This New Zealand North Island itinerary will take you to the Island’s best hiking areas and the country’s finest wine regions. This isn’t your average tourist route with recommended tourist activities.
This is a travel plan for independent explorers who relish the outdoors, wildlife, and a good craft beer, or glass of wine. We’re all about balancing the two in this epic New Zealand North Island Itinerary.
We traveled through NZ with an NSC (non-self-contained) campervan from mid-January to mid-April (Summer, Autumn). This New Zealand North Island itinerary is closely based on what we did, though we lingered in some places longer due to bad weather.
For each day, we’ve outlined our favorite things to do and see, including hikes, wineries and places to eat. We’ve also included where to stay, whether you’re camping, backpacking, or staying in hotels.
Also use our New Zealand Travel Guide, New Zealand Hiking Guide, and our South Island Itinerary to help plan your trip.
3-Week New Zealand North Island Itinerary
- Day 1: Auckland & Around
- Days 2-3: Coromandel Peninsula
- Day 4: Raglan
- Days 5-7: Taranaki & New Plymouth
- Days 8-10: Tongariro National Park
- Days 11-13: Taupo & Around
- Days 14-16: Hawke’s Bay & Around
- Days 17-18: Martinborough Wine Region
- Day 19: Cape Palliser & Aorangi Forest Park
- Days 20-21: Wellington
- 1 Night in Auckland & Around
- 2 Nights in Coromandel Peninsula
- 1 Night in Raglan
- 3 Nights in Taranaki & New Plymouth
- 3 Nights in Tongariro National Park
- 3 Nights in Taupo & Around
- 3 Nights in Hawke’s Bay & Around
- 2 Nights in Martinborough Wine Region
- 1 Night in Cape Palliser & Aorangi Forest Park
- 1 Night in Wellington
How to Book this New Zealand North Island Travel Itinerary: 20 Nights / 21 Days
Accommodation
Book 1 Night in Auckland & Around | Whatipu Campground (camping), Piha Beachstay (budget), or Romantic Piha (luxury) in/near Piha.
Book 2 Nights in Coromandel Peninsula | Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park (camping), Tatahi Backpackers (budget), or Dragonfly Farm (luxury) near Hahei; Beachaven Top 10 Holiday Park 9 (camping), The Crescent BnB (budget), or Kotare Ridge (midrange) near Waihi Beach
Book 1 Night in Raglan | Raglan Backpackers (budget), Entabeni (midrange), Raglan Sunset Motel and Conference Venue (luxury)
Book 3 Nights in Taranaki & New Plymouth | Volcanoview (camping), Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge (midrange), or Ngati Ruanui Stratford Mountain House (luxury)
Book 3 Nights in Tongariro National Park | Kaimanawa Road Campsite (camping), Pipers Lodge (budget), Chateau Tongariro Hotel (midrange), or Tongariro Suites (luxury)
Book 3 Nights in Taupo & Around | Reids Park Farm Freedom Campground (camping), Haka Lodge Taupo (budget), or Gables Lakefront Motel (luxury)
Book 3 Nights in Hawke’s Bay & Around| Clifton Beach Reserve Motor Camp (camping), Toad Hall Accommodation (budget), Art Deco Masonic Hotel (midrange), or Craggy Range Luxury Vineyard Retreat (luxury)
Book 2 Nights in Martinborough Wine Region | Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park (camping), Martinborough Motel (budget), The Martinborough Hotel (midrange)
Book 1 Night near Cape Palliser & Aorangi Forest Park | Putangirua Pinnacles Campground (camping), Waimeha Camping Village (budget), or Wharekauhau Country Estate (luxury)
Book 1 Night in Wellington | The Marion Hostel (budget), U Boutique Hotel (midrange), or Bolton Hotel (luxury)
Car Rental
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in New Zealand. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.
Day 1: Auckland & Around
Your New Zealand North Island itinerary begins in Auckland. If you’re a beer lover, make sure to delve into Auckland’s craft beer scene.
Once you’ve secured your campervan or rental car, head out to the black sand beaches on the east coast. Piha and Te Henga (Bethells Beach) are standout beaches.
Waitakere Ranges is a tramping destination, though some of the tracks may be closed to help prevent the spread of kauri dieback disease.
