North Island road trip ideas: 3 incredible adventures

When it comes to travelling the sites of New Zealand, it’s no secret that the South Island gets most of the credit. While the view is completely different, the North Island really is just as spectacular and well worth exploring. Whether you only have five days to spare or three whole weeks, we have the heaps of North Island road trip ideas to help you see the best of what’s on offer on this stunning island.

How long do you need for a North Island road trip?

You could spend weeks getting lost in the wilderness of the North Island and enjoying all the beauty within. If only we all had the luxury to escape for weeks on end. Alas, duty calls. With this in mind, we have split up our recommended itineraries based on the type of holiday you’re looking at taking.

1. Seven days: Family tour

Travelling with the kids is great, but let’s be honest, we all have our limits. A one week North Island road trip is plenty of time to soak up some of the amazing outdoor views on offer and enjoy some quality family time together.

Depending on the age of the kids, you might be able to stretch this a little bit further. But remember, push it too far and you might get moans of, “I’m bored” echoing through your ears. And trust us, no one wants that on their holiday. It’s also a morebudget-friendly road trip option.

2. Two weeks: Couples tour

You know what they say about holidays: it takes one week to unwind and leave your stresses behind and the second week is when you can be completely relaxed and enjoy yourself. With that in mind, two weeks is the perfect amount of time for a couple wanting to check out the sites.

It allows you to see as much as possible, while also factoring in that all-important downtime. You’ll be able to relax and unwind, which will help you appreciate the sites even more in the process.

3. Three weeks: Adventure tour

Do you love seeking out a little adventure? Do you live for the thrills? If this sounds like you, then the three-week tour is your best bet for the ultimate road trip. It gives you ample time, not only to check out the sites but to experience them in all their glory.

With time on your side, you can head off on endless hikes, take on the challenges of the landscape, and see the North Island in a whole new light.

North Island road trip ideas

Once you work out which holiday best describes you, it’s time to get planning. We will take you through our top itinerary for each holiday, so you can experience the wonders of the North Island at your own pace.

1-week Wellington to Taupo loop

Day 1: Wellington to Putangirua Pinnacles

Travel Time: 1 hour 42 minutes

This has to be one of the best first stops to check to find yourself in a whole other world. The Putangirua Stream has eroded the rock, resulting in the Putangirua Pinnacles. And what a sight they are to see. You can take one of three routes to the lookout, but with little feet in tow, it’s best to opt for the shortest one. There’s still plenty to see as you go.

Day 2: Pinnacles to Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Travel Time: 4 hours and 20 minutes

While there are some challenging walks at this stop, there are also some more family-friendly options. The Red Crater to Blue Lake work is graded moderate and takes just 30 minutes. Work out what the kids are capable of before you head off.

Day 3: Tongariro Alpine Crossing to Rotorua

Travel Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

This town is renowned for its geothermal activity and Maori culture. Check out mud pools, the 30-metre tall Pohutu Geyser and immerse yourself in some art and culture along the way.

**Day 4: Rotorua to Taupo ** Travel Time: 57 minutes

A nice short trip to this lakefront town that is perfect if you love the outdoors. Enjoy hiking, biking, hot springs, cascades and much more.

Day 5: Taupo to Palmerston North

Travel Time: 3 hours and 10 minutes

Sporting buffs will love this stop. Home to the New Zealand Rugby Museum, right next door is the art, science and history museum, and plenty of gorgeous areas for walks as well.

Day 6: Palmerston North to Otaki Beach

Travel Time: 1 hour

Is there a better way to end your holiday than with a beach stop before heading home? If you still have a little adventure left in you, you can head for a hike at Tararua Forest Park as well.

Day 7: Otaki Beach to Wellington

Travel Time: 1 hour and 4 minutes

Home doesn’t mean the adventure has to end. There is plenty to see and do in your own home town. Take a day or two to check out the sites and unwind after an amazing trip.

2-week Wellington to Waiheke Island loop

Day 1-2: Wellington to Putangirua Pinnacles

Travel Time: 1 hour 42 minutes

Is there anything better than spending time with your loved one? Take a stroll through the Putangirua Pinnacles and enjoy some amazing sites while spending some quality time together.

Day 3: Pinnacles to Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Travel Time: 4 hours and 20 minutes

Work out what you and your partner are capable of and pop on those walking shoes. There are plenty of tracks to choose from.

Day 4: Tongariro Alpine Crossing to Rotorua

Travel Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Sitting within the Pacific Rim of Fire, there is plenty to see and do on this stop. It’s well worthwhile for all visitors.

Day 5-6: Rotorua to Piha Beach

Travel Time: 3 hours and 24 minutes

A laid-back seaside village where you can enjoy a couple of rest days in between the adventure. It’s the perfect chance to unwind as a couple.

Day 7: Piha Beach to Waiheke Island

Travel Time: 2 hours and 47 minutes

Enjoy stunning vineyards, olive groves and beaches, just a 40-minute ferry ride from Auckland. It’s the perfect way to spend a day.

