Best of New Zealand's North Island

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around North Island
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Check out the thermal lakes in Rotorua
Map of New Zealand's North Island Adventure - 7 Days
New Zealand's North Island Adventure - 7 Days

This self-drive itinerary hits the highlights of New Zealand's North Island with a wide array of activities and landscapes. Along the way, you'll explore Auckland's best neighborhoods, sip pours from local wineries, go swimming and kayaking, and take part in Rotorua's geothermal treatments and Maori culture—all within the span of a week.

View of Mount Ngauruhoe  from the Tongariro Alpine Crossing in Tongariro National Park
Map of New Zealand's North Island - 7 Days
New Zealand's North Island - 7 Days

Explore the beauty of New Zealand's North Island, from the foodie's haven of Wellington to stunning Tongariro National Park. This seven-day tour starts in Wellington and ends in Auckland, with a variety of local activities including hiking, visiting Lord of the Rings' filming locations, touring wine country, and spotting local wildlife.

Cathedral Cove
Map of New Zealand: North Island Family Adventure - 10 Days
New Zealand: North Island Family Adventure - 10 Days

This family-friendly adventure takes you along the North Island highlights of New Zealand in 10 days. Begin in Auckland to do some sightseeing, and enjoy a wildlife adventure at Kelly Tarlton's Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter. Then, drive to the Coromandel Peninsula to tour the beaches, coves, and gorges. Next is Rotorua, the geothermal city, to discover the Buried Village, Wai-O-Tapu, and Hells Gate Geothermal Park. Enjoy some outdoor thrills in the activities capital of Taupo, an enriching visit to Te Papa National Museum in Wellington, and so much more on this all-ages tour.

Discover New Zealand along the Rimutaka Trail
Map of New Zealand North Island Self-Drive & Cycling Tour - 10 Days
New Zealand North Island Self-Drive & Cycling Tour - 10 Days

This self-drive itinerary covers the highlights of New Zealand's North Island, from Auckland to Wellington. Along the way, you will park your car and switch to your mountain bike to ride unique cycling trails covering historic logging and railway routes, through dramatic landscapes of native bush, volcanoes, and mountains.

Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom)
Map of New Zealand: 'Middle Earth' Family Tour of the North Island - 10 Days
New Zealand: 'Middle Earth' Family Tour of the North Island - 10 Days

On this 10-day, family-friendly tour of the “Middle Earth” region of New Zealand, made famous by The Lord of the Rings (LOTR) trilogy, enjoy some of the best filming grounds, and plenty of adventure along the way. Discover Auckland and the landscapes of the beautiful Waitakere Ranges, and then head to Matamata for a visit to The Hobbit film site. Visit the Kiwi House and explore Waitomo’s glowworms, rivers, and caverns. Explore Tongariro National Park, home to LOTR’s Mt Doom, and enjoy a flight over Whakapapa Village. Visit more memorable filming locations out of Wellington, and cap off the trip by playing hobbit for a day at Weta Workshop.

Tauranga
Map of North Island Adventure: Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wellington, & More - 14 Days
North Island Adventure: Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Tauranga, Rotorua, Wellington, & More - 14 Days

Enjoy two weeks in the North Island of New Zealand on this tour of six different destinations. Begin in Auckland to do some sightseeing, stroll historic neighborhoods, and embark on a day trip to Waiheke Island. Next, head to the Coromandel Peninsula to discover the stunning coves, gorges, and beaches. Then, head to Tauranga for a glowworm cave excursion via kayak, followed by three days in the geothermal city known as Rotorua. Stay on a family farm in Mairenui, and spend two days in Wellington touring museums, parliamentary buildings, and more.

Fiordland National Park
Map of Highlights of New Zealand - 10 Days
Highlights of New Zealand - 10 Days

This action-packed itinerary dives into New Zealand's South and North Islands for a wide variety of landscapes and attractions. Kicking off in the adrenaline capital of the world, you'll kayak through the Milford Sound, explore the scenic capital (Wellington), take part in Rotorua's geothermal treatments, tour Hobbiton, and finish the adventure in the cosmopolitan city of Auckland.

Reflection of Mount Cook on a hidden tarn in Aoraki Mount Cook National Park
Map of New Zealand Cities, Parks & Mountains - 12 Days
New Zealand Cities, Parks & Mountains - 12 Days

This 12-day tour features a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Explore New Zealand's cities, mountain landscapes, native bush, and beaches. Begin in Wellington working your way through parks and vineyards to Christchurch and to the mountains and fjords of Mount Cook and Milford Sound, ending your stay in Queenstown.

Other popular travel destinations in New Zealand
Auckland · Queenstown (NZ) · Rotorua · Christchurch · Wellington · Wānaka · Kaikoura · South Island · Picton