As you’re heading out of town, swing by Kumeu River Wines and Coopers Creek Vineyard.
Stay 1 night near Piha
Camping | Whatipu Campground – Remote camping location for NSC and SC Vehicles close to Whatipu Beach. It’s a drive to get to the campsite, but it’s scenic and peaceful.
Budget | Piha Beachstay – Located just a short walk away from Piha beach, this accommodation features private bedrooms and dormitories. The house’s cozy atmosphere will make you feel like home.
Luxury | Romantic Piha – This accommodation offers excellent views in a great location. The apartments feature everything you might need, including an espresso machine and cookies!
Look for accommodation in Piha.
Day 2-3: Coromandel Peninsula
Coromandel Peninsula boasts beautiful beaches, a very Hot Water Beach, quaint towns and decent tramping. As you drive along the coast, you’ll easily slip into vacation mode.
If you have extra time, you could allot 4 or 5 days to the peninsula and explore north of Colville.
Top Things to See and Do in Coromandel Peninsula
Kauaeranga Kauri Trail to Pinnacles Hut in Coromandel Forest Park | Day hike, or overnight hike (5-7 hours return). We stayed in the hut, which was large and well equipped with kitchen appliances and drinking water (collected from rainfall). We love staying in mountain huts, but we think this particular hike is better as a day hike.
Hot Water Beach | A beach where you can dig up your own hot spring tub during low tide. The hot water rises to the surface through fractures from an underground hot water reservoir. Pretty cool, right? The heat is a result of volcanic activity that occurred 5 to 9 million years ago. The water is VERY HOT! You’ll need a shovel to dig the hole (which you can rent from the Hot Water Beach Store) so you don’t burn your fingers and a bucket so that you can cool off your hot spring with ocean water.
Bike the Karangahake Gorge | This curvaceous canyon formed by the Ohinemuri River is a tramping and biking area. Though you can walk along the river, you’ll have more fun on a bike. There are also safe spots to take a dip.
Owharoa Falls | Small, but beautiful waterfall. On a hot summer day, swimming at the base of the waterfall is so refreshing.
Flatwhite Waihi Beach | This café overlooking the beach is a fun place to grab a drink and something to eat. Locals were all about the iced coffees (ice cream coffee drinks).
Stay 1 Night near Hahei
Camping | Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park – This holiday park is a 9-minute walk from Hot Water Beach. Beside a very nice and clean campground, they also offer private rooms, cabins, and bungalows.
Budget | Tatahi Backpackers is a hostel with private and dormitory rooms. It is located close to all the attractions in this area and it offers a big kitchen and a nice sitting area. Complimentary parking available on site.
Luxury | Dragonfly Farm – The Farmstay offers a 2-bedroom self contained house and a 2-bedroom apartment. Stay here if you travel with kids or if you love animals (like us). From the farm it is a 15 Minutes drive to Hot Water Beach.
Look for accommodation in Hahei.
Stay 1 Night near Waihi Beach
Camping | Beachaven Top 10 Holiday Park 9 – Located just a short stroll from the beach, this holiday park offers apartments, dormitories, and cottages in addition to the campsites.
Budget | The Crescent BnB features clean and spacious rooms and a terrace with sea views. It is a 10 minute walk to Waihi Beach.
Midrange | Kotare Ridge is a Bed and Breakfast located just 2 minutes away from the beach. Delicious breakfast included in the room rate.
Look for accommodation in Waihi Beach.
Day 4: Raglan
Raglan is a cute surf town that invites you to chill and ride the waves. According to kiwis, this is one of the best locations in New Zealand to learn how to surf. It’s safe and there are schools ready to get you up on a board.
Kati loved her surf lesson with Greenwave Raglan. We probably would have stayed another day if I (Sabrina) was more enthusiastic about surfing (sorry Kati).
Stay 1 Night in Raglan
Camping | Kev’s place – Campground with drinking water and showers.
Budget | Raglan Backpackers
Midrange | Entabeni is a Bed and breakfast located just a short walk (10 min.) from the town centre of Raglan. You will enjoy homemade muffins for breakfast.
Luxury | Raglan Sunset Motel and Conference Venue
Look for accommodation in Raglan.
