Seven days in the North Island of New Zealand
Hey folks,
My wife and I saw a great flights deal on Delta and bought tickets for March 2025. We know that we have day 8 in Hobbiton just before we leave (which is a solid 50% of the reason she wants to visit New Zealand), but we wondered what else we should plan on for the first 7 days! I bet we spend a couple days in Auckland on the way in, and a bit of the evening of the 8th day, so anything local is great too.
We like a mix of (moderate) outdoorsy things, cultural/historic things, nice city things, etc. We definitely at least one day at the beach (preferably with a nice restaurant nearby) and are taking advice about where to do so. We will have a rental car beginning on Day 2 or 3, and would love to explore as much of the North Island as we can!
Any "can't misses"? Any local/regional museums or zoos/aquaria that are exceptional? We are absolutely willing to drive even as far south as Wellington, but prefer more days of smaller driving, so we don't just have a full day of driving in the middle there.
Much appreciated!
If you're getting up near the top of the country -
Check out cape reinga for some beautiful views and just south of it are some bizarre sand dunes. Cooper's Beach is a great little beach town. Russell is also one of those picturesque cute small towns that's worth a visit.
In Auckland area-
Would definitely recommend the war museum. It's pricy for what it is but the space needle is popular and you can jump off it if you're so inclined! All the beaches are pretty great, I think we went to piha. Didn't have time for it but many locals recommended hot water beach.
Going further south-
Hobbiton was great, you'll love that. The geothermal pools in Rotorua and Polynesian spa are popular (so long as you can stand the smell!). Tepatu if you want a unique interactive cultural experience. If you happen to be kiwi lovers like us 1000% recommend the private kiwi tour at the national kiwi hatchery (fills up many months in advance so don't wait on that one if you're interested)
In general -
Driving was pretty easy imo if you pay attention to signage but recommend reading up on how the roads work there, expect windy roads and to hit roadworks VERY frequently so know how to negotiate that.
Make sure to get into some bakeries for some authentic savory pies (butter chicken and steak+cheese are the BEST). Take back some lollies(candy) like Jaffas, pineapple lumps, and try some fijeoa and L&P.
Have fun!
An excellent and comprehensive set of suggestions! I'd enjoy the hot springs but I don't think my wife would tolerate sulfurous smells, sadly.
Any guidance or things to read about the highway network? I'd love to make sure I know what we're dealing with before we go!
Watch out for uncontrolled intersections. If you have a yield sign, the cross road might have no stop sign and no yield sign and therefore has the right of way. If you have no controls on your side, the intersection might be fully uncontrolled, in which case it reverts to yield for everyone.
Indirectly related to driving, but as you'll have a car... if you're comfortable with the idea (and have a bit of space), read up on the hitchhiking culture/rules in New Zealand. I visited over a decade ago now, but had a lot of luck as a hitchhiker, and had some fun little adventures/conversations with some of the people who picked me up. I'd say it was equal parts locals and tourists who stopped to give me a ride.
Loved hitchhiking in NZ and did it at around the same time. Take your shoes off and hold out your thumb and you'll fit right in!
The vast majority of the driving will be very long two lane windy roads interspersed with roadworks, one lane bridges, and small towns where the speed limit drops considerably. If there are cars behind you make sure to get over to the left when a passing lane opens up. If you're from the US you probably expect to drive 10-15 over but that's not how it works there the speed limit really is the limit.
I don't have any specific resources for you but I would recommend checking out some YouTube videos for "driving in New Zealand tips" and do a search for the meaning of all the roadsigns.
You answered my question from another person - much appreciated!
I will do when we approach - thanks!
Kiwi here.
The speed limit is a limit, not a target.
Just because it's a state highway doesn't mean that it's going to be an easy drive. Even SH1 has sections that need to be taken slowly and carefully.
Roundabouts exist. Scan left-to-right, go when it's safe. If you're going straight through, don't indicate until you pass the exit before your one, then indicate left to exit (this often trips up travellers, if you indicate right to start, people will expect you to be turning right).
Sharper corners will often have longer yellow rectangular signs with black chevrons indicating direction and a recommended speed. Follow that speed, they're chosen well.
Merge like a zip.
People will walk across the road even where there aren't any marked crossings. Be prepared and keep an eye out for pedestrians.
Many thanks!
In the US the "natural convention" is to drive 5 mph over the notional limit without being stopped - I got in trouble on my driving test because I didn't realize it was not the law XD Then again, now that I live in Oregon, most folks follow the limit exactly. Is the "natural convention" exactly the speed limit? I am happy to drive the limit, but only if it is safe to do so in the driving context!EDIT: Answered by someone else :)
In the US, people entering roundabouts yield to people in the roundabout. Is that the convention in NZ as well?
Much appreciated, will obey. Thanks again!
Yes, you will need to give way to cars approaching from the right (i.e. anyone who will cross your path).
My wife loved hot water beach. No smells.
My kid loved a hobbit hotel room near Waitomo glow worm caves. They also offered an airplane hotel.
You might enjoy a Māori cultural experience like a traditional welcoming Haka. Auckland has those in one of the museums.
Just remember to keep the steering wheel side of the car near the center of the road not the edge of the road and you should be fine.
