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Are you embarking on a New Zealand freeway journey and in quest of the simplest areas to go to in New Zealand? For those who want to go on a New Zealand freeway journey on the North Island and the South Island, then you definately definately’re in luck, on account of that’s the remaining phrase 2-week New Zealand freeway journey itinerary that ought to go in your New Zealand bucket file!
On this weblog publish, I’m going to highlight the simplest points to do in New Zealand, the simplest areas to go to in New Zealand and the simplest adventures to go on. That’s the weblog publish for you whether or not or not or not you could be in quest of the simplest hikes in New Zealand, the simplest areas to go to on the North Island or the South Island or the following trip spot to your New Zealand freeway journey. The character and the tranquility of a freeway journey in New Zealand couldn’t be farther from the hustle and bustle that you simply simply might experience in your every day life, and it’s positively someplace it is best to experience as quickly as in your lifetime.
This 2-week New Zealand freeway journey is good for a lot of who want an precise model for what New Zealand has to produce. Whether or not or not you need hikes and bikes, horse utilizing, wine tasting or Nationwide Parks, this New Zealand freeway journey itinerary is an absolute ought to for worldwide travellers visiting New Zealand along with locals in quest of a house journey that appears like you’ve got gone on a world journey. With its contrasting landscapes, pure magnificence and differ of journey actions, you could spend months in New Zealand and by no means even scratch the ground. The draw again? For nearly all of people, this merely isn’t potential, which is why this remaining two week freeway journey in New Zealand goes that may help you see the highlights!
Be warned, this remaining New Zealand freeway journey covers a distance of 1150 miles from the South Island by means of to the North Island. It is not for the faint hearted, nonetheless I promise you a journey you will at all times bear in mind! In any case, this New Zealand freeway journey itinerary goes to think about you’ve got a automotive or van. Nonetheless, if in case you could have booked to stay in a single place all through your time in New Zealand, or for individuals who’re backpacking in New Zealand and likewise you’re in quest of areas to go to in New Zealand at a slower tempo, chances are high you will want to make use of this publish to encourage day journeys or extensions to the place you’re going to be based.
For those who want to know further about renting a campervan in New Zealand, check out this weblog publish.
Totally different New Zealand weblog posts you is more likely to be severe about…
Attending to New Zealand…
Most worldwide flights to New Zealand arrive in Auckland, the nation’s most populous metropolis on the North Island. Nonetheless, since we had been departing from Sydney, Australia, Queenstown on the South Island was an necessary chance for us to fly into instead, providing an alternate begin line for the roadtrip. Nonetheless, this itinerary could be accomplished in reverse.
Study flight affords proper right here.
Getting spherical New Zealand…
Automotive hire: It’s not a freeway journey with out some wheels! We employed our automotive from Rental Vehicles which allowed us to resolve on an appropriate automotive suited to our value vary. A number of points to ponder when choosing who to go together with are;
- whether or not or not they price a a technique drop off cost or not
- whether or not or not they specify a most number of miles which could be pushed or in the event that they’ve limitless mileage
Every won’t be in line with the spirit of an necessary freeway journey and seem to differ between suppliers, so merely one factor to watch out for!
Check out our excessive solutions for hiring a camper van in New Zealand proper right here.
Ferry: Halfway by means of this New Zealand freeway journey itinerary you will have to cross from one island to the other by means of the ferry. You can purchase tickets instantly from the Ferry provider (Interislander or Bluebridge).
The place to stay in New Zealand…
All through this remaining two week freeway journey itinerary for New Zealand, we alternated between Airbnb’s and motels/resorts. Most areas present numerous lodging applicable for all budgets. Nonetheless, throughout the further distant areas (considerably the west coast of the South Island), we found the lodging to be restricted, costlier and booked up fast in peak season.
Wild tenting is allowed in positive elements of New Zealand. In some areas it is not allowed the least bit (it is best to see clear “no in a single day tenting” indicators. If you’re not sure whether or not or not you could or cannot camp in positive areas, the simplest issue to do is to ask the native Buyer Information Centre or cellphone the native council to ask!
