My New Zealand North Island Street Journey Itinerary

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

Dwelling to seventy-five % of New Zealand’s inhabitants, a whole lot of vacationers suppose you may simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t enormous in spite of everything.

However there’s really a whole lot of floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand just a few 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 wish to rush.

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

However since a month off will not be practical for most individuals, I counsel spending a minimum of two weeks as a substitute. 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 when you solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my instructed itinerary that may allow you to plan your North Island street journey for optimum effectivity. This itinerary will make sure that you see the highlights and get off the crushed path, taking advantage of your time on this extraordinary nation.

New Zealand Street Journey Highlights

Simply in search of just a few pointers to start out your planning? Listed below are just a few highlights from my time in New Zealand. These are issues I believe 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 intend your route, you want a strategy to get round. In the case of road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automotive or campervan.

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

Costs differ rather a lot. Your every day charge will change relying on the place you choose 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 prematurely you ebook, and if you ebook (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling out of a van for just a few weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely lease a standard automotive and ebook lodging alongside the way in which. I at all times use Uncover Vehicles when renting a automobile. They scour rental businesses large and small to seek out the very best offers.

You should use this widget to get a free quote in your automotive 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 well-liked 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.

Remember to 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 highest of town’s Sky Tower for gorgeous views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million individuals. The Auckland Conflict Memorial Museum can also 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 likewise highlights the “discovery” of New Zealand by Europeans centuries later.

For a listing of extra issues to do in Auckland, take a look at 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 quite a lot of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed non-public rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly outfitted kitchen and an lively 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 fantastic place to probe for just a few days. There’s mile after mile of seaside and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which accommodates 144 islands). This space has a number of 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 should definitely go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, probably the most necessary 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 need a extra lively 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, take a look at my full information!

The place to Keep: Haka Lodge – Situated in Paihia, Haka Lodge has a whole lot of frequent areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Every thing is tremendous clear and the beds are comfy. It’s a superb 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 definitely one in every of New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even when 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 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 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 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 just some miles from Hobbiton. The hosts are incredible, 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, probably the most well-liked vacationer locations on the North Island. The title comes from the unique Maori “Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe,” which 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 very best space to find out about 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 also 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 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 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 understood for its worms — glowworms, to be particular. However spoiler alert: they’re really 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 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 (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 record of issues to do in Waitomo, take a look at 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 unbelievable hikes, a number 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 while after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as reap the benefits of the pure springs which are sprinkled across the space. By 1880, accommodations started dotting the panorama to reap the benefits of the budding vacationer business 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 finest 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 may have stayed right here for weeks.

For a listing of extra issues to do in Taupo, take a look at 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 employees, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. Every thing within the hostel is up to date, with new, trendy pod-style beds so you may get a fantastic night time’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 infrequently thought-about among the best 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 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 deliver 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 night time.

Days 12–14: Wellington

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

Remember to go to Te Papa (New Zealand’s nationwide museum), experience the cable automotive to the Cable Automobile 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 vehicles so you may take within the gorgeous view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets value 6 NZD per experience.

In case you love wildlife, take a look at 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 a listing of extra issues to do in Wellington, take a look at 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 enormous loos, and the employees actually exit of their strategy to make you are feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to chill out and meet different vacationers.

NOTE: In case you’ve solely received 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 should 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 Street-Tripping New Zealand

That can assist you benefit from your street journey, please keep in mind the next guidelines:

• Site visitors flows on the left right here (not the appropriate, like within the US or Canada).
• It’s essential to at all times park your automotive within the route that site visitors goes (or threat a high-quality).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking images — use them as a substitute of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the street, which may be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed below are winding, so do not forget that it’d 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 seek 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 probably the most gorgeous international locations on the earth — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply be certain to comply with my recommendation above. Do this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this stunning island!