5-Day North Island New Zealand Itinerary (Auckland, Hobbiton & Rotorua)
Auckland skyline
New Zealand has been on our bucket list forever — a dream destination we weren’t sure we’d ever actually get to visit. But we made it happen, and the North Island’s stunning, pristine landscapes completely blew us away. From Auckland’s vibrant city life to volcanic islands, movie-famous Hobbiton, and the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, this 5-day itinerary packs in a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation.
Designed with childfree travelers in mind, this trip balances adventure and downtime so you can explore at your own pace without feeling rushed or tied to a schedule. Whether you’re craving peaceful hot springs, scenic hikes, or foodie nights at markets, this itinerary gives you a taste of everything that makes the North Island so special.
This is part one of my two-part New Zealand series — be sure to check out my 10-day South Island itinerary for more epic adventures!
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Day 1 – Arrival in Auckland (via Fiji)
We touched down in Fiji early in the morning after a very long flight, knowing we had a full day to fill before our evening connection to Auckland. To make the most of it (and avoid feeling like airport zombies), we booked a day room at the Fiji Gateway Hotel, just a quick drive from the terminal. It turned out to be the perfect mini layover — a peaceful poolside escape surrounded by lush tropical landscaping, with a convenient on-site restaurant serving delicious meals and staff who couldn’t have been more friendly. (If you’re planning a stop here yourself, check out my guide on how to do a layover in Fiji for tips and ideas.)
After a leisurely day of swimming, napping, and recovering from the jet lag, we headed back to the airport for a relaxing stint in the Fiji Airways lounge before boarding our flight to Auckland. We landed just before midnight and navigated through customs, caught an Uber, and finally checked into our hotel around 1am. We crashed hard after two very long days of travel, but we were excited to start our New Zealand adventure (after a good night’s sleep of course).
Day 2 – Auckland City Highlights
Auckland is often the first stop for many visitors to New Zealand, and it makes a great base for exploring both the city and nearby islands. We kept our first full day fairly relaxed, mixing in a bit of history, some casual sightseeing, and plenty of good food. If you’re looking for things to do in Auckland, there’s plenty of great options to choose from.
Highlights
Auckland War Memorial Museum – More than just military history, this museum offers a deep dive into New Zealand’s cultural heritage. We especially loved the Polynesian and Māori exhibits, which gave us a richer understanding of the country’s history before we set off exploring.
Queen Street & the Waterfront – We took a leisurely walk through Auckland’s main shopping street down to the harbor. Street performers, bustling cafes, and views across the water make it an easy way to soak up the city vibe.
Auckland Night Market – A budget-friendly dinner option with an incredible range of food stalls. We went for a mix of Asian dishes, and everything we tried was packed with flavor. Plus, the people-watching was just as good as the food.
Day 3 – Rangitoto Island & Skywalk
Rangitoto Island is one of Auckland’s most recognizable landmarks — a volcanic cone rising from the Hauraki Gulf, formed by an eruption just 600 years ago. It’s an easy and affordable day trip from the city, and we paired it with one of Auckland’s most thrilling attractions for a day that balanced nature and adrenaline.
Highlights
Ferry to Rangitoto Island – A quick 25-minute ride from downtown Auckland, offering great views of the city skyline as you head toward the island’s black lava fields.
Rangitoto Summit Track – A moderately challenging 4-mile hike to the island’s highest point, where panoramic views stretch across the gulf. We loved the otherworldly feel of the volcanic terrain, dotted with pohutukawa trees. There are also caves that you can explore if you’re feeling extra adventurous (and aren’t claustrophobic).
Auckland Skywalk – Harnessed in but fully exposed to the elements, you walk the outer rim of the Sky Tower — 192 meters (~600 feet) above the ground. It’s not a bungee jump, but the adrenaline hit is real. Full disclosure here — I chickened out as I have a very real fear of heights, but my husband had a blast!
View of Rangitoto
Day 4 – Hobbiton & Drive to Rotorua
No trip to New Zealand’s North Island feels complete without a little Lord of the Rings magic. We started the day with a visit to Hobbiton before making the scenic drive to Rotorua — a geothermal wonderland that would be our base for the next couple of days.
Highlights
Pick Up Rental Car at Auckland Airport – We opted to collect our car at the airport for an easy start to the day and a quick getaway toward Hobbiton.
