The Ultimate 8 Day Hiking Itinerary for North Island of New Zealand
New Zealand is a hiker’s paradise – lush rainforests, turquoise alpine lakes, stunning coastlines, active volcanoes, vast glaciers, and rolling hills. There’s so much to see on both islands that I’d recommend spending at least one month exploring. I chose to spend 1 week on the North Island and 3 weeks on the South Island. It was the BEST decision. If you are looking for information on the South Island, you can find my 3 week itinerary here.
The North Island of New Zealand is incredibly diverse and offers warm temperatures, beaches, and a lot of geothermal activity. It’s also known to have very unpredictable weather (which I was “lucky” to get) so make sure you are prepared for anything.
In this blog post I provide two different 8 day itineraries for a North Island road trip. One of the itineraries is focused on hiking and the other itinerary is focused on hiking and scuba diving. I chose to camp every night so these itineraries take that in account. If you plan to camp, I’d highly recommend renting either a campervan or an SUV with seats that lay down flat.
For more information about when to visit New Zealand, how to rent a car, where to camp, etc. Check out my blog post, Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting New Zealand.
Jump Ahead:
Top Hikes in the North Island
These are my favorite hikes (in no particular order) in the North Island of New Zealand, including both day and overnight hikes. It’s important to check if you need camping or hut reservations before any overnight hike.
Miles: 2.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 711 ft.
Location: Coromandel Peninsula
Cathedral Cove is an incredible beach cove with towering limestone caves. The hike is only 2 miles, however, there is no parking allowed at the trailhead so you must park in the town of Hahei and walk an extra mile. It’s so worth it!
Miles: 12.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,765 ft.
Location: Tongariro National Park
The Tongariro Crossing is an absolute must in New Zealand. Its a 12.7 mile hike that’s considered one of the best hikes in the world. Some pre-planning is required to do this hike since it’s a “thru-hike” and parking at the trailhead is only allowed for 4 hours (not enough time to finish). There are shuttles that run daily from 5am to 5pm from the Park & Ride to the trailhead (and vice-versa) that cost 50 NZD roundtrip. Make sure to check the weather before your trip! I was lucky enough to be hit with horrible weather on the day of the hike and had to unfortunately turn around a few miles in.
Tongariro Crossing
Miles: 3.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 475 ft.
Location: Tongariro National Park
A beautiful hike in Tongariro National Park that features waterfalls. It’s an easy hike that can be done in less than 2 hours.
Taranaki Falls
Miles: 10.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,290 ft.
Location: Coromandel Peninsula
This is an epic sunrise hike or overnight adventure (staying in the Pinnacles Hut). It’s a long hike but worth it for the views over the Coromandel Peninsula. It’s important to note that this is a difficult trail and does involve scrambling and the use of ladders.
Miles: 16.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 5,472 ft.
Location: Egmont National Park
This is a famous circuit that takes about two days to complete. The loop passes through Egmont National Park which is filled with rainforests, alpine meadows, swamps, and a volcano. It starts at the East Egmont Village Parking Lot and loops around Mt. Taranaki. You can either stay at the Pouakai Hut with a reservation or camp near the hut without a reservation.
Miles: 7.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 4,668 ft.
Location: Egmont National Park
This is a challenging hike with its steep and difficult terrain. It’s a long day hike but well worth it for the views from above!
