1-week roadtrip on the Northern Island of New Zealand

You want to see the most beautiful places and only have one week of vacation ? Then this itinerary is perfect for you ! Go for a 1 week road trip on New-Zealand’s Northern Island focusing on the must-sees while discovering new things and relaxing. Appreciate the gorgeous sceneriess from lakes, to mountains and volcanos. Get to see real movie sets, discover wonderful beaches and explore welcoming cities.

Itinerary of this one week road trip on the Northern Island of New Zealand

Auckland > Cathedral Cove > Hot Water Beach > Hobbiton > Waitomo Caves > Rotorua > Taupo > Tongariro National Park > Wellington

🚗 We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

The itinerary : step by step

What to do in Auckland ?

New-Zealand largest city, between two bays and 48 extinct volcanic cones.

• Go for an eco-safari with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari and discover Brydes whales, killer whales and dolphins in the beautiful marine park of Hauraki Gulf.
• For an underwater discovery, go diving in the first marine reserve of New-Zealand, Goat Island reserve.
• Hikers, head to the top of Rangitoto, a volcanic island in the middle of the gulf or explore  Tiritiri Matangi Nature Reserve and discover the (too) many different species of endangered birds.
• Want to learn more about the Maori culture ? Visit Auckland Museum and watch maori show : haka, weapon parade, poi dance …
• Do not miss the Sky Tower go through the 328m / 1075ft of lifts up to the observation platform. A spectacular view !
• For a full culinary discovery, head to the famous district of Wynyard Quart and Viaduct Harbour where you will get to choose from many coffee shops and restaurants. For a more sophisticated cuisine, go to Federal Street. And if you’d like a gastronomic and local beer go to City Works Depot.

What to do in Cathedral Cove ?

Looking for Narnia ?

• Rent a kayak in Hahei and follow the coastline tp Cathedral Cove or take a walk on the trail going through an abundant forest.
• Discover a huge limestone arch and its beach with translucent water where some scenes of the movie The Chronicles of Narnia were shot.

What to do at Hot Water Beach ?

A magical beach. 

• Recharge your batteries this unique beach … it keeps a little secret …. Just dig a hole in the sand and you’ll get splashed with water ! Yes, this beach has a secret hot water spring (hence its name). Now use your imagination and create your own natural spa !

What to do in Hobbiton ?

A whimsical village. 

• Lord of the Rings fans … your dreams are coming true because … Hobbiton is the hobbits’ village ! You will also get to the Green Dragon Inn !
• Take part in a guided tour of the village and get to learn (even) more about how the movies were created.

What to do in Waitomo Caves ?

Famous caves : beautiful underground landscapes and home to many glow-worms. 

• For an easy tour of the caves, go by foot or on a boat. For the bravest, go rafting, rope down or go down a zip-line in the dark !
• Claustrophobic ? Take the the above-ground trail starting from the Museum of Caves, winding through farmland.
• For an authentic wild forest experience, go to Pureora and go on a wonderful hike.

What to do in Rotorua ?

A fascinating city in the middle of the Pacific Ring of Fire. 

• If you wan to get a closer look of kiwis, explore of of the city’s wildlife parks. Want to discover endangered species in an abundant vegetation and learn more about the New-Zealander nature, head to the Rainbow Springs. If you’d prefer seeing African lions and hand-feed farm animals, go to Paradise Valley Springs.
• Thrill lovers, go rafting down the rapids, falls and rocks of Wairoa river.
• For a relaxing moment, take a dip in a mineral steam pool and enjoy the spectacular view of lake Rotorua or enjoy one of the city’s many SPAs.
• For a cultural discovery, go to the authentic pre-european Maori village or eat a hangi meal.

What to do in Taupo ?

A gorgeous lave on a huge volcano. 

• Enjoy one of the many activities you can do : trout fishing, skiing down mount Ruapehu or observing natural geothermic phenomenons.
• If you wan to experience something unusual, go to the shrimp farm, take a walk in one of the geothermic parks and admire the rock engravings of Mine Bay on a kayak or boat. .
• You love thrills ? Go down Great Lake Trail on a mountain bike.
• Be sure to check out the Huka Falls, these falls are so powerful that 220  000 liters of water falls from them every second. Go above the falls by hiking for an hour on the Spa Park trail through the exotic forest, along the river.

What to do in Tongariro National Park ?

A National Park surrounding three volcanos.

• Hike on the « Tongariro Alpine Crossing », one of the world’s most beautiful 1-day trek along the three volcanos : Tongariro, Ngayruhoe et Ruapehu. Discover steam craters, old lava flows and vibrant blue thermal lakes : an unforgettable experience !
• If you prefer water sports, go for a level 3 rafting in the many rivers’ rapids winding through a fascinating landscape. For those who love to fish, the park has many lovely fly fishing spots.
• More a winter sport person ? No problem, the park is open in winter and has a great ski resort where you will get a beautiful view of the volcanos. A unique experiences !

What to do in Wellington ?

New-Zealand’s capital : dense and charming.

• Do not miss the Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum which littoral means « treasure container ». Discover a 6-floor museum with Maori and Pacific treasures, the country’s extraordinary natural life and unique artworks. There is even an earthquake simulator.
• Be sure to go on the famous Cable Car, an easy way to get from the business district to the botanical garden’s main entrance. Once up there, enjoy a breathtaking view over the city.
• Explore the city center by foot, at your own pace and discover many shops, restaurants and attractions.
• Dive into New-Zealand’s unique and fragile natural environment by going to Zealandia, a 225 ha sanctuary near the main district. Discover rare indigenous species, explore lovely trails and try to catch a glimpse of the kaka, the tuatara and many other animals. A try urban jungle !

To learning more…

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team will be happy to hear from you !