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How to Plan a New Zealand Itinerary. Part I – North Island

February 5, 2018 by Arianwen Morris 12 Comments

New Zealand is a diverse country split across two main islands. With 15,000 km of coastline, fascinating Maori culture, spectacular scenery, adorable native animals and some of the world’s best adventure activities, it can be difficult deciding what to include in your New Zealand itinerary.

The official tourism board splits the country into 29 main regions – 15 in the north and 14 in the south. The perfect New Zealand holiday would incorporate a bit of everything, but one of the great facts about the country is that whatever your interests, you can plan a route filled with unforgettable experiences. The country lends itself particularly well to a road trip, so the majority of visitors choose to rent a car and see the sights at their own pace. The highlights of the North Island are discussed below.

NORTHLAND AND THE BAY OF ISLANDS

Because of its location, Northland gets some of the mildest weather in the country and can be a good spot to choose if you’re visiting in winter. This part of New Zealand is known for its long stretches of sand, including Ninety Mile Beach and Ripiro Beach. There’s excellent scuba diving off Aorangaia and Poor Knights islands (especially in March), and the Bay of Islands is a popular spot for whale and dolphin watching, big-game fishing and sailing.

AUCKLAND

New Zealand itinerary - North Island - Auckland

Some of the highlights of Auckland include the Sky Tower and Harbour Bridge (both of which you can jump off!), as well as Kelly Tarlton’s aquarium, where you can dive with sharks, and the Auckland Zoo. If you have more spare time, you can sail an America’s Cup yacht or check out the beaches in Takapuna. Auckland’s oldest park, the Domain, is a great spot for a walk, with frequent live music events and museum exhibitions. Once you’ve seen the city, there are plenty of Auckland day trips to consider, including sand boarding at Bethells Beach, surfing at Muriwai, canyoning near Piha and wine tasting on Waiheke Island.

THE COROMANDEL

Although it can get a little crowded, one of the top destinations in the Coromandel is Hot Water Beach. Find yourself a patch of sand, dig a hole and enjoy a natural warm spa bath. Boat and kayak tours are popular around the picturesque Cathedral Cove. Otherwise, you can learn about the history of gold mining in the area or take a ride aboard the Driving Creek Railway train.

HAMILTON AND WAIKATO

New Zealand itinerary - North Island - Waikato

Venture south of Auckland to Waikato and you’ll never be short of interesting activities. This is the location of Hobbiton, where you can take a tour of the movie set and enjoy a pint of locally brewed beer in the Green Dragon Inn. Just a short drive away are the Waitomo Caves. Filled with glow worms, they’re often cited as one of the world’s most mesmerising and unique experiences. You can either join a chilled out boat tour or an adrenaline-fuelled blackwater rafting adventure with caving and zip lines. This region is also famous for its surfing at Raglan.

BAY OF PLENTY

The Bay of Plenty is one of a number of excellent locations in New Zealand for swimming with dolphins. Combine this with a trip to White Island, the only active marine volcano in the country, or visit the wildlife sanctuary of Moutohora (Whale Island). Those who prefer to stay land based will enjoy a hike around Mount Maunganui. In August, this extinct volcano cone plays host to a popular running festival incorporating a half marathon, as well as shorter distances and a range of events to celebrate the local area.

ROTORUA

New Zealand itinerary - North Island - Rotorua

Rotorua is best known for its geothermal activity. If you can stomach the slight sulphur smell, it’s a fun little town with a lot to keep you entertained. The nearby national parks of Wai-O-Tapu and Waimangu contain bubbling mud pits, geysers and mineral-dyed pools. Go white water rafting or sledging in the day and warm up later with a hot pool and massage at a natural spring. There’s also a decent adventure park nearby, with zorbing, a bungy and a skydive simulator. Though small, RotaVegas, as it’s affectionately known by the locals, also packs a decent punch in terms of nightlife. Finally, this is one of the best parts of New Zealand to join a Maori village experience, complete with dancing and hangi.

EASTLAND

Also known as the East Cape, Eastland doesn’t attract too many visitors, making it a great place for those who enjoy solitude. This region has some decent surfing and loads of great cycling trails. It’s also home to the Rere Rockslide – a huge natural waterslide perfect for bodyboards and airbeds. Here, you can also be among the first in the world to welcome in the New Year or watch the sun rise at the most easterly lighthouse.

LAKE TAUPO

New Zealand itinerary - North Island - Taupo

Formed by a super-volcanic eruption around 26,000 years ago, Lake Taupo is now a major attraction on New Zealand’s north island. Besides water activities on the lake itself, jetboating to the impressive Huka Falls is a must-do activity. This is also one of the main skydiving locations in the country and a base for starting its greatest day hike – the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (not advisable in winter). This national park includes some fantastic biking trails and exhilarating grade III rapids.

TARANAKI

In its Best in Travel 2017 guide, Lonely Planet put Taranaki at number 2 in its list of the world’s best regions to visit. Among the top experiences it has to offer are the Pouakai Crossing hike, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and annual WOMAD music festival, but the area also boasts over 200 km of trails and world-class surfing breaks.

