Unforgettable 5-Day North Island New Zealand Itinerary
Image: Mount Ruapehu, North Island
New Zealand’s North Island is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, endearing small towns, and world-class wineries.
In this 5-day itinerary, we capture the highlights of the North Island in the ultimate whirlwind tour. We’ve packed this 5-day itinerary full of delicious dining, scenic stays, and unforgettable experiences.
If you have time to add additional days on to your trip, we recommend adding one more day in the Bay of Islands, and one more day in Hawkes Bay for a slower-paced 7-day itinerary.
Image: Auckland City skyline by Sulthan Auliya
North Island, New Zealand Travel Tips:
Hiring a car for a road trip is the best way to see all the North Island has to offer during a short trip.
If you opt to hire a car during your time in New Zealand, remember driving is on the left hand side. Here is a handy driving guide.
Rental cars can be picked up from Auckland International Airport when you land.
There is no Lyft in New Zealand, but Uber will work in the larger cities.
When planning your trip, be aware that there is no Uber on Waiheke. It might be difficult to book rideshare in Taupo, and Bay of Islands as there are minimal drivers.
You can drink tap water throughout New Zealand.
The local currency is the New Zealand dollar. Cash, Apple Pay and Credit Cards are accepted at most tourist destinations.
Taxes are included in all listed prices throughout New Zealand unless specifically stated otherwise. Tipping is not common, but welcomed when service is exceptional.
The plug type used throughout New Zealand is a Type I plug. You will find this is the same plug used in Australia and throughout the Pacific Islands.
5 Day New Zealand Itinerary - North Island
Day 1: Arrival in Auckland
Touch down at Auckland International Airport, and head straight into Auckland City.
Catch an Uber or Taxi. Taxis will pick you up outside International Arrivals at the Auckland International Airport. It takes an hour's drive from Auckland Airport to Auckland’s CBD. If you arrive during rush hour, expect addtional traffic delays.
While in Auckland, we recommend staying at the Park Hyatt Auckland, a modern 5-star hotel located on the waterfront in Wynyard Quarter. With vistas spanning along the Viaduct Harbour and Hauraki Gulf, the Park Hyatt’s central location makes it ideal for exploring the city.
After checking in, take a scenic 10 minute stroll past the Viaduct Harbour, to the Downtown ferry terminal. The Waiheke Ferry is your gateway to Waiheke Island, a charming island full of wineries, and beautiful beaches. Traveling here is a must, as it’s one of Auckland’s best day trips.
The Waiheke ferry service travels to, and from Waiheke island every half hour between 6am and 10pm. Find the latest ferry timetable here.
Image: Waiheke Island
On Waiheke, explore Tantalus, Casita Miro, Mudbrick, and Cable Bay Vineyards. These are some of Waiheke’s most revered wineries. Pop in for daily wine tastings or lunch amongst the vines.
You can catch the local bus from the Waiheke Ferry Terminal to Tantalus, Casita Miro, and Stoneyridge.
To visit Mudbrick, and Cable Bay Vineyards you’ll need to arrange a taxi or tour. If you opt for a tour, we recommend this Waiheke Island Scenic Tour as it includes tastings at four of the best wineries, a guide, and transport for $155NZD.
Image: Bivacco Restaurant
We suggest planning to depart Waiheke from the Matiatia ferry terminal around 6:30pm, to catch the sunset over Auckland City.
On your return, hop off the ferry and head down the road to Auckland Viaduct, to dine at Bivacco. One of Auckland’s best restaurants that offers modern Italian cuisine with a gorgeous harbor view.
From Bivacco, you can walk back to Park Hyatt Auckland. A casual 5 minute stroll along Viaduct Harbour. Or catch an Uber, which will take 5 minutes, and cost under $10.
If you want to extend the evening, stop for a Negroni, and some live music at QT Auckland’s rooftop bar, which can be found in between Bivacco, and Park Hyatt at 4 Viaduct Harbour Avenue.
