northland nz road trip

The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

The Ultimate Northland Road Trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga

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Despite living in the North Island of New Zealand for the majority of my life there, I only really started exploring Northland in the last ten years. I had seen so many photos of the famous lighthouse at Cape Reinga and Northland’s stunning beaches growing up and I thought that I was long overdue to see it all in the flesh.

And Northland wowed me more than I could have ever imagined.

The drive from Auckland to Cape Reinga is spectacular and there are so many incredible places to see along the way. Here are my favorite places to visit on a Northland road trip.

The Ultimate Northland Itinerary From Auckland to Cape Reinga

Check out my interactive map for the Ultimate Auckland to Cape Reinga Northland Road Trip.

Over my week-long Northland Itinerary, I camped, hiked, swam, and drove through New Zealand’s sub-tropical north.

It was all wonderful. 

Northland is a popular destination for tourists visiting the North Island and rightly so. The main stop is generally the Bay of Islands, with some people also making it from Auckland to Cape Reinga, before rushing back down to Auckland again.

Don’t get me wrong, if you only have a couple of days, The Bay of Islands is a great destination and it is stunning – you should definitely go there and it is on this list. But there is so much more to Northland.

In the short time that I had for my Northland Itinerary, I managed to visit so many incredible beaches and small towns and I was blown away by how exceedingly beautiful it is in this part of the world.

New Zealand isn’t well-known for its beaches, but Northland travel is alllll about the beaches.

After seeing the deserted white sands and turquoise waters of the beaches in the far north, I don’t think it will be long before everyone knows how amazing the beaches are in New Zealand.

I traveled from Auckland to Cape Reinga along the east coast of Northland, then headed back down to Auckland along the west coast – although you could do it either way. 

I listed the places I visited during my Northland Road Trip in the order I visited them, to help with your planning.

I hope to inspire you to visit this unique and picturesque region soon – before the rest of the world is let in on the secret too. This is a quintessential Northland travel itinerary in my opinion.

Pakiri Beach

Pakiri is a rugged long, sandy beach, popular with surfers and for horse riding along the sand.

Although not technically in Northland (Pakiri is in the Rodney District, which is part of Auckland), Pakiri is a great place to stop to break up your drive from Auckland City.

I strolled along a short section of the 14km beach, paddling in the translucent shallows and collecting multi-colored shells.

Where to Stay in Pakiri: Stay in a self-contained cabin at Leigh Central , or camp or stay in an apartment right on Pakiri Beach at Pakiri Beach Holiday Park .

For vacation rentals, stay at the cute Leigh family bach , or this classic Kiwi bach .

Whangarei Heads – Ocean Beach

Ocean Beach in the Whangarei Heads is one of the best beaches in Northland for its perfect-sized waves for jumping and bodysurfing, glorious clear water, giant sand dunes, and the short track up the headland for spectacular views over the beach and out to sea.

I love swimming here and the drive out there past small beachy communities, lush green forests, and volcanic peaks is something special unto itself. 

If you have time, you should check out Whangarei Falls too – it’s one of the most beautiful falls in New Zealand .

Where to Stay in Whangarei Heads: Stay near Whangarei Heads in a suite or cottage at Kauri Villas , or stay in Whangarei at The Cell Block Backpackers – in a former Police Station/Jail.

For vacation rentals, stay at this iconic Kiwi bach with sea and bush views, or at the Craypot Cabin on a peaceful lifestyle block.

The Tutukaka Coast is home to some of the best beaches in Northland. The white sand beaches of Tutukaka’s Whale Bay and Matapouri are surrounded by lush, green native bush and lapped by the blue-green waters of the South Pacific Ocean. 

The Tutukaka Coast was voted one of the best coastlines in the world by National Geographic Traveler Magazine in 2010, and when you see it you will see why. The slow pace and lack of crowds make it an ideal destination and a must for any Northland itinerary.

Some of the best diving in the World is just off-shore around the Poor Knights Islands . The Marina in the small settlement of Tutukaka is a beautiful place to eat dinner while watching the sunset.

I camped in Tutukaka and was amazed by all the stars lighting up the clear night sky.

Where to Stay on the Tutukaka Coast: Stay in an apartment and enjoy the pool and hot tub at Pacific Rendezvous Motel , or enjoy the views from your chalet at The Lighthouse Lookout .

For vacation rentals, stay at the Seahorse Studio , or this beautiful waterfront studio .

Bay of Islands

It’s the most obvious Northland itinerary stop and the most touristy – but I think it still has to be done. 

I loved taking the ferry over to Russell, the sleepy historic seaside town that was once known as the hellhole of the Pacific when it was the first capital of New Zealand.

It is a great place to spend a morning, checking out the shops and having a coffee or breakfast at one of the waterfront restaurants.

You have to get out on the water on an island or dolphin-watching tour – I did one that stopped at beautiful Urupukapuka Island , which is the largest of the 140 islands in the bay.

If you are interested in New Zealand history, you can visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and Museum in Waitangi, the birthplace of New Zealand.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands: Stay at the beautiful, historic Duke of Marlborough Hotel on the waterfront in Russell, or stay at Pickled Parrot Backpackers in Paihia for a budget option.

For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy cottage in central Paihia, or the Allure Lodge Cottage on a bushland hill overlooking the ocean.

A lovely little town surrounded by orchards with some fantastic cafes. I stopped for lunch and nabbed a leisurely spot in a café garden – bliss.

There are some lovely beaches nearby as well and Kerikeri is a great spot to base yourself to visit upper Northland.

Visit the Stone Store – the oldest surviving stone building in New Zealand, and beautiful Rainbow Falls.

Where to Stay in Kerikeri: For a luxury option, stay at beautiful Moon Gate Villa which has an outdoor pool and lush garden, or at the popular Woodlands Motel which offers quality rooms at a low price, and also has an outdoor pool and beautiful gardens.

For vacation rentals, stay at lovely Kendall Cottage , or the charming Honeymoon Cottage on a citrus orchard.

Matauri Bay

This beach has to be seen to be believed. With turquoise waters and sugary white sand, it wouldn’t look out of place somewhere like French Polynesia or Fiji . It is undeveloped, there is no settlement there, just a couple of houses and a camping ground.

You first catch sight of the incredible beach as you crest a hill before the long drive down – be prepared to be wowed. You may not want to leave.

Where to Stay in Matauri Bay: Stay at gorgeous Crab Cove or at the magical Magic Cottages at Takou River .

For vacation rentals, stay at the Kingfisher Cottage with sea views, or this one-bedroom clifftop cottage with views over East Bay.

Tauranga Bay

A lovely beach with golden-tinged sands and clear water. It is a beautiful spot but I was more impressed by the other beaches I visited in Northland.

The competition was just too strong for Tauranga Bay to make it one of my favorite Northland beaches, but it is still definitely worth stopping at.

Where to Stay in Tauranga Bay: Camp at Tauranga Bay Holiday Park right on the beach which has cabins, tent, and RV sites, and motel units, or this one-bedroom clifftop cottage with views over East Bay.

A cute, seaside village that is a great place to stop for a wander. The pace of life is slow and the locals are friendly. The Mangonui Fish Shop claims to have the best fish and chips in New Zealand; I don’t know about that but they are pretty damn good.

There is something special about this little town, it has a calming effect on me. I have only ever stopped in Mangonui for a short time but I would love to linger for a while.

Where to Stay in Mangonui: By the Bay Beachfront Apartments for well-appointed apartments by the beach or a room at the historic Old Oak Boutique Hotel in a restored 1861 building just outside of town.

For vacation rentals, stay in this cute Kiwi beachfront bach , or this charming studio suite with beautiful views.

Matai Bay on the KariKari Peninsula is rugged and technicolored; a long, white beach that only had one other person on it when we visited in the height of summer.

It’s another perfect beach for peace, quiet, and reflection.

Where to Stay in Matai Bay: Stay at KariKari Lodge where breakfast is included or the Department of Conservation camping ground on a grassy peninsula above the beach with inspiring views.

For vacation rentals, stay at this renovated bach across the road from the beach, or this beachfront holiday home with ocean views.

Tapotupotu Bay

My Dad told me about this hidden bay, reached by a small side road near Cape Reinga, and I am SO glad that I visited. There is a beautiful beach (they all are up here) but what is really great about it is the unbelievably clear river flowing into the ocean.

You can jump in about 100 meters down and ride the fast-flowing river into the sea. So much fun! I wasn’t intending on swimming so was not wearing my bathing suit, I was too excited to go back to the car and get changed so I ended up just jumping in with my clothes on.

A definite highlight – I felt like a kid again.

Where to Stay in Tapotupotu Bay: Camp right by the beach at Tapotupotu Campsite , New Zealand’s most northern. It is basic but the location can’t be beaten.

Nearby vacation rentals are The Little Cottage by the beach in Houhora, of this spacious home in Ngataki.

Spirits Bay

It was a long, bumpy drive to get there but every bump was worth it. This isolated beach is made up of a slow curve of sand and lapped by pale blue water and surrounded by rounded, rocky peaks covered in lime-green grass.

The Maori believe that the spirits of their dead depart this world via Spirits Bay. It has an end-of-the-world feel to it.

I walked around a small black-rock island connected to the beach and along the sun-bleached sands. There was so much silence. It was blissful.

Where to Stay in Spirits Bay: Camp right on the beach at Kapowairua (Spirits Bay) Campsite , a Department of Conservation campground with basic facilities.

Cape Reinga

I thought that it could be overrated. I thought that the tourist hoards would be off-putting. I didn’t think it could live up to the hype.

It did. By God, it did.

Cape Reinga is stunningly beautiful, and exploring the area is Northland travel at its finest.

A low mist lingered over the iconic New England-style lighthouse – one of the top Cape Reinga attractions.

Aquamarine waters raged far below us and the faint glimmer of impossibly white sands gleamed in the broadening sunlight, further along the sharp coastline.

I was in awe of the colors and the beauty.

After walking down to the lighthouse, I decided to do the short hike along a lofty ridgeline and down steep switchbacks to Te Werahi beach below.

Although short, at only about 90 minutes return, it was one of the most spectacular hikes I have ever done. The views were unsurpassable. And this was one of the Cape Reinga attractions that not many people bother experiencing – they are missing out.

I would love to do some of the longer hikes next time I visit.

There will definitely be a next time.

Where to Stay in Cape Reinga: The closest accommodation to Cape Reinga is the campgrounds in Spirits Bay and Tapotupotu Bay, otherwise stay at the Pukenui Lodge Motel which is a 40-minute drive away.

Ninety Mile Beach

Ninety Mile Beach is in fact only 88km long, but that is still long nonetheless. It is officially deemed a highway but is only really suitable for 4-wheel drive vehicles. I didn’t risk it.

It’s pretty cool to stand on Ninety Mile Beach and not see the end of it. The Te Paki sand dunes at the northern end of the beach are a great place to sandboard. I didn’t have the time to do it but it looked like fun.

Wandering amongst the dunes, it feels as if you are in the Sahara Desert. The cute beach town of Ahipara is a great base for the beach.

Where to Stay in Ahipara: Stay at the massive Ahipara Holiday Park which has campsites, cabins, and motel rooms, or at Ahipara Bay Motel which has rooms with sea-view balconies.

For vacation rentals, stay at the 90 Mile Paradise Apartment overlooking the beach and ocean, or this stunning eco cabin with beach views.

This tiny community in the remote Hokianga definitely surprised me. I took the ferry across the Hokianga Harbour from Kohu Kohu and decided to stay at the camping ground in Rawene after an exhausting day of driving.

Originally I had planned to stay further on in the small beach town of Opononi but I was exhausted. Rawene didn’t look like much when I was driving through the town center as the sky was darkening.

I had an excellent coffee at the trendy Boat Shed Café and loved the historic buildings and giant trees draped in vines. At times I felt I was in the Deep South USA rather than a tiny town in New Zealand.

Where to Stay in Rawene: Camp at Rawene Holiday Park , which offers campsites and cabins and is set amongst native bush overlooking the harbor with a fantastic pool. Alternatively, stay in the nearby beach town of Opononi at the Opononi Hotel .

For vacation rentals, stay at this cozy modern cottage with harbor views, or this beautiful apartment within walking distance of town.

Ngawha Hot Springs

The Ngawha Hot Springs is a great wet weather alternative if you get a bit of rain on your road trip like I did.

These rustic springs consist of many small hot pools of varying temperatures with silt-laden water, there is even mud you can lather all over yourself and wash off in one of the pools.

I had a great time there, chatting with locals and other visitors while relaxing in the hot waters.

Where to Stay at Ngawha: Stay at the neo-classical designed Left Bank in nearby Kaikohe which offers charming private rooms and backpacker dorms.

For vacation rentals, stay at this historic cottage on poles over the water in nearby Taheke, or this cozy mini home farm retreat .

Tane Mahuta

New Zealand’s largest known living Kauri tree, Tane Mahuta ’s sheer height, and girth are quite impressive and if you are driving through the Hokianga region of Northland, it is definitely worth stopping to see this impressive native tree.

Where to Stay for Tane Mahuta: Stay at the luxurious Waipoua Lodge . For vacation rentals, stay at this spacious house with harbor views at Omapere, or the peaceful Waiotemarama Healing Space holiday home.

Kai Iwi Lakes

I had sun every day of my Northland road trip except for the last day, which was the day I visited these famous freshwater dune lakes.

They didn’t look that impressive under the grey skies but I have been told that they are a stunning baby blue when the sun is shining. And the lake beach is white sand.

It is definitely somewhere I will need to revisit when it is sunny.

Where to Stay at the Kai Iwi Lakes: Stay at the Kai Iwi Lakes Resort right on the lake edge in an apartment rental or dorm, or a campsite.

For vacation rentals, stay at this two-bedroom property  close to the beach, or this Omamari Beach holiday house .

Northland should be on anyone’s New Zealand Trip Itinerary – it really is that amazing – and even if you don’t have a lot of time to explore, you can reach a number of amazing Northland destinations on a day trip from Auckland.

Did I inspire you to do a Northland Road Trip? Which place stands out to you the most?

The Best Travel Insurance for your Northland Road Trip

Make sure you get travel and health insurance before your trip, just to be on the safe side. Safety Wing  is my go-to and they are cheap and easy to claim with. 

Safety Wing also allows you to sign up when you are already traveling, unlike a lot of other travel insurance providers.

If you liked this post, check out some more of my North Island New Zealand content:

• The Very Best Things To Do in Coromandel Town
• 10 Fun and Offbeat Things To Do in Coromandel
• The Best Cheap Eats in Auckland
• 26 Fun Things To Do in Auckland To Best Experience the City
• Fun Things To Do in Matakana, North Auckland
• Hiking the Hillary Trail on Auckland’s Wild West Coast
• Fun Things To Do on Waiheke Island: A Subtropical Island Paradise
• 8 Interesting Things To Do in Hamilton New Zealand
• 12 Fun Things To Do in Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
• Hiking the Tongariro Northern Circuit: One of New Zealand’s Great Walks
• My Experience Glamping in the Wairarapa, New Zealand
• Exploring Hobbiton: My Dad’s Home Town

43 Comments on The Ultimate Northland Road Trip: Auckland to Cape Reinga

Thanks for all the tips. I’m just planning a trip myself.

Enjoy! Northland is a gorgeous part of the country

Hi Katie, I love how adventurous you are. Based on your itinerary I went off a little bit. My Northland highlight was Te Paki coastal track through Waitahora Lagoon and Pandora Campsite. Only accessible on foot from Spirit Bay to Cape Reinga Lighthouse. It is literally off the beaten track, no crowd, just you and nature. On the way back we found the best basic campground in Shipwreck bay. Only a handful of fun people, unforgettable.

https://nzjane.com/nine-places-to-camp-in-the-hokianga-ahipara-district-far-north/

I really want to do that hike – my brother did it and loved it. It’s definitely on my list for a future visit

Genuinely the perfect time to find this post as it’s my 1 year anniversary (can anniversaries be sad?) of moving out of NZ. Cape Reinga is so gorgeous and even though I called it Cape Regina for forever without realizing, I loved the spiritual significance of the place.

I’m glad to hear you made it there during your time in NZ Nina – it is a very spiritual and beautiful part of the country

My god New Zealand is gorgeous. I always kick myself for not visiting when I was living in Australia, but I’ll be back one day!

I hope you make it there one day Caitlin!

I loved this! When I was younger, we would always go camping in Tauranga Bay so I’m so happy this was on here! Loved all of your photos too, definitely shows off New Zealand’s beauty!

Thanks Jasmine, what a great spot to spend family holidays!

I want to visit NZ so badly! This looks like such a great road trip and so many beautiful spots! Can’t wait to use this guide one day 🙂

Thanks Kelly! Northland is a gorgeous part of New Zealand

The beaches in New Zealand are unbelievably beautiful! I would love to visit them when I’ll come to New Zealand. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks Shany! New Zealand does have gorgeous beaches

New Zealand looks like such a dream! I can’t wait to visit. Thanks for such an informative post!

Thanks Shay, I hope you get to New Zealand one day

Thanka for sharing the less popular but gorgeous beaches. I will take note for when I visit. The Kauri tree is amazing.I’ve mainly been on the South Island so it’s great to know about great places in the north.

Both islands have so much beauty and are so different so I hope you get to the North Island one day too

New Zealand has been on my list for awhile. The Ninety Mile Beach looks ah-mazing! Would love to visit NZ soon. Such a great and detailed post.

Thanks, I hope you make it there once borders open again!

These stops all look so amazing! It makes me want to come to New Zealand even more.

I hope you make it there one day MacKenzie!

You are right! They are gorgeous beaches!!

We only had two weeks when we visited NZ, so we never made it up to the Northland. But seeing all this gorgeous scenery (and hot springs!) it looks like my cup of tea! If I can make it back to Kiwiland I’d love to explore this area.

Northland is a very good reason to come back!

I’ve bene to quite a few of these places. I spent nearly a month in the Bay of Islands, visiting Opua, Russell, Keri Keri, etc. We also stopped at Tutukaka, which I thought was just a freaking adorable town. Would like to go back and dive Poor Knight’s someday.

Nice! I would love to go up there for a month, I have done lots of short 4-8 day trips. I would love to dive in the Poor Knights Islands too.

Lovely article. Thanks for sharing. I am planning a trip to NZ and ETA is being introduced. Do you know whether its July or October? There is conflicting advise on websites

https://official-newzealand-eta.org/

I’m glad you enjoyed it. I just had a look at the website and it is confusing. I think either way it is only going to be a small charge. I would check back in July and see what the site says then.

I spent a month working and exploring a bit from kerkeri and had an awesome time, I didn’t get to do all of your list (and didn’t know about all of it either) but I can’t wait to go back and explore more!

Kerikeri would be a great base to explore from. I hope you make it back to do more exploring Gemma!

Wow! New Zeeland looks almost tropical! So beautiful!

The very north of New Zealand is subtropical so it’s very different than the Lord of the Rings mountain scenery in the South Island. I hope you get to experience it!

You really made me want to take this trip with your photos and descriptions.

Thanks Lauren! I hope you do make the trip – it’s a great one 🙂

THose beaches look so pristine! i never understood why everyone is going for australie when NZ is so close by. Sadly flight from europe take like 20 million hours – else i’d be there more often.

Oh and before i forget it. WHen i was a kid lighthouses were something magical for me. The idea of someone living high up and lonely in that small little tower and lightening the way for other ships was…uh..i guess romantic!

Australia is amazing too but they are scenically quite different so both worth a visit. There is definitely a romantiscism with lighthouses, one of the reasons I love them too 🙂

We are doing this journey next weekend and this post has got me so excited now! Can’t wait to see all this natural beauy ourselves 🙂

Enjoy! It is such a beautiful road trip with so many lovely beaches to stop off at 🙂

Wow, look at that beach! Added to my NZ travel list when we make it there.

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I have to say Matakana is one of the few spots I love returning to over and over in NZ, and luckily it’s so close to Auckland!

It’s amazing isn’t it! There is definitely something special about that little village 🙂

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New Zealand Northland Road Trip Itinerary

Northland New Zealand is an area of green rolling hills, farmlands and great forests. Surrounded almost entirely by water and snaked by rivers and inlets, you’ll find beautiful beaches perfect for swimming and strolling, islands with crystal clear water that could rival the Pacific Islands and rivers and inlets perfect for boating and fishing.

Because of its close proximity just north of Auckland, Northland is very accessible and should be included in your North Island New Zealand road trip.

This Northland road trip takes you on a round trip from Auckland and covers all the things to do in Northland including all those incredible beaches, forests and islands I mentioned above.

While I do map out five days for this Northland road trip itinerary below, you could adapt my suggestions for less days by skipping a stop or spending less time at a stop, or add more days by adding extra time in some of the places mentioned or heading further north to Cape Reinga.

Where is Northland Located

Looking at a map of New Zealand’s North Island, Northland is the long narrow peninsula that juts out northwest of Auckland.

It is an often forgotten region with most people arriving in Auckland to explore New Zealand head south to the more recognised regions of the North and South Islands. But I’m here to tell you that you simply must head north and discover New Zealand’s Northland, an area that blew me away visually.

Best Time to Visit Northland New Zealand

Known as ‘The Winterless North’, it’s sub-tropical climate means warm humid summers and mild wet winters. It has the country’s highest average annual temperature ranging from 22ºc to 30ºc in summer with minimums averaging 14ºc in winter.

Northland is certainly much warmer than the rest of the country and it’s for this reason that it is a very popular summer holiday destination for New Zealanders.

Summer in Northland can be quiet busy so if you would like to visit without the crowds, try outside of the December/January holidays and you will find it a little quieter.

And because of the relatively milder winters, you could really visit Northland at any time of the year and find plenty to see and do. Hikes through the forest are especially nice on a cooler day.

Car Hire in Auckland

Due to the fact that New Zealand is an island, most people visiting Auckland will need to hire a car when they arrive to help with getting around.

For all my car hire bookings I use and recommend  Hertz . I’ve found they offer the most comparable prices, let you search and compare multiple vehicle types and they have a great customer service team who can help if you come into any unexpected troubles.

Northland Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Auckland to Bay of Islands

Start out early to give yourself plenty of time to get to the beautiful Bay of Islands. While the drive itself only takes around three hours, there are some beautiful beaches and towns along the way that are worth your time to stop, take a walk and enjoy the scenery.

Once you get over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge you are in the city’s North Shore area. While this technically isn’t part of Northland, you can’t drive through without making a few stops.

If you haven’t already visited Devonport during your stay in Auckland then its just a quick 20 minutes detour off route to do so. While you are there make sure you head up to North Head Historical Reserve for views back to Auckland, wander through the local artisan shops and take a stroll along the fig tree lined waterfront.

Jump back on the highway north until you reach the sleepy little coastal town of Orewa about 30 minutes from Auckland CBD. The highlight here is the long sandy beach. Get out, take a stroll and maybe stop by one of the bakeries on the main street for a morning tea treat and a coffee.

Don’t get back on the highway just yet. Take the coast road that leads north from the beach at Orewa until you get to the teeny tiny spa town of Waiwera.

Waiwere in Maori means “hot water” and that’s exactly what you will find in this picturesque little place. At Waiwera Thermal Resort you can take a dip in about a dozen different thermal pools ranging from a comfortable 30ºc to a very steamy 40ºc.

Also make sure you check out the beach right at the end of the town while you are there.

Head back to the highway feeling relaxed after your spa, take the road as it leads you away from the coast to the centre of the peninsula towards the town of Wellsford. Once you pass Wellsford you’re officially in Northland!

The scenery really starts to get pretty amazing from here as you continue north with a few lookout points to stop at along the way for great photo opportunities.

It’s back towards the coast and Bream Bay before reaching Northland’s biggest town Whangarei. While it really is just a big town, it is situated on the Whangarei Harbour so there are parts worth exploring around the harbour’s edge.

This is also the perfect place to stop for lunch. Head to The Town Basin at the marina on the river where you will find a bunch of alfresco cafes and restaurants, local artisan stores and a nice small marina and parklands.

Once you’ve refueled, make your way north through the town to Whangarei Falls. Located in a pretty little reserve where you can take a walk on one of the trails or just park the car near the falls and enjoy the view.

Back on the highway you will make your final drive on this leg of the journey to the Bay of Islands. The scenery continues to get better and better.

Then just as you think it can’t get any better, you take the turn off to Paihia and wind your way through lush rainforest with glimpses of the famous bay on your right from time to time.

Where to Stay in the Bay of Islands

The best place to base yourself in the Bay of Islands is Paihia. This lively little town located directly on the bay is the perfect jumping off point for exploring the region.

Here are three accommodation options to suit all budgets that I recommend you check out. All are centrally located, highly rated and come with excellent facilities.

Budget – Haka Lodge Bay of Islands

Mid-Range – Sea Spray Suites

Luxury – Blue Pacific Apartments

Day 2 & 3 – Bay of Islands

There is lots to see and do in the Bay of Islands. I’ve written all about it recently in my Things to Do in The Bay of Islands   post. But here is a quick overview of what you must see and do during your two days.

Take a cruise – There are a few different cruise companies that all offer similar tours out into the bay. Most of them include viewing, and sometimes going through, The Hole in the Rock, a stop at Ukupukapuka Island and the chance to see dolphins. It’s the perfect way to experience the bays beauty. Lots of tours options are below.

• Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise
• Discovery Cruise with Island Stop-Over
• Small Group Afternoon Cruise & Island Tour
• 30 Minute Jet Boat Ride
• Island Hopper Sailing Day Cruise
• 1.5 Hour Fast Boat to Hole in the Rock
• Late Afternoon Tall Ship Sailing Cruise
• 2 Hour Sundowner Sailing Cruise (small boat)

Visit Russell – This very pretty small town is located across the bay from Paihia and is home to a lovely little pebble beach, cute little shops, and great restaurants and cafes. I highly recommend getting a table on the front deck of Duke of Marlborough and enjoying the afternoon sunshine with a drink.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds – One of the most important cultural sights in New Zealand, it is here that in 1840, the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi occurred between Moari people and the Europeans. Today you can take a very interesting tour guided by descendants of those who were a part of the signing and hear all about the stories that have been passed from generation to generation. Finish your visit by checking out the Meeting House and watching the very captivating cultural performance. Book your Waitangi Treaty Grounds tour here .

Haruru Falls – Visit these impressing thundering falls by car or hire a kayak from the Waitangi bridge and kayak there or take the walk from the Treat Grounds carpark through the boardwalked mangroves.

Suggested Detour

From the Bay of Islands you can also continue north to Cape Reinga, the most northerly point of New Zealand. While I haven’t been there, I have been told it is spectacular and I would love to do this myself one day. If you decide to add this to your trip, I suggest allowing yourself another 1-2 days to really see it properly.

Day 4 – Bay of Islands to Waipoua Forest

Another early start today. This time it’s to get to Waipoua Forest with plenty of time to take it all in. Take State Highway 1 out of Paihia until you get to the turn off for State Highway 12 at the tiny town of Ohaewai.

The drive from Paihia to Opononi on the Hokianga Harbour will take you a little over an hour and is mostly country roads, switching between farmlands and mountains from time to time.

The scenery along the fringe of the harbour is nothing short of spectacular while the towns themselves are the total opposite.

Take a walk out on the Opononi pier where you will find locals fishing and then drive up to the Arai-Te-Uru Recreation Reserve.

The 20 minute return walk takes you through the low scrub out to the point overlooking Hokianga Harbour, out in the ocean and over to the spectacular sand dunes on the other side of the harbour.

From here it’s just 10 minutes drive to the start of Waipoua Forest , home to some of the biggest and oldest Kauri trees still in existence.

Waipoua Forest combined with Mataraua and Waima Forests, make up the largest remaining native forest in Northland with much of the other forested areas of the region being lost to forest clearing for the precious kauri timber. Luckily these three forests are now protected under the Department of Conservation so they are able to be enjoyed by visitors.

The highway winds through the forest making for a very impressive drive.

Make sure you check out some of the biggest and oldest kauri’s in Tane Mahuta and Te Matua Ngahere. You can’t miss the signposts and carparks along the way, directing you to the best viewing spots and walking trails.

Each carpark has detailed maps of the walking trails through the forest, some boardwalked while others on dirt, sometimes muddy tracks. Make sure you’re wearing comfy walking shoes.

Spend the rest of the day enjoying the walks and kauri trees in the park before heading to your accommodation for the evening.

Where to Stay in Waipoua Forest

There isn’t a huge amount of choice on places to stay in the Waipoua Forest. You may find private properties for rent or you can stay at the Waipoua Forest Campground & Accommodation . They offer both camping facilites and cabins located on the south side of the forest on the river and completely surrounded by wilderness.

Other accommodation options are available in Hokianga Harbour and Dargaville 30 minutes north and south of the forest.

