If you’re planning a trip around New Zealand’s North Island with your best pals, why not follow our handy 10-day driving guide for some top highlights.

This road trip is very flexible. If you live in Auckland you could shorten the trip to eight days, or you could add in extra days in places where you want to spend more time. Or if you live in or near one of the areas visited, just start your trip from there – it’s a circular route so you can start and finish anywhere you like.

IMPORTANT: Make sure to check individual attractions opening days and times as these may not correspond to your travel dates.

Day 1 – 2: Auckland

Start your North Island road trip in New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, Auckland. Popular attractions include taking the ferry to Waiheke island and doing a vineyard tour, beach hopping through the bays or experiencing the buzzing nightlife. Scale to the top of Sky Tower for a fantastic view around the city and harbour and test your nerves on the glass floor! Or take a harbour cruise to Devonport on the ferry.

Day 3 – 4: Rotorua

Auckland to Rotorua : Distance 229km : Approximate Driving Time 2 hours 45 mins

Travel through green farmland to Rotorua, New Zealand’s thermal wonderland. Take in a Māori cultural experience or visit the many thermal geysers and mud pools that make Rotorua famous including Hell’s Gate and Wai-o-Tapu. Take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Mt Ngongotaha and then enjoy the excitement of the luge ride to the bottom! There are plenty of spas and thermal pools around Rotorua for your therapeutic needs.

Day 5: Taupo

Rotorua to Taupo : Distance 82km : Approximate Driving Time 1 hour

Suggested stop en route:  Huka Prawn Park – This unique attraction is great entertainment for everyone. Hand feed the baby prawns, explore the adventure trail, try out activities on the lake, and fish for prawns!

It’s just a short hop from Rotorua to Taupo, home of New Zealand’s largest lake. Once a huge volcano, Lake Taupo is now a water lover’s dream with activities galore. Take a cruise on the lake, visit the spectactular Huka Falls on the mighty Waikato River, or have a splashing good time at Taupo DeBretts with hot pools and  hydroslides.

Day 6 – 7: Wellington

Taupo to Wellington : Distance 371km : Approximate Driving Time 4 hours and 45 minutes

Travel south through the desolate Desert Road and the Tongariro National Park – don’t forget to stop for those awe-inspiring snaps of the volcanoes! Onward to Wellington, New Zealand’s capital city and home to Te Papa, the National Museum. This extensive museum is situated on the waterfront and entry is free for NZ residents. A popular activity is to take a step back in time and travel on the Cable Car to enjoy the beautiful harbour views then make your way down to the city through the Botanical Gardens. Don’t forget to stop by the iconic Cuba street which is full of life and excitement.

Day 8: Whanganui

Wellington to Whanganui : Distance 194km : Approximate Driving Time 2 hours 35 mins

Suggested stop en route:  Levin Adventure Park – an absolutely massive playground and park with so much to explore and enjoy!

Return northwards to Whanganui. The river can be enjoyed on a riverboat cruise, by canoe, or jetboat. Beautiful Virginia Lake Whanganui is a fantastic place to unwind. The Durie Hill War Memorial Tower, accessed via an underground elevator provides a great view.

Day 9: Waitomo

Whanganui to Waitomo : Distance 264km : Approximate Driving Time 3 hours 25 minutes

Suggested stop en route:  National Park Village – great views of Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Tongariro from this adventure hub. If youre going in summer the hike is incredible or in winter have a go at shredding the slops by skiing, snowboarding or even toboggining for the nervous ones.

Waitomo is famous for its stunning limestone caves and not to be missed is the silent boat journey through the glowworm grotto. It’s a magical place to visit or if you’re feeling adventurous, take the plunge and travel through the underwater river on an inner tube!

Day 10: Return to Auckland

Waitomo to Auckland : Distance 196 km : Approximate Driving Time 2 hours 25 mins

Suggested stop en route:  Otorohanga Kiwi House provides close-up views of our national bird plus see and feed native birds, and view tuatara and reptiles. There’s also a great Kiwiana walkway in the town centre. Of if you’re feeling the need for speed, Hampton Downs offers everything from Go Karts to V8 laps.

Where do you want to visit in the North Island?