From cosmopolitan cities to gorgeous nature, pristine seashores to volcanic mountains, New Zealand’s North Island actually packs a punch.
Dwelling to seventy-five p.c of New Zealand’s inhabitants, a variety of vacationers assume you’ll be able to simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t enormous in any case.
However there’s truly a variety of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand just a few instances over time, I do know from expertise that there’s much more to see and do right here than you assume. You positively don’t wish to rush.
In an ideal world, I feel most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend no less than a month right here exploring on a highway journey. That’s my perfect suggestion.
However since a month off will not be practical for most individuals, I recommend spending no less than two weeks as a substitute. That’s the minimal period of time wanted to do justice to the island on a highway journey.
So, what do you have to see and do in the event you solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?
Under is my recommended itinerary that may aid you plan your North Island highway journey for optimum effectivity. This itinerary will be certain that you see the highlights and get off the overwhelmed path, benefiting from your time on this extraordinary nation.
New Zealand Street Journey Highlights
Simply on the lookout for just a few pointers to begin your planning? Listed here 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 beneath!
Renting a Automotive in New Zealand
Earlier than you intend your route, you want a option to get round. In the case of road-tripping New Zealand, you basically have two choices: automotive 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 important rental businesses:
Costs range lots. Your every day charge 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 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 just a few weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely lease a standard automotive and e-book lodging alongside the way in which. I at all times use Uncover Automobiles when renting a car. They scour rental businesses huge and small to search out the very best offers.
You should utilize this widget to get a free quote in your automotive rental:
New Zealand’s North Island Street 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 (doubtless) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.
Be sure you 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 Battle Memorial Museum can 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 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 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 geared up kitchen and an lively frequent 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 just a few days. There’s mile after mile of seashore 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, make sure you go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the vital necessary 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 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 a variety of frequent areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Every part is tremendous clear and the beds are comfy. It’s place to fulfill folks too.
Day 5: Hobbiton
Visiting the Hobbiton film set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films is well one in all 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 includes jogging. Excursions begin at 89 NZD.
The place to Keep: Cosy Nation Keep B&B – This can be 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 comfy 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,” that 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 be identified 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 provided 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 Strong Backpackers – This can be 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 understood for its worms — glowworms, to be particular. However spoiler alert: they’re truly 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’ll be able to 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 (often known 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 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 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 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 put up was established right here. A short while after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as make the most of the pure springs which are sprinkled across the space. By 1880, accommodations started dotting the panorama to make the most of 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 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, try 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 employees, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. Every part within the hostel is up to date, with new, fashionable pod-style beds so you may get an awesome 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 means 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 simple 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 problem ranges.
Be sure you 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 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 all the 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 stupendous harbor (which is greatest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks all the metropolis).
Be 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–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 the town from the highest of the hill. Tickets value 6 NZD per experience.
If you happen to love wildlife, try 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. Count on 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 an inventory of extra issues to do in Wellington, try my detailed information to the town!
The place to Keep: The Marion – This boutique hostel is simply blocks away from the whole lot you’ll wish to see. It’s cozy, with comfortable 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 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. You probably have 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 can assist you profit from your highway journey, please bear in mind the next guidelines:
- Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the fitting, like within the US or Canada).
- You should at all times park your automotive within the course that site 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 highway, which might be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
- Roads listed here are winding, so do not forget that it would take longer than you anticipate 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 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 earth — and an ideal vacation spot for highway journeys. Simply be sure to comply with my recommendation above. Try this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this lovely island!
Ebook Your Journey to New Zealand: Logistical Ideas and Methods
Ebook Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to discover a low-cost flight. They’re my favourite search engine as a result of they search web sites and airways across the globe so that you at all times know no stone is left unturned!
Ebook Your Lodging
You’ll be able to e-book your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the most important stock and greatest offers. If you wish to keep someplace apart from a hostel, use Reserving.com as they constantly return the most cost effective charges for guesthouses and low-cost accommodations.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for particular locations to remain, here’s a full checklist of my favourite hostels in New Zealand.
Don’t Overlook Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage will defend you towards sickness, damage, theft, and cancellations. It’s complete safety in case something goes mistaken. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many instances up to now. My favourite firms that provide the very best service and worth are:
In search of the Finest Firms to Save Cash With?
Take a look at my useful resource web page for the very best firms to make use of whenever you journey. I checklist all those I take advantage of to economize after I’m on the highway. They may prevent cash whenever you journey too.
Need Extra Data on New Zealand?
Be sure you go to our sturdy vacation spot information on New Zealand for much more planning suggestions!