My New Zealand North Island Highway Journey Itinerary

From cosmopolitan cities to gorgeous nature, pristine seashores to volcanic mountains, New Zealand’s North Island actually packs a punch.

Residence to seventy-five p.c of New Zealand’s inhabitants, plenty of vacationers suppose you’ll be able to simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t large in any case.

However there’s really plenty of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand a couple of instances through the years, I do know from expertise that there’s much more to see and do right here than you suppose. You positively don’t wish to rush.

In an ideal world, I feel most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend not less than a month right here exploring on a street journey. That’s my very best suggestion.

However since a month off just isn’t real looking for most individuals, I counsel spending not less than two weeks as an alternative. That’s the minimal period of time wanted to do justice to the island on a street journey.

So, what must you see and do for those who solely have two weeks? What route do you are taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my steered itinerary that may make it easier to plan your North Island street journey for optimum effectivity. This itinerary will be certain that you see the highlights and get off the crushed path, benefiting from your time on this extraordinary nation.

New Zealand Highway Journey Highlights

Simply on the lookout for a couple of pointers to start out your planning? Listed below are a couple of highlights from my time in New Zealand. These are issues I feel each customer ought to expertise when visiting New Zealand:

Need extra data on these actions (and others)? I cowl all of them under!

Renting a Automotive in New Zealand

Earlier than you intend your route, you want a method to get round. Relating to road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automobile or campervan.

Touring by campervan may be very in style right here, particularly among the many extra budget-conscious vacationers, as vans function each lodging and transportation. There are 5 predominant rental businesses:

Costs differ rather a lot. Your each day price will change relying on the place you choose up the car, in case you are dropping it off at a unique vacation spot, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far prematurely you e-book, and whenever you e-book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If residing out of a van for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely lease a traditional automobile and e-book lodging alongside the best way. I all the time use Uncover Automobiles when renting a car. They scour rental businesses massive and small to search out the most effective offers.

You should utilize this widget to get a free quote on your automobile rental:

New Zealand’s North Island Highway Journey Itinerary: A Two-Week Route

Days 1–2: Auckland

Auckland is the most important and most populous metropolis in New Zealand however, opposite to in style perception, it’s not the capital (that’s Wellington). Since most flights land right here, spend a few days recovering out of your (seemingly) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.

Remember to go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and for those who (like me) love wine, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island.

If you wish to orientate your self higher, go to the highest of town’s Sky Tower for gorgeous views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million individuals. The Auckland Struggle Memorial Museum can be price a go to. It’s one thing of a misnomer because it actually tells the historical past of town. The museum goes all the best way again to when the Maori arrived from Polynesia and in addition highlights the “discovery” of New Zealand by Europeans centuries later.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Auckland, try my information to town!

The place to Keep: The Attic Backpackers — Voted town’s hottest hostel 4 years in a row, The Attic is a enjoyable and budget-friendly place to remain proper within the coronary heart of Auckland. The hostel affords a wide range of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed personal rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly outfitted kitchen and an lively widespread room for whenever you simply wish to sit back and meet different vacationers.

 
Days 3-4: Bay of Islands

Only a three-hour drive from Auckland, the Bay of Islands are on the northern tip of the North Island and are an awesome place to probe for a couple of days. There’s mile after mile of seaside and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which accommodates 144 islands). This space has a number of the finest dolphin and whale watching, kayaking, swimming, and boating on the island. A few of my favourite seashores within the nation are right here too.

When you’re right here, be sure you go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the vital vital historic websites within the nation. You too can discover Cape Reinga (the northernmost level of New Zealand) and take a dip within the geothermal swimming pools at Ngawha Springs. If you would like a extra lively journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you’ll be able to discover the realm by way of mountain bike.

For an inventory of extra issues to do within the Bay of Islands, try my full information!

The place to Keep: Haka Lodge – Positioned in Paihia, Haka Lodge has plenty of widespread areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Every part is tremendous clear and the beds are snug. It’s place to satisfy individuals too.
 
Day 5: Hobbiton

Visiting the Hobbiton film set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit motion pictures is definitely one among New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even for those who’re not a die-hard fan of the movies or books, it’s attention-grabbing to see the film magic and go behind the scenes on this distinctive setting.

To see Hobbiton, you’ll must take a tour that begins with a drive by means of the proprietor’s 505-hectare (1,250-acre) sheep farm, providing epic views over the Kaimai Vary. From right here, you’ll be able to discover Bag Finish, wander across the hobbit holes, and go to the Inexperienced Dragon Inn.

There are a number of totally different excursions to select from. There’s the traditional tour of the film set that features lunch, a twilight strolling tour that ends with a feast match for a hobbit, a morning tour that features a hearty breakfast, and even a tour that includes jogging. Excursions begin at 89 NZD.

The place to Keep: Cosy Nation Keep B&B – It is a cute bed-and-breakfast positioned in Matamata just some miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are improbable, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil. There are even roaming cats and goats that actually add to the comfortable ambiance.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the vital in style vacationer locations on the North Island. The title comes from the unique Maori “Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe,” which means “second lake,” because it was the second lake that Maori chief Ihenga found within the space.

The Maori have been the unique inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. That is the most effective space to find out about Maori historical past and tradition. Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural present when you’re right here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Expertise is the one I attended).

The area can be recognized for its geothermal exercise. The dynamic panorama makes for good nature walks, journeys to smelly sulfuric geysers, and enjoyable soaks in luxurious spas with water from the new springs.

