New Zealand North Island Itinerary + best photogenic stops
This is the ULTIMATE guide for your North Island Itinerary!
We had an absolute blast on North Island, there are so many things to do!
North Island is actually my preferred island and it’s full of exploding geysers, amazing hikes, hot geothermal springs, white water rafting, vibrant cities & bustling cafes. You’re never short of things to do and there are so many weird and wonderful things to do.
Half of my family is from New Zealand’s North Island, and I spent several weeks around here exploring the best things to do, and I wasn’t disappointed.
If I had to choose the top 3 things, my favourite activities were the geothermal springs in Rotorua, the Tongariro Hike which was dubbed one of the top 10 best hikes in the world, and lastly, the hot water beach.
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / NZ travel guides.
If you’re planning a South Island Road Trip, then don’t forget to check out my other guide!
Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North VS South Island New Zealand which is better for you.
Quick Mini Guide To North Island
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to North Island.
Where to stay
- Wellington: QT Wellington – a design & arty museum hotel or The Cambridge Hotel
- Auckland:
North Island
North Island has lots of activities & things to do. Think geysers, hot geothermal springs, white water rafting, vibrant cities & bustling cafes.
highlights in New Zealand
- Weta Workshop – Special effects tour famous for Lord of the Rings and major Hollywood blockbusters
- Hobbiton visit
- A classic fish & chips on the beach!
- Zealandia – see kiwi birds and incredible wildlife
- Seal Coast Safari Tour – go offroading and see some seals!
- Geothermal mud Spas,
- The incredible Hot Water Beach
- Glow worm caves.
Stay connected
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Best activities & tours on North Island
Here are some of the best New Zealand North Island tours! Honestly, I recommend doing at least 2-3 of them – Hobbiton, the Glow Worm Caves, a Maori Cultural experience… if you can do all of them, it’s worth it!
I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.
| Hobbiton day tour – This is a must do on North Island – it’s a right of passage! White Water Rafting Rotorua – This has the HIGHEST commercial waterfall to raft down, great for adrenaline junkies. Glow worm caves – Dont miss the iconic glow worm caves on North Island! Maori Cultural Experience – one of the most impactful and immersive experiences you need to try on North Island! Hell’s Gate Mud Bath Spa – if you’re after some pampering, this is for you! Waiheke Island Wineries + dolphin tours – Waiheke is known for the dolphin cruises and the wineries. Pick a tour and don’t miss this! |
Car & Campervan Rental
It’s recommended that you either hire yourself, a campervan or a car, so you can explore North Island at your heart’s desire.
Depending on what time of year it can be really busy so it is worth looking at your stay well in advance. Bear in mind cost of hotels on your itinerary North Island New Zealand.
New Zealand North Island Itinerary
If you’re after an epic North Island road trip, then I got you covered!
If you’re limited for time, the absolute must visit locations are:
If you like a tonne of different activities, things to do, buzzing cities, then North Island is a good shout. You wont be bored here!
North Island seems to have a lot going on.
The landscape is still dramatic and impressive, and it has some of the most incredible attractions like the various hot pools. The geothermal hot water beaches, and of course the buzzing to city of Wellington. If you are a coffee enthusiast, then you will like Wellington because it is the city with the most café per head in the world.
I personally love the highly geothermal region of Rotorua, where there are all the geysers, the bubbling mud pools and the steaming craters.
How many days do I need on North Island?
Honestly you can spend 7 days here, or 1 month, there’s always a tonne of stuff to do!
Ideally, you will spend at least 10 days or 14 days exploring the North island.
Auckland
I spent most of my time in my uncles house in Auckland with views of the bay. Here’s my Auckland top 10:
- Sky Tower: The iconic landmark with panoramic views of the city that you have to visit!
- Auckland War Memorial Museum: Cultural institution showcasing New Zealand history, Maori culture and Pacific artefacts.
- Waiheke Island: island paradise known for its vineyards, wineries and beaches.
