Road-trip through New Zealand: A 3-week Itinerary Part 1: North Island

Let’s get this road-trip started!

New Zealand's North Island is a treasure trove of natural wonders and cultural landmarks, offering something for every kind of traveler. For nature lovers, the geothermal landscapes of Rotorua are a must-see, where you can experience bubbling mud pools, hot springs, and the stunning geysers at Wai-O-Tapu. Raft down the worlds largest commercial waterfall and see the amazing redwoods from a unique treewalk. The island is also home to the Waitomo Caves, where visitors can marvel at thousands of glowworms lighting up the underground caverns. For those looking for vibrant city life, Auckland offers beautiful harbors, fantastic dining, and a dynamic arts scene. A visit to the Tongariro National Park, with its dramatic volcanic terrain provides adventure and breathtaking views. With stunning beaches, lush forests, and a rich Māori heritage, the North Island promises an unforgettable experience at every turn. 

The absolute best way to see both the north and south islands of this incredible country is to hop on the road and road trip from top to bottom (or bottom to top). If you want to add a bit more adventure here, many tourists will rent a sprinter van and drive and camp as they travel throughout the country. I will definitely be doing this on my next trip to New Zealand, but for now, here’s a travel itinerary of our road trip and adventures through the North Island.

“The world is not in your books and maps, it’s out there.”

— J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit (Gandalf)

Stop 1: Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand

We flew into Auckland and immediately started our journey south to Wellington - our first stop was the very famous Hobbiton; the set of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films. Visiting Hobbiton in New Zealand felt like stepping into another world—a peaceful, lush landscape straight out of The Lord of the Rings. As soon as I walked through the archway leading into the Shire, I was surrounded by rolling green hills, charming little cottages, and the iconic round doors of the hobbit holes. The detail was extraordinary: flowers in window boxes, the tiny, rustic pathways that crisscrossed the meadow. I could almost hear the sound of hobbits laughing over pints of ale at the Green Dragon Inn, which felt like the heart of the place. The serenity and beauty of Hobbiton were beyond anything I had imagined—it was like being transported right into the books or movies.

Stop 2: The Waitomo Caves

After Hobbiton, we continued south to the Waitomo Caves where black water rafting is a must do. We climbed down and through the caves with nothing but a headlamp and our inflatable tubes and as soon as I stepped inside, I was enveloped in a magical world of limestone formations, ancient stalactites, and a soft, otherworldly glow. The highlight, though, was the glowworms—tiny bioluminescent creatures that light up the cave ceilings like a starry night sky. We floated in our tubes through the caves, drifting silently along the water while the glowworms twinkled overhead. It felt surreal, like I was floating through a secret, hidden universe. The atmosphere was calm, mystical, and totally awe-inspiring. This is definitely one place you don’t want to miss.

Stop 3: Rotorua, New Zealand

 Do some rafting down the world’s largest commercial waterfall!

It’s easy to spend a few days in Rotorua. There’s so much to do and see and you don’t want to rush through it. One of the best things to do being white water rafting: The rafting in New Zealand is already spectacular, and then adding a trip down Tutea Falls – the world’s largest commercial waterfall – was such a thrilling experience. As we approached the 7-meter drop, I could feel the excitement building. The roar of the water grew louder, and suddenly, we were plummeting over the edge. The rush was insane, and the power of the waterfall hit me full force as we splashed into the pool below flipped completely over. Surrounded by lush green cliffs and mist rising from the crashing water, it was hard not to be in awe of the raw beauty of it all. It was a perfect mix of nature, adventure, and pure adrenaline, and it’s an experience you’ll definitely want to stop for on your journey along the north island.

Stop 4: In Rotorua, New Zealand

Visit the geothermal hot springs and mud baths in one of the tribal communities!

Another stop that you don’t want to miss in Rotorua is the bubbling geothermal mud pools, hot springs, and the stunning geysers at Wai-O-Tapu. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur, and steam rose from the bubbling mud pools, creating an eerie, almost mystical atmosphere. The mud itself was a rich, dark grey, bubbling and churning as if alive, while the hot springs shimmered with an almost hypnotic blue-green glow. The heat from the springs rising in the cool air was incredibly soothing. The geothermal mud is rich in minerals and is commonly used for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes and contains a mix of clay, minerals, and sulfur, which are believed to have beneficial properties for the skin and body as well. The entire area felt like a reminder of the raw, untamed power of the earth. 

Stop 5: Still in Rotorua, New Zealand

Redwood Tree Walk

Our last activity in Rotorua was the Redwood tree walk. At night, they put lanterns in the trees and have swing bridges that go from tree to tree hundreds of feet in the air. You can climb up to those brides and walk from tree to tree, admiring how absolutely massive these trees are. The towering redwoods stretched high above, their trunks thick and ancient, with leaves so dense that they filtered the sunlight into a soft, green glow. It was hard to imagine these trees had been growing here for over a century, each one silently bearing witness to the passage of time. The experience was both humbling and awe-inspiring—another wonder of nature at its most majestic.