Auckland North Island road trip: complete 1 week guide

With ancient rainforests, rolling hills and secluded beaches, a 1-week North Island road trip from Auckland is an adventure you'll never forget. That said, balancing your bucket list with your drive time is a fine art. Especially when you’ve got this incredible land to explore!

Luckily for you, we’ve just returned from a week in the wild, bringing back first-hand advice for our fellow wanderers (everything from the best Coromandel camping spots to the top activities in Rotorua). Whether you’re roaming in a campervan, motorhome or caravan, we’ve got your itinerary sorted.*

Without further adieu, here are some of the ultimate Kiwi adventures within driving distance from Auckland - all packaged into one unforgettable road trip!

As per usual, we left our planning to the very last minute... Although our route is far from a neat loop, it manages to encompass heaps of epic experiences in under a week without days of driving. So bare with us.

Rotorua

Auckland to Rotorua : 228km

A patchwork of outdoor adventures, soothing hot springs and traditional Māori experiences, Rotorua is the perfect introduction to your New Zealand road trip.

Wake up with a thrill ride in a huge water-filled inflatable ball. And where better to brave zorbing than the very hill it was invented? At Zorb Rotorua, you can bowl down Mt. Ngongotaha on the world’s longest, fastest and steepest tracks. In fact, it is the only place in New Zealand where you can tick off this bucket list experience!

Once you’re all rolled out, relax and unwind at Polynesian Spa, where you can enjoy the ultimate geothermal bathing experience. If possible, book a lakeview private pool for a peaceful escape with panoramic water views. You’ll feel worlds away as you soak in your very own hot spring.

When the sun sets, make your way to Redwoods Nightlights™, a magical treetop walk hovering up to 20 metres above the forest floor. With over 700 metres of suspension bridges and viewing platforms illuminated by floating lanterns designed by David Trubridge himself, this otherworldly installation is like no other. Fun for the whole family, they even offer free purpose-built baby strollers!

Afterwards, drive to Lake Okareka for a tranquil campsite tucked away from the crowds (yet only a 15-minute drive from town). Sleep by the lapping shore and take a refreshing morning dip before another afternoon exploring Rotorua.

Today is all about culture. Resting in the heart of the North Island, Rotorua showcases all aspects of Māori life, from cooking with a hāngī in the steaming ground to paddling around the lake in a warrior canoe. Discover the rich history of Mitai Maori village, it’s powerful combat customs, graceful poi dance and, of course, a hair-raising haka performance. Before you know it, it’ll be time for bed.

Must do: The Redwoods Nightlights Treewalk™

Recommended stay: Two nights

Where to sleep: Lake Okareka DOC Campsite

Price per night: $15 per person

Matamata

Rotorua to Matamata : 67km

Matamata’s bucolic beauty is the reason it served as the Shire in Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit. And if it’s good enough for Peter Jackson, it’s good enough for us! With the magnificent Kaimai Ranges framing the Alexander family’s sheep farm, this setting is just as idyllic in real life as it is on the movie screen.

Once at Hobbiton, your tour guide will show you around set, highlighting the meticulous details behind the movie magic and pointing out where iconic scenes were shot. Try to pick your favourite Hobbit Hole, each of which has its own distinct charm and character (the cheesemonger gets our vote). Then stroll past the fairytale Mill and into the Green Dragon Inn for an exclusive Southfarthing brew of your choice!

And hey, if you’re not a Tolkien fan, we won’t judge. Matamata’s rolling farmland and frolicking lambs are still well worth the visit. Grab mouth-watering pork pie at Momento Espresso and head to Okoreire Hot Springs Hotel, where you’ll find geothermal pools nestled in the rainforest on the banks of a raging river.

When you’re ready to hit the hay, set up camp at Brock’s Place. This working farm is perched atop a hill, offering unbeatable sunrise views.

Discover some more of the best Matamata campsites!

Must do: The Hobbiton Movie Set Tour

Recommended stay: One night

Where to sleep: Brock's Place

Price per night: $8 per person

Discover the ultimate Lord Of The Rings road trip around New Zealand!

Coromandel Forest Park

Matamata to Coromandel: 104km

They say that the Coromandel is good for your soul, and you’ll understand why as soon as you drive through its Forest Park. Feel any worries melt away as winding country roads framed by ancient woodland take you from one natural wonder to the next.

Stretch your legs on the gorgeous three-hour hike to the base of The Pinnacles in Kauaeranga Valley, passing through kauri groves, across bubbling streams and over swing bridges. Or brave the eight-hour loop to the summit of these staggering limestone formations.

Alternatively, explore the old underground mining network at Collins Drive. You’ll need a torch to guide you through this 15-minute boardwalk, but make sure to switch it off near the entrance for a glimpse of glittering glow worms. Once in daylight again, look out for tūī and bellbirds in the trees above.

