way to/from here you may want to have a go at sandboarding at the Te Paki dunes. | You can hire boards at the Te Paki dunes, but be sure to shop around for the best price and best condition equipment. | ||||
| 15 | ๐Waipoua Lodge to Auckland drive | Dep: 10:00 | Arr: 13:30 | ๐จHotel DeBrett (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Back to where your adventure began and plenty of time today to see anything you missed on days 2-3 of this New Zealand North itinerary. | The red city circuit bus offers a free hop on hop off service around Auckland city centre every 10 minutes. | ||||
| 16-17 | โAuckland to home (Book >) | Dep: Evening | Arr: Morning (next day) | Connect this New Zealand North itinerary with the New Zealand South, Australia or Fiji & Samoa itinerary | |
| Book your shuttle to the airport. | |||||
| Mid-range |  |
||||
| 1 | โTo Auckland (Book >) | Dep: Evening | ๐จ In flight! | ||
| 2-3 | Arr: Morning | ๐จHaka Hotel Suites (Book >) | All hotels > | ||
| Once you’ve left your luggage at the hotel, head to the docks and take the ferry to Waiheke Island for a vineyard visit, or Rangitoto island for some excellent hiking or sea kayaking. When you get back head up the Sky Tower. | If you’re from a visa waiver country you don’t need to apply until you arrive in New Zealand | ||||
| 4 | ๐Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula drive (Hire car >) | Dep: 09:30 | Arr: 12:00 | ๐จAndrea’s (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Set off after rush hour and, once you arrive in Coromandel, continue on to Hot Water Beach where you can dig a pool in the sand and luxuriate in the hot water. Nearby is the picturesque Cathedral Cove. Drive on to Driving Creek for the Driving Creek Railway. | You must park in the direction of the traffic flow in New Zealand, otherwise you’ll get a fine. | ||||
| 5 | ๐Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua drive ๐Rotorua to Taupo drive |
Dep: 09:00 Dep: 17:30 |
Arr: 12:00 Arr: 19:30 |
๐จThe Reef Resort (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Head south to steaming, sulphurous Rotorua. Here you can see geysers and hot mud pools, as well as start getting to know Mฤori culture. On the drive down to Taupo, stop off at Kerosene Creek where you can bathe in a naturally-heated stream. | Get changed into swimming things in one of the Rotorua bathrooms – there aren’t any facilities at Kerosene Creek (which is free to enter). | ||||
| 6 | ๐Taupo to Napier drive | Dep: 10:00 | Arr: 12:15 | ๐จThe Crown Hotel (Book >) | All hotels > |
| In the morning visit dramatic Huka Falls, then journey to the wine-producing region of Hawke’s Bay. You’ll arrive in time to enjoy a tour of the vineyards. | Give yourself plenty of time to get between destinations – you’ll want to stop frequently for beautiful views. | ||||
| 7 | ๐Napier to Wellington drive | Dep: 09:00 | Arr: 13:30 | ๐จU Residence Hotel Wellington (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Te Papa is worth the drive to Wellington alone. Once you’ve enjoyed a couple of hours at this museum, you have plenty more to see, including a walk along the charming waterfront to Oriental Bay, a Weta Studios tour, a ride on the cable from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn. Cuba Street comes alive at night and is a good place to hunt down a restaurant. | Fuel stations are few between towns and cities – fill up before setting off. | ||||
| 8 | ๐Wellington to New Plymouth drive | Dep: 14:00 | Arr: 19:00 | ๐จOne Burgess Hillย (Book >) | All hotels > |
| No doubt you ran out of time to see the sights yesterday, so there’s more time to see more of Wellington today before the long drive to the Ahu Ahu Beach Villas near New Plymouth. | The Department of Conversation provides a wealth of info on hiking. | ||||
