Ultimate 10 Day North Island Itinerary

This ultimate 10 day north island itinerary will take you through some of the most incredible sights in New Zealand. From delicious wine at any of the vineyards on Waiheke Island, soak in the geothermal waters in Rotorua or visit powerful waterfalls in west Auckland or Tarawera falls just south of Whakatane. This north island road trip itinerary is one of the best ways to see the country and is perfect for the avid adventurer who

Road trips are one of the most enjoyable holidays for New Zealanders, being a cheap and cheerful option, road trips are loved by everyone from teenagers in their first cars to families hiring campervans. I’ve put together this north island road trip from Auckland to Napier to help you explore the best parts of New Zealand without the stress of planning it yourself.

10 Day North Island Road Trip Itinerary Overview

This New Zealand north island road trip is best suited for a minimum of 10 days if you want to explore as much of the north island as possible.

This north island road trip itinerary is designed to start in Auckland and end in the middle of the north island in Napier. Auckland is the perfect starting point for a North Island road trip as this is where the international airport is and Auckland is the easiest city to pick up a rental car, as you travel down the east coast you will discover hidden gems of waterfalls on dormant volcanos, pristine lakes and relaxing private spas on quiet highways.

• Day 1: Auckland City
• Day 2: Waiheke Island
• Day 3: Auckland to Coromandel Road Trip
• Day 4: Coromandel Beaches and Hiking Trails
• Day 5: Coromandel to Whakatane Road Trip
• Day 6: Tarawera Falls, Ohope Beach
• Day 7: Whakatane to Rotorua
• Day 8: Rotorua Activities
• Day 9: Rotorua to Napier Road Trip
• Day 10: Napier Art Deco and Te Mata Peak

Auckland City

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and possibly the most varied with what you can experience in a day. The beauty of Auckland is that you can spend your morning exploring a rain forest and gushing waterfalls, to then be enjoying a harbour side dinner in downtown Auckland among the concrete playground of bars and clubs.

Auckland Waterfalls

Auckland has several amazing waterfalls if you want to get out in nature. From the Waitakere Ranges in west Auckland to Hunua Ranges in south Auckland, you won’t be short of any amazing waterfalls hikes while in Auckland. Kitekite falls and Karekare falls are all within a short drive of each other near Piha beach, Kitekite waterfall is a 45 minute hike to this amazing 3 tiered waterfall, the bush walk requires a moderate level of fitness, hiking to the top is steeper but it is well worth the climb, especially if you want to get away from the crowds.

Hunua falls is an incredible waterfall in south Auckland that draws in the crowd every summer, be careful when swimming in the pool as the strong under currant from the waterfall, paired with fresh water make it a risky place to swim. There have been several deaths here over the years so please only swim if you are confident and never swim alone.

Best Restaurants in Auckland

A north island itinerary is not complete without mentioning some of the best restaurants in Auckland city. It’s a right of passage to take a culinary tour through the CBD while you’re visiting, whether you’re wanting a delicious meal of Japanese or Indian food, or you are wanting to over indulge on the best dessert restaurants in Auckland… I’ve got you covered!

Best Japanese Restaurants in Auckland

• Masu by Nic Watt, Sky City
• Ebisu, Auckland CBD
• Mad Samurai, Auckland CBD
• Yume, Auckland CBD
• Tanukis Cave, Auckland CBD
• Ken Yakitori, Auckland CBD and Manukau
• Tokyo Bay, Takapuna
• Sora, Mt Eden
• Sakebar Nippon, Takapuna
• Takimi Mazesoba, Takapuna
• Renkon, Takapuna
• Tanpopo Ramen, Glenfield
• Katsubi

Best Indian Restaurants in Auckland

• GOAT by Sid Chopra
• Flying Rickshaw, Devonport
• Satya Chai Lounge, Sandringham
• KS Curry House, Birkenhead
• Hobson Indian Takeaway, Auckland City 
• Cassia, Auckland City
• 3 Nutmegs, Auckland City

Best Dessert Cafes in Auckland

• Ripe Deli, Takapuna
• Chocolate Boutique Café, Parnell
• The Black Antler Eatery, Browns Bay
• Cocomo, Auckland City
• Scrunchy Millers Ice Cream, Takapuna 
• Boozylato, Ponsonby

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a small island that sits in the gulf just outside Auckland city. The ferry from either Devonport or downtown Auckland can take you from a bustling metropolis to an island sanctuary in just 45 minutes. The white sand beaches, gorgeous vineyards and glamping locations are the perfect way to spend a day or a weekend. The Waiheke Island ferry runs hourly every day and more often on the weekend.

Spend a day exploring the best vineyards on Waiheke Island; taking your taste buds on a tour of New Zealand’s best wine selection.

Auckland to Coromandel Road Trip

Paeroa is a small town between Auckland and Tauranga and certainly can’t be missed out on a north island road trip. Paeroa is famous for its many antique shops and walking trails that cut through the gorge. Paeroa only needs half a day to explore; whether you’re stopping for a bite to eat or want to explore the unused train tunnel that runs through the Karangahape gorge. Paeroa is the town where a lot of Aucklanders visit for a day to get out into nature and reset for the week ahead.

