Photo 1: Tongariro National Park

Hiring a car rather than a campervan is a good, affordable way to explore North Island and although coach companies travel the length of the land the convenience and flexibilty of your own vehicle is well worth the added cost.  Choosing a rental company is a daunting task and prices vary wildly so always call a good number of companies before making a decision and make sure you know what’s included.  It’s worth spending a day in Auckland collecting information, making calls and planning your route.  Pick up the AA guides and have a good look at the discount coupons to use later in your trip.  The information centre at the Sky Tower is a good place to start and the i-Site Vistor Information Centres all over New Zealand offer a wealth of useful local information.  We used Apex car hire when we drove this route at the beginning of 2008.

Photo 2: Auckland City

Day 1:

Nomads Fusion, Auckland

• Gather information and book your car rental whilst exploring the centre of Auckland.

Day 2:

Nomads Fusion, Auckland

• Pick up your car and take a drive over to Devonport for a fantastic view of Auckland from the top of Mt. Victoria Reserve.

Day 3:

Tatahi Lodge, Hahei

• An incredible drive out of Auckland to the Coromandel peninsula around the Firth of Thames.  Pick up some smoked green lipped mussels in Coromandel from the Coromandel Smoking Co. before heading across the peninsula to Hahei.

Photo 3: Cathedral Cove, Hahei

Day 4:

Base Backpackers, Rotorua

• A morning walk down to Cathedral Cove to catch the sunrise, then over to Hot Water Beach to dig your own hot pool before heading south to the thermal wonderland of Rotorua via fish and chips on the beach at Whangamata from Craig’s Traditional Fish & Chips. Maketu is worth a detour for pie lovers wishing to purchase direct from the bakery.  A trip in the Rotorua Gondola gives you a good view of the area and the opportunity for a few rides on the Luge.

Day 5:

Base Backpackers, Rotorua

• A trip to Whakarewarewa Maori village is well worth it.  Rotorua has a huge choice of things to do.

Day 6:

Archie’s Bunker, Napier

• Pay a visit to Waiotapu Thermal Wonderland on the way out of Rotorua, if you’re early you can probably catch Lady Knox geyser erupting.  Stop for lunch on the lake in Taupo and drive on to Napier through the vineyards of Hawkes Bay and explore the Art Deco buildings around the city.

Day 7:

Archie’s Bunker, Napier

• Take a trip out to some of the nearby vineyards for a tour and tasting.

Day 8:

YHA, Wellington

• Travel along the minor roads to Wellington via Poangahau and Pongaroa to get a feel for the importance of sheep farming in New Zealand.  Stop at the sign for the world’s longest place name en route to Wellington.

Day 9:

YHA, Wellington

• Drive out around the peninsula near the airport. Head up Mt. Victoria for a panoramic view of Wellington and pay a visit to the extensive Te papa museum to learn about all things New Zealand.

Emerald Lakes, Tongariro Crossing

Day 10:

Skotel, Tongariro National Park

• Head north from Wellington for Whakapapa Village in Tongariro National Park.  Visit the Tongariro Adventure Headquarters when you arrive, check the weather for tomorrow and book yourself transport to the trailhead and pick-up afterwards.  These guys will collect you when you call after completing the hike to save you waiting around for a scheduled pick-up time.

Day 11:

Kiwipaka, Waitomo

• An early morning rise to hike the 18km Tongariro Crossing. Make sure you’re well prepared for all weathers with adequate food and water.  If you complete the trail in good time and still feel fit enough take a slow drive north to Waitomo.

Photo 5: Piha beach

Day 12:

Raglan

• Get up early and take a tour of the nearby glow worm caves.  There are a few options, some more adventurous than others.  Spellbound Tours offer a great excursion to caves just outside Waitomo.  Black Water Rafting is a popular activity here.  Otorohanga Kiwi House is a popular place to view the endangered Kiwi just outside Waitomo.  Drive north to Kawhia then take the dirt road to Raglan.

Day 13:

Nomads Fusion, Auckland

• Head back to Auckland and take a drive out through the neighbourhoods and explore the beautiful Piha beach and Karekare beach where The Piano was filmed.

Day 14:

Nomads Fusion, Auckland

• Rest and relax.

You might be interested in: ‘New Zealand South Island in 18 Days‘.