Suggested New Zealand road trip itinerary 10 days

Are you a driver and ready to travel to New Zealand? Take a road trip with this 10-day New Zealand itinerary by self-drive! So, what to do in New Zealand for 10 days? Let’s check out our New Zealand road trip 10 days blog with the suggested New Zealand road trip itinerary 10 days in this article!

A road trip in New Zealand is like stepping into a world where every turn brings new experiences. From vibrant city life, geothermal hot spots to historic Maori cultural sites, this 10-day New Zealand itinerary will immerse you in the best that this country has to offer. For beginners, we suggest exploring the North Island, which is vast and full of exciting activities.

Imagine wandering the bustling streets of Auckland and Wellington, relaxing in hot springs, kayaking through caves lit by glow worms, and discovering hidden destinations along the way. Whether you’re an adventurer, nature lover or history buff, this 10-day road trip is sure to have something for you.

How to rent a car in New Zealand for a Self-Drive Road Trip? (#New Zealand road trip itinerary 10 days)

For first-time visitors to New Zealand, there are a few things to keep in mind before booking a rental car for your trip:

• Driving age: You need to be at least 21 years old to rent a car in New Zealand. Some car rental companies require drivers to be 25 years or older, so check before booking. Note that drivers under 25 may be charged an additional fee.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): International visitors can drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if they have a valid driving licence from their home country. If your licence is not in English, you will need an IDP or a certified translation.
• Insurance: Most car rental companies offer comprehensive insurance, but you should double-check the details before your trip.

Book your car through KLOOK’s Auckland car rental service, and you’ll be able to choose the right car, your preferred insurance, and add-ons like chains, child seats, or GPS!

New Zealand Road Trip Essentials

Before you set off on your North Island adventure, make sure you have the following:

• Travel documents: If you’re from a visa-exempt country, register with the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) at least a week before your trip and pay the travel fee (NZ$100 until 1 October 2024). Don’t forget to complete the Traveler Declaration.
• e-SIM Card: The best part about e-SIM is that you can activate it anytime, anywhere, without having to pick up a card at the airport or manually change your SIM card.

Save money while exploring top destinations in New Zealand with Klook Pass

The Klook Pass is perfect for first-time visitors to New Zealand, offering access to multiple attractions with just one ticket. This pass includes highlights such as: Fox Glacier Heli Hike, Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves Tour, 3-hour zip line and jungle exploration on Waiheke Island, Auckland Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour, Te Anau Glowworm Caves Tour, and more!

Klook Pass New Zealand

What’s the Weather in New Zealand?

The weather in New Zealand varies widely from region to region and can change quickly. Here is a general guide to each season:

• Spring (September – November): Temperatures range from 10°C to 17°C (50°F – 63°F). This is the ideal time to wear a light jacket or sweater when traveling.
• Summer (December – February): Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F – 77°F). This is the best time to visit popular destinations like Rotorua and Taupo.
• Autumn (March – May): Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F – 68°F). This is the ideal season for road trips, when you can admire the mesmerizing changing colors along the way.
• Winter (June – August): Temperatures range from 1°C to 15°C (34°F – 59°F). If you are planning a road trip in winter, make sure your rental car is equipped with anti-skid chains and additional protective gear, especially when traveling to areas like Tongariro National Park.

We did the road trip in spring and were lucky enough to enjoy the brilliant blue skies. The scenery along the way with lush green mountains full of grazing cows made us unable to stop many times to create a collection of virtual photos in Europe.

Tip: Although summer is the peak tourist season in New Zealand, you can mention here in spring if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy cooler weather during your journey to explore the North Island.

What to do in New Zealand for 10 days? New Zealand itinerary 10 days

Day 1: Start the Trip in Auckland

Distance and travel time: Mostly city sightseeing, little driving.

The North Island tour begins in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. With its modern pace and vibrant atmosphere, Auckland is the country’s cultural and commercial hub. Queen Street, the famous shopping and entertainment district, is the perfect starting point to fully enjoy the beauty of the city. Along this street, you will encounter a series of fashion stores, stylish restaurants, and unique cafes, where you can relax and explore the daily lives of the locals. This is truly a must-see stop on the first day of the journey.

Whether you are a rugby fan or not, the All Blacks experience is a must-see destination when visiting New Zealand. Rugby is an integral part of Kiwi culture, and this experience will take you behind the scenes of the legendary All Blacks team.

No trip to Auckland would be complete without a visit to the famous Sky Tower. This 328-metre-tall tower offers thrill-seekers exhilarating experiences like the SkyJump and SkyWalk. From the observation deck, you will be able to admire the panoramic view of the city, an ideal place to end a great day!

Tip: Want to shop with a mix of local and international brands? Stop by Sylvia Park, New Zealand’s largest shopping mall, for some shopping. Note that shopping malls here often close quite early, with most stores closing at 7pm.

Hotels in Auckland

When choosing a place to stay in Auckland, we recommend choosing hotels in prime locations, close to the city’s main attractions:

• For a luxurious – classy – smooth stay in the city centre: The Grand by SkyCity, located right in the heart of Auckland. (agoda, booking)
• Hotels near Queen Street: Airedale Boutique Suites, the perfect place to unwind after a day of shopping. (agoda, booking)
• Hotels with sea views: M Social Auckland, just a short walk from some of the city’s most popular hotspots. (agoda, booking)

Day 2: Getting Around Auckland

Driving Distances and Travel Time: Explore the City Without Driving Much

On your second day in Auckland, explore the city’s natural and cultural attractions. If you have kids, start your day at Kelly Tarlton’s Sea Life Aquarium, which offers a lively day of marine life. Don’t miss the penguin, shark and stingray exhibits!

If you’re looking for some peaceful scenery, don’t miss the ferry ride to Waiheke Island, known for its beautiful beaches, lush vineyards and relaxing atmosphere. There are plenty of options for a day out here, from wine tasting, to taking in the cool ocean waters or taking in the stunning views. If you have time, stop by the Waiheke Island Wine Centre in Oneroa to sample unique wines from around the island.

After a long day exploring Auckland, take a stroll around Viaduct Harbour. This is the perfect place to enjoy delicious food while enjoying the open space with impressive views of the harbour. The restaurants and bars here all have stunning views, perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying a delicious meal. If you want to try fresh seafood, Saint Alice on Quay Street is a must-try with fresh oysters and truffle parmesan fries.

Tip: If you want to do something special on this trip, try a whale and dolphin watching cruise around Auckland Harbour. The feeling of surfing and seeing beautiful sea creatures swimming right next to your catamaran will definitely be an unforgettable experience!

Day 3: Coromandel Peninsula – Rotorua

Driving distance and travel time: From Auckland to Coromandel Peninsula: 175km, about 2.5 hours drive. From Coromandel Peninsula to Rotorua: 170km, about 2.5 hours drive.

On the third day of your road trip, you will leave the skyscrapers and birds behind and immerse yourself in the beautiful nature of the North Island! Coromandel Peninsula is famous for its beautiful beaches and endless coastline. One of the must-sees is Hot Water Beach, a unique geothermal experience where you can dig your own natural hot springs right in the sand and witness the hot springs boiling from underground.

After relaxing at the beach, don’t forget to stop by Cathedral Cove, a virtual paradise in New Zealand thanks to the beautiful natural bridge leading to the beach. The 30-minute walk to the bay is just as beautiful as the destination, so it will definitely be a worthwhile stop!

Hotels in Rotorua

After a day of sun and cool water, you can relax and unwind at a cozy, cute hotel in Rotorua. Don’t forget to check out our budget-friendly and well-appointed options on Klook, Agoda, or Booking such as Arista of Rotorua (agoda, booking), Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park (agoda, booking), and Silver Fern Rotorua Suites & Spa (agoda, booking) – the perfect place to stay for the next three days!

Day 4: Explore Rotorua City

Driving Distance and Travel Time: Explore the city, without much driving.

Rotorua is one of the North Island’s most unique destinations, known for its vibrant geothermal activity, Maori culture, and endless outdoor adventures. A great first day in Rotorua starts with a morning stroll through Government Gardens, where you can see the flowers in full bloom, with charming Tudor-style architecture as a backdrop. These gardens are not only beautiful but also have important historical significance to the local Maori, as they were the site of major battles.

In the afternoon, we left Rotorua for a bit to explore Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, one of the most colorful geothermal areas in New Zealand! With the largest mud pool in New Zealand, Wai-O-Tapu’s landscape was formed from thousands of years of volcanic activity in the North Island.

The walk along the Geothermal Park Trail really impressed us, especially when we admired the famous Champagne Pool – a beautiful hot spring with a majestic and poetic landscape.

Tip: If you want to admire a special natural phenomenon, try to arrive at Wai-O-Tapu before 9:45am to see Lady Knox Geyser shoot water 10-20 metres into the sky at 10:15am every day.

After a long day exploring the natural beauty of Rotorua, we ended our trip at Mitai Maori Village for a truly local Maori cultural experience. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the history and beauty of Maori traditions!

Our favorite part of the experience was the traditional haka performance and the delicious hāngī feast. Hāngī is a dish prepared in an earthen oven dug 1-2m deep, with meat, chicken, kumara sweet potatoes and more. This dish is slow-cooked for 3-4 hours on hot stones, bringing out the rich flavors, like the taste of heaven and earth blending in every bite.

Day 5: Contniue explroe Rotorua

Driving Distance and Travel Time: City Tour, less Driving.

On your second day in Rotorua, continue exploring the city’s unique natural landscapes with a trip to the Hell’s Gate mud baths and a glowworm kayak tour.

Start your day in style with a mud bath at Hell’s Gate. This is a quintessential New Zealand experience where you can enjoy the healing properties of geothermal mud and sulphur mineral waters that have been used by Maori for over 800 years to exfoliate and re-energize your body. It feels truly relaxing and therapeutic – much needed after a long day of exploring and travelling.

After a relaxing morning in the mud baths and hot springs, your evening adventure begins with a tour of the glowworm caves at dusk. The glowing caves are truly magical – definitely not your average kayaking experience. If you’re lucky enough to have clear skies in the evening, don’t forget to end the day with some stargazing!

For some of New Zealand’s most famous craft beers, head to the Pig & Whistle, a historic bar on the corner of Haupapa and Tutanekai. It’s the perfect place to sample local beers and wines, especially when paired with some delicious snacks.

If you’re still craving some adrenaline on this trip, don’t miss the Okere Falls Zipline! This zipline experience will take you soaring over the forest and waterfalls of the Kaituna River on a 610m zip wire, making it more thrilling than ever!

Day 6: Rotorua to Taupo

Driving distance and travel time: 82km; about 1 hour drive.

After a few days exploring Rotorua, the next leg of your North Island trip will take you to Taupo, which has some stunning lakeside attractions. Taupo is home to Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest freshwater lake, with snow-capped mountains in the distance providing a stunning backdrop.

Like Rotorua, Taupo attracts visitors with its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and plenty of outdoor activities. Once in town, don’t miss the Te Pa Tu Village Tour, where you’ll get to experience Maori culture through interactive activities. That evening, I enjoyed Maori cultural performances, participated in traditional ceremonies such as the Ahi Taitai (fire festival) and enjoyed a delicious hāngī dinner.

Hotels in Taupo

When you come to Taupo, you’ll have plenty of accommodation options that are both comfortable and offer great views:

• Lakeside Taupo (agoda, booking) is ideal if you want to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Taupo, where you can relax and soak up the peaceful nature.
• Motuoapa Bay Chalets (agoda, booking) is a more intimate and cosy option, located close to the water, ideal for those looking for a homely, homely feel.
• If you want to relax in luxury and unwind with geothermal hot tubs, Baycrest Lodge (agoda, booking) is the ideal stop after your outdoor adventures in Taupo.

