From cosmopolitan cities to beautiful nature, pristine seashores to volcanic mountains, New Zealand’s North Island actually packs a punch.
House to seventy-five % of New Zealand’s inhabitants, a whole lot of vacationers suppose you possibly can simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t enormous in spite of everything.
However there’s really a whole lot of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand a couple of instances 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 believe most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend at the least a month right here exploring on a highway journey. That’s my best suggestion.
However since a month off is just not reasonable for most individuals, I recommend 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 highway journey.
So, what do you have to see and do should you solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?
Under is my recommended itinerary that may provide help to plan your North Island highway journey for max effectivity. This itinerary will be sure that you see the highlights and get off the crushed path, profiting from your time on this extraordinary nation.
New Zealand Street Journey Highlights
Simply searching for a couple of pointers to start out your planning? Listed here are a couple 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 beneath!
Renting a Automotive in New Zealand
Earlier than you propose your route, you want a approach to get round. With regards to road-tripping New Zealand, you basically have two choices: automobile or campervan.
Touring by campervan could be very well-liked right here, particularly among the many extra budget-conscious vacationers, as vans function each lodging and transportation. There are 5 major rental companies:
Costs differ so much. Your day by day charge will change relying on the place you choose up the automobile, in case you are dropping it off at a special vacation spot, how lengthy you might be renting it for, how far prematurely you ebook, and while you ebook (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).
If dwelling out of a van for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely lease a standard automobile and ebook lodging alongside the way in which. I at all times use Uncover Vehicles when renting a automobile. They scour rental companies large and small to seek out one of the best offers.
You need to use this widget to get a free quote in your automobile 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 well-liked 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.
Remember 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 highest of town’s Sky Tower for beautiful views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million folks. The Auckland Struggle 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 likewise 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 provides quite a lot of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed non-public rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly geared up 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 a fantastic place to probe for a couple of days. There’s mile after mile of seashore and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which comprises 144 islands). This space has a number of 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, you should definitely go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the crucial vital historic websites within the nation. You may as well discover Cape Reinga (the northernmost level of New Zealand) and take a dip within the geothermal swimming pools at Ngawha Springs. If you need a extra lively journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you possibly can discover the realm through 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. The whole lot 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 films is definitely certainly one of 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 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 completely 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 only a few 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 environment.
Days 6–7: Rotorua
It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the crucial well-liked 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 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 might 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 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 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 but it surely’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 (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 a whole 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 courtroom 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, 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 can be sprinkled across the space. By 1880, resorts started dotting the panorama to reap the benefits of 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 due to 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, 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 workers, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. The whole lot within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you may get a fantastic night time’s sleep.
Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Trekking by 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 of among the finest 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 manner 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 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.
Remember to carry water, sunscreen, a hat, rest room 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: 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 is not only my favourite metropolis on the North Island, however my favourite metropolis in the whole nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unbelievable nightlife, a number of the greatest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork displays, insightful museums, and a phenomenal harbor (which is greatest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the whole metropolis).
Remember to go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), trip the cable automobile to the Cable Automotive Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award–successful props and particular results studio).
After that, you possibly can hop on one of many historic pink trolley automobiles so you possibly can take within the beautiful view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets price 6 NZD per trip.
If you happen to 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. Count on 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 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 all the things you’ll need to see. It’s cozy, with comfortable beds and huge loos, and the workers actually exit of their approach to make you’re 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 possibly can fly out of the airport right here to wherever it is advisable to go subsequent. In case you have extra time, take the automobile ferry (round 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to proceed your journey!
Issues to Bear in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand
That will help you profit from your highway journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:
- Visitors flows on the left right here (not the correct, like within the US or Canada).
- You need to at all times park your automobile within the path that visitors goes (or threat a nice).
- There are many pull-off factors for taking images — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the highway, which could be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
- Roads listed below are winding, so keep in mind that it’d 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.
- If you happen to’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to seek 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 one of the crucial beautiful nations on the planet — and an ideal vacation spot for highway journeys. Simply be certain to observe my recommendation above. Do this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this lovely island!
E book Your Journey to New Zealand: Logistical Ideas and Tips
E book 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!
E book Your Lodging
You may ebook your hostel with Hostelworld as they’ve the largest stock and greatest offers. If you wish to keep someplace aside from a hostel, use Reserving.com as they constantly return the most affordable charges for guesthouses and low cost resorts.
If you happen to’re searching 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 flawed. I by no means go on a visit with out it as I’ve had to make use of it many instances previously. My favourite firms that provide one of the best service and worth are:
In search of the Greatest Firms to Save Cash With?
Try my useful resource web page for one of the best firms to make use of while you journey. I checklist all those I take advantage of to save cash after I’m on the highway. They’ll prevent cash while you journey too.
Need Extra Info on New Zealand?
Remember to go to our strong vacation spot information on New Zealand for much more planning ideas!