Day 5-7: Taranaki & New Plymouth
The coastal drive from Raglan to New Plymouth is beautiful. On one side, rolling green hills are dotted with dairy cows, goats, and sheep. On the other, the ocean stretches out infinitely.
During low tide, you can access the White Cliffs Walkway. Our favorite roadside stop was Mike’s Brewery. Definitely drop in for a flight and a platter of cheese when you’re in Urenui.
Taranaki
Taranaki region takes its name from Mount Taranaki, the perfectly symmetrical cone volcano that (supposedly) dominates the skyline. We actually never saw the volcano, because of heavy fog and bad weather.
So, if you arrive in Taranaki on a clear day, consider yourself lucky. You’ll find the most activity (restaurants, accommodations, etc…) in New Plymouth.
We highly recommend Federal Store for breakfast and lunch and the South Indian Restaurant Kathakali for dinner.
Hike Egmont National Park
Egmont National Park encompasses Mount Taranaki (2518 meters) and the surrounding forest, rightly nicknamed the Goblin Forest. It’s a lush rainforest characterized by twisted kamahi and Hall’s totara trees festooned with moss. The forest floor is carpeted with ferns and moss, creating an entirely green environment.
The effect of seeing sunlight filter through the mossy canopy is nothing short of mesmerizing. You feel like you’ve entered another realm. Egmont National Park was one of our favorite stops on our New Zeland North Island itinerary.
To experience the Goblin Forest, head to the Dawson Falls Visitor Centre. There’s an easy loop hike that takes you into the forest and to the Willies Pools and Dawson Falls.
If you’re interested in experiencing the Pouakai Range (outstanding views of Mount Taranaki on a clear day), consider hiking the Mangorei Track. You’ll hike through the goblin forest for 2 hours before emerging into stunted tussock land.
Stay 3 Nights in New Plymouth, or Egmont National Park
Camping | Volcanoview is a popular tavern and campground offering paid spaces for SC and NSC vehicles as well as tents.
Midrange | Dawson Falls Mountain Lodge is situated at an elevation of 905 meters above sea level on the south-eastern slopes of Mount Taranaki within Egmont National Park. With its unbeatable location and volcano views, you’ll love your stay here. The hotel dates back to 1896 and features 12 guest rooms, all furnished in a warm, alpine style. Guests love the onsite restaurant (fully licensed). From the lodge, you can hike directly to Wilkies Pools, Dawson Falls, and Fanthams Peak.
Midrange | Ngati Ruanui Stratford Mountain House is a top-rated accommodation in Egmont National Park, surrounded by forest and native gardens. After exploring the Goblin Forest, guests can savor the sauna and steam room and dine at the on-site Mountain Café and Mountain Restaurant (open Wednesdays – Sundays).
Look for accommodation in Egmont National Park.
Look for accommodation in New Plymouth.
Days 8-10: Tongariro National Park
Your New Zealand North Island itinerary continues to one of the most visually stunning regions in the world. Tongariro National Park will dazzle you with its barren topography, rugged volcanoes, and crater lakes.
With treeless lunar landscapes rubbing up against tussock slopes and beech forest, Tongariro’s diverse landscapes are devastatingly beautiful.
Lord of the Rings fans will no doubt be thrilled by the site of Mt. Ngauruhoe (Mount Doom).
Best Hikes in Tongariro National Park
Read our New Zealand Hiking Guide for more Information about each trail.
Tongariro Alpine Crossing
This is a point-to-point hike, so you need to organize a shuttle transfer a few days in advance. It’s no longer possible to park your car at Mangatepopo Road for the day (4-hour limitation).
Trailhead | Mangatepopo, or Ketetahi. It’s more popular to hike from Mangatepopo to Ketetahi. | Google Maps (Mangatepopo), Google Maps (Ketetahi)
Distance | 19.7 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 7:30 hours
Elevation Gain | 796 m
Elevation Loss | 1161 m
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
Minimum Elevation | 759 m
Maximum Elevation | 1848 m
Guided tours | Premium Tongariro Crossing Guided Group Walk or Private Tongariro Crossing Guided Walk
Taranaki Falls
We saw lots of waterfalls in New Zealand and this was one of our absolute favorites.
