The perfect North Island one week itinerary (New Zealand)
In this article I share my favorite North Island one week itinerary. I have described an itinerary for one week, which you can of course extend with free time and extra days. You can fully customize the below to your liking. This ininerary comes from my e-book New Zealand for beginners. Are you also going to New Zealand for the first time? Then this e-book really us something for you!
New Zealand for beginners
Are you planning to go on a trip to New Zealand for the first time? Excellent, as there is a big chance that you will enjoy this amazing country as much as I do.
In my e-book New Zealand for beginners you will find everything you want to know about your first journey to and in New Zealand. I was once a beginner myself, in 2002 to be precise. Since then I have travelled to New Zealand five more times and spent more than a year exploring.
Between 2001 and 2017 I worked for various travel organizations. Providing concrete, practical tips is my job and is based on years of experience. I’ve been a full time travel writer since 2017.
View and order the e-book here.
Day 1. Arrival in Auckland
Depending on your arrival time, today you will have time to get used to the time difference and recover from the long journey.
Overnight suggestion: Auckland City Hotel
Day 2. Free day in Auckland
Take some time today to explore Auckland or hop on the ferry to Devonport or Rangitoto Island, the latter of which must be booked in advance.
Overnight suggestion: Auckland City Hotel
Day 3. To Rotorua
Pick up your vehicle and start getting used to driving on the left. Visit the geysers of Rotorua in the afternoon and possibly a Maori show in the evening.
Overnight suggestion: Koura Lodge
Day 4. A short drive to Taupo
A short drive to Taupo and a free afternoon, possibly visiting the Craters of the Moon and Huka Falls.
Overnight suggestion: Acacia Lake View Motel
Day 5. Tongariro National Park
Time for the famous Tongariro Crossing hike (booking required) or a visit to Tongariro National Park.
Overnight suggestion: The Park Hotel Ruapehu
Day 6. Drive to Wellington
Today take the Desert Road to Wellington, one of the most beautiful routes on the North Island. Visit Wellington in the afternoon, for example the Te Papa Museum.
Overnight suggestion: Park Hotel Lambton Quay
Day 7. Ferry to the South Island
Morning in Wellington, for example take the Wellington Cable Car and check in for the ferry to the South Island and overnight in Picton to start your journey on the South Island.
Overnight suggestion: AAA Marlin Hotel
Conclusion and disclaimer
This 7 day North Island itinerary comes from my e-book New Zealand for beginners. You can find the two week South Island itinerary here.
This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase and/or reservation via such a link, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for considering!
