North Island budget road trip ideas

From pristine coastlines to historical townships, New Zealand is the perfect place for a road trip. If you don’t want to have to wait to save up a bunch of money, the country can certainly be explored on a budget by following our tips below.

Money-saving Tips

• Stick to nature: More often than not, it doesn’t cost a cent to enjoy nature, and luckily, New Zealand is full of it. Most travellers visit New Zealand specifically for its mountains, lakes, and beautiful scenery.
• Accommodation: The main thing that can blow the budget is accommodation. A great money-saving tip is choosing to travel by campervan. Not only will you get to enjoy more of the country’s great outdoors, you won’t have to worry about paying for hotels.
• Food: Food in New Zealand can be expensive depending on where you go. If you’re camping or campervanning, you can cook your own food along the way at campsites, rest stops, parks, beaches etc. Once you’ve picked up your rental in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, stop in at New World or Countdown to stock up on essentials.
• Rent an economy car: Another option is to rent a car that’s fuel efficient and within your budget. Usually, economy cars have better fuel efficiency than bigger cars, meaning you’ll not only save on the car itself but the fuel costs as well.
• Get insurance: Although this is an additional upfront cost, it may save you a lot of money if your rental car is damaged or stolen. Click here to learn more about insurance.
• Be careful of kilometre limits: Some rental cars and campervans come with kilometre limits. If you go over your kilometre limit, the cost can add up quickly, so it's a good idea to try to rent a vehicle that allows for unlimited mileage.

Recommended North Island road trip itinerary

Day One: Immerse yourself in culture and food in Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau

Highlights:

• Coast-to-coast walk
• Museum and art gallery
• Night markets
• Auckland Botanic Gardens
• Piha black sand beach

Where to stay:

• Campsite: Ray’s Rest Camping Reserve
• Hostel: Nomads

Day Two: Experience Cathedral Cove and the Coromandel Peninsula / Te Tara o Te Ika a Māui

Highlights:

• New Chums
• Hot Water Beach
• Karangahake Gorge
• The Pinnacles
• Mount Paku

Where to stay:

• Campsite: Cathedral Cove Recreation Reserve (campervan only) or Waiomu Domain Beachfront Reserve
• Hostel: On the Beach Backpackers Lodge

Day Three: Stop at the world-famous Hamilton Gardens and explore the city

Highlights:

• Riverside Walkway
• Hamilton Gardens
• Hamilton / Kirikiriroa city centre
• Waikato Museum

Where to stay:

• Campsite: Hamilton Common Rest Area
• Hostel: Backpackers Central Hamilton

Day Four: Check out geothermal wonders around Rotorua

Highlights:

• Ruakuri Bush Walk
• Marokopa Falls
• Waitomo Great Walk
• Opapaka Pā Walk
• Mangapohue Natural Bridge

Where to stay:

• Camspite: Waitomo Campground Free Self Contained Campervan Parking
• Hostel: YHA Juno Hall

Day Five: See the stunning Waitomo Caves and check out nature at its finest

Highlights:

• Ruakuri Bush Walk
• Marokopa Falls
• Waitomo Great Walk
• Opapaka Pā Walk
• Mangapohue Natural Bridge
• Sir Edmund Walkway
• Pureora Timber Trail

Where to stay:

• Free camping: Waitomo Campground Free Self Contained Campervan Parking
• Hostel: YHA Juno Hall

Day Six: Visit one of the oldest national parks at Tongariro Crossing

Highlights:

• Emerald Lakes
• Volcanic peaks
• Craters and mountain springs
• Blue lakes
• Red craters

Where to stay:

• Campsite: Mangahuia Campsite
• Hostel: YHA National Park

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