My New Zealand North Island Street 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 number of vacationers assume you possibly can simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t enormous in spite of everything.

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

In an ideal world, I believe most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend no less than a month right here exploring on a highway journey. That’s my best suggestion.

However since a month off just isn’t sensible for most individuals, I counsel spending no less than two weeks as an alternative. That’s the minimal period of time wanted to do justice to the island on a highway journey.

So, what must you see and do when you solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my prompt itinerary that may allow you to plan your North Island highway 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 Street Journey Highlights

Simply on the lookout for 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 information 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 option to get round. In terms of road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automotive or campervan.

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

Costs fluctuate quite a bit. Your day by day charge will change relying on the place you choose up the car, in case you are dropping it off at a distinct vacation spot, how lengthy you might be renting it for, how far prematurely you e-book, and whenever you e-book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling out of a van for a number of weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automotive and e-book lodging alongside the way in which. I at all times use Uncover Vehicles when renting a car. They scour rental companies massive and small to seek out the very best offers.

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

Days 1–2: Auckland

Auckland is the biggest and most populous metropolis in New Zealand however, opposite to widespread 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.

Make sure you go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and when you (like me) love wine, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island.

If you wish to orientate your self higher, go to the highest of the town’s Sky Tower for beautiful views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million folks. The Auckland Battle Memorial Museum can be value a go to. It’s one thing of a misnomer because it actually tells the historical past of the 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, take a look at my information to the town!

The place to Keep: The Attic Backpackers — Voted the 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 gives 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 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 a terrific place to probe for a number of days. There’s mile after mile of seaside and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which incorporates 144 islands). This space has a few 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.

Whilst you’re right here, make sure to go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, probably the most vital historic websites within the nation. You can even 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 possibly can discover the world through mountain bike.

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

The place to Keep: Haka Lodge – Positioned in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a number of widespread areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Every part is tremendous clear and the beds are comfy. 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 films is well certainly one of New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even when you’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 need to 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 possibly can 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 – This can be a cute bed-and-breakfast situated 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 basically add to the comfortable ambiance.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

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

The Maori had been the unique inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. That is the very best space to study Maori historical past and tradition. Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural present whilst 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 stress-free soaks in luxurious spas with water from the recent 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 possibly can 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 services, 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 nevertheless it’s merely breathtaking and in contrast to something I’ve ever seen. I can’t suggest it sufficient.

You’ll be able to 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 possibility too. Costs begin at 55 NZD for a ship tour and 195 NZD for prolonged excursions with abseiling.

For an entire listing of issues to do in Waitomo, take a look at my information in town.

The place to Keep: Juno Corridor – Near the glowworm caves, Juno Corridor has a swimming pool and tennis court docket 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 biggest 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, a number of 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 publish was established right here. A short time after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as benefit from the pure springs which might be sprinkled across the space. By 1880, motels started dotting the panorama to benefit from the budding vacationer trade 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 finest 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 beloved the small-town really feel of Taupo, sitting by the lake, and having the ability to take action many hikes. I may have stayed right here for weeks.

For a listing of extra issues to do in Taupo, take a look at 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 a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. Every part within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you will get a terrific night time’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 infrequently thought of among the best 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 components (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 problem ranges.

Make sure you deliver water, sunscreen, a hat, rest room 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 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 complete nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unimaginable nightlife, a few of the finest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork reveals, insightful museums, and a lovely harbor (which is finest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the complete metropolis).

Make sure you go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), experience the cable automotive to the Cable Automotive Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award–profitable props and particular results studio).

After that, you possibly can hop on one of many historic crimson trolley vehicles so you possibly can take within the beautiful view of the town from the highest of the hill. Tickets price 6 NZD per experience.

If you happen to love wildlife, take a look at Zealandia. This city wildlife sanctuary on the periphery of the 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’ll be able to even take a guided tour at night time. Entry, which features a guided tour, prices 60 NZD.

For a listing of extra issues to do in Wellington, take a look at my detailed information to the town!

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

NOTE: If you happen to’ve solely acquired two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you possibly can fly out of the airport right here to wherever it’s good to go subsequent. When you’ve got extra time, take the automotive ferry (round 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to proceed your journey!

Issues to Keep in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you benefit from your highway journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the fitting, like within the US or Canada).
• You need to at all times park your automotive within the path that visitors goes (or threat a high quality).
• 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 highway, which will be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed here are winding, so do not forget that it’d take longer than you count on to cowl a specific distance.
• So long as your present and legitimate driver’s license is in English, you don’t want an Worldwide Driver’s Allow.
• If you happen to’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to seek 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 believe it’s probably the most beautiful nations on the planet — and an ideal vacation spot for highway journeys. Simply be certain to comply with my recommendation above. Do this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this stunning island!