Auckland to Hawkes Bay road trip: natural beauty

On the hunt for some stunning natural beauty and thrill-seeking adventure? Then you’ve come to the right place! The stunning North Island of New Zealand is the ideal place to explore on a road trip, soaking up some amazing sights in your travels. Make your way to Napier on this incredible Auckland to Hawkes Bay road trip, which will take you through must-see stops like Rotorua’s geothermal pools, the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves and Gisborne’s many wineries.

Hire a campervan, pack your bags and hit the road for the journey of a lifetime. Here are 7 places you won’t want to miss on the way to Napier.

Best Auckland to Hawkes Bay road trip: 7 places you can’t miss

Total distance: 789km | Recommended duration: 7 days | Best time to drive the route: Spring or summer | Google Map route

1. Thames

Start your Auckland to Hawkes Bay road trip in Thames, the gate to the Coromandel Peninsula! This former gold mining town is brimming with heritage and adventure.

Begin with a hike to The Pinnacles, which is famous for its stunning coastal landscapes. The complete circuit will take you about 9 hours, so make sure you pack some comfortable shoes for the trip.

The Thames School of Mines & Mineralogical Museum is well worth the visit, featuring classrooms and equipment from more than 100 years ago. If you’re up for a bit of a thrill, then head to Sleeping Cod Canyon and abseil, jump, zipline, or climb your way through.

2. Tauranga

Welcome to the harbourside city of Tauranga. Start by getting those legs moving with a climb up Mount Maunganui at sunrise. There are several walking tracks to choose from on this extinct volcano and the sites are truly amazing.

For a bit of fun, pop Waimarino Adventure Park on your to-do list, where you will find a number of great activities set up across the Wairoa River. There’s a slip ‘n slide, water trampoline and so much more to enjoy.

Finally, take off chasing some of the waterfalls in the area. Start at McLaren Falls Park, then head to Kaiate Falls, where you will come to a swimming hole at the end that’s just perfect for a dip.

3. Rotorua

This is a must-stop on any Auckland to Hawkes Bay road trip. Rotorua is known as the centre of geothermal attractions in New Zealand, so put those hiking shoes on. Head to Waimangu Volcanic Valley, to check out the inferno crater with the giant geyser spurting up. Next on the list is Wai-O-Tapu, where you will find Lady Knox Geyser, with several walkways for you to take.

For a little history, head to Rotorua Museum where you’ll discover the town’s cultural history. Head to the top terrace and enjoy some great views of the nearby lake. From here, you can visit Whakarewarewa, a Maori Village, where you can experience some heritage firsthand.

For a little adventure, make the trip to Waitomo Glowworm Caves, where you will find thousands of glowworms putting on a spectacular display.

4. Lake Rotoma

Here you will discover the fourth largest lake out of the 11 in the Rotorua Lakes District. Rotoma is a Maori word that means ‘clear water’, and this lake is considered the cleanest one in the area.

Start your visit with a walk through Hongi’s Track, which runs from Lake Rotoiti to Lake Rotoehu. There’s plenty of stunning native bush to explore, and you can even take a swim in the lake once you’re done.

After a good day of walking, it’s time to head to the Waitangi Soda Springs, which have been used for centuries for their healing properties.

5. Whakatane

Whakatane is a place that really has something for everyone, making it the perfect stop on your Auckland to Hawkes Bay road trip. Park the caravan and head straight to Ohope Beach, which is one of New Zealand’s most-loved beaches. There’s more than 11km of stunning sand to sink your feet into.

If you’re up for a little wildlife spotting, head to Moutohora Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will find dolphins, blue penguins, seals and birds. It’s just a walk or kayak away.

Head for a walk in the White Pine Bush Reserve, where you will find many different walking loops the whole family can enjoy. The Kahikatea are the tallest tree species in New Zealand. Finally, relax in the Awakeri Hot Springs at the end of a long day and soothe your muscles.

6.Gisborne

This city on the East Coast is very diverse and attracts a lot of tourists. Gisborne is most famous for its gorgeous sunrise, it’s the best spot to see it come up above the Pacific Ocean. It makes the early start very worth it.

You can also get a good dose of culture with the many vineyards and wineries in the area. Gisborne is New Zealand’s third-largest wine-producing region, best known for its Chardonnay.

For something a little bit different, head down the giant Rere Rockslide, which is perfect for Summer adventures. You can then end the day taking in some of the historic sites song the Tupapa Heritage Trail.

7. Napier, Hawkes Bay

Now for the last stop on the journey, Napier, which is located in Hawkes Bay. It’s a popular place with both tourists and locals alike, with so much to see and do. Start with an Art Deco tour, where you can discover the city through its art deco architecture.

Next, make your way up Bluff Hill for some amazing views and photo moments (or you can drive it) and take in views of the city and Port Napier. Napier is also home to 30 wineries, making it a great place to go on a wine tour.

Take the family to check out the National Aquarium of New Zealand, home to a diverse range of sea life, with three enclosures that allow you to see some famous endemic animals. End the day at Marine Parade, and take a gentle stroll through the Marine Parade Gardens as you watch the sun come down.

Check our our favourite Hawke's Bay camping grounds!

Organise your road trip with Camplify

Set off on your Auckland to Hawkes Bay road trip this season! Organise yourmotorhome hire in Auckland before you head off, and complete the round trip back to Auckland stopping at Taupo and Hamilton on the way home to see even more of the stunning North Island.

If you have more time on your hands, then let the adventures continue and make your way down to Wellington to cover even more ground. All you need is fuel in your campervan and time to spare!

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