Bay of Islands road trip: ultimate scenic itinerary

Explore the pristine coastline of the North Island and submerge yourself in New Zealand’s history with this Bay of Islands road trip. From the Waitangi Treaty Grounds to the Cape Brett Walkway and everything in between, this route features all the best destinations, sights and attractions!

Use this adjustable guide when planning a weekend or week-long Bay of Islands road trip. It can be modified to suit the number of days you have available and also includes all the best camping spots. Plus, we’ve thrown in a heap of extra information like drive time, distance, the best season to travel and much more!

Want to travel in style and comfort? Use Camplify to find campervan hire in the Bay of Islands.

The ultimate Bay of Islands road trip: 9 places you can’t miss

Total distance: 220 km | Recommended duration: 2 to 5 days | Best time to do the route: December and May | Route Map

1. Whangarei

Start in sunny Whangarei, the northernmost city of New Zealand. This coastal gem is home to a range of natural wonders that the whole family can enjoy.

Do the easy loop walk (30-minute return) around Whangarei Falls, which stands at an impressive 26.3m tall and is one of the most popular waterfalls on the North Island. Afterwards, stroll around the nearby Whangarei Quarry Gardens, a 60-acre subtropical oasis formed out of the remnants of an old stone quarry.

Visit the Kiwi House, Museum and Heritage Park, where you can view kiwi and tuatara, learn about the Maori history of the region and explore an 1886 heritage homestead set on the beautiful 25-hectare site.

Stay at the Whangārei Top 10 Holiday Park, a quiet, convenient and scenic campground on the edge of a lush bush reserve and the Hatea River. Facilities include communal bathrooms, a kitchen and BBQ area, laundry, free WiFi, a recreation room, a kids playground and more.

For more camping options, see our list of the best Whangarei campgrounds.

2. Tutukaka

Follow the coast from Whangarei to the town of Tutukaka, one of the top coastal destinations on the planet according to National Geographic Traveller.

Along the way, stop at Matapouri Bay, where you can take a dip in the gentle waters of the bay. From the white sand beach, you can make your way through the ancient Puriri forest and follow a walking trail to Whale Bay, stopping to enjoy the awesome coastal views along the way.

From the town of Tutukaka, take a diving or snorkelling trip to the Poor Knights Island Marine Reserve. World-renowned diver Jacques Cousteau rated this reserve as one of the world's top ten places to dive, thanks to its intriguing caves, arches, tunnels, cliffs and marine biodiversity.

Camp on the beach-front at the Otamure Bay Campsite. This Department of Conservation site is scenic and affordable, plus it offers basic facilities such as cold showers, non-flush toilets, a cooking shelter and more.

3. Cape Brett Peninsula

On the eastern edge of the Bay of Islands sits the Cape Brett Peninsula, home to the famous Cape Brett Walkway.

Whilst this walk is challenging and requires a high degree of fitness at 8 hours return (33km), it’s worth the effort. However, if you’d prefer something a little easier, there is also a shorter side-track (1-hour return) to the beautiful Deep Water Cove.

Beginning near the village of Rawhiti, the Cape Brett Walkway takes you through native forest and along towering cliffs before ending at the Historic Cape Brett Lighthouse. Along the way, stop at ancient Maori pa sites (fortifies villages) and keep an eye out for dolphins and seals swimming in the surf below.

Stay at the Kaingahoa Marae Whanau Camp, one of the only Marae (Maori meeting grounds) in New Zealand to operate a camping ground. This little slice of paradise provides waterfront campsites and stunning views over the Bay of Islands. Facilities include paid hot showers and a small kitchen.

4. Russell

A highlight of any Bay of Islands road trip is the historic township of Russell, which was New Zealand's first seaport and European settlement.

Having retained its original layout and street names from 1843, you can step back in time and experience the town as the first European settlers would have. Walk or drive to the top of Flagstaff Hill, where the Union Jack was cut down numerous times by the local Maori in rebellion against British rule.

