My New Zealand North Island Highway Journey Itinerary

From cosmopolitan cities to beautiful 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, a whole lot 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 truly a whole lot of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand a number of occasions 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 need to rush.

In an ideal world, I believe most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend at the least a month right here exploring on a street journey. That’s my ideally suited suggestion.

However since a month off will not be reasonable for most individuals, I counsel spending at the least 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 do you have to see and do if you happen to solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my steered itinerary that may assist you to plan your North Island street journey for optimum effectivity. This itinerary will be sure that you see the highlights and get off the overwhelmed path, profiting from your time on this extraordinary nation.

New Zealand Highway Journey Highlights

Simply in search of a number of pointers to start out your planning? Listed here are a number of highlights from my time in New Zealand. These are issues I believe 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 Automobile in New Zealand

Earlier than you intend your route, you want a option to get round. On the subject of road-tripping New Zealand, you basically have two choices: automobile or campervan.

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

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

If residing out of a van for a number of weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automobile and e-book lodging alongside the way in which. I all the time use Uncover Automobiles when renting a automobile. They scour rental businesses massive and small to search out the very best 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 common perception, it’s not the capital (that’s Wellington). Since most flights land right here, spend a few days recovering out of your (possible) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.

You’ll want to go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and if you happen to (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 beautiful views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million folks. The Auckland Conflict Memorial Museum can also 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 way in which again to when the Maori arrived from Polynesia and in addition highlights the “discovery” of New Zealand by Europeans centuries later.

For a listing 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 presents 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 energetic frequent room for once you simply need 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 amazing place to probe for a number of days. There’s mile after mile of seaside and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which accommodates 144 islands). This space has among the greatest dolphin and whale watching, kayaking, swimming, and boating on the island. A few of my favourite seashores within the nation are right here too.

Whilst you’re right here, make sure you go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, probably the most vital historic websites within the nation. You can too 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 energetic journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you’ll be able to discover the world by way of mountain bike.

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

The place to Keep: Haka Lodge – Situated in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a whole lot of frequent areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Every part is tremendous clear and the beds are snug. It’s an excellent place to satisfy folks too.
 
Day 5: Hobbiton

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

To see Hobbiton, you’ll should take a tour that begins with a drive by 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 basic 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 – This can be a cute bed-and-breakfast situated in Matamata just some miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are implausible, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil. There are even roaming cats and goats that actually add to the comfy ambiance.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, probably the most common 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 very best 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 also be identified 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 supplied in Rotorua. Right here you’ll be able to skydive, mountain bike, zipline by 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 Stable Backpackers – This can be a centrally situated hostel with an expansive array of amenities, together with a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.
 
Day 8: Waitomo

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

You possibly can 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 referred to as 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 a whole record 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 unimaginable hikes, numerous boating excursions, charming native markets, and beautiful 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 submit was established right here. A short while after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as reap the benefits of the pure springs which might be sprinkled across the space. By 1880, inns started dotting the panorama to reap the benefits of the budding vacationer business right here. The Taupo Museum goes into element concerning the space’s historical past, together with the pre-European Maori historical past.

It’s additionally one of many greatest locations to go skydiving in New Zealand because of 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 a listing 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 frequent 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 will get an amazing evening’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking by this otherworldly, red-colored setting of volcanoes and sulfur was one of many highlights of my time in New Zealand. One of many Nice Walks of New Zealand and sometimes thought-about 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 approach by Tongariro Nationwide Park, you’ll stroll by 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 an excellent mixture of issue ranges.

You’ll want to convey water, sunscreen, a hat, bathroom paper, and a sweater or jacket (the climate can change quickly). Anticipate 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: Whilst you can keep within the park, I’d merely return to Taupo and keep there for the evening.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Wellington is not only my favourite metropolis on the North Island, however my favourite metropolis in your entire nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unimaginable nightlife, among the greatest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork reveals, insightful museums, and a wonderful harbor (which is greatest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks your entire metropolis).

You’ll want to go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), trip the cable automobile to the Cable Automobile 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 pink trolley vehicles so you’ll be able to take within the beautiful view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets value 6 NZD per trip.

In case 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. Anticipate to see a legion of native birds and plant species. You possibly can even take a guided tour at evening. Entry, which features a guided tour, prices 60 NZD.

For a listing 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 the whole lot you’ll need to see. It’s cozy, with cozy beds and enormous loos, and the employees actually exit of their option to make you are feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to chill out and meet different vacationers.

NOTE: In case you’ve solely acquired 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 you’ll want 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 Keep in mind When Highway-Tripping New Zealand

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

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the precise, like within the US or Canada).
• You should all the time park your automobile within the path that site visitors goes (or threat a wonderful).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet 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.
• In case you’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to search out close by campsites, fuel stations, and dump stations.

New Zealand is an unforgettable nation, loaded with epic landscapes, pleasant Kiwis, and a wealthy tradition. I believe it’s probably the most beautiful international locations on the planet — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply make certain to observe my recommendation above. Do this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this lovely island!