My New Zealand North Island Street 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 % of New Zealand’s inhabitants, a variety of vacationers suppose you’ll be able to simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t enormous in spite of everything.

However there’s truly a variety of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand a couple of occasions through the years, 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 very least a month right here exploring on a highway journey. That’s my ideally suited 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 highway journey.

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

Beneath is my prompt itinerary that may assist you to 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 in search of a couple of pointers to start out your planning? Listed below 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 intend your route, you want a method to get round. In terms of road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automotive or campervan.

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

Costs fluctuate so much. Your every day price will change relying on the place you decide up the car, 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 whenever 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 automotive and ebook lodging alongside the best way. I all the time use Uncover Vehicles when renting a car. They scour rental businesses massive and small to search out one of the best offers.

You should use this widget to get a free quote to 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 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.

You’ll want to go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and if you happen to (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 Conflict 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 best way 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 quite a lot of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed personal rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly outfitted kitchen and an energetic frequent room for whenever you simply need 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 a fantastic place to probe for a couple 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, be sure you go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the vital historic websites within the nation. You may also discover Cape Reinga (the northernmost level of New Zealand) and take a dip within the geothermal swimming pools at Ngawha Springs. In order for you a extra energetic 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 – Situated in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a variety of frequent areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. All the pieces is tremendous clear and the beds are comfy. It’s a superb 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 if you happen to’re not a die-hard fan of the movies or books, it’s attention-grabbing 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 means of 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 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 basically add to the comfortable environment.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the well-liked 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 one of the best 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 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 new 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 means of 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 amenities, 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 but it surely’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 possibility 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 courtroom 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 make the most of the pure springs which might be sprinkled across the space. By 1880, lodges started dotting the panorama to make the most of the budding vacationer trade 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 finest 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 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. All the pieces within the hostel is up to date, with new, fashionable pod-style beds so you may get a fantastic night time’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking by means of 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 sometimes thought of among the best 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 manner by means of Tongariro Nationwide Park, you’ll stroll by means of 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 superb mixture of problem ranges.

You’ll want to carry water, sunscreen, a hat, bathroom paper, and a sweater or jacket (the climate can change quickly). Anticipate to pay round 50 NZD per particular person 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 your 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 stupendous harbor (which is finest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks your complete metropolis).

You’ll want 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 price 6 NZD per journey.

In case you 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. 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 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 every part you’ll need to see. It’s cozy, with cozy beds and huge bogs, and the employees actually exit of their method to make you are feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to loosen up and meet different vacationers.

NOTE: In case 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 you might want to go subsequent. If 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 Keep in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you take advantage of your highway journey, please bear in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the correct, like within the US or Canada).
• You will need to all the time park your automotive within the course that site visitors goes (or danger a effective).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking images — use them as a substitute of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the highway, 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 specific distance.
• So long as your present and legitimate driver’s license is in English, you don’t want an Worldwide Driver’s Allow.
• In case 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 believe it’s one of the gorgeous international locations on this planet — and an ideal vacation spot for highway journeys. Simply be sure to observe my recommendation above. Try this, and also you’ll have a tremendous go to to this stunning island!