2-week roadtrip in the Northern Island of New Zealand

💧 You love water activites as much as the city ? You like simple and calm moments ? You dream of exploring the authentic Northern Island ? The sun, the geysers and the volcanos ? You also love wine, surfing and cultural discoveries ? You are planning a 2-week vacation ?
Then this itinerary is perfect for you ! Discover, with this road trip, the best places on the Northern Island and enjoy its diversity.😍

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Itinerary of this two weeks road trip in the North of New Zealand

 

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🚗 We recommend for this itinerary to rent a car from Hertz. , It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

📗 You want to buy a paper travel guide ? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date !

🗺 Need a road map to prepare your itinerary ? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read !

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The itinerary : step by step

 

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What to do in Auckland ?

New-Zealand largest city, between two bays and 48 extinct volcanic cones.

• Go for an eco-safari with Auckland Whale & Dolphin Safari and discover Brydes whales, killer whales and dolphins in the beautiful marine park of Hauraki Gulf.
• For an underwater discovery, go diving in the first marine reserve of New-Zealand, Goat Island reserve.
• Hikers, head to the top of Rangitoto, a volcanic island in the middle of the gulf or explore  Tiritiri Matangi Nature Reserve and discover the (too) many different species of endangered birds.
• Want to learn more about the Maori culture ? Visit Auckland Museum and watch maori show : haka, weapon parade, poi dance …
• Do not miss the Sky Tower go through the 328m / 1075ft of lifts up to the observation platform. A spectacular view !
• For a full culinary discovery, head to the famous district of Wynyard Quart and Viaduct Harbour where you will get to choose from many coffee shops and restaurants. For a more sophisticated cuisine, go to Federal Street. And if you’d like a gastronomic and local beer go to City Works Depot.

 

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What to do in Paihia ?

Seaside resort, starting point for day-trips. 

• Before getting to Paihia, stop by Whangarei, a subtropical city on a stunning bay. Go up the top of mount Parahaki, former most fortified site in the Maori territory. If you like learning about different cultures, this city is full of museums and art galleries.
• In Prahia, head to New-Zealand’s most important historic site : Te Kōngahu Museum of Waitangi, where you can see the Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Maori Chiefs. Step in the conference room and discover world’s largest war ceremonial canoe. .
• Discover the Bay of Islands and its 144 islands surrounded by the gorgeous scenery of Paihai. Get on a cruise or rent a kayak to get to one of the islands. Enjoy the rivers and hiking trails winding through a subtropical forest. Be sure to check out the abundance of the local marine life and meet penguins, dolphins, whales and more.
• Go for a cruise to the « Hole in the rock » at the end of the Cape Brett Peninsula and get to see and even swim with dolphins ! A unique experience !
• If you want a moment to yourself surrounded by nature, go for a walk in Harur West of Paihia and discover an impressive waterfall while enjoying the calm of the forest.

 

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What to do in Kaitaia ?

Front door to New Zealand’s High North. 

• Do not miss Cape Reinga, the utmost expérience of Northern N.-Z. where you will get to see the Pacific ocean colliding with the Tasman sea. Discover 90 Mile Beach, an endless beach with huge desert-like dunes.
• Wine lovers, head to the Northernmost vineyard in the country and taste local wine(s).
• If you are looking for cultural experiences, go to the Far North Regional museum and learn about the Maory history, you can even try traditional weaving at the Maori Multi-functional center.

 

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What to do in Rotorua ?

A fascinating city in the middle of the Pacific Ring of Fire. 

• If you wan to get a closer look of kiwis, explore of of the city’s wildlife parks. Want to discover endangered species in an abundant vegetation and learn more about the New-Zealander nature, head to the Rainbow Springs. If you’d prefer seeing African lions and hand-feed farm animals, go to Paradise Valley Springs.
• Thrill lovers, go rafting down the rapids, falls and rocks of Wairoa river.
• For a relaxing moment, take a dip in a mineral steam pool and enjoy the spectacular view of lake Rotorua or enjoy one of the city’s many SPAs.
• For a cultural discovery, go to the authentic pre-european Maori village or eat a hangi meal.

 

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What to do in Whakatane ?

The hottest city of New-Zealand. 

