They have some of the richest cultures and traditions I have ever seen! Yes, you read that right. It was one of the earliest settlements of the original Maori tribes that arrived at the island, and the coastal towns of Waitangi and Kerikeri were the sites of important treaties signed between European settlers and Maori residents. Like Northland, this locale is full of beaches and forests, although its most well-known attractions are on the farther east coast of the peninsula. From Auckland, head on over to the Coromandel Peninsula. We drove all the way to Rotorua the same evening after kayaking (1 hour), but I would recommend staying somewhere close to Waimarino for the night and start driving the next morning. Here and here are good services that I found online and they have good reviews. I must warn you that at the beginning of the tour I was quite cold (so make sure to take some really warm clothes with you), but then, when we started to move in the kayak it all got much better! Experience the best that New Zealand’s North & South Island has to offer. For most visitors to New Zealand, the journey starts in Auckland. Also, if you happen to visit in the off-season (June – September), there will be almost no other tourists there (but keep in mind the grass is not as green as in the summer). You can legally drive along the sand of the Ninety Mile Beach if you're seeking an adventure, although it is not recommended unless your car is equipped with four-wheel drive (and if you have a rental vehicle, most companies prohibit it). So if camping isn’t your thing, I highly recommend checking out the Airbnb options in these locations. An absolute must for fans to see the films’ majestic sites of the North Island. There are also some scenic trains (Northern Explorer, Coastal Pacific and TranzAlpine), that can help you see different parts of the islands. All rights reserved. I’m traveling to NZ for the first time with my family and we have plans to stay 3 nights in Rotorua. Here is what I recommend visiting in Wellington: Te Papa Museum is the champion based on the amount of time spent in a museum – 3.5 hours, wow! Comprised of 144 islands located between the Purerua Peninsula and Cape Brett, the Bay of Islands is where to go to see the Hole in the Rock on Piercy Island, beautiful seaside trails, and lots of wildlife viewing. Being the most populated city in New Zealand, Auckland is a gateway for most travelers. For some additional trip planning inspiration, check out these options: Roughly an hour’s drive from Auckland, Karekare Waterfall is a 30-meter tall waterfall that is home to a little rest area and pool. I am well aware that not everyone will want to do the skydive, so here are a couple of great alternatives of things to do in Taupo: Luxury ($180 NZD and up): – Chalet Eiger (see detailed description below). A Maori concert and hangi dinner, a day trip to the Lord of the Rings site at Hobbiton plus much more. Use this day for resting, picking up your rental car, stocking up on groceries and maybe seeing a bit of the city. If you’re up for an adventure north of Auckland, then check out the Bay of Islands. Budget (up to $61 NZD): Two great budget options for Rotorua are: Crash Palace Backpackers (with a hot tub, small bar and even some DJ equipment for crazy parties!) Christy Woodrow is a travel photographer and professional blogger based in San Diego. Discover New Zealand your way, with New Zealand road trips and Self Drive tours. It offers a fantastic view over Taupo Lake! There are plenty of old walkways, bike trails, and tunnels to explore, and there is rich gold mining history to uncover. DRIVING TIME: Waimarino -> Rotorua, 63 km, 1 hour. In my opinion, if I had not visited the North Island, my impression of the country would be incomplete. Including the essentials such as campervan hire, food, petrol and activities I calculated that we spent an average of about $90 NZD per day on the North Island during our road trip. Warm Clothes: Bringing warm clothing is a must for winter in New Zealand, but spring and fall can be pretty chilly as well. If you're making your way back up to Auckland, continue up the west coast for a different route and new adventures. PRICE: The cheapest jump is $280 NZD, but there are many options and they even run promotions, so check the updated pricing here. If you are traveling in a group of two or more it actually makes more sense to get an Uber, as the bus ride is $10 NZD each. Situated only 9-minutes away from the beach, this resort even has a cool outdoor pool! The whole place is so serene and idyllic, I simply fell in love with it! Hobbiton was definitely one of the highlights of the entire country and there was no doubt it should be included in my TOP 10 things to visit in New Zealand! Since we skipped Auckland on our visit, we gave ourselves two days on the Coromandel Peninsula. and Rotorua Downtown Backpackers (modern hostel in the center of Rotorua). PRICE: $30 NZD for a one-way transfer or $40 NZD for a round trip. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Within its boundaries are the mountains of Ruapehu, Ngaurahoe, and Tongariro. I also recommend bringing a daypack, bug spray, sunscreen, leggings, a moisture-wicking top, and a light rain jacket. You could also stop by the Coromandel Peninsula, but I would recommend doing this only if you have at least 1 extra day. The whole experience is very interactive – you can participate in all the activities. Sample local award-winning wines at Coopers Creek Vineyard (601 State Hwy. This was cool and scary at the same time. From geothermal activity to surfing beaches, the landscapes are spectacular. On the Coromandel Peninsula, Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove are must-do’s, but you’ll also find the Kauri Forest, Historic Coromandel Town, Geothermal Springs, Driving Creek Railway, and plenty of hiking and biking trails. Check the whole list here. You should definitely pay a visit! Includes a swim with the dolphins (age restrictions apply) and a full day tour to Cape Reinga. A small life hack if you decide to stay here – I recommend booking a room with Jacuzzi – it is the same price as the other rooms! Gaze at traditional Maori rock art on a boat cruise along the Western Bays while at Lake Taupo. The fastest way back to Auckland is to cut straight through the middle of the island, but that would require leaving out all of the magnificent sites on the west side. Hi – trip looks amazing. Wow you really captured some epic shots! Distance From Auckland: 8 hours; 404 miles (651 kilometers). Given New Zealand's varied attributes, it is little wonder it was the pick of Kiwi Peter Jackson as the stand-in for Middle-Earth in his film adaptation of the Lord of the Rings fantasy trilogy. With its thermals springs, mountains, waterfalls, valleys and lakes, I am sure you will enjoy the North Island! How is the connectivity and cost? We will start in the morning and shake ourselves up a little bit. Further south along the east coast is the Bay of Plenty with its massive island volcano and the coastal towns of Tauranga and Whakatane. Plus, it’s located only 15-minutes away from Te Papa Museum! This is the perfect itinerary to choose your next holiday trip to north island NZ. Ask the owners about the hidden garden alley for fantastic photo opportunities! It has a reputation for being one of the hippest cities in the country for its numerous bars, trendy eateries, and an exhaustive list of cultural events. You can also take a guided tour (and I highly recommend it!). Rotorua is New Zealand’s thermal wonderland! Wellington is a lively city that has its own vibe (and also tons of good restaurants, cafes and shops). This 4 day experience includes a breath-taking return helicopter flight from Auckland as well as top class cuisine and the tranquility of a stay at The Boathouse (all to […], On this ultimate North Island escape, you will get to see some of the most iconic and magnificent locations the North has to offer! Middle ($61-$180 NZD): I suggest Novotel Wellington as a great middle-priced option. Just west of Auckland, Piha beach features beautiful black sand, untouched forest, and some of the best surf in the country. Heading out next month. The nearby Tolaga Bay Wharf juts out nearly half a mile into the sea, making it a scenic spot for fishing, diving, or just taking a stroll. Find maps and general information about the route at www.newzealand.com/travel/getting-to-around-nz/driving-routes/hobbiton-mordor-river-anduin-itinerary.cfm. The park has various treks for different levels of difficulty and time, the most popular being Tongariro Alpine Crossing. For more information, visit the government's Land Transport department Web site for foreign drivers at www.ltsa.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/driving-in-nz.html.