If you are planning your North Island, New Zealand itinerary, there are a lot of things to consider. How long should you spend? Where should you stay? Is a 10-Day North Island Itinerary enough? Should you rent a car? What are the best things to do?
In this guide, we share the top experiences in Auckland, Northland, the Bay of Islands, Cape Reinga and Rotorua and then detail how to put them together to create your perfect North Island itinerary.
Plus, I get to boast in each of these Northland posts – that this 10-Day North Island Itinerary takes you up to the north of New Zealand – where I am from!
Here is the ultimate North Island 10-Day itinerary from Auckland to the beautiful Bay of Islands and the Far North of New Zealand and south to the incredible geothermal wonderland and cultural epicentre of Rotorua. Enjoy!
The Essentials: Getting Around & Kiwi Culture
This is our recommended 10-Day North Island itinerary filled with all our favourite places to see, tips for transport, culture and FOOD to try plus what we think are the top things to do in Northland and Rotorua, New Zealand.
Getting Around
This is designed as a 10-Day North Island Itinerary road trip, starting in Auckland on the North Island, heading north to the top of New Zealand and then driving back south to Rotorua then to end in Auckland.
- The Road Trip Culture: Outside of Auckland, public transport is sparse. To truly see the North Island, you need a car or a campervan. Be prepared for narrow, winding roads and the occasional one-lane bridge. But this is absolutely the best way to get around Northland (and New Zealand!).
- Domestic Flights: While driving is scenic, if you are short on time, flying between Auckland and Rotorua is an option, though driving allows you to see the changing landscape of the Waikato.
Cultural Foundations
Experiencing Māori culture in New Zealand offers a deep connection to the nation’s indigenous heritage, revealing a holistic worldview, rich traditions (like the powerful haka and storytelling), and a profound link to the land. It is an important part of any trip to New Zealand and the great news is that Northland and Rotorua are two of the best places in the country to learn about Māori culture.
- Te Tiriti o Waitangi: The Treaty of Waitangi is New Zealand’s founding document. Understanding the relationship between Māori and the Crown is essential to understanding the country.
- Visit Waitangi in the Bay of Islands: For an authentic Māori experience, watch a cultural performance and take part in the hāngī, a traditional Māori meal. The hāngī is traditionally cooked Māori food. Chicken, meat and kumara are cooked in an earth oven and then served in a buffet.
- Māori Heritage: The North Island is the best place to experience Māori culture. In Rotorua and Northland, you will find Marae (meeting houses) and can learn about Tikanga (customs).
- Learn about Manaakitanga: This is the Māori word for hospitality and care. You will find Kiwis to be incredibly welcoming and eager to share their ‘backyard’ with you.
The Ultimate 10-Day North Island Itinerary
This itinerary starts and ends in Auckland. You will travel north to the northernmost part of New Zealand, visiting the Bay of Islands and driving the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to Cape Reinga. Then from Paihia head south again to Auckland and onwards to Rotorua for two nights before returning to end in Auckland.
- Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
- Day 2: Drive to the Bay of Islands (Paihia)
- Day 3: Waitangi, Russell & Opua
- Day 4: Day Trip to Cape Reinga
- Day 5: Return to Auckland
- Day 6: Return to Auckland
- Day 7-8: Rotorua
- Day 9: Explore Auckland
- Day 10: Auckland Farewell
Day 1-2: Auckland – 10-Day North Island Itinerary
Welcome to Auckland!
Auckland is built on a volcanic field, meaning every hill you see is a dormant volcano. It is our biggest city and a great place to start your 10-day North Island itinerary.
- Mount Eden (Maungawhau): Hike to the top for a panoramic view of the city and its two harbours. The 50 meter deep crater is a sacred site, so please stay on the paths.
- Viaduct Harbour: Explore the waterfront, which hosted the America’s Cup. It is packed with world-class restaurants and bars.
- Auckland War Memorial Museum: Located in the Domain, this is arguably the best museum in the country for Māori artifacts and natural history.
Day 3: Drive to the Bay of Islands (Paihia)
Head north (approx. 3.5 hours). On the way, stop at Kawakawa to see the famous Hundertwasser Toilets—the most artistic place you’ll ever take a break.
This is where I am from in New Zeland and I can’t help but share the highlights to make sure you get the most out of your time up here!
