The North Island Road Trip Itinerary for New Zealand
The North Island of New Zealand is a real powerhouse. From cosmopolitan cityscapes to breathtaking nature, from pristine beaches to volcano mountains, it has it all. Many travelers believe that you can see all the sites in just a few days. It’s not that big. New Zealand is a place that I’ve visited several times and know there’s more to do than you might think. In no way should you rush. This is my ideal recommendation. Since a month’s vacation isn’t realistic for many people, I recommend spending at least two full weeks. This is the minimum time required to see the island in a roadtrip. What is the best route to take? Below is my suggested itinerary to help you plan a North Island roadtrip for maximum efficiency. This itinerary will ensure that you see the highlights and get off the beaten path, making the most of your time in this extraordinary country.
New Zealand Road Trip Highlights
Just looking for a few pointers to start your planning? These are some highlights of my New Zealand experience. Want more information on these (and other) activities? I cover them all below!
Renting a Car in New Zealand
Before you plan your route, you need a way to get around. When it comes to road-tripping New Zealand, you essentially have two options: car or campervan.
Traveling by campervan is very popular here, especially among the more budget-conscious travelers, as vans serve as both accommodation and transportation. There are five main rental agencies:
Prices vary a lot. The daily rate you pay will vary depending on the location you pick up your vehicle from, whether you drop it off at another destination, the length of time you rent it, when you reserve, and how much in advance you do. (During the high season prices can double!) If renting a car is more appealing than living in a van, you can book your accommodation on the road. They search rental agencies big and small to find the best deals. They scour rental agencies big and small to find the best deals.
You can use this widget to get a free quote for your car rental:
New Zealand’s North Island Road Trip Itinerary: A Two-Week Route
Days 1-2: Auckland
Auckland is the largest and most populous city in New Zealand but, contrary to popular belief, it’s not the capital (that’s Wellington). Spend a few days here to recover from your long flight and overcome jet lag. If you’re looking to get a better sense of orientation, climb the Sky Tower to see the stunning views. Auckland War Memorial Museum also deserves a visit. The museum is a bit of a misnomer, as it tells the story of the entire city. Check out my guide to Auckland for a list of more things to do in the city! Check out my guide for more ideas on what to do in Auckland! There are a number of options for sleeping, including private rooms with single or double beds and dorms. The Bay of Islands is a beautiful place to spend a few days. It’s only a 3-hour drive away from Auckland. The bay, which contains 144 islands, is surrounded by miles of rocky coast and beaches. The area is home to some of the island’s best kayaking, swimming and boating. Here are some of my favorite beaches. While you’re in New Zealand, don’t forget to visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. It is one of the country’s most significant historical sites. Cape Reinga, the northernmost point in New Zealand, is also worth exploring. You can also take a dip at Ngawha Springs’ geothermal pools. Check out my complete guide for more things to do in the Bay of Islands. Check out my guide for more activities in the Bay of Islands!
Where To Stay:
Haka Lodge, located in Paihia. Haka Lodge features a large kitchen and a lot of communal spaces. The beds are super comfortable and everything is very clean. It’s a good place to meet people too.
Day 5: Hobbiton
Visiting the Hobbiton movie set featured in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies is easily one of New Zealand’s most famous activities. It’s fascinating to go behind the scenes and see how the movies were made, even if you aren’t a fan. You can visit Bag End and the Green Dragon Inn, or explore the hobbit hole. There are several tours available. Tours start at 89 NZD.
Where to Stay:
Cosy Country Stay B&B – This cute bed-and breakfast is located in Matamata just a few miles from Hobbiton. The tours start at 89 NZD.
Where To Stay:
Cosy Country stay B&B – This cute bed and breakfast is located in Matamata, just a few minutes from Hobbiton. There is a complimentary breakfast and the location is tranquil and quiet. Days 6-7: Rotorua
It takes just an hour to get from Hobbiton, to Rotorua. It is one of the top tourist destinations in the North Island. The name comes from the original Maori “Te Rotorua-nui-a-Kahumatamomoe,” meaning “second lake,” as it was the second lake that Maori chief Ihenga discovered in the area.
The Maori were the original inhabitants of New Zealand, having arrived from Polynesia between 1320 and 1350. The best place to learn about Maori culture and history is in this area. Don’t miss seeing a Maori cultural show while you’re here (the Te Pa Tu Maori Cultural Experience is the one I attended).
The region is also known for its geothermal activity. Rotorua’s dynamic landscape is perfect for nature walks and trips to sulfuric geysers. It also makes a great place to relax in luxurious spas using water from hot springs. You can zipline, go Zorbing, or mountain bike in Rotorua.
Where to Stay: Rock Solid Backpackers – This is a centrally located hostel with an expansive array of facilities, including a cinema, a bar, a communal kitchen, and even a rock-climbing wall.
