10-Day North Island Itinerary, New Zealand

10-day itinerary in the North Island

✅ Last Update: Aug 16, 2024 @ 2:27 am

Are you planning a 10-day road trip in New Zealand?

Here is the ultimate guide to making the most of your time, a fantastic trip and life experience.

In this guide, we’ll depart from Auckland and visit the most popular places on the North Island, as well as some hidden gems.

🎯 Below, you can find the total distance you’ll drive, the time spent driving and a PDF version of the guide that you can download directly.

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

The adventure begins in Auckland, a starting point for most tourists as it has the International Airport.

We’ll explore some of Auckland’s iconic attractions on this first day.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning Arrival & Check-in Arrive in Auckland and check into your chosen accommodation.
Afternoon Auckland War Memorial Museum Explore New Zealand’s history, Maori culture, and art. 3 km
Afternoon Lunch in Parnell Enjoy lunch in the charming Parnell Village. 2 km
Afternoon Sky Tower Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland from the observation deck. 0.5 km
Evening Viaduct Harbour Dining Savor fresh seafood and other delectable dishes at Viaduct Harbour. 1 km

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Auckland War Memorial Museum’s cultural visit.
  • Delicious lunch in the charming Parnell Village.
  • Spectacular panoramic views from the Sky Tower.
  • Delicious seafood dining at Viaduct Harbour.
Sky Tower

Day 2: Explore Waiheke Island

Today, we’ll take a ferry to Waiheke Island, a paradise for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts. This unique island is known for its vineyards, beaches, and scenic views.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning Ferry to Waiheke Island Take a ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island.
Morning Cable Bay Vineyards Enjoy wine tasting with views of the Gulf. 6 km
Afternoon Oneroa Beach Relax on the picturesque beach and have lunch. 1 km
Afternoon Mudbrick Vineyard Savor more wine and scenic vistas. 3 km
Evening Return to Auckland Take the ferry back to Auckland.

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Wine tasting at Cable Bay Vineyards and Mudbrick Vineyard.
  • Relaxation on the beautiful Oneroa Beach.
  • Scenic views of Waiheke Island
Waiheke island

Day 3: Auckland to Bay of Islands

Today, we’ll drive from Auckland to the Bay of Islands, known for its incredible beaches and rich history.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning Drive to Bay of Islands Enjoy scenic views along the way. 220 km
Morning Kawiti Glowworm Caves Explore the stunning glowworm-lit underground caves. 5 km
Afternoon Lunch in Paihia A charming seaside town – enjoy lunch here. 4 km
Afternoon Waitangi Treaty Grounds Explore Maori and colonial history. 3 km
Evening Check-in to your accommodation Relax and freshen up.
Evening Dinner in Russell A historic and picturesque village – dine here. 2 km

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Wine tasting at Cable Bay Vineyards and Mudbrick Vineyard.
  • Relaxation on the beautiful Oneroa Beach.
  • Scenic views of Waiheke Island
Bay of Islands

Day 4: Bay of Islands Exploration

Today is all about exploring the stunning Bay of Islands, with its beautiful beaches and water activities.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning Hole in the Rock Cruise Sail to famous rock formation and swim.
Morning Kayaking or Beach Relaxation Explore the bay by kayak or relax on the beach.
Afternoon Lunch on Urupukapuka Island Enjoy a beachside picnic or lunch at a local cafe. 15-minute ferry
Afternoon Russell Village Exploration Stroll through this charming historic village.
Evening Dinner in Paihia Sample fresh seafood at local restaurants. 4 km

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Hole in the Rock cruise and swimming.
  • Scenic beauty of Urupukapuka Island.
  • Exploring the historic Russell Village.
  • Delicious seafood dining in Paihia.
Urupukapuka Island

Day 5: Rotorua – Geothermal Wonders and Maori Culture

Today, we’ll head to Rotorua, a geothermal wonderland known for its Maori culture and geysers.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning Drive to Rotorua Scenic drive to the thermal city. 450 km
Morning Te Puia and Pohutu Geyser Explore Maori culture and geothermal wonders. 3 km
Afternoon Lunch in Rotorua Sample a traditional Maori hangi meal. 0.5 km
Afternoon Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland Witness colorful geothermal pools. 27 km
Evening Mitai Maori Village Experience a traditional Maori cultural show. 15 km

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Te Puia’s Pohutu Geyser and Maori culture.
  • Authentic Maori hangi meal in Rotorua.
  • Wai-O-Tapu’s stunning geothermal wonders.
  • Cultural show at Mitai Maori Village.
City of rotorua

