Route: New Zealand itinerary 8+ weeks (North Island) (2017)

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1 Route: New Zealand itinerary 8+ weeks (North Island) (2017) Giving yourself some time to explore New-Zealand? Or just looking for a great itinerary to tackle the North Island? Then this is your route! Use it when travelling 8+ weeks on both Islands, or when you want to discover all of Northern Islands beauty. The North Island has stunning landscapes and trees that will make you feel like a child all over again. But there is a turn side, the west coast is rough and black. NOTE: it might be smart to split your North Island visit, head to the South Island after Wellington and save the rest for when you've completed that.

2 , Mount Manaia The open rock on top of the mountain is a natural lookout point that is ideal for a good photo shoot. The trail is passable for the most part there was built a staircase. From the top to see both coasts of the peninsula , The starting point of the walk is at the Whangarei Heads School. DOC camping Otamure Bay (Whananaki) DOC campsites are usually surrounded by nature. Thus, also this one. The view is gorgeous, go hiking trails from the campsite which give a great view of the coast and make lying islands. Ideal place to really relax and enjoy New Zealand. Also ideal as a stopover to Cape Reinga. This was our first DOC campsite during our trip through New Zealand, then we have here as much advantage of it , Charges: 1-10 euro Try to get a spot overlooking the sea. This makes getting up much easier, also take a walk on the beautiful beach!

3 DOC camping Puriri Bay (Whangaruru North Head) In this secluded headland is a beautiful campsite which overlooks a quiet cove. Ideal for snorkelling or quietly enjoying the views. Dolphins would sometimes swim to "inside" to hunt there. DOC campground is well maintained and inexpensive compared to other campsites. In addition, the location is unique and for that reason alone is a must. From the campsite go some short but beautiful trails , Charges: 1-10 euro Definitely go snorkeling and continue holding the water in the holes if you want to see dolphins. The short walks are also highly recommended! DOC camping Maitai Bay This DOC campsite is for many tourists too far from the route. But is nevertheless well suited as a stopover on the way to or returning from Cape Reinga. The site is quite large (compared to other DOC campsites) and the Maitai Bay has a beautiful white beach. At the opening of the bay, where it is rockier, can be fished well. Here itself with a simple polecaught fish which was plenty big for the pan! , Charges: 1-10 euro Plan to go fishing? Then takes into account the dimensions which have a fish needs to be allowed to be eaten. There are heavy fines for failure to return to small fish ,

4 DOC camping Maitai Bay This DOC campsite is for many tourists too far from the route. But is nevertheless well suited as a stopover on the way to or returning from Cape Reinga. The site is quite large (compared to other DOC campsites) and the Maitai Bay has a beautiful white beach. At the opening of the bay, where it is rockier, can be fished well. Here itself with a simple polecaught fish which was plenty big for the pan! , Charges: 1-10 euro Plan to go fishing? Then takes into account the dimensions which have a fish needs to be allowed to be eaten. There are heavy fines for failure to return to small fish. Cape Reinga Maybe some touristy but this certainly is not something so skip. The road and walk to it alone are worth it. But the main attraction has to be the unique face of the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean that converge here. A clear dividing line that runs through the sea, with waves storing a result. Cape Reinga through Abel Tasman has a small Dutch flavor so a nice explanation for our national history. Note also the vegetation, herein you can clearly see the effect of this place , Make sure you have enough fuel in the tank. The nearest gas station is 80 kilometers from Cape Reinga.

5 90 Mile Beach 90 Mile Beach is, unlike the name suggests, only 90 kilometers. Long it was used as a main road between Kaitaia and Cape Reinga. Now it is mainly special tour buses that use it as a tourist attraction and thrill seekers who want to experience what it is like to ride on a beach. That it can go wrong can be seen on the beach, car roofs sometimes stabbing just above the sand. It is therefore not suitable for every car, we ventured out to our bus. And to this day I sometimes regret it , The road is when the tide is low only passable. so make sure you are aware of when the water is at its lowest state. Only the hard sand is in fact driveable. The risk 's are completely on their own account, so you get stuck then the chance that no one comes to the rescue exists. Be careful! Tane Mahuta (Lord of the Forest) The Kauri tree is estimated to be 2,000 years old and is the oldest (known) Kauri tree in New Zealand. The Kauri Tree is unique to New Zealand and the reasons why a visit. 52 meters high and a circumference of 13 meters is more than an impressive sight. This mighty tree next to his age and size also Maori mythology. It would be the son of "Ranginui the Sky father" and "mother Papatuanuku the earth." , There is no one path from the parking lot to Tane Mahuta (5 min). Here are two "viewing platforms ". Kauri trees have very weak roots so there should not be shut up in the vicinity of the tree.

