15-Day Ultimate North Island Explorer

Duration
15 Days

Transport
Campervan or Car

Start and Finish
Auckland

This ultimate 15-day itinerary is designed for travellers seeking a comprehensive North Island experience. It blends iconic attractions, cultural highlights, coastal escapes, and outdoor adventures. Starting and ending in Auckland, it covers the best of New Zealand’s North Island, focusing on regions like Northland, Auckland, Rotorua, Ruapehu, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Taupō, and Tairāwhiti Gisborne.

Day 1: Arrival in Auckland

• Arrive at Auckland International Airport, pick up your vehicle.
• Explore Auckland’s waterfront, including the bustling Viaduct Harbour. Enjoy a delicious glass of our celebrated local wines, overlooking the harbour.
• Visit the Sky Tower for the ultimate views of the city and coastlines.
• Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a waterfront restaurant and get ready to kick off your adventure!

Day 2: Auckland — Bay of Islands (Northland)

• Drive north to the Bay of Islands (approx. 3 hours), stop at the Kawiti Glowworm caves, Northland’s Ultimate Glowworm Experience located right in the heart of the Waiomio Valley, these are home to thousands of luminous glow worms, breath-taking rock formations and lush green rainforest.
• Continue to Paihia and enjoy a guided visit to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, New Zealand’s most significant historic site. Learn about the signing of the Treaty, view cultural performances, and explore interactive exhibits. Have lunch at the Whare Waka Café overlooking the water.
• For tonight’s accommodation, stay in Paihia, With many harbourfront restaurants try Charlotte's Kitchen or Tipsy Oyster.

Day 3: Explore Cape Reinga & 90-mile Beach (Far North)

• Take a full day (11 hours) guided tour to Cape Reinga, with Fullers Bay of Islands to the northernmost tip of New Zealand, travelling along the scenic Ninety Mile Beach in a specially designed coach. Experience the cultural and spiritual significance of Cape Reinga, where Māori believe spirits begin their journey home. Highlights include stunning views from the lighthouse, you’ll witness the meeting of the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean beneath the iconic lighthouse–optional sandboarding, a pre-seleceted café lunch, and engaging commentary throughout the trip.
• For dinner head to Russell (New Zealand’s first capital) on the ferry from Paihia, to The Duke of Marlborough Hotel, this historical landmark has been refreshing rascals and reprobates since 1827, showcasing local produce, wines and craft beers.
• Stay in Paihia at one of the many accommodation offerings to suit all budgets.

Day 4: Northland — Auckland

• In the morning explore the Bay of Islands by water, this is a must. The Discover the Bay cruise with Explore Group, offers an iconic half-day adventure, visiting the Hole in the Rock and stopping at Otehei Bay on Urupukapuka Island. There you can enjoy a licensed café, walking tracks, swimming spots.
• Begin the drive back to Auckland (approx. 3 hours)
• Return to Auckland. If time allows, spend the afternoon visiting either the Auckland Art Gallery or the Auckland Museum at the Domain. Both offer powerful insights into New Zealand’s culture, art, and natural history.
• In the evening, head to Ponsonby Central for a range of restaurants, experience with a variety of eateries and boutique bars and a touch of shopping.

Day 5: Auckland — Coromandel

• Drive to the Coromandel Peninsula (2.5 hours) via scenic coastal roads.
• Dig your own natural hot pool at Hot Water Beach at low tide.
• Walk the short but stunning track to Cathedral Cove, a beach framed by a giant archway.
• Ride the Driving Creek Railway through native forest and artist-built tunnels to epic hilltop views.
• Cycle a section of the Hauraki Rail Trail – a Great Ride offering easy, scenic biking through wetlands, farmlands, and gorges.

Day 6: Coromandel Exploration

• Unwind at The Lost Spring in Whitianga with tropical geothermal pools and spa treatments.
• Browse local art galleries and handmade crafts in Mercury Bay.
• Take a guided sea kayaking tour to explore the coastline and offshore islets.

Day 7: Coromandel — Rotorua

• Drive to Rotorua (approx. 3 hours), with a stop in Paeroa for the famous L&P bottle photo.
• Visit Te Puia to see erupting geysers, bubbling mud pools, and traditional Māori carving and weaving.
• Soak in lakeside mineral pools at Polynesian Spa to unwind after your drive.

Day 8: Rotorua Exploration

• Fly through native forest with Rotorua Canopy Tours, a ziplining eco-adventure and the World’s No1 Nature Activity.
• In the afternoon choose one of two geothermal wonders:
  • Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland: A 1-hour walk through colourful geothermal pools and the famous Champagne Pool.
  • Waimangu Volcanic Valley: A tranquil 4km (mostly downhill) hike through the world’s youngest geothermal system, ending at Lake Rotomahana for a boat cruise.
• Enjoy dinner along Eat Streat, Rotorua’s bustling dining strip.
• Relax under the stars next to the forest at Secret Spot Hot Tubs.

