23 days in North Island Itinerary

Start off your visit on the 31st (Tue): ponder the world of politics at New Zealand Parliament, take an in-depth tour of Wellington Museum, and then see the interesting displays at Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. On the 1st (Wed), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: look for all kinds of wild species at ZEALANDIA Ecosanctuary, then take in nature's colorful creations at Wellington Botanic Garden, then catch a ride on Wellington Cable Car, and finally pause for some photo ops at John Plimmer Statue.

To see where to stay, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read Wellington trip planner.

Brisbane, Australia to Wellington is an approximately 6.5-hour flight. The time zone difference moving from Australian Eastern Standard Time to New Zealand Standard Time is 2 hours. Plan for slightly colder temperatures traveling from Brisbane in October, with highs in Wellington at 19°C and lows at 11°C. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 1st (Wed) so you can catch the flight to Tongariro National Park.

Tongariro National Park is known for trails, nature, and winter sports. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: explore the activities along Tama Lakes, appreciate the extensive heritage of Ohakune Old Coach Road, take in the dramatic scenery at Mangawhero Falls, and take in the pleasant sights at Mead's Wall.

For traveler tips, where to stay, other places to visit, and other tourist information, read Tongariro National Park online driving holiday planner.

You can fly from Wellington to Tongariro National Park in 2.5 hours. Other options are to drive; or do a combination of train and taxi. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 4th (Sat) early enough to take a shuttle to Taupo.

Taupo is known for nature, theme parks, and sightseeing. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: admire the sheer force of Huka Falls Walkway, don't miss a visit to Maori Rock Carvings, get some thrills on the water with a speed boat tour, and see the interesting displays at Taupo Museum.

To find where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and more tourist information, go to the Taupo vacation builder app.

Traveling by shuttle from Tongariro National Park to Taupo takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or do a combination of taxi and bus. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 8th (Wed) to allow time to drive to Rotorua.

Rotorua is known for nature, adventure, and nightlife. Your trip includes some of its best attractions: take a memorable tour with Tours, identify plant and animal life at Paradise Valley Springs Wildlife Park, experience rural life at Agrodome, and relax and float downstream with a rafting and tubing tour.

To see ratings, reviews, other places to visit, and other tourist information, use the Rotorua trip itinerary site.

Traveling by car from Taupo to Rotorua takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In November, daytime highs in Rotorua are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 12th (Sun) early enough to drive to Waitomo Caves.

Kick off your visit on the 13th (Mon): stroll through Ruakuri Walk, then explore the fascinating underground world of Caveworld, then Head underground at Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and finally explore the fascinating underground world of Footwhistle Glowworm Cave. Get ready for a full day of sightseeing on the next day: take a tour by water with Boat Tours & Water Sports, then skim along the rocks with a canyoning and rapelling tour, and then take in the dramatic scenery at Marakopa Falls.

To find traveler tips, where to stay, and more tourist information, refer to the Waitomo Caves trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Rotorua to Waitomo Caves by car takes about 2 hours. Other options: drive; or take a bus. Finish up your sightseeing early on the 14th (Tue) so you can go by car to Hamilton.

Start off your visit on the 15th (Wed): admire the natural beauty at Hamilton Gardens, make a trip to Hobbiton Movie Set, and then make a trip to Adrian Worsley Historic Creations. Here are some ideas for day two: examine the collection at Waikato Museum, then meet the residents at Hamilton Zoo, and then get curious at Te Awamutu Space Centre.

For maps, ratings, more things to do, and tourist information, use the Hamilton journey planner.

You can drive from Waitomo Caves to Hamilton in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can drive; or take a bus. In November, daytime highs in Hamilton are 23°C, while nighttime lows are 15°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 16th (Thu) early enough to go by car to Auckland.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Fri): walk around Auckland Domain, then brush up on your military savvy at Auckland Museum, then look for gifts at Pauanesia, and finally don't miss a visit to Sky Tower.

For photos, reviews, maps, and more tourist information, you can read our Auckland trip itinerary planning app.

Traveling by car from Hamilton to Auckland takes 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Traveling from Hamilton in November, plan for a bit warmer nights in Auckland, with lows around 20°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 17th (Fri) to allow time to drive to Whangarei.

Kick off your visit on the 18th (Sat): take in nature's colorful creations at Whangarei Quarry Gardens, then tour the pleasant surroundings at Bream Head Coast Walks, and then take in the awesome beauty at Mount Manaia Track.

For where to stay, photos, and other tourist information, use the Whangarei trip planning app.

Traveling by car from Auckland to Whangarei takes 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly; or take a bus. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Sat) so you can drive to Paihia.

Explore Paihia's surroundings by going to Russell (Pompallier Mission and Printery & Tapeka Point Track). Spend the 21st (Tue) observing fascinating marine mammals with a dolphin and whale watching tour. There's still lots to do: admire the natural beauty at Waitangi Treaty Grounds, learn about winemaking at Byrne Northland Wines, hike along Kororipo Pa Historic Walk, and tee off at Waitangi Golf Club.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, more things to do, and other tourist information, you can read our Paihia day trip planning site.

Getting from Whangarei to Paihia by car takes about 1.5 hours. Other options: take a bus. Cap off your sightseeing on the 22nd (Wed) early enough to catch the flight back home.