- Auckland Zoo: Home to a diverse range of native and exotic wildlife.
- Viaduct Harbour: Vibrant waterfront area with restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
- Auckland Domain: Expansive parkland featuring gardens, sports fields, and walking trails.
- Devonport: Quaint seaside village with historic charm and stunning views of the city skyline.
- Rangitoto Island: Volcanic island with hiking trails and stunning natural landscapes.
- Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki: Premier art gallery showcasing both local and international works.
- Piha Beach: Picturesque black sand beach popular for surfing and scenic walks.
Waheike Island + Wineries
Waiheke Island; it’s got the clearest blue waters that honestly are reminiscent of the Maldives.
This little slice of paradise is just a ferry ride away from Auckland, but it feels like a world away.
Expect to see dolphins jumping alongside the ferry as you visit… it’s pretty spectacular!
The island is dotted with vineyards, and the views are absolutely breathtaking. You can spend the day hopping from cellar door to cellar door, tasting everything from crisp sauvignon blanc to rich syrah. And the best part? The laid-back island vibe. It’s like time slows down here, and you can just relax and enjoy the wine, the scenery, and the company.
Wineries in Waiheke you might want to visit:
- Mudbrick Vineyard & Restaurant: Known for their Bordeaux-style red blends and Chardonnay.
- Cable Bay Vineyards: Renowned for their Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux-style red blends.
- Te Motu Vineyard: Famous for their Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc blends.
- Stonyridge Vineyard: Known for their iconic Bordeaux-style red blend, Larose.
- Man O’ War Vineyards: Renowned for their Bordeaux-style red blends and Syrah.
- Te Whau Vineyard & Restaurant: Famous for their Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Passage Rock Wines: Known for their Syrah and Bordeaux-style red blends.
- Kennedy Point Vineyard: Renowned for their Syrah and Bordeaux-style red blends.
- Tantalus Estate: Famous for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
- Casita Miro: Known for their Syrah, Malbec, and Tempranillo blends.
Coromandel Peninsula
Hot Water Beach
This is one of the best places on your New Zealand North Island Itinerary!
Auckland to Coromandels drive time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Best Budget hotel: TOP 10 Holiday Park
Best luxury hotel: The Church Accommodation
Starting high on this list is the hot water beach in the Coromandels! Make sure you read the full guide.
If you’re starting in Auckland, this is a 2.5 hour journey and trust me, it’s well worth the drive for this bizarrely weird phenomenon!
This is possibly my favourite thing to do in ALL of New Zealand. It’s so unique and so different, I can’t help but recommend it, sat on the Coromandel Peninsula!
This is a HOT WATER BEACH!
You can easily spend a full day here.
Hot Water Beach in the Coromandel —it’s seriously one of the most exciting spots in New Zealand and possibly, the world!
No, really.
Rent a shovel from the local store or cafe, head down to the beach, and dig yourself a little pool, or, ‘bath’ if you will.
As soon as you start digging, hot geothermal water starts bubbling up from beneath the sand, creating your very own hot pool right there on the beach! It’s like nature’s own hot tub!
You actually have to be quite careful because it can even get too hot! You’ll need to dig your hole close to the waves, so the seawater can rush in and cool you down!
I mean, how cool is that?
You’re literally creating your very own warm bath right on the beach, with the waves crashing nearby and the sun shining overhead. It’s pretty spectacular.
It’s the ultimate, relaxing, bizarre experience, and I was absolutely buzzing with excitement the whole time.
TIP: If you walk into the sea directly in front of where the geothermal vents are, you’ll find the sand is also warm inside the actual sea. It’s pretty bizarre actually, tucking your warm feet into the sand whilst standing neck deep in the sea!
Cathedral Cove – Te Whanganui-A-Hei
Coromandels to Cathedral Cove drive time: 13 minutes
Best Budget hotel: TOP 10 Holiday Park
Best luxury hotel: The Church Accommodation
Cathedral Cove is south of Hot Water Beach, along coastline of New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula.
