Britt and Mitch’s 17 Day NZ North Island Adventure

Day 1: Auckland to Coromandel Town 

Distance: 170 kms 
Travel time: ~3 hours 

Roll out of Auckland and ease into road-trip mode along the Hauraki Plains and up the Coromandel coast. The curves reveal glints of the Firth of Thames and pōhutukawa-fringed bays as you approach the laid-back, artisan town of Coromandel. 

Where to stop between Auckland and Coromandel 

Thames Coast Road viewpoints for ocean vistas and a leg stretch. Coromandel Oyster Company for a fresh, seaside lunch of local oysters and mussels. Driving Creek for the scenic Railway ride and forest Zipline canopy experience. 

Things to do in Coromandel Town 

Settle into the creative rhythm of Coromandel. Ride the hill-climbing narrow-gauge railway through regenerating native bush to the Eyefull Tower lookout, then glide through the canopy on the zipline while learning about conservation and artful engineering. Cap the afternoon with platters of briny-fresh oysters overlooking the water. 

Where to stay in Coromandel Town 

Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 sits right on the waterfront with powered sites, a pool and sunset views. It’s an easy base for town and Driving Creek, with the soothing sound of the tide to lull you to sleep. 

Day 2: Coromandel Town to Hahei (Coromandel Region) 

Distance: 85 kms 
Travel time: ~1.5 hour 

Today is about indulgence and iconic coastline. Cross to the east side of the peninsula for a blissful soak, a beachy lunch, and an afternoon paddling to one of New Zealand’s most photographed coves. 

Where to stop between Coromandel Town and Hahei 

Whitianga for a morning soak at The Lost Spring geothermal sanctuary. Little Blue Kitchen in Hahei for sunny, casual brunch fare and great coffee. Hahei Beach for your Cathedral Cove kayak departure point. 

Things to do in Hahei 

Begin with steamy tranquility at The Lost Spring, where mineral-rich waters, palms and rock pools feel like a hidden tropical retreat. Refueled in Hahei, join a guided sea-kayak to Cathedral Cove. Gliding across clear water to limestone arches and sheltered bays, you’ll snap couple-perfect shots and often spot fish in the marine reserve below your bow. 

Where to stay in Hahei 

Hahei Beach Resort campground is steps from the sand, with powered sites and an ocean soundtrack. It’s the most convenient base for kayaking to Cathedral Cove and a short drive to Hot Water Beach if you’re keen on an evening soak in the sand. 

Day 3: Hahei to Taupō 

Distance: 265 kms 
Travel time: ~3.5 hours 

Leave the coast for heart-of-the-Island scenery, from green Waikato hills to crystalline springs and the wide blue of Lake Taupō. Plan an early start to maximize playtime on the lakefront. 

Where to stop between Hahei and Taupō 

Te Waihou Walkway to the Blue Spring near Putāruru for a short, dreamy stroll beside startlingly clear, bright-blue water. Lake Taupō waterfront for a coffee and a lakeside wander. 

Things to do in Taupō 

Dial up the thrill with a 30 minute Huka Falls jet boat ride that whips you along the Waikato River and close to the thundering base of the falls. Back in town, toast the day with a modern Pacific Rim dinner at Plateau Bar + Eatery, pairing bold flavours with a glass of something local. 

Where to stay in Taupō 

Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park offers spacious powered sites, tidy amenities and easy access to the lake and town. It’s quiet and convenient after an adrenaline-charged afternoon. 

Day 4: Taupō to Taumarunui 

Distance: 125 kms 
Travel time: ~2 hours 

Ease south around Lake Taupō’s shores before turning toward the King Country. This is a day of big lake views, gentle sailing and garden romance. 

Where to stop between Taupō and Taumarunui 

Morning sail from Taupō to the Māori Rock Carvings at Mine Bay. Taumarunui for a late afternoon wine-and-cheese at Bradley’s Garden. 

Things to do in Taumarunui 

Start the morning on a classic yacht, cruising across Lake Taupō to the intricate cliffside carvings. After the drive, find your way to Bradley’s Garden where manicured paths and a charming gazebo set the scene for a leisurely platter and a glass of wine among blooms and birdsong. 

