New Zealand North Island 14 Day Itinerary

Our Trip

We were travelling to New Zealand so that my partner could compete in a Hockey Tournament in Wellington. Why not add a week or so to the trip? His suggestion, which I ran with.

My mission became - "How much can we fit in without being ridiculous?". You know those trips. Where people literally do a drive through of a place to tick it off a list. 

The goal was to make it a fun trip with some of our favourite things thrown in.

  • Hiking and adventure
  • Incredible Scenery
  • Natural wonders
  • Not much time in big cities (that one is Ken's - he is not a fan of the metro)

With those goals in mind, and a couple of non-negotiables to consider, I started my research. We needed to fly into Auckland and we needed to be in Wellington by a set date and for a set number of days. Without those constraints there would have been a few more of the "Things we missed" list you can see at the bottom of the page. There is always next time. New Zealand is definitely beckoning us back.

Highlights

The pick of our activities was definitely the zip lining trip with Rotorua Canopy Tours. Our guides were hilarious, and the zip lining through the canopy was absolutely sensational. Ken is actually scared of heights, so I was a bit worried how he would handle this one. He LOVED it. We almost did a second zip line in the afternoon - that is how good it was. 

Then there was our Kayak trip on Lake Rotomahana. The Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour through Paddle Board Rotorua was a standout. I was covered in midge bites for the rest of our trip, but I would go back and do this paddle again without a doubt (next time with a really strong insect repellent in my pack).

 The Tongariro Alpine Crossing was incredible. The sparse volcanic landscape is something to behold. The 19.4km walk  is relatively flat to Soda Springs with one short climb. This is followed by a steep, open climb to the Red Crater, then another steep climb to Emerald Lakes. The descent to emerald lakes is on a deep scoria surface that is slippery. Short climb to Blue Lake. The last 8km is basically downhill and winds a lot. The last little section to the carpark is forested.

When in Wellington visit Te Papa Tongarewa Museum of New Zealand. The whole Museum is incredible. Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibit will leave you both in awe of the work of the Weta Workshop artists, and heartbroken as it tells the story of of Gallipoli through the eyes of eight ordinary New Zealanders.

The North Island of New Zealand doesn't get the love it deserves. We saw so much and could have spent another month there easily. Our next trip we will still start on the North Island to visit those places we missed on my list, before heading down South. 

Location Travel Distance/Time
Auckland Flight 3 Hours 35 minutes (ex Melbourne)
Tauranga Drive 225km 2 hours 39 minutes
Maunganui Summit Climb Drive/Hike 8.8km 16 Minutes
Lake McClaren Kayak Tour 20.3km 22 minutes
Rotorua Drive 62.8km 1 hour
Volcanic Valley Drive 23.4km 22 minutes
Lake Rotomahana Kayak Hike/Kayak 6.6km 1 hour 27 minutes
Canopy Tours Rotorua Tour 4.3km 8 minutes
Hobbiton Drive/Tour 71.4km 58 minutes
Huka Falls Drive 75.2km 55 minutes
Waimarino Drive 112km 1 hour 29 minutes
Tongariro Alpine Crossing Bus/Hike 19km Hike
New Plymouth Drive 267km 3 hours 40 minutes
Egmont National Park Drive 44.8km 46 minutes
Wellington Drive 314km 4 hours 5 minutes

Day One

Melbourne to Auckland 

Melbourne to Auckland Flight.

Check in to Auckland City Hotel

Evening Cruise on Auckland Harbour

An early flight got us into Auckland in time to explore the city before making our way to the Harbour for the Cruise. Auckland was merely a starting point for our trip and where we got the Hire Car, so we only planned the one activity

Day Two (Morning)

Auckland to Tauranga

Pick up Rental Car in Auckland - Drive to Tauranga

Drive to Mount Manganui

Mauao / Mount Maunganui summit walk

Depart Auckland early and take the Motorway for the fastest journey.

This will get you to Tauranga in time to complete the summit walk and then grab dinner before you go to the Kayak Tour.

Day Two (Evening)

Lake McClaren Glow Worm Kayak

Enjoy Dinner in Tauranga

Drive to pick up point at Waimarino

Kayak Tour on Lake McClaren

Make sure you have dinner before you go as you will expend a lot of energy on the Kayak tour and the food provided is more along the line of canapes than a full meal. A jacket is provided but you will need a hat.

Day Three (Morning)

Tauranga to Rotorua

Depart early and drive from Tauranga to Rotorua 

Check in to Hotel

Drive to Waimangu Valley Walk

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is quite special. Everyone will warn you about the smell of the Geothermal Activity, but it is nowhere near as bad as people make it out to be. Besides, you can tolerate the smell for the spectacle and scenery. 

Day Three (Afternoon)

Lake Rotomahana Kayak

Complete your walk through Waimangu Volcanic Valley

Walk or catch Bus from Waimangu valley to Boat Jetty

Steaming Cliffs Kayak Tour

Ensure you have sunscreen and a strong insect repellent. There are midges on the lake and they are fierce. Lifejacket and water shoes are provided but you will need a hat, sunglasses and waterproof phone case. 

Day Four

Rotorua Canopy Tour

Rotorua Canopy Tour

Explore Rotorua

Planned to do Skyline Rotorua but the weather stopped us

If you only do one paid activity in New Zealand then make it this one. It was the absolute best experience we had and we would definitely go again. All gear is provided and the Tour Guides are incredibly entertaining.

Day Five

Rotorua to Matamata - Hobbiton

Drive to Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

Bus Tour to Hobbiton (you must book)

After Tour have lunch in Matamata. 

It may be crowded, it may be a tourist trap and money making exercise, BUT it is a lot of fun. Go early! Make sure you have a drink in the Green Dragon.

