My New Zealand North Island Street 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, numerous vacationers suppose you may simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t big in spite of everything.

However there’s truly numerous 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 suppose. You undoubtedly don’t wish to rush.

In an ideal world, I feel most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend a minimum of a month right here exploring on a street journey. That’s my perfect suggestion.

However since a month off isn’t life like for most individuals, I counsel spending a minimum of two weeks as an alternative. 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 in the event you solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my urged itinerary that may provide help to plan your North Island street journey for max 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 start out 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 under!

Renting a Automotive in New Zealand

Earlier than you propose your route, you want a approach to get round. In relation to road-tripping New Zealand, you basically have two choices: automobile 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 most important rental businesses:

Costs differ lots. Your every day charge 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 dwelling out of a van for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely lease a traditional automobile and guide lodging alongside the way in which. I all the time use Uncover Vehicles when renting a car. They scour rental businesses massive and small to search out the most effective offers.

You should utilize this widget to get a free quote to 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 standard 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 Battle Memorial Museum can also 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 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 presents 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 widespread 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 amazing place to probe for a couple of days. There’s mile after mile of seashore and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which accommodates 144 islands). This space has among 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 should definitely go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the vital 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. In order for you a extra energetic journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you may discover the realm through 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 – Situated in Paihia, Haka Lodge has numerous widespread areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. The whole lot is tremendous clear and the beds are comfy. It’s a great 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 well one in every of 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 must 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 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 – This can be a cute bed-and-breakfast situated in Matamata just some 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 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 most effective 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 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 recent 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 supplied in Rotorua. Right here you may 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 situated 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. 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 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, 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 publish was established right here. A short while after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as benefit from the pure springs which can be sprinkled across the space. By 1880, inns 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 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 liked 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 employees, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. The whole lot within the hostel is up to date, with new, fashionable pod-style beds so you will get an amazing evening’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking by this otherworldly, red-colored atmosphere 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 probably the greatest day hikes on this 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 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 simple 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 issue ranges.

Remember to convey 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 might 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 greatest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork displays, insightful museums, and a fantastic harbor (which is greatest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the whole metropolis).

Remember to 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 may hop on one of many historic pink trolley automobiles so you may take within the beautiful view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets value 6 NZD per journey.

In case 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’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 the whole lot you’ll wish to see. It’s cozy, with comfortable beds and huge loos, and the employees actually exit of their approach to make you are feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to loosen up 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 may fly out of the airport right here to wherever it is advisable 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 Street-Tripping New Zealand

That can assist you benefit 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 need to all the time park your automobile within the route that site visitors goes (or threat a high-quality).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet of the street, which might be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed here are winding, so do not forget 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.
• In case 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 feel it’s one of the vital beautiful international locations on this planet — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply ensure that to observe my recommendation above. Try this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this lovely island!