3-week roadtrip in New Zealand : off the beaten track

🌎 You don’t do things like the others and prefer off-beaten tracks vacation ? You went absolute calm and like feeling like you’re the only one on Earth ? You have a 3 week vacation to plan ? You will love this itinerary ! 😍
Discover New Zealand‘s hidden side and its diversity with this road trip.

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Itinerary of this three weeks road trip in 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 int the Bay Of Islands ?

One of the most beautiful bays in the world. 

• 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 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 Waikato ?

Farming region with lovely surprises.

•  If you wan to learn more about Maori history, visit theMuseum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato in Hamilton.
• Need a nature break ? Head to Hamilton Gardens and explore an abundant tropical forest, its Chinese or Japanese parts and just enjoy the moment.
• In Waikaretu, be sure to go to Nikau Glowworm cave, its 1km / 0.6 mile long ! Go for a cruise along these underground caves. A unique experience !

 

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What to do in New Plymouth ?

VA city of mountains and surf. 

• Take the Coastal Walkway walking, biking or roller skating for a 7 km / 4.3 miles long stroll. Stop at the iconic Te Rewa Rewa bridge and enjoy the spectacular view.
• Discover mount Egmont / Taranaki, a volcano surrounded by indigenous forests. Go skiing, snowboarding, climbing or hiking.
• Surfers, you’ll find some of the country’s best surf spots. And if you are not a surfer but still like water head to the Todd Energy Aquatic center and enjoy the indoors and outdoors pools, wave pool, spa, dive pool and so much more !
• Artists, go visit the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery or the Puke Ariki museum, a rich source of information about Taranaki history.

 

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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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What to do in Nelson ?

New Zealand’s sunniest city. 

• Explore the vineyards at your own pace and taste their Sauvignon blanc and intense Chardonnay as well as their vibrant Pinot Noir.
• Dedicate a few hours to visiting the regional art gallery : Suter Te Aratoi o Whakatu. The perfect opportunity to discover Tosswill Woollaston’s art, one of the founder of the New Zealander modern art.
• If you are in Nelson on a Saturday, head to the market and meet local craftsmen and artists.

 

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What to do in Golden Bay ?

An endless paradise for nature lovers. 

• Before getting to the bay, enjoy the drive on the beautiful and stop at Takaka Hill, la « marble mountain ». Take the time to explore the stunning undergrounds of Harwoods Hole (176 m / 577 ft deep) and Ngarua caves.
• On the other side of the hill, discover Te Springs Waikoropupu / Pupu Springs, the local Maori tribe’s sacred waterfalls.
• In the bay, enjoy the beautiful view of Farewell Spit, a narrow sand spit. Observe the hundreds of birds.
• if you want to feel like you’re the only one on Earth, head to Wharariki Beach, a beach with huge sand dunes. Take the time to go horse riding !

 

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What to do in Abel Tasman National Park ?

Abundant nature and beautiful beaches. 

• Hikers, you are in the right place ! Hike on one of the 9 trails listed « great walks ». Originally made to last 3 to 5 days, you can chose to just hike on a smaller part of the trail. Start from the starting point or get a taxi-boat to take you to the place you want to start from and bring you back when you’re done. You’ll be speachless when discovering the beaches !
• If you prefer paddling, rent a kayak and explore the coastline, its beaches and wild life at your own pace : you could even get to see a seal colony !
• Always dreamed of sky diving ? Let’s go then ! This park is known to be one of the most gorgeous places to sky dive in in New Zealand. You will always remember this unique moment !

 

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What to do in Hanmer Springs ?

Natural polls and gorgeous landscapes. 

• If you love adventures, forest hikes, mountain biking, horse riding or skiiing, this is the place for you. And for the bravest, go bungy jumping or try hydro speeding.
• Unwind by playing golf or taking a dip in the iconic thermal pool. Swim in the naturally hot mineral water.

 

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What to do in Christchurch ?

A charming city under construction because of the many earthquakes it underwent. 

• Called « the Garden City », Christchurch has many gardens. Go to Hagley Park, it houses a 30ha botanical garden where you can take a break. Go for a ride on a rowboat on Avon River and get to see a rugby or cricket game.
• For an emotional visit, head to the corner of  Cashel and Madras streets and explore the 185 Empty White Chairs, an artwork by Pete Majendie paying tribute to the victims of the 2011 earthquake.
• Stroll around the Re-Start Container Hall, a place with where coffee shops and cute stores settled in containers.
• Surfers, head to the coastal suburbs of Sumner to get to nice waves.

 

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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 !