[New Zealand North Island Road Trip] Day 14–16: The Grand Finale in the City of Sails, Auckland! Volcanic Views, Devonport Fish & Chips, and Trip Summary.
Itinerary Highlights: Pukekohe ➔ One Tree Hill ➔ Mount Eden ➔ Devonport North Head Tunnels ➔ Riba Fish & Chips ➔ Auckland North Shore Souvenir Shop ➔ Returning the Rental Car ➔ Heading Home from the Airport
Dates: 2019 / 02 / 06 – 02 / 08
Our 15-day North Island road trip has unknowingly come to an end. Today, we drove from Pukekohe back to New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, known as the "City of Sails." For our final two days, we planned a relaxing itinerary: climbing urban volcanic cones, strolling through a coastal town, and doing some souvenir shopping, putting a perfect end to this surprise-filled, self-guided New Zealand adventure.
🌋 Day 14: Urban Views from Volcanic Cones & Devonport's Coastal Charm
Route: Pukekohe ➔ Downtown Auckland (One Tree Hill / Mt Eden) ➔ Devonport ➔ Airport Car Return
In the morning, we visited two of Auckland's most iconic dormant volcano parks:
· One Tree Hill (Cornwall Park): This park features vast green spaces and a striking monument standing on the summit. You can even see flocks of sheep grazing lazily on the hillside, perfectly blending nature with the urban landscape.
· Mount Eden: As the highest natural point in mainland Auckland, Mount Eden boasts a massive, awe-inspiring bowl-shaped crater! Standing at the summit offers a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of the entire Auckland skyline, the Sky Tower, and the twin harbors.
In the afternoon, we headed to Devonport, a classic little town situated on Auckland's North Shore:
· North Head Historic Tunnels: Once a late 19th-century coastal defense fort, this site preserves many old underground tunnels, gun emplacements, and bunkers. Wandering between the tunnels and grassy slopes, you get an incredible vantage point overlooking the Sky Tower skyline across the harbor.
· Mt Victoria Summit (Devonport): We also took a quick hike up Mount Victoria in Devonport to enjoy the stunning views of the coastal harbor on both sides.
· Food Recommendation - Riba Fish & Chips: You absolutely can't miss New Zealand's national dish when visiting a seaside town! We had freshly fried, crispy fish fillets and chips at the local Riba Fish & Chips. The fish was tender and juicy, and pairing it with a refreshing cold drink was incredibly satisfying!
Before dinner, we went to a souvenir wholesale store on the North Shore to stock up on gifts (like lanolin cream, Manuka honey, and various other New Zealand specialties), stuffing our shopping bags to the brim.
Around 5:00 PM – 5:30 PM, we drove to Ace Car Rental near Auckland Airport to return our vehicle. We successfully handed back the car that had accompanied us for so many days in perfect condition, getting ready to catch our red-eye flight.
✈️ Day 15–16: The Journey Home & 15-Day North Island Road Trip Summary
· Day 15 (2/7): Took a 1:20 AM flight departing from Auckland (AKL), heading to Hong Kong (HKG) for a layover.
· Day 16 (2/8): Successfully arrived back at Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) at 10:50 AM. Home sweet home!
🇳🇿 Thoughts & Summary of the 15-Day New Zealand North Island Road Trip
Looking back at these 15 days, from the initial excitement of arriving in Auckland, to the thrill of black water rafting and the mesmerizing glowworm caves in Waitomo; from the tidal explorations at the Three Sisters and the solitary, snow-capped majesty of Mount Taranaki, to the apocalyptic volcanic landscapes of Tongariro National Park, and the geothermal wonders and crystal-clear Blue Spring in Rotorua... The North Island's natural scenery is so diverse and richly layered that there was never a dull moment!
A road trip is undeniably the most liberating way to explore New Zealand. The ubiquitous Pak'nSave supermarkets along the way, beautiful campsites, and the warmth of the local people have all become the most precious memories of this journey.
📝 Quick Tips for Downtown Auckland & Car Return:
· Volcanic Cone Conservation: To protect the natural landscape and Maori heritage sites, driving directly to the summit of volcanic cones like Mount Eden is prohibited in certain areas. You'll need to park your car in the designated lots and hike up.
· Buffer Time for Car Return: It's highly recommended to leave plenty of time for returning your vehicle at the airport and taking the shuttle to the terminal (arrive near the airport at least 3 hours in advance). Pay special attention to your rental company's after-hours return procedures, especially if you're catching a late-night flight.