RUAPEHU

New Zealand itinerary - North Island - Ruapehu

Mount Ruapehu is home to the North Island’s main ski resorts. With runs ranging in difficulty from green to black, Whakapapa and Turoa are great for beginners and advanced skiers alike. Cyclists visit this region to start the Mountains to Sea cycle trail or explore suspension bridges in the Pureora forest. For a bit of fun, you can also hop on a railbike and wind along a disused railway track through the countryside.

WHANGANUI

Whanganui is one of the country’s smallest regions. Located on the south of the North Island, its river is one of the top attractions, with guided canoe trips a popular choice. If you have time, you can combine this with an overnight stay in a Maori village. There’s also a glassworks school/museum and the chance to ride the Durie Hill elevator.

HAWKE’S BAY

New Zealand itinerary - North Island - Hawke's Bay

Anyone who knows a thing or two about wine will recognise Hawke’s Bay as one of the leading global wine-producing regions. Tourism in this part of New Zealand is very wine-focused, but there are plenty of different options, including cycle tours of the vineyards and taster tours that include cheese or chocolate. You can also visit a hill with the longest place name in the world – Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateapokaiwhenuakitanatahu, which translates to ‘The summit where Tamatea, the man with the big knees, the slider, climber of mountains, the land-swallower who travelled about, played his nose flute to his loved one’.

MANAWATU

Although many people pass through Manawatu on their way from more popular regions to Wellington, this part of New Zealand offers some pretty unique experiences. Owlcatraz is a wildlife park with rare native species and a petting zoo; Himatangi Beach is perfect for blowcarting; and Vinegar Hill has been hosting an annual LGBTQ New Year’s Eve party for over 30 years.

WAIRARAPA

Its proximity to Wellington makes Wairarapa popular as a day trip destination. There’s plenty to see, including a to-scale Kiwi version of Stonehenge, one of the country’s biggest fur seal populations at Cape Pallister, and the lighthouse and rugged landscape at Castlepoint. If you like pinot noir and missed out on the wineries of Hawke’s Bay you can visit Martinborough instead. This quaint village hosts a wine, food and music tour in November.

WELLINGTON

New Zealand itinerary - North Island - Wellington

Though small, New Zealand’s capital, Wellington, has plenty to offer. Take a ride in the cable car for panoramic views of the city, then explore the botanic gardens and observatory. Te Papa museum is one of the biggest and best in the country, and a great way to learn some local history. In the city centre, don’t miss Cuba Street and Frank Kitts Park for their unique sculptures. Wellington is also home to Weta Cave, where you can learn about the creation of props and special effects in some of New Zealand’s best-known movies. You can also join a Lord of the Rings tour, with the chance to re-enact scenes in the locations where they were filmed.

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Comments

  1. Royal Rajasthan tour says

    February 15, 2018 at 7:35 am

    You had a very amazing experience of New Zealand, this country is so beautiful that everyone wants to visit it. Thanks for sharing this post, this is awesome.

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      February 24, 2018 at 12:46 pm

      New Zealand is one of my favourite countries! I’ve already been three times and think I’ll go a fourth at the end of this year to visit my sister and new niece!

      Reply
  2. Gavin Connor says

    March 26, 2018 at 12:00 pm

    New Zealand is always been my favorite Country.Every year on vacation I visit different cities of New Zealand and explore them.New Zealand is a developed country and literally has no restrictions at all.

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      March 27, 2018 at 7:34 pm

      I love it too. I’ve been three times, despite being from the UK, and am due to head back at the end of this year. My sister has been living there for about six years now and has just had a baby and I’m yet to meet my little niece! I’m definitely glad they chose such a great country to base themselves in!

      Reply
  3. Riya Bansal says

    June 30, 2018 at 11:41 am

    hey! Thank you so much for writing this. i am planning on visiting this place since a long time and now having read your blog i have complete knowledge of the place.

    Reply
  4. char dham yatra tour package by helicopter says

    August 28, 2018 at 7:09 am

    Nice pictures!!!!!!blog is beautiful and by reading this blog we got complete knowledge of this place.

    Reply
  5. Gujarat Tour says

    September 22, 2018 at 7:30 am

    Great article. I found NZ unnecessarily expensive. I think they know they have a captive audience and increase charges accordingly. Glad I went though!

    Reply
    • Arianwen Morris says

      October 7, 2018 at 1:53 am

      It is quite pricey isn’t it?! I think it’s partly that and partly the exchange rate and the fact that they have to import a lot of things. I’m heading back there tomorrow actually. Will be interesting to see if prices still seem so steep!

      Reply
  6. Gujarat Tour says

    September 22, 2018 at 7:30 am

    Amazing article shared ! Recently, i visited new zealand its an amazing place to travel!

    Reply
  7. Pilgrimage Tour says

    September 22, 2018 at 7:32 am

    Amazing article shared ! Recently, i visited new zealand its an amazing place to travel!

    Reply
  8. Pat @ Travel ETA Australia says

    October 18, 2018 at 7:06 am

    Thanks for sharing this, it’s such a great help!

    Reply
  9. Kevin says

    December 9, 2018 at 10:37 pm

    Arianwen,
    While very pricey destination, New Zeeland can’t be beaten for adventure and sheer Beauty,
    Great article Thanks!

    Reply

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