A north Island road trip in New Zealand is one of the best ways to see the country. This North Island itinerary will highlight some of the most well known locations along the east coast of New Zealand’s north island, but also take you through some of the lesser known locations that are well known to locals but are somewhat a hidden gem to tourists.

Road trips are one of the most enjoyable holidays for New Zealanders, being a cheap and cheerful option, road trips are loved by everyone from teenagers in their first cars to families hiring campervans. I’ve put together a north island road trip from Auckland to Wellington, with a few extra stops along the way.

North Island Road Trip Itinerary

This New Zealand north island road trip is best suited for a minimum of 7 days if you want to explore as much of the north island as possible.

This north island road trip itinerary is designed to start in Auckland and end at the bottom of the north island in Wellington. Auckland is the perfect starting point for a North Island road trip as this is where the international airport is and Auckland is the easiest city to pick up a rental car, as you travel down the east coast you will discover hidden gems of waterfalls on dormant volcanos, pristine lakes and relaxing private spas on quiet highways.

Auckland

Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and possibly the most varied with what you can experience in a day. The beauty of Auckland is that you can spend your morning exploring a rain forest and gushing waterfalls, to then be enjoying a harbour side dinner in downtown Auckland among the concrete playground of bars and clubs.

Things to do in Auckland

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a small island that sits in the gulf just outside Auckland city. The ferry from either Devonport or downtown Auckland can take you from a bustling metropolis to an island sanctuary in just 45 minutes. The white sand beaches, gorgeous vineyards and glamping locations are the perfect way to spend a day or a weekend. The Waiheke Island ferry runs hourly every day and more often on the weekend.

Auckland Waterfalls

If you decide to explore Auckland through hiking then be sure to check out the amazing Auckland waterfalls that are hidden in the Waitakere Ranges, from the 3 tiered and extremely popular Kitekite falls, to the lesser known Makarora falls West Auckland will have you in awe of its natural beauty.

Paeroa

Paeroa is a small town between Auckland and Tauranga and certainly can’t be missed out on a north island road trip. Paeroa is famous for its many antique shops and walking trails that cut through the gorge. Paeroa only needs half a day to explore; whether you’re stopping for a bite to eat or want to explore the unused train tunnel that runs through the Karangahape gorge. Paeroa is the town where a lot of Aucklanders visit for a day to get out into nature and reset for the week ahead.

Things to do in Paeroa

Travel from Auckland along State Highway 1 and State Highway 2 to meet your first stop, Paeroa (Pie-ro-a). Paeroa is easily recognised by the several L&P signs and large bottle statues scattered throughout the town, it’s the original home of New Zealand’s very own soft drink and even though it hasn’t been made with the spring water from Paeroa for several decades, the town is not yet ready to let us forget the history.

Paeroa is a great town for any would-be antique collector and mid-century furniture enthusiast. The main road is scattered with vintage and charity shops. Majority of the food options along the main road are lunch bars and takeaway stores, but if you’re looking for an alternative café experience set your google maps to 5 Willoughby Street, Paeroa. A 1-minute detour from the main road and you’ll find yourself at the Refinery Café; filled with retro furniture, records for sale and a great menu of freshly made paninis.

Karangahake Gorge

Continue East along State Highway 2 for another 10 minutes to enter Karangahake gorge. Karangahake Gorge is one of many locations in the coromandel where gold was mined, producing around 60% of New Zealands’ gold between the 1880’s and 1950’s. This route is a great place to drive if you want to see some rugged nature and to add some interesting views into your journey.

To explore the gorge on foot locate the carpark a third of the way through, from here you can choose from a series of walks ranging from 1 to 8 hours. There are several swing bridges, caves and an old train tunnel leading through the centre of the hill, take a torch in case you want to explore a bit deeper and watch out for Wētā; they’re a harmless, yet very large insect native to Aotearoa, New Zealand. They’re beautiful yet terrifying to come face to face with.

Tauranga

Things to do in Tauranga

Tauranga is another hour from Karangahake gorge, simply punch the town into Google Maps or follow the directional signs once you’ve reached the Eastern exit of the gorge. I can highly recommend Quest Hotel in Tauranga central if you’re looking for a place to stay, it’s the perfect walking distance to all the Harbourside dining in Tauranga and has plenty of onsite parking.
Take a walk along the waterfront or drive out to Mt Maunganui and visit the mountain (maunga) for a the perfect sunset photo.

McLaren Falls

What’s a New Zealand road trip without a swimming break? Large platforms of rock help form this magnificent fresh water waterfall. Sitting on the southern side of the Kaimai ranges on State Highway 29, McLaren Falls is an easy drive from Tauranga if you want somewhere exciting to stop for lunch. This waterfall is one you can swim at but only at the lake above, the rapid water below isn’t recommended for swimming in and the bridge above is far too high to jump from. A cheeky skinny dip wouldn’t be far off the cards if you found yourself a secluded area further up McLaren lake.

If you’re up for another walk, follow the road across the bridge to McLaren Falls Park; this 190 hectare park is perfect for camping, hiking trails, horse treks (BYO Horse), disc golf course and trout fishing. So being bored really isn’t an option

Whakatane

Things to do in Whakatane

Whakatane is the last stop on this road trip itinerary but that doesn’t mean it has to be the last stop for you. Pick berries at Julians Berry Farm (if you’re visiting during summer), visit Ohope beach and swim in the surf then fight the seagulls over your fish and chips at the heads. If you’re spending the night I highly recommend waking up early and enjoying a picnic breakfast at the heads and watch the waves roll in. You can then continue your adventure further East to Gisborne, or head south towards Taupo where you can visit Huka Falls or fish for prawns at the Prawn Park.