Day 5 – Waipoua Forest to Auckland

If you haven’t had enough of the forest yet then spend the morning in the forest before heading south back to Auckland. The drive takes about three hours if you don’t make any stops along the way.

But, there are a few nice things to see along the way. The drive south to Dargaville is winding through the mountains with the occasional glimpse of the ocean on your right.

There isn’t much to see in Dargaville itself but the river is pretty impressive so make sure you check that out as you drive through.

Just south of Dargaville is the Kaipara Harbour with inlets running off it into the centre of the peninsula. The road skirts around the inlets offering some spectacular views from the lookouts along the way.

Once you get back to Wellsford the road forks left and right. Left will take you back on the original road you drove on day one and right takes you on a more scenic route along more inlets and down to Helensville.

I recommend you go right and make the most of this beautiful region.

Helensville is a nice little town that is perfect for a lunch or afternoon tea stop before making your final journey back to Auckland.

On your way back into Auckland you can take the turn off for the Waitakere Ranges. This would make a great addition to this itinerary with a night or two spent in the area enjoying the hiking trails and beautiful scenery.

Where to Stay in Auckland

Before and/or after your Northland road trip you may need somewhere to stay in Auckland.

Budget – Haka Lodge Auckland

Mid-Range – Mercure Auckland Queen Street

Luxury – Hotel DeBrett

Over to you!

Have you visited New Zealand’s Northland region or would you like to someday? Have I missed anything that people travelling this route shouldn’t miss?

Let me know using the comments section below or join me on social media to start a conversation.

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed this post.

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39 thoughts on “New Zealand Northland Road Trip Itinerary”

This is the on bit of the North Island I missed out on visiting and boy I regret it! I am going to have to make it out there sometime for sure, it is such a beautiful area.

It is really beautiful and although I haven’t seen much more of the north island, I imagine it compares well. I hope you get to visit soon.

Great itinerary. I would also recommend visiting the Tutukaka Coast and Whangarei Heads – absolutely gorgeous beaches and great diving at the Poor Knights Islands. I went to Cape Reinga for the first time this past summer and it blew me away – so rugged and beautiful.

Great tips, thanks Katie. I’d love to get up to Cape Reinga one day.

What a great little road trip! I love all your shots of the beaches – those definitely look like my kind of place. I’ve never been to NZ but have heard that it’s absolutely incredible.

Thanks Jessica. I never expected beautiful beaches in NZ. I hope you get over there soon, it really is incredible!

Looks like a good tip for a road trip. Hope to make it there in the future. I would feel in love in NZ nature in no time, I think.

It’s really not hard to fall for NZ and its scenery Zof. I have no doubt you will love it. Hope you get over there soon!

New Zealand is way up there on my travel priority list, but I always thought I’d want to focus my time on the south island. Your post has me thinking I’d need to do both! Such a beautiful country!

Well I haven’t done the south yet (later this year) but I have heard it is even more spectacular than the north. I think its a country that you need to explore ever corner because it is so awesome.

Have not visited this part of New Zealand yet -looks really beautiful!

It really is Matilda!

Wow! This both looks and sounds like a gorgeous and amazing trip. It is so beautiful, like an outdoor paradise. It is nice to see/hear about this side of New Zealand, as you typically hear most about the cities and/or LOTR set areas. Not that those places wouldn’t be great also! 😉 -Alexandra

Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

Thanks Alexandra. It is absolutely an outdoor paradise. I’m really looking forward to doing the South Island this year. I hope you get to visiting NZ soon!

Wow! A very detailed post! I love how you included to google maps. New Zealand is abolutely stunning! It has the most amazing scenery.

Thanks Constance. Informative is what I was going for so I’m glad you noticed. It really is an amazing place.

great photos thanks for sharing the maps sometimes its hard to know where all the places mentioned are and your maps made it easy to locate

Thanks Lorrie! I agree, it’s not always easy when certain map sites are not always accurate.

Wow — New Zealand has always been on my bucket list. I definitely want to do a road trip like this and take my time to see things. I mean, the Whangarei Falls took my breath away. That picture is beautiful! I never really see people explore the northern part of New Zealand so this was a nice treat.

Thank you Muriel. It’s such an amazing part of the world. While I haven’t seen much else of the country yet, I imaging it will be just as goo if not better.

You had me at 14 degrees in Winter! The rest is just a great bonus! Haha just kidding (although the warm winter might be nice compared to my Canadian ones! The Bay of islands looks stunning- the water is so blue!

Hahaha. The pics don’t even do the water colour justice. Bluest water I have seen to date but I suspect my trip to Canada next year might change that.

Fabulous photos!! I want to do this exact road trip through New Zealand, it all looks SO gorgeous! Especially that waterfall.

Thanks Samantha. It was the perfect road trip. I hope you get there soon to experience it for yourself.

I am awfully jealous:) of this experience of yours. We spent a month in New Zealand, but we had to skip this part due to the bad weather. When we arrived in Auckland it was raining all day and the forecast was not better either, so we headed directly to the south! I hope we can visit this part one day and your post will be precious for us then!

The weather can be very uncooperative at times in NZ. It’s unfortunate the weather was bad for you but it gives you an excuse to go back!

Great tips on how to plan the road trip. I love your maps, they really give an idea of distances, normally I just kind of guess. The pics are stunning, I visited the North island very briefly but now I want to go back!

Thanks Margherita! I’m a bit of a map nerd and would still much prefer to use an old fashioned map over the electronic navigation. I hope you get back to the north island soon!

I’d love to go to New Zealand one day and do a road trip! It’s such a beautiful place!!

Hope you get over there soon!

Whangarei Falls is pretty stunning. I loved the bay of islands when I visited. The weather was not really the best for sailing but we did it anyway. This whole article makes me want to grab a flight, hire a car and get away somewherebeautiful

I’m glad to hear that this post makes you want to get out there and see something beautiful Rebecca.

Normally I do not read post on blogs, however I would like to say that this write-up very forced me to take a look at and do so! Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite nice post.

Thanks so much!

Hey Jen your photos are gorgeous! You have great tips on how to plan a cool road trip 🙂

best wishes, Wayne

Thanks Wayne

Never enough time … but you stopped too early . Northland , just gets better the further North you go above Bay of Islands . And water gets warmer ( warmest Feb/ March) . Check out the Coast Kerikeri headlands , Taupo Bay just voted one top beaches in NZ , Mangonui , ninety mile beach . Would be like saying California stops at San Francisco and ignoring North Coast .

Another trip in order ! Cheers !

There is never enough time to fit everything into every trip unfortunately. Sometimes you have to be realistic.

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Amazing 5 days Road Trip Itinerary for Northland, New Zealand

Northland, New Zealand is one of the best places to visit whether you are Aucklanders that want to escape the city life, Kiwis that are sick of the cold/ freezing weather, or international travelers that have just landed in Auckland. While it can still get chilly in the winter, there are still a lot of outdoor activities you can do. Make sure you add this destination to your New Zealand Travel ! This 5-day Northland Road Trip Itinerary will show you how to explore Northland as much as possible within a short time!

5-Day Itinerary in Northland, New Zealand

Page Contents

If you don’t have time to read the details of this 5-day Northland Road Trip Itinerary, here is a brief summary of what the 5 days in Northland would look like.

We based ourselves in Paihia as we were camping, and didn’t want to take it down and set it up repeatedly. But if you have a campervan or staying at hotels, it’ll be easier to move around and stay in different places. Either way, you’ll be able to enjoy this 5-day road trip itinerary on Northland, New Zealand 🙂

Drive from Auckland- to Waipu Caves and onto Paihia (Bay of Islands)

Explore the Bay of Islands- Island Hopping , sailing tours, Hole in a rock tour

Drive to Cape Regina Lighthouse- The most accessible northernmost point of New Zealand

Have a thrill at the Te Paki Sand Dunes- Must do and very famous thing to do in Northland. Suitable for all ages seeking fun and adventure! Slide down the sand dunes with bodyboards!

Ninety Mile Beach- It is not literally 90 miles, but it’s still a very long strip of beach! And the road is amazing! Do drive on here if you have a suitable four-wheel drive or similar and come at the right time (3 hours before and after low tide) Click here for up-to-date tides information!

Explore the Maori Culture and beauty of Paihia- Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, The Haruru Falls and walk around Paihia

Day 5 (Last Day)

Drive to Tane Mahuta, Waipoua Forest- Largest living Kauri tree in New Zealand

Matakana- A little lovely town just an hour from Auckland, stop for a lovely brunch, lunch, or afternoon tea before heading back! 

End of the trip and back to Auckland!

Now let’s jump right into the details of this 5-day Road trip itinerary for Northland, New Zealand

Day 1- Auckland- Waipu Caves- Pahia (Bay of Islands)

Depending on where you stay in Auckland, the driving time can vary. But it is around a 2-3 hours drive to Waipu Caves Track. The highlight of this track is the glowworms you will see, as seeing glowworms is one of the most unique things to do in New Zealand; and often you’d need to pay a good amount of money to join a tour to see them. But here it is totally FREE!!

Take your time to explore the Waipu Caves, and be careful when you’re exploring as it can be slippery and dark.

Head off the Paihia, Bay of Islands when you’re finished exploring the wonder of nature in the caves. Have a relaxing rest of the afternoon/night walking alongside the beach, the wharf of Paihia. Have a beer or two at one of the bars there, and explore the small township; there are quite a few boutique shops there 🙂

Day 2- Explore the Bay of Islands

Bay of Islands is made up of 144 small islands, it is an amazing place to explore. There are so many cruises, sailing tours, and island hopping options to choose from. Taking up one of the tours is the best way to explore a few islands within a day, and enjoy the secludedness of those islands!

I’ve personally taken the Vigilant sailing tour from Russell , and I LOVE IT!! It is a full-day sailing tour that takes you on a sail, and it’ll stop over at one of the islands (which island will be dependent on the weather, wind, etc.) and you can either do kayaking, snorkeling (they provide everything), swimming, small hike on the island or just simply sunbathe on the beach. This tour also includes lunch which is made freshly by the skipper and crew; the ingredients come from their own garden! (I’m not a big fan of salad wrap, but I ate the whole wrap; it is so fresh like it’s unbelievable!!!) Another good thing about this tour is it’s a maximum of 10 people, so you have plenty of space on board to relax and fully enjoy the sailing!

Other cruises that I haven’t taken but I know that they are very popular, and have gotten many good reviews are below:

Discover the Bay- Hole in the Rock cruise

Chance to view Marine wildlife throughout the cruise

Take you to the famous hole in the rock when the weather permits

Stop over at one of the most beautiful islands within the bay- Otahei Bay Urupukapuka Island

Hole in the rock is famous for its unique natural wonder; waves crashing into the rock make a big hole. It can be quite choppy out there, so you’d have to be quite lucky to actually go through the hole itself; otherwise, most people just hang around close by!

Otahei Bay Ferry to Urupukapuka Island 

Take this quick ferry to the amazing, beautiful Urupukapuka Island. And discover the beauty of the island at your own pace; pack your own lunch and have a picnic there. Or enjoy some food at their fully licensed cafe! There are a few amazing hikes for you to choose from, enjoy a swim, or snorkel in the calm water there! 

There are seriously so many options in the Bay of Islands! Remember to book ahead if you wanted to join a specific tour like the Vigilant Sailing tour, just to avoid any disappointment 🙂

Day 3- Cape Reinga/Ninety Mile Beach day trip

This day is going to be a very full-on day, and one of the busiest days out of this 5-day road trip itinerary in Northland, New Zealand. And it involves quite a bit of driving, but don’t worry there are so many stops in between, you won’t actually feel like you’ve been driving a lot! 

Remember to bring food and water for lunch, as there aren’t many places around for food during this trip! There is a fish and chips shop which you need to try along the way, I will get to this later on. But it is recommended to go on your way back to Paihia  🙂

Drive straight to the Cape Reinga Lighthouse first thing, as if you get there earlier you’d have a better chance to avoid the crowd, as bus tours usually come here around midday. It is around a 3-hour drive up to Cape Reinga from Paihia. It’s a short, easy walk from the car park to the lighthouse (around 15 minutes). Once you’ve reached the lighthouse, you’re officially standing on the most accessible northernmost point of New Zealand; which you will witness the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea crashing into each other!!

After you’ve done the lighthouse, it’s time for some adrenaline-pumping activity! Head over to the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes, and sandboard down the sand dunes. You can either bring your own you or can rent a board at Ahikaa Adventures which is located right at the parking lot for the Sand dunes. There are different heights and lengths of sand dunes for you to choose from; if you’re chicken like me you can do the shorter one haha. You’d still get the thrill and fun from it! But if you’re brave and bold, go up to the bigger ones for even more thrills! The climb on sand dunes isn’t easy at all, so be prepared for some exercise 🙂

Use your toes to reduce the speed if you feel like it’s too fast!! Wear shoes that you’re ok with them getting dirty or wet; as you might need to walk through a small stream. And bring spare clothes to change after!!

After the adrenaline-pumped activity, I’m sure you’d be ready to just relax and enjoy the scenic route. So now it’s time to drive to the Ninety Mile Beach, where you can drive on the beach (4-wheel drive is highly recommended, and note that rental companies usually don’t cover any damages that occur while driving here.) But even without driving on the beach, you can still enjoy the scenery by walking on it; of course, you won’t be able to cover the whole way; but it is still pretty amazing to explore!

Join the Cape Reinga/Ninety Mile Beach day tour from Paihia, if you don’t feel like driving long hours in a day! With a knowledgable guide onboard, it will surely make your trip more memorable and you can just relax and enjoy 🙂

Once you’ve explored all three locations, you’d be pretty tired and probably hungry. So stop over at the Mangonui Fish Shop on your way back to Paihia; they have a huge menu at a very reasonable price. Everyone who’s done this day trip would have either been or at least have heard of this fish shop, that’s how famous it is haha! After enjoying a good feast, it’s only an hour drive back to Paihia, where you can relax for the rest of the night as you’ve had quite an epic and tiring day 🙂

Day 4- Explore the Maori Culture, and beauty of Paihia

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Ground ; explores the culture, and learn the history of Maori. Watch the cultural performance, where they perform waiata (songs), haka (traditional war dance), etc; that will for sure blow your mind! Join a guided tour around the treaty ground to learn more about how history shaped New Zealand. Everything is included in the admission fee!! You can easily spend a few hours here, take your time to really immerse yourself into this cultural experience!

Another amazing place to explore in Paihia is the Haruru Falls , which is a 2.5 hours return walking track. Especially if you go after a big rainfall, you’ll be rewarded with an extraordinary waterfall. I didn’t do the walk, as the campground, I stayed in; the Falls Motel and Waterfall Campground is located where I can see the Falls directly from a distance, so I didn’t do the track. Also, half of the time I was there it was pouring raining, so I skipped this 🙁 But if I go back again, I’ll definitely do the track to witness the waterfall close-up!

Walk around the Paihia Wharf at night, it is pretty relaxing. As it lights up at night at Paihia Wharf, you’d be able to see the reflections of lights in the water!! There are a few restaurants that are just waterfront which you should give it a try as well 🙂

Day 5- Explore the largest living Kauri Tree to end your trip

Before ending this 5-day road trip itinerary in Northland and heading back to Auckland, make a trip to Waipoua Forest to witness the largest living kauri tree in New Zealand, the Tane Mahuta. It is around a 2-hour drive from Paihia. Once you reach the parking, It is only a short walk leading to this magnificent sight, you will simply be amazed at the presence of it, there’s a reason it’s called “Lord of the Forest”. There are also other short walks in Waipoua Forest, which is a very family-friendly activity to do 🙂

Drive another 2.5-3 hours to Matakana, a small charming town near Auckland. Despite it being a small town, they have so much to do there. Many restaurants, amazing white sand beaches, Tawharanui Regional Park, a famous farmer’s market on Saturday, and very unique-looking public toilets. (It can be considered a tourist spot haha)

Once you’ve done exploring this lovely town, there’s only an hour’s drive left to go back to Auckland!

As I mentioned before we stay at Paihia for the 4 nights we were there, as we were camping and didn’t want to set up the tent repeatedly. And as Paihia is the middle point of all the destinations in this 5-day road trip itinerary in Northland, so it’s actually a perfect place to base yourself at 🙂 And I highly recommended the Falls Motel and Waterfall Campground , they have a campground for tents/RV/campervan, etc.. also studio/apartments!!

Useful Guides to this 5-day Road Trip itinerary in Northland

Compare and book your cars on rentalcars.com or discover cars

Explore hotels in Paihia on Booking.com or budget stays on Hostel World

Explore some discounted activities on Bookme.com or Viator.com or compare on Tripadvisor with real-life reviews.

↓↓ Explore some other amazing activities in the Bay of Islands ↓↓

If it’s your first time traveling to New Zealand , and have chosen that North Island is where you’d want to explore . This itinerary is definitely for you, people often skip Northland when they’re traveling on North Island; as it is a bit out of the way of other tourist towns/cities. But you 100% there’s so much authentic and cultural stuff up in Northland, so you wouldn’t want to miss this!

I hope this 5-day Road Trip itinerary in Northland would help your plan better or inspire you to travel up to Northland 🙂 Let me know your thoughts, and what are your favorite things to do in Northland, New Zealand!

Planning a trip to Northland? Save it to help you plan 🙂

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My dad lived in NZ for a few years before I was born, and he’s always loved it so much. I have wanted to visit for as long as I can remember, and hope to someday. Wonderful post!

Hope you make it to NZ one day, it’s beautiful 🙂

This is one of the most interesting parts of NZ to visit. I really enjoyed the Waitangi Treaty Grounds and seeing the tip of NZ at Cape Reinga was just wild. Thanks for sharing.

Totally agree 🙂

Mohana and Aninda

New Zealand is so scenic! This is a great itinerary to enjoy the natural beauty of the island and also to learn about its people and culture.

It sure it 🙂 Thank you!

I want to go to New Zealand so badly but the country is so large and seems over whelming. Loved this breakdown of this area. Glow worm caves always look beautiful but I can’t tell if I’d be freaked out going in!

I’d suggest tackling either South Island or North Island if you only have a few weeks, so it’ll seem less overwhelming 🙂

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The ultimate ten-day Northland, New Zealand itinerary

Planning on visiting Northland? This ten-day road trip itinerary will help you make the most of your visit to the beautiful north, and includes some of the best walks and hikes New Zealand has to offer.

This itinerary is just a guide featuring some of our favourite spots in Northland. There are plenty of other places and activities to include in your own itinerary.

Day 1: Mangawhai

Drive from Auckland  to Mangawhai 🚗 1hr 27 minutes

Start your day in our largest city, Auckland. Head north until you reach the charming beach town of Mangawhai.

Once there you can cool off in the waves or enjoy a peaceful swim in the harbour. If you love fishing, the beach is a great place to surf cast. Mangawhai is also home to some our most endangered shore birds, such as fairy terns and dotterels , so keep an eye out for them.

Fairy tern/tara-iti

Experience the rugged beauty of New Zealand’s coast along the nearby Mangawhai Cliffs Walkway . This walk provides breathtaking coastal views and is fringed with pōhutukawa and nikau palms that are often visited by kererū and kākā from the offshore islands.

Day 2: Whangarei Heads

Drive from Mangawhai  to Whangarei Heads  🚗 1hr 26 minutes

Enjoy beautiful beaches, ancient volcanic peaks and enchanting native forest at Whangarei Heads. Your first stop is Ocean Beach, it’s a winding road out there, but the views overlooking the Pacific Ocean make up for it.

If you’re feeling energetic or adventurous one of New Zealand’s best day hikes is nearby. Te Whara Track is a 5-6 hour walk through coastal forest to a spectacular 360 ° panorama. If you prefer a shorter walk try the Mount Manaia Track . While it’s a bit of a climb, the views are epic and the walk should only take between 2-3 hours.

The Whangarei Heads community have been working hard to protect their local kiwi population, so keep an ear out at dusk and you may be able to hear the call of our national icon!

Day 3: Tutukaka/Poor Knights Islands

Drive from  Whangarei Heads  to Tutukaka  🚗 52 minutes

It’s only a short drive to Tutakaka, which is great because it means more time out on the water. Head out on a boat to the stunning Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve . Jacques Cousteau rated the area as one of the top ten dives in the world!

Underwater caves, arches, tunnels and sheer cliffs provide the perfect habitat for a variety of marine species. The clear deep waters allow you to see plenty of fish and coral species while common and bottlenose dolphins also visit the area.

Day 4: Waitangi

Drive from  Tutukaka  to Waitangi  🚗 1 hr 23 minutes

Visit New Zealand’s most important historic site, The Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This is where New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi, was signed in 1840.

Enjoy soaking in the history while strolling through one of Northland’s prettiest spots and enjoying the panoramic views out to the Bay of Islands.

Day 5: Kerikeri

Drive from  Waitangi  to Kerikeri  🚗 23 minutes

In Kerikeri you can learn more about our history, browse art galleries and enjoy fresh local produce. This town is full of character, charm and flavour.

You can explore both Māori and European history at Kororipo Heritage Park . Here you can visit New Zealand’s oldest stone building, the Stone Store, and walk in the footsteps of chief Hongi Hika and early missionaries to Kororipo Pā . This is where Māori and early Europeans came to trade, talk and learn.

If you time it for the weekend make sure you check out Kerikeri’s famous weekend garden markets.

Day 6: Matauri Bay

Drive from  Kerikeri  to Matauri Bay  🚗 30 minutes

Matauri Bay is a picturesque beach settlement north of the Bay of Islands. Home to beautiful blue waters, soft golden sand, sunshine, excellent diving and superb surfing. It’s our very own tropical getaway!

Matauri Bay is also home to the remains of the Rainbow Warrior , the Greenpeace vessel sunk in 1985 in the wake of anti-nuclear protests. Enjoy the short walk to the memorial on the cliffs above Matauri Bay which looks towards the final resting spot of the ship.

Day 7: Cape Reinga

Drive from  Matauri Bay  to Cape Reinga  🚗 2 hrs 30 minutes

See the Tasman Sea collide with the Pacific Ocean at Cape Reinga and discover the place where Maori spirits begin their final journey to their ancestral homeland, Hawaiki.

Cape Reinga. 📷: Peter Rein-Hodurek ©

Cape Reinga’s lighthouse and international signpost are iconic – make sure you take your camera. There is also plenty of other sites to visit including the famous 90 Mile Beach and the massive sand dunes at Te Paki Reserve .

Spend the night at Tapotupotu Campsite , New Zealand’s most northern campsite surrounded by lush forest and a lagoon that’s perfect for swimming and kayaking.

Day 8: Ngawha Springs

Drive from  Cape Reinga to Ngawha Springs  🚗 2 hrs 40 minutes

Head down and just out of Kaikohe and book yourself in for a relaxing spa treatment at one of the Ngawha hot springs. Right in the heart of Northland’s geothermal region, here you can bathe in the hot mud thermal pools and rejuvenate your skin. Once you’re feeling refreshed a visit to Monument Hill offers excellent views and is the top spot for a picnic.

Day 9: Waipoua Forest

Drive from  Kaikohe  to Waipoua Forest  🚗 1 hr 41 minutes

Of all New Zealand’s kauri forests, none is more famous than Waipoua Forest . As the largest remaining tract of native forest in Northland, Waipoua is an ancient green world of towering trees and rare birds.

Tāne Mahuta. 📷: itravelNZ

This forest is the home to Tāne Mahuta , the country’s largest kauri tree, which is approximately 2,000 years old and still growing. A five minute walk from the roadside will bring you to the foot of Tāne Mahuta, probably the largest tree you’ll ever lay eyes upon. Nearly 18 metres to the first branch and 4.4 metres in diameter, Tāne Mahuta is rightly called ‘The Lord of the Forest’.

Keep Kauri Standing

Kauri dieback disease is killing our native kauri. It spreads by soil movement, but you can help prevent it: • Stay away from kauri tree roots. • Clean your gear before and after visiting kauri forest.

Day 10: Kai Iwi Lakes

Drive from  Waipoua Forest  to Kai Iwi Lakes  🚗 53 minutes

Kai Iwi Lakes are a place of sheer beauty. These lakes were created more than 1.8 million years ago and now are family favourite for Kiwi campers. You’ll fall in love with the crystal-clear waters and pure white sandy beaches. These freshwater lakes rival the tropical beaches of the Pacific. They are great for swimming, fishing and kayaking.

Enjoy lunch at Kaiwaka before heading back to Auckland 🚗  1 hr 43 minutes

We hope you enjoy your visit to Northland. Before you head off please check out these  top tips to protect our taonga  to help us keep Northland’s amazing places and unique wildlife safe.

Short Walks and Day Hikes

Many of these walks are part of our new set of Short Walks and Day Hikes that are being promoted to encourage more New Zealanders to get out and explore some of our natural wonders.

From native bush, to glaciers, urban volcanoes, lakes and coastlines, no matter where you are, or how long you’ve got, there’s a walk for everyone: www.doc.govt.nz/walks

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8 responses to The ultimate ten-day Northland, New Zealand itinerary

Great information for visiting in the next winter holidays when the South will be icey and the Northland will be pleasantly cool.

Congratulations on putting this 10-day itinerary together. A great idea and I look forward to reading new ones that cover other regions in the future.

Thank you for ‘our itinery’ looking forward to arranging time to enjoy this.

Day 8 Kaikohe. I assume you are referring to the Ngawha hot springs, which are NOT in Kaikohe. This description is misleading and confusing.

Thanks Derek. We’ve updated the description to avoid any confusion.

Looks like a pretty solid suggestion. But don’t forget the wonderful Twin Coast Cycleway – one of New Zealand’s 22 Great Rides and a fantastic way to get to know Northland better.

Great suggestion Sarah. Definitely worth checking out: http://www.nzcycletrail.com/trails/twin-coast-trail

That looks awesome – I’m packing the car now lol

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10 Best Things To Do In Northland, New Zealand: Starting From The Top…

• By Sarah Steiner
• Updated On April 15, 2024

So you’re planning a trip to New Zealand’s North Island and wondering about the best things to do in Northland?

Welcome to beautiful Northland!

The north of New Zealand is one of the most diverse and naturally stunning regions of the country.

There are endless things to do in Northland and many beautiful sights of northern Aotearoa that you don’t want to miss on any New Zealand itinerary. Northland is a region with beaches and coastlines, beautiful bush walks and boat trips and a rich history of New Zealand.

Last summer we spent eight weeks back at ‘home’ in the Far North, so we may be slightly swayed in our sharing…

But we reckon Northland is the best part to explore!

10 Things to do in Northland, New Zealand

Here are our top ten favourites from the North; and the very best things to do in Northland, New Zealand.

• Cape Reinga and the far far North

Tane Mahuta and the Hokianga

• A day trip to Urapukapuka and the islands
• Visiting Waitangi and the Treaty Grounds
• Paihia and Haruru Falls
• Opua’s best bush walks
• Russell – its not actually an island!
• Te Rawhiti and the back roads
• Kerikeri and Rainbow Falls
• Ngawha Hot Springs

Things to do in Northland – Far North

We spent two full days road tripping in the Far North exploring all the way from Paihia to Cape Reinga.

Cape Reinga and the far, Far North

Cape Reinga is geographically the most northern point of the north island of New Zealand; 100km north of the nearest town of Kaitaia. There aren’t any shops nearby making it the perfect outing for a day trip with a picnic.

We started the journey to Cape Reinga with a morning stop at the small fishing town of Mangonui to stock up for our trip…

Our shopping list was fairly typical of a New Zealand summer picnic and day out. We bought:

• Sandwich bread
• Crisps (for sandwiches)

And yes of course we are wearing our ‘jandals’ for this road trip in Northland!

From there we drove the rest of the way north to Cape Reinga; the most northern point of New Zealand.

At Cape Reinga you can see the spectacular swirl of ocean currents where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean.

For Maori, Cape Reinga is the most spiritually significant place in New Zealand.

According to mythology, the spirits of the dead travel to Cape Reinga on their journey to the afterlife and leap off the headland through the roots of the 800-year-old pohutukawa tree. From their they descend to the underworld to return to their traditional homeland of Hawaii using Te Ara Wairua; the ‘Spirits’ pathway’.

• Tip: Look closely on the coastline of the Cape Reinga and you will see the sacred pohutukawa tree.

Getting to Cape Reinga

There are two ways to get right up to the Cape:

• by bus with a tour company, or
• with a rental car,

If you have time to explore the different things to do in Northland, we would recommend hiring a car. There are a lot of spots that are worth more than a short stop as you make your way north.

It is a bit of a drive to get to Cape Reinga (from wherever you are in Northland). But we rate Cape Reinga as top of the list of best things to do in Northland.

• Paihia to Cape Reinga: 2 hr 38 min  (197.3 km) via State Hwy 10 and SH 1
• Kaitaia to Cape Reinga: 1 hr 22 min  (94.4 km) via SH 1
• Kerikeri to Cape Reinga: 2 hr 22 min  (176.9 km) via State Hwy 10 and SH 1

Finding new things to do in Northland(!)

