The North Island of New Zealand is a treasure trove of natural wonders, from geothermal formations to forests to NZ wilderness. To spend more time at the iconic destinations on North Island, rent a car from Hertz to begin your Northern New Zealand exploration.
Pick up your rental car from Auckland Airport and hit the road to Hahei located on the Coromandel Peninsula. Located south of Auckland, Hahei is a seaside wonderland. Boasting the iconic Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove, visitors will be in awe of the stunning coastal panoramas. Drive down the seaside highway of North Island from Auckland in your car rental and take in the plunging cliffs and crashing surf. Cathedral Cove offers a 90-minute trek along a coastal path to the beach with white cliffs and natural archways. Kayaking and boating activities are also available.
Hop back into your rental car and move on to the North Island’s Rotorua. Around hallway through your drive, visitors will come across Karangahake Gorge. There is an array of walking treks to choose from, and a historic mining area that takes you through the surrounding forest and river. This stopover will allow visitors to take a respite from the wheel and in your car rental and enjoy New Zealand’s nature.
Rotorua is famed for its geothermal wonders, and visitors can relish the many free natural hot springs dotting the area. Take a rental car and meander through Rotorua, New Zealand, and experience the local Maori culture that plays a crucial role in the city’s backbone. Maori cultural performances are readily available so don’t forget to catch one! The geothermal parks in Rotorua are easily accessible by rental car, and the spectacle of bubbling mud pools and geysers are definitely worth the drive.
To truly experience New Zealand wilderness, take your rental car down to Taupo. Home to New Zealand’s largest lake this city is known as the adventure capital of the country. From bungee jumping, sky diving to rafting, tourists will not be short on activities. Visitors are encouraged to cruise in their rental car up to New Zealand’s Waikato River, and enjoy the variety of water activities there. Spa Park and Huka Falls lie downriver, and are the most relaxing spots for weary travellers in need of a good hot soak.
Visitors can also pop down to the nearby Ruahine Forest Park in their rental car to view true North Island vegetation. Horse riding, claybird shooting and white water rafting are easily available. Farm stays are provided so visitors can get a true taste of the kiwi life.
No road trip by rental car on North Island is complete without a visit to Wellington. With sights like the Botanic Gardens, Zealandia and Te Papa Museum, there is a lot to do in the capital. Alternatively, tourists can simply take their rental car and explore New Zealand’s capital, discovering nooks and crannies on their own.
A rental car trip about New Zealand’s North Island is really a great way to explore the region and experience the most of NZ living. You’ll be able to squeeze in everything you want, from exploring Auckland in your rental car to driving down to the coast to take in the sunset. You won’t regret it!