Trailhead | Whakapapa Village | Google Maps
Distance | 6.8 km circuit
Time Needed | 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 127 m
Difficulty | Easy
Minimum Elevation | 1099 m
Maximum Elevation | 1220 m
Tama Lakes
The Tama Lakes Trail follows the Taranaki Falls trail. After passing the waterfall, you’ll continue through tussock country to the Lower Tama Lake lookout.
Trailhead | Whakapapa Village | Google Maps
Distance | 18 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 5:30 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 459 m
Difficulty | Moderately Difficult
Minimum Elevation | 1128 m
Maximum Elevation | 1437 m
Mount Ruapehu Crater Lake
To reach the crater lake near the summit of Mount Ruapehu, you can join a guided trek or hike there independently (weather and visibility permitting). You can begin the hike from the base of the Iwikau Ski Village and hike the Waterfalls Trail up to Knoll Ridge, or you can take the Sky Waka Gondola up to Knoll Ridge.
Trailhead | Iwikau Village, Whakapapa Ski Area | Google Maps
Distance | 10.8 km out-and-back (from the village), 6.1 km out-and-back (gondola option)
Time Needed | 7 hours ( from the village), 5 hours (gondola option)
Elevation Gain/Loss | 1033 m (from the village) / 643 m (gondola option)
Difficulty | Challenging
Minimum Elevation | 1613 m
Maximum Elevation | 2672 m
Guided tours | Premium Mt Ruapehu Summit Plateau Guided Group Hike or Private Mt Ruapehu Summit Plateau Guided HIke
Learn more | How to Hike to Mount Ruapehu’s Crater Lake without a guide
Stay 3 Nights in/near Tongariro National Park
Camping | Kaimanawa Road Campsite is a free campground for SC and NSC vehicles. Given its proximity to Ketetahi Car Park (where the Tongariro Alpine Crossing hike ends), this campsite fills up early.
Budget | Pipers Lodge is a great value accommodation, located in Tongariro National Park. The lodge features a bar and restaurant, a lounge with an open fireplace, and a communal kitchen. Guests also have access to hot tubs and a game room (ping pong, pool, etc…).
Midrange | Chateau Tongariro Hotel is a stately hotel in Whakapapa Village set in the heart of Tongariro National Park, at the base of Mount Ruapehu. You can hike to Tama Lakes and Taranaki Falls directly from the hotel. During your stay, you can enjoy the indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, game room, and hotel cinema. Tip: make a reservation for high tea, which is a bucket list experience for many.
Luxury | Tongariro Suites in Ohakune delivers a polished and elevated experience with its attention to detail, modern furnishings, and spacious rooms. A free breakfast basket is delivered to your room, so you can enjoy breakfast in bed.
Look for accommodation in Tongariro National Park.
Days 11-13: Taupo & Around
Taupo is a small town situated on Lake Taupo. After hiking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, drive to Taupo and take a refreshing dip in the lake (highly recommended).
Base yourself here for a few days so that you can explore the lake and the region’s geothermal parks and thermal pools.
Soak in Hot Springs
Spa Thermal Park | Hot thermal waters of the Otumuheke Stream meet the Waikato River. There are several natural pools (below the bridge) that you can soak in. If you get too hot, you can take a dip in the river. For a peaceful experience, come early in the morning.
Wairakei Terraces & Health Spa | Thermal pools for adults only. Mineral Waters gently cascade over silica terraces into several pools. The complex is small, but it’s a great way to rejuvenate after a long hike.
Visit a Geothermal Park
Orakei Korako Geothermal Park & Cave | There’s a circular boardwalk that takes you to all the features of the park (boiling mud pools, steam vents, geysers). From the parking lot, you’ll take a short boat ride across the river to get to the site. It was nice, but it seemed over-priced for what it was.
Craters of the Moon | Geothermal field filled with exposed steam vents just north of Taupo. We didn’t visit, but we wanted to include it here, so you know what your options are.
Eat and drink
Vine Eatery & Bar | Excellent restaurant with a long wine list. We loved the chorizo seafood risotto. Vine Eatery & Bar Website
Stay 3 Nights in Taupo
Camping | Reids Park Farm Freedom Campground – Campground for SC and NSC vehicles. From the campground, you can walk to the Huka Falls via a lovely soft trail through the redwoods. Just cross the road, head north (in the direction of the falls) and look for a sign/footpath heading into the forest. Maps.Me (mobile app) was helpful in locating the trail. You can also walk on the road (not as fun), or drive to the Huka Falls parking lot.
