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 p.c of New Zealand’s inhabitants, a variety of vacationers assume you may simply see the sights in a matter of days. The island isn’t enormous in spite of everything.

However there’s truly a variety of 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 assume. You positively don’t need to rush.

In an ideal world, I believe most vacationers visiting the North Island ought to spend not less than a month right here exploring on a street journey. That’s my splendid suggestion.

However since a month off just isn’t reasonable for most individuals, I recommend spending not less than 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 for those who solely have two weeks? What route do you’re taking? The place do you go?

Under is my advised itinerary that may provide help to plan your North Island street journey for optimum effectivity. This itinerary will be sure 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 in search of 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 believe 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 strategy to get round. In the case of road-tripping New Zealand, you primarily have two choices: automobile or campervan.

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

Costs fluctuate rather a lot. 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’re renting it for, how far upfront you e book, and whenever you e book (within the excessive season, costs appear to double!).

If residing out of a van for a couple of weeks doesn’t sound like your thought of a enjoyable time, merely hire a standard automobile and e book lodging alongside the way in which. I all the time use Uncover Automobiles when renting a automobile. They scour rental businesses huge and small to seek out one of the best 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 most important 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 (probably) lengthy journey and overcoming your jet lag.

Be sure you 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 highest of town’s Sky Tower for beautiful views of this metropolis and its 1.6 million individuals. The Auckland Warfare 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 likewise 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 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 provides a wide range of sleeping choices, together with single- and double-bed personal rooms and dorms. There’s additionally a properly geared up kitchen and an energetic widespread room for whenever you simply need 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 couple of days. There’s mile after mile of seaside and rocky shoreline surrounding the bay (which accommodates 144 islands). This space has a few 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.

Whilst you’re right here, be sure you go to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, one of the vital essential historic websites within the nation. You too can 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 energetic journey, head to Waitangi Mountain Bike Park the place you may 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 a variety of widespread areas, a big kitchen, and nice views over the harbor. Every thing is tremendous clear and the beds are snug. It’s a very good 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 all New Zealand’s most well-known actions. Even for those who’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 need to 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 completely 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 incredible, there’s complimentary breakfast, and the property is quiet and tranquil. There are even roaming cats and goats that basically add to the comfy environment.
 
Days 6–7: Rotorua

It’s only one hour from Hobbiton to Rotorua, one of the vital well-liked 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 have 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 whilst you’re right here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Expertise is the one I attended).

The area can be identified 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 provided 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 Strong Backpackers – This can be 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 thought 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 however 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 (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 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 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 unbelievable hikes, a lot 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 put up was established right here. A short while after that, “vacationers” started turning as much as benefit from the pure springs which are sprinkled across the space. By 1880, resorts 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 finest 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, a giant widespread room, a spacious patio with BBQs, enjoyable and welcoming workers, bike leases, and a brilliant pleasant hostel canine. Every thing within the hostel is up to date, with new, fashionable pod-style beds so you will get a terrific evening’s sleep.
 

Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Trekking by means of 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-about 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 degree).

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 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.

Be sure you 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 might merely return to Taupo and keep there for the evening.

Days 12–14: Wellington

Wellington is not only 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, a few of the finest meals within the nation, tons of murals, world-class artwork displays, insightful museums, and a lovely harbor (which is finest seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks your complete metropolis).

Be sure you 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 may hop on one of many historic purple trolley automobiles so you may take within the beautiful view of town from the highest of the hill. Tickets price 6 NZD per trip.

Should 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. Count on to see a legion of native birds and plant species. You may even take a guided tour at evening. 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 town!

The place to Keep: The Marion – This boutique hostel is simply blocks away from the whole lot you’ll need to see. It’s cozy, with comfortable beds and enormous loos, and the workers 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: Should you’ve solely bought 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 must 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 take advantage of your street 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 need to all the time park your automobile within the path that visitors goes (or threat a high quality).
• There are many pull-off factors for taking pictures — use them as a substitute of stopping at a random spot alongside the aspect of the street, which will be fairly harmful given how tight the roads are right here.
• Roads listed below 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.
• Should 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 believe it’s one of the vital beautiful international locations on this planet — and an ideal vacation spot for street journeys. Simply ensure to observe my recommendation above. Try this, and also you’ll have an incredible go to to this stunning island!