New Zealand

10 days north island itinerary

New Zealand is an absolutely amazing country! Kicking off my backpacking journey here was the ideal choice for launching my solo travel adventure. Being one of the first destinations I explored on my own, I initially felt a bit nervous upon arrival. However, New Zealand's warm and welcoming atmosphere quickly put me at ease, and I felt incredibly safe as a woman traveling solo.

My perfect 10-day itinerary.

Day 1

I began my journey in Auckland, which is an excellent entry point due to its large international airport and convenient access routes directly into the city.

Getting into Auckland:

Public transport:

Several public transport options are available for reaching the city. The Skydrive is a convenient express coach that takes about 40 minutes and costs $17 NZD (approximately £8.50).

Alternatively, you can take the AT bus and transfer at Puhinui station to catch the train to downtown Auckland. This option is significantly cheaper, costing around $3 NZD. However, it requires an AT hop card ($5), which can be purchased at the airport.

Taxi:

This is the best option if you are short on time or have a lot of luggage. The taxi from Auckland international to Auckland CBD costs roughly $40-70 depending on time of day and is very easy with both local taxis and Ubers available.

Where to stay:

Check out the awesome places you can stay in Auckland! Whether you're just popping in or planning to hang around for a while, the CBD is the place to be. You'll be right by all the cool attractions and have great transport options to get around the city.

Budget Friendly:

You can find a bunch of budget-friendly places to book on Hostelworld. My top pick is Hobson Lodge, right in the heart of Auckland's CBD. It's in a great spot, just a short walk from the main shopping street and the harbor, plus it's only a few minutes away from the city's central bus routes.

Mid price:

If you're after a bit of a fancier stay, Trip.com has you sorted. Check out Lylo Auckland—it's a solid mid-priced hostel right in the heart of the city with easy access to all the sights. Plus, there's a bar/restaurant downstairs that gives guests some sweet discounts!

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.