North Island New Zealand routes you find them here

North Island routes

In the North Island (113,700 km²) the volcanic interior contains NZ’s largest lake, Lake Taupo, and most of the country’s active volcanoes – Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro – Ruapehu erupted as recently as 2012. Hot springs, geysers, mud pools also form part of the volcanic system centred around Rotorua.

North Island routes

For whatever reason many people rush the North Island to visit the South Island, which is a real shame. If you are interested in thermal, volcanic activity or Maori Culture, North Island is the place to be.

Suggested below are a number of trips to choose from. We are happy to design a trip that includes your interest.

We recommend you stay at least 2 nights in one places to really experience it.
As a rule of thumb: if the average distance you drive on your holiday goes over 200 Km a day (that’s right: a day!) on hindsight you feel you should have taken more time!

More info about travel times you’ll find here.

North Island Circle (21 days, South from Auckland)

This is a complete circle departing Auckland and back. Allow yourselves 21 days to take in the real beauty of the North Island. This route gives ample opportunity to walk some great tracks Included Highlights:

The Coromandel (Coromandel)
Thermal activity and Geysers (Rotorua)
Maori Culdture (Rotorua)
Napier (Art-Deco town)
Masterton the hart of the (Classic Winetrail)
Wellington
New Plymouth, and stunning Mount Taranaki
Waitomo (don't forget to visit the Mangapohue Natural Bridge!)
Auckland

View North Island circle in a larger map

One way 7 days North Island (Paihia - Wellington)

When you choose to start from the Bay of Islands (after one night in Baystay B&B) this fast North Island trip will give a rough impression of what there is to see. Trying to 'do the North Island' in less than 7 days, or cramp in more places, means you only have time to drive there... no time for exploring! Included Highlights:

Bay of Islands (Dolphin watching)
Kauri Forrest (Tana Mahuta)
Glow worms (Waitomo)
Thermal activity and Geysers (Rotorua)
Maori Culdture (Rotorua)
Wellington

View North Island (Paihia - Wellington) in a larger map

Circle Complete Northland (Auckland - Cape Reinga) in 7 days

This over 1000 Km trip is covering just Northland, the region north of Auckland. This trip will take at least a week if you want to see the whole beauty of it… Includes: