New Zealand Roadtrip | North Island

Travel Guide

Dec 5

New Zealand is a roadtripper’s dream! With over 300 DOC (Department of Conservation) campsites available for public use, the Kiwis make it easy to enjoy the beautiful country they call home. I firmly believe that vanlife is the best way to see New Zealand.

Below I’ve laid out a 1-week route through the North Island. I have included some extras listed as “optional” stops, which can either be swapped in or added on if you have more than a week to explore! This route aims to minimize drive times and mileage while seeing as much as possible on New Zealand’s northern island. The loop is laid out assuming flights in and out of Auckland; however, the beautiful part of a loop is that you can easily start anywhere along the route! If you’re arriving on the North Island by ferry from Picton, start at stop #7 and carry on from there.

  Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal experience. Always double-check local conditions and do your own research before travelling. Any locations or activities marked with an asterisk (*) are ones I haven’t personally visited yet, but they’re on my list for next time based on recommendations I trust.

1) Auckland

Suggested time here: ½-1 day

Auckland, once New Zealand’s capital city, remains the largest in the country by a landslide. With over 1.7 million residents (as of 2024), it is four times the size of the city with the second-highest population, Christchurch. If you’re looking for big city vibes, this is the place for you!

Spend a few hours here, visiting the top of the Sky Tower (328 m/1,076 ft), or climb up the ancient volcano in the middle of town known as One Tree Hill* (fans of the CW classic, One Tree Hill, might remember Andy referencing it). And if you’re lucky enough to be there when the All Blacks or Black Ferns are playing, go to a game for me. It’s still on my bucket list!

2) Karekare Beach

Drive time Auckland to Karekare Beach: 1 hour
Suggested time here: 1-2 hours

There is something so otherworldly about black sand beaches, and Karekare Beach is no different. Just an hour away from Auckland, Karekare is lined with towering black rock formations that blend beautifully into the black sands. It was the first beach we visited in New Zealand, and it didn’t disappoint!

Just down the road from the car park is Karekare Falls, an impressive waterfall nestled into the trees. There’s a short trail that leads from the road to the falls hidden behind the woods. You wouldn’t even know it was there if you weren’t looking for it.

Optional - Cape Reinga

Suggested time here: 1 day

Driving to Cape Reinga is a mission — over 5 hours from Auckland — especially if you’re on a tight schedule. That said, I heard from multiple locals while visiting the North Island that it was an incredible place to travel to. The Cape is New Zealand’s northernmost point and holds spiritual significance to the Maori people. According to their mythology, it is where spirits enter the afterlife.

If you do decide to make the trip up to the Cape, be sure to enjoy the subtropical region once you arrive. Some points of interest in the area include 90 Miles Beach, Te Paki Sand Dunes, and the lighthouse to see where the oceans meet.

black sand beach a narrow stream of water heading for the ocean through the sand black cliffs just up into the sky. lightly raining — *Moody scene at Karekare Beach*

megan wearing a white top and jeans, hair tied back. stepping into the sea foam in the cave. in the distance is a prominent white seastack — *The cave at Cathedral Cove*

3) Cathedral Cove

Drive time Karekare Beach to Cathedral Cove: 3 hours
Suggested time here: 3-4 hours

Used as the filming location in the Narnia movies as the location for Cair Paravel, likely because it feels like stepping straight into a fantasy novel. The natural rock cave, formed from centuries of erosion, leads to some of the most picturesque views I’ve ever seen. Allow yourself plenty of time. The walk along the path takes about 1.5-2 hours, but if you have the time, bring a towel and swimsuit and enjoy a dip in the ocean. I’d recommend aiming to be here early in the morning to avoid the crowds if possible.

Pro-ish tip: park at the Hahei Beach parking lot and walk Hahei Beach Path to Cathedral Cove to save on parking fees.

The path may currently be closed due to unsafe conditions. Parking here should still be available.

hobbit house built into the hill, grass grows on its roof. a gate infront of the house says "no admittance except on party business". colourful flowers grow in the garden. The front circular door is painted green — *Visiting the Baggins in the Shire on the Hobbiton film set*

4) Hobbiton

Drive time Cathedral Cove to Hobbiton: 2.25 hours
Suggested time here: 3-3.5 hours

If you’re a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies, books, or even enjoy a cool movie set, I recommend checking out Hobbiton. This visit was a dream for me, I cried happy tears (dramatic, I know), was giddily dropping quotes, and hung onto every word our tour guide said.

Enjoy the walk through the set and grab a pint at the Green Dragon before you go. The experience is pure magic, and I’d spend the money to visit again in a heartbeat.

