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.

Dwelling to seventy-five % of New Zealand’s inhabitants, numerous vacationers suppose you’ll be able to simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t large in spite of everything.

However there’s truly numerous floor to cowl right here. Having been to New Zealand a number of instances over time, 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 splendid suggestion.

However since a month off shouldn’t be reasonable 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 if you happen to solely have two weeks? What route do you are taking? The place do you go?

Beneath is my steered itinerary that may assist you to 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 Street Journey Highlights

Simply searching 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 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 approach to get round. In terms of road-tripping New Zealand, you basically have two choices: automobile or campervan.

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

Costs range so much. Your each day price will change relying on the place you choose up the car, if you’re dropping it off at a special vacation spot, how lengthy you’re renting it for, how far prematurely you e book, and whenever you e book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If dwelling out of a van for a number of weeks doesn’t sound like your concept of a enjoyable time, merely hire a traditional automobile and e book lodging alongside the best way. I at all times use Uncover Automobiles when renting a car. They scour rental businesses large and small to seek out the most effective offers.

You should utilize this widget to get a free quote in 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 widespread 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.

You’ll want to go to the Auckland Area, go snorkeling on Goat Island, and if you happen to (like me) love wine, take a wine tour on Waiheke Island.

If you wish to orientate your self higher, go to the highest of the town’s Sky Tower for beautiful views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million folks. The Auckland Battle Memorial Museum can be price a go to. It’s one thing of a misnomer because it actually tells the historical past of the town. The museum goes all the best way 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, take a look at my information to the town!

The place to Keep: The Attic Backpackers — Voted the 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 outfitted kitchen and an energetic widespread room for whenever 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 an incredible place to probe for a number of days. There’s mile after mile of seashore and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which comprises 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.

Whilst 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 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’ll be able to discover the world by way of mountain bike.

For an inventory 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 numerous widespread areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Every part is tremendous clear and the beds are snug. It’s an excellent place to fulfill 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 if you happen to’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 need 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’ll be able to 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 includes 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 unbelievable, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil. There are even roaming cats and goats that actually add to the comfy ambiance.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the vital widespread 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 most effective 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 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 might 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’ll be able to 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 – It is 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 thought 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 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 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, 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 courtroom 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 unbelievable hikes, plenty 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 while after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as make the most of the pure springs which might be 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 greatest 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 an inventory 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 widespread room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming employees, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. Every part within the hostel is up to date, with new, fashionable pod-style beds so you may get an incredible 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 infrequently thought of top-of-the-line 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 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 an excellent mixture of issue ranges.

You’ll want to 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 path 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 isn’t just my favourite metropolis on the North Island, however my favourite metropolis in your complete nation. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural actions, an unbelievable nightlife, among the greatest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork reveals, insightful museums, and a gorgeous harbor (which is greatest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks your complete metropolis).

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

After that, you’ll be able to hop on one of many historic crimson trolley automobiles so you’ll be able to take within the beautiful view of the town from the highest of the hill. Tickets price 6 NZD per trip.

In case you love wildlife, take a look at Zealandia. This city wildlife sanctuary on the periphery of the 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, take a look at my detailed information to the 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 cozy beds and enormous bogs, and the employees actually exit of their approach to make you are feeling welcome. It’s a clear, social spot to calm down 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’ll be able to fly out of the airport right here to wherever it is advisable to go subsequent. When you have extra time, take the automobile ferry (round 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to proceed your journey!

Issues to Bear in mind When Street-Tripping New Zealand

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

• Visitors flows on the left right here (not the correct, like within the US or Canada).
• You could at all times park your automobile within the route that site visitors goes (or danger a fantastic).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking photographs — use them as an alternative 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 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 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 beautiful nations on this planet — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply ensure to observe my recommendation above. Do this, and also you’ll have a tremendous go to to this lovely island!