Northland road trip: Twin Coast Discovery Highway guide

Planning a visit to the Northland region? The Twin Coast Discovery Highway offers an 800km route that takes you on a round trip starting and returning to Auckland. It’s the perfect opportunity to jump in your campervan and experience some of the most amazing sights New Zealand has to offer, from Cape Reinga to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. And our seven day Northland road trip itinerary will help you make the most of your time on the road:

Distance: 954km | Travel time: 14 hours 34 minutes

Day 1: Auckland to Opononi | Day 2: Opononi to Ahipara | Day 3: Ahipara to Cape Reinga | Day 4: Cape Reinga to KeriKeri | Day 5: KeriKeri to Bay of Islands | Day 6: Bay of Islands to Waipu | Day 7: Waipu to Auckland

Best road trip around Northland: 7 places you can’t miss

1: Opononi

This easy-going destination is right on the beach and offers a fairly laid-back first stop on your trip. Head to Opononi Wharf where you can wander the white sandy beach that stretches all the way along. It’s the perfect place for kids to play and have a paddle. You can then catch a water taxi to the sand dunes for plenty of fun.

Next, make the trip to Manea Footprints of Kupe. This Maori Cultural centre shares the history of Opononi through a 4D sensory experience that is well worth a visit.

2. Ahipara

Located at the Southern end of Ninety Mile Beach, this is a very much-loved seaside town. Ahipara is home to some of the best surf breaks in the country, with Shipwreck Bay being one of their most popular spots. You can even hire a surfboard there if you weren’t able to bring one along.

If you’re up for a bit of hiking, the Herekino walking track is well worth it. You’ll be able to spot plenty of wildlife from the kiwi, to a long-tailed bat and more.

Check out the stunning views at Ahipara Bay with the long stretch of beach and clear waters. If you stay in the afternoon, you might be lucky enough to be treated to a gorgeous sunset. The beach is also popular for surfcasting, land yachting and shellfish collecting.

3. Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is a must-stop on any Northland road trip. Many travellers take a direct route with aAuckland to Cape Reinga road trip to check out what’s on offer. The Cape Reinga Lighthouse is a well-known New Zealand icon. It was first built in 1941 and can be seen for 19 nautical miles. From where the lighthouse is, you can also see the point where the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea meet.

Another popular activity is to take off sandboarding on the Te Paki Giant Sand Dunes. They stretch for miles and make for a lot of fun for any thrill seekers.

There are also plenty of beaches for you to check out during your stay, including 90 Mile Beach, Tapotupotu Bay, Kaimaumau Beach and Rarawa Beach.

4. KeriKeri

KeriKeri is the largest town in Northland, and a well-known tourist destination. It’s home to The Rainbow Falls, located on the KeriKeri River, which has been created through the erosion of soft rock. It's 27-metre waterfall is a well-known tourist spot and great for taking photos.

The Parrot Place bird park and breeding centre is home to 300 different birds. You can walk through the bird aviary as they fly over your head. Perfect experience for the family.

Next, head to The Stone Stone. This is New Zealand’s oldest surviving stone building, part of the second Church Missionary Society station. The perfect place to immerse yourself in a little history of the area.

5. Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is one of New Zealand’s top holiday destinations with so much to see and do, from relaxing to thrill seeking.

The Maritime Park is well worth the visit. It’s a collection of coastal waters with 144 islands and plenty of sea life to spot in your travels. You can take a boat ride, kayak, or head on a cruise, stopping along the way at swimming spots and more.

You can then soak up a little history at The Treaty House of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between the chiefs of the Maori tribes and the British crown. You can then head down to Hobson Beach afterwards.

Finally, you don’t want to miss the Waipoua Forest, which is home to the famous New Zealand kauri trees, some of which are more than 2000 years old and 47 metres tall.

See more stops on the ultimate Bay of Islands road trip .

6. Waipu

This small town in Bream Bay has a huge Scottish heritage, with annual Highland Games held every New Year. If you’re after a bit of history, then Waipu Museum is where you’ll find it. Waipu Museum looks at the settlement of New Zealand and takes a very modern, hands-on approach with it.

If you prefer to seek a little adventure, then head along to Waipu Caves. Walk through some shallow water and check out the amazing caverns. They are the perfect alternative to the often busier Waitomo Glow worm Caves, and even better, they’re free!

7. Auckland

You end your Northland road trip right where it started, back in Auckland.

If you haven’t yet had a chance to check out the sites in Auckland, then now is a great time to do so. Do you have an inner thrill seeker? Then head to Sky Tower for the Sky Jump. You can walk along the edge, or even jump off this tower, which is 192 metres above ground. Enough to get anyone’s heart racing!

Next, head to Mt Eden, which is Auckland’s highest natural point, and is a dormant volcano that is 196m above sea level. It offers an amazing view of the city. You can also go visit the One Tree Hill volcano, which acts as an important memorial place for Maori and other New Zealanders/ At the top, you’ll find a 30-metre stone obelisk to mark Auckland’s centenary commemorations in 1940.

If you have a little more time on your hands, take a 40-minute ferry ride to the amazing Waiheke Island which is famous for its vineyards and stunning beaches and nature to explore.

Hire a van for your Northland road trip

If you’re looking for an amazing road trip in New Zealand, the Twin Coast Discovery Highway will keep you nice and close to the ocean for some amazing views as you drive. And if you’ve got the time to make some additional stops, check out Mangawhai, Waitangi, Matauri Bay and Waipoua Forest.

Keen to start planning your Northland road trip? Check out our options forcampervan hire in Auckland and the best campgrounds in Northland to organise your adventure. And for even more destination inspiration, discover the best Bay of Islands camping grounds!

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