Budget | Haka Lodge Taupo – The backpacker property offers a range of upmarket dormitory rooms as well as private rooms for those who like their own space. It’s only a few minutes walk to the lake or to the town center.
Midrange | Gables Lakefront Motel – Self-contained apartments with lake views and a family spa pool. This family run motel is a great base for exploring Taupo and its surroundings.
Look for accommodation in Taupo.
Days 14-16: Hawke’s Bay
Hawke’s Bay is a region on the east coast of the North Island.
From the art deco town of Napier to the impressive wineries around Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay is reason alone to visit the North Island. Wine lovers, this is for you.
Wine Tasting in Hawke’s Bay
As the oldest and second largest wine-producing region in New Zealand, some of the country’s finest wines are produced here.
Stand out varieties are Chardonnay and Viognier. Apart from the quality of the wine, it was the welcoming atmosphere of the wineries that we really loved.
We highly recommend wandering between cellar doors and doing as much tasting as you’re able. But, we also highly recommend dining at the wineries.
Many wineries have adjoined restaurants that specialize in new-concept food, elevating New Zealand cuisine to art. Our best meals in the North Island of New Zealand were at these wineries.
Elephant Hill Wine Estate | This place makes an impression. The cuisine and wine (chardonnay) are exceptional. The service is kind and attentive. We treated ourselves to dinner here after hiking to Cape Kidnappers.
Black Barn Vineyards | Light-filled modern bistro. We came here for lunch and had a remarkable fish dish. The viognier was liquid heaven. If you time your visit right, there are sometimes open-air concerts.
Craggy Range | Directly facing Te Mata Peak, this must be the most beautiful winery in the region. We had an excellent wine tasting experience here. If you decide to linger, check out their Terrôir Restaurant or stay in one of their cottages.
Bonus | Don’t leave the area without getting a Neapolitan Pizza at Alessandro’s Pizzeria Napoletana in Havelock North.
Guided Tours | If you are interested in joining a wine and/or food tour, check out these options.
Gannet-watching at Cape Kidnappers
Bird sanctuaries and wildlife parks are enjoyable, but if you have an opportunity to witness birds in their natural habitat, it’s far more rewarding. Cape Kidnappers is home to four gannet colonies, where an estimated total of 15,700 gannets live.
Because gannets are surprisingly tolerant of humans, you can observe them up close. This is one of the best wildlife experiences you can have, so please prioritize it on your New Zealand North Island itinerary.
They nest in close proximity to one another. So, you’ll see hundreds of birds soaring around the colonies, guarding their chicks and displaying unique “partner” behavior.
For example, paired gannets will rub their beaks and necks together when a partner returns home to its nest site.
How to Get to the Gannet Colony
Hike | The hike starts at the carpark at Clifton. It’s a 2-hour beach walk to reach the Black Reef Colony and an additional 45 min to reach the gannet Colony. It gets really windy along the coast, so make sure you have a proper rain/wind jacket.
If you have less time, there are several different tour operators offering shuttle tours (via roads), tractor and trailer tours (via the beach), or quadbike rentals (via the beach).
When to Go
Early November to late February (when the chicks have hatched). In March, the gannets start their migration to Australia.
What Time to Go
Low tide. This is what Lonely Planet recommends: “leave no earlier than 3 hours after high tide; start back no later than 1:30 hours after low tide.” Use MetService to check the tide, as it varies each day.
Stay 3 Nights in Napier, Hastings or Havelock North (Hawke’s Bay)
Camping | Clifton Beach Reserve Motor Camp
Budget | Toad Hall Accommodation in Napier – This budget option offers private or dormitory style rooms. It’s just a 10 minutes walk to the heart of town.
Midrange | Art Deco Masonic Hotel in Napier – A fitting place to stay when in NZ’S art deco town. Individually styled studios and apartments.
Luxury | Craggy Range Luxury Vineyard Retreat – Take your wine tasting to the next level, and just stay at the winery.
Look for accommodation in Hawke’s Bay.
Days 17-18: Martinborough Wine Region
Martinborough is a sunny wine village in the Wairarapa wine region. It has a laid back, casual vibe that makes wine tasting here so enjoyable. Wairarapa is like the Anderson Valley of California.
