North Island in 2 Weeks: New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary

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How to Get Around on this North Island 2-Week Itinerary

Travelling for two weeks on the North Island and looking for the perfect road trip itinerary? There are two main ways to get around the North Island using the recommended two-week North Island itinerary below: by car/campervan or by bus.

Renting a Car or Campervan for Two Weeks on the North Island

Renting a car or campervan is going to be the best way to squeeze everything you want into 14 days on the North Island. This means no waiting around for buses. Plus, you have the freedom to hit all the incredible North Island destinations listed below.

As a bonus, the itinerary below loops the North Island so you can return your rental car where you started. That means no expensive one-way fees!

We have more tips like that in our 20 Ways to Save Money on Car Rental in New Zealand.

For a complete comparison of car rental companies, check out The Best Car Rental Companies in Auckland and campervans in The Best Campervan Rental Companies in Auckland.

If you’re unsure about who and how to book, use the free online travel agent, First Light Travel, which you can find out more about at the bottom of this itinerary.

Bus Tours for Two Weeks on the North Island

For travellers who would rather let someone else do the driving, escorted bus tours are available to take you around the North Island with like-minded people. Tour companies that offer 12-14-day tours of the North Island, following an itinerary similar to the one featured below, are included in The Best 10-12-Day Tours of the North Island.

Find out more about New Zealand’s bus tours in How to Travel by Bus in New Zealand.

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Day 1 – Auckland Airport to Hahei

Drive time: 2 hrs 15 mins

You’ve arrived at Auckland Airport!

Once you have picked up your rental vehicle, jump straight into it and hit the road to Hahei in the Coromandel Peninsula.

Auckland Airport is south of the city, so save on drive time by heading south straight away and exploring the North Island. Don’t worry, you’ll see more of Auckland later.

For the first day of your road trip, check out some of the stunning coastal scenery and beaches of the North Island.

Things to Do in Hahei

• Hike to the famous Cathedral Cove and its beach with white cliffs and a giant coastal arch
• Take a boat tour with Hahei Explorer to Cathedral Cove
• Explore beaches and islands with Cathedral Cove Kayaks
• Go to Hot Water Beach at low tide to dig yourself a hot pool in the sand.

If you fancy doing some other stuff, check out the 20 Best Things to Do in the Coromandel.

Accommodation in Hahei

Check out the top Coromandel accommodations in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel and 15 Best Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel. Otherwise, here are our top picks in Hahei:

Budget:

• Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Hahei Holiday Resort
• Tatahi Back Packer

See more like this in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Coromandel.

Mid-range:

• The Church Accommodation
• Tatahi Lodge Beach Resort
• Hahei Beach Apartment

For more mid-range stays, take a look at the 15 Best Hotels & Resorts in the Coromandel.

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Day 2 – Hahei to Rotorua

Drive time: 3 hours

Your final destination today is Rotorua, famous for its geothermal and cultural experiences.

Before you get there, don’t miss the Karangahake Gorge, halfway through the drive. There are a number of walking tracks in the area, ranging from 45 minutes to 4 hours, going through a historic mining area taken back by the forest and the river. Walk through mining tunnels, through native forest, alongside mining relics and to magnificent waterfalls!

Plus, Lord of the Rings nerds can stop by the Hobbiton Movie Set for a tour around The Shire.

You’ll have time to explore Rotorua tomorrow. For now, get settled in your accommodation and head out for dinner on Eat Streat following recommendations in The Food Guide to Rotorua: Places to Eat & Food Tours.

Accommodation in Rotorua

Budget:

• Holdens Bay Holiday Park
• BKs Rotorua
• Rock Solid Backpackers

For more options, check out the 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Rotorua.

Mid-range:

• Kings On Peace
• Silver Fern Rotorua
• Aura Accommodation

See more stays in The 50 Best Accommodations in Rotorua.

Luxury:

• Pullman Rotorua
• Regent of Rotorua
• Ngamihi Lodge

More lavish finds are available in the 20 Best Luxury Accommodations in Rotorua. 

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Day 3 – Explore Rotorua

There is so much to do in and around Rotorua that we recommend staying here the whole day.

Have a rest from driving and do something awesome. Whether you want to immerse yourself in the Māori culture, see some wonderful geothermal parks, do an adrenaline activity or see some New Zealand wildlife, there’s something for every traveller in Rotorua!

Things to Do in Rotorua

• Relax in a natural geothermal hot pool. There are paid options, such as the Polynesian Spa (more info on Viator, Klook or KKday), or go find some of the 5 Free Natural Hot Pools in Rotorua
• See an evening cultural performance at one of the Māori attractions
• Go for a bite to eat on Eat Streat and beyond
• See the forest decorated on the Redwoods Treewalk
• Have a race on the night Luge at Skyline Gondola.

