My New Zealand North Island Road Trip Itinerary

From cosmopolitan cities to gorgeous nature, pristine seashores to volcanic mountains, New Zealand’s North Island actually packs a punch.

House to seventy-five % of New Zealand’s inhabitants, loads of vacationers suppose you possibly can simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t enormous in any case.

However there’s really loads of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand a number of instances through the years, I do know from expertise that there’s much more to see and do right here than you suppose. You positively 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 shouldn’t be lifelike 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 for those who solely have two weeks? What route do you are taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my recommended itinerary that may aid you plan your North Island street journey for max effectivity. This itinerary will be certain that you see the highlights and get off the overwhelmed path, taking advantage of your time on this extraordinary nation.

New Zealand Highway Journey Highlights

Simply on the lookout for 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 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 Automobile in New Zealand

Earlier than you intend your route, you want a technique to get round. Relating to road-tripping New Zealand, you basically have two choices: automobile or campervan.

Touring by campervan could 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 companies:

Costs range lots. Your every day fee will change relying on the place you choose up the automobile, if you’re dropping it off at a unique vacation spot, how lengthy you might be renting it for, how far upfront you guide, and if 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 thought of a enjoyable time, merely lease a standard automobile and guide lodging alongside the way in which. I all the time use Discover Cars when renting a automobile. They scour rental companies large and small to search out one of the best offers.

You should use 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 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 (possible) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.

You should definitely 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 top of the city’s Sky Tower for gorgeous views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million individuals. The Auckland War 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 likewise highlights the “discovery” of New Zealand by Europeans centuries later.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Auckland, check out my guide to the city!

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 provides a wide range of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed non-public rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly geared up kitchen and an energetic frequent room for if you simply wish 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 number of days. There’s mile after mile of seashore and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which incorporates 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, make sure to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, some of the vital historic websites within the nation. It’s also possible to 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 possibly can discover the realm through mountain bike.

For an inventory of extra issues to do within the Bay of Islands, check out my complete guide!

The place to Keep: Haka Lodge – Situated in Paihia, Haka Lodge has loads of frequent areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. All the pieces is tremendous clear and the beds are snug. It’s 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 definitely one among New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even for those who’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 have to 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 possibly can 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 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 Country Stay B&B – This can be a cute bed-and-breakfast positioned 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 comfortable ambiance.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, some of the standard 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 one of the best space to learn about Maori history and culture. Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural present when you’re right here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience 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 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 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 Solid 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 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 may 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 possibility too. Costs begin at 55 NZD for a ship tour and 195 NZD for prolonged excursions with abseiling.

For an entire checklist of issues to do in Waitomo, check out my guide on the town.

The place to Keep: Juno Hall – 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 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, lots 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 time 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 concerning the space’s historical past, together with the pre-European Maori historical past.

It’s additionally one of many best places 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 an inventory of extra issues to do in Taupo, check out my guide.

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 an excellent pleasant hostel canine. All the pieces within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you may get a terrific night time’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking through this otherworldly, red-colored environment 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 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 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 elements (the start and finish) and steep in others (particularly the portion after the ominous-sounding “Mount Doom”), so that you’ll get mixture of problem ranges.

You should definitely convey water, sunscreen, a hat, bathroom paper, and a sweater or jacket (the climate can change quickly). Count on to pay round 50 NZD per particular person for a round-trip shuttle to and from the trail 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 night time.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Wellington is not only 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 unimaginable nightlife, among the finest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork reveals, insightful museums, and an exquisite harbor (which is finest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks all the metropolis).

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

After that, you possibly can hop on one of the historic red trolley cars 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, check out 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 may even take a guided tour at night time. Entry, which features a guided tour, prices 60 NZD.

For an inventory of extra issues to do in Wellington, check out my detailed guide to the city!

The place to Keep: The Marion – This boutique hostel is simply blocks away from all the pieces you’ll wish to see. It’s cozy, with cozy 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 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 possibly can fly out of the airport right here to wherever you might want to go subsequent. When you have extra time, take the car 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 street journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the precise, like within the US or Canada).
• It’s essential to all the time park your automobile within the route that site visitors goes (or threat a tremendous).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking photographs — use them as an alternative of stopping at a random spot alongside the facet of the street, which will be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed here are winding, so keep in mind 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 feel it’s some of the gorgeous international locations on the earth — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply be certain that to observe my recommendation above. Try this, and also you’ll have a tremendous go to to this lovely island!