How to include the best things to do in an 8-day North Island (New Zealand) itinerary
Your New Zealand North Island trip will include some of the most fascinating cities and towns, breathtaking landscapes, natural wonders, indigenous culture, and numerous other interesting things to explore and do – whether you arrive in summer or winter.

The North Island is a good option in New Zealand regardless of the time of year you choose to travel, whereas the South Island, with its colder climate, will probably be better suited to a spring, summer, or autumn trip. In contrast, the New Zealand North Island climate is mild enough – particularly in the north-eastern part – to plan the journey independently of the season.

Remember that New Zealand spans three climate zones: subtropical, temperate, and cool/mountain. Our suggested route lies on the border between subtropical (Auckland and the northern part of the Coromandel Peninsula) and temperate climate – which was one of the highlights of our trip.

If you are drawn to unique natural surroundings, the following options are real gems. For example, relaxing in the Athenree pools was just what we needed after a long day of sightseeing — absolutely exceptional.

New Zealand North Island itinerary
This North Island itinerary is based on our own experience with cities, beaches, and other places to visit and things to do in the North Island during winter (July being a winter month in New Zealand). It also includes a few suggestions (especially on Day 7) that you may wish to consider if visiting at other times of the year.

Photo: Travel In Culture

The 8-day itinerary covers many of the major sights and a couple of larger cities on the New Zealand North Island, with a few options to choose from depending on whether you will both arrive in and depart from Auckland – or continue to Wellington (and perhaps on to the South Island). You will need a (rental) car for this trip.

DAY 1: Cities & Things to Do in New Zealand North Island – Auckland Itinerary

You will start your New Zealand trip (8-day itinerary) in Auckland – one of the must-see cities on the North Island, where you will find captivating things to do.

Start your day by immersing yourself in New Zealand’s rich heritage at one of Auckland’s top museums. You may wish to visit the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, which features outstanding collections by New Zealand, Māori, and Pacific artists – or Auckland Museum, if you are more interested in New Zealand’s cultural history.

The Auckland Museum focuses on the indigenous Māori and the Pacific peoples. It tells the story of New Zealand – the people, their heritage, and cultural background – and provides insight into traditional ways of life. Around 2,000 Māori artefacts are uniquely on display here. It is one of the most impressive collections of Māori and Pacific treasures in the country.

The museum serves as a good introduction to Māori culture, which you will explore in more depth in a few days when visiting Rotorua.

Photo: Travel In Culture

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is New Zealand’s largest art museum and home to a wide-ranging collection of artworks from across New Zealand, the Pacific, and beyond. Its holdings include over 17,000 works representing the artistic history of Aotearoa New Zealand, alongside modern and contemporary art. Māori and Pacific artists also contribute significantly to the gallery’s exhibitions.

Here, you will soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city, with its colourful mix of shopping and restaurant options. Entertainment, fashion, harbours, and waterfront precincts – as one of the liveliest cities in New Zealand, Auckland has it all. Take your time to enjoy a bite to eat and stroll around to get a feel for the city. Alternatively, you may wish to save your appetite for a Sky Tower experience.

Auckland Sky Tower and skyline | New Zealand cities | Photo: Holger Detje

Next, you may wish to ascend the Sky Tower for breathtaking views over Auckland and the harbour.

At 328 m (1,076 ft) tall, this telecommunications and observation tower with its unique design is an icon of Auckland’s skyline. It is also the 25th tallest tower in the world and was built to be both wind- and earthquake-resistant. Today, it is one of the city’s major attractions, welcoming around 1,150 visitors each day.

You can enjoy panoramic views stretching up to 80 km (50 miles) in all directions. A rotating restaurant and a café sit at the top, offering stunning views with your meal. If you have not eaten yet, consider Orbit 360° Dining for an outstanding experience.

Now it is time for an easy 2 km (1.2 miles) walk to the summit of Auckland’s highest natural point, Mt Eden. This dormant volcano – known in the Māori language as Maungawhau – last erupted around 15,000 years ago, leaving a crater 50 m (160 ft) deep.

Located 5 km (3 miles) from the city centre, Mt Eden offers panoramic 360-degree views of Auckland from the lush volcanic cone, which rises 196 m (643 ft) above sea level.

A little further to the south lies One Tree Hill – another volcano – which shares its name with the surrounding suburb. At 182 m (597 ft), this volcanic cone, known as Maungakiekie in Māori, is both a geological feature and a significant memorial site for indigenous New Zealanders. The volcano is believed to have last erupted around 60,000 years ago.

