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.

Residence to seventy-five % 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 big in any case.

However there’s truly 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 assume. You undoubtedly don’t need to rush.

In an ideal world, I feel 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 best suggestion.

However since a month off will not be sensible for most individuals, I counsel 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 do you have to see and do when you solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?

Under is my advised itinerary that may assist you plan your North Island highway journey for optimum effectivity. This itinerary will make sure that you see the highlights and get off the crushed path, taking advantage of 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 here are a couple of highlights from my time in New Zealand. These are issues I feel 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 propose your route, you want a option to get round. Relating to road-tripping New Zealand, you basically have two choices: automobile or campervan.

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

Costs differ so much. Your every day fee will change relying on the place you decide up the car, if you’re dropping it off at a unique vacation spot, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far upfront you e-book, and if 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 hire a standard automobile and e-book lodging alongside the best way. I at all times use Uncover Vehicles when renting a car. They scour rental businesses large and small to seek out the very best offers.

You should utilize this widget to get a free quote in your automobile 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 fashionable 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.

Make 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 individuals. The Auckland Warfare 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 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 affords a wide range 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 if 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 terrific place to probe for a couple of days. There’s mile after mile of seaside and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which accommodates 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, make sure you go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the crucial essential 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. If you’d like 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 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 whole lot 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 satisfy individuals too.
 
Day 5: Hobbiton

Visiting the Hobbiton film set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films is definitely 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 attention-grabbing to see the film magic and go behind the scenes on this distinctive setting.

To see Hobbiton, you’ll should 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’ll be able to 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 positioned in Matamata just some miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are incredible, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil. There are even roaming cats and goats that actually add to the comfortable ambiance.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the crucial fashionable 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 have been the unique inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. That is the very 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 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 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 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 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 however 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 listing 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 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, 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 put up was established right here. A short while after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as reap the benefits of the pure springs which are sprinkled across the space. By 1880, inns started dotting the panorama to reap the benefits 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 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 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 an excellent pleasant hostel canine. All the pieces within the hostel is up to date, with new, fashionable pod-style beds so you will get a terrific night time’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking by 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 among the best 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 approach 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 straightforward in components (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.

Make 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 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 all the nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unbelievable nightlife, a few of the finest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork reveals, insightful museums, and a lovely harbor (which is finest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks all the metropolis).

Make sure you go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), experience the cable automobile 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 crimson trolley automobiles so you’ll be able to take within the beautiful view of the town from the highest of the hill. Tickets price 6 NZD per experience.

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 possibly can 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 the town!

The place to Keep: The Marion – This boutique hostel is simply blocks away from every little thing you’ll need to see. It’s cozy, with comfortable beds and enormous loos, and the workers 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: In case 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 want 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 Keep in mind When Highway-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you benefit from your highway journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the suitable, like within the US or Canada).
• You should at all times park your automobile within the course that site visitors goes (or threat 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 facet of the highway, which may be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed below 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.
• In case you’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to seek 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 crucial beautiful international locations on the earth — and an ideal vacation spot for highway journeys. Simply be sure that to observe my recommendation above. Try this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this lovely island!