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.

Dwelling to seventy-five p.c of New Zealand’s inhabitants, a variety of vacationers assume you possibly can simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t big in spite of everything.

However there’s really a variety of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand a couple of instances through the years, I do know from expertise that there’s much more to see and do right here than you assume. 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 street journey. That’s my ultimate suggestion.

However since a month off is just not practical for most individuals, I counsel spending at the 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 when you solely have two weeks? What route do you are taking? The place do you go?

Under is my instructed itinerary that may enable you 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, benefiting from your time on this extraordinary nation.

New Zealand Highway Journey Highlights

Simply on the lookout for a couple of pointers to begin 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 information 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 technique to get round. With regards to road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automotive or campervan.

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

Costs differ loads. Your every day price will change relying on the place you choose up the car, in case you are dropping it off at a distinct 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 couple 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 Uncover Vehicles when renting a car. They scour rental businesses large 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 Highway Journey Itinerary: A Two-Week Route

Days 1–2: Auckland

Auckland is the biggest and most populous metropolis in New Zealand however, opposite to widespread 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.

Be sure you go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and when 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 beautiful 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 in addition highlights the “discovery” of New Zealand by Europeans centuries later.

For a listing 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 presents a wide range of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed non-public rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly geared up kitchen and an energetic widespread room for while 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 an ideal 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 few 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.

When you’re right here, you’ll want to go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the crucial essential historic websites within the nation. You too can discover Cape Reinga (the northernmost level of New Zealand) and take a dip within the geothermal swimming pools at Ngawha Springs. If you’d like a extra energetic journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you possibly can discover the world by way of 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 – Positioned in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a variety of widespread areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Every part is tremendous clear and the beds are comfy. It’s a great 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 considered one of New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even when 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 means of 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 entails 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 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 environment.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the crucial widespread vacationer locations on the North Island. The identify 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 very best space to find out about 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 also be identified 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 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 provided in Rotorua. Right here you possibly can 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 – 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 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 counsel floating, which was tremendous enjoyable). A forty five-minute rafting journey is the usual go to, however if you wish to go abseiling (also called 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, 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 outside grill for barbecuing. It’s a cool, social spot.
 
Days 9-10: Taupo

Taupo sits on the shores of Lake Taupo, the biggest 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, a lot 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 put up was established right here. A short while after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as benefit from the pure springs which might be sprinkled across the space. By 1880, lodges started dotting the panorama to benefit from 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 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 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, try my information.

The place to Keep: Finlay Jack’s – This hostel has an enormous kitchen, a giant widespread room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming workers, bike leases, and an excellent pleasant hostel canine. Every part 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 by means of this otherworldly, red-colored surroundings 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 the most effective 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 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 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 great mixture of issue ranges.

Be sure you deliver water, sunscreen, a hat, rest room 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 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 unimaginable nightlife, a few of the greatest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork reveals, insightful museums, and a gorgeous harbor (which is greatest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks your complete 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–profitable props and particular results studio).

After that, you possibly can hop on one of many historic crimson trolley automobiles so you possibly can take within the beautiful view of the town from the highest of the hill. Tickets value 6 NZD per experience.

In the event 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 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, try 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 comfortable beds and enormous bogs, and the workers actually exit of their technique to make you are feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to chill out and meet different vacationers.

NOTE: In the event you’ve solely received 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 you want to go subsequent. When you’ve got 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 bear in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the correct, like within the US or Canada).
• You could at all times park your automotive within the path that site visitors goes (or threat a fantastic).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — 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 below are winding, so keep in mind 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.
• In the event 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 crucial beautiful nations on the planet — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply be sure that to observe my recommendation above. Do this, and also you’ll have a tremendous go to to this stunning island!