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, quite a lot of vacationers assume you’ll be able to simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t big in spite of everything.

However there’s really quite a 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 assume. You undoubtedly don’t wish to rush.

In an ideal world, I feel most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend a minimum of a month right here exploring on a street journey. That’s my splendid suggestion.

However since a month off will not be reasonable for most individuals, I recommend spending a minimum of 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 should you solely have two weeks? What route do you are taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my instructed itinerary that may enable you plan your North Island street journey for max effectivity. This itinerary will be certain that you see the highlights and get off the crushed path, taking advantage of your time on this extraordinary nation.

New Zealand Highway Journey Highlights

Simply on the lookout for a number of pointers to begin your planning? Listed here are a number of highlights from my time in New Zealand. These are issues I feel 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. On the subject of road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automotive or campervan.

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

Costs fluctuate lots. Your each day fee will change relying on the place you decide up the automobile, in case you are dropping it off at a unique vacation spot, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far upfront you e book, and while 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 lease a standard automotive and e book lodging alongside the way in which. I at all times use Discover Cars when renting a automobile. They scour rental companies massive and small to search out one of the best offers.

You should use this widget to get a free quote in your automotive 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 fashionable perception, it’s not the capital (that’s Wellington). Since most flights land right here, spend a few days recovering out of your (probably) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.

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

If you wish to orientate your self higher, go to the top of the city’s Sky Tower for beautiful views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million folks. The Auckland War 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 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, check out my guide to the city!

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 provides a wide range of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed personal rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly geared up kitchen and an lively frequent room for while you simply wish to relax 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 ideal place to probe for a number of days. There’s mile after mile of seashore and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which incorporates 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.

When you’re right here, you should definitely visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, some of the vital historic websites within the nation. It’s also possible to 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 world by way of mountain bike.

For a listing of extra issues to do within the Bay of Islands, check out my complete guide!

The place to Keep: Haka Lodge – Positioned in Paihia, Haka Lodge has quite a lot of frequent areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. All the things is tremendous clear and the beds are snug. It’s a very good place to fulfill folks too.
 
Day 5: Hobbiton

Visiting the Hobbiton film set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit motion pictures is definitely one in all New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even should 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 have 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’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 Country Stay B&B – It is a cute bed-and-breakfast positioned in Matamata just some miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are unbelievable, 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, some of the fashionable vacationer locations on the North Island. The identify 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 had been the unique inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. That is one of the best space to learn about Maori history and culture. Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural present whilst you’re right here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience 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 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’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 Solid 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. 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 possibly can stroll, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them (I recommend 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, check out my guide on the town.

The place to Keep: Juno Hall – 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 outside 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, lots 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 are sprinkled across the space. By 1880, accommodations 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 best places 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 cherished 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, check out my guide.

The place to Keep: Finlay Jack’s – This hostel has an enormous kitchen, a giant frequent room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming employees, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. All the things within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you will get an ideal evening’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking through this otherworldly, red-colored environment 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-about among the finest day hikes on this 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 degree).

As you wind your means 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 simple in components (the start and finish) and steep in others (particularly the portion after the ominous-sounding “Mount Doom”), so that you’ll get a very good mixture of issue ranges.

Make sure to carry water, sunscreen, a hat, bathroom paper, and a sweater or jacket (the climate can change quickly). Count on to pay round 50 NZD per particular person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the trail 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 evening.

Days 12–14: Wellington

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

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

After that, you’ll be able to hop on one of the historic red trolley cars so you’ll be able to take within the beautiful view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets price 6 NZD per journey.

In the event you love wildlife, check out 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 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, check out my detailed guide to the city!

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 enormous loos, and the employees actually exit of their option to make you’re feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to loosen up and meet different vacationers.

NOTE: In the event 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 should go subsequent. In case you have extra time, take the car 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 can assist you profit from your street journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the suitable, like within the US or Canada).
• You should at all times park your automotive within the route that site visitors goes (or threat a high quality).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking images — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet of the street, which will 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 count on 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 the event 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 some of the beautiful nations on this planet — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply ensure that to observe my recommendation above. Do this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this stunning island!