Day 9: Rotorua — Taupō

• Drive to Taupō (1 hour), stopping at the impressive Huka Falls for a short scenic walk.
  Explore Craters of the Moon or Orakei Korako, a geothermal area with steaming vents and mud pools.
• In the afternoon, thrill-seekers can take on an epic skydiving experience with breathtaking views over Lake Taupō and the surrounding mountains with Taupō Tandem Skydiving. Alternatively, opt for an adrenaline rush with a bungy jump at AJ Hackett Taupō.
• Finish the day with dinner at one of Taupō’s fantastic eateries. Note, Taupō McDonalds is worth a visit for all ages: This has the honor of being home to the only McDonald's location that includes a decommissioned DC3 plane as part of the dining experience!

Day 10: Taupō Adventure

• Sail to Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings, carved into lakeside cliffs with Sail Barbary or Chris Jolly Outdoors.
• In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxing soak at Wairakei Terraces, a series of geothermal hot pools beneath silica terraces.
• Before dinner, be sure to explore the city, checking out many of the town’s art at the foreshore, as well as the various art murals and sculptures around town.
• Enjoy a lakeside dinner with views of Great Lake Taupō.

Day 11: Taupō — Ruapehu

• Drive to Ruapehu (approx. 2 hours) via the scenic Desert Road. History buffs will enjoy the Waiouru Army War Museum.
• Stop at Tongariro National Park Visitor Centre to learn about the volcanic landscape and Māori cultural ties.
• Walk the Taranaki Falls loop track (6km return) through alpine bush and past ancient lava flows.

Day 12: Snow Fun at Whakapapa

• Spend the day skiing, snowboarding, or snow tubing at Whakapapa Ski Field—lessons available for beginners and all ski gear is available on site!
• Ride the Sky Waka Gondola for stunning views of Mount Ruapehu and the Central Plateau.
• Refuel at Knoll Ridge Café, NZ’s highest café with sweeping alpine views.
• Enjoy dinner at Ohakune at one of the town’s great local restaurants.

Day 13: Ruapehu — Tauranga (Bay of Plenty)

• Drive to Tauranga (approx. 4 hours): Enjoy the scenic route through the center of the North Island.
• Option to break up the drive with a visit to the small rural town of Murupara, followed by a stop in the breathtaking Whirinaki Forest. Reconnect with nature on a fully immersive guided tour with Whirinaki Forest Footsteps, where you’ll experience the ancient beauty of this remarkable wilderness.
• On arrival in Tauranga, stretch your legs with a Mauao (Mount Maunganui) walk: Take the base track (approx. 50 mins) for a gentle coastal loop, or challenge yourself with the summit track.
• After your walk rejuvenate in the geothermal pools at Mount Hot Pools located at the base of Mauao.
• Evening: Join an evening kayak tour to a spectacular glow worm canyon with Waimarino or indulge in fresh, local cuisine at one of Tauranga’s vibrant dining spots.
• Unwind in comfort at Tasman Holiday Parks Papamoa, where cosy seaside cabins offer the perfect romantic retreat just steps from the beach—ideal for couples or families craving relaxation and coastal charm.

Day 14: Tauranga — Tairāwhiti Gisborne

• Begin your journey to Gisborne (approx. 2.5 hours) with a scenic drive east along the Bay of Plenty coastal seaboard from Tauranga. Make a stop in Maketū for an immersive cultural tour and a delicious cookout feast with Muirs Tours, where you’ll experience the true spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality) and flavours of the region.
• Continue your drive towards Gisborne on State Highway 2, passing through Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki as you make your way East via the Waioeka Gorge.
• Upon arrival in Gisborne, check out Eastwoodhill National Arboretum – here you can enjoy a self-guided tour or a private tour with the horticulturalist.

After checking into your accommodation, enjoy an evening of options, whether that’s checking out one of Gisborne’s many restaurants, Dome Cinema for a unique movie experience, or relax in an oceanside Sauna to eat you up on these crisp winter evenings.

Day 15: Return to Auckland

• Start your morning off enjoying a delicious brunch or grab a coffee and enjoy the sunrise. Whilst in Gisborne, you have to experience Dive Tatapouri, a unique wild stingray experience where you get to interact with stingray in their natural habitat. Spend the afternoon trying your hand at being a railway conductor at Gisborne Railbikes where you get to pedal side by side on Railway tracks learning about the unique history of Gisborne.
• After a great day out and about, drop your vehicles at the Gisborne Airport and enjoy a one hour flight back to Auckland.

Contact
Email the 2 Easy team

Deals end 29 November 2024

Travel dates: to 30 May 2025, excluding: 15 December 2024 to 01 February 2025. T&Cs apply.