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After our complete guide to the wonders of the South Island, it only made sense to now share our top recommendations for exploring the North Island of New Zealand.
The country is made up of two main islands: the North Island and the South Island. These are connected by a ferry that takes approximately 3.5 hours (you’ll find all the practical details at the end of the article).
In this new guide, we’re sharing our selection of 7 must-see places on the North Island of New Zealand. We’ve chosen to present them from north to south. A logical order, as most travellers arrive via Auckland, the country’s main international airport.
Northland is the northernmost region of North Island of New Zealand. It stretches from Auckland all the way to Cape Reinga, home to the iconic lighthouse where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea — a sacred place in Māori culture.
While many travellers head south right after landing in Auckland, we strongly recommend taking time to explore this wild and scenic peninsula. Here are just a few highlights:
Plan to spend 4 to 6 days in Northland to fully enjoy its beaches, landscapes, and cultural richness.
Located southeast of Northland, just after passing back through Auckland, the Coromandel Peninsula makes for a perfect second stop on your journey through North Island of New Zealand.
Much smaller than Northland, the peninsula stretches for about 150 to 160 kilometers, forming a scenic loop from Thames to Pukepoto. Despite its size, Coromandel is packed with natural wonders and breathtaking views.
Here are two must-see spots:
Beyond these attractions, simply driving through Coromandel is a pleasure in itself. The winding roads and rolling green hills give the region a charm that’s hard to beat.
Plan to spend 1 to 3 days in the area, depending on your pace and the number of stops you’d like to make.
A trip to the North Island of New Zealand wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Hobbiton, one of the country’s most iconic film locations — especially for fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies.
There are several tour options available, from a standard guided tour of the movie set to evening banquets and special summer events. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply curious, the immersive charm of Hobbiton will win you over.
If you’re well-organized, it’s even possible to visit Hobbiton in the morning, then continue on to the Waitomo Caves in the afternoon. These glowworm-lit caves are located just about an hour’s drive away and offer a unique natural light show in an underground setting.
One of the most unique and otherworldly regions on the North Island of New Zealand is without a doubt Rotorua, famous for its unparalleled geothermal activity.
Just 30 kilometers south of the city lies Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, the main reason many visitors include Rotorua on their itinerary. If you’ve never experienced a geothermal park before, this is an absolute must during your time in New Zealand.
The park is divided into three main areas:
Among all the features, the Champagne Pool stands out as the most iconic : a brilliant orange and green hot spring that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.
For this next stop, head to the far west of New Zealand’s North Island, to the coastal city of New Plymouth. This is the gateway to Egmont National Park, home to the majestic and mysterious Mount Taranaki.
With its perfectly symmetrical cone, Mount Taranaki is often compared to Japan’s Mount Fuji. But what truly sets it apart is its enigmatic atmosphere. The summit is frequently hidden by clouds, giving the mountain an almost spiritual presence.
It’s not uncommon for days to pass without a single glimpse of the peak, even though it’s right there, just out of sight. But when the skies clear, the view is absolutely breathtaking.
The national park offers a wide range of hiking trails, from easy day walks to multi-day treks.
If you’re planning an overnight hike, make sure to get a hut pass from the local visitor centre — spending the night in one of the park’s cabins is a magical experience, especially when you wake up surrounded by alpine wilderness.
No guide to the North Island of New Zealand would be complete without mentioning Tongariro National Park.
This UNESCO World Heritage site gained worldwide fame thanks to Peter Jackson. He used the dramatic Mount Ngauruhoe as the stand-in for Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings.
Although Ngauruhoe is visually iconic, the tallest peak in the park is actually Mount Ruapehu. It rises to 2,797 meters and offers incredible views when visible.
f you’re planning to visit the area, we highly recommend tackling the Tongariro Alpine Crossing — often ranked as one of the best one-day hikes in the world. It’s accessible to most fit walkers, and shuttle buses are available to take you to and from the trailheads.
Important note: Do not attempt the crossing in poor weather conditions. The terrain is alpine, and safety should always come first.
Often mistaken for Auckland, Wellington is actually the capital of New Zealand. It’s located at the southern tip of the North Island. Known for being one of the windiest cities in the world, Wellington is also one of the most charming.
The city is loved for its vibrant cultural scene, compact size, and scenic harbor views.
Here are some highlights:
We recommend staying 1 to 2 days in Wellington, especially if you’re planning to continue your journey to the South Island. Why? Because Wellington is the main departure point for ferries that cross to Picton, on the South Island. The two ferry companies, Interislander and Bluebridge, both allow you to bring your own vehicle onboard — perfect for those on a full New Zealand road trip.
The crossing takes about 3.5 hours, and it’s more than just transportation — you’ll enjoy incredible views of Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds as you approach the South Island.
As always, this depends on your travel style and mode of transport. Assuming you’ll be renting a campervan or self-contained vehicle — like most travellers do in New Zealand — we generally recommend spending 10 to 15 days exploring the North Island. This allows enough time to fully enjoy its highlights and also head south to discover the wonders of the South Island.
Of course, that’s just an average. You can adjust the timing to suit your plans. If you have more time, why not extend your itinerary to include places like the surf town of Raglan, the Hawke’s Bay wine region, or the laid-back coastal city of Gisborne?
New Zealand has become one of the world’s top destinations for road trips — and with good reason. Its dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and sense of freedom attract travellers from around the globe.
To make the most of your journey, we recommend planning your trip at least 4 to 5 months in advance, especially if you’re travelling during the high season (December to February). Booking early allows for:
Rental vehicles are also in high demand, so don’t leave that until the last minute!
If this article has inspired you to explore the North Island of New Zealand, know that Vanz Travel is here to help.
We can assist you with:
And the best part? We offer a completely free, no-obligation personalised quote.
All you need to do is reach out through our contact form, tell us a bit about your dates, preferences, and what kind of vehicle you’re looking for. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible with recommendations just for you.
Let us help make your New Zealand road trip an unforgettable experience, so you can travel with total peace of mind.
See you soon on the road!
— The Vanz Travel Team
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