Today, it holds cultural importance for the Māori people, having been the site of a major pre-European Māori settlement and home to the Te Wai ō Hua tribe from the early 1700s, along with other tribes.

At the summit stands a stone obelisk, built to mark Auckland’s centenary commemorations in 1940.

Photo: Travel In Culture

DAY 2: Cities & Things to Do in New Zealand North Island – Bay of Plenty, Waihi, Itinerary

Early in the morning, you will leave Auckland for a two-hour drive to Waihi, located southeast of the city.

Waihi is a gold town situated on the North Island of New Zealand, in one of the world’s significant gold mining districts. With a mining history dating back to 1878, it offers 140 years of fascinating industrial heritage centred around the Martha Mine, originally claimed by William Nicholl in 1879 and named after a family member.

The once-thriving gold mining industry had produced 5.6 million ounces (174,160 kg) of gold before the mine was closed in 1952, due to labour shortages, rising costs, and low gold prices. Mining later resumed and once again became a vital contributor to the regional economy.

The gold mine, Martha Mine, in Waihi still operates | Photo: Travel In Culture

In the 1980s, a new open-pit mine began operating above the historic underground tunnels. More recently, a new underground mine, Favona, has also become operational. Today, Waihi remains a fully functioning gold mining town.

Near the rim of the Martha Mine stands the iconic Cornish Pumphouse from 1903, built in a style used in Cornwall’s tin mines in England. It was originally constructed to help dewater the mine.

You may also choose to walk around the open pit for excellent views of the impressive working Martha Mine. The Cornish Pumphouse is located nearby – and both attractions are within walking distance of the town centre.

You are now quite close to Waihi Beach, located at the very northern end of the Bay of Plenty and at the foot of the Coromandel Peninsula.

Waihi Beach is a classic Kiwi beachside village on New Zealand’s North Island, featuring a long sandy beach perfect for surfing and other outdoor activities. It offers plenty of enticing recreational opportunities and a genuine Kiwi holiday atmosphere.

The climate is warm and temperate – hence the name Bay of Plenty. When James Cook arrived in 1769, he named the bay due to the plentiful resources he encountered – fish, timber, fruit, and fertile land.

Spend your afternoon along the beach – and perhaps try the local fish and chips while enjoying the relaxed coastal vibe.

Photo: Travel In Culture

Finding accommodation here is a real gem, as this part of New Zealand is pleasant to stay in – even in winter – thanks to the mild climate. You may be surprised to see palm and citrus trees full of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. It truly feels like a little paradise, whether visiting in summer or winter.

There are many appealing places to stay between Waihi Beach, Athenree, and Bowentown at Tauranga Harbour – whether you prefer a Kiwi holiday home, a bach, a hotel, or a holiday park with hot springs such as the Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park.

At Bowentown, you may stumble upon indigenous history. There is still evidence of the old Māori settlements at this end of Waihi Beach.

If you choose to stay at the Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park, you can spend the rest of the day chilling out in the hot natural mineral pools. They contain thermal water with a silky feel. It is possible to exploit the geothermal water, which is a result of volcanic activity in this area during the Pliocene era 2 to 5 million years ago. The underground water is still hot and contains dissolved nitrogen and carbon dioxide gases. That is why it bubbles on your skin in the pool. Unlike the ground waters of Rotorua, the water here is not highly mineralised. It has a neutral pH – and does not have any sulphurous smell!

The pools are constantly fed with underground geothermal water from a 250-metre depth. The larger pool is 33–35 degrees centigrade (91–95 degrees Fahrenheit), and the smaller adult pool is 39.5 degrees centigrade (103 degrees Fahrenheit).

The hot natural mineral pool in Athenree is the perfect place to chill after a long day | Photo: Travel In Culture

There is no shortage of things to do in this part of the New Zealand North Island, making it an essential stop on your itinerary. Around Athenree are lovely walking tracks like the Trig Walk and the Orokawa Walkway. If you have more days here, consider the Karangahake Gorge Historic Walkway, the Golden Cross Mine Walkway or the Black Hill Walkway.

Athenree features rich wildlife. You will find excellent opportunities for fishing here! There is also a diverse birdlife around Athenree and Tauranga Harbour. The area is home to, or visited by, many native New Zealand birds. Some are migratory. They include oystercatcher, white-faced heron, pukeko, Australasian bittern, fantail, New Zealand kingfisher and tui, and with some luck, you may spot them on the Athenree grounds.

You can also have the unique experience of walking directly across to Bowentown at low tide.

