The days to spend in New Zealand's North Island will depend on the places you want to see and the pace at which you want to travel. Small but mighty, the island is brimming with sights and cultural experiences. Give yourself a week or more to visit the main cities and explore the island with breadth. Main cities include Wellington, Auckland, and Hamilton. You might also want to visit the geothermal regions of the island, like the intricate caves, treetops, and coastline. Check out our curated expedition of the North Island, The Endless Shore for eight days of an unforgettable exploration of the Land of The Long White Cloud.

The North Island welcomes visitors all year round. Optimal travel periods for the North Island vary, and there are many things to see and do at various times of the year. Most travellers make the most of the Southern Hemisphere's summer, from December to February. Generally, there are fewer crowds during Spring (September to November) and Autumn (March to May). In winter, cities like Auckland and Wellington will naturally be windier and icier. Regardless of the season, the North Island's stunning landscapes and diversity of activities are constant and await you whenever you choose to visit.