Cheap and Cheerful Roadside Attractions in the North Island

A road-trip around New Zealand’s North Island will take you to some heavy-hitting sites. But as you make your way from Auckland to Wellington, you’re sure to stumble across some sights that are lesser-known but full of character. With this guide, and a Thrifty rental car, you no longer need to cross your fingers and hope for the best. You can add these weird and wonderful roadside spots to your list and make them part of your journey—without overspending along the way. 

Otorohanga 

Just near Hamilton is where you’ll find Otorohanga. This friendly town proudly calls itself the Kiwiana Capital of New Zealand, which means its streets are lined with colourful murals and displays celebrating classic Kiwi culture, from gumboots to buzzy bees to pavlova. There’s even a giant kiwi sculpture outside the visitor centre, perfect for a quick photo stop. Most of it is completely free, and you’ll find cafés and bakeries nearby for a cheap bite before hitting the road again. 

Taihape  

Halfway between Taupō and Palmerston North sits Taihape, a small town with a big gumboot. That’s right, you can’t miss the giant gumboot sculpture, which is a tribute to the almighty water-proof boot known here as a ‘gumboot’. If you’re here in March, you may be lucky enough to witness the annual Gumboot Throwing Festival, where locals put their skills to the test. It’s one of those things that’ll make you say, ‘Only in New Zealand.’ 

Rotorua  

Rotorua’s geothermal landscape is one of the North Island’s biggest draws, and you can see plenty of it for free. Kuirau Park, right in the city centre, has bubbling mud pools, steaming vents and natural foot baths where you can soak your feet without spending a dollar. A short drive away is the Blue and Green Lakes, which is perfect for a picnic, and the Government Gardens combines thermal activity with beautifully maintained lawns and gardens. 

Te Puke  

You can’t talk about roadside icons without mentioning the Big Kiwifruit near Te Puke, the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit industry. The enormous sliced-fruit sculpture marks the entrance to a working orchard and visitor centre, where you can learn about how the fruit is grown and exported worldwide. Entry to the grounds is free, and the café serves up affordable snacks and smoothies made from the local hero ingredient. 

Huka Falls  

Just outside Taupō, Huka Falls is one of New Zealand’s most visited natural spots. The lookout platforms bring you right to the edge of the roaring turquoise water, where the Waikato River squeezes through a narrow gorge and drops 11 metres. It’s a great (and free) place to stretch your legs and take in some fresh air before continuing on your journey through the central North Island.

Bulls 

A quick stop in Bulls is sure to give you a laugh. This mysteriously named town has fully embraced its title through pun-filled signs all around. Stop by the library named ‘Read-a-Bull’, grab lunch at the ‘De-lect-a-Bull’, and hopefully you won’t end up at the police station, known as ‘Consta-Bull’. Take a wonder, spot some signs, take some photos and enjoy the dad jokes. 

Matamata  

You don’t have to book a full Hobbiton tour to immerse yourself in some Lord of the Rings nostalgia. In Matamata’s town centre, the information centre is designed like a hobbit house, complete with round doors and lush gardens. It’s free to visit, and a perfect reminder of why New Zealand was once transformed into Middle Earth. 

The Beauty of a Detour 

The North Island is full of epic sights and energetic cities. But between them, you’ll find plenty of unexpected discoveries that remind you that you’re really in New Zealand. And when you’re in a Thrifty rental car, you’ll also have a reminder that a road trip is the only way to make those discoveries. Get a great deal, on a great car, and get ready to take some detours that’ll steer you in the right direction.