Depending on how long you have, you can create various iteneraries through New Zealand's North Island. You'll find various suggestions here, but what we chose to do was to find spots we wanted to visit and then plotted our route. This is how we spent 8.5 days.
8 days in North Island
Cape Reinga
Cape Reinga is the northern most part of New Zealand that is accessible to the general public. The truly northern tip, Surville Cliffs, isn't much farther away but is also inaccessible. So Cape Reinga claims that title for all practical purposes. The region is absent of any real accommodations, which makes Kaitaia a good base for visiting it. The 90-minute drive from Kaitaia to Cape Reinga will take you through some scenic landscapes. Day trips are offered by tour buses, but if you have your own wheels, you have the advantage of beating the crowds.
Kaitaia to Cape Reinga
This is where the Tasman Sea in the west meets the Pacific Ocean from the east.
The lighthouse at Cape Reinga
Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet at Cape Reinga
At Cape Reinga
There are several hiking trails to choose from, depending on how ambitious you are. This is the early part of the Te Paki Coastal Track, starting with a 2 km trek to Te Werahi Beach and going all the way to Te Paki Stream, about 25 km away. Yes, we did the 2 km one.
Te Paki Coastal Track at Cape Reinga
Te Werahi Beach at Cape Reinga
Orakei Korako
Orakei Korako is a geothermal park located not too far from Rotorua. It is well worth it to spend a few hours here and experience this natural wonder. The self-guide tour via fixed pathways will take you through the park. There is strong emphasis not to deviate, lest you find yourself slipping into scolding hot water. You'll find lots of useful information here.
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park
Tongariro National Park
Located in the heart of North Island, the Tongariro National Park is home to 'Mount Doom' from the movie Lord of the Rings. The popular Tongariro Alpine Crossing boasts it's day-long, 12 hour trek, but you'll also find shorter trips through serene landscapes, creeks, and waterfalls. More info here.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park
Taranaki Falls
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro National Park
Wellington
And we finally made it to Wellington! I was happy to let go of the rental car for a more urban experience. Also, I was pulled over twice over the preceding days, but was spared of any speeding tickets and let off with polite warnings. My luck might have run out the third time. Cabs an Ubers were in abundance. The city's iconic cable car will take you up to the Botanic Gardens.
Wellington
Wellington
Why did I take random pictures of people's houses? Well, this is the part of me that wishes it could actually stay in places in the order of weeks and months to experience them like a local. That's usually not an option so I try to do it vicariously through people who actually live there.
Wellington
Cuba Street in Wellington comes alive at night. Stroll through here after sunset and soak in the night markets on Fridays and Saturdays. Shops, cafes, live music, and a wide range of street food options await you. More info here.
Cuba Street, Wellington
Cuba Street, Wellington
Cuba Street, Wellington
Auckland
The visit ended with a 2-night stay in Auckland at the centrally located Skycity Grand Hotel, within walking distance to a host of restaurants and just about every designer fashion store imaginable on Queen Street. But to get to Waiheke Island, you'll have to take a ferry. You could rent a car on the island to get around (if you plan ahead!), but there is also a hop-on, hop-off tour service that will allow you to explore the island, albeit not as flexible as having your own car. You'll have several wineries to choose from on the route. We stopped at the highly-recommended Mudbrick for a tasting and dined there for lunch - some of the most succulent lamb I've had!
Wineries in Waiheke Island
Lamb Shoulder in Waiheke Island
It's hard to top a satisfying experience like that one. It was 'until next time, New Zealand' the following day as we left for Brisbane, on our way back to Chicago.
Goodbye Auckland
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