3 of New Zealand’s Best North-Island Road Trips

[Simon Hopes]

                 Mounts Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu seen from the summit of Mount Tongariro

New Zealand (in the native Maori, Aotearoa, Land of the Long White Cloud) is home to stunning giant glaciers, snow covered mountains, rugged volcanoes, bubbling hot springs, miles of rugged coastline, white sandy beaches, tropical forests and acres of endless grassy plains. It’s mother nature at her best and the perfect place for travellers to relax and unwind in picturesque outdoor settings.

There is no better way of taking in some of the sights than on a road trip, but don’t think you’ll need a 4X4 to go off-road to see everything.  A car or even campervan is a great option for a North Island trip. If you are looking at renting a campervan check out Maui or Jucy for rental options. If you are travelling by car, make sure you have car insurance; check out State Insurance NZ for a range of policies. 

Here’s a guide to three of the best road trip routes on the North Island of New Zealand.

               Russell, Bay of Islands

Auckland and Bay of Islands Loop

A fantastic option for travellers who don’t have a lot of time, but still want to check out some of the best that New Zealand has on offer. Start in Auckland ‘The City of Sails,’ with a mix of idyllic islands, beautiful beaches of golden sand on the east coast, wild surf on the west, and stunning scenery and fabulous food and wine everywhere you go.

Then head towards Paihia and the Bay of Islands, if you have time make sure you visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds where the Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Take a tour and view the magnificent Maori war canoe, Marae (Maori meeting house), and the Treaty House.

After the Bay of Islands, head towards Opononi along the west coast, or the ‘Kauri Coast’, as it is known. Along the road you'll discover wild surf beaches, spectacular sand dunes, giant Kauri and mysterious ship wrecks.

Once you get back to Auckland, make sure you take the ferry to Waiheke Island. There’s a reason Waiheke was named one of the world’s top ten regions to visit by Lonely Planet in 2016. Once you’re there you can join a guided tour of award-winning local wines and relax over a delicious vineyard lunch. There are also a range of stylish eateries in Oneroa village well worth a try.

This is the perfect road trip with a variety of secluded beaches, vibrant city life and even the possibility of some dolphin spotting along the way.

It’s a year-round option even in the peak of winter and the short distances between locations means you can really explore or relax and take it slowly to each destination.

Auckland to Wellington

This route takes you from Auckland southbound along the ‘Thermal Highway’ so you can explore the natural geysers and bubbling mud pools in Rotorua, the volcanic crater of Lake Taupo, or many other geothermal springs along the way.

Make sure you take time out to stop at Kuirau Park, a geothermal wonderland located only minutes from the centre of Rotorua. The public Park is unique for its geothermal features including mud pools, hot springs and freely accessible public foot pools.  Check out more information here.

On the drive south, the Waitomo Caves region is famous for its natural subterranean splendour. There is plenty of NZ Maori culture here, with Wai meaning ‘water’ and tomo meaning ‘hole’ in Maori. Below the surface lies a series of vast cave systems decorated with stalactites, stalagmites and glow-worms. Some caves are open to the public and are easy to walk through.

If you enjoy the occasional tipple this route will send you through the wine valleys of Martinborough before you reach the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington.

Once in Wellington, grab a coffee and visit the cool one-of-a-kind stores along Manners Mall and Cuba Street. You can also take a tour of the Beehive (NZ’s Parliament building) or stroll down the waterfront visiting some of the many bars offering a variety of craft beers and New Zealand wines.

This trip can take anywhere from four to 12 days depending on how long you want to spend in each location.

Thames and Coromandel Loop

This one is for travellers that want to sit back, relax and step out of the pace of day to day life. Enjoy the views, sunbathe on a pretty beach, or if you are up for it take a walk along one of the well-marked hiking trails.

It’s 54 kilometres from Thames to Coromandel town on a well maintained road that hugs the coastline for the first 30 kms. It passes through some cute little beach settlements and then winds over hills that provide spectacular panoramic views of the sea, farmland and islands. Don’t forget to visit some of New Zealand’s most beautiful beaches on the eastern side of the Coromandel such as New Chums, Hahei and Hot Water Beach.

The Coromandel is a renowned outdoor haven where rugged terrain meets idyllic coastline. The town of Thames is no exception, with its spectacular Pinnacles walk set in the Kauaeranga Valley to the Thames Coast Road fringed with Pohutukawa.

Visit in December and you’ll get to witness the gorgeous red hues of the Pohutukawa tree in full bloom. This is the ultimate car or motorhome road trip if you want a short trip to explore the Coromandel Peninsula.