Practical Info North Island
Recommended Routes & Times
| Route | Days | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Auckland → Coromandel → Rotorua | 4–5 | Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Wai-O-Tapu, Māori culture |
| Rotorua → Hobbiton → Waitomo | 1–2 | The Shire, Glowworm Caves |
| Rotorua → Taupo → Tongariro | 2–3 | Huka Falls, Alpine Crossing, volcanoes |
| Tongariro → Wellington | 2–3 | Te Papa, Cuba Street, Weta Workshop, Craft Beer |
| Bay of Islands (from Auckland) | 3–4 | Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Hole in the Rock, Russell |
| Cape Reinga (from Bay of Islands) | 1 | Day trip: 90 Mile Beach, Te Paki Sand Dunes, Lighthouse |
Accommodation Tips North Island
- Rotorua: Rotorua TOP 10 Holiday Park (from 45 NZD), Holiday Inn (from 140 NZD), Regent of Rotorua (from 120 NZD, thermal baths in the hotel!)
- Taupo: Lake Taupo TOP 10 (from 45 NZD, right by the lake), Huka Lodge (from 800 NZD — one of New Zealand's most luxurious lodges, by Huka Falls)
- National Park Village (Tongariro): Plateau Lodge (from 35 NZD Dorm), Chateau Tongariro (from 180 NZD — historic grand hotel in the national park)
- Wellington: YHA Wellington (from 35 NZD Dorm), QT Wellington (from 220 NZD — design hotel on the waterfront), InterContinental (from 280 NZD)
The Interislander Ferry: Wellington → Picton
The ferry crossing from Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island) is not just transport — it is a highlight of the trip. The 3.5-hour journey takes you through the Cook Strait (one of the stormiest straits in the world) and then through the spectacular Queen Charlotte Sound — turquoise waters, wooded hills, secluded bays, and often dolphins. Be sure to book a seat with a view (not in the cinema!). The Interislander (larger, café, cinema screen) and Bluebridge (cheaper, simpler) both offer the crossing. Foot passenger from 55 NZD, with car from 220 NZD. Early bookers save up to 50%.
💡 Tipp
The North Island needs at least 10 days for the highlights. If you only have 1 week: Auckland (1 day) → Hobbiton + Waitomo (1 day) → Rotorua (2 days) → Taupo + Tongariro Crossing (2 days) → Wellington (1 day). The Bay of Islands and Cape Reinga require a separate trip (3–4 days) — only worth it if you have 2+ weeks on the North Island.