Things to Do: Popular places to visit in the Bay of Islands include visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the Hole in the Rock, Urupukapuka Island (the largest island in the Bay of Islands), Otehei Bay (one of the bays at Urupukapuka Island), Russell, and Motuarohia Island (the original landing site of Captain Cook).
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds: This is where the founding document of New Zealand was signed. Take a guided tour to understand the complex history between the British Crown and Māori chiefs.
- Paihia Wharf: Enjoy dinner overlooking the bay as the sun sets over the 144 islands.
Day 4: Russell & Opua – 10-Day North Island Itinerary
Take the passenger ferry from Paihia to Russell. Once the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’ it is now a peaceful, historic village.
One of our favourite things to do in Paihia when we go up to visit my Mum is to take the ferry across to Russell. It is beautiful to wander during the day. But it really is particularly stunning in the late afternoon with the sun setting over the beach and town on the waterfront. We recommend getting fish and chips at sunset and sitting on the beach in Russell – it is stunning!
- Russell Old Town: Wander the streets and visit the Duke of Marlborough (New Zealand’s oldest licensed hotel) for a drink.
- Flagstaff Hill: Hike up for a 360 circ view of the Bay. This is the site where Hōne Heke famously cut down the British flagstaff four times in protest.
- The Opua Coastal Walk: For those who love a hike, the trail between Opua and Paihia offers stunning coastal views and lush native bush.
Day 5: Day Trip to Cape Reinga (Te Rerenga Wairua)
This is a massive day of driving (420km return) or an organised bus tour. But it is hands down one of the most unique things to do in Northland. It is also one of the most iconic sites of New Zealand and a must for your North Island 10-day itinerary.
- The Lighthouse: Watch the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide in a white-capped surge.
- Te Paki Sand Dunes: Grab a sandboard and fly down the massive golden dunes.
- The Spirit’s Jump: Learn about the cultural significance of the ancient Kahika tree, where Māori spirits leap into the ocean to return to their ancestral home.
Day 6: Return to Auckland
Drive back south, perhaps stopping at Whangārei Falls for a quick dip or a photo op. Use this evening to relax and enjoy the Auckland food scene.
Day 7-8: Rotorua – Geothermal Wonders & Māori Culture
Drive south into the heart of the North Island (3 hours). For travellers from around the world, Rotorua is most famous for its rich Māori culture as well as the chance to experience some of New Zealand’s famous adventure activities. Plus, Rotorua is famous for its ‘sulfur’ scent and its incredible geothermal activity.
Stop at the beautiful Putaruru Blue Springs on the way – and take a photo with the famous, huge sheep and dog in Tirau!
- Te Puia: See the Pōhutu Geyser, which erupts up to 20 times a day, and visit the Kiwi bird sanctuary.
- Redwoods Treewalk: Walk across suspension bridges high in the canopy of a majestic Redwood Forest. It is especially magical at night when illuminated by lanterns.
- A Māori Hāngī & Performance: You cannot visit Rotorua without experiencing a Hāngī—food slow-cooked in an underground oven. It is an evening of storytelling, song, and incredible flavours.
- Rotorua Canopy Tours: Get some of Rotorua’s famous adrenaline rush taking a treetop guided walk!
Day 9: Explore Auckland (The Islands)
Return to Auckland and take the 40 minute ferry to Waiheke Island.
- Winery Hopping: Waiheke is the Island of Wine. Visit Mudbrick or Cable Bay for a tasting with a view back toward the city skyline.
- Beach Time: Relax at Oneroa or Palm Beach before heading back to the mainland for your final evening.
Day 10: Auckland Farewell
Before your flight, spend a few hours in the trendy suburbs.
- Ponsonby Road: The best spot for boutique shopping and high-end cafes.
- Westhaven Marina: A beautiful walk to see the thousands of yachts that give Auckland its nickname.
Food to Try: 10-Day North Island Itinerary
- The Meat Pie: The ultimate road trip fuel. Look for “Mince and Cheese” at any local bakery.
- Fish and Chips: Best eaten on the beach at Paihia or Russell. Ask for ‘Snapper’ or ‘Hoki’.
- Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: Vanilla with small, crunchy lumps of honeycomb toffee. It’s a national obsession.
- L&P: ‘Lemon and Paeroa’—a uniquely Kiwi soft drink that tastes like lemon ginger ale.
