If you are looking for the perfect New Zealand North Island itinerary then keep reading!
Written by contributor blog writer - Syd Abroad
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 best of the North Island of New Zealand.
Keep reading to discover a curated one-week North Island New Zealand itinerary with all of the must-visit destinations on the island. I recently traveled around the North Island of New Zealand with Kiwi Experience on their Northern Round-Up hop-on hop-off bus pass, and it was incredible! Alright, let’s get into the itinerary.
The Perfect 7-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary
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 Peninsula
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. You can also go kayaking to the famous Cathedral Cove!
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 renowned for its natural hot pools you can dig on your own in the sand. It’s such a fun (and unique) activity!
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 various tours you can book and Kiwi Experience makes it easy to secure your spot on a tour!
You can do everything from a short walk through the caves to a ziplining 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.
I booked the Black Labyrinth Tour and it was absolutely incredible. I couldn’t recommend it enough! I booked everything through the trip planner on Kiwi Experience. Our bus driver helped with bookings and made it a breeze.
Day 4: 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. Kiwi Experience stops here on the way from Waitomo to Rotorua, and you can book tickets ahead of time on your Kiwi Experience trip planner.
Day 5: Rotorua
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.
Day 6: Taupo
In Taupo you can see the stunning Huka Falls, walk the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, go bungee jumping, and even visit the “world’s coolest McDonald’s” and eat your burger on an airplane. Yes, an actual airplane!
Taupo is known for its massive lake (the largest lake in New Zealand) There are all sorts of water spots you can do on the lake and I definitely suggest a sunset sail to see the Maori rock carvings.
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, take a 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.
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.
For more travel tips and guides on solo travelling all around the world - visit sydabroad.com