| 9 | ๐New Plymouth to Tongariro drive | Dep: 15:00 | Arr: 18:30 | ๐จChateau Tongariro (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Get up early and head for the hiking trails around the breathtaking Mt Taranaki volcano. In the afternoon take Highway 3 to Midhirst, then the Highway 43 through the gorgeous scenery to Tongariro. | The Tongariro Visitor Centre can store your luggage for a small fee. | ||||
| 10 | Book your shuttle bus from Whakapapa Village to and from the Tongariro Crossing in advance. Considered one of the best hikes in the world, the Tongariro Crossing requires a full day and a decent level of fitness. | Keep an eye on the weather before setting out and time your walk accordingly. | |||
| 11 | ๐Tongariro to Waitomo drive | Dep: 09:00 | Arr: 11:30 | ๐จWaitomo Caves Guest Lodge (Book >) | All hotels > |
| You are in for a real treat today. Black Water Rafting isn’t as scary as it sounds, in fact it involves a sedate float on tubes through caves adorned with constellations of glow worms. | Invest in a dry bag or waterproof camera to try and capture images of the incredible glow worm caves. | ||||
| 12 | ๐Waitomo to Piha drive ๐Piha to Paihia drive |
Dep: 09:00 Dep: 14:00 |
Arr: 12:30 Arr: 18:00 |
๐จAbri Apartments (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Break up the long drive to Kerikeri with a stop at amazing Piha Beach, setting of the film The Piano and a favourite for surfers. | You’re likely to encounter some Mฤori language. Learn a few basic words here. | ||||
| 13 | Take to the water in the magnificent Bay of Islands on a kayak tour (where you also have the option of staying overnight, camping by the beach). | Before embarking on this New Zealand North itinerary make sure that your insurance covers you for the various adventures sports on offer here. | |||
| 14 | ๐Paihia to Cape Reinga drive ๐Cape Reinga to Whangarei drive |
Dep: 09:00 Dep: 14:00 |
Arr: 12:00 Arr: 18:00 |
๐จLupton Lodge (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua is at the northernmost tip of New Zealand and is where Maori spirits begin their final journey. It offers incredible views of the crashing sea from the lighthouse. On your way to/from here you may want to have a go at sandboarding at the Te Paki dunes. | You can hire boards at the Te Paki dunes, but be sure to shop around for the best price and best condition equipment. | ||||
| 15 | ๐Waipoua Lodge to Auckland drive | Dep: 10:00 | Arr: 13:30 | ๐จHaka Hotel Suites (Book >) | All hotels > |
| Back to where your adventure began and plenty of time today to see anything you missed on days 2-3 of this New Zealand North itinerary. | The red city circuit bus offers a free hop on hop off service around Auckland city centre every 10 minutes. | ||||
| 16-17 | โAuckland to home (Book >) | Dep: Evening | Arr: Morning (next day) | Connect this New Zealand North itinerary with the New Zealand South, Australia or Fiji & Samoa itinerary | |
| Book your shuttle to the airport. | |||||
| Budget |  |
||||
| 1 | โTo Auckland (Book >) | Dep: Evening | ๐จ In flight! | ||
| 2-3 | Arr: Morning | ๐จHaka Lodge (Book >) | All hostels > | ||
| Once you’ve left your luggage at the lodge, head to the docks and take the ferry to Waiheke Island for a vineyard visit, or Rangitoto island for some excellent hiking or sea kayaking. When you get back head up the Sky Tower. | If you’re from a visa waiver country you don’t need to apply until you arrive in New Zealand | ||||
| 4 | ๐Auckland to Thames bus ๐Thames to Whitianga bus (Book >) |
Dep: 07:50 Dep: 09:55 |
Arr: 09:40 Arr: 12:10 |
๐จTurtle Cove (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Once you arrive in Whitianga on the Coromandel Peninsula, take the shuttle to Hot Water Beach where you can dig a pool in the sand and luxuriate in the hot water. Continue on to the picturesque Cathedral Cove. | The shuttle service is a small company, so be sure to book in advance (it’s also cheaper when you travel with more people). | ||||
| 5 | ๐Whitianga to Thames bus ๐Thames to Tauranga bus (Book >) |
Dep: 12:25 Dep: 14:20 |
Arr: 14:00 Arr: 16:10 |