Image: Bay of Islands
Day 2: Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands are one of New Zealand’s most visually spectacular regions. With an archipelago of over 140 small islands, located at the upper end of the North Island.
The destination is famed for its sailing charters, dive sites, and scenic golf courses. We recommend traveling by rental car from Auckland to the Bay of Islands to soak up the coastal landscapes of the upper North Island.
The drive takes a little over 4 hours, along state highway 1. Leave by 7am to arrive by midday.
Image: Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, Bay of Islands
Stay at Rosewood Kauri Cliffs, upper North Island’s best luxury lodge. The lodge at Kauri Cliffs is perched on a championship golf course overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Whether you’re teeing off from the cliffs, recuperating at the spa, or sailing the nearby bays, every moment here is pure bliss.
Want to maximise your time? A helicopter transfer from Auckland to Rosewood Kauri Cliffs can be organized through the hotel and will have you on the Kauri Cliffs greens in an hour.
Tip: If you can stretch out your trip length, add in an extra day in the Bay of Islands for a day trip diving at the Poor Knights, which is regularly listed in the world’s top 50 dive sites.
Image: Huka Falls, Taupo
Day 3: Taupo
From Bay of Islands, catch a 50 minute domestic flight from Keri Keri Domestic Airport to Taupo, one of New Zealand’s cultural highlights.
Taupo offers a glimpse into New Zealand’s past, with stunning geological sites like the Huka Falls, and the otherworldly landscapes of Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park.
Image: Kinloch Manor & Villas, Taupo
Stay at the Kinloch Manor & Villas, a luxury lodge set on a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course.
Alternatively, stay right on the banks of the Huka falls at Huka Lodge. Huka Lodge has been regarded as one of New Zealand’s best luxury stays for many years, and is set to complete their expansive rennovations by the end of this year.
Image: Huka Lodge, Taupo
Depending on the time of arrival for your flight, spend the day exploring Orakei Korako Cave and Thermal Park, or take a scenic flight with Taupo Floatplane so you can quickly explore all of the region's most spectacular scenery.
Image: Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay
Day 4: Hawke's Bay’s
We recommend hiring a rental car to drive between Taupo and Hawkes Bay, passing by the surreal landscapes, and beautiful vineyards on the way. The drive takes two and a half hours. Aim to arrive around midday for check in.
The Hawkes Bay is renowned for its countryside charm, and spectacular wineries. Get the best of both worlds by exploring the vineyards on a scenic biking tour.
Coastal Wine Cycles offer bike rentals with a range of self guided tours. The rental shop is located 15 minutes away from Rosewood Cape Kidnappers. Bike trails wind through the countryside dotted with wineries, eateries, and gorgeous scenery.
Image: Craggy Range Vineyard & Te Mata Peak, Hawkes Bay
Don’t miss Craggy Range Winery and Te Mata Winery, where oenophiles are bound to sample some new favorites.
If you opt for the long bike track, this ends at Craggy Range. Your bikes can be collected at this stop, making it fuss-free to sip and savor the delicious tasting menu, and indulge in some post-cycle charcuterie boards.
If you opt for the short bike track, and have some time to spare, head up Te Mata Peak, for dramatic mountain views of Hawkes Bay.
Image: Views from Te Mata Peak, Hawkes Bay
Day 5: Departure
For your final day in New Zealand’s North Island, spend the day at Cape Kidnappers. You have the option to go for a day of golf, heli-fishing, hop on a cultural tour, or be pampered at the onsite spa before checking in for your flight home.
Image: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
Image: Rosewood Cape Kidnappers
We hope you enjoy your trip to New Zealand, it’s one of our favorite places in the world.
For more information on New Zealand, see our other New Zealand travel guides.
If you would like any additional itinerary suggestions or alternatives experiences, add your questions in the comment below. We’re always happy to help.