For adrenaline junkies who could not make it to Queenstown on the South Island (the journey capital of New Zealand), there’s a legion of adventurous actions provided in Rotorua. Right here you’ll be able to skydive, mountain bike, zipline by means of a forest, and go Zorbing (the place you get into a big clear ball and are rolled down a hill).

The place to Keep: Rock Strong Backpackers – It is a centrally positioned hostel with an expansive array of services, together with a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.
 
Day 8: Waitomo

Waitomo is thought for its worms — glowworms, to be particular. However spoiler alert: they’re really fly larvae that emit a bioluminescent glow. Undoubtedly one of many coolest locations I visited in New Zealand, the Waitomo glowworm cave could also be very touristy nevertheless it’s merely breathtaking and in contrast to something I’ve ever seen. I can’t suggest it sufficient.

You may stroll, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them (I counsel floating, which was tremendous enjoyable). A forty five-minute rafting journey is the usual go to, however if you wish to go abseiling (also called rappelling) there’s a five-hour choice too. Costs begin at 55 NZD for a ship tour and 195 NZD for prolonged excursions with abseiling.

For an entire checklist of issues to do in Waitomo, try my information in town.

The place to Keep: Juno Corridor – Near the glowworm caves, Juno Corridor has a swimming pool and tennis courtroom on-site. There’s a big kitchen in addition to an out of doors grill for barbecuing. It’s a cool, social spot.
 
Days 9-10: Taupo

Taupo sits on the shores of Lake Taupo, the most important freshwater lake in New Zealand, and is a part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone, an space that has had excessive volcanic exercise for the previous two million years. Taupo has tons of unbelievable hikes, a number of boating excursions, charming native markets, and gorgeous nature. Consider it like a quieter model of Queenstown (the South Island’s journey capital).

There wasn’t a lot in and round Taupo till 1868 when an armed constabulary publish was established right here. A short while after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as benefit from the pure springs which can be sprinkled across the space. By 1880, inns started dotting the panorama to benefit from the budding vacationer business right here. The Taupo Museum goes into element in regards to the space’s historical past, together with the pre-European Maori historical past.

It’s additionally one of many finest locations to go skydiving in New Zealand due to the views and clear skies (although I didn’t do that whereas I used to be there as I’m not a fan of heights).

I liked the small-town really feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and having the ability to take action many hikes. I might have stayed right here for weeks.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Taupo, try my information.

The place to Keep: Finlay Jack’s – This hostel has an enormous kitchen, an enormous widespread room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming employees, bike leases, and an excellent pleasant hostel canine. Every part within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you may get an awesome night time’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking by means of this otherworldly, red-colored atmosphere of volcanoes and sulfur was one of many highlights of my time in New Zealand. One of many Nice Walks of New Zealand and infrequently thought of probably the greatest day hikes on the planet, that is an epic 19-kilometer (12-mile) trek that takes a full day to finish (most individuals take 6-9 hours, relying in your health stage).

As you wind your means by means of Tongariro Nationwide Park, you’ll stroll by means of volcanic terrain (together with the place Mordor in Lord of the Rings was filmed), previous excessive peaks and sulfur lakes, and finish the day in a dense forest. It’s straightforward in elements (the start and finish) and steep in others (particularly the portion after the ominous-sounding “Mount Doom”), so that you’ll get mixture of issue ranges.

Remember to deliver water, sunscreen, a hat, bathroom paper, and a sweater or jacket (the climate can change quickly). Count on to pay round 50 NZD per individual for a round-trip shuttle to and from the path or 325 NZD for a full-day guided hike.

The place to Keep: When you can keep within the park, I might merely return to Taupo and keep there for the night time.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Wellington isn’t just my favourite metropolis on the North Island, however my favourite metropolis in the whole nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unbelievable nightlife, a number of the finest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork reveals, insightful museums, and a phenomenal harbor (which is finest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the whole metropolis).

Remember to go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), journey the cable automobile to the Cable Automotive Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award–successful props and particular results studio).

After that, you’ll be able to hop on one of many historic purple trolley automobiles so you’ll be able to take within the gorgeous view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets value 6 NZD per journey.

Should you love wildlife, try Zealandia. This city wildlife sanctuary on the periphery of town tries to seize what New Zealand was like earlier than people lived right here. Count on to see a legion of native birds and plant species. You may even take a guided tour at night time. Entry, which features a guided tour, prices 60 NZD.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Wellington, try my detailed information to town!

The place to Keep: The Marion – This boutique hostel is simply blocks away from every little thing you’ll wish to see. It’s cozy, with cozy beds and huge loos, and the employees actually exit of their method to make you’re feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to loosen up and meet different vacationers.

NOTE: Should you’ve solely obtained two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you’ll be able to fly out of the airport right here to wherever it’s essential to go subsequent. When you’ve got extra time, take the automobile ferry (round 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to proceed your journey!

Issues to Bear in mind When Highway-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you take advantage of your street journey, please bear in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the fitting, like within the US or Canada).
• You could all the time park your automobile within the route that site visitors goes (or threat a positive).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking photographs — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the street, which may be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed below are winding, so do not forget that it would take longer than you anticipate to cowl a selected distance.
• So long as your present and legitimate driver’s license is in English, you don’t want an Worldwide Driver’s Allow.
• Should you’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to search out close by campsites, gasoline stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable nation, loaded with epic landscapes, pleasant Kiwis, and a wealthy tradition. I feel it’s one of the vital gorgeous international locations on the planet — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply be sure that to comply with my recommendation above. Try this, and also you’ll have a tremendous go to to this lovely island!