Tarawera Falls

Even though Tarawera falls is closer to Rotorua, the journey to Mt Tarawera from Rotorua is longer than it is from Whakatane because you have to wind up and around several lakes. But it’s halfway between both locations so Tarawera Falls is easy enough to visit on your way to Whakatane from Rotorua.

Mt Tarawera is a childhood stomping ground of mine, for many years as a family we would travel from Auckland to Whakatane to visit family then camp at Lake Tarawera during the Christmas holidays. Take a boat or kayak and explore the lake, there are plenty of naturally occurring hot springs dotted around the lake and surrounding bush, or visit Lake Rotomahana where the pink and white terraces were once located.

Tarawera Falls is easily accessible via car, a 45 minute walk from the carpark and you reach the base of the falls, or you can continue along the path and explore more of the forest.
A $5 permit is required to enter Tarawera Forest which can be purchased at the Information centre in Kawerau.
Check the DOC website for any updates on the campsite or nearby areas.

Whakatane Restaurants

From the classic family restaurant of Cobb & Co to burgers at The Wagon, you might not be inundated with restaurant choices in Whakatane but the small town has everything you need even for the pickiest of eaters. You will find most of Whakatanes’ restaurants on The Strand near the large roundabout with Quay street. Otherwise feel free to pop over to Ohope for a meal at the popular Mexican restaurant Cadera; booking is essential for Cadera on the weekends as the tables fill up fast! Check out my post on the best restaurants in Whakatane to help you decide where to dine!

Rotorua

Any north island road trip has to include a visit to Rotorua; this bustling town of adventure tourism is where you will discover high adrenaline activities and great food, from the luge that soars down a winding hill to the highest commercially rafter waterfall in the world; Rotorua has everything for everyone to enjoy.

Things to do in Rotorua

Rotorua is a great place to stay if you want to experience what it’s like living in a fart cloud. The very active geothermal activity in Rotorua can be seen almost everywhere you look, and the smell of sulphur is just as common. Admittedly the rotten eggs smell isn’t as potent as it was 20 years ago but visit Te Puia Maori Museum to experience the reality of what’s bubbling away under Rotorua and the rest of Aotearoa. Rotorua is home to New Zealands’ largest geyser which reaches heights of 30 metres and plenty of boiling mud pools perfect for cooking a roast chicken (but don’t do that).

Waikite Valley Thermal Pools

Experience the more pleasurable side of Rotoruas’ geothermal activity by visiting Waikite Valley Thermal Pools. It’s further out of Rotorua than the popular Polynesian spas, but less likely to be overrun with tourists for that same reason. Waikite Valley is great for couples or families with older children, there are several pools varying in temperature and private pools for those who want to enjoy the heat in solitary confinement.

The private pools are offered at a fantastic price which you just can’t turn down, it might not be Onsen hot pools in Queenstown but you can still get naked and enjoy the view 😉
Visit their website here for more details and directions.

Rotorua White-Water Rafting

Adventure awaits in the form of the highest commercially rafted waterfall in the world. Book a day with Rotorua Rafting and give yourself an experience of a lifetime by rafting the famous Kaituna River in Rotorua. The 2 hour rafting trip takes you down a series of rapids, maneuvering around obstacles and 3 waterfalls ranging in height from 2 metres to 7 metres. With plenty of opportunities to take a dip, whether voluntary or not you will leave feeling refreshed, re energized and craving more adventure.

Taupo

Taupo is usually the go to locations for many north island road trips; whether you’re travelling coast to coast, north to south or all over the place, Taupo is the perfect halfway point between Auckland and Wellington and is well suited for tourists in every season.

Things to do in Taupo

Huka Falls

Huka Falls (pronounce who-ka) is a set of waterfalls in the Waikato river which drain out of Lake Taupo. The gushing water is well known for its deep rumble of 220,000 litres per second rushing down the river. The walking trail that borders the river is flat and easy to walk so is perfect for children or a short distance run in the rain for that ‘must see’ view.

Napier

Napier is a well loved coastal town on the east coast of New Zealand and is extremely popular for it’s 1920’s art deco landmarks and buildings, as well as it’s wine country and vineyards. Enjoy a wine tour in Napier or just enjoy the towns coastal vibes and relax on the beach taking in the salty air.

Wellington

Wellington inhabits a population of coffee lovers and alternative stylists. The creative city boasts a funky shopping district on Cuba Street and hosts the Homegrown Music Festival every year in March. Wellington is the last town on this itinerary as it sits at the very bottom of the north island, on a clear day you can look across the Cook Strait to a very hazy South Island.

Things to do in Wellington

Castle Point

If you don’t mind adding a few more hours of driving into your itinerary then take the day trip out to Castle Point Lighthouse. This almost isolated town has some of the most incredible and wild coastal conditions, and if you’re lucky you might be able to see a seal or two lounging in the sun.

Te Papa Museum

Te Papa Museum is a interactive learning facility for all ages, Te Papa is the perfect place to visit if Wellington weather has taken a turn for the worse and heavy wind and rain has set in. .

This New Zealand north island road trip from Auckland to Wellington doesn’t have to be where your road trip begins and ends. Organise the car ferry from Wellington and take the trip over to the south island to explore the rest of the country, or better yet wind your way back inland and up the east coast of the north island back towards Auckland. There are hundreds of beautiful destinations waiting to be discovered in the central north island.