This iconic destination is mega popular with tourists.
You’ve got this massive natural archway, carved out by the ocean, framing this pristine sandy beach. The water is this unreal shade of blue, like something out of a dream. I could spend hours just chilling on the sand, soaking up the vibes.
But it’s not just about the views, there’s this whole vibe of adventure here.
You can take coastal walks, exploring the cliffs and caves along the way.
And then while away the day on the beach, sit back, chillax and enjoy your day! Don’t miss Hahei beach (details below).
Hahei Beach
Hahei Beach is a slice of paradise on New Zealand’s Coromandel Peninsula and right next to Cathedral Cove. Think soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery hugging the coastline. It’s the kind of place where time just seems to slow down, and all you want to do is kick back and soak in the beauty.
But Hahei’s not just about lounging on the beach (although that’s definitely a highlight). The coastal walk from Hahei to Cathedral Cove is a must-do, with fabulous views along the way.
And let’s not forget about the water activities – whether it’s kayaking, snorkelling, or just taking a dip in the ocean, Hahei’s got you covered. Plus, there are some great cafes and eateries nearby, perfect for refuelling after a day of beach hopping. Hahei Beach is the ultimate spot for relaxation, adventure, and everything in between.
Hobbiton
Coromandels to Hobbiton drive time: 2h 13 minutes
Best Budget hotel: Maple Lodge Hotel
Best luxury hotel: Lakeview Lodge
Whether you’re a Lord of the Rings fan or not… The Hobbiton Movie Set should be on your list, surely? It’s a wonderful tribute to the movies and the beautiful landscape in which LOTR was filmed.
It was like stepping straight into Middle-earth! Or more specifically, The Shire.
The attention to detail was mind-blowing. From the quaint little gardens outside each hobbit home to the intricate carvings on the doors, every inch of Hobbiton was like something out of a story book (I guess it literally is) . And let’s not forget about the party tree – that massive oak towering over the hill, just begging for a hobbit feast underneath its branches.
It was quite fun to be honest, and actually inspired me to re-watch the LOTR films whilst in New Zealand.
Rotorua
Rotorua Geothermal Hot Springs
Read about the FREE Rotorua Geothermal Parks here.
Hobbiton to Rotorua drive time: 1 hour
Best Budget hotel: Rotorua Downtown backpackers
Best luxury hotel: Regal Palms Resort
Rotorua is hands down my FAVOURITE place in all of New Zealand.
Rotorua’s geothermal hot springs are an absolute must-visit on your North Island adventure, and is the first place I remember visiting when I was 7 years old!
The ground is hot. Pick up a stone and feel how warm it is!
The town is covered in geothermal pools, exploding geysers, bubbling mud pools, steam crevices and it’s just… pretty magical!
It’s an incredible and surreal experience, and it’s super accessible too—they have a geothermal site right in the centre of town!.
Rotorua, right in the middle of New Zealand’s North Island, is famous for its bubbling mud pools, exploding geysers, and of course, those relaxing hot springs and spas!
Read about the FREE Rotorua Geothermal Parks here.
These natural wonders are created by the region’s volcanic activity, thanks to NZ lying on a tectonic fault line, making it unlike anywhere else on this lovely planet we get to call home.
Exploring the geothermal activity of Rotorua is like stepping into a bizarre, alien planet.
The landscape is dotted with colourful mineral pools, hissing steam vents, and the unmistakable smell of sulphur —trust me, you’ll get used to it! Yes, that does mean it smells like rotten eggs. I remember the smell when I was a kid a few miles out as we were driving in!
One of the coolest things about Rotorua’s hot springs is the variety of things to do. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious spa experience or a rugged, rustic soak in the wilderness, you’ll find it here. And free outdoor spas right in the centre of town!
Make sure you stop by Lady Knox Geyser too!
There’s nothing quite like sinking into those warm, mineral-mud waters after a day of adventuring. It’s pure bliss!