For more recommendations, check out the 25 Best Things to Do in Rotorua.

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Day 4 – Rotorua to Taupō

Drive time: 1 hour

Not too far from Rotorua is Taupō on the edge of New Zealand’s largest lake! Again, there really is a lot to do here!

If you want to skydive and/or bungy jump on the North Island, then Taupō is a great place to do it. Plus, there are plenty of options to get out on the lake, relax in hot pools, see raging waterfalls and more!

Things to Do in Taupō

• Take a trip out on New Zealand’s largest lake, whether it’s fishing, kayaking, sailing, cruising or parasailing
• Bungy jump over the Waikato River with Taupō Bungy
• Do a skydive with Taupō Tandem Skydive
• Go on a white water rafting trip on the Tongariro River with Tongariro River Rafting
• Walk along the Waikato River to a natural hot pool at Spa Park, then onto Huka Falls
• Sail to the Māori Rock Carvings with Sail Barbary (more info on Viator and Klook)…

… And that’s just the beginning! Check out the 20 Best Things to Do in Taupo for more ideas.

Accommodation in Taupō

Budget:

• Haka Lodge Taupo
• Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort
• Chevron Motel

Check out more options over at the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Taupō.

Mid-range:

• Millennium Hotel Lake Taupo
• Suncourt Hotel
• eMotel

For more, check out the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Taupō.

Luxury:

• Hilton Lake Taupo
• Huka Lodge
• Flying Trout Boutique Lodge

Discover more upscale finds in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Taupō.

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Day 5 – Taupo to Tongariro National Park

Drive time: 1 hr 15 mins

Get up early and drive to the Tongariro National Park to do the Tongariro Crossing, New Zealand’s most popular day hike over the volcanic plateau with lots of geothermal sights.

Otherwise, take your time getting to the Tongariro National Park and enjoy one of the shorter hikes in the area, still giving fantastic views of the Central North Island volcanoes.

You also have the option of mountain biking or even skiing on the Whakapapa ski field in winter.

For the Tongariro National Park, we recommend staying in either Waimarino (formerly National Park Village) or Whakapapa Village.

Things to Do in Tongariro National Park

• Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, taking you over the volcanoes of the central North Island. The 6-8-hour hike is one-way and requires some planning in terms of transport and keeping safe; take a look at our Guide to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing to work out a plan
• Ski or snowboard at Whakapapa Ski Field in winter
• Choose from other hikes in Tongariro National Park, such as Tawhai Falls, Silica Rapids and Taranaki Falls
• Discover the birthplace of the Haka at the historical Opotaka.

We have many more ideas in the 15 Best Things to Do in the Tongariro National Park if these aren’t your thing.

Accommodation in Waimarino

Budget:

• National Park Backpackers
• Howards Mountain Lodge
• The Crossing Backpackers

See more options in the 10 Best Hostels in Waimarino (National Park Village) & Whakapapa.

Mid-range:

• Plateau Lodge
• The Park Hotel
• Tongariro Crossing Lodge

For more options, get in touch with First Light Travel, which has access to more than 20,000 providers!

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Day 6 – Tongariro National Park to the Ruahine Forest Park

Drive time: 2 hours

The mission today is to spend some time in the New Zealand wilderness.

Ruahine Forest Park is an awesome place to do that and a locals’ favourite! There are a few different wilderness lodges and camping options in the Ruahine Forest Park, as well as activities from hikes to horse riding to white water rafting.

To break up the journey, stop in Ohakune for a coffee or check out the Mangawhero Walking Track to walk in the forests at the base of Mt Ruapehu.

Your final destination today will be at one of the accommodation options listed below. You’ll get more time to explore the area or do an activity there tomorrow.

Accommodation in the Ruahine Ranges

Budget:

• River Valley Lodge

Mid-range:

• Makoura Lodge
• Historic Shearers Quarters
• Mairenui Rural Retreat

For more options, get in touch with First Light Travel, which has access to more than 20,000 providers!

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Day 7 – Explore Ruahine Forest Park

It’s time to relax/go wild in the Ruahine Forest Park!

Whatever your bag is, you could do some white water rafting or horse riding at River Valley, horse riding, 4x4ing or claybird shooting at Makoura Lodge, or hiking in the Ruahine Ranges.

Alternatively, relax at your farmstay to get a taste of Kiwi life.

Things to Do in the Ruahine Ranges

• Go white water rafting with River Valley
• Horse trek through the stunning landscape with River Valley Stables or Makoura Lodge
• Hike one of the many Ruahine tracks listed in the 25 Awesome Hikes Around Palmerston North.

