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 p.c of New Zealand’s inhabitants, a whole lot 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 really a whole lot of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand a couple of occasions over time, I do know from expertise that there’s much more to see and do right here than you assume. You undoubtedly don’t wish 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 street journey. That’s my excellent suggestion.

However since a month off just isn’t practical 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 for those who solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my urged itinerary that may make it easier to plan your North Island street journey for optimum effectivity. This itinerary will make 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 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. On the subject of road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automobile or campervan.

Touring by campervan could 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 each day price will change relying on the place you choose up the automobile, in case you are dropping it off at a distinct vacation spot, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far upfront you guide, and whenever you guide (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If residing out of a van for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automobile and guide lodging alongside the best way. I all the time use Uncover Automobiles when renting a automobile. They scour rental businesses massive and small to seek out the very 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 biggest 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 (probably) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.

Make sure you go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and for those who (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 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 town. The museum goes all the best way 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 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 presents 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 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 a couple of days. There’s mile after mile of seashore and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which incorporates 144 islands). This space has a number 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.

When you’re right here, make sure you go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the crucial essential 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’d like a extra lively journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you’ll be able to discover the realm by way of 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. All the things is tremendous clear and the beds are comfy. It’s an excellent 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 for those who’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 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 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 – 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 comfortable environment.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the crucial 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 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 be recognized 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 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 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 Strong 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 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 suggest 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 (also referred to 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, 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 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 unbelievable hikes, a lot 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 submit 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 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 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 beloved 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 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 employees, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. All the things within the hostel is up to date, with new, fashionable pod-style beds so you may get an awesome evening’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking via 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 sometimes thought-about top-of-the-line 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 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 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 an excellent mixture of problem ranges.

Make sure you carry water, sunscreen, a hat, rest room 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: When you can keep within the park, I’d 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 entire nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unbelievable nightlife, a number of the finest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork displays, insightful museums, and an attractive harbor (which is finest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks your entire metropolis).

Make sure you go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), journey the cable automobile 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 pink trolley vehicles so you’ll be able to take within the gorgeous view of 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 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 evening. 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 town!

The place to Keep: The Marion – This boutique hostel is simply blocks away from every little thing you’ll wish to see. It’s cozy, with comfortable beds and huge loos, and the employees 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: Should you’ve solely acquired 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 could go subsequent. If 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 can assist you profit from your street journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the fitting, like within the US or Canada).
• You should all the time park your automobile within the route that visitors goes (or threat a fantastic).
• 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 street, which will 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 count on 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.
• Should you’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 gorgeous international locations on the planet — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply ensure to observe my recommendation above. Try this, and also you’ll have a tremendous go to to this stunning island!