New Zealand adventure tours say you shouldn't embark on your first road trip in New Zealand because it will spoil you. It provides so much that you will be itching for more on whatever subsequent road trip you may take. We can attest to the fact that this is true having traveled the whole length and width of the nation!
I travel in search of photos. The summers we had in New Zealand are filled with memories of sun-soaked beaches, perfectly-preserved mountain towns, hissing volcanoes, magnetic fuchsia lupins growing from the ground, and bees buzzing over orderly rows of scented lavender. It doesn't get much more picturesque than this!
When we were in New Zealand, we traveled this route. You may read more about our road journey in our day-by-day report. Excellent alternatives for treks and day excursions may also be found on the official New Zealand tourist website. Consultation is worthwhile if you're in the vicinity. Now let's move on:
Day 1: Prepare For Your Road Adventure By Flying Into Auckland
This is the day to write things down since you are going to be flying into New Zealand. We flew into Auckland from Fiji and out of Christchurch to Sydney. Excellent airline connections are available into and out of New Zealand; while comparing airfare, we always utilize Skyscanner. You'll be exhausted after the lengthy travel, so use the remaining time to pick up your rental vehicle and buy food for your journey. Make sure you get a restful night's sleep before setting out on your New Zealand road trip.
When Hiring A Vehicle In New Zealand, Bear The Following Points In Mind
In contrast to Iceland, unless you're traveling in a big company and want a huge car, you don't need a 4X4 for New Zealand. Since all sights are accessible by paved roads and the roads are in great shape, a modest automobile will do.
New Zealand is a very popular nation for camping, with a large number of free or reasonably priced camping spots. The majority of vehicle rental companies provide a variety of campers and RVs.
Day 2: The Good Times Start In Auckland
Take a day trip to see Auckland's metropolis and spend the evening driving to the rocky Muriwai beach. Muriwai beach is reached by a stunning drive by scenic meadows and pick-your-own farms. Even though it's just 40 minutes from Auckland, the beach's untamed, raw beauty is breathtaking. Between August and March, there is a remarkable colony of gannet birds living there. Here, the natural forces are at their most powerful and majestic: enormous waves pound against the rocks while nesting birds perch atop cliffs. The stunning shoreline of Muriwai is particularly breathtaking at sunset. Free entrance; free parking
Day 3: Travel The Coromandel Peninsula By Car To Rotorua
If you like road travels as much as we do, you should do the lengthy detour to Rotorua via the Coromandel Peninsula. It's worth the three additional hours of driving, I promise!
The Coromandel Peninsula, which protrudes near the eastern tip of the North Island, has breathtaking forests and beaches. Set off early from Auckland, stop for a lunch along route, and spend the day at a well-known beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. The majority of our stay was spent in Cathedral Cove, a striking turquoise beach surrounded by volcanic cliffs. A park-and-ride service is available to transport guests from the parking lot to the entrance. The park-and-ride ticket costs NZD 5 per passenger, while entry is free. It takes 40 minutes to walk from the entrance to the beach.
Day 4: Visit Rotorua, One of New Zealand's Thermal Wonderlands
The saying "you can smell Rotorua before you see it" is a local joke, and it's accurate. It's well-known for its sulfur springs and boiling geothermal zones, and the sulfur scent permeates the whole town. There is a great deal of thermal activity at Rotorua. Regretfully, entry fees are required to access all of New Zealand's geothermal reserves. Here, most geothermal areas—especially the spectacular ones—are charged, unlike in Bolivia or Iceland. ????
However, Rotorua's geothermal sites are incredible and not to be missed. They were, in fact, one of the best parts of our best new zealand adventure tours road trip. There are many of alternatives, but we selected two based on suggestions from the locals:
Day 5: Unwind At A Spa And Take Advantage Of Rotorua's Free Attractions
Thankfully, Rotorua offers a plethora of free activities to enjoy. Take a drive via Ohinemutu to see a contemporary Maori village firsthand. Since it's not a traditional attraction per se, this offers an excellent window into the everyday life of Maori residents in contemporary New Zealand. While there is some sulfur activity at Kuirau Park that is open to the public, it is not nearly as spectacular as the geothermal activity seen in the parks that charge admission.