Day Six

Rotorua to Waimarino

Stop at Huka Falls Lookout on your way to Waimarino

Book a shuttle service to get to and from the hike

Make sure you book your hike via DOC Website

Scenic drive with a stop at Huka Falls. If you have time, book a Jet Boat ride. The Mountain Goods store in Waimarino is useful - you can buy or rent any gear you need. Make sure you have booked your pick-up & drop off for your hike.

Day Seven

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Have your camera ready for the  Volcanic alpine landscape with crater lakes, lava flows, and steaming vents.

You must register before you hike with the DOC and it is recommended that you book a return shuttle bus.

Wear good hiking boots and really good hiking socks. Your feet will thank you on the downhill part of the trek - which is the last 8km. Hiking poles are recommended. On the downhill loose surface you will be glad you have them.

Day Eight

Waimarino to New Plymouth

New Plymouth was a brief stopover before our accommodation in Stratford was available

Paritutu Rock and the volcanic black sand beach is stunning.

The climb to the top of Paritutu is not for the faint hearted. The stairs and ladders at the beginning give way to a sturdy chain embedded in the rock. Sturdy footwear advised. 

Day Nine

New Plymouth to Stratford

I worked our trip in the middle around the availability of this one stay.  The accommodation and Restaurant at Stratford Mountain House is absolutely incredible. The view of Mt Taranaki - worth every cent.

The viewing Platform at the base of Mt Taranaki is worth the trip. It is mesmerising to stand and watch the clouds roll over. Be warned - the weather turns very quickly. 

Day Ten

Egmont National Park

Wilkies Pools and Dawson Falls Loop Track was amazing. 

The walk through the Goblin Forest is accessible to all abilities. If you are able, make the climb to the top of Wilkies Pools. You will not regret it.

The weather here changes very quickly. Our day started out sunny and clear. By the end of the walk, a wild storm had blown in, there was torrential rain, and Mt. Taranaki was completely hidden. Wear hiking boots and an all weather jacket.

Day Eleven

Stratford to Wellington

Wellington is a beautiful city. We stayed near Oriental Bay beach which is a great location close to the waterfront walk and Museum. The old historic houses nestled in to the hillside are beautiful

Wellington Waterfront walk is a great way to start your exploration. Queens Wharf, Te Papa, Chaffers Marina and Oriental Bay can be found here. The harbour abounds with Sculptures, cafes, restaurants and a great vibe.

Day Twelve

Wellington

Wellington Cable Car is a MUST DO activity. The Cable Car itself and the ride up are fun. The view from the top is spectacular. Adults travel for $12 return. Absolutely worth the trip. 

We are both Coffee snobs and were missing our coffee. Never fear. Wellington has some great baristas and coffee shops. There are some incredible Restaurants too. Visit Hannahs Laneway for some amazing food and drink options. 

Day Thirteen

Wellington - Te Papa Tongarewa

You can spend an entire day immersed in the exhibitions and collections at Te Papa. The unique New Zealand fauna, fish and flora in the natural history section is amazing. 

The Gallipoli: The Scale of Our War exhibit is stunning and heartbreaking. Allow an entire day to explore Te Papa and visit the Exhibitions. International Visitor Tickets are valid for 48 hours.

Day Fourteen

Wellington - Melbourne

A climb up to Mount Victoria Lookout. The view over Windy Wellington is superb. Wellington Airport also reminds you that this is the home of the "Lord of the Rings", with Gandalf atop an eagle greeting you as you wait in the Airport.

Mount Victoria Lookout is worth a visit to look out over Wellington. You can drive, cycle or hike to the carpark before making the short climb to the lookout. 360 degree panoramic views await. 

Some of the things we Missed on the North Island

Skyline Rotorua

Due to poor weather we were unable to go on the Gondolas. This is definitely an activity for our next visit.

Huka Falls Jet Ride

We visited Huka Falls as a quick stop off. We watched the Jet Boats in the water and it looked amazing.

 

Waitomo Eco Glow Worm

There are many Glow worm tours available in Waitomo, but this looks like the best.

 

Poor Knights Island 

The Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve, located 1 hour off the coast is  renowned for its stunning marine life & beautiful clear water. 

Waipoua Divine Footprints

One of the things I regretted not seeing. The majestic ancient giant Kauri Trees and this Tour are something we will return to see.

Kauaeranga Kauri Trail

This popular walk leads to Pinnacles Hut, and on to the summit of the Pinnacles with spectacular views of the Coromandel Peninsula. 

Cathedral Cove Kayak Tour

The Te Whanganui-A-Hei Marine Reserve opens up a sea kayaking paradise full of beaches, islands and rock gardens.

Coromandel Coastal Walk

This spectacular walk takes 3.5 hours one way and offers the chance to take in the full beauty and solitude of the remote upper Coromandel Peninsula. 

Sea Cave Tours

360 degree views of the amazing blowholes and Sea Caves of the Orua Coastline. Add a visit to the iconic Cathedral Cove as you pass through the Te Whanganui-O- Hei Marine Reserve. Sign me up!

Weta Workshop

Wētā Workshop is home to the team of creative artisans who helped bring to life films such as The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. We chose Hobbiton and Te Papa. Next time Weta.

Ancient Kauri Trail

Prepare to be awed by this place of dramatic contrasts, from the ruggedly beautiful beaches of the wild and untamed West Coast to the peaceful shelter and majesty of the kauri forests.

Sail the Bay of Islands

Sailing to a beautiful wildlife sanctuary island where you can enjoy water activities such as snorkeling and paddleboarding and explore hiking trails. Bay of Islands is on our "Next Time" list.