New Zealand: A North Island Road Trip for 7 Days

Are you planning a road trip to New Zealand and unsure where to stop? We have created this detailed itinerary for the ultimate New Zealand North Island road trip for 7 days.

There are many excellent reasons for a family road trip on the North Island of New Zealand. The main reason is the diverse range of scenery and exciting outdoor adventure activities packed into a relatively small area.

You don’t need to travel huge distances (unlike driving across Canada) through the same monotonous scenery to arrive at the next place of interest on your trip. It’s similar to road-tripping in Iceland.

You can go skiing on a snowy slope in the morning and surfing in the sea in the afternoon. You can be driving through lush, rolling green farmland one minute, and a huge snow-capped mountain comes into view around the next corner!  

Now, let’s dive on! Our itinerary is a seven-day loop from Auckland and is ideal for a family adventure.

Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Also, as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you.

Quick summary of our 7-day North Island road trip itinerary

• Day 1: Auckland to Rotorua via Hamilton Gardens, Tirau, and Hobbiton
• Day 2: Day in Rotorua and travel to Taupo
• Day 3: Day in Taupo and travel to Whakapapa Village via Turangi
• Day 4: Day around Tongariro National Park anddrive to Ohakune
• Day 5: Ohakune to New Plymouth via Whanganui
• Day 6: New Plymouth to Tamaranui via the Forgotten Highway
• Day 7: Taumarunui to Auckland via Waitomo Caves and Kawhia Hot Water Beach

Day 1:  Auckland to Rotorua (via Hamilton Gardens, Tirau & Hobbiton)

🚗 Total Driving Distance from Auckland to Rotorua: 285 km (184 miles)
⭐ Main highlight: Hobbiton, Redwoods Nightlights

Start from Auckland as early as you can. It’s a busy first day.

Your first stop will be at the Hamilton Gardens, about 127 km (79 miles) from Auckland.

Hamilton Gardens

The Hamilton Gardens are located on 54 hectares of large park-like grounds on the banks of the Waikato River. They are a magnificent setting and feature 21 intriguing gardens grouped into themed garden collections.

There is a cafe, a large picnic area on the Waikato River bank for brunch or morning tea, and a good playground.  At the time of writing, the Hamilton Gardens entrance is free. 

After Hamilton, drive for about 45 minutes on a rural drive along the Thermal Explorer Highway (State Highway 1) before making a turn-off at Karapiro. Then follow Buckland Road, which will take you to Hobbiton. It should take 87 km (60 miles) from Hamilton to reach Hobbiton.

Hobbiton

Whether you are a fan of the Lord of the Rings and the Hobbit trilogies, your family will enjoy this entertaining and interesting experience. 

Important: Before you leave, book your Hobbiton tour for an afternoon—the 12. 10 pm tour or 1. 30 pm tour. The tours can fill up quickly, and you don’t want to drive all the way there and find you cannot get entry. 

You’ll walk around the 12-acre movie set and discover the most famous sets of the movie: hobbit holes, hobbit houses, Bilbo’s house- Bag End, the Mill.

Then, about 20 minutes from Hobbiton is the quirky town of Tirau.

Tirau

Famous for its ‘farm art’ with large corrugated iron buildings constructed to look like a sheep, dog and ram and sculptures include a pukeko, a praying mantis and a cow pushing a shopping trolley. The kids will love it and you can pick up a coffee at the Bugger Cafe!

It will be late afternoon / early evening by the time you arrive at Rotorua.

Rotura

The first thing you will notice is the smell! It’s sulfur, and it smells like rotten eggs when it’s bad. It makes me think of some parts of Yellowstone. According to the locals, you soon get used to it!  

Check into your accommodation and organize your dinner because you still have one more location to visit tonight: the Redwoods Nightlights.

The Redwoods Nightlights is an eco-tourism walk. It is a 700-meter-long illuminated walk and spans 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms. It takes about 40 minutes to complete and is a magical experience!

DAY 2:  Rotorua to Taupo

🚗 Total Driving Distance from Rotorua to Taupo: 79.6 km (49 miles)
⭐ Main highlight: Lake Taupo

Rotorua is well known for its geothermal wonders: bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, natural hot springs, and famous for showcasing the fascinating Māori culture. There is so much to see and do here. Below is a list of some of the most popular activities, places to go, and things to see in Rotorua. 

