New Zealand Northland: A Road Trip in Middle Earth (Part 1)
With the first of The Hobbit trilogy already out and the second due for release this year, interest in what is considered as the real-life Middle Earth has been growing. A road trip will help you understand why there’s no place more cinematic than New Zealand.
All it takes is a road trip through New Zealand and you’ll understand why Peter Jackson chose the country as the setting for his Lord of the Rings franchise. Dubbed as Middle Earth coming to actual life, New Zealand is beautiful and unforgettable. A road trip will allow you to fully appreciate its natural beauty, which, in most places, remains untouched. The country also has several unique attractions that will make your trip one that you won’t forget.
New Zealand is divided into two parts: the North Island and the South Island. If you’re more interested in the country’s art, culture, food, and beverages, then the North Island is the place for you. It has plenty of beautiful spots, historical sites, famous cafes, and wine-growing regions you can visit.
Also known as Northland, the North Island is considered as the country’s birthplace, as it was where the voyagers from East Polynesia first landed and where the European settlers lived. You can cover most of the North Island for three days before you head south. It is best to start your journey in Auckland as there are a lot of car hire suppliers and other facilities there that will help you prepare for the trip ahead.
During your road trip through the Northland, the places worth stopping for are:
- Russell. The original capital city of New Zealand, Russell is quite the picturesque town. To get there, take State Highway One from Auckland going to Kerikeri and take the car ferry.
- Cape Reinga. Considered as the northernmost point of the country, Cape Reinga is worth a visit due to its spectacular scenery. Here the land meets the spectacular Pacific Ocean, which then stretches out far and wide; the sight is wonderful and is definitely worth seeing. In fact, some even say that it is a magical place.
- Waipoua Forest. Here you will start to see the lush rich greeneries that could have been the reason why New Zealand was chosen for the Middle Earth setting. The rich forest also houses the Tane Mahuta, known as the largest living Kauri tree in the country.
- Tirau. An interesting town known for its quirky crafts and buildings constructed out of corrugated iron, Tirau is worth stopping in for a meal.
- Cambridge. For some of New Zealand’s best coffee and wine, make sure to drop by at Cambridge.
- Rotorua. Marvel at the surreal mudpools of Rotorua, which makes the start of the Thermal Explorer Highway, the main volcanic and thermal area in the country.
- Lake Taupo. Try to get to the lake by nighttime, as the lakeside resorts will give you a chance to soak in the thermal pools in the area.
- Napier. A quaint art deco town boasting of excellent restaurants and vineyards. This is considered as the second-largest wine region in New Zealand.
- Wellington. If you’re more of a coffee addict, Wellington, whose people are famed for their obsession for this relaxing drink, is an important stop. The central business district is the best place for concluding your Northland adventure since you can easily fly to your next destination from the Wellington airport.
Country (where the road trip is): North Island, New Zealand
Starting Point/City: Auckland
End Point/City: Wellington