I’m going to start out and end this freeway journey in New Zealand in Queenstown on the South Island after which work my technique up North. It’s the correct New Zealand freeway journey for individuals who’re looking for to find the North Island and the South Island! The itinerary ends in Auckland, nonetheless there’s no trigger why you couldn’t benefit from this New Zealand freeway journey itinerary throughout the completely different course and drive from North to South.
It’s a 2-week freeway journey itinerary for New Zealand, nonetheless there’s no trigger why you could’t adapt it to be a shorter 10-day itinerary, or take your time and spend 3 or 4 weeks ending this route!
Days 1 and a few: Queenstown
Profitable the title for being the journey capital of the world, Queenstown is sure the simplest areas to go to in New Zealand; it positively was for me! Situated throughout the south west of the South Island, this picturesque metropolis is nestled between looming mountains and the turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu.
While you’re in Queenstown, be sure that to journey the Skyline Gondola as a lot as the very best of Bob’s Peak to soak up primarily probably the most unbelievable views wanting over town. A superb greater answer to soak in your surroundings, is to journey the scenic luge. Merely watching the sheer pleasure on my mum’s face as she beetled throughout the observe was ample leisure for me.
See the simplest hikes in Queenstown proper right here.
There are many journey actions to pick from throughout the area, nonetheless for individuals who’d fairly not leap off a ledge, I prefer to suggest the Shotover Jet. This takes you on a extreme tempo boat by means of the canyons, with the drivers performing 360 diploma spins and stunts, whereas narrowly missing (by millimetres!) the cliff edges. It’s obtained to be the simplest points to do in New Zealand!
In any case that adrenaline, take some time to loosen up, uncover and eat in considered one of many many consuming locations on present amongst the spectacular environment. A particular highlight for me was tucking proper right into a delicious pizza at Fat Badgers Pizza Bar, adopted by indulging on churros on the waterfront as I watched the sunset over the lake.
Check out our backpacker’s info to Queenstown proper right here. 
Day 3: Wanaka & Haast
It’s time to say goodbye to Queenstown on this New Zealand freeway journey and set off very very first thing in path of Haast, on one of many essential scenic drives in New Zealand with jaw dropping landscapes and twisty roads.
If you love outdated Western movies, make a quick stop throughout the quaint and historic metropolis of Arrowtown between Queenstown and Wanaka.
As you arrive into Wanaka, you could be met with one different magnificent lake set in direction of a backdrop of blue mountains. Usually seen as a rival of Queenstown, you obtained’t be wanting points to do and see proper right here and if in case you could have longer than 2 weeks, I prefer to suggest staying proper right here for a number of nights. As we’re solely passing by means of, seize a piece to eat at considered one of many lakeside consuming locations, admire the calmness of the water and go check out primarily probably the most instagrammed tree #thatwanakatree, the simplest areas to go to in New Zealand.
For the ultimate leg of as we communicate’s drive on our New Zealand freeway journey, you could find your self on the Haast Cross. There are a selection of beautiful spots alongside the easiest way, along with the ‘Blue Swimming swimming pools’. Proper right here, the water is obvious and modern and likewise you guessed it, blue!
As you arrive into Haast to settle down for the evening time, chances are high you will uncover one issue: how distant you could be. Haast is taken into consideration thought of considered one of New Zealand’s most isolated cities. You obtained’t have any signal, WiFi is restricted and consuming locations/retailers are far and few between, nonetheless that’s the beauty of it.
Day 4: Franz Josef
Put collectively to depart early as you proceed alongside this remaining 2-week New Zealand freeway journey to Franz Josef. If you thought your surroundings from the previous day couldn’t get any greater, successfully you’ll be completely happy to know you could be mistaken! The following leg of your journey is like driving by means of Jurassic Park, with lush rainforest on one aspect, and the rugged shoreline on the other. The one issue missing had been the dinosaurs! Make sure that to stop off at Knights Degree Lookout for an epic view of the Tasman Sea.
Franz Josef is assumed for its accessible glacier, nonetheless sadly it is retreating at a quick cost. Spend the afternoon each taking a heli hike to the glacier for an up and personal, nonetheless pricier experience, or the other free chance is to park throughout the allotted automotive park and stroll for an hour or so to the underside of the glacier and have a look at it from there. Whereas I found the view on the end fairly underwhelming, the stroll in itself is satisfying among the many many tropical ferns and you could even spot a number of (small) waterfalls.