6 Waipoua Forest The Waipoua Forest is the largest remaining native forest of the Northland. Here you will find include the Kauri tree, these trees are seen as one of the mightiest trees in the world. These native trees grow get up to 50 meters in height, circumference of 16 meters and can live more than 2,000 years , More information: The roots of the trees have been Kauri, despite the size of the trees, very weak. Too often walk can all cause the tree dies and falls over. So stay on the trails! DOC camping Fletcher Bay The Coromandel is a beautiful area in New Zealand. This all comes together in Fletcher Bay. The winding road along the coast is a pleasure to drive. But the views are not islands lying off the coast lying around. Try to schedule time to make one or more walks in this area. Thus, the Coromandel Walkway is recommended. Starting with sheep covered hills leads them along the coast to him only a moment to lose sight of. But there are also hiking trails inland , Charges: 1-10 euro The bulk of the site is on the other side of a small river. Here, to be driven through it. This will not be possible with all the car 's / campers can.

7 Cathedral Cove A short walk (45 minutes) goes to one of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand. Tucked between the high rock walls lies a snow-white beach. Actually, the two beaches, which are connected to each other by the Cathedral Cove. There is more than just the Cathedral Cove, the path is clear also by Stingray Bay (you can see them swim!) and Gemstone Bay where a nice snorkel route is plotted. Take beach and snorkel gear so too it! , can be parked at the Grange Road. From the parking lot starts the path that runs to the Cathedral Cove. Be sure you badspullen not, it is the ideal place to relax for a few hours. Do you take your snorkel gear sure to take the route in Gemstone Bay! Hot Water Beach During low tide will be a part of the beach where a free hot spring just is hidden below the surface. This warm groundwater is easy to reach by digging a hole. Allows you to own Hot Water Pool are made. The part of the beach where it is possible, just not that big, so it soon looks like a bunch of flies on honey. The phenomenon is nice to see, but do not expect to relax can sit in your Hot Pool , Two hours before or after low tide, the hot springs are accessible. Keep this in mind in planning, online consulting the tide. In can be hired to create the village of Hot Water Beach, but this is not necessary.

8 Mount Maunganui For several reasons, it is a must to visit Mount Maunganui. The village has a very relaxed atmosphere with lots of bars and cafes. The beaches are tight white and the waves are perfect for surfing. Not surprising that this is a popular stop for cruise ships. The ascent of one and a half hours to the top of the mountain here gives a nice view and therefore worthwhile , The mountain is not to be missed hurry, in the neighborhood can be parked (anything further from free). The climb can be quite steep and has no railing. Slipping is therefore not recommended. (Surf)beach Marine Parade The Marine Parade you will find several cafes and bars as well as surf shops where surfboards can be rented or take a lesson! Definitely recommended, a beautiful beach to learn or go surfing! Also perfect for a chill day at the beach. A nice clean beach with all facilities nearby. Well worth it if you're in the area! , On Marine Parade is a paid parking, more into the village can (in 2010/2011) be parked for free, just a five to ten minute walk from the beach. East Cape Lighthouse A long dead end road leads to the foot of a hill on which the lighthouse stands. The road is rugged as the entire East Cape that is. Many tourists come not because it is out of the way, but only the story of the creation of the lighthouse is all worth it. namely it was first on the island just offshore. Here even several families lived on. This was not an ideal situation, so it was decided to tear down the lighthouse and rebuild. With all its consequences , The road ends at a certain point, or goes into private property. Here you have a meadow to reach the stairs that go up the hill towards the lighthouse.

9 First sunrise (Wainui Beach, Gisborne) It is not a big event or a must see, but nice to say that you are the first of the day to watch the sunrise. It can be done at several places (the lighthouse at East Cape is the most eastern pount) but this beach is recommended by the people of Gisborne if you don't want to drive all the way to the lighthouse early in the morning , More information: The sunrise time of course! It would be a shame if he is above the water. Check the more information website for the sunrise times Gisborne The Gisborne region has a rich Maori culture, but it is also interesting to visit other reasons. So this is the world's easternmost city. Which means this city every day first see the sunrise. On New Year so this is a real happening! , More information: Rosie Bay Campsite These small basic camp of the Department Of Conservation offers six spots. As basic suggests, is here on a toilet after no facilities. The water is crystal clear and it is certainly recommended to take a dip here. It is cold but a unique experience, everything is covered with a snorkel set and with luck you just swim trout. In the vicinity are many marked walks (like the Onepoto Caves Track) that are worthwhile , Fishing in Lake Waikaremoana is only allowed with a license, fines can be high so make sure you buy a license if you want to fish for trout!