Day 8-9: Waiheke Island to Hamilton

Travel Time: 3 hours and 3 minutes

Dine like a hobbit, admire the glow worms, learn to surf or wander through the gardens. There’s plenty of ways you and your better half can spend some quality time together.

Day 10: Hamilton to Taupo

Travel Time: 1 hour and 56 minutes

Same as the family tour, this town is well worth a stop to take in some great outdoor adventures.

Day 11: Taupo to Palmerston North

Travel Time: 3 hours and 9 minutes

Another stop not to be missed no matter the length of your tour. Palmerston North is perfect for the sports lover and history buff.

Day 12-13: Palmerston North to Otaki Beach

Travel Time: 1 hour

The ideal last stop no matter how long you’ve been away for. Unwind at the beach, or head of hiking in Tararua Forest Park.

Day 14: Otaki Beach to Wellington

Travel Time: 1 hour and 4 minutes

Home and ready to settle back into the swing of things.

3-week Wellington to Cape Reinga loop

Day 1: Wellington to Putangirua Pinnacles

Travel Time: 1 hour 42 minutes

Start off your holiday the way you intend to follow, with an uphill adventure through the Putangirua Pinnacles. The eroded formation is a spectacular site and you can take one of three tracks to do it justice. Let the adventure begin.

Day 2-3: Pinnacles to Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Travel Time: 4 hours and 20 minutes

The one-day trek here is heralded as one of the best in New Zealand and top ten in the world. A must-see for any adventure seeker.

Day 4: Tongariro Alpine Crossing to Rotorua

Travel Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Put your sense of adventure to the test with some adrenaline-pumping activities, such as BMX riding, reverse bungy and the only pedal-powered monorail track.

Day 5: Rotorua to The Pinnacles

Travel Time: 2 hours and 28 minutes

If you’re here to adventure, then this stop is perfect for you. There’s an 8-hour return walk you can enjoy, seeing everything there is as you reach the summit of the Pinnacles. It’s something everyone should do at least once!

Day 7: The Pinnacles to Piha Beach

Travel Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

After all the adventure so far, it’s important to take some time to rest and recover. Piha Beach is the perfect seaside spot, known for black sand and strong waves for surfing.

Day 8: Piha Beach to Waiheke Island

Travel Time: 2 hours and 47 minutes

Perfect chance to settle back and taste some local wines. But, if adventure is calling you, head off on one of the ziplines to keep busy.

Day 9: Waiheke Island to Snells Beach

Travel Time: 2 hours and 49 minutes

If you’ve ever wanted to snorkel, this is the perfect place to dive in and have a go. You can even take it up a level and try your luck at scuba diving.

Day 10-11: Snells Beach to Cape Reinga

Travel Time: 4 hours and 56 minutes

This is the northwesternmost tip of the Aupouri Peninsula and at the Northern end of the North Island. You can literally watch as oceans collide.

Day 12-13: Cape Reinga to Waipoua Kauri Forest

Travel Time: 3 hours and 44 minutes

This famous forest is home to the giant Kauri trees and is well worth the hike.

Day 14-15: Waipoua Kauri Forest to Hamilton

Travel Time: 4 hours and 21 minutes

The adventures continue with amazing glowworm and cave tours.

Day 16: Hamilton to Taupo

Travel Time: 2 hours

This one is a must no matter what tour you’re on. There’s plenty of outdoor activities for the thrill-seeker to enjoy.

Day 17: Taupo to Pureora Forest Park

Travel Time: 2 hours and 6 minutes

One of the most amazing rainforests in the world, you can spend hours wandering through this 760-square-kilometre area.

Day 18: Pureora Forest Park to Oakura

Travel Time: 3 hours and 28 minutes

Another chance to unwind from all the adventures and immerse yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of this friendly community.

Day 19: Oakura to Palmerston North

Travel Time: 3 hours and 3 minutes

A little less thrill, but a little more culture with a visit to the Rugby Museum.

Day 20: Palmerston North to Otaki Beach

Travel Time: 1 hour

The adventure doesn’t end yet! From here, you can head over to Tararua Forest Park where you can head off on a 30-minute stroll, or a multi-day hike!

Day 21: Otaki Beach to Wellington

Travel Time: 1 hour and 4 minutes

Home – and time to start planning your next adventure.

Bring our North Island road trip ideas to life

No matter how much time you have on your hands to explore, it’s well worth taking a trip around the North Island. You can tackle it bit by bit and break it up into multiple trips, or take the whole island in one go and see everything on offer.

Either way, you’ll be left wanting more. Start planning today! Pick up a rental campervan on the North Island, load it up and get ready for an adventure like no other. Make sure you pack your walking shoes for this trip, as you’ll be spending most of it outdoors, breathing in the fresh air and soaking up all the sites as you go!