10-Day North Island Self-Drive Itinerary

New Zealand’s North Island packs in more than most people expect: geothermal wonderlands, empty coastlines, Māori culture and some of the best road-tripping anywhere. This is our ten-day North Island self-drive itinerary, built from our own favourite spots, and every stop is easily reached in the time. Grab a hire car and go.

On a road map the route looks like this:

Day 1: Arrive into Auckland

If you are coming from overseas Auckland will more than likely be your arrival point. You could either spend the day resting and exploring Auckland at your own pace or even better jump on the passenger ferry to Waiheke island. It is just 40 minutes ferry ride away and you are in Paradise! This will be your first slice of what NZ truly represents. We suggest checking out Air B&B (use this link here to get a discount off your first booking!) or BookaBach to stay in a traditional kiwi bach overlooking the beach, welcome to NZ!

Day 2: Explore Waiheke Island

Take this day to explore Waiheke Island at your own pace. If you did stay in Auckland you can easily explore Waiheke in a day trip. Suggestions Include: Visiting one of Waiheke’s many wineries for a wine tour, tasting and/or lunch, hiring electric bikes for the best way to get around the island or simply relaxing at the beach!

Day 3: Travel to Waitomo

Today pick up your hire car and travel to Waitomo, cave country. (2.5 hours’ drive) Here you can spend the afternoon exploring the glow worm caves and finish your day in a beautiful family-run farm stay or a unique Air BnB. Waitomo Glowworm Caves is a fantastic trip that we did back in 2009, I would strongly recommend it to anyone wanting more than the average cave tour!

Day 4: Travel to Tongariro National Park

Heading south drive towards the North Islands largest national park, Tongariro. (2.5 hours drive) Hiking here is world renowned and there are walks that take just 1 hour to 8 hours. Visit the visitors centre to discover the most suitable walk for you. If Glamping is your thing then there are some great glamping spots nearby, don’t forget dinner at the Station Cafe at the train station, the steak is fabulous!

Day 5: Travel to explore Napier / Hawkes Bay

A three-hour drive east of the national park is Napier and Hawkes Bay. Napier is a great base to explore the Hawkes Bay region. Suggested Include: Viewing the gannets at Cape Kidnappers, visiting one of the very best wineries NZ has to offer and climbing Te Mata Peak for some incredible views of the bay. Te Mata peak was something out of the ordinary, so definitely spare some time to drive up and be wowed by the 360-degree views!

Day 6: Travel East Cape

If you want to get off the beaten track, the coastal road to East Cape is a road that not is often travelled. It has to be one of the most rugged and untouristed regions in the country. IT IS BY FAR MY FAVOURITE REGION ON THE NORTH ISLAND. We first did the drive back in 2010, safe to say we are well overdue for a visit! Trust me you will experience the true kiwi ambience here during the 5-hour drive to East Cape Lighthouse. We suggest retiring for the night in a remote bush lodge, experiencing kiwi hospitality at its best.

Day 7: Enjoy East Cape and continue to Whakatane

The historic East Cape Lighthouse is famed for the first place to see the day as it is NZ most easterly point. Get up early to be one of the very few to view the sunrise from this lighthouse. Perched 154 metres above sea level and enduring 700 steps to the top this will be a peaceful morning you won’t forget in a hurry. In the afternoon drive on to Whakatane for an overnight stay (3.5 hours drive). Spend the hours in the car attempting to say the name of the town, it will be fun!

Day 8: Rotorua’s geothermal wonders (and a look at Whakaari)

Whakatāne is the gateway to Whakaari, better known as White Island, New Zealand’s most active marine volcano. Sadly, landing tours stopped after the tragic 2019 eruption and have not resumed, so you can no longer set foot on it. You can still see it from the air on a scenic flight from Whakatāne or Rotorua, which is a spectacular and safe way to take in the crater. We would spend the day instead in nearby Rotorua, the heart of North Island geothermal country, with its bubbling mud pools, geysers, hot springs and rich Māori culture. Wai-O-Tapu and Te Puia are both worth your time. Then carry on towards Tauranga for the night.

Day 9: Enjoy Tauranga

On this day enjoy a free day exploring Tauranga and Mount Maunganui. Suggestions Include: Paddle boarding, climbing Mount Maunganui for some incredible views of the bay, trying your hand at surfing or simply relax, after all you are on holiday!

Day 10: Return to Auckland

Take this day to travel back to Auckland at your own pace (but maybe a bit faster if you have a flight to catch!). There are plenty of scenic stops along the route. For Lord of the Rings fan’s no trip to NZ would be complete without a stop at Hobbiton, the film set of the iconic movies filmed right here in NZ. Or take a detour via the Karangahape Gorge and explore the walkways that follow the old railway lines along a jaw-dropping canyon!

Frequently asked questions

Is 10 days enough for the North Island?

Yes, comfortably, as long as you focus on the highlights rather than trying to see everything. This route covers Auckland, Waiheke, Waitomo, Tongariro, Hawke’s Bay, East Cape and the Bay of Plenty without feeling rushed.

What is the best time of year for a North Island road trip?

Summer (December to March) for the warmest weather and long days, though it is the busiest. Autumn is quieter and still mild.

How much driving is there each day?

Most days are two to three and a half hours behind the wheel, with plenty to stop for along the way. The East Cape leg is the longest at around five hours.

Do you need a car for this itinerary?

Yes, it is a self-drive route. Public transport does not reach most of these spots, so hire a car or a campervan in Auckland.

*So there you have it I just rolled all our favourite spots on the North Island into ten days! Where would you go if you only have ten days to spare? *