We drove ALL over both coasts of Northland. And even as New Zealand’s we found new places to explore!

We both agree that Henderson Bay on the East Coast of Northland topped it off as the most beautiful spot we had never been before!

The boys (all three) headed straight for the water, following the locals out onto the rocky rises just past the shore line, where the waves were breaking gently and the water was so incredibly clear!

And if the timing on the way back works out for fish and chips at the famous Mangonui Fish Shop, then you are in luck. The famous fish and chips in Mangonui is a great childhood memory and one of the best things to do in Northland!

Things to do in Northland – the Hokianga

We still can’t decide which day of exploring Northland was our favourite.

The next on our list of things to do in Northland was a day trip to the nearby Hokianga region.

Heading west towards the Hokianga and beyond meant paying a visit to New Zealand’s largest living kauri tree, Tane Mahuta; Lord of the Forest.

This majestic tree towers over 50m tall, creating an impressive rooftop canopy in the Waipoua Forest, about 30 minutes drive south of Opononi.

In myth, Tane the forest God, broke apart the embrace of Ranginui, the “sky father” and Papatuanuku, the “Earth mother,” allowing the space and light for life to flourish…

Opononi and Omapere

Opononi and Omapere are dual beach settlements overlooking the Hokianga Harbour and impressive sand dunes. Opononi is renowned for the famous ‘friendly dolphin’, Opo, who made the harbour his home in the 1950’s.

We liked the story of Opo, but I have to say that an ice cream on the wharf may have been a more dominant highlight of our Northland road trip for some!

Getting to Opononi and Omapere

• Kerikeri to Opononi: 1 hr 8 min  (78.3 km) via State Hwy 12
• Kerikeri to Omapere: 1 hr 17 min  (88.4 km) via State Hwy 12
• Paihia to Opononi: 1 hr 13 min  (83.0 km) via State Hwy 12

Rawene is New Zealand’s third oldest town and an interesting stop for your Northland roadtrip. Historically Rawene was a timber centre of the region, before a mill and shipyards were established in the 1800’s.

Now it is a sunny little town on the south side of the Hokianga Harbour.

Rawene can be reached by road as you head north in a little over an hour from the Bay of Islands.

And how cool is the Hokianga Vehicle Ferry as a foot passenger when you’re a kid?! ? [And, as adults for providing such an adventure for $4 NZD return!].

We enjoyed taking a ride over the harbour on foot. It’s easy to park your car at Rawene. And we timed it perfectly for a beachfront picnic.

• Paihia to Rawene: 1 hr 7 min  (75.6 km) via State Hwy 12
• 1 hr 2 min  (70.9 km) via State Hwy 12

Things to do in Northland – Bay of Islands

We are (admittedly) biased, because this is home for us(!).

But, if you come to the Bay of Islands then definitely grab the opportunity to get out on the water and visit some of the beautiful islands.

• Did you know? The Bay of Islands is made up of 144 islands!

This region of Northland is a popular holiday destination for international and domestic visitors. It really is the perfect destination for swimming, boating, fishing, diving, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, exploring – you name it!

There are all kinds of day trips and organised tours you can take to visit different islands in the bay. You can even take a boat trip to see the Hole in the Rock.

But, our favourite island to explore in the Bay of Islands is Urupukapuka.

A day trip to Urupukapuka island is one of the best things to do in Northland. You can take a ferry transfer from Paihia to Otehei Bay with Explore NZ and spend the day on the island.

There are varying levels of walking tracks around the island suitable for the whole family. The bays themselves are marine reserves so even if you don’t get any further out on the water you will see an abundance of fish just off the jetty!

• Tip: Pack a picnic for a great day out in the Bay of Islands!

Things to do in Northland – Waitangi Treaty Grounds

The Bay of Islands is regarded as the ‘birthplace of New Zealand’.

• Tip: A visit to Waitangi offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the the history of early European settlement and Maori culture.

The historic Treaty of Waitangi was signed here in 1840. It is generally considered the founding document of New Zealand as a nation, and a symbol of the coming together of two diverse cultures – Maori and Pakeha.

At the Treaty Grounds you can visit the beautifully carved Maori meeting house, Te Whare Runanga, and see the largest of Maori war canoes, Ngatokimatawhaorua.

If you are visiting the Bay of Islands then definitely make time for visiting Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Waitangi is a must-do on any New Zealand itinerary and always top of the list of things to do in Northland.

• Tip: Don’t forget to check the daily schedule for the Maori cultural performance,

Grab a coffee afterwards at Whare Waka Cafe. The boys loved counting the incredible long-fin eels you can see from your table and keep asking to go back!

Things to do in Northland – Paihia and Haruru Falls

Paihia is a beautiful base to explore the entire of the Bay of Islands and right up to the Far North.

And, it’s one place we LOVE to call home!

If you have a few days in Paihia on your Northland road trip, then definitely make the most of the beautiful beaches, playgrounds, restaurants, cafes and ice-cream that are on offer.

It’s easy to hire a kayak for the morning from Dan (the kayak man’) at Bay Beach Hire and explore the nearby bays and beaches. And after that I definitely recommend a coffee at the busy little local favourite, Third Wheel Vending.

Paihia is also beautiful from the water and there are all kinds of water transport options to experience.

You can kayak up the Waitangi River. And there is also a beautiful bush walk from Waitangi to Haruru Falls.

From Paihia, the track is 6km each way and starts at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

• Tip: You can also drive to Haruru and park right by the waterfall. Either way, it’s worth admiring!

Getting to Paihia, Northland

It is possible to get a bus from Auckland to Paihia. Or if you have a rental car, it is convenient to get around Northland and explore Paihia and the surrounding areas.

• Auckland to Paihia: 3 hr 14 min  (232.0 km) via SH 1
• Kerikeri to Paihia: 24 min  (23.7 km) via State Hwy 11 and State Hwy 10

Things to do in Northland – Opua

Opua is often known as ‘the gateway to the Bay of Islands’.

It is notable as the first port for overseas yachts arriving into the country. And it is famous for the vehicle car ferry that departs from Opua to Okiato for the short drive to Russell.

Hiking in Opua

This area of Northland is surrounded by pristine bush and stunning coastal walkways.

There are walking trails of all levels and lengths to suit, but two of our favourites are in Opua.

• Coastal Walkway from Paihia to Opua (I have been walking this trail since I was a child!)
• Oramahoe Forest Track .

Paihia to Opua Coastal Walkway

This can either be done as a one-way track from Paihia to Opua and back. Or as part of a longer loop track starting and ending in Paihia, crossing over to Russell and returning by ferry to the start point.

We found the Paihia to Opua track perfect with the boys as there is so much to look at and explore. The track winds up and down through the native bush and right down into small beaches, coves, and bays.

That is, if you can get them past the first bit of the track in Opua and all the boats and boardwalks!

• Coastal Walkway: Paihia to Opua
• START POINT: Paihia
• LENGTH: 5.5km
• TIME: 2 hours one way

Gavin and I also enjoyed the Coastal Walkway Loop as a day walk, sans kids.

We started in Opua and took the car ferry to Okiato as foot passengers walking the bush tracks to Russell, before getting the ferry back across the channel to Paihia.

• Coastal Walkway Loop: Paihia to Opua to Russell to Paihia
• START POINT: Paihia, Opua or any point in between
• LENGTH: Approximately 14km total
• TIME: 5.5 to 6 hours total

It’s a big day, but a beautiful walk through acres of native bush. It felt well deserving of a boysenberry gelato on arrival in Russell!

Oramahoe Forest Track

This is a lesser known track and a secret favourite of ours. The walk itself is only 1.5km return but boasts native trees and birds that are spectacular.

• Tip: Definitely make time to stop for a moment and just listen to the birdlife and song in the forest.

• Oramahoe Forest Track, Opua
• START POINT: 5km along Oramahoe Road
• LENGTH: 1.5km return
• TIME: 30 minutes one way

Things to do in Northland – Russell

If you haven’t got time for an organised boat trip out into the Bay of Islands then definitely don’t miss out on visiting Russell!

The peninsula of Russell is confusing, as the most accessible way to visit is by boat but contrary to thought it is in fact part of the mainland.

The best thing about it is that it will make you feel like you are getting out in the Bay of Islands when you take the ferry to get there!

Russell was home to the first of New Zealand’s 19th century whaling ports. The smaller port of Okiato only a few kilometres away, was the site of the country’s first capital.

Today it is the perfect small town to wander on foot.

Check out the whaling museum, stroll the waterfront promenade, get fish and chips to eat on the beach or have a beer at the Duke of Marlborough – New Zealand’s first tavern.

And check out Christ Church, built in 1835. This was the first church in the country, originally holding services in both English and Maori.

• Tip: Even now, if you walk around the the outside and look closely you can still see the musket holes from the Battle of Kororareka in 1845!

Te Rawhiti and the back roads to Russell

The Old Russell Road was the only way in via land access before the car ferry was put in at Opua.

The road itself hasn’t changed much since those days, and winds all the way out to the Rawhiti Peninsula about an hours drive from Russell township.

We’d done the passenger and car ferry to Russell before, so made an adventure out of it and spent the day roadtripping.

We completed an entire loop from Opua to Russell and Rawhiti, and right down the coast to Oakura and Whangarei. If you have a car this is another of the unique things to do in Northland.

The old roads are gravel and windy, but make up for it with secluded beach spots and stunning scenic tastes of Northland.

Things to do in Northland – Kerikeri

It’s only a 30 minute drive from Paihia, but Kerikeri is another historic town of Northland and setting of the first Mission Station in the country.

Kerikeri, Kororipo Pa and Rainbow Falls

In Kerikeri you can see the Old Stone Store. Literally the oldest stone building in New Zealand, and Kerikeri Mission House (Kemp House) – the first European style building.

Kororipo Pa is only a short walk from the Stone Store, perfect for kids. It is a great opportunity to see a historic Maori settlement with such significance and history for New Zealand.

Nearby is the Rainbow Falls track which is another great option for walking with children.

The full track takes about 1.5 hours to complete the 3.5km path one way. Otherwise, you can opt for a shorter version at only 20 minutes from the Stone Store basin.

You won’t be disappointed to reach the waterfall and see exactly how it go its name!

Things to do in Northland – Ngawha Hot Springs

Have you ever heard of Ngawha Hot Springs? Don’t worry if you haven’t…

This is one of the best-kept secrets and a favourite for locals of things to do in Northland.

Ngawha is a small geothermal area just east of Kaikohe with natural hot springs.

The hot springs bubble from the ground into different mud pools. They are known in Northland for their healing properties (*and recognisable aroma!).

It’s an awesome experience! Each pool has its own individual spring and so has a different colour, temperature, and name to the next one… 

We keep going back to ‘Kotahitanga’ and ‘Favourite’ which sit at about 40-41 °C. Only Gavin has made it into the ‘Doctor’ at 45 °C!.

We travel the world to see sights like these!

How many of these things to do in Northland did you get to see?

Let us know how your trip to New Zealand went and if you got a chance to visit some of these special things to do in Northland, New Zealand.

Read more about travel in New Zealand

• 5 Awesome Things To Do In Russell, Bay Of Islands.
• Visiting Milford Sound in Winter.
• 25 South Island Campsites We Recommend.
• Hiking Roys Peak in Wanaka, New Zealand.
• Best One Week South Island Itinerary.

More about travel planning for New Zealand and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

• Booking.com  – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. 
• Hostelworld – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world. 
• Skyscanner   – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing  – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
• World Nomads   – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 

Wondering about itineraries?  Questions about schooling?  See our Family Travel Guides and FAQ here . 

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3 thoughts on “10 Best Things To Do In Northland, New Zealand: Starting From The Top…”

Thanks very much for the wonderful places which you’ve mentioned. You have indeed when our appetite. We have decided to do a Northland road trip starting next week. Do you have a suggested order in which we should travel to see these sights? We’re happy to spend 8 days exploring Northland, starting from Auckland, but don’t know of there is a recommended “circular” route in which to sequence these attractions. We are Top 10 Holiday Park members, so will be looking for the most economical accommodation for our family of three.

Thank you, I am planning a trip to the far north and we’re driving up from Wellington…. it feels overwhelming, so many sights. We are spending a night in Hamilton, then 6 nights in Paihia….then I am looking to extend the itinerary threading up til we reach Cape Reinga, then down and back…..

Hi Carol! Have an amazing time. I am originally from Paihia (I grew up there!) so the Bay of Islands is particularly special to me! Highly recommend taking the passenger ferry across to Russell for an afternoon; have a wander on the beach, see the oldest church, visit the small museum and get fish and chips (a must do!). Have a great time!

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Northland New Zealand Road Trip: One Week of Beaches, Backpackers & Beautiful Views!

From waipoua forest and cape reinga to bay of islands and whangarei falls..

Last updated Oct 9, 2020

Trying to decide on a first destination in a place with hundreds of amazing options is a challenge. Luckily, we were celebrating my birthday a few days after landing in Auckland and I only wanted one thing: sunshine. GLORIOUS SUNSHINE! After six weeks of winter in Iceland , I wanted beaches to lounge on and hammocks to lay in and water to float atop – basically, various beautiful places to work on my tan. Known as the ‘winterless North,’ Northland New Zealand offered all this as well as great hikes, fun activities, and more. Which made it a great place for an epic New Zealand road trip!

With many people we met heading south as soon as possible, we wondered if going north was a bad idea. But, in reality, the bad idea is skipping this stunning area filled with the most amazing beaches you may ever see, dense forests with beautiful waterfalls, rich local culture and history, chill towns to forget your worries in, and long winding roads perfect for a drive. We loved our Northland road trip and highly recommend it – especially in the summer (we went in early February)! It was the perfect intro to New Zealand, a great birthday destination, and an awesome place to relax away our jet lag.

Table of Contents

Northland New Zealand Overview

If you aren’t familiar with the regions of New Zealand quite yet, the ‘Northland’ area is pretty much everything above Auckland in the North Island of the country. It stretches all the way to Cape Reinga – the northernmost point of New Zealand. And includes the popular Bay of Islands area, which is home to Old Russell (Okiato) – New Zealand’s first capital.

Our trip was spread out over about a week, but you could easily cut out portions or make it faster. For example, we like to do at least two nights in each place to not feel rushed. But one would be fine!

Here is what our Northland road trip plan ended up looking like:

• Day 1: Auckland to Ahipara for the night (8 hours driving, with stops)
• Day 2: Day Trip to Cape Reinga, then back to Ahipara (5 hours driving)
• Day 3: Ahipara to Paihia for overnight cruise (2 hours driving)
• Day 4: End of cruise, stay in Paihia (no driving!!! Yay!)
• Day 5: Paihia for the day and night, with side trip to Russell (2.5 hours driving)
• Day 6: Paihia to Whangarei for the night (2.5 hours driving)
• Day 7: Whangarei explorations (1.5 hours driving)
• Day 8: Whangarei back toward Auckland (3 hours driving to Auckland CBD)

Also, before you even start driving, put on sunscreen! Trust us, we were both pretty burnt and had no idea it was happening until it was too late. New Zealand has no ozone layer, so the sun is strong and it is also often windy, making it easy to not feel its effects!

West Coast Stops

Although we knew it was more popular to stay east, we decided we wanted to do the entire Northland loop, so we headed west after leaving Auckland.

We knocked this drive out in one day because we like to be able to base out of one place for multiple nights. But, you could plan to stop near Waipoua Forest to split it up more. It is a LONG drive! From the RaD Car office near Auckland International Airport to our backpackers accommodations off 90-mile beach, it was 405 km and 8 hours. A few gravel roads and slower speeds made the Google Maps estimate a little bit off!

Truth be told, unless you enjoy farmlands as far as the eye can see or just realllly want to see the Kauri trees, you can totally just take the east coast route. It is more scenic and about 2-3 hours shorter.

But, if you just need to see for yourself, here are the places we enjoyed along the way…

Waipoua Forest

We love a good forest walk, so a trip to Waipoua Forest to see the iconic big Kauri trees was a must for us. These trees are native to New Zealand, can grow to over 50m (164 feet), and live for more than 2,000 years . However, Kauri dieback disease is a new threat to them as well as damage to their shallow root system – often from people not being careful enough around them. The Maori people use Kauri for boat building and the gum was used as a fire starter. Later, the gum was also used as a varnish.

After what seemed like all day to get there then a lot of driving on the twisty-turny forest road, I started to wonder where the hell the big trees were. Luckily, shortly after, there was a giant sign encouraging us. Phew. Must not be the only inpatient jerk out here.

However, we made a stop before the ‘big tree’ because that’s where everyone else stopped – only to find once we got to the end of the trail, that this wasn’t quite the right stop. Seeing the second biggest tree is well worth it though and makes for a lovely walk.

Te Matua Ngahere is known as the ‘father of the forest’ with a girth of more than 16m and height of almost 30m (98 feet), and is the second-largest living Kauri tree in New Zealand.

It is also worth noting that the sign said it would take us about 45 minutes round-trip and we did it in half. Apparently, it is common for trails to be marked for those who walk slowly and leisurely – nice, but something to get used to when planning!

While hiking, you must stay on trails because the roots of the Kauri tree are delicate and shallow. You must also clean your shoes at the convenient stations before and after entering the trail areas.

Before leaving the area, we did find the main-event tree. Tāne Mahuta (‘Lord of the Forest’) is 51m (167 feet) tall and only a short walk from the parking area. However, be sure to loop around to the further viewing area for better views and less crowds. For some reason, no one else thought to take those extra 15 steps! Score for us!

Arai te Uru Nature Reserve – Overlook & Beach

While the forest was nice, the surprise stand-out of this part of our Northland New Zealand road trip was the overlook at Arai te Uru Nature Reserve. It is a great stop for a picnic lunch or just to take in the views, but there are also longer trails that lead from here.

One GENIUS couple was lounging in a natural pool of sorts in one of the giant beach rocks! If we weren’t already pushing it to get to our accommodations for check-in time, we’d have joined in a heartbeat.

Overnight at Endless Summer Lodge in Ahipara

Staying at Endless Summer was worth the trip alone. Honestly. What a gem! However, we’ve had pretty great luck with everywhere we’ve stayed so far in New Zealand. But, this gorgeous hostel-style home in Ahipara was extra special. The vibe is very chill, it is right across from the beach – with surfboards to rent, a full kitchen and grill to use, cozy rooms, and just the most beautiful outdoor areas.

We loved chatting with other travelers on the back porch under the grapevines or napping in the hammocks in the front yard. In the mornings and evenings, we’d wander along 90-mile beach and enjoy the views. As they will note when booking, be sure to buy groceries at the PAK’nSAVE in nearby Kaitaia since that is the closest option. We recommend doing so on your way, because you aren’t going to want to leave!

For NZ$90 per night for a private room with shared bathroom, we were very happy with this place! And it also made for a great base for a day trip to Cape Reinga since that area doesn’t have many accommodation options available. We stayed for two nights and wish we had planned more. There was actually a guy there that comes every summer for months because he loves it so much. We see why!

Cape Reinga – Northernmost Point!

If you Google ‘things to do in the North Island of New Zealand,’ every list will include Cape Reinga. What they often won’t share is that this area isn’t just a quick stop to snap a photo of the lighthouse at the northernmost point, maybe ride down a sand dune, then drive all the way back. It is definitely worth a day or more of your time and even has some camping options, if you want to stay overnight!

Cape Reinga Lighthouse

This place was absolutely stunning. We had no idea from the rolling farm landscape we drove up the peninsula through that we were in store for such mesmerizing, sweeping views. Turning that first corner on the short trail to Cape Reinga Lighthouse about takes your breath away.

For an even better experience, go early to avoid the crowds and heat of the day. It was perfect around 9:30 a.m. when we visited in early February.

Just remember, you will need to do about 20 minutes of walking to and from the lighthouse on a concrete trail with a decent incline on the way back. But, if up for more of a challenge, there are about half a dozen other trails in this area that range in length and difficulty and often lead to a secluded beach!

If time allows, it would make for a lovely day of walking. Some top ones are Sandy Bay, Te Werahi Beach, and the 38km one-way, two-day, Cape Reinga Coastal Walk.

Tapotupotu Beach, Trails & Campground

We absolutely loved this area and wished we had a campervan at the time to just hang out for days, soaking up all the beauty and solitude.

After walking down to the beach onTapotupotu Bay, we followed the water’s edge down to a stream. Then we followed that into a nature area with lots of birds, a boardwalk, and marsh area. This is how we got sunburned though … so much for a quick stroll!

Giant Te Paki Sand Dunes

The Te Paki Sand Dunes were super impressive and worth even a short stop and stroll along the base of them. However, you can slide down using your own board or renting one from the pop-up shop there , or a few cheaper options on the drive there from the main road.

A friend of mine always says, ‘Do the thing in the place!’ Okay, I get it … and usually agree. Unless it is too expensive or just looks miserable. Sliding down scolding hot sand on a NZ$15 piece of plastic kind of hit both for me. Apparently, everyone who does it raves about it and the little river was nice to rinse your hot feet in.

But I was tired, sunburned, and realllly couldn’t get past the idea of sand going in my mouth and up my shorts – and God knows where else – for the sake of being a good tourist. Maybe next time….

90-Mile Beach

Another popular stop in the Cape Reinga area is 90-mile beach (but, they rounded up from 88. Shhh!). Apparently, it is known for its left-hand surf breaks and sunsets, as well as being allowed to drive on it. Although, four-wheel drive is highly recommended as people often get stuck.

While likely worth an entire extra day to explore, we were fortunate to be staying on the far end of it, so skipped the more touristy spots in exchange for our more relaxed area. But, there is a more popular entry area up near Cape Reinga as well.

East Coast Stops from Kaitaia to Paihia

After another relaxing night at Endless Summer Lodge, we excitedly headed out for Paihia for our much-anticipated overnight cruise through the Bay of Islands. On the way, we stopped at a few places, as well as just took in the awesome beach views along Route 10. The east coast side of the Northland is so much more scenic!

The Stone Store in Kerikeri

The Stone Store is of historical significance because it is New Zealand’s oldest store dating back to 1832, which has now been converted to a gift shop.

While a bit too hot to walk around as much as we had planned, the covered pavilion near the parking area made for a great picnic spot.

Rainbow Falls

Thankfully, the Rainbow Falls area was a bit more shaded, so we could take our time enjoying the views. The falls are a short and easy 400m walk from the parking lot. The trail to the falls is stroller and wheelchair accessible and includes three viewing platforms. There is also a very popular swimming hole at the base of the falls, making it a great place to hang out during a warm day.

Bay of Islands Near Paihia

By the time we got to Paihia, we still had a few hours before we were due to meet our cruise crew at the harbor. So, we did a little exploring, then dropped our bags and car off at the hostel we’d be staying at the next night and took the short walk over. (VERY thankful they let us do this!)

Haruru Falls

This is a nice waterfall with easy access from a parking area nearby. You are able to access the top of the falls from the parking area, or kayak up to the base of the falls through many tour operators. While we enjoyed the waterfall, it didn’t look like it would be worth it to kayak to – although you do supposedly go through a mangrove area. There is also a longer 8.5km (5.3-mile) hike to the falls from nearby Waitangi.

There is also the Waitangi Treaty Grounds nearby that everyone says is a must, but at NZ$50 each, and after blowing our budget a bit on the overnight cruise, we had to skip it. They offer guided tours of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Maori Cultural Performances, a carving studio, museum, and the treaty house. They also offer a Hangi & Concert Evening (NZ$120) that allows you to experience authentic Māori culture with live performances and a traditional hāngi dinner cooked in an earth oven.

The Rock Overnight Cruise

If you’ve been following along, you’ve already read my rave reviews of The Rock Overnight Cruise out of Paihia.

In case you haven’t read all about it yet – this almost 24-hour cruise includes meals, fishing, a fun version of target practice, swimming in the bay, night kayaking with chance to see phosphorescent water, stargazing, fun social time with other travelers, snorkeling, and paddling to an island for amazing you-can-only-get-there-by-boat views!

They have really perfected the ability to give you a taste of everything that makes the Bay of Islands and boat life wonderful – it was the perfect choice to celebrate my 30 th birthday. Waking up on the water to watch the sunrise before an epic day of adventures in NEW ZEALAND(!!!) was out of 20-something me’s dreams!

If you are short on time when visiting the Northland, this is a great option to feel like you got a taste of this very beachy area of New Zealand. However, I’d highly recommend adding it on to any trip! I’m sure it will be a standout highlight even once our three months in this gorgeous country are finished.

Overnight at Base Backpackers Paihia

Since we would be staying in Paihia on my birthday night, we wanted to pick something with a fun vibe. Being a Monday, our options were limited, but Base has something going on EVERY NIGHT of the week, so it got our vote. Little did we know, this is the top choice for many of the youth-focused tour groups – which meant 90% of the people there were about 18.

But, it really didn’t get very crazy, the rooms and shared spaces were clean, and it was a blast to get to dance like I was a decade younger on my birthday night to old-school jams the DJ played just for me (just kidding, everyone loves 2000s hip hop). However, having a private room (NZ$94) really helped keep us sane and is highly recommended if you won’t be up late partying.

Nearby is a great long beach to lounge on and a brewery we liked. Thirty30 Brewery had a much more mixed crowd and a great happy hour offering, so we spent a lot of our time there. And we basically had to check it out since it was my 30 th !

Day Trip to Russell

Always wanting to do things differently than everyone else, we opted to drive to Russell. The car ferry only seemed to cut off about 15 minutes and we were in no rush. So, off we went to find the longest, windiest gravel road ever! The speed is marked as 100, but 60 was about as high as we did comfortably. So, it took wayyy longer and didn’t provide any additional views worth noting. Just take the ferry – it is so much easier! There is a passenger-only option as well leaving directly from Paihia.

Downtown Russell

Down by the port, where the passenger ferry and other boats dock, there is a great walking area. Plus, lots of restaurants and shops. While a popular place and some hipster-esque options, you can still find some budget food if you try!

Flagstaff Hill Historic Reserve Overlook

Of course, if there is a scenic overlook nearby, we won’t miss it! We drove over to Flagstaff Hill after lunch and enjoyed taking in the views. However, the turn onto the one-way road up to the overlook was a bit precarious – definitely not good for campervans or big vehicles. Plus, you kind of just have to hope no one is coming out when you turn in. There is a walking track nearby, so if time allows, we’d recommend taking the short walk from town – about 20 minutes one way.

Tapeka Point Beach

If you have a car, it is worth going to Tapeka Point Beach. This is one of our favorite beaches that we went to in the Northland area. It barely had anyone there when we visited and is a gorgeous area.

Ferry from Okiato to Opua

At only NZ$13.50 for a car and NZ$1 per foot passenger, the ferry really is a much better option than the long, bumpy drive. Plus, you get a few minutes of nice water views! No car? The passenger ferry directly to Russell from Paihia is only NZ$13 for a return ticket!

For a bigger town, Whangarei has a very sleepy vibe – even on Friday night, no one seemed to be out. Which is kind of refreshing in a surprising kind of way.

Otuihau Whangarei Falls

At over 26m over basalt cliffs, Otuihau Whangarei Falls is very picturesque. There are three separate viewing platforms around the falls that you can access from the circular walk, which also takes you to the base of the falls.

The mostly shaded Otuihau Whangarei Falls Loop is only 1km long and will take about 30 minutes – and is worth it. The carpark for the falls is pretty small and can fill up quickly, so be sure to get there early, or just park along the road.

Whangarei Heads & Ocean Beach

On one of our exploration days in Whangarei, we drove over to the iconic Whangarei Heads. The area is really beautiful and it is a fun, windy drive.

But, it is definitely worth going even further over to Ocean Beach for a relaxing walk along the water at the best beach in Whangarei.

Overnight at Cell Block Backpackers

This place! Usually, themed accommodations are a let down and the owners often lean too heavily on the catchy décor and don’t provide a good experience otherwise. But that is so not true at Cell Block Backpackers! This place was so unique and strangely comfortable (for literally staying in a jail cell). However, the little touches that really brought the theme to life were very appreciated. They left the buzz buttons to open doors, like in a real prison. The heavy metal doors were the same, bars were on windows, and they even had a camera setup in the hallway showing some different rooms – like you see in the prison movies (also, probably real jail…)

But, the best part of it all was that it never felt like a harsh, cold prison. There were bright colors on the walls and the textiles used were fun. Plants were everywhere – with a full garden on the roof. It is just a really special and unique place. We absolutely loved it (especially for NZ$70 per night for a private room with toilet) and could have easily just kept extending our stay had we not felt the itch to explore more.

We also liked that there was a great mix of different travelers and we had plenty of places to hang out and chat with each other – even an awesome roof-top deck that was also a great spot to get some sun (I WILL get a tan!) The owner is wonderful and really takes pride in Cell Block.