• Visit the city’s museum, its observatory and its maori historic sites and learn about New-Zealand’s history.
• Get to the heart of nature by taking Nga Tapuwae o Toi Walkway leading to indigenous forest and seabird colonies. During the summer, you can even swim with dolphins ! An unforgettable experience !
• If you love camping, head to Ohope beach near the city, where you will discover 10 km / 6.2 miles of white sand to enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.
• Be sure to check out the region’s most popular day-trip : a tour of White Island, a spectacular active volcano-island. Get a guide and go for a helicopter ride with helmets and respirator for an exceptional discovery of this lunar scenery.

 

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What to do in Gisborne ?

First city on the planet to see the sun getting up in the morning. 

• You love Chardonnay ? Go for a day-trip on the wine road leading to charming vineyards.
• Surfers, head to the beautiful beaches and enjoy amazing surf spots.
• If you want to discover the Maori culture, go to Te Poho O Rawiri Marae where ancestral traditions are still perpetuated. Go up Titirangi (Kaiti) hill, arrival point of migration wakas (canoe) and go see Horouta : the canoe which -according to the legend, lead the first Maoris to this region of New-Zealand.

 

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What to do in Napier ?

Wolrd’s Art-Deco capital. 

• Discover the city’s architectural style, it was rebuilt after a massive earthquake in 1931. Dive deep into the heart of the Stripped Classical, Spanish Misson and Art-Deco styles. Head to the corner of Hastings and Emerson streets pand discover the Maori patterns on the ASB bank, giving Napier a unique character.
• To explore the city at your own pace and get to appreciate its beauty, ask for a map at the Visitor Information Center or at the Art-Deco Trust and walk through beautiful 1930’s architecture.
• Want to buy fresh and local produce, be sure to check out the Farmers’ market on Saturday mornings.
• If you like wine tastings, head to one of the many nearby vineyards and taste the famous local wines varieties : pinot gris and Syrah.
• Get to see a Puffin colony, go to Cape Kidnappers for an afternoon.

 

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What to do in Tongariro National Park ?

A National Park surrounding three volcanos.

• Hike on the « Tongariro Alpine Crossing », one of the world’s most beautiful 1-day trek along the three volcanos : Tongariro, Ngayruhoe et Ruapehu. Discover steam craters, old lava flows and vibrant blue thermal lakes : an unforgettable experience !
• If you prefer water sports, go for a level 3 rafting in the many rivers’ rapids winding through a fascinating landscape. For those who love to fish, the park has many lovely fly fishing spots.
• More a winter sport person ? No problem, the park is open in winter and has a great ski resort where you will get a beautiful view of the volcanos. A unique experiences !

 

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What to do in Waitomo District ?

Famous caves : beautiful underground landscapes and home to many glow-worms. 

• For an easy tour of the caves, go by foot or on a boat. For the bravest, go rafting, rope down or go down a zip-line in the dark !
• Claustrophobic ? Take the the above-ground trail starting from the Museum of Caves, winding through farmland.
• For an authentic wild forest experience, go to Pureora and go on a wonderful hike.

 

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What to do in Wellington ?

New-Zealand’s capital : dense and charming.

• Do not miss the Te Papa Tongarewa National Museum which littoral means « treasure container ». Discover a 6-floor museum with Maori and Pacific treasures, the country’s extraordinary natural life and unique artworks. There is even an earthquake simulator.
• Be sure to go on the famous Cable Car, an easy way to get from the business district to the botanical garden’s main entrance. Once up there, enjoy a breathtaking view over the city.
• Explore the city center by foot, at your own pace and discover many shops, restaurants and attractions.
• Dive into New-Zealand’s unique and fragile natural environment by going to Zealandia, a 225 ha sanctuary near the main district. Discover rare indigenous species, explore lovely trails and try to catch a glimpse of the kaka, the tuatara and many other animals. A try urban jungle !

 

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To learning more…

 

• You want to know all the information about the country ? it’s here.
• Then, to rent a car at the best price, we advise you this website.
• Finally, to book a flight at the best price, we advise you this website.

 

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If you have any information, good tips, or simply a comment about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave us a comment at the bottom of the page! The whole team will be happy to hear from you !