Hobbiton Movie Set Tour – Even if you’re not a Lord of the Rings superfan, it’s hard not to be impressed by the attention to detail on these Hobbiton tours. The lush green hills, colorful hobbit holes, and the famous Party Tree make it feel like you’ve stepped straight into Middle-earth. We ended the tour at the Green Dragon Inn with a complimentary drink — a fun touch. And yes, we watched all of the LOTR films (the very lengthy extended versions) before we came.
Scenic Drive to Rotorua – Winding roads, rolling farmland, and small-town charm made the two-hour trip fly by.
Grocery Shopping in Rotorua – Stocking up on a few easy meals and snacks helped us keep costs down and meant we could hit the road early for the next day’s adventures.
Hobbiton
Day 5 – Rotorua Adventures
Rotorua is famous for its geothermal activity, natural hot springs, and unique blend of adventure and relaxation. We spent our final day on the North Island soaking in mineral pools, enjoying sweeping views from above the city, and walking among towering redwoods.
Highlights
Polynesian Spa – We booked a morning soak in their lakefront mineral pools, which are rich in therapeutic minerals and offer peaceful views over Lake Rotorua. It was the perfect slow start to the day.
Skyline Rotorua – A gondola ride takes you to a hilltop with panoramic views of Rotorua and the surrounding countryside. We took a stroll on the scenic nature trails to listen to the sounds of the native birds and take in the views. New Zealand is home to nearly 100 endemic species of birds (which means that these birds do not exist anywhere else in the world — crazy!).
Patrick’s Pies Goldstar Bakery — Savory pies are a beloved British culinary tradition that has deeply influenced New Zealand’s food culture. Patrick’s Pies continue this legacy with hearty, flaky pastries filled with classic flavors like mince and cheese or chicken and mushroom. Honestly, we were a bit underwhelmed (as we were with Kiwi food in general), but their ginger crunch dessert was incredible.
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest – A tranquil escape just minutes from the city center. Walking beneath these towering California redwoods felt both surreal and grounding, and the forest’s cool shade was a welcome break from the midday sun.
Kuirau Park – A free, open-air geothermal area right in town, complete with steaming vents, bubbling mud pools, and foot-soaking baths. It’s an easy and budget-friendly way to experience Rotorua’s geothermal activity up close.
Tips for a 5-Day North Island New Zealand Itinerary
Traveling childfree means more freedom to enjoy late nights at markets, longer hikes without rushing, and quiet moments in spas and nature — this itinerary embraces that flexibility.
Keep your home bases simple. Staying two nights each in Auckland and Rotorua means less packing and more exploring.
Book key experiences in advance. Hobbiton and the Polynesian Spa can sell out, especially in peak seasons.
Mix free and paid activities. Balance your budget by combining cost-free geothermal parks and forest walks with ticketed tours and attractions.
Consider a rental car for flexibility. Picking up a car at Auckland Airport made our Hobbiton and Rotorua drives smooth and stress-free.
Use ferries for island day trips. Rangitoto Island is a quick, affordable ferry ride from Auckland’s city center — and a must for volcanic landscapes and great views.
Grocery shop when you can. It helps save on meals and lets you customize your snacks and picnic lunches during day trips.
Getting Around the North Island
Getting around New Zealand’s North Island is straightforward and flexible, especially for childfree travelers who value independence and a relaxed pace. Renting a car is highly recommended — it gives you freedom to explore scenic routes, stop at hidden gems, and manage your own schedule. We picked up our rental at Auckland Airport, which made starting the Hobbiton and Rotorua legs of our trip hassle-free.
If you prefer not to drive, Auckland has a reliable public transport system, including buses, trains, and ferries — perfect for city and island day trips like Rangitoto. Rotorua also offers local buses and plenty of rideshare options for convenient short trips.
Final Thoughts
Five days on New Zealand’s North Island is just enough to get a taste of its variety — from Auckland’s buzzing city center to volcanic hikes, movie magic at Hobbiton, and Rotorua’s geothermal wonders. We kept our pace moderate, focused on experiences that balanced adventure with relaxation, and still managed to see a lot in a short time. If have more time to spend, you could easily add on the Coromandel Peninsula or Lake Taupō, but this short itinerary proves you don’t need weeks to enjoy some of the island’s best highlights.
For more New Zealand travel inspiration, check out my detailed 10-day South Island itinerary, and if you’re planning your trip with a Fiji layover, don’t miss my guide on how to make the most of that stop.
Have you been to the North Island? What would you add to this 5-day itinerary? Drop your thoughts, tips, or must-do recommendations in the comments — I’d love to hear them.