Picturesque Athenree sunset | Photo: Travel In Culture

DAY 3: Cities & Things to Do in New Zealand North Island – Coromandel Peninsula Itinerary

After a morning dip in the hot pool, you will begin today’s trip to the Coromandel Peninsula. It is a scenic and dramatic drive along winding roads, coastal forest, surprising cliffs and interesting vegetation. Be prepared for wild hens and the occasional loose cow. You may also be lucky enough to spot many native New Zealand trees here, including the characteristic pōhutukawa, also known as the Christmas tree. The northern part of the peninsula enjoys a subtropical climate!

If you want to make the full tour of the peninsula, be prepared for a long day (and bear in mind the roads are winding, so you cannot travel as fast as you might expect). Alternatively, you can select a few famous locations and spend more time there, still enjoying a splendid day in beautiful surroundings. There are fantastic secluded lookouts and beaches along the way. Here are three excellent stops to consider:

Whiritoa Beach and soft cliffs | Photo: Travel In Culture

You will now be leaving the Bay of Plenty. Your first stop will be Whiritoa Beach – located in the Waikato region – just half an hour’s drive north of Athenree. On the way, you will pass close to the scenic Athenree Gorge.

Whiritoa Beach is a pristine sandy beach with breathtaking views of the seascape and cliffs. Take a morning walk here: there are several activities to enjoy – explore the cliffs or engage in beach pursuits. This coastal itinerary of New Zealand North Island offers a wealth of options!

You will be captivated by the occasional black volcanic sand, enticing shells, soft rocks and beautiful cliffs – a perfect scene for weddings and photography.

Whiritoa Beach | Photo: Travel In Culture

Your next stop is Hot Water Beach, one of the popular things to do on the North Island in New Zealand. It offers a unique opportunity to experience thermal water rising just beneath the surface of the sand. Be sure to check the low tide times beforehand, as the best experience is within two hours either side of low tide.

Once there, find the right spot — look where others are digging or have already dug a hole in the sand. You can then create your own small hot pool on the beach (you might even have brought a shovel for this)! And do not forget to capture some fantastic photos of your private natural pool.

Do note that, however tempting it might be, this is probably not a beach for swimming, as the currents can be strong here!

Coromandel Peninsula | Photo: Travel In Culture

You will continue your itinerary to the famed and iconic Cathedral Cove – arguably one of the most photographed, dramatic, and picturesque spots on the New Zealand North Island!

Cathedral Cove is accessible only on foot or by boat/kayak. The track to get there is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) long and takes around 1.5 hours return to complete. You will leave your car at the car park on Pa Road and continue on foot from there. Right at the beginning of the track, you will also find a viewing deck. The walk is scenic, passing through lush forest, undergrowth and pines, with stunning rocky shore and cliff views. It is a must-see site on the Coromandel Peninsula!

Scenic Cathedral Cove | Photo: Reginas Photos / Pixabay

If you walk back in the opposite direction, you will end at Hahei Beach, a lovely golden sandy beach. You can also rent boats and kayaks to explore Cathedral Cove from the sea. With some luck, you might spot marine life such as whales, dolphins, seals — and even sometimes penguins.

If you are staying in Athenree, you will likely want to jump back into the hot pool to relax after your Coromandel trip!

DAY 4: Cities & Things to Do in New Zealand North Island – Mount Maunganui, Tauranga

Today, you will visit one of the best beaches on the New Zealand North Island — perhaps even the best according to Tripadvisor — namely Mount Maunganui Beach at Tauranga, one of the North Island’s cities.

Today, Tauranga is one of New Zealand’s main centres for business, international trade, and culture. You could easily spend an entire day in Tauranga — hiking the volcano Mount Maunganui and relaxing on its beach.

Mount Maunganui at Tauranga | Photo: Travel In Culture

Tauranga, situated at the southern end of Tauranga Harbour, is one of the largest cities in New Zealand (in fact the fifth largest) and the most populous city in the Bay of Plenty – making it a must-include on your itinerary. It is an ancient Māori settlement dating back to the 13th century, repopulated by Europeans in the early 19th century.

Tauranga is famous for its Mount Maunganui Beach, located at the foot of the ancient volcano, Mount Maunganui. Locals simply call it ‘The Mount’.

Park your car at the beachfront and stroll along the sandy beach, set against spectacular views of the verdant volcano. Keep an eye out for fascinating shells — you might be lucky enough to find some stunning Pacific seashells here.