Beaches North of Auckland

We really wish we had spent more time exploring the beautiful beaches north of Auckland , but when it was time for us to make our way south it was a Saturday over a holiday weekend and traffic was crazy in the beachy towns. However, we’ll be back up near Auckland in a few months and hope to scope these areas out further – even if the weather probably won’t be ideal for a beach day.

Northland Road Trip Logistics & Money-Saving Tips

• Conversion Rates : Right now, the U.S. Dollar is worth 1.55 New Zealand dollars. YESSSS!!! Be sure to take this into account when planning, if on a tight budget. We also recently started using an app called, AndroMoney that helps us track purchases in multiple currencies.
• Transportation : We went with RaD Cars because they were basic and cheap – about NZ$180 for one week! Easy enough. They even let us call and extend our rental with no hassle. So, now we love them. However, you could get to most of these places by bus as well, it would just take a little more planning. Of course, campervans and motorhomes are another popular option, but often much more expensive than a rental car, so the accommodation discount has to really be worth it!

• Discounts : If you do the Rock Overnight Cruise, you can save 10% with a YHA membership!
• Cheap Food : You may be surprised that McDonald’s (Maccas, as the Kiwis call it) is prevalent here in New Zealand and it also really isn’t that cheap. We were in a bind near the airport and got it. While notably fresher and less greasy, it was also about double what we’d pay normally – even after conversion. However, Dominos is fresher and still cheap in a bind – maybe even more so! But, especially if staying at accommodations with kitchens (the case with most backpackers places), just go to a grocery store for healthy, cheap options you can feel like an adult eating.
• Accommodations : Staying in a hotel in New Zealand is just silly and usually much more costly. If you want privacy, you can get a private room in a hostel for not much more than you’d pay for two beds. Sharing a bathroom with strangers really isn’t all that bad and the added perks make it extra worth it – like a real kitchen, games, great common areas, and plenty of opportunities to socialize with interesting people. Renting a van to live in is also a great option, especially with some beautiful beach spots to camp at in the Northland!

Have you done a Northland New Zealand Road Trip and have recommendations to add? Let us know in the comments!

About the Author: Brooke Baum

Brooke is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager for various blog sites. After five years of full-time travel with her husband Buddy, they made the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, their permanent home base. However, they still travel regularly and are always planning their next trip.

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Northland Road Trip

Head to the Winterless North to catch some rays any time of year. This itinerary shows off some of Northland's highlights.

Pack some snack, good tunes, and your choice of road trip companion. Get on State Highway One north from Auckland and you're on your way!

Just 2.5 hours later, you’ll find Northland’s biggest town at just over 55,000 people. The Town Basin is a pleasant spot to grab coffee and browse the shops, check out museums and galleries, or stroll along the river.

Whangarei Falls is a surprising natural oasis only 10 minutes from the town centre. A short drive from the centre is Kiwi North; a small local museum where you can check out Kiwi and Tuatara in the flesh.

Whangarei Heads provides some beautiful coastal walks just a short drive from the township. Abbey Caves are also a popular spot to explore if you fancy a taste of adventure.

Many travellers use Whangarei as a base to explore the Tutukaka Coast. Dive! Tutukaka offer a variety of trips to Poor Knights Island, one of the best diving spots in the country.

Once you’ve explored your fill, you’ll find yourself heading north to Paihia for the next leg.

Welcome to the Bay of Islands! This picturesque region is known as the Winterless North, so chances are no matter what time of year you visit, you’ll manage to sneak in some beach time.

This is a hotspot of NZ culture and history so take time to soak it in. From   YHA Paihia   it’s a short drive along the waterfront to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. Paddle or walk to Haruru Falls, take on the new Waitangi Mountain Bike Park, or ferry to Russell for a stroll around the nation’s first capital.

Once you’ve explored the land, take to the sea on   The Rock Adventure Cruise. This floating hostel offers an overnight cruise complete with fishing, snorkelling, kayaking, and even a song by the fire some nights! This is a prime location for spotting bioluminescence (Google it!) so it’s a must-do while in New Zealand. They book out early, so definitely organise this one ahead of time.

You can also visit Tane Mahuta on a day trip from Paihia. While this giant kauri is arguably the most famous tree in the country, there are plenty more in the Waipoua Forest worth seeing.   Check out the walks in the area   and plan accordingly.

90 Mile Beach

Continue north after visiting Tane, or wind up the coast from Paihia with a stop at Whangaroa Harbour. Climb the Duke’s Nose (Kairara Rocks) to appreciate the harbour views; it’s about an hour’s walk one way.

Arrange a night at   YHA Ahipara   before you head to the iconic Cape Reinga lighthouse and watch two seas collide. This is also a special place in Maori culture; Te Rerenga Wairua is the spot they believe spirits depart from to reach their homeland.

Of course, no visit to the far north would be complete without a visit to Te Paki. This is an epic place to boogie board down the sand dunes, but watch you don’t burn your feet! Pro-tip: try wearing socks to allow maximum sand-boarding enjoyment. You can hire a boogie board for around $10 from the local iwi in the main carpark for hours of entertainment.

The Way Back

The beautiful part about road tripping is that the return route is up to you! Visit Waipoua Forest on your way south instead if you’re headed via Dargaville; loop into Whangarei and back the way you came, or check out Muriwai Beach on your way into Auckland. Whichever road you take, allow time to stop at lookouts, waterfalls, and short walks. You might just find an amazing hidden gem that of course, you’ll want to tell us all about!

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A roadtrip through Northland: our 5 day itinerary

This post might contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.

Our great adventure has started! We’re kicking off our one year round the world trip in New Zealand. More specifically, we spent our first 5 days touring New Zealand’s most northern region, aptly named Northland. In this blog post we’ll talk about our Northland itinerary which includes amazing activities, such as a dolphin watching cruise and walks with stunning views. Here we go!

We arrived in New Zealand via Auckland International Airport after a whopping 33 our flight from Amsterdam. To make sure we got a good night’s sleep, so we could recover from the inevitable jetlag, we’d booked a night in a hostel near the airport. We stayed in a small, but cute private cabin in the garden of the main house.

The Campervan

The next morning, it was time to pick up our campervan! This trusty old Mazda van will not only be our transportation, but also our home for the next five weeks. It’s a lot smaller than all the other camper(van)s we see driving around New Zealand, but it has everything we need: a two-person bed, two gas cookers, a small fridge, a table and chairs, and an awning for when it rains (which we luckily haven’t needed to use yet).

Mangawhai Cliff Top Walkway

Because we only (haha) have five weeks to roadtrip around New Zealand, we decided to skip Auckland and head straight out into the nature of Northland. A 2.5 hour drive through beautiful and quickly changing landscapes took us to Mangawhai Heads, our first stop on Northland’s coast. We were on the beach!

There were people sunbathing and children surfing, but that’s not what we were there for. We chose this specific beach for the Mangawhai Cliff Top Walkway , a superb 3 hour walking track over the cliffs high above the beach, with amazing views of the ocean.

Unfortunately, we weren’t there during low tide, because then we could’ve returned via the beach. We just walked untill we were tired and then turned back the way we came. Still highly recommended though!

There’s a small café at the start of the track, but being on a budget, we made our own sandwiches for lunch.

Waipu Caves

Next, we were off to our first camping spot, a free car park / campground at the Waipu caves. We intended to visit the caves that same day, but our jetlags got the better of us. So it was an early dinner and off to bed.

We ventured into the caves the next morning. Waipu caves are the only caves in New Zealand where you can see the famous glow worms for free. It’s a bit of a clammer into the caves, and the path gets slippery at some points, but it’s well worth it. About 50 meters into the caves we were rewarded with the beautiful shimmer of the glow worms.

The Bay of Islands

After this little morning adventure, we were back in the van and off to our next destination: The Bay of Islands. This popular holiday destination is loved by tourists and locals alike. And we can see why! The lovely beaches, beautiful islands and many activities on the water make it a great place to spend a couple of sun-filled days.

We stayed near Paihia, the bay’s main town, for two nights.

The highlight of our visit to the Bay of Islands was the dolphin cruise we booked with Carino Sailing & Dolphin Adventures. We spent the day sailing on a beautiful catamaran and got up close with a pod of dolphins.

While in Paihia, you can also experience the Haruru Falls Walk (lovely mangroves), take the ferry accross the bay to Russel and learn about Maori history at the nearby Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Waipoua Kauri Forest

Though the classic “Twin Coast Discovery” route takes you further up north, all the way to Cape Reinga (where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean meet), we turned West and crossed the peninsula to the Waipoua Kauri Forest.

Here we marveled at the giant Tane Mahuta, the largest kauri tree alive. It’s estimated to be almost 2000 years old! Unfortunately, there’s a disease spreading through New Zealand’s forests, which is killing the magnificent kauri’s, so the New Zealanders put up shoe desinfecting stations.

Down and out

Our last night in Northland, we camped on the coast of the inland sea. Tired from a long day of driving (it took us about 7 hours to get here from Paihia), we were happy to find a nice spot by the water.

The next day was another long drive, as we headed back past Auckland and then East to the Coromandel peninsula . But we’ll save that for another post!

All in all, we absolutely loved Northland! The beautiful and diverse nature, great walks and quiet beaches made it the perfect start of our trip to New Zealand. Even though it might be a bit out of the way of other New Zealand highlights, we would definitely recommend anyone who visits New Zealand not to skip Northland and make the journey up north for at least a couple of days!

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Hi, my name is Sandra and I’m half of the traveling couple that makes up Bus stops & Flip-flops. I’m finally living the dream by traveling the world with my husband Geert. My other hobbies are eating good food, dancing and sleeping in. Did you enjoy reading my blog post? I’d love it if you leave a comment!

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The Ultimate Auckland to Cape Reinga Road Trip Guide

This Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip itinerary covers the best of Northland. Northland is the stunningly beautiful stretch of New Zealand’s North Island above Auckland and is sometimes overlooked by travellers touring New Zealand an unfortunate consequence of New Zealand having so much to do and travellers having so little time. Trust us when we say you don’t want to miss this beautiful part of the country. A road trip from Auckland to Cape Reinga and back is the perfect way to experience the Northland Region. Below is the perfect Northland New Zealand Itinerary.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here .

The Twin Coast Highway makes road tripping from Auckland to Cape Reinga a breeze, with the easy to drive roads taking you past small towns, sheltered sandy beaches and unforgettable coast line. Driving up one coast of Northland and down the other, you’ll have plenty of time to experience all this region has to offer. You won’t be disappointed if you have a few days or weeks to explore the Northland region.

Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip FAQs

Absolutely. In fact, the Twin Coast Highway runs along the east and west coasts of the Northland region, leading towards Cape Reinga and it is one of the most beautiful drives on the North Island.

Following State Highway 1, along the east coast of Northland, the distance from Auckland to Cape Reinga is about 425km.

Following the east coast, it’ll take about 6 hours to drive from Auckland to Cape Reinga. That is, of course, if you drive directly there with no detours.

You’ll need at least three days to road trip through Northland, although three days involves a lot of driving and less sightseeing. The more time you have the better as you’ll be able to spend more time in each place. Anywhere from 4-7 days is ideal.

How to use this Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip itinerary

Ok, for easy use, I’ve broken this itinerary up into three separate sections

• Auckland to Paihia and Bay of Islands
• Road trip Paihia to Cape Reinga
• Cape Reinga to Auckland – otherwise known as the West Coast

If you cannot drive around the entire Northland region, you can always base yourself in Paihia on the east coast and take day trips to the different areas of Northland.

Auckland to Paihia road trip

Starting your auckland to cape reinga road trip – a northland new zealand itinerary.

Auckland is a great jumping-off point for a Northland adventure. You can fly to Auckland’s International Airport. Many car and camper van rental facilities are available around the airport. Make sure you book your car or campervan in advance, particularly during the summer months when it’s busy, so you don’t miss out.

Driving Highway 1 from Auckland to Paihia

Drive Time : 3.5 hours Distance : 246 km North of Auckland

The drive along the east coast of Northland takes you through Whangarei, the home of Whangarei falls. Whangarei Falls is a spectacular 26m high waterfall surrounded by native forest and walkways, and the ideal way to stretch your legs as your Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip comes to a close.

Paihia is an excellent base for exploring some of the most beautiful parts of Northland. It is the biggest and main tourist town in the area known as the Bay of Islands. A dream for marine life lovers, the Bay of Islands comprises around 144 islands, amongst which swim dolphins and whales.

Things to do in Paihia

• A cruise on the Bay of Islands from Paihia will give you a taste of the region, as you cruise between islands.
• Visit the famous ‘Hole in the rock’ archway or spot marine life such as dolphins or whales.
• Alternatively, get adventurous exploring the Islands while cruising, hiking, paddle boarding and snorkelling your way around.
• Paihia has some of the most beautiful beaches in Northland .
• Take a ferry across to the charming small town of Russell, with its rich history, historical buildings, cafe’s and calm beach.
• You can either drive or walk to the Haruru Falls, a beautiful waterfall in the region.

Waitangi Treaty Grounds

• Explore the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. The site of the signing of the first accord between the British crown and the Maori People is a fascinating place. Here you’ll see an enormous Waka, or Maori War Canoe, learn about the history of the agreement between the Maori and British settlers and experience traditional Maori customs and dance. All this to the backdrop of the beautiful Bay of Islands. The cost of entry to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds includes a guided tour, access to the museums and a show. The guided tour is fantastic and you’ll learn a little about Maori natural medicine, rituals and exploration. Our guide was a descendant of Maori in the area and was a tremendous wealth of information.

If you cannot do the complete Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip, don’t panic. You can organise day trips from Paihia to places like Cape Reinga and 90 Mile Beach.

The Waitangi Treaty Grounds were a highlight for us and we’d recommend not missing it if you’re interested in cultural history.

Where to stay in Paihia and the Bay of Islands

Hotels in Paihia: Kingsgate Hotel Autolodge Paihia and the Bay Cabinz Motel are located near Paihia’s beach and centre.

Camping grounds Northland and holiday parks in Bay of Islands: The Bay of Islands holiday park is located just 5 minutes outside Paihia. Cabins and units are available, as well as powered and unpowered sites for campers. Paihia also has a Top 10 Holiday Park.

Department of Conservation campsites and freedom camping: There are no DOC or freedom campsites around Paihia; however, if you have time, you can move further around the Bay of Islands towards Russell, and there are some located in that area.

Driving Paihia to Cape Reinga

Drive Time : 2.5 hours Distance : 197 km

There are plenty of beautiful places to explore on your road trip from Paihia to Cape Reinga, including Mangonui, Doubtless Bay and the KariKari Peninsula. If you have the time to explore this area, we’d recommend using Mangonui as your base and exploring from there.

Mangonui and Doubtless Bay

Overlooking Doubtless Bay, Mangonui is a small historical town. Take in some of Mangonui’s heritage buildings, an ancient Maori fort, or take a snorkelling or diving trip from Mangonui Harbour.

Things to do around Mangonui and Doubtless Bay

• Visit the historical 1840s Butler Point Whaling Museum.
• Take any one of the beautiful walks, including the Mangonui Heritage trail, or the Taumarumaru Scenic Reserve walk
• Doubtless Bay has plenty to offer beach lovers, including snorkelling, sailing and dolphin watching.
• Visit the Carrington Estate Winery

90-mile beach

While it is not technically 90 miles, the 90-mile beach is still a ridiculously long stretch of beautiful New Zealand coastline running from Ahipara to Cape Reinga, the northernmost tip of New Zealand. It’s not a great beach for swimming due to rough conditions and traffic. Yes, traffic; 90-mile beach is a registered state highway, and the novelty of driving the length of the beach is a draw card for many.

Driving 90-Mile Beach

Although buses and locals drive 90 Mile Beach regularly, risks are involved, so you should be prepared. First of all, if you’re in a hire car or camper, check your insurance policy. You’ll likely find that you’re not covered to drive on the sand. This is a problem if you happen to get stuck! It’s essential to make sure you stay on hard sand and never go onto the soft. The best option is to follow the tracks of those that have driven before you. Needless to say, a 4WD is always handy to have.

Ensure you also check the tides and never drive onto the sand during or near high tide. The safest and easiest time to drive on 90-Mile Beach is during low tide.

There are around five entrances to 90 Mile Beach, the safest and most reliable being the Waipapakauri Ramp which you can access about 20km from Kaitaia. The Northernmost entrance is at the Te Paki Stream, near the Te Paki Sand dunes. This entrance can be treacherous with the changing conditions of the stream, so be sure to know what you’re doing here before you drive in.

The Te Paki Sand Dunes are the largest of their kind in the southern hemisphere. If you feel like a challenge you can walk to the top for the spectacular views. Another great option is to ride a sled down them!

Cape Reinga

The stunning second northernmost point of New Zealand is not to be missed. Cape Reinga Lighthouse sits high above and looks out over beautiful beaches and rocky coastline. The views on the drive alone are worth the distance, so make sure you stop for photo’s along the way.

You’ll see plenty of spectacular coastal views to the west as you drive through rolling hills and mountainous farming areas.

Once you arrive at Cape Reinga, it’s about a 1km downhill walk to the lighthouse with incredible views. The open sea area in front of the lighthouse is generally considered to be where two ‘seas’ meet, the Tasman Sea and the Pacific ocean. The two seas are pushing towards each other, resulting in some pretty rough-looking ocean.

The Maori name for Cape Reinga is Te Rerenga Wairua, which is reflective of the Maori belief that Cape Reinga is where the spirits of the dead enter the underworld.

Remember, the closest town to Cape Reinga is over 100km south, at Kaitaia, so make sure you pack some lunch and anything else you’ll need for the day.

Things to do in Cape Reinga

• See the Cape Reinga Lighthouse! I mean, this goes without saying, but I’ve said it.
• Visit Toputaputu Bay – this is a beautiful beach area off Highway 1. There is a DoC campsite there if you have a campervan.
• Sandboard down the Te Paki Sand Dunes
• Visit Spirits Bay

Accommodation and Campgrounds near Cape Reinga

Hotels : There are no hotels on the Cape, the closest are located at Kaitaia, some 100km south, including The Gateway to the North , and the Loredo Motel .

Holiday Parks and Camping grounds Northland (Far North) : There are no caravan and holiday parks on the Cape. However, the Narrabrai Motel, Caravan park, Norfolk Motel, and Campervan Park are located in Awanui and are the closest to Cape Reinga.

Department of Conservation campsite Northland (Far North) : We stayed at the Tapotupotu Campsite, located alongside a beautiful estuary beside a secluded beach not far from Cape Reinga.

Freedom camping grounds Northland (Far North) : There are no designated freedom camping locations around Cape Reinga.

Road trip the west coast – Cape Reinga back to Auckland

Cape reinga to opononi.

Drive Time : 3.5 hours Distance : 180 km

There are multiple ways to get from Cape Reinga to Opononi or Hokianga Harbour.

You can take the Hokianga vehicle ferry from Kohukohu. It will drop you at Rawene, 20km from Opononi. The ferry takes around 15 minutes to travel across the harbour and shouldn’t cost more than $30, depending on your vehicle size and the number of people.

Continuing along the highway, heading towards Opononi, you’ll drive through the forest and be treated to the beautiful Kauri canopy. As you turn inland and head towards Hokianga Harbour, you’ll see where the Maori’s first arrived in New Zealand sometime between 1250 and 1300.

Things to do around Opononi and Hokianga

Waipoua kauri forest.

• You’ll pass the Waipoua Kauri Forest, famous for Tane Mahuta, the largest of New Zealand’s native Kauri trees are between 2500-3000 years old, with a base of 4.4m in diameter. It’s worth stopping off here to explore the forest. Wonder through the forest alone do a tour such as an evening tour of Waipoua to see the forest at twilight!
• Visit the Hokianga rock pools at Waimamaku beach
• Jet ski in Hokianga Harbour
• See the boulders of Koutu beach – these are similar to the boulders on the South Island at Moeraki.
• Do the Waiotemarama waterfall walk and see some of the region’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Accommodation around Opononi and Hokianga Harbour

Hotels – popular hotels in the area include the Opononi Lighthouse Motel in Opononi.

Holiday parks and camping grounds Northland (Hokianga Harbour): Try the Opononi Beach Holiday Park or the Rawene Holiday Park if in the area.

Freedom camping Northland: Northland has restricted freedom camping; however, there are locations throughout Northland where freedom camping is available. Check here for the Far North Council’s list of freedom camping places. In addition, there is a low-cost campground at Koutu Mangaroa Picnic Area, which is for self-contained vehicles. Details can be found on the campermate app.

Department of Conservation campsites Northland (Hokianga Harbour) – There are no DOC campsites around Hokianga Harbour. However, for all campsites in Northland, you can check the DOC map here .

Winding up your Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip – Opononi to Auckland

Drive Time : 4 hours Distance : 286 km

Things to do on the West Coast of Northland

There is plenty to see on the drive between Opononi and Auckland.

• Visit the town of Dargaville
• See Kiwi birds at the Trounsen Kauri Park
• Explore the Kauri Museum at Matakohe
• Soak in the hot springs at Parakai
• If you like bird watching, visit the Muriwai Gannet Colony outside Auckland at Kumeu.

Returning to Auckland

After your epic road trip of Northland and the far North of New Zealand, take some time to see the sights of Auckland. If you don’t have long, we have a great article on what to do in Auckland in just one day . Otherwise, here are some more ideas.

Auckland to Cape Reinga Road trip facts

Total driving time : Minimum 13 hours (highways only)

Total Kilometers : Minimum 950km (highways only)

Minimum days recommended : To do the entire Auckland to Cape Reinga road trip itinerary a minimum of 4 days is required for your own comfort. Of course, if you have more time that would be strongly recommended.

If you have less time in your Northland New Zealand Itinerary and are looking for the highlights, I’d be sure not to miss Cape Reinga, the Bay of Islands and the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Where to next? You might like these articles

• The complete travel guide for New Zealand
• The ultimate guide to campervanning around New Zealand
• Best road trips in New Zealand
• Road tripping the Coromandel Peninsula
• Perfect ways to spend one day in Auckland

Planning a road trip in New Zealand? Here is what we did

• Find flights through Skyscanner
• Hire a car or camper
• Book the first few nights of accommodation
• Get travel insurance

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About Christine

Christine and her partner Ben have spent the last few years traveling through New Zealand and then Europe by campervan. They travel with their dog Alisa, who they adopted in Croatia. You'll find them exploring old cities, hiking through National Parks, and taking unforgettable road trips.

4 thoughts on “The Ultimate Auckland to Cape Reinga Road Trip Guide”

Hi guys. Great to read your blog. I’m hopefully your readers would find the information helpful. On a polite note, Waitangi is not spelt with the letter “H”. The “Wh” in maori is used to make the “f” sound as in “far”. Also Mangonui is misspelt; there is no “a” after the “g”. Replace the “a” with the “o” and the remaining letters are fine where they are. Do be mindful that “maori words” can take on a completely different meaning if spelt incorrectly or out of context. Otherwise, safe and happy travels.

Oh boy, I really managed to botch up Mangonui. Thank you so much for taking the time to point those out to me. It’s really difficult typing names, or any words really, in another language but knowing that, I should be more careful! I hope I’ve corrected all the errors. Much appreciated 🙂

April 8, 2022 – Hi Christine & Ben, We are ending a 17-day cruise of NZ/Australia in Auckland on January 10, 2023. All 4 of us are Senior Citizens but in good health and we’d like to see Cape Reinga. I’ve proposed a road trip (using info from your blog) from Auckland north on Rt 1 and returning south on Rt. 12. I was thinking 2-3 days renting a car and driving ourselves. One of us is a HUGE lighthouse hobbyist and the rest of us enjoy helping him find just the right camera shot, etc. so that is mostly what we’ll be doing. Any advice would be grateful. Sally in Texas

I’m so sorry for the delay in seeing this comment!!

How exciting, it sounds like you’re going to have a fantastic trip. I would recommend at least 3 days to explore Northland, but that really depends on how many times you want to stop and explore different areas. It’s quite a bit of driving. 4 days would be ideal. Your friend will love the Cape Reinga Lighthouse. It’s absolutely beautiful up there.

Make sure you time your arrival at Cape Reinga Lighthouse well. The nearest large town is Kaitaia, about 1.5 hours away. Give yourself plenty of time to wander around the lighthouse and then make the drive back to wherever you’re staying the night.

What a trip to look forward to! Christine

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6 Northland Roadtrip Inspirational Itineraries To Try In New Zealand This Summer!

Posted on Last updated: December 5, 2022

Categories New Zealand

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

New Zealand is a country split into two islands, with two different cultures ways of life and landscapes. Lifestyles, history, and culture can also vary between the different regions of the two islands and Northland is no exception.

Unsurprisingly located on the northern tip of New Zealand’s North Island the region’s capital lies roughly a 2-hour drive from Auckland.

The region is essentially a peninsula of land jutting north from Auckland , resulting in around 90% of the region bordering the ocean. To the west lies an improbably straight coastline, made up of several incredibly straight beaches, most famously including ‘Ninety Miles Beach’.

The east coast is more rugged and features numerous bays, peninsulas and marine reserves perfect for exploring by boat, kayak or any other watercraft. Overall Northland is New Zealand’s least urbanized region, with large numbers of people still living outside of cities.

This blend of incredible coast and large numbers of people living in smaller rural areas makes it perfect for multiday road trip adventures – or you could explore the area with one of New Zealand’s amazing tour companies if you are short of time…

6 Northland Roadtrip Inspirational Itineraries To Try In New Zealand This Summer! 🇳🇿

Page Contents

Te Ara Coast to Coast

Ancient kauri trail, where giants gather, the secret coast route, all about islands., kauri coast cycleway.

The Te Ara Coast to Coast adventure stretches from The Bay of Islands on the eastern side of the island to Hokianga on the Western Coast. The Coast to Coast trip runs through some of the most historically important lands in New Zealand.

The route starts at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, the location of the signing of New Zealand’s founding document, where a museum commemorates and tells a critical piece of New Zealand’s history. The journey then continues heading west around the bay of islands to Paihia, a small coastal village that is keen to welcome tourists. There are café’s restaurants and hotels here making it a great place to stop and have a final swim in the bay before heading inland.

Heading inland will take you past beautiful waterfalls and incredible hot springs, or if you looking for more historical stops you can stop by Ludbrook House, a 190-year-old heritage property or Pakaraka Church, which commemorates the life of early Christian missionaries to New Zealand. The halfway point of the journey is marked Kaikohe and the location of New Zealand’s largest tribe.

The land here has been settled on for over 500 years and visiting gives a truly unique insight into how New Zealand has transitioned into the 21st century. By this point, travellers of the Te Ara Coast to Coast will gain an impression of how New Zealand’s ancient affects its culture today, how it affected its interactions with the British and what it means to the people of New Zealand.

The second half of the journey goes further to show the uniqueness of New Zealand, heading past wacky general stores and the story of inland Northland. The route ultimately served as a connection between the two coasts, and therefore shows the difficulties of trade within the country, but also the incredible beauty that old travellers of the route would get to experience.

With tons of places to take a break from the car, find a swim or enjoy the mountain air, the Te Ara Coast to Coast route is a great snapshot of New Zealand.

The Ancient Kauri Trail can start from its most southerly point at Maungaturoto or its northernmost point at Hokianga bay. This makes the trip perfect for travellers looking to create a longer route, as they can link up the Coast to Coast route and Ancient Kauri trail down the West Coast.

If the Coast to Coast was a human history of New Zealand, then the Ancient Kauri trip is all about experiencing Northland’s natural history.

The route heads down the straight western coasts of Northland to Kaipara Harbour, passing through truly wild territory. The West coast borders the powerful Tasman sea which by battering the long straight beaches has created an extraordinary wilderness. The Ancient Kauri trees form the highlight of this trip.

The ancient trees can be found in forests at the northern end of the trail and are deeply linked to historical New Zealanders ways of life. The trees which were previously harvested for rubber and wood, are now protected by the towns that border them.

The Where Giants Gather route tracks the Whangarei Harbour from Mt Parihaka at the mouth of the Hatea river towards the Eastern Coast and Bream Bay. Starting just North of Whangarei, Northlands fastest growing city, this route offers spectacular walks and ocean views.

When you’re tired from driving there are multiple places to take a stop, if you time it right at low tide it is possible in places to walk out to beaches across the sand bars. If it’s food and refreshments you’re looking for instead there are a number of little stops to be found including Parua Bay Tavern which features spectacular views across the bay.

This route is all about exploring the coast and revelling in the natural landscape and wildlife. For those looking for an extra physical challenge look out the walks and mountains that are possible to scale as you head closer to the coast.

The Secret Coast route covers the land on an eastern point about midway up Northlands East coast. The finickity and jagged coastline is perfect for exploration, with large numbers of hidden beaches and coves. It would take years to explore all the notches that make up the headline, so who knows what secrets it’s possible to discover.

