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New Zealand’s North Island is an eclectic mix of breathtaking natural beauty, geothermal parks, bustling cities, and a rich cultural heritage. And there’s no better way to explore the upper part of New Zealand than via a campervan road trip. But you’ll need more than a week to explore this part of the country properly, so cue our epic New Zealand North Island itinerary for 10 days!
This North Island, New Zealand itinerary includes some of our most famous sights and attractions, as well as a few lesser-known and hidden gems. You can use this itinerary as is or use it as inspiration to kickstart your own creation. Please note that driving distances and drive times are calculated taking all potential highlights of the day into account. Here’s what we recommend for your campervan road trip:
Day 1: Arrival
Driving Distance: +/- 47.5 kilometers (29.5 miles) – Providing that you’re arriving at Auckland Airport today and not traveling from anywhere else in New Zealand.
Drive Time: +/- 1 hour, 7 minutes - Providing that you’re arriving at Auckland Airport today and not traveling from anywhere else in New Zealand.
Today marks your official arrival on the North Island of New Zealand. Pick up your rental camper and kick off your 10-day itinerary by exploring the city of Auckland.
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- The Sky Tower (choose between just checking out the views or doing the Sky Walk or Sky Jump, if you dare).
- Strolling along the Auckland Waterfront.
- Eating ice-cream at the famous Giapo with all its interesting ice-cream creations.
- Visiting the Auckland Art Gallery.
- Going to the Rotating Orbit Restaurant (a great spot for dinner).
Overnight at: Ambury Park Campground in Auckland
Day 2: Heading to Hokianga
Driving Distance: +/- 294 kilometers (183 miles)
Drive Time: +/- 4 hours, 10 minutes
It’s time to head north before crossing to the west coast and making your way to the Hokianga region. Of course, there are plenty of things to do and see along the way.
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- The town of Warkworth.
- The town of Wellsford.
- The town of Omapere (known for its beach-life vibes).
- Experiencing the Footprints Waipoua Twilight Encounter (an incredible experience if you’d like to know more about our Maori, their history, and magical myths and lore).
Overnight at: Koutu Mangeroa Campground (Please note that this is a very primitive campsite; the stand is a nice patch of grass, no electricity, and a communal long-drop toilet, so prepare accordingly).
Day 3: Heading to Paihia
Driving Distance: +/- 108 kilometers (67 miles)
Drive Time: +/- 1 hour, 51 minutes
Today will be a cross-country cruise in your camper as you travel from the west coast all the way to the east, arriving at your final destination, Paihia, also known as the Bay of Islands (144 of them to be exact).
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- Visiting the Waitangi Treaty Grounds (if you’re interested in the history of the Polynesian explorers).
- Strolling through Opua Forest.
- Going on Darryl’s Dinner Cruise (a nice meal on a boat in front of the Haruru Falls – life could be worse).
Overnight at: Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park
Day 4: Continue Your Exploration of Paihia
Driving Distance: +/- 112 kilometers (69.5 miles)
Drive Time: +/- 2 hours, 25 minutes
Today, the focus will not be on driving as much as it is on taking in and appreciating your immediate surroundings here at the Bay of Islands.
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- Taking a boat tour to the famous Hole in the Rock.
- Getting your watersports on at Urupukapuka Island (you can catch a ferry to this pest-free island known for its pristine beaches).
Overnight at: Paihia Top 10 Holiday Park (again)
Day 5: Heading South to the Coromandel Peninsula
Driving Distance: +/- 378 kilometers (235 miles)
Drive Time: +/- 4 hours, 58 minutes
Today will be a long day on the road as you drive south toward Coromandel. Please note that you will be passing through Auckland again, so it’s a good time to do a proper stock-up of your camper supplies. You’ll also be treated to incredible views along the way as you drive through the Hauraki Plains.
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- Taking a dip at the beach.
- Trying your hand at some of the popular Pauanui beach activities, such as surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing.
- Hiking to the top of Mount Pauanui.
Overnight at: Pauanui Glade Holiday Park
Day 6: Heading to Rotorua
Driving Distance: +/- 245 kilometers (152 miles)
Drive Time: +/- 3 hours, 39 minutes
Today will be quite the treat for movie fans out there. While there are plenty of scenic views and picturesque little rural towns awaiting you on your journey to Rotorua today, you’ll also get the chance to visit one of the world’s most famous movie sets!