It’s a pity your wife hates sulfar. Rotarua is fun. Especially the Luge.
Hot Water Beach sounds great! I'll definitely add it to the list :)
Definitely of interest to us - we're going to start in WLG and see some national things, will probably try to see something there!
Ah shucks, sorry to hear that XD
Hi, expat NZer here with a couple of recommendations off the top of my head:
Tongariro crossing - day hike between volcanic peaks.
Day in Auckland checking out the scene on Ponsonby road
If you’re into Lord of the Rings stuff, also fun to know that one of these volcanoes (Ngauruhoe) was used as a stand-in for Mt Doom.
Either way, it’s a really nice day hike.
Much appreciated!
I second Tongariro, very pretty hike!
Ponsonby road? But why though. Or, what do you mean by the scene.
I went last May with my parents and brothers. We really enjoyed Zealandia near Wellington. It's a nature preserve that's attempting to recreate the natural state of flora and fauna in New Zealand. They've got some nice paths to walk along and a ton of cool birds.
If Zealandia is too pricey then head over to Otari bush instead. Close enough that you get the birds from the sanctuary and has old bush, 600 year old rimu trees, etc.
May? Isn't that early in the winter for them?
Yeah. But the climate is mild, pretty similar to home for me in San Francisco in Winter. So there were two rainy days over the course of the 12 day trip. But never too cold.
The Glowworm Caves are something I'll never forget
They're further north than we are going this trip, but we are definitely going to come back for a trip focused on AKL/north.
Check out Waitomo Caves. I took my Mother in law there when she visited from England and it was definitely a highlight (we started with a family visit in the Bay of Islands and worked our way south to Wellington over about two weeks).
Edit to mention the Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth, which I went to on a separate trip. Probably too far out of the way for your visit this time, but quite a unique gallery by New Zealand standards. The Hundertwasser Centre in Whangarei is also Amazing, but again probably not for this trip.
Also, you probably already know that New Zealand doesn't have a tipping culture, and we're hoping not to start it please :)
Another edit about road safety. My English In-laws pointed out a quirk that kiwis tend to discuss road distance in hours of travel rather than miles (so from my home town the distance to Christchurch is 2 hours). It's just something to consider when you're planning your route as the distances may seem small compared to the US but the actual travel time might be longer than you expect for the miles travelled due to 'slow' roads.
Hot water beach up in the Coromandel is very touristy and I think overrated. There’s imo a nicer hot water beach on the Tarawera trail in Rotorua if you’re going. The best beach doesn’t have any signage on the trail — it’s called ‘Wairua Stream’ on Google Maps and you have to turn left a little bit before you reach the main beach at the campsite. The proper beach at the campsite is way too hot to be comfortable.
If you’re doing an overnight tramp the Pinnacles in the Coromandel definitely gets you the best view per effort. Te Puia hut in the Kawekas has some incredible hot springs to relax in outside the hut but it’s a heinous drive to the start of the trail.
If you like caving the Waipu caves have some great glowworms near the entrance. It’s a well-explored cave and with a headtorch you can go pretty far safely, just make sure you don’t touch the flow stone. The commercial tour with Blackwater Rafting Co into the glowworm caves in Waitomo is surprisingly good too.
Tāwharanui is great for a day trip, make sure to stop at Charlie’s Gelato on the way.
Kiwi from the North Island here (now in Melb Au!) Apologies in advance for awful spelling!
Would recommend coromandel peninsula if you like beaches and bush walks. Cathedral Cove is probs one of my favs! The beaches are really nice BUT beaches up northland are also reaaaallly nice! 😍
If going to Coro area, it would probs really require a 1-2 night day trip/stay as SUPER windy rds (there were some Rd closures a while back but they might be all sorted now!?).
Otherwise up north Opononi (or nearish there!) is really great and as others have mentioned, has awesome sand dunes! Would also require a 1-2 night stay depending on how much exploring you want to do!
Adding to what others have said, as you don't seem to have a super long time there just be mindful of when you're driving to/from places it will likely take you longer than thought as some of the rds can be quite narrow/windy etc, so wouldn't recommend trying to fit multiple day trips to multiple places in etc. As others have said look at it in terms of time to travel rather than distance and then add some more due to unfamiliarality of rds etc
Tongariro crossing is great suggestion buut you might need a day or two to recover from it as can be quite the challenge. As it is close(ish) to Rotorua would need to factor in 1-2 nights etc.
Undoubtedly wherever you are there will be HEAPS of bushwalks and various nature reserves etc for good day trips.
Also if you don't already know, NZ has NO SNAKES! 🙌🙌 Or anything really remotely scary wildlife wise that can harm you so bush walking is AMAZING not having to worry about that sort of stuff!
Am sure whatever you end up doing you'll have an amazing time. If you get lost, just ask for directions etc locals are generally happy to help/figure out how/where to google if needed!
If getting a local sim to help with internet stuff, 2° has usually been my go to when am over visiting fam etc
Oohh and if you do happen to Rd trip down to Welly - Te Papa is def worth the visit! Otherwise Auckland museum is nice too (just depends what's on!)
Hope this has helped somewhat but happy to delve further if needed/where can help!