At Broken Hill Campsite, you’ll discover daisy-sprinkled meadows, verdant forest and the Tairua River - all against a backdrop of towering cliffs. Follow in our footsteps and enjoy a waterside Moscow Mule when the golden hour sets this landscape aglow.

Must do: Sundowners by the riverbank

Recommended stay: One night

Where to sleep: Broken Hills DOC Campsite

Price per night: $15 per person

Whangapoua

90km from Coromandel Forest Park

When you arrive at Whangapoua Beach and its views of Pungapunga Island, you’ll find it hard to believe that there’s any sandy stretch as scenic. Well, an easy 30-minute hike will prove you wrong. Voted one of the top ten beaches in the world, New Chums Beach is hidden behind the headland in a bay that’s only accessible by foot or boat.

With a wide stream, rocky shore and rugged rainforest to traverse, the short walk to New Chums Beach offers its fair share of awesome vistas. Climb to the very top of the headland for a prime photo opp, complete with a vast crescent of white sand, turquoise water and native bushland.

And once your toes are in the sand, the thick greenery and russet cliffs behind this secluded beach will make it feel like your special little secret. Make a splash and savour the pristine surroundings for as long as possible - you’ll need to make it back to Whangapoua car park before high tide!

Must do: A post-hike skinny dip if you’ve got the beach to yourself!

Recommended stay: One night

Where to sleep: Whangapoua Holiday Park

Price per night: $17 per adult

The 309 Road

Whangapoua to 309 Rd: 30km

Hands down our favourite experience in Coromandel Forest Park, The 309 Road deserves a section all its own. You’ll enjoy twenty-two kilometres of untouched wilderness along a meandering road that connects the east coast to the west. Perfect for a self-guided road trip, the 309 Road follows rivers and dense rainforest with unforgettable pit stops peppered throughout.

Take your first break at The Waterworks, a whimsical fun park for all ages. A creative blend of nature and innovation, there are over 70 weird and wonderful water-powered amusements made from recycled equipment. Spark your curiosity and play to your heart’s content at this charmingly quirky attraction before hitting the road again.

Next up is Waiau Waterfall. With a tiny sign and small parking area, it’s easy to drive right past. Don’t. The brief five-minute stroll will bring you to a dreamlike waterhole enveloped by lush rainforest, with the Waiau stream pouring on to the boulders below. Settle in with a book, take a dip or just explore this little slice of paradise before you hop back in the car.

Make your third stop-off at Egan Park, a serene nature reserve at the eastern end of your route. As well as a freedom camping space tucked away by the hillside, Egan Park is home to a quiet Nikau grove with shaded picnic spots, a mini beach and an inviting waterhole - rope swing in for a refreshing swim!

To get the most out of your 309 adventure, slow down, sit back and soak up the unspoilt beauty of this classic Coromandel experience. Oh, and look out for adorable piglets crossing the road.

Must do: Waiau Waterfall

Hahei Beach

309 Rd to Hahei Beach: 42km

Last but certainly not least (and perhaps even our top pick), Hahei is an absolute must. Whether you’re into scuba diving around marine reserves, kayaking in crystal clear water or digging your own geothermal pool on a sweeping beach, this place has it all.

You can’t go to Hahei without seeing its iconic landmark. To get to Cathedral Cove, you need to jump in a kayak, hop aboard a boat tour or hike for an hour and a half. The Cathedral Cove Walk begins at the end of Hahei Beach, winding its way along the coastline. This stunning pathway passes the Gemstone Bay Snorkel Trail and Stingray Bay before descending towards the magnificent sea arch. Our advice? Arrive as early as possible to avoid the hordes. Trust us, it’s even more spectacular when you have it to yourself.

For another leading Coromandel attraction, head to Hot Water Beach. Within two hours of low tide, visitors swarm this otherwise empty beach to dig up its golden sand and create their very own natural hot pool. The perfect family activity, kids are kept busy with their spades while couples relax in the bubbling spring water. Although it can get pretty crowded, every explorer should enjoy this unique experience at least once in their life!

Whatever adventure you’ve embarked on during the day, finish it off with a comforting meal at the Pour House - their in-house spiced apple cider might just be the best beer we’ve ever gulped down. Afterwards, walk back to Hahei Holiday Park for a beachfront hot tub under the stars!

And when you have to tear yourself away from the North Island’s incredible wilderness, Hahei is only a two-hour drive from Auckland airport.

Must do: The Cathedral Cove Walk, followed by a pint of ‘Spice Control to Major Pomme’ cider.

Recommended stay: Two nights

Where to sleep: Hahei Holiday Park

Price per night: From $29

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