- Pavlova: A meringue-based dessert topped with cream and kiwifruit (don’t tell the Australians it’s yours!).
Final Tips for Your Trip
- Sun Protection: The New Zealand sun is exceptionally strong. Even on cloudy days, you will burn quickly. Wear SPF 50+.
- Book Ahead: Rotorua and the Bay of Islands are popular year-round. Book your accommodation and Māori cultural experiences well in advance.
- The Weather: New Zealand can experience “four seasons in one day.” Pack a waterproof jacket even in the height of summer.
PART VI: Accommodation in Paihia & Kerikeri
These are the hotels and guesthouses in Paihia and Kerikeri that we recommend.
Paihia
- For Waterfront Convenience: Motels like Bounty Motel or Breakwater Motel offer great value and walkability to shops and ferries.
- For Resorts & Views: Paihia Beach Resort & Spa provides beachfront luxury, while Scenic Hotel Bay of Islands is a popular choice.
- For Budget & Families: Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park and Bay of Islands Holiday Park offer cabins, powered sites, and communal facilities.
- For Hostels: Haka Lodge Paihia is a great option for social travellers.
Kerikeri
- Boutique & Modern: Stay Kerikeri Apartments offers stylish, central accommodation.
- Peaceful Retreats: Look for farm stays or lodges like Puketotara Lodge for a tranquil escape.
- Holiday Homes: Rent a whole house for privacy and self-catering.
Tips for Choosing – Paihia or Kerikeri?
We reckon its best to start in Paihia. Visit Waitangi and Russell and then make the Paihia Cape Reinga Day Trip with a further day to relax back in Paihia afterwards.
Then, if your itinerary allows, check out Kerikeri for a couple of nights and head back down the West Coast to Auckland.
- Paihia: Best for direct access to boat tours (to Hole in the Rock, Russell), beaches, and nightlife.
- Kerikeri: Ideal for exploring historic Stone Store, local markets, waterfalls, and wineries; quieter and more spread out.
- Combine: Many visitors stay in Paihia for a few nights, then move to Kerikeri for a different vibe, or vice versa.
Auckland
Back in Auckland, for convenience, stay in Auckland CBD, Britomart, or Viaduct Harbour for city access, dining, and harbour views. For trendy vibes, try Ponsonby or Parnell. These areas are known for boutiques and cafes.
If you have more time, explore local life in Grey Lynn, or head to the beaches like Mission Bay (cityside) or Piha (west coast) for coastal experiences. Auckland has it all with options ranging from luxury hotels (Cordis, Sofitel) to budget stays and unique B&Bs.
- Luxury: Cordis, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, The Grand by SkyCity, Park Hyatt.
- Mid-Range-Boutique: QT Auckland, M Social, Adina Apartment Hotel Britomart, Rydges.
- Budget–Convenient: Travelodge, Ibis Budget, Lylo.
Rotorua
There is a great range of accommodation in Rotorua and close to the lakefront and main town area.
We loved our stay at Rydges Rotorua! The hotel location is amazing with stunning views over the thermal valley.
- Rydges Rotorua: This is a great pick for families with a swimming pool and hot tubs, kids Play Zone. The in-house restaurant has a delicious buffet dinner and breakfast.
- Gemini Lodge: Chalets with multiple bedrooms well set up for families.
- Kings on Peace: One of the top reviewed properties on Booking.com.
- JetPark Hotel Rotorua: Another top pick for families with great deals for kids to stay and dine free with a paying adult.
- Fairway Cottages: Has 2-bedroom apartments just out of town.
Enjoy Your 10-Day North Island Itinerary
New Zealand’s North Island is a place that rewards the curious. Between the ancient forests and the modern cities, you’ll find a country that is deeply connected to its past and excited about its future. Ten days will leave you wanting ten more.
More About Travel in New Zealand
- Franz Josef Or Fox Glacier?
- Family Friendly Walks In Franz Josef.
- Putaruru Blue Springs South Waikato.
- Wairere Falls Walk Near Matamata.
- 5 Things To Do In Russell Bay Of Islands.
- Visiting Milford Sound In Winter.
- Hooker Valley Track Mt Cook.
- Hiking Roys Peak Track In Wanaka With Kids.
Travel Planning for New Zealand & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in Asia.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, adventure ticket, local tours and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before travel anywhere in the world!