My New Zealand North Island Highway Journey Itinerary Get hold of US

From cosmopolitan cities to beautiful 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 may simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t big in spite of everything.

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

In an ideal world, I feel most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend at the least a month right here exploring on a highway journey. That’s my superb suggestion.

However since a month off is just not real looking for most individuals, I recommend spending at the least 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 do you have to see and do when you solely have two weeks? What route do you are taking? The place do you go?

Under is my instructed itinerary that may show you how to plan your North Island highway journey for max effectivity. This itinerary will be certain that you see the highlights and get off the crushed path, benefiting from 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 below 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 data on these actions (and others)? I cowl all of them beneath!

Renting a Automobile in New Zealand

Earlier than you propose your route, you want a option to get round. With regards to road-tripping New Zealand, you basically have two choices: automotive 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 major rental companies:

Costs range lots. Your each day charge will change relying on the place you choose up the car, if you’re dropping it off at a distinct vacation spot, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far upfront you guide, and if 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 concept of a enjoyable time, merely hire a standard automotive and guide lodging alongside the way in which. I at all times use Discover Cars when renting a car. They scour rental companies massive and small to search out one of the best offers.

You should utilize 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 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.

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

For an inventory 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 lively frequent room for if 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 awesome place to probe for a couple 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.

Whilst you’re right here, you’ll want to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the vital essential historic websites within the nation. You can even 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 lively journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you may discover the realm through mountain bike.

For an inventory 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 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 a very good place to satisfy folks too.
 
Day 5: Hobbiton

Visiting the Hobbiton film set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films is definitely one among New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even when 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 have to 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 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 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 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 comfortable 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 one of the best 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 Experience 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 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 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 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 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 nevertheless it’s merely breathtaking and in contrast to something I’ve ever seen. I can’t advocate it sufficient.

You may stroll, abseil, or float down an underground river to see them (I recommend 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 an entire checklist of issues to do in Waitomo, try my information in 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 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, lots 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 submit was established right here. A short time after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as benefit from the pure springs which can be sprinkled across the space. By 1880, accommodations 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 best places 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 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 an inventory of extra issues to do in Taupo, try my information.

The place to Keep: Finlay Jack’s – This hostel has an enormous kitchen, an enormous frequent room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming workers, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. All the pieces within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you will get an awesome night time’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking via 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 sometimes thought of among the finest 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 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 very good mixture of problem ranges.

You should definitely 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 trail 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 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 a fantastic 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 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 the historic red trolley cars so you may take within the beautiful view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets value 6 NZD per trip.

In case 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. Anticipate 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, try my detailed information to town!

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

NOTE: In case you’ve solely obtained two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you may fly out of the airport right here to wherever you want to go subsequent. If in case you have extra time, take the car ferry (round 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to proceed your journey!

Issues to Bear in mind When Highway-Tripping New Zealand

That will help you take advantage of your highway journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the appropriate, like within the US or Canada).
• You have to at all times park your automotive within the path that visitors goes (or threat a effective).
• 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 might 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 selected 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, 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 vital beautiful international locations on this planet — and an ideal vacation spot for highway journeys. Simply ensure to observe my recommendation above. Do this, and also you’ll have a tremendous go to to this stunning island!