Rotorua’s Geothermal Parks  

Enjoy the walks and /or take a boat cruise at the Waimangu Volcanic Valley with spectacular craters, huge steaming lakes, and bubbling hot springs. There is a bus that runs up and down the valley so the little children can get a rest from walking. 

Wai-O-Tapu is also one of the most popular geothermal parks in New Zealand. Some of the spectacular sights are the orange-lined Champagne Pool, the vibrant green Devil’s Bath and the Lady Knox Geyser. If you have limited time, a walking tour around Wai-O-Tapu is a good option. 

Whakarewarewa Village

The modern living Maori village of Whakarewarewa is located 4 km from the center of Rotorua. It’s the only place in New Zealand where people continue the 300-year-old tradition of using natural geothermal energy as part of their everyday cooking and washing practices.

Whakarewarewa Living Maori Village is also home to two geysers, Pohutu, which can reach heights of 30 meters, and the Prince of Wales geyser.

The other options in Rotorua for experiencing the Maori culture are in the evenings at Tamaki Maori Village, Te Puia, and Mitai Village.

Gondola ride

At Skyline, you can hop in an eight-seater Gondola cabin and head up Mount Ngongotaha to experience spectacular views of Lake Rotorua, the city, and steaming geothermal vistas. 

At the top, you can choose from so many different attractions:

• Luge ride,
• Mountain Bike ride,
• Zoom Zipline, or
• Skyswing

For those not too keen on adrenaline-pumping activities, nature trails exist to explore.

At the end of the day, head off to Taupo. It’s about an hour’s drive from Rotorua. 

Day 3:  Taupo to National Park

🚗 Total Driving Distance from Taupo to National Park: 100 km (62 miles)

Taupo is a lakefront town and has lots to offer to families. For your day in Taupo, choose from one of those activities:

Great Lake Walkway 

Take a walk or bike with the family along the Great Lake Walkway on the lakefront with stunning views across the lake to the ancient volcanic peaks of the Tongariro National Park. Bikes can be hired from any bike shop in town and there are ice cream and coffee shops along the way.

Huka Falls 

Huka Falls is a must-see and there are some short, easy walks that are great for kids from the Huka Falls carpark. If you cross the bridge over the falls and turn left there are several lookout points to take advantage of the views of the spectacular Huka Falls. There is also riverboat and jet boat rides up to the Falls.

Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park 

Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park Taupo also has its share of geothermal activity. The valley with its  geysers, hot springs and bubbling mud pools is worth a look. It is accessible only by a short ferry trip across Lake Ohakuri.

Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort

Take a hot swim at Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort. It has an interactive warm water playground, a dragon hydroslide and two curved racing slides. There’s also a spa on site if you manage to get the chance to  sneak off for a massage while the kids play.

Maori Rock Carvings

Take a scenic cruise or hire a kayak on the lake to see one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary contemporary artworks. The 14-meter high Mine Bay Maori Rock Carvings on Lake Taupo are stunning but can only be reached by water.

At the end of the day, follow the very scenic road along the eastern edge of Lake Taupo to Turangi at the southern end of the lake. Turangi is the trout fishing capital of New Zealand. Call into the Tongariro National Trout Centre where you can see and feed wild trout in their natural environment, take a look at the extensive collection of Taupo and freshwater fishing memorabilia and check out New Zealand’s native freshwater fish in the Genesis Energy Freshwater Aquarium. The nearby hot springs of Tokaanu are another attraction, or you can try rafting the Tongariro River if you are in the mood for some exhilarating excitement. 

Then, the drive along State Highway 47 from Turangi to National Park Village follows the edge of the scenic Tongariro National Park with its stunning series of mountains-  Mt Tongariro, Mt Ruapehu and Mt Ngauruhoe. About half an hour’s drive from Turangi is the turn off to the historic Grand Chateau hotel and Whakapapa ski field and village.   

When you arrive near National Park Village, you can choose to stay at Whakapapa Village or drive on for another 12 minutes to National Park Village which has a few more facilities (e.g it has a Four Square grocery store and a petrol station).

Day 4: Tongariro National Park to Ohakune

🚗 Total Driving Distance from National Park to Ohakune: 61 km (38 miles)

For your day in Tongariro National Park, take New Zealand’s longest gondola ride to the highest café in the country at Knoll Ridge. The Sky Waka travels 1.8 kms through one of the North Island’s most rugged and spectacular landscapes on Whakapapa, Mt Ruapehu. It will take you through the clouds, over waterfalls, and ancient lava flows, up to 2020m above sea level. The scenery is majestic.