Op Shopping in Paeroa

Travel from Auckland along State Highway 1 and State Highway 2 to meet your first stop, Paeroa (Pie-ro-a). Paeroa is easily recognised by the several L&P signs and large bottle statues scattered throughout the town, it’s the original home of New Zealand’s very own soft drink and even though it hasn’t been made with the spring water from Paeroa for several decades, the town is not yet ready to let us forget the history.

Paeroa is a great town for any would-be antique collector and mid-century furniture enthusiast. The main road is scattered with vintage and charity shops. Majority of the food options along the main road are lunch bars and takeaway stores, but if you’re looking for an alternative café experience set your google maps to 5 Willoughby Street, Paeroa. A 1-minute detour from the main road and you’ll find yourself at the Refinery Café; filled with retro furniture, records for sale and a great menu of freshly made paninis.

Hike Karangahake Gorge

Continue East along State Highway 2 for another 10 minutes to enter Karangahake gorge. Karangahake Gorge is one of many locations in the coromandel where gold was mined, producing around 60% of New Zealands’ gold between the 1880’s and 1950’s. This route is a great place to drive if you want to see some rugged nature and to add some interesting views into your journey.

To explore the gorge on foot locate the carpark a third of the way through, from here you can choose from a series of walks ranging from 1 to 8 hours. There are several swing bridges, caves and an old train tunnel leading through the centre of the hill, take a torch in case you want to explore a bit deeper and watch out for Wētā; they’re a harmless, yet very large insect native to Aotearoa, New Zealand. They’re beautiful yet terrifying to come face to face with.

Coromandel Beaches and Hiking Trails

Coromandel Beaches and Waterfalls

Don’t forget your towel and swimwear because these Coromandel beaches are worth the drive. Relax under the Pohutukawa trees at Opito Bay, or visit the very famous New Chums beach for a scenic photograph on top of the cliff face.

If you’re not a fan of salt water or sand then these Coromandel waterfalls will be right up your alley, make sure you visit early or during the middle of the week as these waterfalls are extremely popular during summer and weekends.

Pinnacles Hike

If you want to challenge yourself then there is no better hike in the Coromandel than the Pinnacles Hiking Trail. The Pinnacles is one of the best things to do in the Coromandel and it kicked my ass 9 months ago and I have only just mentally recovered. The hike to the DOC hut takes around 3 hours, and the journey across to the peak takes around 50 minutes but you can definitely do it faster.

You can either do the Pinnacles Hike as an overnight hike by booking a bed in the DOC hut, or you can easily do it in a day, just make sure you get there early enough to get yourself a parking spot.

Coromandel to Whakatane Road Trip

Tauranga is another large city that can’t be missed off this north island itinerary; known for its’ white beaches, great restaurants and close proximity to forests and bush land for your much needed nature escapes.

Tauranga

Tauranga is another hour from Karangahake gorge, simply punch the town into Google Maps or follow the directional signs once you’ve reached the Eastern exit of the gorge. I can highly recommend Quest Hotel in Tauranga central if you’re looking for a place to stay, it’s the perfect walking distance to all the Harbourside dining in Tauranga and has plenty of onsite parking.
Take a walk along the waterfront or drive out to Mt Maunganui and visit the mountain (maunga) for a the perfect sunset photo.

McLaren Falls

What’s a New Zealand road trip without a swimming break? Large platforms of rock help form this magnificent fresh water waterfall. Sitting on the southern side of the Kaimai ranges on State Highway 29, McLaren Falls is an easy drive from Tauranga if you want somewhere exciting to stop for lunch. This waterfall is one you can swim at but only at the lake above, the rapid water below isn’t recommended for swimming in and the bridge above is far too high to jump from. A cheeky skinny dip wouldn’t be far off the cards if you found yourself a secluded area further up McLaren lake.

If you’re up for another walk, follow the road across the bridge to McLaren Falls Park; this 190 hectare park is perfect for camping, hiking trails, horse treks (BYO Horse), disc golf course and trout fishing. So being bored really isn’t an option

Whakatane

Whakatane is a coastal town with a vibrant fishing community, enjoy fish and chips on the beach or head over the hill to Ohope beach to swim in the surf. Whakatane is where you can relax for an evening, play a round of golf at the Whakatane golf club or watch the sunrise from beyond Whale Island. If you’re spending the night I highly recommend waking up early and enjoying a picnic breakfast at the heads and watch the waves roll in. You can then continue your adventure further East to Gisborne, or head south towards Taupo where you can visit Huka Falls or fish for prawns at the Prawn Park.

Tarawera Falls

Even though Tarawera falls is closer to Rotorua, the journey to Mt Tarawera from Rotorua is longer than it is from Whakatane because you have to wind up and around several lakes. But it’s halfway between both locations so Tarawera Falls is easy enough to visit on your way to Whakatane from Rotorua.