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Day 8 – Ruahine Forest Park to Wellington

Drive time: 3 hrs 20 mins

Your final destination today is the capital city of New Zealand! However, we recommend breaking up the drive by stopping along the Kapiti Coast, full of beaches and walks to check out!

Walk over a sand dune walkway at Queen Elizabeth Park or relax on Pekapeka Beach. There’s plenty more to discover in the 10 Best Things to Do on the Kapiti Coast.

Once you reach Wellington, you have the evening to enjoy the eateries and nightlife of the capital city! You’ll have more time to explore Wellington on the way back up north.

Accommodation in Wellington

Budget:

• Microtel by Wyndham Wellington
• The Marion Hostel
• Trinity Hotel

Need more options? Head to the 15 Best Budget Accommodations in Wellington.

Mid-range:

• Willis Village
• U Boutique Hotel
• Quest on Thorndon

Check out The 50 Best Accommodations for all of your best options.

Luxury:

• InterContinental Wellington
• Rydges Wellington
• Sofitel Wellington

See more stays in the 15 Best Luxury Accommodations in Wellington.

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Day 9 – Wellington to Whanganui

Drive time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Take some time this morning to explore the sights of Wellington, such as the Te Papa Museum, the Botanic Gardens or the Weta Workshop, before making the drive to Whanganui later this afternoon.

Things to Do in Wellington

• Visit the Te Papa Museum to learn everything there is to know about New Zealand
• Go to Zealandia to see native New Zealand wildlife
• Do a self-guided Lord of the Rings tour or be guided by Xplor Tours
• Tour the city sights of Wellington from the Waterfront to Cuba Street to the Botanic Gardens to Mt Victoria. Find out more in our One Day in Wellington: City Walking Tour Itinerary.

And there’s a lot more to do in Wellington, so wise up with our 25 Best Things to Do in Wellington.

Accommodation in Whanganui

Your final destination is the city of Whanganui, so find a place to stay using the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Whanganui. Or you might like one of these:

Budget:

• Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Riverview Motel
• Braemar House

Check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Whanganui for more ideas.

Mid-range:

• Anndion Lodge Motel
• 151 On London Motel
• The Avenue Hotel

Get more inspiration from the 20 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Whanganui.

Luxury:

• Rutland Arms Inn
• Aotea Motor Lodge
• Browns Boutique Bed & Breakfast

Find alternative upscale stays in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodations in Whanganui.

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Day 10 – Whanganui to Stratford

Drive time: 1 hr 30 mins

On today’s drive, you’ll get to see the wild west coast of the Taranaki region as you make your way up to Stratford.

Stratford is on the edge of the Egmont National Park with the impressive Mt Taranaki at its centre.

The town gives good access to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre and the Stratford Plateau on Mt Taranaki, giving you a great deal of walking and hiking options through enchanted forests to waterfalls and volcano views!

Things to Do in Stratford

• See the town centre Glockenspiel that performs at 10 am, 1 pm, 3 pm and 7 pm
• Do the Wilkies Pools Loop Track and Dawson Falls Track
• Take a stroll around King Edward Park
• Step back in time at Pioneer Village
• Check out the Percy Thomson Gallery.

For more recommendations, head to the 10 Best Things to Do in Stratford and the 10 Best Things to Do in Egmont National Park.

Accommodation in Stratford

Budget:

• Stratford Motel and Holiday Park
• Regan House

Mid-range:

• Amity Court Motel
• Antonio Mews Motel
• Brecon Pond Bed & Breakfast

Luxury:

• Platinum Lodge
• The Old Eltham Post Office

For more options, get in touch with First Light Travel, which has access to more than 20,000 providers!

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Day 11 – Stratford to Waitomo

Drive time: 3 hrs 15 mins

Now it’s time for an ironically unforgettable journey through the Forgotten World Highway. Fill up with fuel before delving into this historical and isolated part of the North Island.

You will get breathtaking views of Mt Taranaki as you leave Stratford. Stop by the Republic of Whangamomona and get your passport stamped. After that, you will go through old tunnels (or over them if you are too scared), as well as through the wild and wonderful Tangarakau Gorge.

There are plenty of photo opportunities along the way. You can find a few in our 10 Places You Can’t Miss on the Forgotten World Highway.

After a long drive to Waitomo, just relax in Waitomo in one of these affordable accommodations.

Accommodation in Waitomo

Budget:

• Juno Hall Backpackers
• Waitomo TOP 10 Holiday Park
• Waitomo Caves Guest Lodge

Learn more in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Waitomo.

Mid-range:

• Abseil Inn
• Waitomo Orchard Estate B&B
• Woodlyn Park Motel

See more options in the 10 Best Hotels & Places to Stay in Waitomo.