Rotorua Spas & Mud Pools – Hells Gate
Read all about the best Rotorua Spas & Resorts here.
Rotorua’s Hell’s Gate, the iconic spa, is an experience like no other. Imagine stepping into a land of bubbling mud pools, steaming geysers, and rugged and rough geothermal vents.
It’s like stepping into an alien world, and a pretty bizarre one at that.
As soon as you arrive, you’re hit with the lovely smell of sulphur (yes, a bit like rotten eggs), but you still get used to it.
The mud pools are honestly just fascinating to watch, each one churning and bubbling away. Just waiting for you to sit and soak And then there are the geysers – those powerful bursts of steam and jets of water.
Take a guided tour to learn about the geothermal history of the area, or even better, soak in a mud bath or treat yourself to a sulphur spa treatment.
And the best part? Hell’s Gate is steeped in Maori culture and history, with sacred sites and traditional healing practices woven into the experience.
What you waiting for?
White Water Rafting Rotorua
Ok so this is possible the most insane, adrenaline filled thing I’ve ever done.
This is the HIGHEST waterfall in the world that you’re commercially allowed to raft down – this is Tutea Falls!
Yes, you read that right. Again… Tutea Falls is the world’s highest commercially rafted waterfall.
I did not know this until I had already signed up, booted up and was jumping into the raft. I let the pictures speak for themselves, but it was really fun!
I would definitely recommend it.
Rotorua Zip Lining
They also do zip lining, which was great fun! Cross over the rafting route, watch other kayakers go downstream and enjoy the incredible views from the suspension bridge.
The ziplining here isn’t just about adventure—it’s also about conservation and community.
They are actually heavily committed to sustainability, planting native trees to support local wildlife and ecosystems.
They actually work hand-in-hand with Maoris on their local land, and they hope to repopulate the natural landscape with native tree species.
This is a really lovely way of not just having fun zip lining but also contributing to the ongoing efforts to protect and restore Rotorua’s precious forests for generations to come. They’ve already planted something like 600,000 trees and intend on planting a lot more!
Lake Taupo
Taupo – Crater of the Moon
Read the full guide on Craters of the Moon Taupo here. This is one of the best places on your New Zealand North Island Itinerary!
Rotorua to Taupo drive time: 1 hour
Best Budget hotel: Lakefront Lodge Taupo
Best luxury hotel: Hilton Lake Taupo
Amusingly, the Craters of the Moon in New Zealand were once believed to be ‘the gates to hell‘, and the first colonisers were fearful of the bizarre, ever continuous smoking steam vents and bubbling mud pools. They were surrounded myth and mystery.
However, time (and understanding) understanding progressed over time, it became pretty obvious they were not portals to Anubis and the underworld but rather a bizarre geothermal vent.
It was actually the first place in New Zealand that used geothermal power.
Craters of the Moon actually powered up local businesses, hotels, and residents in the nearby areas. The heat generated from the geothermal vents was converted into a sustainable energy source, driving economic growth and development in the region.
Today, it’s a stunningly beautiful walk, with breathtaking views and of course, there are a tonne of stories that go with the scenery.
Apparently, the first colonisers riding through the region on horses would fall through steam vents to bubbling pools underneath.
So yeah, stick to the path!
With a tonne of steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and vibrant geothermal landscapes, the scenery is nothing short of spectacular.
It’s only about a 10-minute drive from Lake Taupo centre.
Read the full guide on Craters of the Moon Taupo here.
Huka Falls Taupo
Read my full guide to Huka Falls Taupo – it’s stunning!
Huka Falls is a sight you wont forget thanks to those vibrant cerulean blue waters. The water cascades through dramatic rock formations, canyons and the sound is impressive: it creates a thunderous roar and the spray that comes off is very impressive!
The sheer power and force of the water are mesmerising, and you can feel it vibrating through the ground beneath your feet as you stand on the viewing platform. There’s a number of walks around Huka falls which I highly recommend, the shortest of which is around 19 minutes, a very short walk!