Mt Tarawera is a childhood stomping ground of mine, for many years as a family we would travel from Auckland to Whakatane to visit family then camp at Lake Tarawera during the Christmas holidays. Take a boat or kayak and explore the lake, there are plenty of naturally occurring hot springs dotted around the lake and surrounding bush, or visit Lake Rotomahana where the pink and white terraces were once located.

Tarawera Falls is easily accessible via car, a 45 minute walk from the carpark and you reach the base of the falls, or you can continue along the path and explore more of the forest.
A $5 permit is required to enter Tarawera Forest which can be purchased at the Information centre in Kawerau.
Check the DOC website for any updates on the campsite or nearby areas.

Whakatane Restaurants

From the classic family restaurant of Cobb & Co to burgers at The Wagon, you might not be inundated with restaurant choices in Whakatane but the small town has everything you need even for the pickiest of eaters. You will find most of Whakatanes’ restaurants on The Strand near the large roundabout with Quay street. Otherwise feel free to pop over to Ohope for a meal at the popular Mexican restaurant Cadera; booking is essential for Cadera on the weekends as the tables fill up fast! Check out my post on the best restaurants in Whakatane to help you decide where to dine!

Rotorua

Any north island road trip has to include a visit to Rotorua; this bustling town of adventure tourism is where you will discover high adrenaline activities and great food, from the luge that soars down a winding hill to the highest commercially rafter waterfall in the world; Rotorua has everything for everyone to enjoy.

Rotorua is a great place to stay if you want to experience what it’s like living in a fart cloud. The very active geothermal activity in Rotorua can be seen almost everywhere you look, and the smell of sulphur is just as common. Admittedly the rotten eggs smell isn’t as potent as it was 20 years ago but visit Te Puia Maori Museum to experience the reality of what’s bubbling away under Rotorua and the rest of Aotearoa. Rotorua is home to New Zealands’ largest geyser which reaches heights of 30 metres and plenty of boiling mud pools perfect for cooking a roast chicken (but don’t do that).

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools

One of the best things to do in Rotorua is to enjoy the natural thermal water qualities. Experience the more pleasurable side of Rotoruas’ geothermal activity by visiting Waikite Valley Thermal Pools. It’s further out of Rotorua than the popular Polynesian spas, but less likely to be overrun with tourists for that same reason. Waikite Valley is great for couples or families with older children, there are several pools varying in temperature and private pools for those who want to enjoy the heat in solitary confinement.

The private pools are offered at a fantastic price which you just can’t turn down, it might not be Onsen hot pools in Queenstown but you can still get naked and enjoy the view 😉
Visit their website here for more details and directions.

Rotorua White-Water Rafting

Adventure awaits in the form of the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Book a day with Rotorua Rafting and give yourself an experience of a lifetime by rafting the famous Kaituna River in Rotorua. The 2 hour rafting trip takes you down a series of rapids, maneuvering around obstacles and 3 waterfalls ranging in height from 2 metres to 7 metres. With plenty of opportunities to take a dip, whether voluntary or not you will leave feeling refreshed, re energized and craving more adventure.

Rotorua Redwood Forest

The Rotorua redwood forest is a fantastic way to spend half a day, whether it be rain, hail or shine. The 5600 hectare exotic forest has trails for walking, mountain biking and even horseback riding. Suspension bridges, guided treetop walks and ziplines weave between the 100 year old redwood high up in the canopy of green. Lose yourself (or your children) in this incredible forest that sits on the edge of Rotorua. Parking is plentiful and I suggest the best time to visit is during a drizzly day.

Napier

Napier is a well loved coastal town on the east coast of New Zealand and is extremely popular for it’s 1920’s art deco landmarks and buildings, as well as it’s wine country and vineyards. Enjoy a wine tour in Napier or just enjoy the towns coastal vibes and relax on the beach taking in the salty air.

Wellington inhabits a population of coffee lovers and alternative stylists. The creative city boasts a funky shopping district on Cuba Street and hosts the Homegrown Music Festival every year in March. Wellington is the last town on this itinerary as it sits at the very bottom of the north island, on a clear day you can look across the Cook Strait to a very hazy South Island.

Te Mata Peak Sunrise

Te Mata Peak is one of the most beautiful photography locations in the north island, the sharp, rocky edges of this mountain range were created over thousands of years from earthquakes and the earth being pushed up from the sea floor; if you watch where you walk you may just find sea shells embedded into rocks along the walking tracks.

Te Mata Peak is one of the best locations for sunrise photography near Napier or an impressive exercise route to start your day. You can either hike up the side of the mountain or take the easy route and drive right up to the top carpark.

This New Zealand north island road trip from Auckland to Napier doesn’t have to be where your road trip begins and ends. Continue driving south to Wellington where you can get on a car ferry and take the trip over to the south island to explore the rest of the country. Or better yet wind your way back inland and up the east coast of the north island back towards Auckland. There are hundreds of beautiful destinations waiting to be discovered in the central north island.

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