100% Pure New Zealand Road Trip

New Zealand, the very name invokes the images of Lord of the rings, Rugby and Bungee jumping. It is one of those places on earth where Hrithik Roshan danced his way into our hearts and stardom. His dance and Lord of the rings added another destination to our bucket list. Over the years, New Zealand has gained a lot of popularity amongst many travellers but still remains a dream for the majority. So join Travel See Write on a whirlwind New Zealand Trip that takes you through the middle earth and also through some sights and sounds that are not found anywhere else.

New Zealand, the home of middle earth, made popular by the Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Hobbit series is a stunning country that lives up to its hype and turns out to be better than what can be seen on the iMax cinema screen or your mobile screen. The country of landscapes, active volcanoes, island sanctuaries is the adventure capital of the world and will enthrall you with its awe-inspiring myriad experiences. Exploring it in a week is an injustice to the unmatched beauty of this Kiwi land but as they say, something is better nothing. So if you have only a week on hand to explore New Zealand then go on an unforgettable Road Trip for a 100% Pure New Zealand Experience.

Let’s get started on understanding the geography of New Zealand.

New Zealand is divided into two islands – North and South Island. If you are hard pressed on time and want to explore different kinds of experiences within a week, then opt for a self-drive trip from the Northern tip (Auckland) to the southern tip (Wellington) or vice versa in the North Island of New Zealand. And if you have time in hand then you should cover the entire mainland.

If you can, spend a month in New Zealand. For an ultimate one month travel do refer to this New Zealand Itinerary

Here is the itinerary for a 7 days 100% Pure New Zealand Road Trip. Hop on to relive the moments.

DAY 1 & 2, WELLINGTON

The Coolest little capital of the world

Like millions of travelers, Lonely planet too got smitten by the charm of this beautiful capital city of New Zealand when they gave this title to Wellington. Situated at the southern end of the North Island, Wellington has a lot to offer and in fact you can spend an entire month exploring it and still find new reasons to fall in love with it every single day. From watching the surreal golden and blue hour at the top of Mount Victoria to riding the historical cable car to getting behind-the-scenes glimpse of larger than life LOTR movie making at Weta Workshop to taking a walk at Oriental Bay.

Phew. I could go on and on. Wellington is a city unlike a city where natural beauty is still unspoiled and where people always greet you with warm smiles. Though two days are not enough for this quaint little mystic land but it gives you enough time to cover the popular spots before the epic road trip begins.

New Zealand Trip: Bird’s eye view of Wellington from Mt. Victoria, New Zealand

New Zealand Trip: View of Wellington from Mt Victoria Matairangi, New Zealand

DAY 3, 4 & 5, ROTORUA

The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it

Had Rudyard Kipling heard about Rotorua he would have never made this statement. Because sometimes judging a book by its cover (in this case the smell) can be truly misleading. If one were to go by the smell then no one would ever visit Rotorua. But sometimes your biggest weakness can be your biggest strength. Rotorua is renowned for its geothermal activity – bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers, natural hot springs and buried village. The geothermal activity gives off an odor unique to Rotorua. Besides explosive geysers, Rotorua has crystal-clear streams, magnificent forests and epic biking trails.

If you are an adventure-seeker then Rotorua will offer you plenty of adventure. White water rafting is so yesterday. How about doing black water rafting and if that’s not enough be spellbound by glowworm caves at Waitomo. And if you like water rafting then go rafting in the Kaituna River which boasts of the Highest Commercially Rafted Waterfall (7m) in the World. Before you attack the big boy you’ll get to practice by maneuvering through 2 smaller waterfalls among the 14 rapids. It is one heck of an adrenaline activity that you’ll never forget. You would want to stay more in this little wonderland but the smell would play a spoilsport. And you’ll probably be back on the road to your final destination.

New Zealand Trip: Kaituna River rafting which has world’s tallest commercially rafted waterfall

New Zealand Trip: Natural Geysers, Rotorua

Rotorua Natural Geysers, New Zealand

Waitomo Glowworm caves. Ideal for black water rafting as well, New Zealand.

DAY 6 & 7, AUCKLAND

The city of sails – One city. Plethora of experiences.

Imagine living in a city of where everyone lives within half an hour of beautiful beaches, never ending hiking trails and enchanting islands. Where instead of showing off your big toys people carry their impressive yachts and sailboats. Where people live with harmony and have great taste for food, wine and shopping. No wonder Auckland is becoming a migration magnet. If you are an adventure freak like me then instead of just climbing the Auckland Sky Tower for the view and food (yes they too have a restaurant at the top), jump off from it.

Auckland Harbour Bridge is another great option for bungee jumping. You cannot not miss doing bungee jumping in New Zealand – the birthplace of the adventure sport. Spending the New Year’s Eve watching the fireworks at Auckland Tower is a great experience to welcome the New Year. If you are an art lover and want to know more about the Kiwi culture don’t miss the Auckland Art Gallery.

City view from Auckland Sky Tower, New Zealand

Auckland City View, New Zealand

So what are you waiting for? It’s’ going to be summer time in New Zealand and is the perfect time to explore the land of blackcaps. So go ahead and do yourself a favour.