๐จArtHouse Accommodation (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Journey to the lovely seaside town of Tauranga. | There is a bus to Rotorua today at 17:10 if you don’t fancy an early start tomorrow. | ||||
| 6 | ๐Tauranga to Rotorua bus (Book >) ๐Rotorua to Taupo bus (Book >) |
Dep: 07:10 Dep: 13:00 |
Arr: 08:35 Arr: 14:00 |
๐จFinlay Jacks Backpackers (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Head south to steaming, sulphurous Rotorua. Here you can see geysers and hot mud pools, as well as start getting to know Mฤori culture. In the afternoon visit dramatic Huka Falls near Taupo. | If you don’t want to pay to see the Te Puia hot springs and geysers, there are plenty to see around town for free. | ||||
| 7 | ๐Taupo to Napier bus (Book >) | Dep: 13:05 | Arr: 15:10 | ๐จToad Hall Backpackers (Book >) | All hostels > |
| On arrival into Napier hire a bicycle and visit some Hawke’s Bay vineyards. | Church Road and Mission Estate wineries are just 16km away. | ||||
| 8 | ๐Napier to Wellington bus (Book >) | Dep: 07:45 | Arr: 13:30 | ๐จThe Marion (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Te Papa is worth the journey to Wellington alone. Once you’ve enjoyed a couple of hours at this museum, you have plenty more to see, including a walk along the charming waterfront to Oriental Bay, a Weta Studios tour, a ride on the cable from Lambton Quay up to Kelburn. Cuba Street comes alive at night and is a good place to hunt down a restaurant. | If you’re in Wellington at the weekend then the food market off of Cuba Street offers great food on a budget. | ||||
| 9 | ๐Wellington to National Parkย bus (Book >) ๐National Park to Whakapapa Village transferย (Book >) |
Dep: 07:45 Dep: 14:00 |
Arr: 13:19 Arr: 14:15 |
๐จMangatepopo Hut (Book >) | |
| Once you arrive into National Park leave the bulk of your luggage with your hostel for night 11, then take the shuttle to Whakapapa Village and begin the Tongrariro Crossing, starting with a walk to Mangatepopo. | The Tongariro Visitor Centre can store your luggage for a small fee. | ||||
| 11 | ๐Ketetahi to National Park transfer (Book >) | Dep: 14:30 | Arr: 15:00 | ๐จPlateau Lodge (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Today you’ll continue on the famous Tongariro Crossing. Book your return shuttle in advance. | Wear plenty of sunscreen โ the sun is strong in NZ. | ||||
| 12 | ๐National Park to Waitomo Township bus (Book >) | Dep: 13:20 | Arr: 15:50 | ๐จYHA Waitomo Juno Hall (Book >) | All hostels > |
| You are in for a real treat today. Black Water Rafting isn’t as scary as it sounds, in fact it involves a sedate float on tubes through caves adorned with constellations of glow worms. The last tour leaves at 16:00. | Consider becoming a YHA member to save 10% on each YHA stay. | ||||
| 13 | ๐Waitomo to Auckland bus (Book >) ๐Auckland to Paihia bus (Book >) |
Dep: 11:47 Dep: 17:30 |
Arr: 14:45 Arr: 21:29 |
๐จThe Pickled Parrot (Book >) | All hostels > |
| Leave your luggage at the bus station and take in more of Auckland’s sights before continuing on to Paihia. | You’re likely to encounter some Mฤori language. Learn a few basic words here. | ||||
| 14 | Take to the water in the magnificent Bay of Islands on a kayak tour (where you also have the option of staying overnight, camping by the beach). | Before embarking on this New Zealand North itinerary sure that your insurance covers you for the various adventures sports on offer here. | |||
| 15 | Book a day trip to Cape Reinga/Te Rerenga Wairua at the northernmost tip of New Zealand and where Maori spirits begin their final journey. On the way you’ll stop off at Ninety Mile Beach. | You can hire boards at the Te Paki dunes, but be sure to shop around for the best price and best condition equipment. | |||
| 16-17 | ๐Paihia to Auckland bus (Book >) โAuckland to home (Book >) |
Dep: 10:15 Dep: Evening |
Arr: 14:40 Arr: Morning (next day) |
Connect this New Zealand North itinerary with the New Zealand South, Australia or Fiji & Samoa itinerary | |
| Book your shuttle to the airport. | |||||
A Plan To Go 