Optional - Rotorua*

Suggested time here: 1-2 days

Rotorua is the place to go if you want to learn all about the rich culture of the Maori people — New Zealand’s Indigenous population of Polynesian settlers who arrived by canoe about 500 years before the colonists. For a long time these traditions were repressed, but today they are widely celebrated; the most famous example being the Haka performed by the rugby teams.

The area is also known for its geothermal landscape of natural hot springs, and its other outdoor activities.

I have it listed as optional because it’s a little out of the way and is a stop that requires at least a day, but I’ve heard visiting here is amazing.

5) Taupo

Drive time Hobbiton to Taupo: 1.5 hours
Suggested time here: ½ day

A little town located on the north end of Lake Taupo, New Zealand’s largest lake. The area is great for outdoor activities. You’ll find hot springs, walking paths, canyon swings, and the brilliantly blue Huka Falls. The town also has plenty of bars, restaurants and shops.

cerulean water rushing rapids, steep banks on both sides lined with thick trees — *Walk to Huka Falls*

6) Tongariro Crossing*

Drive time Taupo to Tongariro Crossing: 1 hour
Suggested time here: 1 day

“One does not simply walk into Mordor”…unless of course you choose to tackle the Tongariro Crossing! Typically taking about 8 hours, the crossing covers over 20 kilometres. Sadly, bad weather derailed my plans to trek to Mount Doom — I mean Mount Ngauruhoe — but it is at the top of my list for when I return.

From my research, I planned to hike it from the northern trailhead (often referred to as the finish point) for the best views and overall experience, but the hike can be completed in either direction. It is likely the most well-known North Island Hike.

The most unique drive happens between here and Wellington. You turn a corner, and suddenly the landscape feels like you’ve landed on Mars. It’s the only way I can describe it, I have no photos, but trust me.

7) Wellington

Drive time Tongariro Crossing to Wellington: 4 hours
Suggested time here: 1 day

Fondly referred to as the “coolest little capital in the world” by Lonely Planet, Wellington has no shortage of entertaining activities. Explore the streets covered in street art murals, stop into Weta Workshop* if you’re itching for more LoTR, or discover the food and wine scene. I only drove through Wellington due to weather and time constraints, but everyone I know who’s taken the time to explore has loved it.

If you plan to take your van down to the South Island, cross here by ferry and jump back in when you return to the North Island.

megan walking along coastal trail.sky is overcast with sun peaking through. rocky coastline, land rises to the right. Megan wearing pink long sleeve and blue shorts — *Walking Red Rocks trail at Owhiro Bay*

8) Owhiro Bay

Drive time Wellington to Owhiro Bay: 10 minutes
Suggested time here: 3.5 hours

A short drive from Wellington’s centre is Owhiro bay. A beautiful place to stop and enjoy lunch or follow the path along the coast heading to Red Rocks. The rocks are known for being a great place to see seals basking in the sun, particularly in the winter months.

river flows through thick green forest. fallen branches waterlogged on river bank. Red guardrail — *Forgotten World Highway*

9) Forgotten World Highway

Drive time Owhiro Bay to Stratford: 4 hours
Suggested time here: 4-5 hours

The Forgotten World Highway (also known as State Highway 43) is a beautiful 155-kilometre stretch of road that winds through Whangamōmona, a small town that declared itself a republic in 1989. The town is quirky and unique to say the least! Stop by the hotel and pick up a local “passport”, stay the night, or if visiting in January on Republic Day, help the republic vote in its next new president (historically, local farm animals). Don’t forget to fill up on gas in Stratford or Taumarunui before setting off on the journey. The Forgotten World Highway has no gas stations for the 155- kilometre and you don’t want to run out before arriving at the other side!

Optional - Pureora Forest Park*

Suggested time here: 3-6 hours

Home to some of New Zealand’s oldest trees, the ancient forest has trails to explore whether on foot or by bike.

10) Waitomo Glowworm Caves/Nikau Glowworm Caves*

Drive time Taumarunui to Glowworm Caves: 1.25 hours (Waitomo) - 3.25 hours (Nikau)
Suggested time here: 3 hours

Some of New Zealand’s most popular attractions are the glowworm caves. Seeing what looks like a night sky while below the Earth’s surface? Sounds pretty cool. There are tons of different caves to choose from, offering different packages and different prices.

Waitomo is a higher price, but offers boat tours and “black river rafting,” whereas Nikau is a guided walk into the caves. Depending on what you’re after, either of these could be a great last stop on your way back up to Auckland.