The surrounding area is absolutely stunning, with lush greenery, native bush, and walking tracks with views for days of the river and surrounding landscape.
Read more about the history of Taupo here.
Hawkes Bay
Hawkes Bay Wine Region – Optional
Drive time: 2 hours (4 hours round trip)
Best Budget hotel/campsite : Napier Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Best luxury hotel: Navigate Seaside Hotel & Appartments
This is for all the winos out there! If you have time, it’s worth a stop.
It’s time to explore wine wonderland that is the North Island.
First off, you’ve got Hawke’s Bay. Think rolling hills, endless vineyards, and wine that’s just chef’s kiss. It’s like the Napa Valley of New Zealand, but with a Kiwi twist. You can spend days here exploring all the wineries, from big-name producers to quaint family-owned spots.
And the best part? The climate is perfect for growing grapes, so you know you’re in for some seriously good wine.
Other Wine Regions in North Island
Then there’s Martinborough down at the very southern end of North Island. Tucked away in the Wairarapa region, this place is a hidden gem for wine lovers. The pinot noir here is out of this world, thanks to the unique climate and soil conditions. And the town itself is so charming, with cute cafes, boutique shops, and friendly locals. You can spend the day cycling between wineries, soaking up the sunshine, and sipping on some of the best wine in the country.
Waitomo
Waitomo Glow Worm Caves
Taupo to Waitomo drive time: 1 hour 53 minutes
Make sure you stay in a Hobbit Home here in Waitomo!
Waitomo hobbit home hotel!
The most incredible stay we had in New Zealand was in this Hobbit Home! It’s such an iconic place, and it’s just 5-10 minutes from Waitomo.
It also doesn’t break the bank, in fact, it’s actually a pretty reasonable price!
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are a must-visit on your New Zealand trip! It’s west of Taupo and a little out of the way, but honestly so worth visiting!
Note – they have glow worm caves on both North and South Island. On South Island, you’ll find them near Te Anau!
It’s a captivating experience and conveniently located just a short drive from Waitomo town. There’s not a lot in Waitomo Town, but it’s definitely worth a stop as it is pretty cool.
It’s tucked away in the middle of the beautiful countryside of New Zealand’s North Island, these caves are known for their bizarre phenomenon that is the incredible glowworms. I’ve had to mess around with the camera settings a fair amount to be able to get this picture for you (it’s quite hard to photograph on your phone).
You can explore the caves on a boat or by foot, you’ll be enchanted by the twinkling lights above. You can sometimes get really close too, and see the worms close up and see the part of them that lights up and is bioluminescent!
The highlight is the glowworm grotto—a stunning chamber illuminated by thousands of tiny glowworms. It’s a breathtaking sight you’ll remember long after your visit.
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, this adventure is perfect for families and solo travellers alike, just choose your activity early.
Wondering how to get to Waitomo? Have a look here.
BOOK AHEAD – when I arrived, it was sold out so I had to stay a few extra days!
Ruakuri Bushwalk – FREE glowworm cave in Waitomo
Ruakuri bush trek is an incredible spot to witness the vibrant blue New Zealand glowworms, all without the hefty price tag in the Waikato District of North Island.
Read my full guide on the Ruakuri Bushwalk.
The Ruakuri bushwalk is completely FREE, allowing you to wander the path and caverns at your own pace.
The Ruakuri bushwalk operates around the clock, where you can choose to go for daytime hikes but in my opinion, it really comes alight (see what I did there?) at night when the glow worms are visible!
You’ll easily spy a tonne of twinkling, sparkling glow worms dotting the cave ceiling and rock walls along the trail.
It’s utterly captivating, and you may lose track of time while you’re staring with your neck craned up at the ceiling.
You could easily do a short 30 minute walk here, depending on how much time you spend staring at the glow worms or walking through the caves.
Tongariro
Make sure you read the full guide for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike; the walk is mostly undulating and flat, so there’s no steep hikes!