It is advisable to dedicate the most of the day to traveling about Lake Tarawera, the renowned Blue and Green Lakes, and Lake Rotorua. Enjoy a picnic by the Blue Lake's shoreline, and then stroll into the breathtaking Redwood Forest for the remainder of the day. The Redwoods are known for their towering trees and plenty of hiking routes.
Visit one of the well-known hot pools in Rotorua during the evening. We spent it at Rotorua's kind of a legend, Polynesian Spa. Its naturally acidic waters are said to relieve pains and aches. By these hot waters, local rugby players are said to swear. Additionally, it has alkaline pools with antibacterial qualities; a local myth holds that this water is the key to eternal beauty! We're not sure whether those claims are true, but we definitely feel rejuvenated after dipping in Rotorua's hot spring water. The Polynesian Spa has an array of swimming pools, one of which we were able to use for a very affordable price (NZD 27 per person for half an hour).
Day 6: Taupo And The Thermal Explorer Highway
It's time to return to the road and depart from your Rotorua accommodation. But the geothermal regions of New Zealand don't stop at Rotorua; geysers, mudpools, and hot springs can be found all the way down The Thermal Explorer Highway.
There is constant evidence of sulfur springs and volcanic activity. Travel through the Waireki Terraces to reach the lively town of Taupo. One of the most unusual sights in New Zealand adventure tours is the vivid blue pools of bubbling water surrounded by powdery silica terraces. We didn't visit the complex's other, more exquisite thermal pools since we had already experienced enough thermal pools in Rotorua. There is a 12.50 NZD entrance fee for the terrace walkway, and utilizing the pools is extra.
Day 7: Explore Taupo
A volcanic explosion created Lake Taupo (toe-paw) thousands of years ago. Because of its volcanic nature, thermal valleys, silica terraces, and steaming mud pools abound. The center of attention is the lake itself, whose banks are dotted with eateries, cafés, and taverns. It was a gloomy, overcast day when we arrived in Taupo, so we spent the time relaxing on the lake's edge, eating a leisurely lunch in the town, and downing a few too many cups of coffee from Ozone Coffee Roasters (which is highly recommended).
If you're feeling more daring, Taupo is the perfect destination for a breathtaking 17-kilometer climb to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Although we were unable to participate in the trek, other travelers told us nothing but positive things about it.
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Day 8: Wellington to the Interislander Ferry Terminal
We saw some of the most breathtaking views in New Zealand's North Island throughout this lengthy day. Taupo's volcanic surroundings give way to a breathtaking route that winds through a desert, which quickly gives way to vineyards and flowerbeds, with majestic mountains looming in the distance. Even the most cynical travelers will be mesmerized by this portion of the drive through New Zealand's North Island; sunlight streams in through the windows as the vehicle cruises through villages full of idyllic cottages, fruit-filled orchards, and vibrant purple flowers that sway in the breeze.
Depending on the boat timetable that will transport you to the South Island, plan your day's itinerary. We left Taupo early in the morning, had a delicious breakfast in Wellington, explored the area, and were at the ferry terminal by 1 pm. We dropped off our rental vehicle and checked in our baggage. We had reserved an afternoon boat with Interislander. You will need to return the rental car and pick up another vehicle in the South Island if you made a reservation with an international company like Hertz.
Day 9: Hiking And Whale Viewing In Kaikoura
If you're on a road trip across New Zealand adventure tours, Kaikoura is THE spot to go whale watching. We had to forgo it since the day we were there had little chance of seeing whales and most trips had been canceled. Well, anything!
Rather, we took a leisurely stroll along the well-kept Kaikoura Peninsula Walkway, which winds among the cliffs and provides breathtaking views of the peninsula. Along the route, there's plenty of greenery, unusual birds (albatrosses, titis, and sparrows), and a colony of seals to keep you busy. The view of the blue ocean from golden meadows is certain to be exhilarating. Even though it was a gloomy, gray day, we had a great time there. On a clear day, I can see it being really breathtaking. It costs nothing to park and enter the boardwalk. It takes around three hours to complete the trek, although you may return at any moment. Bring water, a jacket, and your camera.
How long do you need to explore New Zealand adventure tours?
What is the duration of trip to New Zealand? Since New Zealand is a small nation, you can visit the majority of its top attractions in two weeks. You might easily spend three weeks or more exploring in order to see more of the areas and go off the main path.