The key to this route is persistence, the roads here aren’t always great, and you might be heading down them for a long time, but the rewards are exceptional. Whether it’s a hidden waterfall or a pristinely beautiful bay that you have all to yourself, this route has great gifts to those willing to go the extra mile.

The key to enjoying this route is taking your time and enjoying the adventure, the slower the better and the more stops you can between each location the greater the chances of finding those truly magical moments that we guarantee can be found here.

The All About Islands route is, well, all about the islands on Northlands Eastern Coast. This adventure pairs amazingly with The Secret Coast route, as any islands or locations you spy from the mainland, you may be able to journey from the harbours of Paihia and Russel.

There are over 140 islands in the bay of islands, so don’t worry if you want more adventure when you arrive in Russel.

There are numerous ways of reaching the island, including tour cruises and a ferry; however, for those with sailing or kayaking ability, there are loads of places you can hire private boats for multi-day use. The Island route is the perfect time to get acquainted with New Zealand’s ocean wildlife; whilst on the water, it’s worth looking out for bird life and dolphins; if you arrive in the right season, it’s also possible to spot seals and whales visiting the bay.

Camping is only permitted on Urupukapuka Island, due to the protected nature of many of the islands. However, Russell and Paihia are great places to make a base and go for day trips to see the sights and explore the islands. We love staying in the area so much that we even made a Bay of Islands accommodation guide…

The Kauri Coast Cycleway is an alternative route from Hokianga harbour down to Dargaville roughly 130km south. If you’re looking to travel under your own steam and take a slower exploration through the wild coastline.

The route is best for those with some experience of bicycle touring, most of the road is good however there are some gravel sections. All in, the route for a competent cyclist should be around 8-11 hours of cycling time.

The subtropical climate if Northland means that throughout the year the weather is fair, so you’ll be able to enjoy your time cruising through the beautiful Kauri forests. There are a number of camping spots spotted throughout the route, as well as paths away from the main trail towards Baylys beach and the Kai Iwi lakes.

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The Ultimate Auckland to Northland Road Trip

With its ancient forests, unique cultural experiences, and awesome adventure opportunities, Northland is a paradise for campervan explorers. Keen to explore New Zealand’s history, sample its diverse flavours, or just looking for family fun? An Auckland to Northland road trip has something for everyone. 

But with so many great things to do in this part of New Zealand, it can be hard to know where to start. Don’t worry, we’ve done the hard work for you. We’ve researched all the best places to visit in Northland and have put them together in our ultimate 7-day Auckland to Northland travel itinerary.

This popular route starts in Auckland then takes you to Whangarei before heading to the Bay of Islands, Hokianga, and Tutukaka. You’ll then head back to Auckland, stopping to explore Waipu Cove along the way.

Day 1: Auckland

It’s the very first day of your ultimate Auckland to Northland road trip. Kick off your holiday by picking up your pre-booked Apollo campervan hire from our Auckland branch on Manu Tapu Drive. It’s right next to Auckland International Airport – so easy if you’re flying in.

Spend day one exploring the sights and sounds of New Zealand’s biggest city. For the best vantage point, head into the CBD and up the Sky Tower . Take in 360-degree views of the city below, and if you’re feeling brave, you can try the Skyjump or Skywalk.

If you’ve got a rugby fan onboard, don’t miss the All Blacks Experience . This state-of-the-art interactive experience explores the All Blacks' heritage, culture, and of course, their many victories. Learn more about the esteemed players who've worn the famous black jersey, and what it takes to be an All Black.

Keen to explore the city’s great shops? Check out the eclectic offerings in Ponsonby or the city’s downtown shopping precincts . From here, you can catch a ferry to the harbourside village of Devonport . Among its attractions is the Navy Museum, where you can learn more about the history of New Zealand’s Navy. And if you’re in town on a Sunday, don’t miss the market at the Devonport wharf from 9 am – 2 pm. 

Tonight, park up your Apollo camper beachside at the popular Takapuna Beach Holiday Park . Just 20 minutes from central Auckland, this lovely campground is a beautiful spot to rest and prepare for the next leg of your journey. 

Day 2: Auckland to Whangārei

Travel time: 2 hours Distance: 155 km

Now that you’ve explored the big city, it’s time to head north! Today, you’ll be travelling to New Zealand’s northernmost city, Whangārei. As you leave Auckland, take a break at Orewa Beach. This picturesque spot is perfect for a morning stroll along the shore or a refreshing swim. You may like to wander through the shops while you’re here. And if you’re passing through on a Sunday morning, you may like to stock up your campervan pantry at the Orewa Beach Farmers Market . 

Once you reach Whangārei, stretch your legs at Whangārei Falls . Standing 26 metres high, the waterfall is often referred to as the most photogenic in New Zealand.

Visitors can see the cascading water from several viewpoints, including a walkway that circles the falls. Don't miss the chance to take a short forest walk downstream to AH Reed Kauri Park , home to 500-year-old kauri trees. 

Park up your campervan tonight at Whangārei TOP 10 Holiday Park  

Day 3: Whangarei to Paihia

Travel time: 1 hour 

Distance: 70 km

Today, it’s a cruisy one-hour drive to the seaside village of Paihia, the gateway to the Bay of Islands. 

In this special part of New Zealand, you can delve into the country’s fascinating history at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds . This beautiful location is often called the ‘Birthplace of our Nation’. It is where much of New Zealand’s history was shaped through the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1835 and the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840.  

One of the best things to do in Paihia is a Hole in the Rock Dolphin Cruise . Relax on board as you cruise among the 144 remote islands of the harbour. Enjoy the picturesque views as you watch for dolphins. The cruise will take you through the famous Hole in the Rock on Motukōkako Island. You’ll stop at two remote islands for a short walk and even have a chance to snorkel or try paddleboarding.

Another great activity is to take the ferry across to Russell and explore the shops and eateries. You can take your campervan, just drive on board the passenger ferry . 

Put your feet up with a relaxing stay at Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park . 

Day 4: Paihia to Hokianga

Travel time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

Distance: 95 km

On day four of your New Zealand road trip, you’re off to the beautiful Hokianga. Plan a short diversion along the way to make a stop in the historical town of Kerikeri. Known for its relaxed holiday vibe and boutique shopping, this little town has loads to see and do. One of the must-dos is a visit to Rainbow Falls . Enjoy a short walk through the forest trail before reaching the picturesque 27-metre waterfall. For a longer walk, take the 3.5 km Kerikeri River Track . 

While in Kerikeri, visit one of New Zealand’s oldest buildings, the Stone Store . Built in 1832, the store is both a museum and shop stocking a range of unique New Zealand merchandise. 

Once you reach the Hokianga region, there’s plenty of exploration to be done. Top of the list is a visit to the Waipoua Forest , home to some of New Zealand's oldest and largest kauri trees. The star attraction is Tāne Mahuta. Also known as the ‘God of the Forest’, this kauri tree stands over 50 metres tall and is estimated to be between 1,250 and 2,500 years old. 

Nearby, you can also visit the Kauri Museum in Matakohe, offering fascinating insights into the historical and cultural significance of these mighty trees.

Park your campervan up for the night at Rawene Holiday Park . 

Day 5: Hokianga to Tutukaka

Travel time: 2 hours

Distance:  144 km

Before you hit the road today, take some time to explore the township of Rawene. This lovely little slice of the Hokianga is full of charm. Enjoy a walk through the village and check out the historical buildings and art galleries. Take the opportunity to tuck into a yummy brunch at the Boat Shed . The menu features uniquely Kiwi dishes including Hangi Tacos and a Reef & Beef Burger – definitely worth checking out!

As you arrive in Tutukaka, you’ll want to take some time to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery on offer. This seaside village was rated as one of the top coastal destinations on the planet by National Geographic Traveller, and it’s easy to see why. Tutukaka offers some incredible snorkelling and diving opportunities . There’s also plenty of fun to be had off the water. Take a relaxing 20-minute walk around the Ngunguru Mangrove Walkway, or for a longer option, the one-hour return walk to the Tutukaka Lighthouse . There are plenty of other great walks and hikes in the area, each of them surrounded by incredible scenery.  

When it’s time to park up for the night, head to Tutukaka Holiday Park .

Day 6: Tutukaka to Waipu Cove

Travel time: 1 hour 12 minutes

Distance:  76 km

Today you’ll be driving your camper back south to Waipu Cove. You’ll also have the chance to stop in Whangārei and see more of the sights. 

Whangārei has a vibrant arts scene with 15 large-scale art murals, the Wairua Māori Art Gallery, and Whangārei Art Museum. We recommend a visit to the Hundertwasser Art Centre where you can see the quirky artwork of Friedensreich Hundertwasser along with works by contemporary Māori artists. 

Another great attraction here is the Kiwi North Museum where you can see kiwi, geckos, and other fascinating native creatures. 

Once you reach Waipu Cove, you’ll want to check out the beautiful sandy beach. If you’ve got kids on board, it’s a great spot for them to explore. They can check out the rock pools, take a swim, or even book in for a horse ride . Afterwards, take a walk to see the picturesque Piroa Falls

Tonight, enjoy a peaceful stay at the Waipu Cove Holiday Park .

Day 7: Waipu Cove to Auckland

Distance: 141 km

It’s the final day of your awesome roadie and time to head back to Auckland. But before you do, be sure to check out the Waipu Caves . The main cave spans around 175 metres long and is home to one of the longest stalagmites in New Zealand. You’ll also be treated to stunning displays of glowworms and see some impressive limestone formations. Bear in mind that you are likely to get wet inside the caves. You’ll also need a good torch and sturdy footwear (which will get wet). 

The very last stop on your road trip is to head back to Apollo’s Auckland branch  to return your campervan. 

Ready to explore Northland?

From cruises and culture to ancient forests and underground caves, our Auckland to Northland road trip has it all! Ready to see it all for yourself? Book your Apollo campervan hire today.

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Self-Drive Northland Itinerary

Filled with breath-taking beaches, picturesque waterfalls, and rich kiwi history, the Northland Region is an unforgettable travel destination. And, with the Easter holidays only a couple months away, it’s an ideal time to start planning that Autumn roadie, up north!

To help you get the most out of the area while having the freedom to explore at your own pace, we’ve compiled a self-drive itinerary made up of Northland’s unmissable spots.

So, get excited and get ready to make some epic road trip memories!

Day One: Auckland to Kai Iwi Lakes

• Distance: 212km
• Travel Time: 2hr 55min (via State Hwy 1 and State Hwy 12)

Neighbouring Northland is the Auckland Region, making it a superb starting location for your trip. From our Auckland (Mt Roskill) Depot , it’s about a 3-hour drive to the crystal clear Kai Iwi Lakes. Alongside some awesome road trip games , the journey itself will be packed with excitement due to the number of potential stops you could make along the way. Depending on the time you have available, pitstops could include:

Long Bay Regional Park

The park is perfect for a beachside picnic or to stretch the legs with a scenic stroll along the coast. There are several walking routes to choose from including the Nature Trail (30-mins return) or the Coastal Track (3-hours return). It’s also located conveniently near Long Bay New World (Supermarket) or the local Foursquare if you need to stock up on supplies.

Puhoi Valley Cafe & Cheese Store

Renown for its cheese, ice cream, and yoghurt, the Puhoi Café is well worth visiting. The location itself is also a beauty, surrounded by grass and adjacent to the Puhoi River.

Dome Valley Forest

Get amongst the fresh air and nature with a 3-hour return track surrounded by Kauri Grove. With plenty of stairs, it’ll undoubtedly count as your workout for the day!

Piroa Falls

A short 200m track across the Ahuroa River will lead you to the magnificent Piroa Falls.

The Kumara Box

Famous for growing kumara (sweet potato) since 1970, the Kumara Box in Dargaville makes for an interesting (and educational) pitstop.

Once you arrive at Kai Iwi Lakes, the Pine Beach campsite is a delightful camping ground to settle in for the night (or longer if you have more time). The popular camping area is located on the eastern side of Lake Taharoa, providing stunning views, easy swimming access, and convenient proximity to the beginning of the Kai Iwi Lakes Coastal Track.

Day Two: Kai Iwi Lakes to Opononi

• Distance: 80km
• Travel Time: 1hr 20min (via State Hwy 12)

After soaking up the rays at Kai Iwi Lakes, you can drive 50-minutes to the iconic Tāne Mahuta Tree . A short 5-minute walk offers an up-close viewing of New Zealand’s largest known living kauri tree. Across the road, usually sits the quaint Tane Café . Identifiable by cheerful tunes, and a campervan style kiosk, the café provides a convenient opportunity to fuel up with some baking, coffee, or a real fruit ice cream.

From here it’s about a 25-minute drive to Waiotemarama Waterfall Loop Walk . The bush trail takes you to a tranquil area made ultimately peaceful by the sound of the falls.

You can then head back out towards the coast, with an 11-minute drive to Pakia Hill Lookout . The large car park viewpoint area offers breath-taking scenes of Opononi and the Hokianga Harbour. A few minutes drive down the road is Arai Te Uru Reserve , which marks the start of the Martins Bay Track (10-mins return) and Signal Station Track (30-mins return). Both absolutely stunning, once again, highlighting the beauty of the area.

Let the views continue by staying at Opononi Beach Holiday Park (only a 6-minute away from the Reserve). The lovely, spacious area is opposite the harbour and provides panoramic scenes of the water and dunes.

Day Three: Opononi to Cape Reinga

• Distance: 250km
• Travel Time: 3hr 30min (via State Hwy 10 and State Hwy 1)

It’s about a 3.5-hour drive up north from Opononi to the iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse. In addition to the Lighthouse Walk , there’s plenty of other incredible sites to see (such as Tapotupotu Bay and the Te Paki Coast Track ). And, of course, it wouldn’t be a trip up north without sandboarding!

The Te Paki Sand Dunes will have you feeling like you’re on an exotic dessert with some steep hills to have some serious fun! And, you don’t need anything fancy to enjoy the sandy slopes; a simple boogie board does the job well.

(P.S. If you don’t have time to travel to Cape Reinga, you can still enjoy some sandboarding action by taking the Hokianga Express Charters across the Hokianga Harbour in Opononi).

For camping options in Cape Reinga, Tapotupotu Campsite is an absolute winner!

Day Four: Cape Reinga to Kaeo

• Distance: 149km
• Travel Time: 2hr (via State Hwy 1 and State Hwy 10)

A 2-hour drive back down the coast will lead to Mangonui. Home to some of the best fish and chips in New Zealand, the Mangonui Fish Shop is a great lunch spot. Perched over the water, it provides epic harbourside views and a chance to chill out and soak up the scenes.

Next up, for those wanting to get a sweat going, Duke’s Nose Track offers a Long Bay look-alike! To access the trail by foot, you will need to enter via the Wairakau Stream Track . All up, it’s about a 3-4 hour adventure. Well worth it for the views!

For a shorter trail option in the nearby Kaeo Region, St Paul’s Rock track (1-hour return) provides stunning views of the Whangaroa Harbour.

After all that walking, it’s time to relax. And, what better way to do so than setting up camp in Tauranga Bay Campsite . The secluded yet lively spot offers beachfront sites looking right over the water (the ideal recipe for a picture-perfect evening!).

Day Five: Kaeo to Whangarei

• Distance: 109km
• Travel Time: 1hr 30min (via State Hwy 10 and State Hwy 1)

The 2-hour drive from the Kaeo area to Whangarei is filled with endless adventuring opportunities. Pitstop options include:

From Rainbow Falls to the Honey House Café, Kerikeri offers a lovely escape from the road to indulge in nature and food.

You can visit the nearby historical Treaty of Waitangi Grounds , or get amongst the Paihia Waterfront bustle. Paihia Terra Restaurant is one of their many delicious dining spots!

Check out the famous public toilets designed by Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. The unique, colourful structure makes it a novel trip to the loo!

Once arriving in Whangarei , go-to activities include visiting Whangarei Falls and climbing Mount Mania (2-hours return).

Day Six: Whangarei to Auckland

• Distance: 158km
• Travel Time: 2hr 20min (via State Hwy 1)

As you near the end of your roadie, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive back to Auckland City. But, don’t worry, there are still lots of cool places to stop before you conclude your trip. Awesome pit stops include:

Mangawhai Heads

Trek along the 2-3 hour Mangawhai Heads Coastal Walkway before enjoying some hand-crafted sugary treats at Bennetts of Mangawhai (including Easter goodies).

Matakana Village

You can check out Scultperum or grab a bite to eat at Plume or Ravish .

And, if you didn’t stop at Puhoi or Long Bay on your way up, now’s your chance!

Ready, set, roadie!

We hope our self-guide itinerary has given you an idea of things to do on your Northland road trip.

If you have any questions or are keen on booking an Escape Rentals campervan, get in touch with us on 0800 21 61 71 or check out our campervan prices and deals .

You may also want to check out:

• Do’s and Don’ts of a New Zealand Road Trip
• Top 5 Must-Visit Regional Parks in the Greater Auckland Area
• Summer Guide to Awesome New Zealand Road Trips

Escape Rentals is Open for Business!

On Thursday 14th May, New Zealand moved down to ‘ Lockdown Level 2 ’ which affords us all far more freedom to get about and do the things we want – Provided we do so responsibly of course. For Escape Rentals, it means we’re once more open for business. Great News!

But whilst we are open for business, it is not business as usual. Instead, we are introducing new measures to our campervan ‘check out’ and ‘return’ procedures to ensure we meet the government’s safety guidelines, whilst also protecting our hirers and staff.

So if you’re thinking of hiring a campervan with Escape Rentals or you’ve already booked with us (thank you) please note the following:

• Ensure we are appropriately resourced and prepared for your arrival e.g. We will be disinfecting our customer service area after each check out.
• Make sure we adhere to social distancing requirements by scheduling ‘pick-ups’ and ‘drop offs’ at staggered intervals.
• ‘Contact tracing’ is really important and whilst we’ll have most of your details on file, we will also need a New Zealand contact number. We can provide you with a NZ SIM card if required (free). We’ll also be requesting information about your current health status and your travel history prior to arriving at our depot.
• We’re taking extra time to groom and disinfect our campervans. All of our linen is hot washed by a professional laundry company also, but feel free to bring your own too (provided it is clean also and has not been used at a backpacker hostel prior).
• When you’re traveling throughout New Zealand, we want you to have a fantastic time, but we also want you to be safe. Please adhere to the rules and/or restrictions in place with any attractions or activity operators. You’ll probably need to book many of these in advance, so plan your travel and allow plenty of time. Also make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance which will cover you in case there are any delays.

These are challenging times for all of us, so your support, patience and understanding when booking with or travelling with Escape is genuinely appreciated. Thanks again and let’s stay safe out there.

Book With Escape

Terms and Conditions

We try to be as open and transparent as possible, so please read our full/detailed terms and conditions below. Alternatively, please download a pdf version of our terms and conditions.

‘C’ – ESCAPE RENTALS LIMITED (operator of Escape / Hugo Campervans and Hugo Rental Cars) TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF HIRE

1.1 The owner will let and the hirer will hire the motor vehicle described in the associated Rental Agreement.

2. PROVISION OF VEHICLE

2.1 The owner will provide the vehicle in a roadworthy condition and pay for all tyres, batteries and mechanical repairs required during the hire period arising from fair wear and tear providing reasonable care has been taken by the hirer and the hirer has complied with all these terms and conditions and the Rental Agreement.

2.2 All existing damage to the vehicle is recorded in the Rental Agreement and acknowledged by the parties.

3. DURATION OF HIRE

3.1 The term of hire shall be for the calendar days stated in the Rental Agreement. Vehicle collections or drop offs outside the times and periods or locations detailed in the rental agreement will incur a fee not exceeding $1000.

4. PERSONS WHO MAY DRIVE VEHICLE

4.1 The vehicle may be driven during the period of hire only by authorised drivers, who are persons holding a current full driver’s licence valid in New Zealand (translated into English language where applicable) and appropriate for the vehicle, and who are named on the Rental Agreement.

5. PAYMENTS BY HIRER

5.1 The hirer shall pay to the owner:

(a) the rental charges for the hire of the vehicle for each day the vehicle is in the hirer’s possession. A surcharge may apply if the hirer or any authorised driver is under 22 years of age;

(b) the insurance excess specified in the Rental Agreement or the excess waiver amount on a per incident basis, payable at the commencement of the hire period and on the date of every accident or incident of loss or damage thereafter. Each subsequent excess waiver payment shall be proportionate to the number of days remaining of the hire period; and

(c) any penalties relating to freedom camping, parking and/or traffic offences specific to the period of hire together with an administration fee of $75.00 in respect of each infringement.

(d) any penalties relating to the late collection, or return of the vehicle or any penalties where the vehicle has been returned to a location which is not agreed within the rental agreement.

(e) an insurance documentation processing fee of $50 when a vehicle is damaged and insurance has been exercised (excluding windscreen damage). Any payment under clause 5.1(b) or 5.1(c) can be deducted from the hirer’s security deposit or transacted directly on the hirer’s credit card.

5.2 Where there is more than one hirer, each hirer is jointly and severally liable for all obligations of the hirer pursuant to this Agreement.

5.3 The hirer will be liable for a late payment penalty of 10% (compounded daily) of the total amount due to the owner, together with any costs incurred in respect of collection of the amount due (including but not limited to legal costs, administration and debt collection costs). Such penalty will begin to accrue on the expiry of 14 days from the due date for payment.

6. HIRER’S OBLIGATIONS

6.1 The hirer shall:

(a) pay for all petrol used in the vehicle during the period of hire;

(b) ensure that the water in the radiator and battery and the oil in the vehicle are maintained at the proper level and that the tyres are maintained at the proper pressure;

(c) ensure all reasonable care is taken in handling and parking the vehicle and that it is left securely locked when not in use;

(d) ensure that the vehicle’s distance recorder or speedometer are not interfered with;

(e) ensure that no part of the vehicle’s engine transmission, braking, or suspension systems are interfered with; and

(f) stop driving the vehicle and advise the owner immediately if a warning light is illuminated or the hirer believes that the vehicle requires mechanical attention.

6.2 The hirer will be liable for all damage, costs and expenses associated with any careless or negligent use of the vehicle, including but not limited to damage arising from failure to ensure appropriate levels of petrol, oil or water are maintained.

7. MECHANICAL REPAIRS AND EQUIPMENT FAILURE

7.1 The hirer will notify the owner and the owner’s roadside assistance representative of any mechanical irregularity immediately. The hirer shall not arrange or undertake any repairs (including purchase of replacement tyres) without the authority of the owner except to the extent that the repairs are necessary to prevent further damage to the vehicle. The hirer will comply with all reasonable instructions of the owner.

7.2 The owner will be responsible for repairs or damage arising directly or indirectly from fair wear and tear of the vehicle.

7.3 Subject to clause 7.2, in the event of a mechanical breakdown, the owner will, at the owner’s discretion, either:

(a) provide a replacement vehicle, subject to vehicle availability or

(b) refund the balance of the rental value, excluding insurance, for the period when the vehicle was unable to be used; or

(c) provide compensation for budget accommodation to a maximum of $50.00 per vehicle per day or

(d) extend the hire period to account for the period when the vehicle was unable to be used. where a campervans living equipment has failed (e.g. accessories or campervan appliances), the hirer shall contact the owner to discuss options available which may include:

(a) The hirer purchasing replacement equipment to an agreed/ authorised cost, which will be reimbursed upon completion of hire.

(b) The owner providing replacement equipment.

(c ) The owner reimbursing the client an agreed level of compensation.

In all instances, the owner will exercise one of the three options listed above, only during the hire and at the time the equipment failure/fault has been reported. The owner accepts no liability for equipment failure if it is only reported at the end of the rental agreement period.

7.4 Without limiting any other provision of this agreement, in the event of a mechanical breakdown, if a replacement vehicle is not available or accessible to the hirer, the owner will not be liable for any personal expenses or costs associated with any missed activities or accommodation.

8. ACCIDENTS In the event of any accident or incident involving the vehicle, the hirer must:

8.1 – Notify the appropriate New Zealand Emergency Service (Ambulance, Police, Fire) immediately by phoning ‘111’ if the accident or incident involves injury.

8.2 – Notify the owner and advise the full situation and circumstances as soon as practicable and in any event, within of 24 hours from the time of the accident or incident.

8.3 – Record full details of all parties, witnesses to and vehicles involved in the incident or accident.

8.4 -Prepare a written statement of the facts signed by all parties, complete insurance documentation and obtain a copy of any relevant police report. In the event of any accident or incident involving the vehicle, the hirer must not:

8.5 – Make any admission of liability; or

8.6 – Arrange to undertake any repairs or salvage without the owners prior authority, except to the extent that repairs or salvage are necessary to prevent any further damage to the vehicle and/or to other property.

8.7 The availability of a replacement vehicle is not guaranteed and is at the owner’s discretion, subject to availability, hirer’s location, accident circumstances and accident liability. Refunds for unused days or replacement vehicle requirements resulting from an accident or incident are at the sole discretion of the owner. Additional hirer charges may be incurred including as follows:

8.8 If a replacement vehicle is authorised by the owner, the hirer is responsible for making their own way back to the appropriate depot or designated location as dictated by the owner.

8.9 The hirer is responsible for the cost of transporting the hirer and any accompanying passengers away from the accident location.

8.10 The owner reserves the right to on-charge towing or salvage expenses to the hirer if it is a single vehicle accident or the accident is due to the hirers error/fault.

8.11 Provided the owner has complied with clause 2.1 the hirer must pay for any costs relating to the delivery of a replacement vehicle. These costs apply irrespective of any excess waiver insurance applicable to this agreement.

8.12 In the event that a replacement vehicle is given due to an accident, any insurance coverage or excess waiver insurance is not transferable to the replacement vehicle.

8.13 Without limiting any other provision of this Rental Agreement, in the event of an accident, if a replacement vehicle is not available or accessible to the hirer, the owner will not be liable for any resulting accommodation or living expenses that are incurred, nor personal expenses for missed activities unless such an accident has been caused by or contributed to by breach of this Rental Agreement or the negligent act, error or omission of the owner. No replacement vehicle will be provided without receipt of a completed damage claim form where one is required by the owner. An additional Insurance/Damage Administration fee of $50 (inclusive of GST) will be applied for processing insurance/damage claims. This fee applies to all damage claims regardless of whether the hirer elects to use excess waiver insurance or has made their own travel insurance arrangements. This fee may be refunded if it is proven that the damage was not due to the hirer’s behaviour or fault. No replacement vehicle will be provided and the Rental Agreement will be cancelled if any of the insurance exclusions detailed within clause 9.2 are exercised.

9. INSURANCE

9.1 Indemnities: Subject to the exclusions set out below, the hirer and any authorised driver are:

(a) fully indemnified in respect of any liability he or she might have to the owner in respect of the loss or damage to the vehicle and its accessories and spare parts and any consequential loss of revenue or other expenses of the owner including towing and salvage costs associated with recovery of the vehicle, subject to the clauses set out in section 8; and

(b) indemnified to the extent of $1,000,000.00 in respect of any liability he or she might have for damage to any property (including injury to any animal) belonging to any person and arising out of the use of the vehicle.

9.2 Exclusions: The indemnities set out in clause 9.1 above shall not apply where the relevant damage, injury or loss arises in circumstances where:

(a) The driver of the vehicle is under the influence of alcohol or drugs affecting his or her ability to drive;

(b) The driver of the vehicle drives illegally or commits an offence while driving the vehicle;

(c) The vehicle is in an unsafe or unroadworthy condition which arose during the hire period and which caused or contributed to the damage or loss and the hirer or driver was or ought to have been aware of the unsafe or unroadworthy condition of the vehicle;

(d) The vehicle is driven with more than stipulated occupants i.e. 3 occupants for campervans and 5 occupants for rental cars;

(e) The vehicle is wilfully or recklessly damaged by the hirer or any authorised driver, or is lost as a result of wilful, negligent or reckless behaviour of any such person;

(f) The vehicle is operated in any race, speed test, rally or contest or operated on any race or rally circuit;

(g) The vehicle is driven by any person other than the hirer or an authorised driver;

(h) The vehicle is operated in a careless or negligent manner, including but not limited to allowing the engine to overheat, incorrect use of gears, use of incorrect fuel, becoming locked out of vehicle, “bogging” of vehicle or any non-compliance with clause 6.1;

(i) The vehicle is operated on any of the following roads and locations: Tasman Valley Road (Mt Cook), Skippers Canyon (Queenstown), Ninety Mile Beach, North of Colville township (Coromandel), or any beach site or other areas specified by the owner from time to time. It is also an exclusion (unless option ‘C’ – full insurance cover is purchased) on any unformed or unsealed roads. Note. If the vehicle is parked at any ski field, the designated parking area must be used;

(j) The vehicle keys have become lost, broken or damaged, stolen or of retrieval of keys which have been locked in the vehicle, or the vehicle has been stolen due to it being unlocked. All costs associated with replacement keys (including roadside assistance/call out costs) are therefore the responsibility of the hirer.