Uncover out further regarding the Franz Josef heli journey proper right here.
Seize dinner throughout the small, however vigorous and successfully outfitted metropolis, sooner than handing over for the evening time.
uncover ACTIVE TRAVEL on THE weblog proper right here
Day 5: Punakaiki
Rise and shine, it’s time to proceed your prehistoric journey onto, personally, the one of many essential underrated nonetheless best areas to go to:in New Zealand; Punakaiki. There are a number of large(ger) cities alongside the easiest way, Hokitika and Greymouth, nonetheless I might solely stop there for a quick espresso and to stretch your legs.
Punakaiki is on the doorway to Paparoa Nationwide Park and has numerous mountaineering trails which allow you to uncover the rich native forest. If you like horses, I prefer to suggest taking a visit by means of the valley instead. Organised by the householders of our lodging, this 2.5 hour journey took us by means of the bush, alongside the Punakaiki River (and even crossing it at numerous low components), sooner than ending up with a canter from one end of the seaside to the other… a extremely unforgettable experience and positively the simplest points to do in New Zealand!
To excessive off the day, seize one of many essential beautiful sunsets on the west coast, as a result of the photo voltaic disappears slowly over the Tasman Sea.
Day 6: Pancake Rocks, Cape Foulwind & Blenheim
Sooner than setting off for day 6 of this New Zealand freeway journey, go to the Pancake Rocks very very first thing. These are pure rock formations which look like… pancakes! The loop path is a straightforward 20-minute stroll and has superior coastal views.
Subsequent, head in path of Cape Foulwind which is home to a seal breeding colony; it’s time to get your cute restore! There is a temporary 10-minute observe from the automotive park which leads you on to a viewing platform the place you could spot these stunning water fur infants of their pure habitat; and likewise you obtained’t neglect the lovable noises they make.
As you make your answer to Blenheim by means of rich vegetation, profit from the magnificent freeway following the path of the Buller River sooner than coming into the Marlborough space. You’ll uncover the altering panorama as quickly as further as you in the meanwhile are throughout the coronary coronary heart of New Zealand’s wine commerce.
Day 7: Marlborough, Pichton & ferry to the North Island
- Driving time: 1 hour spherical vineyards
- Ferry time: 3.5 hours
What greater answer to spend your remaining day on the South Island on this New Zealand freeway journey than by going wine tasting! Sadly, proper right here is the second you desire a chosen driver. As my mum is an enormous lover of wine and me, not loads, the selection was very obvious.
With its good native climate and beautiful local weather, we liked the day driving throughout the various vineyards and soaking throughout the photo voltaic.
Each winery differs in price and their selections, with you paying a flat cost (wherever from NZD 5 – 20) to try numerous their native wines. We stopped on the well-known Brancott Property and Villa Maria, sooner than heading to a loads smaller and intimate winery.
After a grape crammed day, it’s time to depart the South Island and catch the ferry from Picton to Wellington. You most likely have some time beforehand, have a stroll throughout the picturesque port metropolis of Picton which gives off a extremely Mediterranean actually really feel with its palm bushes dotted alongside the waterfront.
You’ll greater than doubtless be arriving into Wellington at evening time, so put collectively your self for a full day ahead to find the capital metropolis of New Zealand.
uncover ROAD TRIPS on THE weblog proper right here
Day 8: Wellington
Seize your comfiest strolling sneakers, put your automotive keys down for the day and spend your day in Wellington catching the long-lasting crimson cable automotive to the lookout and botanical gardens, which give glorious panoramic views over city.
Subsequent, head to Te Papa, the Museum of New Zealand, which is free, to review principally each factor regarding the historic previous and geography of the nation. Fingers down, it was primarily probably the most fascinating museum I’ve ever been to, and you could merely spend an excellent few hours proper right here.
For the rest of the day, uncover the varied espresso retailers and eateries which city has to produce. It’s a reasonably good start to the North Island on this New Zealand freeway journey!