Mount Maunganui Beach | Photo: Travel In Culture

Mauao, Mount Maunganui’s iconic mountain, rises 232 metres (760 feet) above sea level. It is a large lava dome formed millions of years ago during a massive volcanic eruption.

Try a beachside café, play in the white sand, walk out to the small Moturiki Island, or go for a swim (weather permitting)! There will be plenty of activities to enjoy on this famous New Zealand North Island beach.

After a relaxing day at the beach, you will continue your journey towards Rotorua in the late afternoon.

DAY 5: Cities & Things to Do in New Zealand North Island – Rotorua Itinerary

You will now find yourself in the epicentre of New Zealand’s North Island volcanic activity at Rotorua — with plenty of options and things to see and do to explore the geothermal area.

Rotorua features unique geothermal phenomena with its seething soil, mud pools, colourful hot pools, steam vents, and erupting geysers.

Rotorua | Photo: Travel In Culture

You will start in Kuirau Park.

Stroll through the city park, Kuirau Park, where amazing thermal activity occurs right inside Rotorua. You will soon discover volcanic steam and other visible signs of the boiling underground.

Next, follow the lakefront and tracks along Lake Rotorua, with Mokoia Island in the middle. You may even take a boat tour to reach the island. Shortly after, you will arrive at Sulphur Bay.

Sulphur Bay features unique wildlife — water birds thriving on top of the active geothermal field! The milky water here is both acidic and low in oxygen. Remember to stay on the paths, even though it may be tempting to explore the grounds — this can be very dangerous!

Photo: Travel In Culture

Visiting Rotorua is not complete without visiting one of the traditional Māori communities here. At several sites in the city, the Māori showcase their traditional way of life. One of these is the Whakarewarewa village. Here, you can also see plentiful geothermal phenomena like geysers, hot pools, and boiling mud — resources the Māori people have learned to harness. You can make a reservation on their website beforehand to ensure ticket availability.

A Māori experience may well become one of your top experiences in Rotorua!

Near Whakarewarewa village, you can hike in the spectacular Redwoods forest — the Whakarewarewa Forest — which is historic for several reasons. If you have time today, you definitely should explore it! (Otherwise, you may postpone it to Day 6, where you could swap it for the Polynesian Spa experience — or choose to stay an extra day in Rotorua instead of travelling to Lake Taupo.)

The forest has a long and fascinating history linked to volcanic activity. The eruption of Mount Tarawera in 1886 largely destroyed the original Whakarewarewa Forest. Additionally, parts were cleared by European settlers. The government replaced the lost trees and established a nursery with seeds imported from abroad. In 1901, this included some Californian Redwoods.

You will find gigantic trees in the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest | Photo: Travel In Culture

From 1915, timber could be harvested, among other uses, for mines such as the Waihi Gold Mine.

In 1915, the grove of Redwood trees was declared a memorial to honour and commemorate the Forest Service members who lost their lives in World War I and II. Around this time, a sawmill also began operation here.

Originally, this was indigenous land. In 1909, the forest land was returned to the Māori.

Finally, in 2013, giant Redwoods were planted once more to preserve this tree species on Earth for posterity.

The latest addition here is the Tree Walk from 2015 — an unusual opportunity to walk among the tree tops! If you have time, it is definitely worth considering!

Tree Walk in the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest | Photo: Travel In Culture

DAY 6: Rotorua and Lake Taupo

If you feel up to it, you may start your day with a hot mineral water experience at the Polynesian Spa, close to Sulphur Bay. Here, the slightly acidic and alkaline natural mineral springs feed into 28 mineral pools, offering a unique spa experience.

Then, it is time to drive to Taupō and Lake Taupō, about an hour’s drive south of Rotorua. As one of the cities at the centre of the New Zealand North Island, Taupō lies on the shore of Lake Taupō.

Lake Taupō was created nearly two thousand years ago by a gigantic volcanic eruption. It is the caldera of the Taupō Volcano and New Zealand’s largest lake. Often, it is colder and windier here compared to other parts of the North Island. It is a magnet for water sports such as skydiving, jet boating, bungee jumping, and paragliding.

There are many things to do in this central part of New Zealand – and this itinerary includes some of the absolute highlights. For example, you can visit the striking geothermal park and cave Orakei Korako on the way between Rotorua and Lake Taupō, or see the fascinating Huka Falls just north of Taupō. Afterwards—if you didn’t visit the Polynesian Spa in the morning — you may wish to visit the Wairakei Terraces for a thermal spa experience, just five minutes by car from Huka Falls.