(k) Any damage or loss caused to any personal belongings in the vehicle

(l) There is a breach of any of these terms and conditions or the Rental Agreement, and in any of such circumstances the hirer will be liable for all costs associated with any incident, including but not limited to the full replacement or repair cost of the vehicle and any third party damage.

9.3 No insurance applies to personal property of the hirer or contents of the vehicle and the hirer will be responsible for all damage to the interior of the vehicle and to all damage to or loss of all property of the owner, including any documents related to the vehicle, except where such damage is a result of a vehicular collision to the extent that insurance (and any applicable excess) shall apply.

9.4 Where any loss or damage is not covered by insurance, the amount due by the hirer in respect of such loss or damage is payable by the hirer from the date such loss or damage occurred.

9.5 It is agreed between the owner and the hirer that section 11 of the Insurance Law Reform Act 1977 shall apply with respect to the above exclusions as if this clause constituted a contract of insurance. In general this provision means that an exclusion will not apply if the hirer proves on the balance of probability that the damage or loss was not caused or contributed to by the matters referred to under the exclusion clause. The hirer acknowledges by signing the Rental Agreement that the hirer is aware of the above exclusions.

9.6 Rejection of Excess Waiver Insurance: If excess waiver insurance (option B or option C) is rejected, the hirer accepts by signing the Rental Agreement that:

(a) the vehicle is hired at the hirer’s own risk in respect of loss or damage to the vehicle and consequential loss by the owner;

(b) he or she has no excess waiver insurance cover under this agreement in respect of any damage, injury, or loss caused to any person or property,

(c) he or she may be liable to the owner for damage to or loss of the vehicle and consequential loss; and he or she may be liable for the higher ‘single vehicle incident’ excess, which is an additional charge of $1,000 over and above the $3,000 bond (campervans) or $2000 bond (rental cars).

9.7 Excess and excess waiver:

(a) In the event of an accident the hirer is responsible for ensuring that the correct insurance forms are fully completed. The owner will take no responsibility for the hirer’s failure to do so or any lack of insurance cover arising from such failure.

(b) In the event of an accident, the excess amount will be charged to the hirer by the owner regardless of who is at fault. The excess amount will be reimbursed to the hirer where a third party is deemed by the owner’s insurance company to be at fault and repair costs have been recovered from the third party or that party’s insurer.

(c) Where an accident or damage involves a third party, the hirer will be liable for the excess amount (regardless of who is at fault) if: the hirer fails to obtain the full and correct contact details of the third party; or it is not possible to obtain the insurance excess amount from the third party.

(d) The owner will hold the excess amount (or the credit card payment slip for the excess amount) for a period of 42 days from the date the vehicle is returned and where no excess is required to be paid in respect of any loss or damage or fines incurred, the owner will then refund the excess amount to the hirer or ensure the credit card payment slip is not processed.

(e) Where the hirer has chosen the excess waiver option and damage or loss has occurred to the vehicle but the hirer has not reported such damage to the owner, the owner may for insurance purposes deem that such damage occurred on the first day of the hire period;

(f) Where the actual cost of repair or replacement for loss or damage is less than the excess amount, the owner will refund the difference to the hirer once the relevant costs have been established.

10. ACCESSORIES

The owner holds your request for accessories with your reservation, however cannot guarantee availability until rental pickup. Reliability of directions provided by GPS units is not guaranteed. The hirer is responsible for all costs in the event of lost, stolen or damaged accessories and/or any of their components. The renter agrees to release and hold the owner harmless for any GPS unit failures.

11. USE OF THE VEHICLE

11.1 The hirer shall not:

(a) Sublet or hire the vehicle to any other person;

(b) Permit the vehicle to be operated outside his or her authority;

(c) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in circumstances that constitute an offence by the driver against any of sections 56, 57 and 58 of the Land Transport Act 1998 (which relates to driving under the influence of drink or drugs);

(d) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in any race, speed test, rally or contest, or operated on any race or rally circuit;

(e) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated in breach of the Transport Act 1962, the Land Transport Act 1998, the Traffic Regulations 1976, or any other Act, regulations, rules or bylaws relating to road traffic;

(f) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated for the transport of more than the number of passengers or more than the weight of goods specified in the certificate of loading for the vehicle;

(g) Drive or allow the vehicle to be driven by any other person if at the time of driving the vehicle the driver does not hold a current full valid driver’s licence appropriate for the vehicle;

(h) Operate the vehicle or permit it to be operated to propel or tow any other vehicle;

(i) Transport any animal in the vehicle (with the exception of guide dogs for visually impaired people);

(j) Operate the vehicle on any of the roads set out in clause 9.2j park the vehicle in any area of a ski field not designated as a car park.

(k) Smoking in the vehicle will be deemed to be soiling the vehicle, in which case the owner reserves the right to charge a minimum cleaning fee of $200.00.

(l) Returning any self-contained campervan without first cleaning the portable toilet will be deemed to be soiling the vehicle also, in which case the owner reserves the right to charge a minimum cleaning fee of $200.00.

12. CANCELLATION OF RENTAL AGREEMENT BY OWNER

The owner reserves the right to cancel the rental agreement (and vehicle hire) when advised by the NZ Police that the vehicle has been witnessed as and /or reported as being driven in an unsafe manner. When this occurs, the hirer must present the vehicle keys to the NZ Police Officer as requested and the vehicle hire will be terminated with immediate effect, without recourse or refund. The hirer is also liable for the towing costs associated with the relocation of vehicle back to the nearest Escape depot. Under these circumstances, the hirer is not entitled to any refunds or compensation.

13. RETURN OF THE VEHICLE

13.1 The hirer shall, at or before the expiry of the term of hire, deliver the vehicle to the agreed rental location described in the Rental Agreement or obtain the owner’s consent to the continuation of hire. Return to a location other than that specified in the Rental Agreement may incur a fee of up to $1,000 at the owner’s discretion. No refund will be given where the vehicle is returned prior to the scheduled return date.

13.2 The Owner reserves the right to charge a late return fee for any vehicle returned late. The late return fee will be charged at the full applicable daily rate or part thereof plus any other costs incurred, including any costs associated with loss of subsequent hire, to a maximum penalty of $1,000.

14. IMMEDIATE RETURN OF VEHICLE WHERE DEFAULT OR DAMAGE OCCURS

14.1 The owner shall have right to terminate the hire and take immediate possession of the vehicle if:

(a) the hirer is in breach of any term of this Agreement;

(b) the hirer has obtained the vehicle through fraud or misrepresentation;

(c) the vehicle is damaged;

(d) the owner reasonably believes that the vehicle has been abandoned;

(e) the vehicle is not returned on the agreed return date or the owner reasonably believes that the vehicle may not be returned on the agreed return date;

(f) the owner considers, on reasonable grounds, that the safety of the hirer, the passengers or the condition of the vehicle is compromised; or

(g) the owner believes, on reasonable grounds, that payment for any charges associated with the hire have not or will not be paid to the owner.

14.2 The termination of the hiring under clause 12.1 shall be without prejudice to the other rights of the owner and the hirer.

14.3 Where the hiring is terminated under clause 12.1, no refund of any part of the rental charges will be given and the hirer will be liable for all reasonable costs of repossessing the vehicle including but not limited to towing costs and any charges imposed by persons whose property is entered onto by the owner for purposes of repossession.

15. INDEMNITY

15.1 Subject to the insurance arrangements agreed with the owner, the hirer hereby indemnifies and shall keep indemnified the owner, its employees or agents against any claims, demands and expenses (including legal costs) incurred or sustained by the owner, its employees or agents or any of them by reason of the hirer’s use and/or possession of the vehicle.

16. PRIVACY ACT

16.1 The hirer acknowledges that the owner will collect, hold and use the hirer’s personal information for purposes related to the hire of the vehicle and the provision of related customer services, including direct marketing and assessing customer satisfaction with products and services of the owner. The hirer further acknowledges that such personal information may be disclosed to debt collection agencies in the event that the hirer defaults in the payment of any monies owing to the owner and the hirer hereby authorises the disclosure of its personal information for such purpose.

17. GOOD AND SERVICES TAX

17.1 The prices featured on this Rental Agreement are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax of 15%

23 May 2018

Escape Rentals & Hugo Rentals Privacy Policy

This privacy statement describes how Escape Rentals Limited (operator of Hugo Rentals) collects and uses the information you have provided to us on our website. It also describes the options available to you concerning our use of your personal information I.e. How you can access this information and amend or update it.

Collection and Use of Personal Information

We collect the following personal information from you

• Contact information (name, email address, phone number)
• Credit card details and billing address
• Driver’s license details
• Preference information such as booking requirements, product requests and preferences.
• Demographic information such as age, gender, and zip code
• We automatically gather information about your computer such as your IP address, browser type, referring/exit pages, and operating system.

We use this information to

• Fulfil your order
• Send you a booking confirmation
• Assess the needs of your booking to determine suitable products
• Send you the requested product or service information
• Send product updates
• Respond to customer service requests
• Administer your account
• Send you marketing communications
• Respond to your questions and concerns
• Improve our website and marketing efforts
• Conduct research and analysis
• Facilitate your transactions with other users
• Tow to nearest place of repair or safety

Choice/Opt-Out

You may choose to stop receiving our marketing emails by following the unsubscribe instructions included in these emails or you can contact us at [email protected]

We enable you to create a profile, and share information such as messages, photos, and videos with others. Please note that we cannot control the actions of others with whom you may choose to share your pages and information.

Information Obtained from Third Parties

If you provide us personal information about others, or if others give us your information, we will only use that information for the specific reason for which it was provided to us.

Information Sharing

We will share your personal information with third parties only in the ways that are described in this privacy statement.

Escape Rentals will not sell your personal information to third parties.

We may provide your personal information to companies that provide services to help us with our business activities such as New Zealand Roadside Assistance. Such companies are authorised to use your personal information only as necessary to provide these services to you or us.

We may also disclose your personal information

• as required by law such as to comply with a subpoena, or similar legal process
• when we believe in good faith that disclosure is necessary to protect our rights, protect your safety or the safety of others, investigate fraud, or respond to a government request,
• if Escape Rentals is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of all or a portion of its assets, you will be notified via a prominent notice on our website of any change in ownership or uses of your personal information, as well as any choices you may have regarding your personal information,
• to any other third party with your prior consent to do so.

We may make your contact information available to other users that you transact with on this site to help complete the transaction.

Cookies and Other Tracking Technologies

Advertising.

We partner with a third party ad network to either display advertising on our website or to manage our advertising on other sites. Our digital advertising partner uses cookies and beacons to collect non-personally identifiable information about your activities on this and other websites to provide you targeted advertising based upon your interests. If you wish to not have this information used to serve you targeted ads, you may opt-out by contacting us at [email protected]

Please note this does not opt you out of being served advertising. You will continue to receive generic ads.

The security of your personal information is important to us. When you enter sensitive information (such as credit card number) on our order forms, we encrypt the transmission of that information using secure technology (SSL).

We follow generally accepted industry standards to protect the personal information submitted to us, both during transmission and once we receive it. No method of transmission over the Internet, or method of electronic storage, is 100% secure however. We therefore cannot guarantee its absolute security.

We will retain your information for as long as your account is active or as needed to provide you services ( for a maximum of three months from your vehicle drop-off date) If you wish to cancel your account or request that we no longer use your information to provide you services contact us at [email protected] We will retain and use your information as necessary to comply with our legal obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements.

If you have any questions about security on our website, you can contact us at [email protected]

Additional Policy Information

Our website includes widgets, which are interactive mini-programs that run on our site to provide specific services from another company (e.g. displaying the prices, availability etc.) Personal information, such as your email address, may be collected through the widget. Cookies may also be set by the widget to enable it to function properly. Information collected by this widget is governed by the privacy policy of the company that created it.

Our website offers publicly accessible blogs or community forums. You should be aware that any information you provide in these areas may be read, collected and used by others who access them.

Correcting and Updating Your Personal Information

To review and update your personal information to ensure it is accurate, contact us at [email protected]

Notification of Privacy Statement Changes

We may update this privacy statement to reflect changes to our information practices. If we make any material changes we will notify you by email (sent to the e-mail address specified in your account) or by means of a notice on this Site prior to the change becoming effective. We encourage you to periodically review this page for the latest information on our privacy practices.

Contact Information

You can contact us about this privacy statement by writing or emailing us at the address below:

Escape Rentals

P.O. Box 1573

Shortland Street Mail Centre

Auckland 1010

New Zealand Email: [email protected]

Phone: +649377 6864

Around the World Backpackers

Address: 314 Barbadoes St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011

Phone: 03-365 4363

Website: http://aroundtheworld.co.nz/

All Stars Inn

Address: 263 Bealey Ave, Edgeware, Christchurch 8013

Phone: 03-366 6007

Website: https://allstarsinn.com/

Address: 338 Lincoln Rd, Addington, Christchurch 8024

Phone: 03-982 7777

Website: https://www.jail.co.nz/

Queen Street Backpackers

Address: 4 Fort St, Auckland, 1010

Phone: 09 373 3471

Website:  http://www.qsb.co.nz/

Nomads Auckland Hostel

Address: 16-20 Fort St, Auckland, 1010

Phone: 09-300 9999

Website: https://nomadsworld.com/new-zealand/nomads-auckland-hostel/

Base Backpackers

Address: 229 Queen St, Auckland, 1010

Phone: 09-358 4877

Website: http://www.stayatbase.com/hostels/new-zealand/auckland/base-auckland

Lantana Lodge

Address: 60 St Georges Bay Rd, Parnell, Auckland

Phone: 09-373 4546

Website:   http://www.lantanalodge.co.nz/

Cancellation

Once Escape Campers has confirmed a booking and the hirer has paid a deposit, that booking is subject to the following cancellation policy:

• If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation more than 22 days before your scheduled pick up date, we will refund your deposit in full.
• If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation within 7 to 21 days before your scheduled pick up date, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $300 (lose your deposit) or 20% of your total hire cost, whichever is higher.
• If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation within 1 to 6 days before your scheduled pick up date, you will be charged a cancellation fee of 50% of your total gross rental cost.
• If you cancel your confirmed Escape reservation on day of pick up, or you ‘no-show’ (fail to collect your vehicle on the agreed date) then you will be charged 100% of your gross rental cost.
• If you collect your Escape Campervan later than your booked/scheduled pick up date, there is no refund for any unused days and any unused days cannot be transferred to the end of the hire
• If you return your Escape Campervan early for any reason whatsoever after travel has commenced, then no refund is available.

Every weekend is an adventure

3 days road trip in the northland region of new zealand.

• Post published: 14 June 2015
• Post category: New Zealand / North Island / Oceania/South Pacific

Picking the Northland region for a three-day road trip in New Zealand may sound surprising. Visitors usually dream of the ski resorts on the South Island of New Zealand when it starts getting colder. The North Island tends to be less attractive, which may explain why we were able to find an excellent deal to fly over for our Queen’s Birthday long weekend in October. We wasted no time and left straight after work on Friday, returning on the first flight to Brisbane on Tuesday morning, giving us a full three days to explore New Zealand’s North Island. Our round trip from Auckland allowed us to discover the beautiful Northland region.

At first, I was considering visiting the popular attractions of Rotorua and Taupo on the North Island, but upon further thought, I realised that they would make great stops during a road trip from Auckland to Wellington. Another option was Coromandel, but ultimately, we decided to save it for a later trip and instead explore the north of the island.

Overall, we covered a total distance of 950km over three days, taking part in two boat trips, two dives, and one beautiful hike. Since we made this trip in June, we had to drive at night due to the short days. However, we could have seen more sights with one or two additional hours of sunlight. It’s also important to keep in mind during trip planning that driving times from GPS and Google Maps were always underestimated because of the many winding roads, work roads, and slow vehicles.

Despite the shorter winter days, the weather was not too cold, even from a Queenslander’s perspective. We experienced temperatures around 8° in the evening and up to 18° with great sunny days.

Our Northland road trip day by day

The numbers in brackets refer to the map at the end of the article.

Day 1 : Bay of Islands

We decided to drive straight towards Northland and embark on a scenic cruise on the Bay of Islands (1), where we were fortunate enough to witness playful dolphins frolicking in the water. Even though we skipped Auckland, exploring the city can be a great option if you have the luxury of time. Our first day ended in the charming town of Russel.

Day 2 : The Poor Knights Islands

On Day 2, we drove back to Tutukaka to experience the exceptional Poor Knights Islands  (2) dive, which is known to be one of Cousteau’s favourite dive sites . Later that day, we slept at Kerikeri (3) to explore the beautiful Rainbow Falls .

Day 3 : Whangaroa

On our last day, we drove to Whangaroa for a thrilling hike on the east coast at Duke’s Nose . Then, we headed to the west coast to watch a stunning sunset on the beach at Ahipara before driving back to Auckland.

Alternatives to plan your itinerary

We chose not to go to cape reinga..

After hearing twice that a tour to 90-mile Beach was the main highlight of visiting Cape Reinga, we chose to skip it. Although it would have been an achievement to visit the northernmost point of New Zealand, it seemed silly to drive by ourselves to this remote area in such a short time. As driving on the beach isn’t that special when you live in Queensland, and we’re used to long beaches, we do not regret our decision.

What I’d change on our itinerary

Due to driving time and flight restrictions after diving, we could only scuba dive on the second day of our road trip, which did not let us optimise the itinerary. If possible, I would have put the dive on the first or last day. Apart from that, I would not change anything about our trip. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the wilderness and impressive landscapes of the area we chose to visit, along with the diverse range of outdoor activities.

We only visited a couple of beaches during our road trip as we can enjoy them all year round back home in Brisbane. But beach lovers should note that New Zealand may surprise them with stunning beaches near Auckland .

Have you been to the north of New Zealand? What was your highlight? Leave a comment below!

Map of our 3-day road trip in the Northland region:

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This Post Has One Comment

Great blog about my home region. I found you after googling The Duke’s Nose because although I live 60 kms away I haven’t climbed it and thought it was about time to read about othet’s experiences. Your trip sounded jam packed. Just a comment on a trip to the top. Cape Reinga really is something! It’s the feeling of expanse I get there. Like blue sky to blue sea merges into one. Also it really is a unique place; I can feel the spiritual aspect. Also it’s flippin beautiful.

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My 5-day Northland road trip itinerary, New Zealand

Updated On 4th February, 2024

You probably know by now that I love road trips. This Northland road trip in New Zealand was no exception!

Road trips are by far  my favourite way to explore a country . This time, my road trip obsession landed in New Zealand, having been invited back over to explore the North Island by  Tourism New Zealand .

I was to take on a  5-day road trip around the Northland of New Zealand   (that’s the bit above Auckland right at the very top of the North Island).

Little did I know I was about to make some of my most treasured travel memories to date.

Day 2 of the road trip actually landed on  my birthday  and so my best friend (that moved to NZ from the UK two years ago) drove up to meet me in Paihia for a very special birthday celebration at Magic Cottage, River Takou.  Check out the blog post here .

I would recommend this itinerary to anyone coming into Auckland and looking to experience some of New Zealand’s finest landscapes and offerings. Expect vast  turquoise lakes , authentic  Maori culture , the largest remaining  kauri trees  in NZ,  dolphins, whales  and New Zealand’s most northern point (well, nearly),  Cape Reinga.

Here’s a 5-day itinerary for the perfect Northland road trip…

Arrive in  Auckland .

Drive up to Paihia and have lunch at Charlotte’s Kitchen.

Cruise the Bay of Islands.

Stay overnight at Magic Cottages.  Check out my experience here.

Cape Reinga tour.

Stay overnight in Taipa.

Drive on and along Karekare peninsula beach.

Drive on to Ahipara.

Jump on a dune buggy and explore the dunes.

Collect some fresh mussels for dinner.

Arrive in Omapere and have dinner.

Embark on the Footprints’ Waipoua Spiritual Tour.

Have breakfast overlooking the Omapere harbour.

Drive to Kai Iwi lakes (buy lunch on the way) and have a picnic by the lakes.

Stop at the Kauri Museum.

Head on to Warksworth and check out Goat Island.

Stay overnight in Warksworth.

Drive the coastal route back to Auckland via Orewa.

This way you’ll miss the toll road too.

In Auckland do the sky jump or Auckland sea plane scenic flight.

Enjoy a late lunch at the fish market, wander along the harbour front and grab a drink at The Observatory and ice cream at Movenpick.

Watch the sunset from Bastion’s Point.

CHECK OUT NEW ZEALAND ON MY BLOG HERE

Have you been on a Northland road trip in New Zealand?

Where were your favourite spots? I’d love to know!

Love as always and happy adventuring,

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

I can’t do this without you.

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IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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New Zealand North Island Itinerary: 2-Week Road Trip

If you’re planning to visit New Zealand’s North Island, you’re in for an amazing experience. There are so many unique and memorable things to do in the North Island.

If you only have a couple of weeks (or less), it can feel like a daunting task choosing what to see and what to skip. That’s where I come in! I’ve lived in New Zealand for two decades and have done multiple trips around the North Island over the years.

This 2-week New Zealand North Island itinerary is based on all the best spots from our own experiences! From amazing beaches, water activities and boat tours to glowing insects, geothermal wonders, world-class hikes and the country’s finest wine regions.

It includes all the best things to see and do, where to eat and places to stay for each location, plus the optimal route to take so you can make the most of your time.

Ready to plan the trip of your dreams? Let’s dive in!

» Read Next: Packing List for New Zealand: What to Wear & Pack

Table of Contents

North Island Itinerary Overview 

This North Island itinerary will take you from Auckland to the Far North and then south to Wellington.

For those arriving at Wellington International Airport or starting with our New Zealand South Island itinerary and taking the ferry from Picton, you can follow this itinerary in reverse starting in Wellington.  

You’ll need a vehicle for this itinerary, and it doesn’t matter whether you rent a car or campervan. I’ve included where to stay for both options. Campermate and DOC are good resources for freedom camping sites.

Who is this itinerary for?

This itinerary is for people who are planning to drive around the North Island and want to see a mixture of New Zealand’s top attractions and authentic experiences out in nature.

You’ll be driving each day and will need to be familiar with New Zealand’s road rules and comfortable navigating the sometimes narrow and winding roads.

This itinerary covers a lot of ground, so it’s best suited for the summer months (November to April) when daylight hours are longer and those who don’t mind starting the day early.

How many days do I need on the North Island?

You can have a great trip with any amount of travel time, but you’ll need to be selective about how you spend your time. Two weeks is a good amount of time to see a lot of what the North Island has to offer including the best highlights.

Our top New Zealand travel tip is don’t try to do everything. We’ve listed a range of things to do in each location to suit a variety of travel styles and budgets. Pick the ones that appeal to you the most so that you can take the time to enjoy them.

I’ve included suggestions on how to shorten or lengthen this two-week itinerary at the end.

North Island Road Trip Overview

Day 1-2 : Auckland & Waiheke Island 

Day 3 : Paihia 

Day 4 : Bay of Islands (stay Paihia) 

Day 5 : Cape Reinga (stay Kaitaia) 

Day 6 : Piha Beach (via Waipoua Forest) 

Day 7 : Coromandel 

Day 8 : Waitomo (via Hobbiton) 

Day 9 : Rotorua 

Day 10 : Taupō 

Day 11 : Tongariro National Park (optional)

Day 12 : Hawkes Bay 

Day 13 : Martinborough 

Day 14 : Wellington 

14-Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary 

Auckland is an ideal place to start your North Island road trip. It’s New Zealand’s largest city and most international flights arrive at Auckland International Airport. 

I recommend grabbing a SIM Card at the airport so you have access to this itinerary while on the road.

I’ve provided estimates for drive times and the time needed for stops and activities to help with your planning. Please note these timeframes are a guide only and subject to traffic, weather conditions and your preferred pace. 

Day 1 – Auckland

These first two days in Auckland are all about easing into your trip with some of Auckland’s highlights before hitting the road.

You can follow our one-day Auckland itinerary or check out the top attractions listed below. These top Auckland tours , are another great way to see the city in a short amount of time.

Sky Tower (1-2 hours)

The Sky Tower is an iconic landmark in the city skyline. There are three viewing platforms at the top of the tower where you can see panoramic views of the city and Hauraki Gulf. You can even jump off or walk around the top of the tower if you’re looking for a thrill.

Due to its popularity, the Sky Tower is a good place to visit in the morning. It opens at 9:30am and we recommend booking your tickets in advance to skip the line.

Auckland Museum (2-3 hours)

The Auckland Museum is a beautiful museum located in the Domain, a 30-minute walk or short bus ride from the city center. It houses a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits showcasing New Zealand’s history and culture.

The museum is open daily from 10am and from 9am on Saturday and Sunday. You can secure your Auckland Museum General Admission ticket here .

There’s a nice café at the museum to stop for lunch.

Alternatively, you may be interested in visiting the Auckland Art Gallery or Maritime Museum, both located in the city center.

Mount Eden (1-1.5 hours)

Mount Eden is a dormant volcano and the highest natural point in Auckland with stunning views over the city and harbor.

It’s a 20-minute walk from the base to the top of the volcano. From here, you can see into the crater that is now covered in grass and stroll around the perimeter for different viewpoints around the city.

You can drive (about 15 minutes), take the bus or hop in an Uber or taxi to get there. If you drive yourself, there’s a small parking lot at the base in Tahaki Reserve or you can usually find parking along one of the side roads.  

Viaduct (2+ hours)

The Viaduct is where you’ll find the largest concentration of bars and restaurants lining the U-shaped marina. This is also where the Maritime Museum is located.

It’s a nice walk across the pedestrian bridge over to Wynyard Quarter and further along to Silo Park.

This is a great area to have dinner. We like Saint Alice for pizza and elevated views over the marina and White & Wong’s for vibrant fusion cuisine. Try to get a table on their outside veranda if it’s a nice day.

The Viaduct is also where you can experience Auckland’s nightlife . Try Dr Rudi’s for craft beer with marina views, HQ for a local pub experience or Parasol & Swing for delicious cocktails.

Where to Eat in Auckland

Here are some other great areas for dining out in Auckland from casual to fine dining.

Viaduct: For upscale dining on the water, try Oyster & Chop or Soul Bar for fresh seafood or Bivacco for delicious Italian cuisine.

Britomart: A nice area near the waterfront with a selection of restaurants and bars. Try Amano for rustic Italian.

Commercial Bay : Features an upscale food hall and restaurants near the waterfront offering cuisine from all around the world.

SkyCity: At the top of the tower, Orbit revolves as you dine, and The Sugar Club is modern and chic with dishes made for sharing. For casual, there’s Depot Eatery & Oyster Bar just across from the tower. It’s a favorite place for locals, myself included.

Fine Dining: Try Sidart Restaurant for New Zealand dishes with wine pairings, The Grove for a degustation of New Zealand food with a French twist or Sails Restaurant for its contemporary surf and turf menu.

Where to Stay in Auckland (2 Nights)

Campervan: Takapuna Beach Holiday Park

Budget-Friendly Stay: LYLO Auckland

Mid-Range Stay: Holiday Inn Express

High-End Stay: The Hotel Britomart (I love this hotel, cannot recommend enough)

Or check out our guide on the best areas to stay in Auckland for more great options.

Day 1 Summary and a suggested timetable

9:30am: Explore the Sky Tower

11:30am: Visit the Auckland Museum + lunch

2:30pm: Travel to Mt Eden

3:00pm: Climb to the top of Mt Eden volcano

5:00pm: Walk around the Viaduct

Day 2 – Waiheke Island

The highlight of day 2 is a trip to Waiheke Island , the ‘island of wine’. It’s covered in vineyards with over 30 wineries and cellar doors around the island.

There’s also secluded beaches, walking trails and activities such as ziplining on the island.

You’ll start by taking the 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island. The ferry boards by your place in line so I recommend getting to the ferry terminal early .

The wineries are spread out around the island so the best way to experience the island is by taking a winery tour.

I particularly like this Gourmet Food and Wine Tour because you can sample local artisan foods along with top local wineries, plus it includes a platter lunch.

If you prefer to explore Waiheke Island on your own you can hire a car, use the public bus or purchase a ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus .

Prefer adventure to wine tasting? This Zipline and Forest Walk Tour on Waiheke Island is good fun.

Alternatively, you can skip Waiheke and take the ferry or even join a kayak tour to Rangitoto Island . Then hike through lava fields to the top of this dormant volcano. There are fantastic views of the harbor and city from the top.

You can stay on Waiheke Island or another night in your Auckland hotel. If you stay on Waiheke Island, you’ll need to get an early ferry back to Auckland.