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Waitomo to Tongariro drive time: 2 hours 13
The best place to stay is the Skotel Alpine hotel. It is literally smack bang at the entrance of the hike, and perfectly positioned for you to start your day.
Some of the other hotels are potentially another 20-30+ minutes walk away. Given that you’re already hiking 6-8 hours, it’s best to stay as close as possible to the entrance.
Of course, there is the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike which is said to be one of the top 10 hikes in the world, and it does have some incredible views in the Tongariro National Park.
Of course, it’s also famous for Lord of the Rings, being Mount Doom itself, the official name being Mount Ngauruhoe! Whether you’re a LOTR fan or not, the scenic hike can be enjoyed by everyone!
Hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is like nothing else to be honest.
Picture this: you’re trekking through this surreal landscape of volcanic peaks, emerald lakes, and steaming vents—it’s like stepping into a bizarre alien kind of world.
I did it in the summer (yes, the peak also had snow in summer!), and the weather was perfect for hiking, not too hot, not too cold. The views were absolutely unreal, it was pretty cool an activity to do.
Plus, the sense of accomplishment when you complete the hike is 100% worth the bragging rights.
Make sure you read the full guide for the Tongariro Alpine Crossing Hike; the walk is mostly undulating and flat, so there’s no steep hikes!
Tawhai falls gollums pool
Drive time: 5 minutes drive
The best place to stay is the Skotel Alpine hotel.
This is one of the best places on your New Zealand North Island Itinerary!
Right next to the entrance to the Tongariro Crossing Hike is Tawhai Falls also known as Gollum’s Pool!
It is a very short 10-15 minute round trip walk from the car park on the side of the road to witness these beautiful waterfalls.
Even if you’re not a Lord of the Rings fan, you’ll find yourself spellbound by the ethereal beauty of Tawhai Falls.
The peaceful atmosphere and picturesque surroundings make it the perfect spot to unwind and lots of people actually stop here for lunch, it’s a great little spot where you can sit in the shade of the trees and dip your hot feet into the shallow waters on the stream edge.
Take a moment to soak in the sights and sounds of this cute little oasis on the side of the road, and let the magic of Tawhai Falls leave you feeling relaxed… and of course if you have time take a few pics in Gollum Style!
TIP: The area where the couples are sat is where Gollum is filmed standing! In case you wanted to recreate the photo.
New Plymouth & Taranaki
Tongariro to Taranaki drive time: 3 hours 30 minutes
Best Budget hotel/campsite : Stratford Holiday Park prices from $45 NZD
Best luxury hotel: Ahu Ahu Beach Villas
This is a gem tucked away on New Zealand’s west coast. Picture this: you’ve got this vibrant city vibe mixed with some seriously stunning natural scenery. The coastal walkway is an absolute must-do, offering killer views of the Tasman Sea and Mount Taranaki looming in the background.
But it’s not all about the views (although they’re pretty epic). The city of New Plymouth itself has this cool artsy vibe, with funky street art and galleries dotted around. And of course, you can’t forget the food scene – from trendy cafes to fresh seafood joints, sit back, relax and people watch.
Plus, there’s always something happening here, whether it’s a music festival, surf competition, or just a laid-back beach day. But of course, the best view has to be of Mount Taranaki itself!
Wellington
Wondering if it is worth visiting Wellington? Read my full guide on 1 day in Wellington.
Taranaki to Wellington drive time: 4 hours 18 minutes
Best Budget hotel/campsite : The Cambridge Hotel – this is a great budget choice starting at $25 NZD and it is a nice 3 star hotel with over 900 reviews on google giving it a good review!
Best luxury hotel: QT Wellington. It is an arty hotel with definitely a bit of luxury and tonnes of art! Read the full review of the QT Hotel Wellington – it’s something else.
Prices start from $111 NZD.
Cafe capital of the world, buzzing coastal city with spectacular views!
