The Suns trailed by eight points midway through the third quarter but flexed their muscles late to post a hard-fought 21.15 (141) to 13.11 (89) victory in front of 9317 fans at a sold-out Barossa Park on Saturday.
Ben King kicked five goals and captain Noah Anderson (27 disposals, six clearances) was another strong contributor, with Touk Miller (27 touches) and defender Sam Collins also influential.
But Rowell was the brightest star, finishing with 26 disposals, 11 clearances and one important goal just before the three-quarter time siren.
"Matt Rowell just got into beast mode at the end," coach Hardwick said.
"He really got his game up and going at the end and I was pleased with our leaders' response."
Rowell faces a huge decision on his playing future this year, with the Suns desperate to retain their marquee star.
"He's been one of the best players in the league for a period of time and I think this is his best season thus far," Hardwick said.
"His ability to win the contested ball inside has always been known, but his ability to transition now through the turnover game has become really apparent.
"That's what, in my opinion, has taken his game to the next level."
It is the first time Gold Coast (4-0) have started a season with four consecutive wins, after entering the AFL in 2011.
They will equal a club record of five consecutive victories - set in 2014 - if they beat Hardwick's former club Richmond at Marvel Stadium next week.
North Melbourne (1-4) have now lost three straight games ahead of a clash with Carlton on Good Friday.
Fresh off signing a massive new seven-year contract, Luke Davies-Uniacke was the Kangaroos' best against Gold Coast with 26 disposals and eight clearances.
Caleb Daniel (32 disposals) and Harry Sheezel (27 touches, one goal) were also busy, while key forwards Nick Larkey and Jack Darling (two each) were among the multiple goal-kickers.
North Melbourne fought back from 25 points down in the second quarter to hit the front, but were blown away as Gold Coast kicked 11 of the last 13 goals.
"We knew going into the game we were going to have to compete really strongly, and until halfway through the third quarter we were doing that really well," Kangaroos coach Alastair Clarkson said.
"We just fell away in that space in the last part of the game and they got on top in clearance and territory.
"We just found the dam wall opened."