Bucket List Adventures
1. Scuba dive at the Poor Knight Islands
2. Hike the famous Tongariro Crossing
3. White water raft in Rotorua
4. Explore the Glowworm Caves in Waitomo
5. Visit Hobbiton
6. Check out the geothermal parks in Rotorua
7. Relax at the Hot Water Beach in Coromandel
Scuba Diving
8-Day North Island Road Trip Itinerary
8 day North Island hiking road trip
Option 1 - mostly hiking
Day 1: Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Total Driving: 2 hours
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand
Pick up rental car in Auckland and drive to Coromandel Peninsula
Day 2: Coromandel Peninsula
Total Driving: 4 hours
Sunrise hike the Pinnacles Loop Track trailhead
Check out Cathedral Cove
Camp at Wentworth Falls DOC campground (mid-point between Coromandel Peninsula and Rotorua)
En Route to Coromandel Peninsula
Day 3: Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua
Total Driving: 2 hours
Hike Wentworth Falls (4 mile hike, trailhead is right at the campground)
Drive to Rotorua — Tauranga is a good place to stop for lunch on the way
Go rafting in Rotorua with Rotorua Rafting
Explore the Waimangu volcanic valley
Mountain bike in the Whakarewarewa Forest full of Redwoods
Visit a therapeutic hot pool
Rotorua Rafting
Day 4: Rotorua to Taupo
Total Driving: 2 hours
Drive from Rotorua to Taupo
Huka Falls hike (short 0.5 mile hike)
Relax on the shores of Lake Taupo
Drive to Tongariro National Park
Day 5: Tongariro National Park
Hike the famous Tongariro Crossing (12.7 mile hike)
Camp at the Kiwi Camp at the National Park Park & Ride
Unfortunate Weather on the Tongariro Crossing
Day 6: Tongariro National Park to Egmont National Park/Taranaki
Total Driving: 4 hours
Hike to Taranaki Falls (3.7 miles)
Drive to Egmont National Park/Taranaki
Day 7: Egmont National Park/Taranaki
There are 2 great backpacking/hut options here:
Pouakai Circuit — 16.2 miles, camp at Holly Hut
Mount Taranaki Summit Track — 7.4 miles, difficult terrain, camp at summit
I was unable to go to Taranaki due to some crazy unexpected weather so these hikes still remain on my New Zealand bucket list!
Day 8: Egmont National Park/Taranaki to Wellington or Auckland
Total Driving: 5 hours
Drive back to Auckland or Wellington (if you are heading to the South Island)
8 day North Island hiking & scuba diving road trip
Option 2: hiking + scuba diving
*this was my actual itinerary due to bad weather - thankfully, scuba diving can still be done in the rain!
Day 1: Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula
Total Driving: 2 hours
Arrive in Auckland, New Zealand
Pick up rental car in Auckland and drive to Coromandel Peninsula
Day 2: Coromandel Peninsula
Total Driving: 4 hours
Sunrise hike the Pinnacles Loop Track trailhead
Check out Cathedral Cove
Camp at Wentworth Falls DOC campground (mid-point between Coromandel Peninsula and Rotorua)
Hike to Cathedral Cove
Day 3: Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua
Total Driving: 2 hours
Hike Wentworth Falls (4 mile hike, trailhead is right at the campground)
Drive to Rotorua — Tauranga is a good place to stop for lunch on the way
Go rafting in Rotorua with Rotorua Rafting
Explore the Waimangu volcanic valley
Mountain bike in the Whakarewarewa Forest full of Redwoods
Visit a therapeutic hot pool
Day 4: Rotorua to Taupo
Total Driving: 2 hours
Drive from Rotorua to Taupo
Huka Falls hike (short 0.5 mile hike)
Relax on the shores of Lake Taupo
Drive to Tongariro National Park
Huka Falls
Day 5: Tongariro National Park
Hike the famous Tongariro Crossing (12.7 mile hike)
Camp at the Kiwi Camp at the National Park Park & Ride
Day 6: Tongariro National Park to Tutukaka
Total Driving: 7 hours
Drive 7 hours to Tutukaka
Explore the Glowworm Caves or go blackwater rafting on your way!
Hike to Whangarei Falls (3 miles)
Day 7: Scuba Diving in Tutukaka
Scuba dive at the Poor Knight Islands — islands with volcanic landscape that eroded into dramatic caves and arches. They are full of kelp forest and rich in wildlife (whales, giant sting rays, manta rays, etc.).
*Important to note that the water is VERY cold. You will be diving with a 7mm wetsuit and a hooded vest.
Poor Knight Islands
Day 8: Tutukaka back to Auckland
Total Driving: 3 hours
Drive back to Auckland. Ifyou plan is to drive to the South Island, I would switch the scuba diving to day 2 so that you ultimately have less driving.
The North Island of New Zealand is a truly magical place, with something to offer everyone. I hope this blog post has helped you plan your dream hiking and adventure trip to this incredible country. Have a safe and beautiful trip!