Day 7: Explore Taupo’s Nature

Driving distance and travel time: Explore the city, no need to drive much. On your last day in Taupo, you will be free to explore and feel the wild nature of this place, starting with an exciting experience – Huka Falls Jet Ride.

Huka Falls is a natural wonder that stands out with more than 220,000 liters of water per second pouring down an 11m high waterfall, creating a powerful and captivating water force. The experience of speeding on the rushing water below this waterfall is an activity not to be missed when coming to Taupo. The strong feeling of the falling water combined with the high speed of the boat made our hearts pounding throughout this impressive trip.

If SkyWalk, SkyJump, Okere Falls Zipline, and Huka Falls Jet Ride are not enough to make your heart pound, then you definitely cannot resist the attraction of Waikato River bungy jump. Focus your mind and make the ultimate jump from a height of 47m, crossing the clear blue water of New Zealand’s longest river. If you’re not ready for this heart-stopping jump, you can try the Taupo Swing – another fun option that will still give you a thrill without being too adventurous.

To unwind after your adventure, don’t forget to stop by Café Baku on Roberts Street for delicious desserts, aromatic coffee and European-style cuisine, while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Taupo.

Day 8: Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton (#New Zealand road trip itinerary 10 days)

Driving distance and travel time: Taupo to Waitomo Caves: 150km, about 2 hours drive; Waitomo to Hobbiton: 100km, about 1.5 hours drive.

Today will be a magical day with a visit to two famous destinations in the North Island: Waitomo Caves and Hobbiton Set. With such a close distance, you can completely explore both of these places in one day.

Starting the day at Hobbiton is like stepping straight into the world of Middle-earth, where the Shire village appears before our eyes with each lovely roof hidden under the green grass. When we set foot in the Green Dragon Inn – the legendary pub in the movie, we couldn’t help but admire every little corner that faithfully recreated the scene on the screen.

It felt like everything was coming to life right before our eyes, making us unable to resist transforming into classic moments of Lord of the Rings and continuing the story in this fairy-tale village.

After a morning exploring Hobbiton, in the afternoon, you will have an exciting trip to Waitomo Caves, where you can join a guided tour to explore the caves sparkling with the light of glowworms. These magical creatures have been a part of New Zealand’s natural and cultural history for over 130 years and are the only specialty of this country. This is definitely a destination not to be missed for anyone coming to this area!

In the evening, enjoy delicious burgers and cocktails at Due South Bar and Eatery, a popular restaurant that is considered a local gem.

Hotel Options in Matamata

If you want a simple yet comfortable place to stay, the Horse and Jockey Inn (agoda, booking) is a great choice. With a cozy atmosphere and all the necessary amenities, this is the ideal place to stop for a night in Matamata!

Day 9: Tongariro National Park – Wellington

Driving distance and travel time: Matamata to Tongariro National Park: 185km, about 2.5 hours; from Tongariro National Park to Wellington: 337km, about 4.5 hours drive.

Our final stop on the North Island itinerary is Tongariro National Park, home to three of New Zealand’s most majestic volcanoes — Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, this is a must-see destination with plenty of hiking trails.

For a shorter adventure, the Taranaki Falls Track is a 6km, two-hour hike that takes you through stunning mountain views, streams, forests and waterfalls. If you’re not up for a walk, you can still enjoy the views by taking the Sky Gondola up to the park’s Whakapapa Ski Area.

For experienced hikers looking for a challenge, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of the world’s most beautiful day hikes that you can’t miss. This 20km trail takes around 7 to 9 hours to complete, so you’ll need to plan ahead to ensure you have the right gear when trekking through New Zealand’s oldest national park. If you’re planning to tackle this trail, we recommend planning your New Zealand trip in the summer!