Where to Stay on Waiheke Island

Budget-Friendly Stay: Waiheke Backpackers Hostel

Mid-Range Stay: Cable Bay Views (we stayed here a couple of times, highly recommend)

High-End Stay: Delamore Lodge

Day 2 Summary and a suggested timetable

9:00am: Ferry to Waiheke Island

10:00am: Explore Waiheke Island

6:00pm: Walk around the Viaduct

Day 3 – Paihia, Northland 

Total Drive Time: 3.5-4 hours | Distance: 230km (143 miles) 

Hope you are feeling rested after a couple of days in Auckland, because today you are heading to sunny Northland.

Paihia is the gateway to the Bay of Islands which has plenty of fun things to see and do in the winterless north. We recommend making an early start for your journey north as it’s a bit of a drive. 

Note: This route has toll roads. You can find out how to pay online or at select service stations on the NZTA Government website .  

Stop 1: Whangarei Falls (30mins) 

Whangārei Falls is an iconic set of waterfalls standing at 26 meters tall. This waterfall was much bigger than I was expecting and a good place to stretch your legs. It’s an easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot to the base of the falls.  

I suggest allocating 30 minutes for this stop. This will give you time to walk to the falls and grab a few snaps.  

Whangarei town center is a good place to stop for a quick lunch before the final one-hour drive to Paihia. There are plenty of cafés and fast-food restaurants to choose from.  

Stop 2: Paihia (final stop) 

Waitangi Treaty Grounds (2- 3 hours) 

Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, a historical site regarded as ‘the birthplace of New Zealand’. It’s where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed by the British settlers and the native Māori people in 1840, thus establishing the country’s founding document.  

The grounds have museums, cultural performances, a carving studio, plus a traditional meeting house to explore. 

It’s open every day from 9am to 5pm. Entry is $30 NZD for adult NZ residents and $60 NZD per adult for international visitors. 

Take the Ferry to Russell (2-3 hours) 

Take a 15- minute ferry ride from Paihia to the historic township of Russell. Or you can drive around the coast.   

Russell is New Zealand’s first seaport and European settlement and retains its original layout and quaint architecture.

It’s a lovely place to walk around, visit New Zealand’s oldest church and end the day with dinner at iconic The Duke of Marlborough while watching the sunset over Kororareka Bay. 

Where to stay in Paihia (2 nights) 

Campervan: Falls Motel and Waterfront Campground

Budget-Friendly Stay:  Haka Lodge Bay of Islands (Paihia)

Mid-Range Stay: Admiral’s View Lodge & Motel 

High End Stay: Paihia Beach Resort & Spa Hotel   

Day 3 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Auckland to Whangarei Falls

10:30am: Visit Whangarei Falls

11:00am: Early lunch in Whangarei

12:00pm: Drive Whangarei to Paihia

1:00pm: Explore Waitangi Treaty Grounds

3:30pm: Ferry to Russell

4:00pm: Walk around + Dinner in Russell

7:00pm: Ferry back to Paihia

Day 4 – Bay of Islands 

Now that you’ve explored the historic town of Russell and learned a bit about New Zealand history, it’s time to experience the real gem of the Bay of Islands. And the best way to do this is by boat! 

Bay of Islands Boat Cruise (4.5-6 hours) 

Spend your morning exploring the Bay of Islands on a boat tour. Take a cruise to one of the 144 islands, including hidden coves, beautiful sandy beaches, and the iconic hole in the rock.   

This Hole in the Rock Cruise & Island Tour will take you around the isles with the opportunity to hop off and explore a couple of the remote islands. You’ll also drop anchor at the best spots for swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding.  

For a slightly longer tour on a larger boat, this Bay of Islands Island-Hopping Sailing Cruise is the way to go. This tour includes mostly the same but on a beautiful catamaran with a picnic lunch and an additional stop to a wildlife sanctuary.   

Paihia Town and Opua Forest Lookout Track (3+ hours) 

Spend the rest of day exploring Paihia’s town center. Take a walk along the Opua Forest Lookout Track for stunning views. Visit Haruru Falls and afterward stop at PhatHouse Brewing Co to sample a selection of craft beer.  

Stay in Paihia for another night.  

Day 4 Summary and a suggested timetable

10:00am: Bay of Islands Boat tour

4:00pm: Explore Paihia and Lookout Track

6:00pm: Visit Haruru Falls

7:00pm: Dinner at PhatHouse Brewing Co.

Day 5 – Cape Reinga 

Total Drive Time: 5.5 hours | Distance: 347km (215 miles) 

Today we are heading as far north as you can go in New Zealand, and you have a couple of options for the how to explore the awesome gems you’ll find up here.  

Day Tour from Paihia (11.5 hours) 

One option is to take this full day tour from Paihia and stay in Paihia for a third night. It’s a full 11-hour day that takes you to all the best spots, including a drive along the spectacular Ninety Mile Beach.  

Most rental car companies don’t allow you to drive their vehicles onto the beach for safety reasons. It’s only suitable for 4WD vehicles and the tide can be tricky to navigate so you don’t get stuck!   

If you want the full experience of driving along Ninety Mile Beach or just want a break from driving, a tour may be worth considering. 

Drive Yourself to Cape Reinga  

Otherwise, continue making your way north to wild beaches, massive sand dunes and a picturesque lighthouse perched on the tip of New Zealand.  

There aren’t any amenities after Kaitaia, so be sure to have enough fuel, water and food to get to Cape Reinga and back to Kaitaia. I recommend bringing a packed lunch for today. 

Stop 1: Ninety Mile Beach (1 hour) 

On your way to Cape Reinga, make a stop along Ninety Mile Beach to stretch your legs. It’s not actually 90-miles long as the name suggests, but an 88 kilometer (55 mile) stretch of pristine white sand.  

Although the beach is officially a highway (crazy I know) you’ll have to leave the rental in the parking lot and wander down the beach on foot. Plan to spend up to an hour walking the golden sands and taking in the scenery. 

Stop 2: Cape Reinga (1-1.5 hours) 

Cape Reinga sits at the top of New Zealand and is the furthest accessible point you can get, marked by a beautiful lighthouse.  

Look out from the cliff face and watch as the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean collide into one.  

Also keep an eye out for the old Pohutukawa tree at the tip of the cape. According to Māori belief, this 800-year-old tree is the point where the spirits of the deceased leap into the ocean and return to their ancestral homeland. 

On your way back to the parking lot take a quick detour to see the cliffs surrounding the area without the crowds. Follow the path to the right where it splits and go down the steps for spectacular cliffside views.  

Tapotupotu Campsite (optional)    

If you have a campervan and prefer to stay in Cape Reinga for the night, the Tapotupotu Campsite is a scenic Department of Conservation (DOC) campsite right next to the ocean. it’s an incredible spot with basic amenities for a real off the beaten path experience.  

Just bear in mind, if you stay here for the night, you’ll have an extra hour of driving time tomorrow which is already a big driving day. If you do stay, you may want to visit our next stop on the way to Cape Reinga, so you don’t have to backtrack. 

Stop 3: Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes (1 hour) 

We’ve saved the sand dunes for your way back because after a few trips down you’ll have sand coming out of places you didn’t know was possible!  

These giant sand dunes are truly impressive and so much fun to slide (or roll as the case may be) down. They go up to 150 meters tall and are steep. It’s hard work getting up there but once you’re at the top it feels like you’ve arrived in the desert.  

Be sure to get a sandboard from one of the vendors along the road. Climb as far up as you can then hop on the board and slide down. It’s good fun! 

After shaking out as much sand as you can, make your way to Kaitaia for the night. We recommend getting an early night because tomorrow is the biggest driving day for this North Island itinerary. 

Where to Eat in Kaitaia 

There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and takeaway establishments along Commerce Street in Kaitaia. We had take out from Kai Thai Restaurant which was good. The portions were huge. I’ve also heard good things about Beachcomber Restaurant.   

Where to Stay in Kaitaia 

Campervan:  Norfolk Motel & Campervan Park

Budget-Friendly Stay: Beachcomber Lodge & Backpacker  

Mid-Range Stay: Kauri Lodge Motel

Day 5 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Paihia to Ninety Mile Beach

10.30am: Walk along Ninety Mile Beach

11.30am: Drive Ninety Mile Beach to Cape Reinga

12.30pm: Explore Cape Reinga

2:00pm: Drive Cape Reinga to Sand Dunes

2:30pm: Sandboarding at the Sand Dunes

3:30pm: Drive Sand Dunes to Kaitaia

5.00pm: Arrive in Kaitaia

Day 6 – Piha Beach (via Waipoua Forest) 

Total Drive Time: 6-7 hours | Distance: 400km (248 miles) 

Today you’ll be driving along the largely untouched west coast of the North Island. The scenic route from Kaitaia down the west coast to Auckland is a lot quieter than the main highway because it takes a little longer.  

It’s a big driving day and we recommend starting early. You can take the ferry from Kohukohu to Rawene instead of driving around, which will save you a considerable amount of time and distance. 

If you opted to take a tour to Cape Reinga and stayed in Paihia for an extra night, you can take SH12 to Waipoua Kauri Forest which will take a little under two hours.   

Stop 1: Waipoua Kauri Forest (20 minutes) 

The first major stop is to a huge forest that is home to many kauri trees, which are native to New Zealand’s North Island.  

Tane Mahuta (aka ‘Lord of the Forest’) is the most famous of them all. In Māori belief, this tree is considered a God. It’s estimated to be 2000 years old and is massive, standing 51 meters tall and a girth of 14 meters. Try to wrap your arms around that!  

The parking lot for Tana Mahuta is well signposted from SH12 and it’s an easy 5-minute walk from the parking lot. 

Stop 2: Kauri Walks (50 minutes) 

A few minutes’ drive down the road from Tane Mahuta is another nice walk where you can visit Te Matua Ngahere , meaning Father of the Forest, and the oldest and second largest living kauri tree in New Zealand. 

This walk starts from the Kauri Walks parking lot. Then, it’s a 20-minute walk through the beautiful, lush forest to Te Matua Ngahere. 

Stop 3: Dargaville (1 hour) 

Continue following the scenic highway through towering green forest and massive ferns until you reach Dargaville, the Kumara Capital of New Zealand. This historic town was built on the timber and gum industries until it was replaced by farming in the 1920s.  

It’s a good place to stop for lunch. This small coastal town offers a surprising selection of restaurants and cafes. Try Moa Bakery and Café for a fresh baked savory pie. 

From Dargaville, the rest of the drive back to Auckland is mainly through flat farmland. At Wellsford you have the option to carry on State Highway 1 for the most direct route or follow the scenic route (State Highway 16) to Piha Beach with an optional stop at Muriwai Beach.  

I recommend taking the direct route, otherwise you won’t get to Piha until the evening.

However, I’ve included the scenic route below with a stop at Muriwai Beach in case you prefer this option.  

Stop 4: Muriwai Beach (1 hour – optional) 

If you opt for the scenic route, you can stop at Muriwai Beach to see the Gannet Colony if you’re traveling between August and March . Note: The walking track to the Gannet Colony is currently closed due to cyclone damage. 

Head to the upper car park for elevated views over the black sands of Māori Bay and the rugged and picturesque coastline.  

Down on the beach there’s caves you can explore if it’s low tide and you can see the gannets flying around the rocks overhead. 

Stop 5: Piha Beach (final stop) 

The wild and rugged black sand beaches of Auckland’s west coast are magic, and we highly recommend spending the night here. Or you can head back to the city center and stay in the same place as day one. 

Food options are limited in Piha, so your best option is stop for dinner in Kumeu, which you’ll pass through after leaving Muriwai.  

Try the Huapai Tavern for classic pub food or Morepork BBQ for American style food. You’ll also find a variety of eateries along the main road for something quick and easy.

Once you arrive in Piha, take a walk along the black sand beach surrounded by rugged coastline. Follow the path up Lions Rock for elevated views over the beach. It’s a great spot for sunset, just be sure to climb down before dark. 

Where to Stay in Piha Beach 

Campervan: Domain Motor Camp 

Mid-Range Stay: Piha Beachstay Hostel

High-End Stay: Romantic Piha

Day 6 Summary and a suggested timetable

7:00am: Drive Kaitaia to Waipoua Forest

10:30am: Waipoua Kauri Forest

10:30am: Kauri Walks

11:30am: Drive Waipoua Forest to Dargaville

12:30pm: Lunch in Dargaville

1:30pm: Drive Dargaville to Muriwai Beach (optional)

4:00pm: Muriwai Beach (optional)

5:30pm: Dinner in Kumeu

7:30pm: Piha Beach

Day 7 – Coromandel 

Total Drive Time: 4.5 hours | Distance: 272km (169 miles) 

Today you’re heading to the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula with its secluded bays, pristine beaches and cliffside views.

Roads are both scenic and winding on the Coromandel Peninsula so allow extra time for a relaxed drive and photo stops. 

The total drive time and distance are based on the most direct route from Auckland to Hahei Beach and then down to Whangamatā via State Highway (SH) 1 and SH 25, since most activities listed below are on the east coast.  

Stop 1: Hahei Beach & Cathedral Cove (2-3 hours) 

Hahei Beach is an absolute gem and one of my favorite spots on the Coromandel. It’s a long white sandy beach with calm turquoise water. You can go for a walk, take a swim or enjoy snorkeling and sea kayaking in the pristine water. 

Cathedral Cove is known for the giant arched rock cavern that joins two pristine beaches. The walking track is currently closed but you can catch a water taxi from Hahei Beach to Cathedral Cove which takes 10 minutes and runs every 30 minutes, no booking required.  

It costs $80 NZD per adult for a return trip which isn’t cheap, but you’ll get to enjoy this incredibly picturesque spot with a lot less crowds than there used to be.  

You can see updates about the track on the DOC website . 

Stop for lunch at one of the cafes in Hahei before heading to your next stop. 

Stop 3: Hot Water Beach (1-2 hours optional)    

Hot Water Beach is world-famous because you can dig your own natural hot pool during low tide, thanks to geothermal activity below the sand.

It’s certainly a unique attraction and with that comes a huge crowd. This beach is packed in that two hour window before and after low tide.  

If your timing doesn’t line up with low tide or you simply want to skip the crowds, continue to our next stop. It’s a good one!  

Stop 4: Donut Island (2 hours) 

Whenuakura Island is the official name for Donut Island, a large volcanic blow hole that has collapsed and created a turquoise lagoon in the center of the island. It’s surrounded by native fauna and volcanic cliff rock and pretty spectacular.  

You can paddleboard or kayak to the island from Whangamatā Beach. 

I highly recommend taking this guided kayaking tour to Donut Island because the wind and current can shift quickly, plus there is only one spot where you can enter the middle which they will help you find.  

The last tour departs at 3pm, so you will probably need to choose between Hot Water Beach and Donut Island unless you leave Auckland super early. 

Stop 5: Whangamatā (final stop) 

Check out the quirky boutique shops along main street and grab dinner at Soul Burger . They are one of my top 3 burgers in the country! 

Where to Stay in Whangamatā: 

Campervan: Wentworth Valley Campground  

Budget-Friendly Stay: Surf N Stay Whangamatā 

Mid-Range Stay: Palm Pacific Resort & Motel 

Day 7 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Piha to Hahei Beach

11.30am: Hahei Beach & Cathedral Cove

1:30pm: Drive Hahei Beach to Whangamatā

3:00pm: Kayak tour to Donut Island

5:00pm: Dinner in Whangamatā

Day 8 – Waitomo (via Hobbiton Village) 

Total Drive Time: 3 hours | Distance: 209km (130 miles) 

Today we are heading to the small town of Waitomo, known for its underground cave systems that are home to the unique glowworms. 

On the way, we’ll be stopping at the Hobbiton Move Set, a must-do experience for LOTR fans. If this isn’t for you, then skip this stop and enjoy a leisurely morning in Whangamatā. 

Stop 1: Paeroa (10 minutes) 

About an hour from Whangamatā you’ll come to the town of Paeroa, home of the famous New Zealand soft drink , Lemon and Paeroa (aka L&P). There’s a giant L&P bottle that sits at the entrance to the town.  

Make a pit stop and grab of snap of this iconic statue. Better yet, grab a bottle of L&P to try if you haven’t already. It’s sweet and refreshing. 

Stop 2: Hobbiton Movie Set (2.5-3 hours) 

Visit the Hobbiton Village Movie Set, just outside Matamata. This guided 2-hour tour takes you all around the village including to Hobbit Holes, the Shire Mill and finishes with a pint at the Green Dragon Inn.

Tours run throughout the day, every day but you’ll need to book your tickets in advance for entry.

The Shire’s Rest Café is a good place to stop for lunch after your tour.  

Stop 3: Waitomo Glowworm Caves (1.5 hours) 

The Waitomo Glowworm Caves is one of the top places to see glowworms in New Zealand. A guided boat tour is the best way to explore the underground cave system to see how thousands of luminous glowworms light the dark caverns.  

Tours run throughout the day but bookings are essential , and you need to be there 30 minutes before the start of your tour. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, this black water rafting tour inside the caves is a must-do and my preferred choice, highly recommend. You’ll need 3 hours in total for the black water rafting experience.

There’s also the Ruakuri Cave which is incredible. It provides a more immersive experience with a walking tour through Waitomo’s longest underground cave .

Stop 4: Marokopa Falls (1 hour) 

Marokopa Falls is an impressive 35-meter-high waterfall that cascades over a rockface and is surrounded by native tawa and nikau forest.

It’s a 35-minute drive past Waitomo and then a 20-minute walk from the parking lot. Worth a visit if you have some extra time before it gets dark. 

Stop 5: Waitomo (final stop) 

Head back to the peaceful rural town of Waitomo for the night. For dinner try the HUHU Café or Tomo Bar & Eatery .  

Where to Stay in Waitomo 

Campervan: Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park (they also have motel rooms and cabins) 

Budget-Friendly Stay: JunoHall Backpackers  

Mid-Range Stay: Waitomo Village Chalets  

Day 8 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Whangamata to Hobbiton Movie Set

10:30am: Hobbiton Movie Set

1:00pm: Drive Hobbiton to Waitomo

3:00pm: Waitomo Glowworm Caves Tour

5:00pm: Marokopa Falls (optional)

6:30pm: Waitomo

Day 9 – Rotorua 

Total Drive Time: 2 hours | Distance: 139km (86 miles) 

Ready to experience the geothermal wonders of Rotorua? Don’t let the rotten egg smell put you off. It’s a truly unique place that you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the world.  

With so many great things to see and do, I’m listing the top activities so you can pick and choose how you spend your time in Rotorua. 

Hell’s Gate (1-3 hours) 

Visit Hell’s gate to experience boiling hot pools, Sulphur rocks and erupting waters at New Zealand’s most active geothermal reserve.

Dip your feet in a genuine mud pool or go for the full experience with a thermal mud bath and sulphur spa . Just bring an old bathing suit, they’re never quite the same after.

ZORB Rotorua (1 hour) 

Zorbing is where you get inside a big, wet inflatable ball and roll down a hill, and Rotorua is where this bizarre activity started. It’ll probably be the most hilarious (and expensive) 3 minutes of your life, but so worth it. Bookings are essential . 

White Water Rafting (2.5 hours) 

Thrill seekers may want to try the Kaituna Rafting experience . Learn the history of the Kaituna River from expert guides as you make you way down the river, over rapids and small waterfalls, and ultimately the 7-meter high Tutea Falls, the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. It’s a must-do for adventure lovers. 

Skyline Rotorua (2 hours) 

Skyline Rotorua is the go-to place for fun adventures for the whole family. You can ride the gondola for spectacular views over Mt Ngongotaha and Lake Rotorua, zip down the luge, zipline through the Redwood Forest or try the adrenaline pumping Skyswing.

The amount of time you spend here will depend on the number of activities you do and how crowded it is. There’s also a Skyline in Queenstown in case you don’t get a chance to do it here and are heading to the South Island next. 

Rotorua Tree Top Walks (45 mins) 

The Redwoods Treewalk is where you can walk across a series of suspended bridges and platforms amongst the giant redwood trees of the Whakarewarewa Forest.

At night the forest lights up with lanterns and art installations for an enchanting experience. They are open until 10:30pm during summer and until 9:30pm in winter. 

Tamaki Māori Village (4-hours) 

An evening at Te Pā Tū (formerly Tamaki Māori Village) is must-do cultural experience. Over the course of the evening, you’ll get to know Māori song, tradition, and kai (food) through interactive experiences in this fully recreated traditional Māori Village.

It’s recognized as one of the Top 10 Experiences in the World. We recommend booking your Te Pā Tū tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Geothermal Spa (1-2 hours) 

Relax in one of Rotorua’s famous spa pools. The Polynesian Spa and Secret Spot are both good options.  

The Polynesian Spa is the original and a larger complex. There is a large indoor pool and 5 mineral hot pools overlooking Lake Rotorua filled with geothermal water, plus a cold plunge.  Book your Polynesian Spa experience and let the day melt away.

The Secret Spot is smaller and more intimate. Each guest gets their own cedar hot tub filled with forest spring water that is heated and freshly circulated for each visitor. The tubs are lined up amongst native plants for a serene and relaxing experience.  Reserve your spot here .

Where to Eat in Rotorua 

Eat Street is Rotorua’s food haven, where you’ll find a dozen or so restaurants and bars lining the street offering everything from Thai to Italian. We particularly like BREW | Craft Beer Pub for good casual food and craft beer. 

Where to stay in Rotorua 

Campervan: Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park 

Budget-Friendly Stay: Crashpalace Backpackers  

Mid-Range Stay: Jet Park Hotel

High-End Stay: Karanda B&B

Day 9 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Waitomo to Rotorua

10:00am: Zorb or Treetop Walk

11:30am: White-Water Rafting

2:00pm: Hell’s Gate or free time in town

5:00pm: Te Pa Tu Cultural Experience

9:30pm: Geothermal Spa or Redwood Treetop Walk

Day 10 – Taupō 

Total Drive Time: 1 hour | Distance: 80km (50 miles) 

Today we are making the short drive to Taupō, with some fantastic stops along the way. Taupō is a small town that lies on the shores of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake.

The lake is actually the caldera of a supervolcano which is responsible for a lot of the geothermal activity in the area, like you’ll see at this first stop.

Stop 1: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland (2 hours) 

On your way to Taupō, visit Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and take one of the many walking tracks to experience this geothermal park.  

Each track can take from 45 – 90 minutes as they wind their way through unique and world-famous attractions like the Champagne Pool, bubbling mud pools, shooting geysers and volcanic craters.  

The Lady Know Geyser goes off at 10.15am daily reaching heights of up to 20 meters. Be sure to arrive by 10am to see this spectacular feature. You can book you tickets in advance to save time.

Stop 2: Huka Falls (10 minutes) 

Stop at Huka Falls just before Taupō and take the short walk across the bridge to access the lookout. From here, you can watch as more than 220,000 liters of crystal blue water thunder over the 11m cliff face every second.  

Stop 3: Taupō (final stop) 

Taupō is your final stop for today. There’s plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes in Taupō to grab some lunch. The Two Mile Bay Sailing Club does awesome pizzas with outdoor seating. 

Māori Rock Carvings (2-4 hours) 

After lunch take a scenic cruise around the blue waters of Lake Taupo to see the extraordinary Maori Rock Carvings, accessible only by water.

The massive carvings are the work of a local master carver from the 1970s. They depict Ngatoroirangi – a visionary Maori navigator who guided the local tribes to Taupo over 1000 years ago.  

We like this Eco Sailing Cruise on New Zealand’s only electric yacht. You’ll explore the rock carvings at Mine Bay and several other bays during the 2.5-hour cruise with a complimentary drink. You can even go for a swim. 

Or this Half-Day Kayak to the Māori Rock Carvings is a fun way to see the rock carvings, and my preferred option. You can get up close to the carvings and explore tiny inlets along the way, plus a chance to swim or go rock jumping. This one starts at 1:30pm and lasts for 4 hours.  

Hot Water Beach (1 hour) 

Did you know there’s a Hot Water Beach in Taupo ? In case you missed the chance to dig your own hot pool at Coromandel, you can dig one on the shores of Lake Taupo without the crowds. You can find it along the Great Lake Pathway. Just dip a toe first, it can be hot.  

Otumuheke Spa Park (1 hour)

End the day with a relaxing soak in these natural hot pools. The Otumuheke Spa Park is where hot water from the ground creates a stream that flows into the Waikato River.

Find a spot close to where the stream meets the river and dip a toe until you find a comfortable temperature. Just be sure to avoid where the water bubbles up because it’s very hot and can cause serious burns.

Also, don’t put your head under water as there can be certain bacteria that thrive in the warm temperatures that can cause serious illness.

To get here, park in the County Avenue carpark and follow the path to Otumuheke Spa Park . Oh, and did I mention it’s free!

Where to Eat in Taupo 

There’s plenty of restaurants to chose from in Taupo town center. Try The Bistro for a nice sit-down meal, Jimmy Coops Lakehouse for good burgers with outdoor seating or grab fish and chips to go from the Grasshopper and eat it by the lake. 

Where to Stay in Taupo 

Campervan:  Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park  

Budget-Friendly Stay:  Finlay Jack’s Backpackers  

Mid-Range Stay:  Chevron Motel 

High-End Stay: Sacred Waters Taupo

Day 10 Summary and a suggested timetable

9:00am: Drive Rotorua to Wai-O-Tapu

9:30am: Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

11:30am: Drive Wai-O-Tapu to Taupo

12:00pm: Huku Falls

12:30pm: Taupo (lunch)

1:30pm: Māori Rock Carvings

5:30pm: Hot Water Beach or Otumuheke Spa Park

Day 11 – Tongariro National Park 

Total Drive Time: 1 hour 20 minutes | Distance: 100km (62 miles) 

This next stop is an action-packed adventure around Tongariro National Park. Be sure to bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.

If you prefer, you can skip this stop and spend an extra day in Rotorua or Taupo, or head straight to Napier for a relaxing day among vineyards instead of hiking through ancient lava flows. 

Tongariro National Park encompasses three volcanoes and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Choose from the following walks to experience emerald lakes, steaming volcanic crates, ancient lava flows and Mt Doom!  

Tongariro Alpine Crossing (7-9 hours) 

Regarded as one of the best hikes in the world and the most popular hike in the North Island. At 19.4 kilometers long, over exposed and steep terrain, it’s not for the faint hearted but arguably one of the most rewarding experiences. 

The walk takes about 7-9 hours in total and can only be walked as a one-way track. This means you’ll have to arrange for return transportation.

The best option is to get a park and ride from Ketetahi , located close to the end of the crossing, which gets you a one-way shuttle service from there to the start of the crossing. This way your car is waiting for you at the end of the hike.  

Tama Lakes Walk (6 hours) 

A scenic alternative to the Tongariro Crossing without the crowds. This 17.6-kilometer walk takes you through tussock and alpine herb fields until you reach the emerald waters of the Tama Lakes, one of New Zealand’s most iconic geographic attractions. 

Taranaki Falls Walk (1 hour) 

An easy loop walk that takes you to some of the Park’s best sites, including the 20-meter-tall Taranaki Falls, which tumbles spectacularly over the edge of a 15,000-year-old lava flow. 

Tawhai Falls (5 minutes) 

A quick walk to a pretty waterfall which featured in Lord of the Rings. 

After your walk, you can drive back to Taupo and stay at the same place (book 2 nights) or stay in Tongariro National Park. 

Where to Stay in Tongariro National Park 

Campervan & Budget: National Park Alpine Lodge

Mid-Range Stay: Plateau Lodge (they offer a shuttle service to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing)

Day 11 Summary and a suggested timetable

6:30am: Drive Taupo to Tongariro

8:30am: Shuttle to the start of the crossing

5:30pm: Pick up car at end of track

7:00pm: Drive to Taupo or stay in Tongariro

Day 12 – Napier & Hawkes Bay 

Total Drive Time: 2.5 hours (from Taupo) | Distance: 165km (102 miles) 

Today we’re heading over the mountain range to the beautiful Hawkes Bay, a renowned wine-producing region of New Zealand. 

There’s plenty of things to do in Hawkes Bay whether you enjoy wine tasting, hiking or nature. Here’s a list of activities so you can choose what suits you best.  

Stop 1: Napier  

Art Deco Trail (2 hours) 

Explore the beautiful town of Napier, the art deco capital of New Zealand. Take a walk along Marine Parade to see the art deco landmarks and architecture the city is known for along with beautiful views of coast.

There’s plenty of places to stop for lunch in Napier. We had a nice sandwich from That Sandwich Place for something quick and easy. 

Bike Tour (1-6 hours) 

Rent an E-bike and explore the incredible network of cycle trails. It’s also a great way to visit some of the many wineries in the region.

You’ll get a map for a self-guided tour that takes you to a selection of wineries and other points of interest including breweries, classic kiwi pubs, wildlife estuaries and seaside pathways. 

Stop 2: Havelock North (final stop) 

Wine Tasting (2-6 hours) 

Havelock North is home to some of New Zealand’s best Wineries & Cellar Doors. Here are some of our top choices.