Day 9: Taupo
Put collectively your self for the longest drive day of this remaining 2-week freeway journey in New Zealand. For those who’re visiting for longer, I might put apart just some further days to experience this area as there are so many pleasing points to do in Taupo, nonetheless for this itinerary, we’ll merely be driving by means of. The biggest issue that took me abruptly proper right here was how fully completely different the South and North Islands are. Swap out lush inexperienced ferns for a desert like panorama with an unbelievable mountain backdrop.
You will uncover you could be close to reaching town of Taupo everytime you spot the fully large lake, Lake Taupo (the largest in Australasia). Counting on the time you arrive, there’s an array of points to do every on and off the water (e.g boat cruises, kayaking, skydiving). Nonetheless, after a protracted day of driving, we settled for a soothing afternoon/evening and admired the water from the shore, sooner than getting an early evening time.
Check out our backpacker’s info to Taupo proper right here.
Day 10: Wai-o-Tapu, Rotorua, Hobbiton & Hamilton
Get up early and drive 40 minutes to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, home to some of New Zealand’s most enjoyable geothermal train. Merely put collectively your self for the sulphur-eggy scent.. it’s pretty sturdy! Proper right here you could observe a easy loop throughout the park whereas witnessing effervescent mud swimming swimming pools, collapsed craters with steaming scorching water and some very uncommon coloured swimming swimming pools (notably the inexperienced one; you wouldn’t have to fall into there!).
Subsequent, head to Rotorua, New Zealand’s smelliest metropolis (on account of on account of hydrogen sulphide emissions from the brand new swimming swimming pools) and seize some lunch. As we’re merely passing by means of, this generally is a temporary stopover. Nonetheless, you could merely spend just some days proper right here for those who’re contemplating of extending this New Zealand freeway journey itinerary.
Calling all Lord of the Rings followers! For those who’re on this part of the world, you positively should go to Hobbiton for a guided tour by means of the Shire, the movie set for the Hobbit and LOTR. Head proper right here throughout the afternoon to your chosen tour time, and immerse your self throughout the tranquil countryside whereas finding out regarding the set and what went on behind the scenes. It’s so cute, I’ll reside there! It’s positively a ought to do in your New Zealand bucket file.
Lastly, finish your day in Hamilton, thought of considered one of New Zealand’s busier and additional modern cities.
Days 12-13: Bay of Islands
It’s about time we mixed up the panorama as quickly as further on this New Zealand freeway journey, this time throughout the subtropical north throughout the Bay of Islands. After a protracted drive, we often known as the small metropolis of Kerikeri home for subsequent few nights, the correct place to loosen up for the previous few days of the journey and an necessary base to find the realm.
From proper right here you could hike the numerous trails which can be on present, recognizing waterfalls alongside the easiest way, hop on a ship tour from Paihia and witness the shoreline/small islands from the blue sea, soak throughout the photo voltaic from the golden Sandy seashores and research further about New Zealand’s historic previous on the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Check out our Northland freeway journey itinerary proper right here.
A favourite day journey of ours was to the small historic metropolis of Russell, completely the jewel of the Bay of Islands. This stunning metropolis has loads attract and is probably going one of the vital romantic areas I’ve ever been; there’s nothing greater than having enjoyable with a drink by the crystal waters and listening to the sunshine lapping of waves. You’ll attain Russell just by taking the automotive ferry from Opua which departs repeatedly.
Check out the simplest hikes in New Zealand proper right here.
Day 14: Auckland
As your remaining 2-week freeway journey in New Zealand attracts to an in depth, it is time to depart the tranquility of the north and head once more south to Auckland. Since we would have liked to spend most of our time throughout the good outdoors, we didn’t schedule loads time proper right here. Nonetheless, as with all big coastal metropolis, having enjoyable with the eateries on the waterfront among the many many hustle and bustle, as you watch the sails go by is an absolute ought to.
See further points to do in Auckland proper right here.
The place are your favourite areas to go to in New Zealand?
What are your excessive solutions for planning a New Zealand freeway journey itinerary? One thing you’d add?
Love as on a regular basis and happy adventuring…
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