Martinborough itself is a charming town surrounded by 20 wineries. It’s flat, so hopping on a bike is a good option for getting between tasting rooms.
The region is renowned for its pinot noir, but also produces excellent pinot gris and gewürztraminer.
We’re going to say something controversial – we like Martinborough’s sauvignon blanc far more than Marlborough’s. It’s less acidic and a bit rounder.
Wine Tasting in Martinborough
If you arrive in Martinborough after 4:30/5:00 p.m., most of the cellar doors will be closed. Head to the wine bar Mesita for a flight of local wine.
Haythornthwaite Wines | This is a family owned boutique vineyard of 11 acres. Sit in the garden and order a cheese platter and a full wine tasting. On a sunny day, you won’t want to leave. Whatever you do, don’t leave without tasting the gewürztraminer.
Palliser Estate | We enjoyed our wine tasting here. We saw a couple eating a huge slice of chocolate cake with their wine, and regret not doing the same.
If you would like to join a guided wine tasting experience in Martinborough, check out these tours.
Stay 2 Nights in Martinborough
Camping | Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park
Budget | Martinborough Motel a perfect low-key spot for wine tasting in Martinborough. Walking distance to everything you need.
Midrange | The Martinborough Hotel – Originally built in 1882 and lovingly restored, this classic hotel is the nicest place to stay in town.
Look for accommodation in Martinborough.
Day 19: Cape Palliser
If you decide to drive to Cape Palliser, you’ll be rewarded with rugged coastal scenery, a seal colony, a historical lighthouse and an opportunity to hike into New Zealand’s weirdest landform.
Top Things to See and Do
Putangirua Pinnacles | The hike to the pinnacles starts at the Putangirua Pinnacles campsite. The pillars consist of partially cemented greywacke gravels that have been contoured by water and wind. This badlands-like landscape was also a Lord of the Rings filming location!
Seal Colony | Before reaching the Lighthouse, look for the North Island’s largest fur seal colony.
Cape Palliser Lighthouse | It takes 252 steps to reach the candy-cane Cape Palliser Lighthouse. Operating since 1897, the cast iron lighthouse originally burned oil. Today, it’s fully automated and its light can be seen for 46 km.
Stay 1 Night near Cape Palliser & Aorangi Forest Park
Camping | Putangirua Pinnacles Campground is located at the trailhead to the Pinnacles walk.
Budget | Waimeha Camping Village in Ngawi
Luxury | Wharekauhau Country Estate in Wairarapa
Days 20-21: Wellingtion
After an amazing road trip, it’s time to wrap up your New Zealand North Island Itinerary in the city of Wellington. Wellington is the small heart-beating capital of New Zealand. If you’re craving art, theater, museums, Wellington is the place to be.
We loved eating our way around town as well as attending a Royal New Zealand Ballet performance. Make sure to spend some time in New Zealand’s national museum: Te Papa (Free Entry).
Where to Eat and Drink in Wellington
Comes & Goes (in Petone) | Creative, and beautifully plated dishes with an Asian influence. The food is almost too pretty to eat.
The Library | Cocktail and wine lounge. If we lived in Wellington, we’d come here every week.
Rasa | Malaysian eatery. Reasonably priced and flavorful.
Stay 1 Night in Wellington
Camping | Camp Wellington & Coastal Lodge. Bookings are Essential.
Budget | The Marion Hostel – This top-rated, clean hostel offers a well equipped kitchen in a vibrant and happy atmosphere.
Midrange | U Boutique Hotel is an amazing little hotel in the hip part of the city.
Luxury | Bolton Hotel offers a choice of spacious studios and suites. It’s the perfect place to return to after exploring the city.
Look for accommodation in Wellington.
Traveling to the South Island Next?
We took the Interislander Ferry from Wellington to Picton. The ferry is 3:30 hours. You’ll find a bar, café and shop on board, making the crossing a leisurely ride. Check out our South Island Itinerary.
New Zealand Travel Guides
Guidebooks:
- The Rough Guide to New Zealand
- Lonely Planet New Zealand
- Lonely Planet New Zealand North Island
- Lonely Planet New Zealand’s Best Trips
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