There are short walks, varying from just 15 minutes to up to four hours, from both the base of the Sky Waka gondola and from the top at the  Knoll Ridge Chalet. Call the Tongariro National Park Information Centre in Whakapapa Village for plenty of walking and hiking maps of the area. Our family favorite walks are:

• the Tawhai Falls Walk: It is only about 20 minutes to return.
• the Taranaki Falls Walk: It takes about 3 hours to complete and it is pretty spectacular too.

It’s only half an hour’s drive to the township of Ohakune which is a ski town and is the carrot capital of New Zealand. Take a photo of the kids with the giant carrot and let them loose in the Ohakune Carrot Adventure Park.

Stop in at the famous “Chocolate Eclair Shop” in Ohakune and try one of their huge delicious fresh cream-filled chocolate eclairs. 

Day 5:  Ohakune to New Plymouth (Via Whanganui)

🚗 Total Driving Distance from Ohakune to New Plymouth: 254 km (158 miles)

12 km from Ohakune is the small neighboring town of Raetihi.

If you have any dinosaur fanatics in your group you must visit Dinosaur House in Raetihi. It has New Zealand’s largest collection of privately owned dinosaur skeletons, fossils and life-size models. Your kids will be stunned.

Continue on State Highway 4 to Wanganui. It is a windy sealed road, which wanders through a world of rivers and gentle hill country and is very scenic. After Raetihi, there’s not much civilization other than farm houses. Take a look at the Raukawa waterfall along the way. 

In Whanganui, take the underground tunnel and elevator to the top of Durie Hill, for commanding views of the picturesque river city and surrounding countryside.

If you have time take a leisurely cruise on the historic coal-fired Waimarie Paddle Steamer. It was built at the turn of the century and was rescued and restored by local volunteers. It now runs regular cruises along  lower reaches of the river. 

Do you enjoy street art? Pick up a street art map from the Whanganui Tourist Centre down by the river and spend an hour or so walking around the city center to see some fantastic and creative street art. 

You will now head west along State Highway 3. Keep an eye out for small museums and quirky art shops as you drive through the many small townships on the way. The town of Hawera is home to New Zealand’s largest milk factory. You’ll know you’ve arrived in Hawera when you see the giant cow icon.

Follow the ‘Surf Highway’ around Cape Egmont enjoying beach views all the way. The dramatic volcanic cone of Mt Taranaki will dominate the landscape. 

Once you arrive in New Plymouth, you’ll want to go for a walk or a bike ride on the 12.7 km long New Plymouth Coast Walkway.

The walkway goes over a number of bridges and stretches from near Port Taranaki, past the central city, through Hickford Park, past Bell Block Beach and to Tiromoana Crescent in Bell Block, north-east of New Plymouth.

You may also want to relax in one of the city parks, such as Pukekura park. It has one of the most interesting playgrounds in New Zealand with creative play equipment and a water wheel. It has beautiful gardens with water features and lakes with ducks ready to be fed. There is a  cafe at the northern end of the lake or you can take your own picnic.

Day 6: New Plymouth to Te Kuiti  (Via The Forgotten Highway)

🚗 Total Driving Distance from New Plymouth to Te Kuiti: 161 km (100 miles)

From New Plymouth head for Stratford on State Highway 3. Stratford was named after William Shakespeare’s birthplace. Four times a day Stratford’s glockenspiel clock tower celebrates the connection with scenes from Romeo and Juliet. At 10 a.m, 1 p.m, 3 p.m, and 7 p.m carved figures of Romeo and Juliet emerge from doors within the tower and a recording of some of the most famous lines from the Balcony Scene plays, backed by some Elizabethan music. 

At Stratford turn on to State Highway 43 towards Taumarunui. Make sure you fill up your car with fuel before you leave Stratford, as there are no petrol stations on the Forgotten Highway. And keep in mind that phone service will be intermittent if there is any service at all. The overall drive from Stratford to Taumarunui is 142 km (88 miles)

The fascinating 150 km Forgotten World Highway was built on colonial bridle paths in the late 19th century and took 50 years to complete. This scenic route winds over four mountain saddles, alongside the spectacular Tangarakau Gorge, is unsealed for 12 km (although there is talk it may get sealed in the near future)  and it passes through the 180-meter-long, single lane, Moki tunnel known as the Hobbits hole. The rugged drive is worth it because it’s one of the most scenic drives in the world! 