Where to stay in Taumarunui 

Taumarunui Holiday Park sits alongside the Whanganui River with roomy powered sites and a bushy, peaceful setting. It’s a relaxed base ahead of tomorrow’s alpine adventure. 

Day 5: Taumarunui to Mangawhero (Tongariro National Park) 

Distance: 80 kms 
Travel time: ~1 hour 

Volcanic drama awaits. Today’s goal is one of New Zealand’s greatest day hikes across active alpine terrain with craters, vents and surreal, jewel-toned lakes. 

Where to stop between Taumarunui and Mangawhero 

National Park Village for shuttle pick up to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing trailheads. Ohakune for post-hike dinner at the Powderkeg Restaurant & Bar. 

Things to do in Tongariro 

Tackle the guided Tongariro Alpine Crossing. Over 7 to 8 hours, traverse lunar-like landscapes, the Red Crater and emerald lakes with expert guidance, weather insights and safety covered. Afterward, the Powderkeg’s hearty fare and warm vibe are exactly what tired legs crave. 

Where to stay in Mangawhero 

Mangawhero Campsite, nestled in beech forest on the slopes of Mt Ruapehu, is a DOC campground that feels wonderfully wild yet accessible. Self-contained campervans fit comfortably among the trees for a true alpine-camping experience. 

Day 6: Mangawhero to Whanganui 

Distance: 110 kms 
Travel time: ~1.5 hours 

From mountain forest to river city, roll down to Whanganui with a spin on a new cycle trail and a taste of the town’s celebrated glass arts. 

Where to stop between Mangawhero and Whanganui 

Ride a section of Te Ara Mangawhero, a beginner-friendly forest cycle trail linked to the Mountains to Sea network. New Zealand Glassworks in Whanganui to watch live glassblowing and browse contemporary works. 

Things to do in Whanganui 

Wander the heritage streets, explore riverside paths, or hop aboard a historic riverboat if time allows. Whanganui’s creative scene is everywhere, from street murals to studios, and the glassworks offer a fascinating window into the city’s design legacy. 

Where to stay in Whanganui 

Whanganui River TOP 10 Holiday Park sits right beside the awa with powered riverfront sites, a pool and excellent facilities. Settle in here for two nights to enjoy a full day on the river tomorrow. 

Day 7: Whanganui 

Distance: 20 kms 
Travel time: ~0.5 hours 

Spend the day discovering Te Awa Tupua, the Whanganui River that holds legal personhood and deep cultural significance. This is a day for slow travel and meaningful storytelling. 

Where to stop 

Join a Discover Te Awa Tupua experience that blends biking and canoeing with local guides sharing history and traditions along the river. Explore more of town’s galleries and cafes if you prefer a gentler pace. 

Things to do in Whanganui 

Cycle quiet backroads, then slip into canoes to float stretches of the river, listening to kōrero about the land, people and waterways. It’s immersive, photogenic and quietly adventurous, ideal for couples. 

Where to stay in Whanganui 

Return to Whanganui River TOP 10 for your second night, ready for tomorrow’s foodie foray in Manawatū. 

Day 8: Whanganui to Ashhurst (Manawatū) 

Distance: 90 kms 
Travel time: ~1 hour 

Follow SH3 through the Horowhenua and into Manawatū for markets, bikes and a delightful high tea framed by rolling countryside. 

Where to stop between Whanganui and Ashhurst 

Whanganui River Market for artisan treats and local produce. Fiore Bike Hire for a cruiser to explore Ashhurst’s trails. The Scoop Truck for a couple’s ice cream date. 

Things to do in Ashhurst and Palmerston North 

Visit Central Energy Trust Wildbase Recovery, where rehabilitating native birds can be viewed up close in thoughtfully designed aviaries. Later, dress up your afternoon with tiers of scones, finger sandwiches and sweets at Country Road High Tea, a charming way to slow the day. 

Where to stay in Ashhurst 

Ashhurst Domain Campground is a relaxed, grassy reserve setting with easy access to local walks and the Manawatū River. Simple, peaceful and perfect after a day of gentle exploring. 

Day 9: Ashhurst to Mangaweka 

Distance: 115 kms 
Travel time: ~1.5 hours 

Country lanes, gorge views and a serene rafting trip on one of New Zealand’s prettiest rivers set the tone today. Keep the camera handy for papa cliffs and emerald water. 