Day 6: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Today is a full-day hike on the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing, estimated to last around 7 hours. You will enjoy its volcanic landscapes and natural beauty.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning Depart for Tongariro Drive to the starting point of the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. 170 km
Full Day Tongariro Alpine Crossing Embark on a full-day hike through the stunning Tongariro National Park. 20 km (walk)
Evening Return to Taupo Return to Taupo after completing the hike. 90 km
Evening Dinner in Taupo Savor a well-deserved meal at one of Taupo’s local restaurants. 0.5 km

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Hiking the breathtaking Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
  • Breathtaking volcanic landscapes and natural beauty.
  • A rewarding dinner in Taupo after a challenging hike.
Tongariro National Park

Day 7: Taupo to Napier – Art Deco and Wine

Today, we’ll journey from Taupo to Napier, known for its Art Deco architecture and superb wineries.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning Drive to Napier Enjoy a scenic drive from Taupo to Napier. 140 km
Morning Pania of the Reef Stroll along the iconic Art Deco statue on Marine Parade.
Afternoon Lunch in Napier Enjoy lunch at a local café or restaurant.
Afternoon Art Deco Walking Tour Explore Napier’s unique Art Deco architecture.
Evening Hawke’s Bay Winery Tour Visit local wineries for tastings and scenic views. Varies

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Scenic drive from Taupo to Napier.
  • Stroll along Marine Parade to see Pania of the Reef.
  • Experience Napier’s unique Art Deco architecture.
  • Enjoy tastings at Hawke’s Bay wineries.
Napier

Day 8: Napier – Explore Art and Nature

Today, we’ll continue exploring Napier’s different spots and do different outdoor, cultural and culinary activities.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning National Aquarium of New Zealand Discover marine life and conservation efforts. 3 km
Morning Bluff Hill Lookout Enjoy panoramic views of Napier and Hawke’s Bay. 1 km
Afternoon Lunch in Ahuriri Savor a seaside lunch in the Ahuriri district. 5 km
Afternoon MTG Hawke’s Bay Explore art, culture, and history in this museum.
Evening Dinner at Mission Estate Restaurant Dine at a historic winery with scenic views. 5 km

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Fascinating marine life at the National Aquarium.
  • Breathtaking views from Bluff Hill Lookout.
  • Lunch by the sea in Ahuriri.
  • Art, culture, and history at MTG Hawke’s Bay.
  • Dining at the historic Mission Estate Restaurant.

Day 9: Napier to Taupo

Today, we’ll depart from Napier for a day trip to Taupo, a beautiful lakeside town with plenty of natural wonders and activities to enjoy.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning Depart from Napier Begin your journey from Napier to Taupo. 140 km
Late Morning Huka Falls Visit the powerful Huka Falls on the Waikato River. 5 km
Lunch Lunch in Taupo Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants.
Afternoon Taupo Lakefront Stroll along the beautiful Lake Taupo waterfront.
Afternoon Spa Thermal Park Relax in natural hot pools overlooking the lake. 1 km
Evening Dinner in Taupo Savor dinner at one of Taupo’s local restaurants.

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Admiring the power of Huka Falls.
  • Lunch in Taupo with lake views.
  • Relaxing at Spa Thermal Park.
  • Scenic views of Lake Taupo.
  • Delicious dinner in Taupo.

Day 10: Exploring Taupo and Returning to Auckland

Experience the natural beauty and adventure of Taupo before returning to Auckland.

From thrilling bungy jumping to serene lake cruises, this day promises a diverse range of activities.

Time Activity Details Distance
Morning Breakfast in Taupo Start your day with breakfast in Taupo.
Morning Taupo Bungy and Cliffhanger Experience thrilling bungy jumping or cliffhanging adventures. 4 km
Lunch Lunch in Taupo Enjoy lunch at one of the cafes or restaurants.
Afternoon Taupo Lake Cruise Take a scenic cruise on Lake Taupo to see Maori rock carvings.
Afternoon Relax at the Spa Park Spend some leisure time in the picturesque Spa Thermal Park.
Evening Dinner in Taupo Savor a final dinner in Taupo.
Evening Drive to Auckland Begin your drive from Taupo to Auckland. 280 km
Evening Check-in to your accommodation in Auckland Arrive and relax in Auckland.
Evening Dinner in Auckland Enjoy dinner at one of Auckland’s restaurants.

⭐ Highlights of the Day:

  • Starting the day with a delicious breakfast in Taupo.
  • Experiencing thrilling bungy jumping or cliffhanging adventures.
  • Savoring lunch at one of Taupo’s cafes or restaurants.
  • Enjoying a scenic lake cruise to view Maori rock carvings.
  • Relaxing at the picturesque Spa Thermal Park.
  • Indulging in a final dinner in Taupo.
  • Beginning your drive back to Auckland.
  • Arriving in Auckland and dining at one of its renowned restaurants.

🧑‍💻 Additional Resources

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