What you'll do
From Auckland to Wellington x
I know not everyone has the luxury of endless time to explore New Zealand, so I’ve made sure to pack all the must-see spots on the North Island into this 14-day itinerary.
Whether you’re chasing the best hikes, hidden beaches, geothermal wonders, or cultural experiences, this itinerary will give you a solid taste of what makes the North Island so special. It’s perfect for those who want to make the most of their time, without feeling rushed, and still get a good mix of everything.
Day 1
(1-2 hours driving)
Welcome to Aotearoa NZ! First things first, grab your van, stock up on groceries, and get ready to hit the road.
Stretch your legs with a walk up Mount Eden for some solid city views, then head west for a quick dip at Karekare Falls. Wrap up the day watching the sunset at Piha Beach, one of Auckland’s most famous surf spots.
Maungawhau / Mount Eden
Bezienswaardigheden bekijken
Dormant volcano
I’m not a big city person, but when you’re in a new place, it feels rude not to give it a chance and check out the main attractions. I can confidently say Maungawhau, also known as Mount Eden, was my favourite thing in Auckland. I was lucky enough to have sunny weather, which definitely added to the experience!
It’s a dormant volcano standing at almost 650 feet tall. Its last eruption was around 28,000 years ago, so no need to worry about any lava flows!
Once you find a car park, you’ll need to walk up a somewhat steep hill to the observation platform. It’s only about 200 meters from the upper car park and 400 meters from the lower one.
Now, hear me out, this might sound a bit strange, but the platform was actually built with the help of a royal elephant named Tom. Yes, you read that right! A real life elephant helped haul heavy basalt up the mountainside to construct the platform. It’s such a unique piece of history on top of a beautiful natural landmark.
Walk around the platform and soak in the incredible views of Auckland City.
Karekare Falls
Waterval
10/10 Waterfall
Karekare Falls completely blew me away. I arrived at about 9:20 am and was so shocked to have it all to myself! The earlier you get there, the better, it’ll be less busy, and you’ll easily snag a car park. The later you arrive, the harder it gets to find one.
The trail to the falls is super short, only about 100 meters (a 5-minute walk). To start, head up the left side of the road until you find the Karekare Falls sign—just be careful as the road is a bit steep. What’s cool is that you can actually see the falls right from the start of the trail, making for an amazing shot of the lush rainforest and waterfall. Along the way, you’ll pass the Opal Pool Stream Cascade, an adorable little pool that’s perfect for a dip (see the 5th photo).
The falls themselves are 30 meters high and incredibly picturesque. The vibrant turquoise water is just stunning and adds to the overall beauty of the place.
Fun fact, these falls are locally known as Te Ahoaho by the Te Kawerau ā Maki tribe, Karekare Falls has also made appearances in popular culture, including TV shows like Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess.
It’s an amazing spot for a nature fix, and if you’re brave enough, an icy swim too!
Piha Beach
strand
Beautiful rugged beach
If you’re looking for a slice of paradise, Piha Beach is calling your name! This iconic spot in New Zealand is a total showstopper, with rugged beauty and killer surf. With its striking black sand, towering cliffs, and those sunsets that’ll leave you speechless, it’s no wonder this beach is a magnet for locals and tourists. I mean it when I say tourists like this spot, so I'd recommend visiting during the week rather than the weekend. Whether you’re ready to ride the waves or just chill out with the ocean breeze in your hair, Piha has all the good vibes you need.