Stop at The Republic of Whangamomona, a tiny town that separated from New Zealand in 1989. The pub is the heart of the republic and acts as the capital building. You can learn all about Whangamomona’s quirky and controversial past at the capital building (pub). You can even buy a local passport and get it stamped there too. The proceeds go to charity. The president is elected every two years at January’s Republic Day celebrations and past candidates have included a sheep, a teddy bear and gnomes! 

There is an abundance of walking tracks, historic places and points of interest which are generally well signposted. They include riverboat landings, Māori carvings and pa sites, the grave of early explorer and surveyor Joshua Morgan. There are also:

• the Whangamomona walking trail,
• waterfalls such as the precipitous Mount Damper Falls,
• a scented lavender farm,
• scenic lookouts where glimpses of the Central Plateau mountains and Mt Taranaki can be caught,
• quaint museums,
• and the feats of engineering that are the Bridge to Nowhere and its twin, the Bridge to Somewhere.

There is a lot to see. It will be a slow trip! 

You might want to pick up something to eat or refuel in Taumarunui which is a rural service and shopping centre in the King Country – Central North Island.

About  20 minutes drive from Taumarunui on State Highway 4  you will find Nevalea Alpacas which is the largest alpaca farm in New Zealand and home to over 1000 friendly alpacas. There is a range of different activities from hand feeding them and to alpaca treks and shorter alpaca walks. There are baby alpacas all year-round, and the chance to have a cuddle with a baby alpaca.

Continue along State Highway 4 to Te Kuiti.  Te Kuiti was originally an important railway town. It is now the  “Shearing Capital of the World” and hosts the New Zealand Shearing Championships. A huge statue of a shearer with a sheep dominates the landscape at the southern end of the town. 

Day 7: Te Kuiti to Auckland (via Waitomo Caves and Kawhia)

🚗 Total Driving Distance from Te Kuiti to Auckland: 199 km (124 miles)
⭐ Main highlight: 

A 15-minute drive via State Hwy 3 and State Hwy 37 will bring you to the famous Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Waitomo is famous for its stunning limestone caves.  You can choose between taking a silent boat journey through the caves to spot the luminescent glow worms or you could take a more adventurous black water rafting trip or, for the more adventurous, the caving tour which includes ziplining and abseiling.

The next place of interest is a 12-minute drive north on Highway 37. It is Ōtorohanga which is home to the world famous Kiwi House & Native Bird Park. You can see real Kiwis, New Zealand’s national icon, as well as numerous other native birds in a home, replicated to their natural habitat.

Drive north along State Highway 39 and onto SH 31 to the peaceful seaside town of Kawhia and head to Ocean Beach. If it’s near low tide you’ll find the famous hot water springs. Geothermally heated water bubbles up through the black sand and if you have a spade you can create your very own natural hot water spa right on the beach!

You must be exhausted by now!

From Kawhia take SH 31 and turn left on SH 39 heading north to Auckland. The easy trip back to Auckland will take about two and a half hours. Take the Pokeno turn off before Auckland and stop in the very small township of Pokeno for one of their world-famous huge ice creams before you head into the city! 

Where to stay on the North Island – RECAP

In the itinerary above, we’ve included suggestions of places to stay at each of the overnight stop locations. We included one mid-priced and one budget option. If you are planning on staying at budget options, we recommend that you purchase a Top 10 Holiday Parks Membership.

They have well-maintained family cabins and motel units in New Zealand and offer some good discounts on camping grounds.

Final Thoughts:

I hope this post will help you plan your trip to New Zealand and the North Island. A 7-Day road trip is short but feasible. If you have more time, you’ll have plenty more to discover.

It is simply not possible to see all the amazing sights there are to see in New Zealand’s north. If you get the chance to extend your trip or come back to New Zealand again, we suggest you include the following places in your itinerary.

• Auckland – largest city- very cosmopolitan- volcanoes- stunning harbour
• Wellington– capital city- Te Papa Museum, cable car & botanic gardens
• Northland– Cape Reinga- Bay of Islands- beautiful beaches and kauri forests
• Coromandel– more stunning beaches and native bush- Hot Water Beach – Cathedral Cove- New Chums Beach
• Hawkes Bay– orchards- vineyards- and art deco Napier

✍🏻 This post was written by Maureen Spencer

Maureen is a travel writer lucky enough to be living in New Zealand and has a great passion for travel. Since she became “empty nested” in the late 1990s, she has traveled and worked in over 70 countries! Now she writes articles to share her amazing experiences with other travelers in the hope of providing practical information to help them to prepare and plan for their travel trips.