New Zealand’s North Island is a place where legends are etched into the landscape. From the urban sophistication of Auckland to the sacred meeting of two oceans at Cape Reinga, this one-week loop is the perfect introduction to Aotearoa (the Land of the Long White Cloud). Plus – this North Island 7-day itinerary takes you up to the north of New Zealand – where I am from!
Ok so I’m bias. But the North Island and Northland, New Zealand is where I was born and raised and where my family is. I grew up spending time in the Pacific Islands (Vanuatu, Noumea) and time later as a teacher volunteering and travelling in the South Pacific, the Bay of Islands is where I call home.
Here is the ultimate North Island 7-Day itinerary from Auckland to the beautiful Bay of Islands and the Far North of New Zealand. Enjoy!
The Essentials: Getting Around & Kiwi Culture
This is our recommended North Island 7-Day 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, New Zealand.
The North Island is much more populated than the South Island, with roughly three-quarters of New Zealanders living on the North Island. Though the north of the North Island is more remote than the central districts, there is lots to do and plenty of historic and cultural sites that are iconic and unique to New Zealand.
This itinerary can be done all year round.
Getting Around
This is designed as a North Island 7-Day itinerary road trip, starting in Auckland on the North Island, heading north to the top of New Zealand and then driving back south to end in Auckland.
- Car or Campervan: To see Northland properly, you need your own wheels. While Auckland has decent public transport, the Far North is best explored at your own pace.
- The ‘Kiwi Drive’: New Zealand roads are narrow, winding, and often involve one-lane bridges. A 200km drive can take much longer than you expect. Relax, take your time, and enjoy the views. This is the ultimate of New Zealand road-tripping!
Cultural Foundations
- 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.
- Learn about Manaakitanga: This is the Māori word for hospitality and care. You’ll find Kiwis are incredibly helpful and laid-back.
The North Island 7-Day 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.
- Day 1: Arrive in Auckland
- Day 2: Drive to the Bay of Islands (Paihia)
- Day 3: Russell & Opua
- Day 4: Day Trip to Cape Reinga
- Day 5: Return to Auckland
- Day 6: Waiheke Island
- Day 7: Auckland Farewell
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Auckland, the ‘City of Sails’ is built on a volcanic field and flanked by two harbours.
- Mount Eden (Maungawhau): Walk up to the summit of this dormant volcano for a 360 circ view of the city and a look into the massive 50-meter deep crater.
- Sky Tower: For a perspective from the clouds, head up the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest free-standing structure.
- Viaduct Harbour: Enjoy dinner at the waterfront, watching the yachts that give the city its nickname.
Day 2: The Drive to Bay of Islands (Paihia)
Consisting of 144 islands, the Bay of Islands is known for its beautiful blue water, dramatic shorelines, and picturesque coves.
Head north from Auckland (approx. 3.5 to 4 hours. Stop at the Hundertwasser Toilets in Kawakawa along the way—they are a work of art!
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).
- Paihia Wharf: This is the hub of the Bay. Take a walk along the waterfront and enjoy the relaxed vibes of Paihia township. Get an ice cream (try Hokey Pokey!) on the waterfront.
- Waitangi Treaty Grounds: Located just a 20 minute walk from Paihia, this is New Zealand’s most significant historic and cultural site. Visit the museum and see the massive ceremonial war canoe (waka taua). Learn about Maori culture and the
Day 3: Russell & Opua
Russell is just a short ferry ride from Paihia, but it feels a world away. Once the ‘Hell Hole of the Pacific’ it is now a charming, 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!
- Pompallier Mission and Printery: Visit this beautiful 19th century building where Māori translations of religious texts were printed. It’s the only one of its kind in the country.
- Flagstaff Hill (Te Maiki): Walk up for stunning views over the Bay and see the site where the flagstaff was famously cut down four times by Māori chiefs as a protest against the British.
- The Opua Coastal Walk: If you’re feeling active, the walk between Opua and Paihia offers stunning coastal views and lush native bush.
Day 4: Day Trip to Cape Reinga
This is a long day (approx. 6 hours return driving), but it’s a non-negotiable experience. It is one of the most iconic sites of New Zealand and a must for your North Island 7-day itinerary.
Many travellers choose a bus tour to allow them to drive along 90-Mile Beach. Which albeit is more relaxing by bus. Otherwise set off early and enjoy a road trip day in the beautiful far, far north of New Zealand.
Whichever way you choose, I recommend the day trip to the Far North – even if you leave the rental car in Paihia for the day.
- Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga): This is the most spiritually significant place in NZ for Māori. It is where the spirits of the dead depart for their ancestral homeland.
- Meeting of the Seas: Watch the white-capped collision where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. You can actually see this from the lookout at Cape Reinga!
- Te Paki Sand Dunes: On the way back, stop at these massive golden dunes for some sandboarding—it’s an adrenaline rush like no other.
Day 5: Return to Auckland
Take a different route back, perhaps via the Hokianga Harbour to see Tāne Mahuta, the ‘Lord of the Forest’ — a giant Kauri tree that is over 2,000 years old.
- Exploring Ponsonby or Parnell: Back in Auckland, explore these trendy suburbs for great boutique shopping and world-class coffee.
- Sky Tower: Go up the Sky Tower if you haven’t yet!
Day 6: Waiheke Island – The Island of Wine
This is a unique experience in New Zealand and is a great option for foodies and wine lovers. Take the 40-minute passenger ferry from downtown Auckland. Waiheke is a paradise of vineyards, olive groves, and white sand beaches.
- Wine Tasting: Visit world-famous vineyards like Mudbrick or Cable Bay for lunch and a glass of local Syrah overlooking the ocean.
- Oneroa Beach: A beautiful spot for a swim or a walk along the cliffside trails.
- EcoZip Adventures: For a different perspective, zipline over the forest with views of the Hauraki Gulf.
Day 7: Auckland Farewell
Spend your final day soaking in the city’s culture before your flight.
- Auckland War Memorial Museum: Located in the beautiful Auckland Domain, this museum offers the best Māori cultural performances and a deep dive into NZ’s natural and military history.
- Westhaven Marina: Walk along the promenade for one last look at the ‘City of Sails’ before you head to the airport.
Food to Try: The Kiwi Palate
You cannot leave New Zealand without trying these staples:
- Hāngī: Meat and vegetables slow-cooked in an underground pit. The smoky flavour is unique to Aotearoa.
- Fish and Chips: Best enjoyed on the beach at Paihia or Russell. Ask for ‘Snapper’ or ‘Terakihi’ and plenty of lemon.
- The Meat Pie: Go to a local bakery and get a ‘Mince and Cheese’ or ‘Steak and Mushroom’ pie. It’s the ultimate road trip food.
- L&P (Lemon & Paeroa): A classic Kiwi soft drink. It’s ‘World famous in New Zealand since 1907’!
- Hokey Pokey Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream with small, crunchy lumps of honeycomb toffee. This is my absolute favourite, and I can’t recommend it enough!
Final Tips for Your North Island 7-Day Itinerary
- Sun Protection: The NZ sun is incredibly harsh due to a thin ozone layer. Even on cloudy days, wear high-SPF sunscreen.
- Book Ahead: Russell and Paihia are popular year-round. Book your accommodation and the Cape Reinga tour in advance, especially in summer (December–February).
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service can be spotty in the Far North and on the winding roads of the Hokianga.
Final Thoughts
The North Island is truly a beautiful part of New Zealand that can’t be missed on any North Island 7-day itinerary. From the historic shores of Russell to the windy heights of Cape Reinga, this week-long journey will leave you with a deep appreciation for the beauty and spirit of New Zealand.
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!