Hotels in Wellington

When you’re visiting New Zealand’s capital, here are some hotels to consider:

• TRYP by Wyndham Wellington Tory Street: If you’re looking for a change of pace after spending most of your time exploring the North Island’s natural beauty, this hotel is located in the heart of Wellington’s business district, where you can feel the hustle and bustle of the city. (agoda, booking)
• Museum Apartment Hotel: For those looking to splurge on their final nights, this hotel is within walking distance of Wellington attractions like the Te Papa Museum and Cuba Street Mall. (agoda, booking)
• Boulcott Suites: For those who love space, this serviced apartment is ideal for families or those planning a long stay in New Zealand. (agoda, booking)

Day 10: End the road trip in Wellington

Driving Distances and Travel Time: City Tours, Less Driving.

The final day of your North Island road trip will take you back to the urban pace of New Zealand’s capital, Wellington.

Start your day with a history and culture lesson at the Te Papa Museum, the city’s national museum. Its exhibitions and collections tell the rich and deep stories of New Zealand’s past – a must-see for any visitor. After a morning of history, hop on the famous Wellington Cable Car for a short 5-minute ride that takes you up alongside the storied houses of the Kelburn area and up to a towering lookout point over the city.

The cable car ride not only provides easy access to attractions like the Cable Car Museum, Wellington Botanic Gardens, Space Place, and Kelburn Park, but also offers unobstructed views of sights like Victoria Peak and Wellington Harbour.

To finish off your trip, take a stroll along Cuba Street to get a feel for one of the city’s most vibrant and dynamic neighbourhoods. Here you’ll find quirky shops and cute eateries, perfect for soaking up the local atmosphere before heading out. We recommend trying Ombra, a popular Cuban Street restaurant serving great Italian food.

Tip: If you want to quickly explore Wellington’s highlights in a day, consider booking a Full Day Wellington Sightseeing Tour to easily visit the highlights with a local guide.

Driving Tips in New Zealand

There’s no question that the best way to explore New Zealand’s North Island is by car. Driving gives you the freedom to explore each location at your own pace and visit interesting off-the-map destinations. But before you set off, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Drive on the left: New Zealand drives on the left side of the road, which can be a bit strange if you’re from a right-hand drive country. Be careful when turning at intersections and roundabouts.
• Roundabouts: New Zealand uses roundabouts quite a bit. Remember to give way to vehicles coming from the right and always use your signal when exiting a roundabout #teamKlook!
• Single-lane bridges: When exploring rural areas, you may come across bridges that only have one lane. Pay attention to the signs to see which vehicle has the right of way.
• Speed ​​limits: The general speed limit in New Zealand is 100 km/h on main roads and 50 km/h in urban areas. Pay attention to speed cameras and adjust your speed when entering new towns or cities.
• Parking: Parking in major cities like Auckland and Wellington can be more difficult than in smaller towns. It is best to look for paid parking or on-street parking areas, and avoid parking on yellow lines to avoid fines.
• Petrol stations: In remote areas, petrol stations can be few and far between. Make sure you fill up every time you pass through major towns.

Beyond the North Island highlights, there’s so much more to New Zealand than meets the eye! If you’re still planning your trip, check out our list of the best things to do in New Zealand’s North and South Islands to find out which areas you’d like to explore and get inspiration for your itinerary.

If you want to relax and enjoy the quiet space, do not miss the relaxation guide in Queenstown with the ideal onsen hot springs to relax in the South Island. Surely New Zealand has many great experiences waiting for you to discover!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Auckland you can refer to

• Taste of Waiheke Day Tour from Auckland
• Hobbiton Express Small Group Tour with Lunch from Auckland
• Karekare Waterfalls and Piha Beach Day Tour from Auckland
• Auckland Zoo Ticket
• Auckland Explorer Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Pass 24 or 48 Hour with Devonport ferry
• SkyTower Auckland Tickets
• Auckland War Memorial Museum Ticket
• SkyBus Auckland Airport (AKL) Express Transfer Ticket
• SheepWorld Admission Ticket
• Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers for Auckland
• Shared and Private Auckland Airport (AKL) Transfers to/from Auckland CBD
• Soaring Kiwi Hop On Hop Off Bus Pass in Auckland (24 or 48 Hours)

Are you looking for more top things to do in New Zealand: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And Auckland itinerary 7 days — How to spend 7 days in Auckland perfectly for the first-timers?