Where to stop between Ashhurst and Mangaweka 

Breakfast at the Gorge Quarter Store for coffee and country charm. Te Āpiti Manawatū Gorge for a short native-bush walk with dramatic views. Āpiti Tavern & Eatery for a hearty lunch before the river. 

Things to do in Mangaweka 

Join a Grade II rafting trip on the Rangitīkei River. It’s gentle, scenic and ideal for first-timers, winding beneath towering papa cliffs with fun, splashy rapids and plenty of tranquil stretches to drift and chat. 

Where to stay in Mangaweka 

Awastone is a riverside campground with powered sites, hot showers and a friendly on-site cafe. With the river just steps away, it’s as convenient as it is atmospheric. 

Day 10: Mangaweka to Wellington 

Distance: 213 kms 
Travel time: ~2.75 hours 

A relaxed run down SH1 and the Kāpiti Coast brings you to the capital. Pick a bakery stop on the way, then trade highway hum for birdsong in a remarkable urban wild space. 

Where to stop between Mangaweka and Wellington 

Olde Beach Bakery in Waikanae for superb pastries and coffee. Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, Wellington’s predator-fenced ecosanctuary. Te Papa Tongarewa for a highlights tour through New Zealand’s stories. 

Things to do in Wellington 

Stroll Zealandia’s lush valley and spot kākā, tūī and perhaps a tuatara before heading to the waterfront to dive into Te Papa’s interactive exhibits. In the evening, watch the harbour lights from your waterfront camp spot. 

Where to stay in Wellington 

Evans Bay Marina car park is a designated spot for certified self-contained campervans right on the water’s edge, minutes from the city. Park up here for two nights to make the most of Wellington without moving your base, noting council limits apply to maximum nights. 

Day 11: Wellington 

Distance: 10 kms 
Travel time: ~0.5 hours 

Wake to gulls and a glimmering harbour. Today mixes small-plate breakfasts, a harbour crossing, coastal cycling and a flavour-packed dinner in the city. 

Where to stop 

Glou Glou on Cuba Street for a relaxed breakfast. East by West ferry across the harbour to Days Bay. Bike or e-bike hire in Days Bay for the scenic ride to Pencarrow Lighthouse. Lunch at Days Bay Pavilion on the waterfront. 

Things to do in Wellington 

That lighthouse ride is a coastal classic for couples, with wide skies, sea breezes and seals if you’re lucky. Back in the city, book a table at Mr Go’s for modern Asian flavours and share-plate fun before returning to Evans Bay. 

Where to stay in Wellington 

Return to Evans Bay Marina car park for your second night by the water. 

Day 12: Wellington to Martinborough (Wairarapa) 

Distance: 80 kms 
Travel time: ~1.25 hours 

Cross the Remutaka Range to big-sky wine country. Today blends cheese, cellar doors and a private stargazing session for an evening to remember. 

Where to stop between Wellington and Martinborough 

C’est Cheese in Featherston for artisan tastings and road-trip provisions. Martinborough Square to collect bikes from Green Jersey Explorer Tours. 

Things to do in Martinborough 

Martinborough’s cellar doors cluster within easy cycling distance, making a self-guided Cycle the Vines loop irresistible. Pedal between tastings through flat, vine-lined lanes. After dusk, head to a Private Star Safari under Wairarapa’s dark skies to learn constellations and peer at planets through powerful telescopes. 

Where to stay in Martinborough 

Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park is a quiet, convenient base close to the village, with powered sites and tidy facilities for a restful night after your day of sips and stars. 

Image: Tourism New Zealand

Day 13: Martinborough to Castlepoint via Greytown 

Distance: 115 kms 
Travel time: ~2 hours 

From vines to lighthouse, today sweeps you to one of the Wairarapa’s most photogenic coasts. There’s time for a boutique vineyard stop en route and a golden-hour walk by the sea. 

Where to stop between Martinborough and Castlepoint 

Le Grá Vineyard for an intimate tasting that reflects family winemaking and regional character. Greytown’s main street for artisan browsing and coffee. 

Things to do in Castlepoint 

Walk the boardwalk to Castlepoint Lighthouse, explore the reef and lagoon, and watch waves curl against limestone headlands. On a calm evening, the sunset paints the lighthouse and cliffs in pastels that are made for your camera roll. 