Breathtaking views of Tongariro Alpine Crossing | Photo: Laura7933 / Pixabay

DAY 7: A. Tongariro Alpine Crossing or B. Hobbiton

Now, you will have two options to continue your trip. You will either A. Continue further south, ending in Wellington (from where you will go home — or maybe continue to the South Island for another week) — or B. Continue northbound towards Auckland, where you will end your trip. So you will choose either 20A and 21A or 20B and 21B for Day 7 and Day 8.

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing (not in winter though — due to weather conditions!). Tongariro National Park, just on the other side of Lake Taupō, is the oldest national park in New Zealand, world-famous for its trek, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, offering awe-inspiring and some of the most stunning views New Zealand has to offer.

It is a 19.4-kilometre (12 miles) trek, which may be a bit challenging (also depending on weather), so make sure you are adequately fit for this journey. You should make a reservation for shuttle transport with a licensed operator.

It is also here you will be able to spot one of the Lord of the Rings locations: Mount Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe).

Take a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour | Photo: Travel In Culture

If you continue your trip northbound, you will spend Day 7 at Hobbiton doing a Hobbiton Movie Set Tour in the rolling green hills at Matamata in the heart of Waikato, with a striking resemblance to The Shire in the hobbit universe as defined by J.R.R. Tolkien! It is the location where The Hobbit trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, was filmed, beginning in 1999. In the end, 44 hobbit holes were dug!

The tour takes you around hobbit holes, The Green Dragon, the Party Tree and all the other places you know from the films. At the same time, you get the story behind and learn surprising details about the production. A must-see for any hobbit addict!

Hobbiton landscape

Photo: Travel In Culture

DAY 8: A. Wellington or B. Waitomo and Hamilton

On your last day, Day 8, you will end in A. Wellington or B. Auckland — depending on your further New Zealand itinerary.

Early morning you will drive the approximately 5 hours down to the capital Wellington — another one of the fascinating cities in New Zealand.

So what are the best things you can do to make the most of your day in the ‘coolest city’ in New Zealand? (Named the ‘coolest little capital in the world’ by Lonely Planet.)

It is easy. You will start with lunch in one of the great restaurants or casual eateries in the city — maybe on Cuba Street.

You will now stroll down Cuba Street, Wellington’s vibrant pedestrian mall full of fashionable boutiques, galleries and cafés, to get to the Cable Car.

Ride Wellington’s iconic cable car from 1902 up to Kelburn Cable Car Station on the hill for amazing views of the city. Up here, you will also find the Botanic Garden and a shuttle to the Zealandia Eco Sanctuary.

Wellington

In Wellington, you can take the cable car uphill for stunning views of the city and harbour | New Zealand cities | Photo: Makalu / Pixabay

When back in the city, go for a scenic waterfront walk to reach the Te Papa Tongarewa Museum.

Te Papa Tongarewa Museum is a must-see in Wellington!

You may be lucky to find a night market (maybe the Cuba Street Night Market with delicious food stalls and the famous craft beer). This is the perfect approach to experiencing Wellington nightlife!

If you continue your trip northbound, you will head for the Waitomo Glowworm Caves — slightly more than an hour’s drive from Hobbiton.

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are unique in that you will get a grotto experience in the form of a boat ride past the glow worm-covered cave walls. The caves are approximately 30 million years old!

You will discover thousands of tiny luminescent glowworms in the subterranean universe. You can also explore on foot and see the most stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Hamilton Gardens feature gardens from a whole range of different cultures | Photo: Travel In Culture

One hour’s drive north of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, you will arrive at Hamilton Gardens.

The Hamilton Gardens have a unique approach since they tell the story of gardens through different civilisations in the world. Entry is even free!

You will be able to explore the Te Parapara — New Zealand’s first traditional Māori garden, The Paradise Garden Collection, including gardens that represent China, England, Japan, America, Italy and India, The Productive Garden Collection, The Cultivar Garden Collection, as well as The Fantasy Garden with The Tudor Garden, Tropical Garden and Concept Garden.

Hamilton Gardens | Photo: Travel In Culture

They represent very different cultures and approaches to gardens — it is a real gem and a popular site to visit!

From here, you can do a lovely river walk along the Waikato River to the Waikato Museum of regional art and history in central Hamilton. If time allows, you may also consider popping into the museum (the entry is free).

Finally, in the evening, you will return to Auckland where your 8-day New Zealand North Island itinerary and trip ends!

Inspiration for New Zealand trip: Māori Culture & People and Rotorua – Can You Smell It? and Visit Whakarewarewa!

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