Auckland to Wellington: 6-day North Island road trip

When you think about a New Zealand road trip, oftentimes the South Island gets the majority of the press, and not for no reason! The South is a wild, majestic place of raw beauty, but the North Island has a huge amount to offer the discerning van traveller. There’s a lot to see in the more densely populated island, but if you’re short on time, a cross-country journey from the harbour city of Auckland to the capital of Wellington hits a lot of the best sights. Strap in, we’re goin’ road trippin’.

Day 1: Auckland to Raglan

Beginning in the country's largest city, take in the sights of the harbour before hitting the road and heading south. Highway 1 takes you straight towards the urban centre of Hamilton before you peel off east to find the little surfing town of Raglan. Alternatively, take the backroads for the scenic view through the rolling hills of Waikato , passing through small town after gorgeous small town.

Raglan is a picture perfect coastal paradise, situated around the Tawatahi River and packed with more surf breaks than you can shake a wetsuit at. Grab some supplies for the week and head to Manu Bay Reserve to watch the skies turn golden in epic sunsets as the last surfers of the day put on a show. Te Kopua Whanau Camp is our pick for where to stay for the night, with quick access to the beach and plenty of space. Start your road trip in style.

Day 2: Raglan to Matamata

Grab your staffs and swords, your pipes and your ales, because we’re going to Hobbiton. No North Island road trip is ever complete without a visit to The Shire, even those who aren’t fans of Lord of the Rings will be blown away by the lifesize movie set in the farmland of Waikato. Head east from Raglan after a quick dip in the ocean and make your way towards Matamata , where the Hobbiton Tours lie a short drive away. Park your van for free on-site, where a bus will take you deep into the fantastical world of Middle Earth, feeling a million miles from anywhere.

After having an old-fashioned ale from the Green Dragon Inn (just one, you’re driving), get back to your van and head to Wairere Falls about 30 minutes away. A short walk up to the falls will bring you back to reality, but to a landscape no less magical than Hobbiton. Spend some zen-time in front of the cascading waters before heading off to your campsite for the night. Horahora Domain on the Waikato River is an hour away, and is the best freedom camping spot in the area. Spots are on a first come first served basis, but the beautiful banks of the river and the towering trees nearby make for a great campsite.

Day 3: Matamata to Waitomo

You may have done a bit of criss-crossing the North Island yesterday, but it was worth it, right? Thankfully, today is much more about exploring rather than driving. Start the day with the hour drive from Horahora to Waitomo , the tiny town home to the mighty caves that bear the same name. Check your van into YHA Waitomo Juno Hall , a quaint little campervan park with wandering pigs and goats to welcome you in. From there, it’s all about the caves. The black water rafting is our choice of activity, and the most enjoyable and accessible way to explore the underground maze.

You’re taken through the cave system on inflatable donuts, floating serenely along the icy river with millions of glow worms shining above. A few small waterfall jumps in the dark await, as well as plenty of dunks in the cool waters. Not for the faint hearted! After you’ve had a warm shower and changed back into your dry clothes, head into the town of Waitomo, where the options for dinner are limited, but Tomo Bar & Eatery offers great dishes alongside a range of local beers and wines.

Day 4: Waitomo to Mt Taranaki

We’re back in the driver's seat for day 4, heading down Highway 3 as it hugs the western coast of Taranaki before arriving at the seaside city of New Plymouth. Stopover for lunch by the sparkling waters of the Tasman with a visit to the West End District in the CBD. Open-air alleys within the precinct house a number of cafes, bars and restaurants for you to choose from. But eat up, we’ve got a volcano to catch. Thankfully, the dormant slopes of Mt Taranaki aren’t going anywhere soon, but to get the most out of your visit you’ll want to spend at least a few hours nearby.

If you’re in the mood for a hike, you’re in luck. Trails of varying lengths let you explore the volcano at any pace, Mauve Track being our favourite, taking you deep into the enchanted forest growing out of the volcanic soil. For your overnight stay, North Egmont Visitor Centre has a carpark that turns into a freedom camping spot at night, but be mindful that a busy morning will see lots of families and tourists arriving to catch a glimpse of the mountain.

Day 5: Mt Taranaki to Waverley

Day 5 is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of vibe. We’ve got two options for you as you make your way closer and closer to the Windy City. Both will see you curve around the coastline towards the town of Waverley ; if you’re after a day with no plans and even fewer worries, turn south at the small town to find Waverley Beach , a black sand strip of coast below crumbling sandstone cliffs, with a small freedom camping spot above. Kick your feet up in the van with a good book, some Netflix, or whatever floats your boat to turn your relaxation on.

If you just can’t say no to adventure, head toward Waverley but continue on for around half an hour before the turn off to Waitotara Forest , an abandoned quarry that now serves as a fantastic hiking base for the surrounding woods. After exploring the stunning countryside, head back to Waverley and nab that camping spot. A night under the stars awaits you.

Day 6: Waverley to Wellington

Your final day on your epic road trip will depend on what comes next. If you’re heading on to the South Island , make sure to spend at least one night in the capital, exploring the trendy streets and hidden alleys of the city before jumping on the ferry. Same goes for if you’re turning back up the east coast and making your way to Auckland to drop your van off. Wellington is one of New Zealand’s top destinations, and shouldn’t be missed on any road trip.

From the base of the North Island, you have an endless array of options for continuing your road trip, whether it be further south, or back up north, there’s never a shortage of things to see and do in Aotearoa.

***If you’re thinking about a road trip through New Zealand, don’t stop at Wellington. Check out our guide for crossing to the South Island on the ferry, and once you’re there, we’ve got an awesome 8-day itinerary for exploring the south. Head to Camplify to start your adventure today. See you out there. ***