Where to stay in Castlepoint 

Castlepoint Holiday Park offers beachfront powered sites where you can fall asleep to the hush of the Pacific and wake to seabird calls. 

Day 14: Castlepoint to Hawke’s Bay (Te Awanga/Clifton) 

Distance: 200 kms 
Travel time: ~3 hours 

Skirt farmland and orchards north to sun-soaked Hawke’s Bay. Today is for manicured gardens and refined tasting rooms as you set up near Cape Kidnappers. 

Where to stop between Castlepoint and Te Awanga 

Wallingford Homestead to wander heritage gardens and savour a long lunch if time allows. Smith & Sheth in Havelock North to explore their elegant wine studio experience. 

Things to do in Hawke’s Bay 

Ease into the region’s rhythm with a late afternoon beach walk at Te Awanga, then rest up for a pre-dawn date with the gannets tomorrow. 

Where to stay in Te Awanga 

Choose Cape View Holiday Park in nearby Haumoana for powered sites close to the beach and an easy drive to the Cape Kidnappers departure point. It offers a relaxed coastal setting that suits an early start. 

Day 15: Hawke’s Bay to Napier 

Distance: 30 kms 
Travel time: ~0.5 hours 

Dawn brings one of New Zealand’s most memorable wildlife encounters, followed by coastal dining and an Art Deco time warp in Napier. 

Where to stop between Te Awanga and Napier 

Gannet sunrise tour at Cape Kidnappers for ethereal light, seabird colonies and sweeping views. Elephant Hill for a refined lunch overlooking vines and ocean. Napier’s Art Deco centre for a vintage car tour and seaside promenade. 

Things to do in Napier 

After gannets glow in the first light, savour Hawke’s Bay cuisine at Elephant Hill, then don your best smile for a guided spin around Napier’s zigzags and sunbursts in a gleaming vintage car. It’s playful, glamorous and wonderfully different. 

Where to stay in Napier 

Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park offers beachfront powered sites just north of the city, perfect for a quiet evening after a full day. 

Day 16: Napier to Matamata, then Lake Karapiro 

Distance: 280 kms 
Travel time: ~3.5 hours 

Point the camper inland for rolling hills and storybook magic. Today pairs the Shire’s hobbit holes with a serene lakeside camp. 

Where to stop between Napier and Lake Karapiro 

Matamata for a guided Hobbiton Movie Set tour among 44 hobbit holes and the Party Tree. Cambridge for a late afternoon stroll beneath heritage oaks. 

Things to do at Lake Karapiro 

After your Hobbiton wander, unwind at Lake Karapiro. Watch rowers slice across still water, take a sunset walk along the lakeshore and enjoy a quiet dinner by the camper. 

Where to stay at Lake Karapiro 

The Mighty River Domain campground sits right on the lake with powered sites and green, open spaces. It’s peaceful, convenient and well set up for campervans. 

Day 17: Lake Karapiro to Auckland via Waitomo 

Distance: 275 kms 
Travel time: ~3.75 hours 

Save a last North Island wonder for your finale, then it’s an easy cruise back to the City of Sails to return your wheels. 

Where to stop between Lake Karapiro and Auckland 

Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a guided journey through limestone chambers and a silent boat ride beneath a galaxy of living light. Optional coffee break in Te Awamutu or Huntly on the way north. 

Things to do before you roll into Auckland 

Savour the afterglow of Waitomo’s starry grotto, then enjoy an unhurried final drive as the scenery shifts from farmland to suburban skyline. Return your campervan to the Apollo branch with a camera full of highlights and a head full of stories. 

Where to stay in Auckland 

This itinerary finishes with your vehicle return in Auckland. If you choose to spend another night in the city, consider booking a local holiday park in advance. 

From Coromandel’s scalloped bays and Taupō’s water-driven thrills to Tongariro’s otherworldly ridgelines, Wairarapa’s night skies and Hawke’s Bay’s sunrise shores, this route delivers day after day of variety without long hours behind the wheel. Ready for a North Island road trip that blends romance, adventure and easy-living camp nights? When you’re ready, you can easily book your Apollo camper online and pick it up from your closest Apollo branch before hitting the road.