After enjoying panoramic views over the Bay of Islands, wander back down Flagstaff Hill toward the Christ Church - New Zealand’s oldest running church (1835), which still has bullet holes from the Maori Wars. Afterwards, enjoy lunch and a drink at the Duke of Marlborough, the country’s first licensed hotel, bar and restaurant.

Stay at the Russell Top 10 Holiday Park, located near the centre of town with sea views and breezes. Each campsite has its own picnic table, fresh water tap and grey water drain. Park facilities include a large amenities block, camp kitchen, TV room, laundry and free WiFi.

5. Paihia

Paihia is a gateway to the countless coves and beaches that form the Bay of Islands.

Numerous cruises leave from Paihia Wharf every day and take tourists on scenic rides out to sights like the famous Hole in the Rock. Tours often last about 4 hours and you are bound to see dolphins and other marine wildlife frolicking in the Bay’s deep blue waters.

Spend another day exploring Urupukapuka Island, the largest and most popular in the Bay of Islands. After hopping off the tour boat, take on the easy Urupukapuka Island Walk (5 hours and 7.3km) or hire a kayak and paddle around the crystal-clear waters.

Stay at the Falls Motel and Waterfront Campground, one of the best Bay of Islands camping grounds. Camp by the riverside near Haruru Falls and make the most of the facilities, including unmetered hot showers, free wifi, a pool and much more.

6. Waitangi

Only a short drive away is the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds - the “the birthplace of New Zealand” wherein in 1840 the native Maori people and the Crown agreed upon the country’s founding document.

Overlooking the Bay of Islands, this is one of New Zealand’s best tourist attractions. Learn about the traditional and modern history of the Maori people at the award-winning museums before wandering around the original Treaty House from 1834.

Admire the traditional Maori carvings that adorn the Meeting House and the world’s largest waka (Maori war canoe). Then watch a live demonstration of the ancient art of carving at the on-site studio.

Stay at the Bay of Islands Holiday Park on the edge of the Waitangi River. This family-friendly park has a shallow swimming spot, rope swing and its own set of waterfalls. Plus, the awesome facilities include a swimming pool, playground, WiFi, BBQ, pizza oven, kayak hire and tons more.

7. Kerikeri

Conclude your Bay of Islands road trip in the historic town of Kerikeri. The fearsome Maori chief Hongi Hika used Kerikeri as his home base in the early 1800s. However, he also allowed missionaries to settle in the area. Today, you can explore an awesome mix of Maori and European history on the Kororipo Pa Historic Walk.

Along the way, you will see the preserved fortress of the Hongi Hika people, Kororipo. A little further along you’ll come to the Stone Store, the oldest standing stone building and longest-running store in New Zealand (1832). Next door is Kemp House, which is also recognised as the oldest standing European building in the country (1821).

Another day can be spent walking the Kerikeri River Track, which takes you to the famous Wharepuke and Rainbow Falls.

Stay at the Aroha Island Holiday Campground, which offers some of the best beachfront camping along the Bay of Islands. This natural haven is home to a wide diversity of local plants and birds, including the rare North Island Brown Kiwi. Facilities include bathroom blocks, a camp kitchen and a BBQ area.

If you need to return southward to Auckland, consider taking the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to see the western coast of Northland.

Organise your Bay of Islands road trip with Camplify

So, you’re almost set to take on the ultimate Bay of Islands road trip. All that’s left to do is to arrange your wheels (and accommodation)!

Need to arrange campervan hire in the Bay of Islands? Or maybe you’re looking for campervan hire in Auckland?

Camplify makes it easy for holidaymakers to find the ideal rental van for their adventure.

Simply enter your pickup location, adjust the optional filters and within seconds, you will find the perfect motorhome, caravan or campervan for your Bay of Islands road trip!

All the rental vans on Camplify are privately-owned and offer a unique experience. Plus, every booking comes with a range of extra benefits…

Why Camplify?

We are proud to be New Zealand’s fastest-growing private caravan, campervan and motorhome sharing community. When you hire a van through our platform, it comes with lots of advantages:

• Comprehensive hire insurance

• Nationwide AA roadside assistance

• 24/7 customer support

• All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.

Sign up if you want to join our beloved community of van life lovers and receive our most recent news and offers.