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 variety of vacationers suppose you may simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t big in any case.

However there’s truly a variety of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand a number 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 undoubtedly don’t need to rush.

In an ideal world, I believe most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend not less than a month right here exploring on a highway journey. That’s my very best suggestion.

However since a month off will not be practical for most individuals, I counsel spending not less than 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 in the event you solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?

Under is my instructed itinerary that may allow you to plan your North Island highway journey for optimum effectivity. This itinerary will make sure that you see the highlights and get off the overwhelmed path, profiting from your time on this extraordinary nation.

New Zealand Highway Journey Highlights

Simply in search of a number of pointers to begin your planning? Listed below are a number 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 under!

Renting a Automobile in New Zealand

Earlier than you intend your route, you want a method to get round. With regards to road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automotive or campervan.

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

Costs differ so much. Your each day price will change relying on the place you choose 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 guide, and whenever you guide (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If residing out of a van for a number of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely lease a traditional automotive and guide lodging alongside the way in which. I all the time use Uncover Automobiles when renting a car. They scour rental businesses huge and small to search out the perfect offers.

You need to use 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 fashionable perception, it’s not the capital (that’s Wellington). Since most flights land right here, spend a few days recovering out of your (doubtless) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.

Remember to go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and in the event 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 individuals. 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 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 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 gives a wide range of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed non-public 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 number 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 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, make sure you go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, some of the vital historic websites within the nation. You can too discover Cape Reinga (the northernmost level of New Zealand) and take a dip within the geothermal swimming pools at Ngawha Springs. If you would like a extra energetic journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you may discover the realm 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 frequent areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. All the things 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 motion pictures is well one in all New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even in the event 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 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 may 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 situated in Matamata only a few miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are improbable, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil. There are even roaming cats and goats that actually add to the comfy ambiance.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, some of the fashionable 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 perfect 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 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 new 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 may 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 situated 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 thought 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 counsel 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 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 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 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, inns started dotting the panorama to make the most of the budding vacationer trade right here. The Taupo Museum goes into element concerning 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 because of 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 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. All the things within the hostel is up to date, with new, fashionable pod-style beds so you will get a fantastic 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 sometimes thought of 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 approach 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.

Remember to convey 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’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 the 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 stupendous harbor (which is greatest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the complete metropolis).

Remember to go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), journey the cable automotive to the Cable Automobile Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award–profitable props and particular results studio).

After that, you may hop on one of many historic pink trolley vehicles so you may take within the beautiful view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets price 6 NZD per journey.

In the event you 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’ll be able to 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 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 comfortable beds and enormous loos, and the workers 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 the event you’ve solely bought two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you may fly out of the airport right here to wherever it’s essential go subsequent. 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 Highway-Tripping New Zealand

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

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the suitable, like within the US or Canada).
• You have to all the time park your automotive within the route that site visitors goes (or danger a wonderful).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — use them as a substitute of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet of the highway, which might 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 the event you’re touring by campervan, use the CamperMate app to search 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 believe it’s some of the beautiful nations on the planet — and an ideal vacation spot for highway journeys. Simply ensure that to comply with my recommendation above. Do this, and also you’ll have a tremendous go to to this lovely island!