North Island NZ

North Island, NZ: 48-hour itinerary

North Island, NZ Insider

Bethell's, or Te Henga. (Photo: Peter B. Bennetts / Lonely Planet Images)

Bethell's, or Te Henga, is a beautiful example of the wild west

With just 48 hours on the North Island of New Zealand you'll have to make the most of your time. Follow our Insider's expert itinerary.

Auckland War Memorial Museum

Get your cultural bearings at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, a Greco-Roman building of grand proportions. Located in Auckland's oldest park, a volcanic crater, the site was well chosen in the '20s for its expansive views across Waitemata Harbour and to Rangitoto. Permanently at home here is the world's finest collection of Maori and Pacific toanga (Maori treasures). On the first Thursday of each month, Late at the Museum brings dynamic dialogue and music together for the bargain price of $15.

The "Wild West"

Then go west ... it should be named the "Wild West" — Auckland's notoriously elemental left-hand coast is home to a string of black volcanic sand beaches that are rarely at rest. It's a treat when they are but exciting when they're not. Think back to The Piano and you may recall the moody shores where Aida washed up.

Bethell's, or Te Henga

Bethell's, or Te Henga, 50 minutes from the city, is a beautiful example of the wild west and also home to Bethell's Café (closes in winter, June to September); contemporary Kiwiana in the form of a converted caravan. After a stroll on the beach and over the dunes to O'Neils Beach, secure yourself a seat and snack and watch the black velvety volcanic sand sparkle on your toes. On the way back, a few minutes down the road, stop for a stroll to the unique natural wonder that is Lake Wainamu, which is locked in by rolling black sand dunes.

Potiki Adventures

Potiki Adventures treats guests like long-lost relatives or friends. That kind of warm whanau (family) welcome is fundamental to Maori culture and it's the kind of opportunity you take with both hands and your heart. When someone in the know welcomes you to see Auckland and their culture through their eyes, do it. The Urban Maori day trip with Potiki is a chance to experience Maori culture as alive, vibrant, evolving and relevant in New Zealand. Take a designated tour or create your own.

Tawharanui

Go east to Tawharanui. The Piano may have made a name for the west coast, but the east is definitely not the poorer cousin. On a brilliant day, the golden sand and blue water of Tawharanui sparkle with uninhibited clarity. Regional park status beautifully preserves the magic of Tawharanui and none of its lost on a broody day. You can walk for miles along the surf beach and farmland and not see anyone.

Takatu Point

Tawharanui Regional Park, Takatu Point, via Warkworth, is about 50-60 minutes drive north-east of the city. Once you've had a taste of salt air, take in art and wine at Brick Bay: a meandering outdoor gallery featuring the work of eminent and emerging New Zealand sculptors; and the award-winning Glass House, which beckons from its tranquil lakeside spot for a glass of Brick Bay wine.

Matakana

Then stop in the small moneyed township of Matakana where the cinema takes boutique to an inspiring new level. Architect-designer Noel Lane (he did Brick Bay, too) has created three vastly different themes: the Tivoli in opulent gold and black, printed wallpaper and a giant chandelier; Paradiso for a wildly Pacifica theme with handmade paper flowers, tuis and fantails; and Roxy — a foxy burlesque babe, hung with lush draped fabric.

Have you tried any of the places on this itinerary? Got any ideas we haven't thought of? Have your say using the comments form below.

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North Island itineraries New Zealand Chatham Islands

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