Day 8: Waitomo
Waitomo is known for its worms — glowworms, to be specific. They are actually fly larvae emitting a bioluminescent light. The Waitomo cave is one of my favorite places in New Zealand. It’s a tourist destination, but the glowworms are breathtaking. You can either walk, abseil or float along an underground river in order to see the glowworms (I recommend floating as it was super fun). The standard 45-minute trip includes a rafting adventure, but you can also choose to abseil (also called rappelling), which is a 5-hour excursion. Prices for boat tours start at 55 NZD and extended tours that include abseiling cost 195 NZD. Check out my guide to Waitomo for a full list of activities. The large kitchen has a grill outside for barbecuing. Days 9-10: Taupo
Taupo is located on the shores Lake Taupo which is the largest freshwater Lake in New Zealand. It is also part of the Taupo Volcanic Zone where there has been high volcanic activity over the last two million years. Taupo is home to many incredible hikes and boating excursions. It also has charming local markets and beautiful nature. Think of it like a quieter version of Queenstown (the South Island’s adventure capital).
There wasn’t much in and around Taupo until 1868 when an armed constabulary post was established here. After a short time, tourists began to flock here in order to enjoy the natural springs scattered around the area. In 1880, the first hotels appeared in the area to capitalize on the growing tourism industry. It is also one of the best places to go skydiving in New Zealand thanks to the views and clear skies (though I didn’t do this while I was there as heights are not my thing). The small town feel, the ability to hike and sit by the lake were all things I enjoyed about Taupo. Check out my guide for more ideas on what to do in Taupo. Everything in the hostel is updated, with new, modern pod-style beds so you can get a great night’s sleep.
Day 11: Tongariro Alpine Crossing
Trekking through this otherworldly, red-colored environment of volcanoes and sulfur was one of the highlights of my time in New Zealand. This epic trek is one of the Great Walks of New Zealand, often considered to be the best day hike in the world. It’s a 19-kilometer (12 mile) trek, which takes about a day (depending on your fitness levels). You will walk through volcanic terrain, past sulfur lakes and high peaks, before ending the day in dense forest. You’ll find it easy at the beginning and the end, but steeper sections (especially after “Mount Doom”) will make the hike more challenging.
Be prepared to carry water, sunscreen and toilet paper. The weather can be unpredictable. You can expect to pay 50 NZD each for a shuttle service to and from the trail, or 325 NZD if you want a guided full-day hike.
Days 12-14: Wellington
Wellington is not just my favorite city on the North Island, but my favorite city in the entire country. It’s an artsy, eclectic place, boasting tons of cultural activities, an incredible nightlife, some of the best food in the country, tons of murals, world-class art exhibits, insightful museums, and a beautiful harbor (which is best seen from Mount Victoria, which overlooks the entire city).
Be sure to visit Te Papa (New Zealand’s national museum), ride the cable car to the Cable Car Museum, and tour Weta Workshop (an Academy Award-winning props and special effects studio).After that, you can hop on one of the historic red trolley cars so you can take in the stunning view of the city from the top of the hill. Tickets are 6 NZD each. If you are a wildlife lover, then check out Zealandia. This urban wildlife sanctuary at the edge of the city is an attempt to recreate the New Zealand that existed before humans arrived. You can expect to see many local bird and plant species. Even at night, you can take a guided walk. The entry fee, which includes the guided tour, is 60 NZD. Check out my guide to Wellington for more ideas!
Where To Stay:
The Marion – The boutique hostel is located just blocks from all the sights you want to see. The staff are friendly and make sure you’re comfortable. It has large bathrooms and comfy beds. It’s a clean, social spot to relax and meet other travelers.
NOTE
: If you’ve only got two weeks and are ending your 14-day New Zealand itinerary in Wellington, you can fly out of the airport here to wherever you need to go next. If you have more time, take the car ferry (around 3.5 hours) to Picton on the South Island to continue your trip!
Things to Remember When Road-Tripping New Zealand
To help you make the most of your road trip, please remember the following rules:
Traffic flows on the left here (not the right, like in the US or Canada).You must always park your car in the direction that traffic is going (or risk a fine).
There are plenty of pull-off points for taking photos — use them instead of stopping at a random spot along the side of the road, which can be quite dangerous given how tight the roads are here.
Roads here are winding, so remember that it might take longer than you expect to cover a particular distance.
As long as your current and valid driver’s license is in English, you don’t need an International Driver’s Permit.
If you’re traveling by campervan, use the CamperMate app to find nearby campsites, gas stations, and dump stations.
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New Zealand has a unique culture, friendly Kiwis and epic landscapes. It’s a beautiful country and perfect for road trips. Follow my advice and you’ll have a wonderful time on this beautiful island! Skyscanner is a great tool to find cheap flights. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
If you’re looking for specific places to stay, here is a complete list of my favorite hostels in New Zealand.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. Looking for the Best Companies for Saving Money?
Check my resource page to find the best companies for you to use while traveling. Here’s a list of all the companies I use when I travel to save money. You will also save money by using these tips when you travel. Want More Information about New Zealand? Visit our comprehensive destination guide for New Zealand to get even more tips on planning your trip!