Wellington, the cafe capital of the world—yes, you heard that right! Read my full guide on 1 day in Wellington.
This vibrant city lies between the harbour and the hills, is home to more cafes per person than anywhere else on the planet. It’s a haven for coffee lovers and foodies too, with each cafe offering its own unique vibe, charm and decor.
But there’s so much more to Wellington than just its coffee scene. Known affectionately as “Windy Welly,” this compact and cosmopolitan city is bursting with character and creativity. Think fun, colourful street art at the bustling waterfront, sit back, relax, and (if you’re there in summer) watch the there’s always something new to discover around every corner.
And let’s not forget about the foodie scene! Try out Scorch-o-Rama on the beach, it’s incredible!!! I decided to opt for the basic avocado toast, and they did it so well with sourdough bread and yummy toppings!
And lastly, don’t miss Zealandia – a nature reserve aiming to revive the native species of New Zealand. You’ll see the flightless Takahe bird casually roaming around! Super impressive!
North Island Weather
Summer in NZ
Read more about the summer weather in NZ.
Temperature: In January, when it’s summer, the weather is warm on both North & South Island! The temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), while the South Island is a tad cooler, sitting at around 19°C (66°F).
But honestly, on some of the days it was BOILING in the summer, and reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) if not higher. Think, you’ll burn in 15 minutes outside without sun cream.
Rain: Both islands get about 8 rainy days, but you’ve got heaps of daylight to play with, around 15 hours a day. It’s like the sun just doesn’t wanna quit!
Winter in NZ
Read more about the winter weather in NZ.
Fast forward to June, when it’s winter in NZ. Things start cooling down a bit, especially in the South Island. You’re looking at around 11°C (52°F) down there, while the North Island is still a bit milder, hovering around 15°C (59°F).
It’s a bit wetter too, with around 14 rainy days, but, you still get some solid daylight, about 9 hours or so.
So, that’s the gist of it! Both Islands have their pros & cons but frankly, they’re both beautiful.
North Island Weather in January
- Average temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- Average rainy days: 8
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 9:30 PM
North Island Weather in February
- Average temperature: 25°C (77°F)
- Average rainy days: 7
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 9:00 PM
North Island Weather in March
- Average temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:15 PM
North Island Weather in April
- Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Average rainy days: 11
- Average daylight hours: 11
- Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:45 PM
North Island Weather in May
- Average temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- Average rainy days: 12
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
North Island Weather in June
- Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- Average rainy days: 14
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:15 PM
North Island Weather in July
- Average temperature: 14°C (57°F)
- Average rainy days: 15
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
North Island Weather in August
- Average temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- Average rainy days: 15
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
North Island Weather in September
- Average temperature: 16°C (61°F)
- Average rainy days: 13
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
North Island Weather in October
- Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Average rainy days: 11
- Average daylight hours: 13
- Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 7:45 PM
North Island Weather in November
- Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
North Island Weather in December
- Average temperature: 22°C (72°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 9:15 PM
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for things to do in North Island and your South Island New Zealand Road Trip!
- Lake Tekapo from Queenstown Road Trip
- Glamping on South Island
- Best things to do in Lake Tekapo
- Wanaka lavender farm
- Onsen hot pools
- Akaroa Dolphin Watching
- Is New Zealand cheaper than Australia?
- Does New Zealand have dangerous animals?
About the Author
 | Hi, I’m Adriana! I’m constantly searching for the best places to travel to so you don’t have to! Think hidden gems but all over the world. That means I’m constantly on the road and exploring new places to visit and I have a love for photography, so it made sense to write travel guides on all the places I visit. I was born in Australia and lived in New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England growing up and I decided to take my love of travel to the next level! Read more about me here and see my articles here. |
Full disclosure! Some of the links here are affiliate links, meaning I get a small commission from every booking made. This is at no extra cost to you. It helps keep me writing and sharing my travel guides free of charge to you 🙂 Thank you for your support! Read our affiliate policy here.