© Tourism Holdings - Tourism New Zealand

Day 12 – Explore Waitomo

Now you have the whole day to enjoy one or more of the epic glowworm and caving activities in Waitomo.

Join one of the caving operators in Waitomo, throw on a sexy wetsuit and tube/abseil/climb your way through the glowworm caves!

There are a few walks in the area too if you are still feeling active.

Things to Do in Waitomo

• Explore the Waitomo caves with one of the 10 Best Waitomo Cave Tours
• Do a walking tour of the Ruakuri Cave or the Waitomo Glowworm Caves
• Do the Ruakuri Bush Walk at night to see glowworms
• Go on a caving adventure with Waitomo Adventures, The Legendary Black Water Rafting Co. or Cave World Waitomo.

Check out the 15 Best Things to Do in Waitomo for more recommendations.

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Day 13 – Waitomo to Auckland

Drive time: 2 hrs 30 mins

Take your time driving up to your final destination on this four-week itinerary of New Zealand.

There are a lot of quirky little towns to stop by on the way like Otorohanga with the best public toilets in New Zealand and the Ed Hillary Walkway in the centre of town.

For a bit of nature, do one of the short walks of the Pirongia Forest Park, or revel in what people can do with nature at the Hamilton Gardens.

You’ll then reach Auckland city where you can relax tonight at one of the harbour eateries or on top of the tallest building in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sky Tower (more info on Viator and Klook).

We’ll give you more ideas on what to do in Auckland tomorrow, but if you have time, you can fit in some activities this evening.

Accommodation in Auckland

Budget:

• ibis budget Auckland Central
• Empire Apartments
• Attic Backpackers

More cheap stays can be found in the 20 Best Budget Accommodations in Auckland.

Mid-range:

• SkyCity Hotel Auckland
• Auckland City Hotel
• Ramada Suites Victoria Street West

There’s a lot more where that came from in The 50 Best Accommodations in Auckland!

Luxury:

• SO/ Auckland
• The Hotel Britomart
• voco Auckland City Centre

See more stays in the 25 Best Luxury Hotels & Accommodations in Auckland.

© Unsplash

Day 14 – Explore Auckland + Departure

Drive time: 45 minutes

For your final day in New Zealand, why not have one last day of wild beauty by taking the ferry to one of the off-shore islands, like Rangitoto, Waiheke or Tiritiri Matangi?

Alternatively, this could be your last chance to do a skydive in New Zealand with Skydive Auckland or jump from the Sky Tower.

You can even cruise out into the harbour searching for whales and dolphins with Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari (more info on Viator and Klook).

Auckland really has a lot to offer!

Things to Do in Auckland

• See T-rexes and Māori artefacts at the Auckland Museum (more info on Viator and Klook)
• Walk up the volcanic Rangitoto Island
• Drink wine and be merry on Waiheke Island
• Jump off the Sky Tower with the SkyJump or walk around the top of it with the SkyWalk
• Walk to Mt Eden for some city views.

And the list continues over at the 50 Best Things to Do in Auckland.

Departure from Auckland Airport

Then, it’s time to return your rental car and head to Auckland Airport for the next step of life’s adventure. You can either return your vehicle at your vehicle rental company’s Auckland Airport depot and then the company will likely provide a free shuttle to your requested terminal.

Alternatively, you can return your vehicle to the Auckland city depot (perhaps on Day 13) and take an airport transfer to the airport – take a look at The Cheapest Airport Transfers for Auckland Airport for recommendations.

© First Light Travel

Plan This Itinerary with First Light Travel

If you like this two-week North Island itinerary but don’t like the hassle of planning everything yourself, then there’s a way to lighten the load. First Light Travel is an online travel agent specialising in self-drive itineraries in New Zealand at no extra cost to you. Plus, using their service is super simple:

• First, send First Light Travel an enquiry by completing their online form
• Then, you’ll receive your customised self-drive itinerary
• Review your itinerary and work with your First Light Travel agent on perfecting it
• Finally, First Light Travel will organise the rest, including the bookings.

Plan Your Itinerary With First Light Travel

First Light Travel has access to more than 20,000 travel products, including almost all the tours and accommodations featured on this list (and more).

With that and their local expertise here in New Zealand, they will create a well-catered itinerary to meet your needs while also suggesting some dream travel experiences that you may have never heard of. They only work with companies where their past clients have had positive experiences, so you know you’re in good hands.

What’s more, all of the bookings are arranged by First Light Travel, so instead of having to contact each individual accommodation and operator should your travel plans change, any amendments can be done through your FLT agent – easy! Did we mention the service is at no extra cost to you?!

For more information on planning your own New Zealand itinerary, see How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary. Or better yet, jump on firstlighttravel.com and start making your own itinerary there.