Craggy Range Winery: Set at the foot of Te Mata Peak, this stunning Cellar Door offers a relaxed and intimate tasting experience and exceptional restaurant. I like the Te Muna Road Pinot Noir and Te Kahau, a Bordeaux style blend. 

Te Mata Estate: Established in 1896 and one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries open for walk-in wine tastings and cellar doors. I love the Gamay Noir. 

Heretaunga Wine Studio: An interactive experience offering a range of wine varietals and exclusive samples straight from the barrel. Their studio theatre offers an immersive audio-visual treat. Try the Heretaunga Syrah. This is a good one to end the day, it’s open until 9pm.  

Cape Kidnappers (3 hours) 

Cape Kidnappers is a beautiful reserve and home to Gannet Colonies. It’s worth a visit if you didn’t get to see the Muriwai Gannet Colony in Auckland.  

The beach walk has reopened following a significant landslide but risk of rockfall and further slips remains high. The best way to see the Gannet Colony is to take this Gannet Safaris Overland Tour across a private farm.  

Tours run twice daily from September to April . You’ll learn about the area and these unique birds from an expert (and entertaining guide). The scenery is breathtaking and for many, a highlight of their North Island itinerary.  

Te Mata Peak (2 hours) 

Hike up Te Mata Peak for a chance to see incredible 360-degree views of Hawke’s Bay and the Heretaunga Plains. 

There are a series of well-graded tracks that vary in length and difficulty. For experienced hikers, it’s about a 2-hour return walk from the Main Gates Car Park to the summit on the blue trail. Just make sure you’re back by 10pm when the gates close.

Alternatively, you can drive to the summit. Just a heads up, the road is narrow and winding with a steep drop off in parts. It gets a little scary near the top with one way sections so do take care.

Where to eat in Havelock North 

For dinner, head to Alessandro’s Pizzeria for good Italian food, our preferred choice. We’ve also heard good things about Deliciosa Restaurant .  

Where to Stay in Havelock North:  

Campervan & Budget: Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park  (10 minutes from Havelock North)

Mid-Range Stay:  Guest House on Guthrie 

High-End Stay: Porters Boutique Hotel   

Day 12 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Taupo to Napier

10:00am: Art Deco Trail or Bike Tour

1:00pm: Drive Napier to Havelock North

1:30pm: Wine Tasting or Cape Kidnappers

5:30pm: Te Mata Peak

Day 13 – Martinborough 

Total Drive Time: 3 hours 15 min | Distance: 250km (155 miles) 

Today we’re heading to the underrated town of Martinborough, another top wine-producing region with a charming small town feel and one of the country’s best kept secrets nearby.

Stop 1: Greytown (30 minutes) 

On your way to Martinborough, stop in the small town of Greytown to stretch your legs and explore the cute boutique shops housed in restored Victorian buildings along the high street.  

Stop 2: Martinborough (final stop) 

Martinborough is a little gem with a population of just 2000-ish people. The town is loosely shaped on the Union Jack with a square at its center and various roads named after the travels of the towns founder, John Martin. 

You have a few options for how to spend your time here.  

Explore the Town Center (1-2 hours) 

Martinborough town center has a hipster flair but with a small-town charm. The shops are all super cute, even the butcher shop. Explore the fresh cafes with vibrant mural walls, rustic bakeries and boutique shops selling unique items.  

Hire a Bike (2-4 hours) 

There are over 60 vineyards on your doorstep, regarded as some of the best in the country. Being a compact area with relatively flat terrain, renting a bike is a great way to explore the cellar doors on a warm sunny day. 

Patuna Chasm (3 hours)

The Patuna Chasm is that best kept secret I mentioned, located 20 minutes’ outside Martinborough.

It’s a huge chasm carved out of limestone where you can walk through the clear stream at the bottom of the chasm to see the impressive rock formations, stalactites and fossils.

The Patuna Chasm is open from November until March . It’s on private land so you’ll need to book through Patuna Farm Adventures for access.

Visit The Runholder (3 hours) 

The Runholder is home to Te Kairanga wine, Martinborough Vineyard and Lighthouse Gin, and a mere four minutes from Martinborough town center. Housed in a slick black barn amongst the vineyards, The Runholder has a light and airy contemporary design, a huge tasting room and an open plan dining area.  

Book in for lunch (or dinner on Friday and Saturdays) and wine tasting. Then head downstairs for a behind-the-scenes tour of the modern wine cave.

Finish off the day with gin tasting and learn about the impressive story and meticulous care that goes into producing Lighthouse Gin. 

Putangirua Pinnacles (4 hours) 

Note: The Putangirua Pinnacles track is closed due a large slip. Check the DOC website for updates.

For something a little off the beaten path, the Putangirua Pinnacles are a 1-hour drive from Martinborough. These ancient spires jut out of the forest providing a dramatic landscape.  

There are tracks where you can hike to the lookout and get right up close to these giant formations. It should take around 2 hours all up to see the pinnacles. Wear sturdy shoes, the gravel can be slippery.

Where to Eat in Martinborough 

For dinner you could try Karahui Wine Bar & Eatery , or the York Bistro located in Parehua Resort. For a light meal, Martinborough Brewery has a good snack and beer menu. 

Where to Stay in Martinborough 

Campervan: Martinborough Top 10 Holiday Park

Mid-Range Stay: The Vicarage Martinborough

High-End Stay: Parehua Resort  

Day 13 Summary and a suggested timetable

8:00am: Drive Havelock North to Greytown

11:00am: Greytown

11:30am: Greytown to Martinborough

12:00pm: Explore town center

1:00pm: The Runholder (lunch & wine tasting) or Patuna Chasm

6:00pm: Dinner in Martinborough

Day 14 – Wellington 

Total Drive Time: 1 hour 17 min | Distance: 82km (51 miles) 

Your final day starts with a short drive over the winding Remutaka Range to Wellington, New Zealand’s capitol city and the final stop on this North Island itinerary.  

Here are some of the top ways to spend your time in Wellington. 

Te Papa (2-3 hours) 

Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum where you can explore everything from Māori and European settlement to Giant Squids. There’s plenty of interactive displays and activities, including an earthquake simulation.  

It’s open daily from 10am-6pm. You can explore the museum on your own or take a one hour guided tour to see the highlights. Entry is free for everyone, although charges apply for some short-term exhibitions and special events.  

Wellington Cable Car (1 hour) 

Ride the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay to the top of Kelburn for spectacular views of the city and harbor. The ride takes only a few minutes and there’s a Cable Car Museum and Botanic Gardens at the top.

Once you’re finished exploring you can ride the cable car or walk back to Lambton Quay. 

Zealandia (2-3 hours) 

Zealandia is an urban sanctuary located on the outskirts of the CBD where you can see native birds and wildlife. It’s a 10-minute drive or there’s a free shuttle you can take from the Wellington isite at top of the Cable Car. 

This ecosanctuary has reintroduced 18 native species into the region. You can walk the beautiful grounds on your own or take a tour. Keep a look out for native birds such as the tui, kaka and kereru and reptiles such as the tuatara.  

Cuba Street (1-2 hours) 

Cuba Street is a historic part of Wellington with old buildings and a bohemian vibe. It’s nice to walk around the pedestrian only walkways. There’s an eclectic mix of shops, cafes and art galleries.

Wellington is known for fantastic coffee roasters so be sure to stop at one of the cafes if you’re a coffee lover. We had a nice meal and great coffee at Fidel’s Café on Cuba Street. 

Mount Victoria (1.5 hours) 

The Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway is a 4.2km (2.6km) walkway that climbs through pine forests to a lookout point that offers spectacular views of Wellington Harbor and the city. 

It’s an easy well-maintained path that starts from Courtenay Place with a steep bit through the town belt. You can return the same way or loop down to return to Oriental Bay.  

Where to Eat & Drink in Wellington 

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants in Wellington.  

For lunch we like the Dockside Restaurant & Bar and the Crab Shack . Both have outdoor seating on the wharf.  

For dinner, Charley Noble specializes in delicious wood-fired dishes. Or Burger Liquor is good for a casual meal. 

If you like craft beer, be sure to check out the craft breweries around town. The Garage Project and Parrotdog Brewery is a good place to start.

Where to stay in Wellington

Campervan: Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park

Budget-Friendly Stay:  Trek Global Backpackers

Mid-Range Stay:  West Plaza Hotel 

Luxury Stay:  Intercontinental Wellington 

Day 14 Summary and a suggested timetable

9:00am: Drive Martinborough to Wellington

10:30am: Te Papa

12:30pm: Cuba Street

1:30pm: Wellington Cable Car

2:30pm: Zealandia

4:30pm: Mount Victoria

6:30pm: Dinner/Craft Beer Brewery

10 Day and 3-Week North Island Road Trip

10-day north island itinerary .

If you have 10 days on the North Island, then follow this itinerary but skip going north of Auckland (days 3, 4, 5, and 6). Start with days 1 and 2 in Auckland then to go straight to day 7.  

3-Week North Island Itinerary  

If you have more than two weeks – Fantastic! You can see even more unique places and some of the more remote areas of New Zealand’s North Island.  

We recommend changing the route from day 8 and adding some stops as follows:  

Day 1-7 same as above – Day 8 Tauranga – Day 9 Waitomo (via Hobbiton) – Day 10-11 Taranaki – Day 12-13 Tongariro National Park (via Forgotten World Highway) – Day 14 Taupo – Day 15-16 Rotorua – Day 17 Napier (Hawkes Bay) – Day 18 Masterton/Castle Point – Day 19 Martinborough – Day 20-21 Wellington.  

New Zealand North Island Road Trip Planning Guide & FAQ 

Best time to visit new zealand’s north island .

The best time to travel around the North Island is between late October and early May (Spring, Summer, and Autumn). This gives you the most daylight hours, warmer days and relatively stable weather, although we get rainy days throughout the year on the North Island.  

December to February (summer) is peak travel season and school holidays in New Zealand. It’s a fantastic time of year with summer vibes in full swing, although It’s worth noting the roads will be busier and there will be more people around in general. 

Be sure to book activities, car rentals and accommodation as early as possible if you plan to visit in the summer months. 

November (late spring) is a great time to visit the North Island, the weather is getting warmer, days longer and the summer holidays haven’t started yet so it’s not too busy.

March / April (autumn) is my personal favorite time to travel New Zealand, with less crowds and comfortable temperatures for hiking.

The winter months of June to August are an ideal time to visit if you are here for the winter sports. Mount Ruapehu is the best place for skiiing on the North Island. Away from the mountains, the crowds have gone and the cost of car rentals and accommodation are at their lowest.

What to Pack for the North Island 

Layers are you best bet as the weather in New Zealand is changeable. How many layers will depend on the time of year and areas you’ll be visiting.

Here are some other top things to bring on your North Island road trip.

• Sturdy walking shoes / hiking boots
• Waterproof jacket
• High deet insect repellent
• Head torch / flashlight
• Quick dry towel
• Travel first aid kit
• Water bottle

Tips for Driving in New Zealand

• New Zealand drives on the left side of the road.
• Outside of the cities, roads can be narrow, winding with steep drop offs and sometimes gravel. Allow for more time than stated on maps and take lots of breaks.
• Road conditions can vary and maximum speed limits aren’t always safe. Take your time and use pull over bays to let traffic pass when needed (it’s common to do that here and you’ll probably get a ‘toot’ of thanks).
• You can keep an eye on road closures or alerts on the NZTA website .
• Mobile reception can be patchy in places, if you’re traveling with others get two SIM cards on two different networks for the best chance of continuous coverage. Spark, 2Degrees and One NZ (formerly Vodafone) are all different networks.

Picking up your rental car 

There are over a dozen car and campervan rental companies based in or near Auckland airport. This makes it easy if you plan on picking up your vehicle as soon as you arrive.  

Another option is to book your vehicle starting from day 3 and arrange to pick it up in Auckland City. Many companies have locations based in the city center in addition to the airport.

You won’t necessarily need a car to get around for the first two days in Auckland so this will save you money on rental and parking costs. Many hotels charge extra for parking, and it can be expensive. Plus, Auckland traffic is a pain.  

If you are getting a campervan, the cost of staying in a hotel for a couple of nights may be a little more expensive than your daily rate for the campervan, but you’ll be able to explore the city without trying to find parking and having to travel back to a campground or holiday park each night. 

Same goes for Wellington. Provided you aren’t traveling in your campervan via the ferry to the South Island, you may want to return your campervan before heading into central Wellington.

Getting from the Airport to Auckland City 

You have few options to get from the airport to the city center (aka Auckland CBD) if you don’t pick up your rental car from the airport. The airport is located about a 30–60-minute drive (depending on traffic) from city center.  

Taxi/Uber: Ask if they have a fixed fare rate to the CBD. Expect to pay around $70 to $80 for a fixed fare with Alert Taxis and Auckland Co-op Taxis (Corporate Cabs is more expensive). Uber is normally cheaper unless there is a surge in peak times.  

SkyDrive: An express bus service between the Auckland International Airport and SkyCity. A one-way ticket costs $18 per adult.  

Super Shuttle : A shared transfer in a minivan with one-way bookings starting at $36 for one person plus $8 for each extra person in the same group. 

Heading to the South Island Next?

Fantastic! You’re in for a who new adventure. The South is very different but equally impressive. Our 2-week New Zealand South Island itinerary will take you on a loop around the island with a mix of experiences from top attractions to off-the-beaten-path experiences in nature.

You can fly from Wellington to Christchurch and pick up a fresh rental vehicle for your South Island road trip. Or you can take your vehicle and cross over to the South Island by ferry.

There are two ferry companies that operate the crossing between Wellington and Picton, Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries and the Interislander . 

There is little difference between the two, although the Interislander has larger boats and more sailings per day. Both are comparable in price which varies depending on the day and time of sailing. 

Be sure to check if your rental car company allows their vehicles on the ferry before making your booking. Some companies don’t allow their vehicles on the ferry and have depots in both Wellington and Picton for you to drop off and pick up their vehicles, in which case you’d book as a walk-on passenger.

Wrapping Up

That’s a wrap on this New Zealand North Island itinerary. Thanks for reading! I hope you have an amazing time on your North Island road trip.

Travel Planning Guide

🚗 Where should I book my rental car?

Renting a car is one of the best ways to get around New Zealand. Public transportation can only get you so far, even in the cities. I always rent with Discover Cars , which checks the prices of all major rental car companies, so you get the best rates.

🚐 What about a campervan?

Renting a campervan is a fantastic way to experience the more remote areas of New Zealand. I really like JUCY because they have a big range of vehicles and locations around the country, which offers more flexibility with pick-up and drop-off. I also like Motorhome Republic , which compares all the campervan options available in NZ.

🛏 What’s the best way to book my accommodations?

For hotels and vacation rentals, Booking.com or Expedia.com are the best sites. You can also book through TripAdvisor. If you’re considering renting a house instead, try VRBO which often has good deals.

🛩 What’s the best site to buy flights to New Zealand?

For finding the best deals on flights to New Zealand from around the world, I recommend Kayak.com .

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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.

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South Island Road Trip

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North Island Road Trip

Take a Road Trip on New Zealand's North Island

Even though the South Island of New Zealand gets more credit as the more picturesque of the two, anyone who has traveled through the North Island would quickly be able to refute that argument with a list of mindblowing places. From beaches to islands and mountains to forests, the North Island offers a different view than its southern part but in no way is it second-rate.

Renting a vehicle and exploring the island by car is the best way to experience it all, and the only way to visit all nine regions that make up the North Island. Assuming you start in Auckland , this guide starts off by exploring the area north of the city and then continues around the island in a clockwise direction and finishes back in Auckland. Use it to plan your itinerary and design your perfect North Island road trip.

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

For most visitors to New Zealand, the journey starts in Auckland. As New Zealand's largest city, it's a great place to explore for at least a few days. Check out the nightlife, restaurants, and entertainment. Stroll around one of the city's shopping districts or the lovely harbor area around the Viaduct. You could also take a ferry ride to one of the islands of the Hauraki Gulf or visit one of Auckland's great beaches.

Northland and the Bay of Islands

RenataAphotography / Getty Images

Head up to Northland from Auckland, the northernmost region of the country referred to by locals as the "Winterless North" because of its perpetually great weather and superb beaches . The biggest city is Whangarei, 100 miles from Auckland, but drive on an additional 40 miles to Northland's best-known tourist destination, the Bay of Islands . Apart from water sports and fishing—which the area is most known for—it also holds a special place in the history of New Zealand. It was one of the earliest settlements of the original Maori tribes that arrived at the island, and the coastal towns of Waitangi and Kerikeri were the sites of important treaties signed between European settlers and Maori residents.

Distance From Auckland: 3 hours; 141 miles (227 kilometers)

Cape Reinga

From the Bay of Islands continue north to the very northern tip of mainland New Zealand at Cape Reinga . This is a special, remote, and dramatic place. It is 130 miles from the Bay of Islands but well worth the journey. In the native Maori culture, it's believed that departed souls enter the Underworld at this far-flung promontory that feels like it could be the end of the world.

As you travel back to Paihia and the Bay of Islands, choose the route along the west coast. You can legally drive along the sand of the Ninety Mile Beach if you're seeking an adventure, although it is not recommended unless your car is equipped with four-wheel drive (and if you have a rental vehicle, most companies prohibit it). Pass through Kaitaia and take the scenic route through the Waipoua Forest and the magnificent kauri trees, some of which are 2,000 years old.

Distance From Auckland: 6 hours; 262 miles (421 kilometers)

Coromandel Peninsula

Drive back through Auckland and continue on to the Coromandel Peninsula , which sits just across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland. Like Northland, this locale is full of beaches and forests, although its most well-known attractions are on the farther east coast of the peninsula. Cathedral Cove is one of those places, and if you're on the Coromandel Peninsula you can't miss its pristine beaches and wild rock formations. Hot Water Beach is one of the most unique attractions of the area, as the beach itself sits on top of a geothermal pool. Visit during low tide and bring a shovel with you (they can be rented nearby if you don't have one), and you can dig into the sand and make your own personal hot spring right on the beach.

Distance From Auckland: 2 hours, 30 minutes; 117 miles (188 kilometers)

East Coast and Eastland

Further south along the east coast is the Bay of Plenty with its massive island volcano and the coastal towns of Tauranga and Whakatane. The drive along the bay is one of the most beautiful routes in the country, with luscious mountains to one side and the bright cerulean water on the other. The main city in the region is Gisborne, New Zealand's easternmost city and one of the first places on Earth where you can see the sunrise each day. The nearby Tolaga Bay Wharf juts out nearly half a mile into the sea, making it a scenic spot for fishing, diving, or just taking a stroll.

Distance From Auckland: 6 hours; 298 miles (480 kilometers)

Hawke's Bay

The next stop heading south is Hawke's Bay and the two cities of Napier and Hastings. Like Gisborne, this is one of the premier  wine regions in New Zealand . Hawke's Bay is renowned for its red wines and is the largest wine region in the North Island. At this point, the main road heads inland on the final stretch to Wellington. On the way, you'll pass through another wine region, the Wairarapa, and the towns of Masterton and Martinborough.

Distance From Auckland: 5 hours, 30 minutes; 257 miles (414 kilometers)

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

Wellington is the vibrant capital of New Zealand and sits on the southernmost tip of the North Island. It has a reputation for being one of the hippest cities in the country for its numerous bars, trendy eateries, and an exhaustive list of cultural events. The Te Papa is New Zealand's national museum, dedicated to the island nation's history, culture, and biodiversity. Wellington is worth at least a couple of days to truly explore and get to know the city. If your road trip is a two-island adventure, you'll catch the ferry from Wellington for a quick ride to the South Island. If you're making your way back up to Auckland, continue up the west coast for a different route and new adventures.

Distance From Auckland: 8 hours; 404 miles (651 kilometers)

Manawatu-Whanganui and Taranaki

Beerpixs / Getty Images

The fastest way back to Auckland is to cut straight through the middle of the island, but that would require leaving out all of the magnificent sites on the west side. Drive through the city of Whanganui and continue on to Egmont National Park, home to the most distinctive landmark in the area, Mount Taranaki. If you feel like moving your legs after so much drive time, you can hike to the top and back in one strenuous day, but it's just as enjoyable from sea level for those who didn't plan to summit a mountain during their vacation. To get back toward the interior of the island for the final stretch, you could cut through Whangaganui National Park along Highway 43. But beware: This highway is also known as the "Forgotten Highway," because it's the only national road in the country that still contains unsealed portions, and driving on it is an adventure, to say the least.

Distance From Auckland: 5 hours; 250 miles (403 kilometers)

Tongariro National Park and Waikato

Through the center of the island are some of the country's most impressive natural features and the most volcanically active part of New Zealand. The Tongariro National Park is one of New Zealand's three UNESCO World Heritage sites. Within its boundaries are the mountains of Ruapehu, Ngaurahoe, and Tongariro. The Tongariro Crossing is regarded as New Zealand's best day walk. Ruapehu also is the location of the North Island's ski fields, Whakapapa and Turoa.

In the distance is Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake. It's a great place for trout fishing, hiking, and boating. Just 50 miles from Taupo is Rotorua. This is one of New Zealand's most famous tourist destinations and a must-see for any North Island tour. In addition to the unique geothermal areas, featuring geysers, mud pools, hot springs, and sulfur pools, it is the best place in New Zealand to gain an appreciation of the Maori culture.

The road then takes you through the green farmland of the Waikato, the setting for Hobbiton in the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy, and back to Auckland. The Waikato is also home to the Waitomo Caves, a cavernous network of waterways whose dark interiors are illuminated by the natural light of tiny glowworms; it's one of nature's most magical phenomenon.

Distance From Auckland: 3 hours, 30 minutes; 170 miles (273 kilometers)

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Suggested Itineraries

To assist you in planning and booking the perfect trip around Taitokerau Northland we have created a series of suggested itineraries.

Ranging from two nights in the Bay of Islands to a seven-night multi-stop trip around Taitokerau Northland, these itineraries will help you ensure your clients have an unforgettable trip. 

Suggested Northland Itineraries

Kauri Coast & Hokianga

Bay of Islands

Whangārei & Surrounds

Top of The North

Twin Coast Discovery Highlights

Twin Coast Discovery

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Dishing up coastal scenery, history, and culture, the winterless Northland offers a fun-filled, adventurous introduction to New Zealand.

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The subtropical region of Northland continues north from Auckland to the very top of the North Island, capped off by Cape Reinga. With an abundance of islands and secluded beaches, ancient kauri forest, lush native bush and an incredibly rich history, every beach, bay, shore, and forest in Northland have a story to tell, which has to be seen to be believed.

The classic road trip to New Zealand’s northern extremity is best made up one coast and down the other, making sure you get a glimpse of all the magical seaside scenery on the way. Explore the rugged west coast and the relaxed east coast. In the beautiful Bay of Islands, take a boat cruise, view dolphins, explore under the sea or, relax and embrace the winterless weather.

Auckland to Paihia is an easy 3-hour drive on State Highway 1, with plenty of highlights along the way, stopping off at popular spots and giving the family a chance to stretch their legs.

Northland Must Do's

Northland campervan road trips, northland travel tips & inspiration, things to do in northland.

The Poor Knights Islands offer some of the best sub-tropical diving in the world. Dive deep below or float atop the surface at the Poor Knights Islands and discover a sub-tropical paradise. Marvel at the abundance of marine life ranging from sponge gardens, shellfish, colourful fish, urchins, and anemones. The fish found here are known for their friendliness and make for an incredibly memorable experience.

The islands famous arches are incredible to explore, with endless animals living on the walls. Many of the fish living in the marine reserve can’t be found anywhere else in New Zealand, offering an incredibly rare experience.  Diving and snorkelling are the best ways to explore underwater at these islands, so book a tour and it's sure to be one of the highlights of your Northland road trip experience.

Whether you're a local or an international traveller, a visit to the  Waitangi Treaty Grounds will welcome you on a journey of discovery through the most important historic site in New Zealand. Experience an informative, inspiring, and interactive full-day tour through the two contemporary museums in Waitangi.

This guided tour will take you through the Grounds where you can admire Maori cultural performances, admire the giant waka and take in sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean before enjoying a hearty meal cooked in a hangi.

Northland stretches all the way to the most northern part of the North Island, where the Tasman sea meets the Pacific Ocean at the tip of New Zealand, Cape Reinga . Offering the ultimate northern New Zealand experience, witness the two oceans collide and discover the place where Maori spirits begin their final journey.

Near the tip of Cape Reinga you will find the largest sand dunes in the Southern Hemisphere, the Te Paki Sand Dunes. Climbing to the top of the dunes will require some serious effort, but it’ll all be worth it when you rush down them via a boogie board.

While you’re near the top of the North Island, be sure to visit  Ninety Mile Beach for a spectacular sunset.

Situated just north of Dargaville is New Zealand’s most famous kauri forest, Waipoua Forest. A short five minute walk from the road side will transport you to an ancient world of towering trees with a green canopy full of rare birds. Within this forest you will find Tane Mahuta, the largest kauri tree in the country. Approximately 2,000 years old and still growing, this tree stands at nearly 18 metres to the first branch and 4.4 metres in diameter. Before you go, make sure you respect displayed kauri protection guidelines and read about the threat of kauri dieback .

One of the best ways to explore the mid North, the Twin Coast Cycle trail will take you through iconic New Zealand scenery with magnificent views and an incredible adventure through New Zealand's earliest Māori and European settlements. If you’re up for an adventure, complete the full 87 km ride from the east coast of the Bay of Islands to the Hokianga Harbour. If you’ve got the kids in tow or just want to complete a shorter trail, this track is split into  four sections so you can find something suited to your abilities.

A trip to Northland wouldn’t be complete without a  boat trip across the sparkling waters of the Bay of Islands. Embark on a boat trip and get up close to the cliffs of Cape Brett, travel through the iconic Hole in the Rock and stop in at some spectacular bays and islands for a spot of sunshine and swimming. There is an incredible collection of activities to explore the Bay of Islands from scenic flights, boat cruises, walking tracks, kayaks, paddle boarding and sailing. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Northland adventure now!

Britz Campervan Branches

Pick up your campervan from our  Auckland branch and explore the wealth of wild places to visit, such as ruggest west coast beaches and the island of Rangitoto. Head North for a classic New Zealand road trip that's full of seaside scenery as you head to highlights like the Bay of Islands in Northland. Or if you're looking for an adventure packed holiday, head south to explore the central North Island. 

Christchurch

The drive from the upper North Island to  Christchurch offers a few different paths. Follow the Pacific Coast Highway from Auckland, stopping in at highlights of the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty and Taupo before heading to the capital of Wellington and jumping on the Interislander across the Cook Strait to the South Island. Our Christchurch branch is then a 4 and a half hour drive down the east coast. The perfect road trip if you're looking to see as much of New Zealand as you can in one trip. 

New Zealand's renowned adventure playground,  Queenstown is an exhilarating, year-round alpine resort. With somany activities and natural delights to choose from, no campervan trip is complete without a visit to this hot spot. Although a long drive from the upper North Island, taking some extra time to explore all the pockets and highlights along the way, you're bound to discover more of New Zealand than ever before. 

Helpful Tips for Visiting Northland

Climate and seasons in northland.

Because of its northern location, low elevation and close proximity to the sea, Northland is characterised by its tropical climate. The region enjoys a mild, humid climate. Summers are warm and tend to be humid, while winters are mild with many parts of the region only having a few light frosts each year. If you’re looking to enjoy an endless summer or escape the winter chills of other parts of New Zealand, Northland is the perfect place for you to explore by campervan.

Nearby attractions and day trips from Northland

Waipu caves.

A visit to Waipu Caves will really have you going off the beaten track. Experience the raw beauty of these untouched caves as you explore the stalactites and a galaxy of glowworms. Located on Waipu Caves road, 25 minutes south of Whangarei, explore these incredible caves and take the nearby walking track through farmland and limestone formations to admire the sweeping views of the Whangarei Harbour.

Tutukaka Coast

Home to some of the best beaches in Northland, the white sand beaches of Whale Bay and Matapouri are bucket list locations when travelling New Zealand by campervan.

Matauri Bay

Another gem in the Northland region, Matauri Bay is a popular surfing destination during an easterly swell. Otherwise it’s calm pristine waters and golden sands which make it the perfect spot for snorkelling.

What to pack

Northland enjoys a mild climate year round, but it’s important to make sure you have all bases covered when you are packing. In summer you will most likely be dressed in shorts and a shirt or light clothing most of the time, but make sure you bring some warm layers and a waterproof jacket in case it gets cooler in the evenings or there’s an odd shower. If you’re in Northland between May and September, it will most likely still be pretty mild so heavy layers aren’t necessary but be sure to pack some warmer options.

Where to stay in Northland with a campervan

• Camp Waipu Cove
• Mangawhai Heads Holiday Park
• Whananaki Holiday Park
• Bay of Islands Holiday Park

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