5 Hidden Gems on New Zealand’s North Island for Your Bucket List

One of our favourite parts about Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand was actually doing our own DIY day trip to Waiheke Island! Waiheke island is the perfect day trip for wine lovers (vineyards GALORE), beach bums, and adventurers. Check out our one day guide including all the information & links you need to day trip to Waiheke Island from Auckland.

I hope this guide made you look up cheap flights to New Zealand, but, if not, send me a DM because I’m a bit concerned for your mental well-being . If you’ve had the opportunity to visit this beautiful country already, please tell me all about it ASAP. Happy travels!

This itinerary outlines nine days of continuous adventure on the North Island of New Zealand. Spend a couple days exploring Auckland and the nearby islands, head out west for some black sand beaches and secret coves, hit up some insane hiking trails, and head to the east coast for some stunning beaches that draw the local crowds all summer. This itinerary is partially in hotels, but most of it is geared towards campervanning or rooftop tenting it through the North Island (that's what we did & LOVED it). It also includes a few hours of driving a day, and quite a few hiking opportunities (of course these can be substituted for other activities in the area). If you don't want to drive as much you could always spread the activities over more days, or skip your least favourite part to spend more time in the other areas ... but good luck trying to choose! Each day outlines activities to fill your day, how much driving, what to eat, where to stay, and other suggestions / information. This itinerary covers the following specific places: -> Auckland -> Waiheke Island -> Hobbiton -> Marakopa -> New Plymouth (Mt Taranaki) -> Tongariro National Park -> Lake Taupo -> Coromandel Peninsula -> Coromandel Forest Park & so much more! Note: if you're interested in doing both North and South Island in one trip, you should definitely consider purchasing our 3 week itinerary (found on our thatch home page) as it includes all of this same information & everything on the South Island!

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful outdoors locations in New Zealand, but what are the very best spots for admiring this country's incredible nature and scenery? Check out this list of the most stunning and iconic outdoors spots in New Zealand!

Discover the extraordinary in the land of the long white cloud. Introducing my New Zealand Odyssey—an unparalleled journey that seamlessly blends nature's majesty, cultural immersion, and adrenaline-pumping adventures. Picture yourself exploring ancient Maori traditions under a starlit sky, venturing into the heart of the Southern Alps, and kayaking through pristine fjords. Immerse yourself in a world where innovation meets nature's wonders. In this guide, I’ve curated the perfect itinerary after years of living in and exploring all over New Zealand. Don't just visit New Zealand; experience it like never before with us. Your adventure awaits. Think different, travel different.