10 Huka Falls The passage of the Huka Falls water passes is not so great, and by the type of rock wear this not so easy, so the water is pushed with great force through. Although there is not much visible height remains an impressive sight to see how much and how fast the water flows through the Waikato River , From the parking lot will direct a short walk (and on) the Huka Falls. More water violence can be seen at the lower dam, but this is at regular intervals. Hot Stream (Spa Thermal Park) Spa Thermal Park is free and is a large park (in itself not very special from what I've seen). Especially fine Hot Stream which flows into the Waikato River. An ideal mix of hot and cold water, lovely to relax! Many locals come on weekends to the park, and specifically this Hot Stream. At these times it may therefore be busier , There are several pools, which are closer to the source. Here, the temperature of the water varies, therefore, and may even be called. You can park on the parking lot of the park, there are, however hours. Keep this in mind!

11 DOC camping Mangatutu Hot Springs The site is located far from civilization, it is a journey in itself to get there. But a nice trip through the Kaweka Forest Park. And the result is satisfactory, an excellent site with its own fireplace. But even better are (have photos of this we've decided to make the trek) two landscaped hot pools. Slightly removed from the site are the hot pools, in a secluded spot with stunning views. Here runs a natural hot stream which is used to the two hot pools to be supplied with fresh hot water. Ideal to take a rest! , The route can be a little close, maybe not ideal to do with a big RV. When we were there we heard of repeat visitors that the camp would remain free of charge in This is partly through the landscaped hot pools. To date, however, it seems the site yet listed for as complimentary. Napier Art Deco Capital Napier is also known as Art Deco Capital, this unique architecture is the current attraction of the city. After a major earthquake in 1931, the entire city center was rebuilt in this style. Meanwhile, it is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. In addition to the city's more in Napier; Visit Oppossum World of the National Aquarium of New Zealand , National Aquarium of New Zealand National Aquarium of New Zealand is a small aquarium with lots of varied fish. From local to exotic species. A nice addition is the part where are some Kiwis. This bird has not been seen in the wild hurry (or told) so to have one in the really see was a nice addition and makes a visit to the National Aquarium of New Zealand worthwhile , Charges: euro It is not extremely large fish tank, so do not expect too much. Fun is definitely but do not expect to be overwhelmed.

12 Wellington Botanic Garden The Wellington Botanic Garden covers an area of 25 hectares. Grass Plains are interspersed with landscaped flower / plant beds. But also a rose garden. The garden is built on a hill so there is quite some height. There is a cable car to the top part, this special is not real. But it's run upwards. A return ticket is required , The red cable car is mentioned everywhere, exciting is not however. If you still want to experience it, just buy a ticket to the top and walk through the Botanic Garden down. Do not forget to visit the Begonia House. Te Papa Museum It's a shame not to visit the Te Papa Museum if you are in Wellington. Most of it is free and gives a good picture of New Zealand. Emphasis will be put on the ground floor on the rich New Zealand nature, but also the emergence of the country and the effects of the volcanic activity. Also in the museum are the cultural influences of the Maori offerings. You walk therefore easily around all day! , There is a lot of variety within the museum, the time also flies. Do you really want to get everything with it might be wise to make two (half) days before pulling out. Besides the free section there are also paid for temporary exhibitions.

13 Climbing Mt Taranaki / Egmont Maori legend says that Mount Taranaki was first among the mountains in the Tongariro National Park. After a fierce fight which he lost Taranaki left (or was exiled) to where it is now. The mountain can be climbed from the car park at the information center. From here, considering the ascent is 1.6 kilometers, almost vertically upwards. The ascent and descent takes about 8 hours and can be done unaccompanied. It is a horrible climb with the best views with eternal snow. And therefore probably the most climbed mountain in New Zealand , The weather is treacherous, therefore always walk into the information center. You can also find more information about the climb there. High hiking shoes are recommended! Don't be that guy/girl on sandals or sneakers.. Tongariro Alpine Crossing The Tongariro Alpine Crossing i one of the most beautiful one day hikes in New-Zealand, and the world. An absolute most do when you have enough time. The walk is 20km and takes around 7 hours. Side tracks are possible to extend the hike. During the hike you get treated with amazing views on volcanos (Mount Doom from the Lord of the Rings), lava fields and epic blue lakes , More information: The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is NOT a loop, so it has a different start and finish point. Make sure to arrange a pick up service or something similar (around 30$). Check the weather before heading out, as it can get dangerous out there.

14 Rotorua Rotorua is a unique place, if only for a moment, certainly must be done. The closer you get, the stronger the smell of sulfur. Rotorua is one of the most active geothermal areas of New Zealand and this is the reason of this remarkable fragrance. Behold volcanic craters, spouting geysers, bubbling mud pools or soak in geothermal hot pools , More information: Definitely wrong with is the view of the lake where Rotorua. Besides the many paid pools, hot pools, etc. There are also some free accessible in the area.