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, 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 really a whole lot of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand just a few occasions over time, 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 feel most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend at the very least a month right here exploring on a street journey. That’s my perfect suggestion.

However since a month off isn’t life like for most individuals, I recommend spending at the very least two weeks as a substitute. 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 in the event you solely have two weeks? What route do you are taking? The place do you go?

Under is my urged itinerary that may provide help to plan your North Island street journey for max effectivity. This itinerary will be sure that you see the highlights and get off the overwhelmed path, taking advantage of your time on this extraordinary nation.

New Zealand Highway Journey Highlights

Simply on the lookout for just a few pointers to start out your planning? Listed below are just a few 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 propose your route, you want a option to get round. In the case of road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automotive or campervan.

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

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

If residing out of a van for just a few 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 all the time use Uncover Vehicles when renting a automobile. They scour rental companies huge and small to search out the most effective offers.

You should use this widget to get a free quote to 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 (doubtless) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.

Make sure to go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and in the event 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 gorgeous views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million folks. The Auckland Struggle Memorial Museum can also be price 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 likewise highlights the “discovery” of New Zealand by Europeans centuries later.

For an inventory 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 affords a wide range of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed non-public rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly outfitted kitchen and an lively frequent room for while 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 ideal place to probe for just a few 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.

When you’re right here, remember to 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 lively journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you’ll be able to discover the world through mountain bike.

For an inventory of extra issues to do within the Bay of Islands, take a look at 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. The whole lot is tremendous clear and the beds are comfy. It’s a very good 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 well one in every of New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even in the event 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 must take a tour that begins with a drive via 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 entails 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 only a few 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 basically add to the comfy environment.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, probably the most fashionable 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 most effective space to study 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 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’ll be able to skydive, mountain bike, zipline via 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 – 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 advocate it sufficient.

You may 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 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 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, plenty 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, lodges 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 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 may have stayed right here for weeks.

For an inventory 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, a giant frequent room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming workers, bike leases, and an excellent pleasant hostel canine. The whole lot within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you will get an ideal night time’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking via 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 sometimes thought-about top-of-the-line day hikes on the earth, 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 method via Tongariro Nationwide Park, you’ll stroll via 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 a very good mixture of problem ranges.

Make sure to deliver 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: When you can keep within the park, I’d merely return to Taupo and keep there for the night time.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Wellington is not only 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, 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 the 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 many historic pink trolley vehicles so you’ll be able to take within the gorgeous view of the town from the highest of the hill. Tickets value 6 NZD per journey.

Should you 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 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, 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 thing you’ll need to see. It’s cozy, with cozy beds and huge bogs, and the workers actually exit of their option to make you’re feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to calm down 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 good to go subsequent. In case you have extra time, take the automotive 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 benefit from your street journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the appropriate, like within the US or Canada).
• You need to all the time park your automotive within the path that visitors goes (or danger a high quality).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking photographs — use them as a substitute 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 here are winding, so keep in mind that it’d 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, fuel stations, and dump stations.

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