My New Zealand North Island Highway 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, plenty of vacationers assume you possibly can simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t large in any case.

However there’s truly plenty of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand just a few 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 need to rush.

In an ideal world, I feel most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend no less than a month right here exploring on a highway journey. That’s my very best suggestion.

However since a month off isn’t reasonable for most individuals, I counsel spending no less than two weeks as an alternative. 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 should you solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my steered itinerary that may make it easier to plan your North Island highway journey for optimum effectivity. This itinerary will be sure that you see the highlights and get off the crushed path, profiting from your time on this extraordinary nation.

New Zealand Highway Journey Highlights

Simply searching for just a few pointers to begin your planning? Listed below are just a few highlights from my time in New Zealand. These are issues I feel 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 strategy to get round. With regards to road-tripping New Zealand, you basically have two choices: automotive or campervan.

Touring by campervan may be very standard 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 rather a lot. Your every day price will change relying on the place you decide up the automobile, in case you are dropping it off at a special vacation spot, how lengthy you might be renting it for, how far upfront you guide, and whenever you guide (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling out of a van for just a few weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automotive and guide lodging alongside the way in which. I all the time use Uncover Vehicles when renting a automobile. They scour rental businesses huge and small to seek out the perfect offers.

You should 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 most important and most populous metropolis in New Zealand however, opposite to standard perception, it’s not the capital (that’s Wellington). Since most flights land right here, spend a few days recovering out of your (seemingly) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.

Remember to go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and should 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 gorgeous views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million individuals. The Auckland Conflict 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 way in which again to when the Maori arrived from Polynesia and likewise 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 affords quite a lot of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed personal rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly geared up kitchen and an energetic widespread room for whenever you simply need 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 amazing place to probe for just a few days. There’s mile after mile of seaside and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which comprises 144 islands). This space has among 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, you’ll want to go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the vital 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 possibly can 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 plenty of widespread areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. The whole lot is tremendous clear and the beds are snug. It’s a great place to fulfill individuals too.
 
Day 5: Hobbiton

Visiting the Hobbiton film set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films is well one among New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even should 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 should 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 possibly can 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 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 only a few miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are implausible, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil. There are even roaming cats and goats that basically add to the comfy environment.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the vital standard 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 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 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 provided in Rotorua. Right here you possibly can 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 Stable Backpackers – This can be 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 thought 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 but it surely’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 (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 an entire 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 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 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 put up was established right here. A short time after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as reap the benefits of the pure springs which might be sprinkled across the space. By 1880, lodges started dotting the panorama to reap the benefits 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 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 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 widespread room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming employees, bike leases, and an excellent pleasant hostel canine. The whole lot within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you will get an amazing evening’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking via 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 infrequently 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 means 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 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 great mixture of problem ranges.

Remember to convey water, sunscreen, a hat, bathroom 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’d merely return to Taupo and keep there for the evening.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Wellington isn’t just my favourite metropolis on the North Island, however my favourite metropolis in the whole nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unimaginable nightlife, among the finest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork displays, insightful museums, and a ravishing harbor (which is finest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the whole metropolis).

Remember to go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), trip 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 pink trolley vehicles so you possibly can take within the gorgeous view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets price 6 NZD per trip.

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. 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 town!

The place to Keep: The Marion – This boutique hostel is simply blocks away from the whole lot you’ll need to see. It’s cozy, with cozy beds and huge bogs, and the employees actually exit of their strategy to make you’re feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to calm down and meet different vacationers.

NOTE: In the event you’ve solely acquired 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 it is advisable go subsequent. You probably 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 benefit from your highway journey, please bear in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the appropriate, like within the US or Canada).
• You will need to all the time park your automotive within the route that visitors goes (or danger a superb).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the highway, which will 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 the event 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 feel it’s one of the vital gorgeous nations on the planet — and an ideal vacation spot for highway journeys. Simply ensure to comply with my recommendation above. Try this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this stunning island!