There is also a LOT waiting to be explored in Rotorua (which is why we’ve allocated 2 days to the city and its immediate surroundings).
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- Visiting Hobbiton in Matamata.
- Relaxing at the Secret Spot (if you enjoy hot tubbing with drink service in beautiful natural surroundings).
- Visiting the Redwoods Forest and doing the Redwoods Treewalk (especially recommended as a nightwalk).
- Going on a kayaking tour across Lake Okareka to the hidden glowworm caves.
Overnight at: All Seasons Holiday Park, Rotorua
Day 7: Continue Your Exploration of Rotorua
Driving Distance: +/- 40.7 kilometers (25 miles)
Drive Time: +/- 53 minutes
Today will be another day of taking things slower, spending less time on the road, and focusing more on exploring your immediate surroundings at Rotorua.
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- Visiting Agrodome for a unique farm experience.
- Taking a gondola ride up Mr. Ngongotaha with Skyline Rotorua.
- Visiting Te Puia Thermal Reserve (there is so much to see and do in this reserve that it alone can easily take up your entire day!).
Overnight at: All Seasons Holiday Park Rotorua (again)
Day 8: Heading to Napier
Driving Distance: +/- 255 kilometers (158.4 miles)
Drive Time: +/- 3 hours, 50 minutes
Today you’ll be driving further south to Napier, driving via Taupo. You’ll find a couple of stops along the way before taking the afternoon to explore Napier.
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- Huka Falls.
- Admiring the Art Deco Architecture of the Napier buildings.
- Strolling along the Napier Marine Parade.
- Visiting the National Aquarium of New Zealand.
- Visiting Ahuriri Estuary (a must for any avid birdwatchers).
- Relaxing in the warm waters of Ocean Spa.
- Checking out the Faraday Museum of Technology.
Overnight at: Napier Beach Top 10 Holiday Park
Day 9: Heading to Wellington
Driving Distance: +/- 344 kilometers (213.7 miles)
Drive Time: +/- 4 hours, 25 minutes
Continue your southern journey here on the North Island of New Zealand as you make your way towards the capital city of Wellington. On this itinerary, you’ll be driving via Martinborough (because wine not?).
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- Tasting some beer and grabbing a bite to eat at Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka (drink responsibly and don’t drink and drive!).
- Visiting one of the many wineries in Martinborough (our famous wine region).
Overnight at: Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park
Day 10: Exploring Wellington Before Heading Home
Driving Distance: +/- 58.7 kilometers (36.4 miles)
Drive Time: +/- 1 hour, 31 minutes
As a capital city, Wellington has almost a week’s worth of interesting attractions and activities, so you really have your pick for the last day of your North Island campervan road trip.
Just keep track of your time if you’re heading to the airport later today to catch a flight out, so you’ll have sufficient time to drop off the camper and go through the check-in process at the airport.
Potential Highlights of the Day:
- Taking a stroll or having a tan on Oriental Bay Beach.
- Visiting Te Papa Museum (New Zealand’s national museum).
- Taking a stroll along the waterfront.
- Going on the Wellington Cable Car ride.
- Visiting the Wellington Botanical Gardens.
- Going to admire the architecture of “The Beehive” (aka New Zealand’s Parliament Buildings).
- Checking out old St. Paul’s Church (beautiful little white wooden church).
- Hiking up Mt Vic and admiring the views.
- Making your credit card feel the pain on Cuba Street (our famous shopping and dining street).
- Visiting Weta Workshop (the place where all your favorite movie effects and props were created).
- Watching a movie at the famous Art Deco Roxy Cinema.
Overnight at: On the plane home from New Zealand. Alternatively, if you’d like to have more time to explore Wellington, you can spend one more night in Wellington before flying out early the next morning.
Are You Ready to Take On the Best North Island New Zealand Itinerary?
Are you excited for your North Island road trip yet? Ready to hit the road and see all these incredible places for yourself? Then reach out to us here at Campervan New Zealand, and we’ll answer any of your New Zealand North Island itinerary questions and hook you up with the perfect campervan for the perfect New Zealand road trip.
